A rainbow cake broke me

The internet has peer pressured me into tackling a Pinterest project.

When I put together my 101 in 1001 I was in an aspirational mood to be the mother that made everything from scratch, made every life moment a mystery and made every game one of learning.

That lasted about a month.

But I still have the list. And I still have to finish it. So for Mini Me's first birthday I decided to tackle the rainbow cake.

What a ridiculous idea.

Mini Me and the Rainbow Cake that broke me

 

Giving myself to save others: donating blood

I finally gave in to the blood suckers at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

I always wanted to but made lots of excuses. Time, needles, too busy, too sick. After being a human pincushion when I was pregnant I realised it would be fine.

So here I am euphoric after finally donating, or am I giddy from blood loss or too much sugar?

I'm a life saver - and so are they with their little treats

For those like me who put it off, let me combat those excuses.

100 Happy Days - Part 3

I can tell that I'm about to go back to work. A look back at the past month and my happy moment have revolved around Mini Me and food.

There is only a month left of my 100 Happy Days challenge and I wonder what sort of happy days I'll have while I'm back at work.

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Black Bottom Cupcakes, and a bit of breadbaking

From sweltering heat to wooly, rainy days. Perth's weather has changed in an instance. And I love it.

This grey weather is perfect for tea and movies and my favourite thing of all time - baking.

So while Hubby was enjoying the three Bs on a boat at a bucks party this Saturday I got my Betty homemaker on and baked up a storm. By the way - the three Bs are: Booze, Beef and Boobs. Apparently it's the secret to a great bucks day.

First up, I continued baking my way through the Hummingbird Bakery cook book and tried my hand at Black Bottom Cupcakes, or as I like to call them, Top Deck Cupcakes. Or even Double Cheesecake Cupcakes.

Why so many names? Well this cupcake by any name as a dense cake bottom, that is topped by a cheesecake, which you bake together. When cooled, you add a cream cheese, or cheesecake, icing.

See the layers on this thing!

Bake test: THE BEST Hummingbird Bakery Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes

I ask myself - why have I never made these before?

The Hummingbird Bakery Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes are going down as the best ones I've ever made from the cook book.

They tick all the right boxes. Chocolate - tick. Hazelnut (my favourite) - tick. Fluffy - tick, tick. Easy - tick. Easy to decorate for a fumbler like me - tick.

Chocolate - tick, hazelnut - tick, fluffy - tick, sweet - tick... tick, tick, tick.

Year of dates: BamBOO and Rockpool

As my morning tea leave starts to wind down and the day to return to work looms closer, I'm finding we're busier than ever.

Lots of last minute catch ups, beach sessions and, being the control freak I am, lots of organising so I can make the most of non-work time with Mini Me and Hubby. Time really does seem to go faster when you're older. This article best explains it - it's all relative. Lightbulb moment.

It's funny that amongst the busy-ness, I also find I'm more boring than ever. When people ask what's been happening, I'm stumped. I actually do more, see more and have lots of stories, but I can't seem to remember them as I rush around. Which makes my writing a boring list of activities. Hence the winding down.

But I have managed to squeeze two dates in this weekend with Hubby.

First was February's outdoor cinema and second was March's progressive dinner.

Thank you Scoop Magazine for the tickets I won to see Dallas Buyers Club at the new outdoor cinema at BamBOO, next to Luxe Bar in Mt Lawley. Run by the Luna Cinema people, they turned the under-utilised outdoor amphitheatre into a summer movie venue. With deckchairs and beanbags, it's pretty comfortable but what sets this outdoor cinema apart from all of others is the cocktail bar ready to shake and stir a tasty beverage to accompany the night under the stars. 

And with the tasty Ace Pizza next door, you can grab a quick pizza before, or order it take away and eat during the movie. Which is a nasty thing to do for those without pizza. Even though we had smashed a cheesy Porky's Revenge, followed by the half baked dessert (snickers semi-freddo - OMG), I was leaning towards my neighbour salivating at their tasty pizza.

It was a great grown up night and surprisingly I didn't fall asleep!

Then on Sunday we stuffed our face full of tasty food. With so many weddings, the events that go with it, and general frantic-ness we decided to swap the progressive dinner with a World's Greatest Shave charity lunch at Rockpool that we were invited to by my uncle. Organised by Ahrens to raise money for Leukaemia Foundation I could not wait to get my mouth around some signature steak. Wow, that sounds naughty.

The menu did not disappoint. A earthy but zesty onion and Beetroot tart was followed by the tenderest beef imaginable that I didn't even need to chew the meat as it melted in my mouth. I was stuffed but managed to eat half of my light and fluffy pavlova.

With full bellies, the official proceedings begun. Honestly I'm a sucker these days. As the Ahrens General Manager explained how they rode to the function on kid's bikes, which would then get donated to sick kids across WA, I started to well up. This mummy thing has softened my heart into a sloppy ice cream melted mess.

The Ahrens guys did a fantastic job with auctions and raffles, and from the last count that I made, would've raised over $25K. They probably raised more but I had to sneak home early to Mini Me, while Hubby kicked on to see his beloved West Coast start their season.

While date number two was not the romantic night we planned, we found trying to cram in the dates was actually more stressful than relaxing. But spew we're still baby free, had some adult conversation and frocked up.

In saying that, is it bad that I can't wait for the year of dates to end?

While a great idea, life does fill up quickly and it's hard to find the time. Which is ridiculous to say as I write that. Maybe next time we should make it a seasonal thing.

My week as a vegetarian (with one slip up)

In my attempt to become an earth-loving hippie (remember no plastic bags as part of my new year's resolutions), I did a lot of research and a big tip was to go meat free once a week.

Did you know, one meat-free day a week reduces 213kg of global warming CO2 gases? That's what nine, five-metre tall tress can absorb in a year. So in one little week I helped fill the gap of what 63 trees could do. Given the rate we cut rainforests, I think that was rather helpful of me.

Doing the annual work of 63 trees in one week equals a happy planet

This isn't just a fad or a bunch of made up statistics (67% of statistics are made up according to the University of Me), even the United Nations is behind it. I really respect that organisation, and if you want something to help put you to sleep, you can read about it here.

100 happy days

Is it possible to be happy for 100 days in a row?

2014 must be the International Year of Niceness and Happiness. Everywhere I'm seeing challenges to pay it forward, capture happy moments, create memory jars, all in an effort to feel warm and fuzzy.

Already for my 101 in 1001 I wanted to make a list of the 100 things that make me happy. I've been slowly building that list as I go along. Then on Facebook I noticed a friend post a challenge #100happydays.

Could I be happy for 100 days in a row?

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.

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. 

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

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.



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