2014 Resolutions

Like everyone after an indulgent festive season I've made a list of promises while my belly aches which I'll struggle to keep.

That's why I made the effort a few years ago to make small, but achievable, resolutions that help add up to a bigger goal.

No more 'loose weight'. It's now have one meat free day a week. No more 'save money'. It's now meal plan each week and stick to a shopping list. Small goals that over time help reach a loftier one.

Last year my aim was to be more creative and be a better person. I think I largely achieved them:

2013 resolutions:

1: Do one nice thing every day

Compliment, help someone, let others through first, donate, talk less and listen more.

2: Capture moments

Take a photo, write a note every day to capture a moment.

3: Cross three things off my bucket list

4: Create more

Home cooked meals, DIY projects, make more

Some of these things are now ingrained in my life. I'd like to think I'm nicer and more considerate. I'm definitely doing things I've always put off and I'm cooking and creating things more.

What remains is to ask myself is what I'd like to do in 2014. As Mini Me reaches for my phone I realise how disconnected I am. So 2014 is about getting in touch again.

2014 resolutions

Go green

- use canvas bags when shopping

- grow my own herbs and veggies

- go to farmers markets more often

Connect more...

- don't complain

- find and support a new charity

... But with less technology

- No phones/iPads after 8pm

- week without Facebook (before going back to work)

- no texting in the car

Benefit of being a mum #6

You can shamelessly get excited and over the top about Christmas, because it's for the kids right?
Merry Christmas!



Yes this is a photo of my dog and Santa. He was my first child after all.

Failing Project 365

Number 59 in my 101 in 1001 seemed simple enough. Take part in Project 365.

How hard is it to take a photo a day? Especially since my muse Mini Me would always be good fodder for photos.

Well it is hard. I made it four months and gave up. Stupid really as I could've had a Christmas theme in December. But I ran out of inspiration. I could've cheated and stored a ton of good photos to roll out each day, but that didn't feel right.

Kicking the texting while driving habit

Mission accomplished.

After a week of going cold turkey and not touching my phone while driving I've kicked the habit.

Yes the first few days were tough. The shakes, the withdrawals. The realisation that nothing happened and no one missed me during that short car trip to the shop. But it got easier and I forgot about my phone.

Even on day 6, while on a bus doing a wine your in the Swan Valley I didn't touch my phone. And I wasn't even driving!

After the week, I was about to relapse. I was just itching to confirm details for lunch tomorrow, wish a friend a happy birthday, ask after a dog's health, check in on a friend. But I held strong. No texting, Facebooking or Instagramming while driving.

Mission accomplished.

No vacancy for more friends

I have enough friends. The quota is full.

That's what I tell myself. I can barely keep in touch with the ones I have. But I continue to pick up one or two new people as I go.

It's not that I'm worth being friends with. It's that I really like people and I like to keep them around. For different reasons they entertain me, make me feel good or are someone I aspire to be. Mostly though they entertain me.

Just before joining my allocated mother's group I went through the same mantra, coupled with 'it's like high school, you get thrown in with a bunch of people who are probably nothing like you, or they're exactly like you and you'll hate them'. I went along to get out of the house.

Bugger. After five weeks of the structured sessions with the Child Health Nurse I started to like them.

My new found besties (minus Kate and the twins)

Benefit of being a mum #5

You can say no to drunken nights out because babies are the excuse no one can argue with.

If only I thought of that last night. Everything tastes as bad as this hangover feels.

Traffic Light Texter

I'm all about efficiency. 

That's why if I'm siting at a traffic light for three long minutes twiddling my thumbs I figure they should get to work. Hello, I'm a Traffic Light Texter.

If you haven't heard from me in a while and I've texted you, I was probably in my car. 

Bake Test: Hummingbird Bakery's Peaches & Cream cupcakes

Would you believe my sprightly Nonna only turned 70 last week.

I truly admire both sets of my grandparents. My young Nonna has led a brace life. In her late thirties she relocated the whole family from Italian's snow-capped mountains to a place where she doesn't know the language, is polar opposite in everything from lifestyle to the weather and of all places chose Kununurra to live in.

She's a force to be reckoned with and my friends were frightened of her, but she melts hearts (and bloats bellies) with her melt-in-your-mouth food.

What do you give a lady who doesn't care for material things, but just wants her family to be around her, happy and healthy. Cupcakes.

10 things about my pregnancy and labour

A new yummy mummy friend, let's call her Super S, had set up a secret Facebook group just for mothers whose bubs are born in 2013.

Who knew secret societies existed on Facebook. Oh yeah, they're secret.

Super S is an ideas lady and what started as a way to keep track of her many new mum friends has grown faster than Jessica Simpson during pregnancy.

There is a Facebook craze going on where someone lists five unknown things about themselves and if you like the status you get allocated a number and have to do the same. A bright spark on this secret group decided to get it going about our pregnancy and labour and it spread like wildfire.

Aye Carumba, Mama's turned 50!

My family are young breeders.

Mum was 21 when she had me. My grandmother 20 when she had my mum. My great grandmother was the same and only passed away a few years ago. I definitely bucked the trend with Mini Me and I don't feel old at all.

Four generations of women in my family.

Off the beaten track: Gnomesville

For Mini Me's six-month birthday yesterday I took her for a little treat to celebrate with people about her size.

Gnomesville.

Yes a town of gnomes off the beaten track, about 40kms from Bunbury, WA.

Just a fraction of the gnomes

Lessons in Bunbury

Hubby's new job sees him travel often to WA's South West. As Mini Me and I joined him on his latest work trip I realised, I've never been to Bunbury.

I've heard lots about it and assumed I had been but as we drove in the realisation hit me. 

How could I assume I've been? Well I'm constantly in denial about life, I repress a lot of memories and my imagination is so vivid I truly believe I had a summer based on Alice in Wonderland.

In less than 24 hours in Bunbury I've learnt a lot more than I'm a little crazy (which I already knew).

1

Why I baptised Mini Me

This is a letter to Mini Me, to explain why she was baptised this weekend.


My Little Lady,

Firstly I have to confess, I do not believe in organised religion. I hate how humans turn something meant for good to suit a sinister agenda. I'm sure Einstien didn't dream of the nuclear bomb when he discovered relativity. I truly believe that's what has happened with all religions.

Life's a picnic

This is a little brag post. I'm riding high after a job well done for Mini Me's christening picnic we held on Sunday.

If only I could control the weather, it would've been perfect. A little too hot for my liking.

But everything else was exactly like I imagined it. Nicely presented food. Lots of tasty food. Full bellies. A game of footy for the boys. Playground for the kids. Wine for the ladies. Shade and blankets to lounge on. Perfect.

What's the recipe for this successful little party? Well here you go.

Mystery Day - Light up the night

Here's a riddle. On Saturday night I found myself in a sea of fluro and I wasn't anywhere near a mine site. I was at a dance party puffing, but I wasn't dancing. 

Where was I?

Mystery Moles struck again. Ms Lou made up light up the night at the Neon Run, a 5km dance party.

Mystery Moles

Red lips look like...

My three momentous make-up moments tell me one thing. I'm slow on the make-up uptake.

My cherry was popped in Year 10. I was accosted by friends who spent hours giving me a Pretty Woman make over. My frizzy hair was tamed straight. My face painted thick with cheap product. The result made me feel grown-up but wary of the effort. I didn't wear make-up again for years.

The second was during my first performance review for my first job out of uni. The only criticism, buy a suit and wear make-up. I'm not sure if it was to wow people with beauty to hide my lack of brains.

The third was a lightbulb moment at the London Fashion Show. I watched a demonstration on how to correctly apply eye shadow. Heaven forbid you rely on browns and naturals as your colours of choice. And did you know not blending is a war crime, or showing eyelids is equal to a humanitarian tradegy. I realised I'd been doing it wrong for years.

Year of dates - sailing the ocean

Marriage is a lot like sailing. During the sunny calm waters you relax and soak it in.  For the rocky times its all hands on deck as you work together to get through it.

I didn't think of that analogy as I booked November's date. I was thinking, how awesome would it be to learn the ropes on a tall ship.

November date - sailing on the Leeuwin

10 things I like about myself

Doing something like Frocktober really makes you aware of your body flaws.

For me it's the stomach that blows up and down with huge differences each day, or through out the day. Or my thighs that never seem to shrink, tone or tighten despite using the stairs everyday. Or my lack of a defined chin which means I have to smile a certain way to avoid the double chin.

But you also learn to work the parts that are most flattering or that you feel comfortable with. For me it's my waist and legs from the knees down.

What I realised is the list of flaws is always longer than the list of workable body parts. And that is what's wrong with us; cons always out way the pros.

While trawling Pinterest one sleepless morning I saw a list of things to make you a better person. Generally I hate those things because it is about letting go past hurts, thinking happy thoughts, hippie, blah, blah. Now that works for some people, but my mind is to go-go-go and practical for that sort of thing.

But one thing caught my interest - list 10 things you like about yourself that have nothing to go with your weight or what you look like.

I love lists but this was tough. I instantly started listing things others have said I am. But that's their perception and not really what I think I'm like.

Some say I'm relaxed. I actually think it's because I'm flexible and adaptable.

Some say I'm strong or bitchy. I actually think I'm practical. 

So here are the 10 things I like about myself. There are certainly things I wish I was, but that's not what this is about. If you're feeling blah, give it a go and write one yourself.

1: I'm flexible and adaptable.

2: I'm reliable and always do what I say I'll do.

3: I've learnt to laugh rather than cry.

4: I love to cook and think I'm pretty good at it.

5: I'm adventurous; I'll always try something new before saying no.

6: I can generally see both sides of the story and hope my advice is objective because of it.

7: I'm a good story teller.

8: I can handle more stress than others.

9: I've learnt to see the bigger picture and not get caught up in the small stuff.

10: That my mind never stops; it's always ticking, ticking, ticking.

Frocking free

I'm feeling very overwhelmed by choice. My hands are itchy for my staple dresses.  I'm shaking from withdrawals. 

I'm reaching out.... Must. Choose. A. Different. Outfit.

Urged overcome. Embracing summer we're in shorts and a little miss sunshine outfit.

Frocktober 2014 may be over, but you can still donate to our Frocktober efforts, but for now I'm giddy with choice: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby 

Frocktober 2013 Day 31 - Check ya later...

We've come to the end of Frocktober 2013 and Two Chicks and a Baby have raised over $2,100 - WOOP!

A big thank you to everyone that donated generously. Every bit helps bring us closer to an early detection test for ovarian cancer.

A big thank you to those that have read our adventures, put up with us clogging up the Facebook posts and for asking how we've been going. Your support has been extremely encouraging.

But the biggest thanks goes to Sister S and Mini Me for taking part in this little fundraising adventure.

So for the last time, here is Mini Me's outfit for today:

Woo hoo! It's over.

Frocktober 2013 Day 30 - Two for one

It's the penultimate Frocktober 2013 day. Only one more day to go and today is a two-for.

Yes I have worn two dresses today at the same time. How? Read on to find out.

In the meantime, Mini Me is ending the month in some frocks of her own.

Babies just don't pull dresses off very well. Lying around all day means jumpsuits are better because dresses just look like mumus.

She's thinking 'do I look fat in this?'

Babies and dresses are not a good combo

Frocktober 2013 Day 29 - My uniform

Just this morning I was thinking how my five dresses for Frocktober challenge almost gave me a uniform to work with every day.

It's nice to not have to think or complain that I have nothing to wear. The only bad time was for those 'special occasions' and making the every day something special.

With the mercury rising, Mini Me is getting those chubby pins out again.

It's getting hot out there

Frocktober 2013 Day 28 - The home stretch

With only four days left of Frocktober, it's time to say good-bye to my trusty five faithfuls.

You're doing the math and saying, 'baby brain must be getting you, how will you do five dresses in four days?'. One day may just be a combo or a costume change. Wait and see.

Today was swimming and reprogramming. So Mini Me is lounging in a jumpsuit

Getting into the spirit - pumpkin carving

Ha ha... I crack me up. Get it, spirits. It's Halloween (well the day after). I know. I'm a riot.

I love America. And not in a Team America 'F*** yeah' sort of way. I love that everything is big. Big Apple. Big steaks. Big on Sex and The City.

They really throw themselves into it, and largely seem to be having fun as they do it.

I know Australians whinge 'Halloween is so American'. In fact, most of the traditions came from Ireland or the UK. In fact, it's a Catholic thing before All Saints Day on 1 Nov. In fact, it was a pagan holiday before that.

So what? Who cares? It's fun and that's what life is about.

I've always wanted to get into Halloween, but life is too jammy and I run out of time. This year we have Sister S's engagement party, so I can't join the festivities, but I could knock number 11 off my 101 in 1001. Carve a pumpkin.

Frocktober 2013 Day 27 - Hello sunshine

We're yellow rays of sunshine today. Even Hubby walked out of the house in a yellow shirt.

With the sun in full force and mercury rising it's no wonder we leaned towards bright colours. Grey days call for black. Sunny days for yellow. Cloudy with a chance of meatballs... An apron.

And we can also see the light at the end of the Frocktober challenge. Only four days left to go. Thank be-jeebus because I'm running out of ideas.

I have to thank Mrs SS for giving us a big bag of clothes that someone had donated to her, should she have a girl and not my future son-in-law.

A ray of sunshine

I'd say it is perfect pub attire for this afternoon.

 

My brain is not firing today... so uninspired I'm wearing the yellow dress with the white peasant skirt. I swear I have heaps of clothes, but the sun has addled my brain your honour.

 

Only a few days left... and we're so close to $2,000. Can you help tip us over: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby

 

Frocktober 2013 Day 26 - Trying to be hipsters

After weeks of nagging, we took Hubby to Gordon Street Garage for breakfast.

Knowing it's where the hipsters hang out, Mini Me wanted to fit in. What do all good hipsters wear? A striped top, skinny jeans, cool shoes and a side comb.

Mini Me rocked it all. The hair was suitably stylised messy, the pants as skinny as her chubby legs would allow, and check out the gold booties. Thank you Miss Lou!

Hipster in the making

Showing my age and lack of understanding about 'the hipstering' I turned the black and white dress into a top again with some shorts. It left plenty of room for the big breakfast I planned to eat.

No pout, no skinny legs.... definitely not a hipster.

But we totally failed as hipsters.

We weren't nonchalantly tardy. We didn't ponder the vibe.

We arrived five minutes before opening, hungry for coffee, like middle-aged people about to become retirees without the caffeine hit. Arriving early had its perks. Instant service, our pick of the tables, which meant plenty of room for Mini Me, and a quick breakfast to quieten the growling stomachs.

The food was delicious and the coffee was at that perfect temperature so you can knock it back. And Hubby can now stop nagging me that he never gets to go to cool places.

All this hisptering was so exhausting for Mini Me. She needed to have a nap on the couch.

Every good hipster feels the need to give back to the community. So donate to our Frocktober efforts: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby

Frocktober 2013 Day 25 - Date day

I didn't think I'd do it. I was pooped on last time. But I found myself in the dark again.

Yes, I went to another mum and bub movie session.

I really wanted to see 'About Time' and I knew Hubby wouldn't really want to see it. So when a yummy mummy suggested we go, I reluctantly said yes. Boy am I glad I did after the first foray was a bit crazy.

Event Cinema is bigger and way more equipped for a 'Babe in Arms' movie session. The bad thing is they allocate seats. But it turned out to be a good thing because they also allocate a seat for the baby, so you have room to spread your stuff.

And the movie was lovely. A heart caressing time warp with more of a family focus than a typical rom com.

For our date Mini Me wore a fail safe white t-shirt and jeans.

Frocktober 2013 Day 24 - It's lucky they make them cute

It's lucky babies are cute. Especially when they poo, wee and spew on you.

I was watching Mini Me's squashed 'I'm pushing a poo' face with much enjoyment. She was concentrating and giving it her all. It was minutes of hilarity for me. Then once she filled the nappy with green sludge, she decided she had to wee. It had no where to go, except out and onto my white dress.

Costume change.

Then at lunch she was spew-spitting over me and impeccably dressed Mrs S. Nice one.

It's lucky her summer Bambi jumpsuit, or 1940s swimming costume as I like to think of it, was untouched.



Get those pins out

Frocktober 2013 Day 23 - Ahoy Sailor, it's another date

Today is our three-year wedding anniversary.

With Hubby's new job, spring fever and Mini Me's social calendar finding time for this month's 'year of dates' is tougher than expected. That's why I gave Hubby two options this month for our date... you'll have to read on to find out.

In the meantime... We're loving costumes this week, and today she's a little sailor.

Ahoy there - more donations please.

Frocktober 2013 Day 22 - Little Miss Spew

Picture this, I'm writing this in a singlet and underwear.

Why no dress you ask? Well, it is because my daughter, Little Miss Spew, gorged herself and spewed all over my friend's backyard like a 16-year-old after she sculled her first bottle of Passion Pop. It just kept coming out of her like a fountain.

Then she spewed on the way home. So everything went into the wash and we chilled out in our undies until I was convinced there was nothing left in her stomach. Then we bathed and she is now asleep.

The worst thing is she did the exact same thing, at the exact same time last week.

I'm hoping it is the rice cereal I gave her last week and today and not seeing my yummy mummy's group. I really like the ladies but if she spews every time I see them, I think I might need to stop catching up with them.

Before she gave me a glimpse into her late teen years, this is what my Little Miss Spew wore.

Little Miss Spew

Frocktober 2013 Day 21 - Water baby

Today Mini Me had her first BabySwim class.

She took to the water like a little frog, kicking and smiling. She absolutely loved it and is now passed out in bed from the effort.

The future Australian swimmer

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Banana Chocolate Cupcakes

Smashing through the Hummingbird Bakery cupcake book. At this rate I'll be done with this 101 in 1001 activity before the end of the year.

Another weekend, another brunch. This time Hubby, Mini Me and I visited Mr and Mrs Mee for a long overdue catch up.

And it was another chance to cook up a batch of little cakes. And guess what.. success!!! I managed to get 12 cupcakes from Banana Chocolate Cupcake recipe.

Banana Chocolate Cupcake

Frocktober 2013 Day 20 - Happy Birthday Millie

Five months ago, after giving our Fur Child a flea bath, Mini Me decided she wanted in on the action.

And here she is today, with a little birthday hat I made her and a tutu onesie.

Happy Birthday Mini Me

Frocktober 2013 Day 19 - Moss mouth

It's like moss has grown in my mouth. All furry, clammy and earthy.

My breath probably smells like decaying foliage. A bottle of champagne is not a suitable dinner. I could've easily stayed in my dressing gown and uggs today.

It could've been worse though. I could be revisiting last night's endeavours in the bathroom. My head could be pounding like the music that drowned out our conversation. Thankfully I just have forest floor mouth.

Why am I talking in short sentences? Hmmm.

Less talking. More frocking.

Mini Me is channelling Little Pink Riding Hood today. What a cheeky monkey.

My what big eyes you have.

Frocktober 2013 Day 18 - No weekends for me

Every day is a weekend for me... until I actually need one.

Happy Friday everyone. I'd love to clock off work, but it follows me around everywhere. Or more I carry it everywhere. This work theme is appropriate as I've been talking to my boss about my return to work strategy. April feels so far, but ominously close too.

All this work talk has made me a bit grumpy and interestingly lazy. I'm actually procrastinating from doing my favourite things - like this and baking cupcakes.

Better stop waffling... see procrastinating.

Mini Me was too fascinated in her toy to look at me today. She is starting to get over the attention and the frocking. I hear ya sister.

How does this contraption work?

Frocktober 2013 Day 17

There will be no quirky quips, sarcastic or dead-pan humour today.

After this afternoon, the imagine of a father carrying an infant coffin down the aisle haunts me. It is burns in my mind as I squeeze Mini Me. It will lay next to me as I say goodnight to my husband. It follows me as I make decisions about the future, particularly work.

The little man didn't even have a chance to take a breath in this world. His parents only a fleeting introduction to him in the womb. But it is the smallest of beings that make the most impact and change lives.

I feel helpless and selfish for thanking god Mini Me is in good health.

Smile at the ones around you. Hug those you love. Shake the hands of those you don't.

Mini Me Day 17



Day 17

Frocktober 2013 Day 16 - Over the hump

Not only is it a hump week day, but we're also over the Frocktober hump day. AND we cracked the $1,500 mark. Woop!

Soon I will stop taking over people's Facebook news feeds with selfies and Mini Me photos. I will stop asking for money. And I will also stop these daily posts. I can hear the collective sigh of relief from you all.

But remember, it's all for a good cause: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby

We once again find ourselves heading into the city for lunch. Mini Me is clearly getting into this ladies who lunch thing. Look at today's pose. It's all 'I'm fabulous darling!'.

I can imagine her saying, 'Today I'm wearing Country Road's Winter 13 corduroy Aztec dress with Mango skinny jeans. I just love this designer. Ciao.'

Hello darlings!

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I love the idea of one type of food resembling another.

White chocolate mousse that tastes like basil (I've made it and it actually works), food that looks like breakfast but tastes like dessert, ice cream that tastes like sesame seeds (thanks Nobu). They surprise and delight.

That's why I couldn't wait to try Hummingbird Bakery's Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes, and continue to complete my 101 in 1001 challenge.

Hummingbird Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Frocktober 2013 Day 15 - Life's a picnic

Everyone asks me how Frocktober is going, and I have to say, this year it is way easier.

Wearing a different dress every day means you pull the once-a-year dress from the back of the wardrobe, or you have to stomach wearing that dress you only wear on skinny days on a blimp day. The result is you're pretty uncomfortable all month.

Instead I've picked five easy to wear, comfortable dresses. It is a pain finding new ways to wear them, but I haven't gotten bored just yet. I do think the last two weeks will be tough though.

Today we're having a picnic with my yummy mummy's group, so we're going summery.

Mini Me is rocking out this Winnie The Pooh overall that is pretty adorable. She thinks so to with her attempt at the side, back-arched hipster pose.


Working the hipster, side-arched back pose

Frocktober 2013 Day 13 - Designer threads

Mini Me has an enviable wardrobe.

Just check out today's wicked pants rom Zara. Yep, Zara. On the playmate she'll be suave and say to the other droolers, 'Oh, you can't get them here. They're from Zara.' Tres chic.

'Sorry, you can't get them - they're from Zara'

Year of dates - Red carpet cinema treatment

Love is in the air, but not at our home. That's the smell of nappies and coriander (I'm going through a Thai-cooking phase).

No, it's outside. Four couples very close to us are engaged. Their love and happiness is infectious. And expensive. We've had three engagement parties in a row, and one more in November. Don't even get me started on the weddings.

But all this love was in stark comparison to what is happening in our home. We have just been too busy for romance or even each other. Then you start to neglect and be mean.

Which is why September whizzed by and we never scheduled our next date a month for a year. We opened it, but couldn't find the time to leave Mini Me with a babysitter and go out one night. And this month was a simple Gold Class movie night.

But better late than never and here we are doing September's date in October - Gold Class.

Frocktober 2013 Day 13 - Another day, another dress

It's getting to that point in the month where inspiration starts to dim.

I'm stumped on what to write and how to jazz up today's outfit.

I blame it on the broken night with Mini Me waking up every two hours struggling to breathe and me straining my hearing to hear her breathe when she's quiet.

Her head is jammed with goopy yellow muck coming out of her nose and eyes. Even her vomit resembles it. She smiles through it all. She laughs at the cold knowing she'll beat it and get stronger because of it. Such a Mini Me.

We're all meant to be off to the third consecutive engagement party this afternoon. But it's a pyjama day for Mini Me, so Nonna is looking after her in her pink onesie.


Pretty in pink

Frocktober 2013 Day 12 - Half dozen to the dozen

We are on Frocktober watch day 12.

That means 12 different outfits from five dresses for me and 14 different outfits from Mini Me. One of my dresses has featured five times in less than two weeks (don't worry I have washed it).

Today this little birdy wants to fly away. Okay, more like wriggle away like a little worm. Now all I can think about is her being a worm and wearing a picture of her predator. It'd be like cows wearing the golden MacDonald's arches.

No lie, I've spent five minutes sitting here thinking about how disturbing that is. Time to move on I think.

Hello birdie. Come and get me.

Frocktober 2013 Day 11 - Multi-tasking like a.. well a woman

Poor Fur Child. After four and half months, he's realised there is something occupying my time. But he has also realised that while feeding Mini Me I'm powerless to move.

At first this meant jumping onto my lap for cuddles while I was feeding. Great when Mini Me was the size of a 2kg packet of flour. Then it meant barking at me. Never great.

Now it is fetch.

Feeding, playing and thinking about my day. Multi-tasking like only a woman can.

Frocktober 2013 Day 10 - Bring on the sun

Woot - spring's here. Hang on it's raining. Nope, woot it's spring. Hang on...

Perth's enviable weather has read one too many dating books. It gives us a glimpse, then treats us mean.

That's why we're making the most of this stunning weather today.

We've finally taken fur child out for a walk around Lake Monger, nailed the groceries and I write this while soaking up some sun outside and Mini Me naps.

Poor bugger. Her rosy cheeks have nothing to do with the sun or vegemite. She's definitely getting those gums ready for teeth. But she must have sadistic tendencies because she's still smiling. Maybe she enjoys the pain. Hmmm...

Poor bubba gums

Frocktober 2013 Day 9 - Sneaky city slickers

Some may gasp and say 'that's not following the rules'. Oh but I am. It's just a sneaky bending of the rules...

Today we're city-bound for some shots for me, shopping and lunch with a fabulous old school friend I've recently gotten back in touch with.

Mini Me's outfit reflects the gloomy sky, but I'm secretly pleased with the weather. This little outfit came all the way from San Francisco, from our lucky friends who have moved there for Google. Yep you read that right.

Bright and rugged up in a little outfit from the USA

Frocktober 2013 - Our third teammate

So far I've documented Mini Me and my Frocktober exploits.

But there is a third person in our team. She may be silent in this record of our frocking, but it would be the only place in the world that she is quiet.

Introducing Sister S.

Styling Sister S

Frocktober 2013 Day 8 - A meeting of yummy mummies

Tuesday is the day I meet with other yummy mummies in my local area.

Whoever established the mother's group system deserves some sort of prize. It is a great way to meet new people, share stories and just get out of the house. I was sceptical at first and trotted out my usual line of 'I have enough friends', but I love all the ladies in my group and am so glad to have made the effort to go.

That means today requires more effort than yesterday's no fuss outfit. We're looking for a casual brunch look.

Mini Me is wearing another pink outfit in anticipation of seeing her little friends (which she actually doesn't see and generally ignores them. She much prefers hanging with us oldies).

Kicking her feet in excitement

I'm wearing the green multi print dress and teamed it with a scarf, cream jacket, scarf and my never fail cowboy boots.

A layered look

This is an experiment in layering. Just keep chucking on accessories and the outfit is bound to look different... right?

These frocking adventures are all part of Frocktober, a charity event to raise money for ovarian cancer research: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby

Frocktober 2013 Day 7 - Pyjama Day

One of my very good mummy friends said 'once a week you should have a pyjama day'.

It's a day to lounge around at home, do nothing, see no one and let the little one chill out.

Monday is good day for it, especially if Mini Me had a big weekend. It's the baby's equivalent to a two-day hangover. And yesterday's engagement party was a big one. So many faces, so much noise, so many things to look at it. It was a sensory binge.

Frocking and PJ's doesn't mix... lucky Mini Me can wear anyone of her pyjamas. And today she's our little tree frog in green.

Our green tree frog

Bake Test: Hummingbird Bakery blueberry muffins

Forget flowers, when I had Mini Me food was the best gift of all.

I didn't cook for the first two months. Mostly because I cooked like I was preparing my bunker in anticipation of a nuclear attack before she was born, but my wartime stock was supplemented by a stream of macaroons, cheeses, sushi, curries (which on the spicy end of the spectrum) and other deliciousness from visiting guests.

The best were those that cooked dinner for me, or food that went in the freezer.

That's why food is my new gift to mummies continuing Perth's baby boom.

Mummy L is the latest with long and lean 3-week old Baby A. With the frozen veggie soup in hand (good for nutrients and to eat one handed while feeding) I wanted to give her a little treat and cook another Hummingbird Bakery recipe as part of my 101 in 1001.



Almost a perfect match to the picture

Frocktober 2013 Day 6 - Lazy Sunday

With day two of the killer cold, getting out of bed was an absolute struggle, let alone thinking about what to wear.

So I spent the morning in a mix between yesterday and today's outfit and Mini Me in her purple pyjama onesie. We look like rainbow hobos.

A lazy Sunday start to the Frocktober day

Frocktober 2013 Day 5 - Sick as a dog but we frock on

After a week of flirting with me, this cold mauled me last night. It's not pretty.

Neither is the saying 'sick as a dog'. Firstly, dogs are rarely sick. Secondly, when they are they throw up and eat it. Why would anyone want to be as sick as that. And why do all of my Frocktober posts mention vomit. Mental note: try to not mention vomit in tomorrow's post.

Despite feeling like a Mac truck has hit me and my nose rivals Niagara Falls, we frock on. Remember, it's for a good cause. And if you like this on Facebook or enjoy reading this, maybe you should donate :) Here is the link: https://frocktober.everydayhero.com/au/two-chicks-and-a-baby

Mini Me was perplexed. She couldn't remember who had gifted her this jailbird outfit. Possibly Miss Lou's mum?



Why can't I remember the name?

Frocktober 2013 Day 4 - Getting dark

Spring why do you tease us so? The sun is playing peek-a-boo behind the clouds today, which has put me in a not quite gloomy, but less brighter day.

Mini Me felt it was a pyjama day and wanted to stay in her ballet pjs. But her tummy revolted and, yep, vomit. So we went to outfit number two for the day, a sweet little pink and white number.



Two little outfits today.

Embracing a little bit of the gloominess, I thought I'd try a link punkier outfit today.

Photo Friday - week 9

Given I am taking daily photos of our Frocktober 2013 efforts, Photo Friday will be given a brief hiatus.

I hope to record Mini Me as the subject this month and I'm thinking to create a collage, or if I can work it out, into a little GIFF. HA! Let's see how techy I can get. If anyone has any tips on that, please let me know.

Here are the last photos for September.

1: Under the internal stars: The very cool Greens & Co in Leederville with its roof of lanterns.

2: Baby Docker: Sadly Fremantle didn't win the Grand Final, but Mini Me looked the part in her sailor outfit.

3: Let us count: Enjoying the start of spring weather.



4: Too many drinks: says it all really.

5: Farewell leggings: My last day of pants for a month.