Today I Love….Yoplait!

When I found out about the Nuffnang Yoplait Bloggers Family Day Out I was very upset.

The event was booked out!

Booked out? I said to myself? But, but, but….what about me?? What about the kiddies? They are here that weekend as well!!! Can’t they just make enough room for four more little people?? Pretty please??

To no avail…..until later that afternoon when I received a lovely tweet from a lovely woman telling me that she could no longer attend and we could have her tickets! I was like – what!? No way! Awesome!!!

So it was meant to be……on a lovely sunny day when we ventured to the park in the middle of tiny little side streets where no parking is available……..to find a jumping castle, balloon man, miniature farm, face painting, truckloads of yogurt from Yoplait and most importantly………a French crepe man!! All the ingredients for a lovely day out!

We registered, got our lovely little picnic blanket and frisbee and hat from Yoplait (I ended up wearing the hat as it was a very warm day!) and were offered a yogurt each – Mr. 7 had already decided he wanted Mango on the way in the car and Mr. 9 begrudgingly took the yogurt then ate the lot and asked for more! I think Mr. 7 ended up on 3 tubs down by the time we left……

A spot of frisbee on the grass and then “Dad, can we go on the jumping castle?” is the next cry that we hear, to which we reply “Go for it!” “Don’t you have to pay Dad?” comes the querying looks and voices; “Nope – off you go!” I think they were on the jumping castle for 90% of the time we were there. We settled on the rug outstretched on the grass to finish our yogurts and of course, yell at the kids to be nice to the others haha.

Then it was CREPE time…….the crepe man was very french and he definitely knew how to work that crepe stick! 30 seconds tops and a lovely, new paper-thin crepe was born. First course for me was the good ‘ole Lemon and Sugar, second course was Banana and chocolate and for my third course, Strawberries with chocolate! Yep, I did all three folks; aren’t you proud of me!?

After the obligatory face paint, multiple swords from the balloon man and trying not to kill the cute little bunnies we were all a little worn out from the sunshine, food and fun!

So off to the rubbish bin I trudged with our remains of the day, chatting to the crepe man as I passed him……he said to me “is it your birthday today?” I said “No – why you ask me that?” Turns out he thought he was there to do a birthday party and he thought that I was one lucky lady! So he asks me if I want some crepes to take home………DING, DING, DING!!!!! Bingo!!! Der, um…..what? “You want like 5 or 10 crepes to take home? You heat them in microwave for 30 seconds and they will be oh so lovely!” He says to me. “Really?” I say. “Yes, please – you have just made my day and it was already awesome!!”

How good is that? So I had them for breakfast the next day and I reckon they’ll be good to finish up for dessert tonight yeah watch me go!! I love the French crepe man and I want him to live in my backyard. Please. Pretty please??? OK, maybe I’ll just hire him for my next birthday!

We also got to take home an absolute plethora of yogurt thanks to lovely Yoplait! I was also very impressed to discover that their Vanilla flavour has real tiny, little vanilla beans in it! I can actually see them! I loved the day!

Today I Love…..Friday Funnies….

Yep, made it just in time here….in rainy, humid Melbourne, Australia…

Hello there and have a lovely weekend now!!! x Cat

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Today I Love….Aussie Farmers Direct!

Convenience is a wonderful thing….recently my car has broken down…..which makes it hard to get my groceries sometimes.

My BFF has used Farmers Direct for a while now….she only lives 200m from the shops but is a student and I guess she loves the convenience but now I know what else she loves about this service!

 

We are planning to get the Victorian Couples Pack on a fortnightly basis (=$13 per week)….we got the first delivery and all seemed well….we put everything away and came home the next day to a horrible smell emanating from the fridge – out goes the parsley and the spinach – not good – there was some sort of funny, musty smell coming from both of them.

So I wasn’t sure whether or not to continue with it; I was however encouraged by my friend and her great experience with the service.

So the lovely farmer man actually rang me….and asked if I was happy….I was shocked!

I explained what had occurred and he offered to send us a free box for the products that were not quite right and we also discussed the midday delivery time and the amount of time the box was perhaps left in the sun and then the possibility of me leaving an esky out the front for the next delivery of produce….of course I forgot to leave the esky out – so we got the new box and everything is wonderful again – we even got a mango! We’re quite excited about this one!

When we brought the box inside, the Big Man explained to me that the box was in a different position from last time. On the last delivery, the box was left on the sunshine bearing wall of the doorstep and not tucked nicely in the corner like the 2^nd delivery was. Kudos to them! I am a very happy customer now!!

Mongolian Girl and Camel (clipped to polyvore.com)

So as you all know, the Big Man is a complete and utter carnivore and the idea of any fruits or vegetables in our house just revolts him! Except when the little munchkins come to stay and he has to set an ‘example’ – it is quite hilarious watching him eat his vegies when they are here and trying not to gag!

So anyway, this week, we got:

• 2x Fuji Apples
• 2x sundowner Apples
• 1x Canteloupe
• 1x Mango
• 2x Oranges
• 3x Green Pears (last week we got brown pears and they are just yummo!)
• 1x Bok Choy Bunch
• 2x Broccoli heads
• 2x Carrots (last week we got a whole bag so we still have some leftover)
• 1x Mint bunch
• 2x Brown Onions
• 1x Butternut Pumpkin
• 1x Potatoes 1kg bag (pink skin) From South Australia and the plastic bag even has recipes on the back!
• 2x (roma) tomatoes
• 1x gourmet lettuce green middle and red/brown edges

And here is my plan of what to do with it (for two people – note he had a pear tonight, so he is converting!)

The box of goods comes with a list, so I sit down after I’ve admired and put everything away and work out how to use it in the best way.

• 2x Fuji Apples – Lunches
• 2x Sundowner Apples – Lunches
• 1x Cantaloupe – Gift for my Dad because he absolutely loves cantaloupes and this one is gorgeous!
• 1x Mango – Smoothie – preferably alcoholic (my own special recipe!)
• 2x Oranges – Lunches/Juice (Mr. 6 adores fresh orange juice even though it’s such a pain to do he sucks me in every time!)
• 3x Green Pears (last week we got brown pears and they are just yummo!) – Lunches or Dessert
• 1x Bok Choy Bunch – Vegie stiy fry for my work lunch (make on weekend and freeze)
• 2x Broccoli heads – Vegie Stir Fry or Soup one night when man wants meat and I need vegetables
• 2x Carrots (last week we got a whole bag so we still have some leftover) – Roast/Vegie Stir Fry Conveniently I have a Beef Topside Roast in the fridge and now we have all the other ingredients for tomorrow nights dinner!
• 1x Mint bunch – Freeze in ice cube trays with water for Summer drinkies, garnish for Vegie Stir Fry and Broccoli and Pumpkin Soup. Update: Homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream shall be attempted tomorrow!!
• 2x Brown Onions – Roast/Vegie Stir Fry
• 1x Butternut Pumpkin – I will roast the whole pumpkin (chopped) with the beef and then use the remainder of the pumpkin for a quick soup for the following week.
• 1x Potatoes 1kg bag (pink skin) From South Australia – and the plastic bag even has recipes on the back! – Roast and use 1 or 2 in the soups above as well.
• 2x (roma) tomatoes – Lunches
• 1x gourmet lettuce – Lunches

I realise this amount of produce may not keep or even last wo people for a 2 week period, but we hate to throw anything away and waste food so we will just see how far I can make it stretch. Without a car right now and not knowing how I’m getting home from work every afternoon, this is a real help for me.

From last week, we still have a fair bit of fruit left as we haven’t quite got used to all this fresh produce yet. That’s ok though, I’m sure I’ll figure out a fruit crumble or something like that!

The cos lettuce was great and is half used by now and the chinese cabbage – oh yeah! This is now a vegie stir fry ingredient with the rest as above = hooray!

We also got the standard tomatoes, onions (used within a day or two), pears, oranges and apples (the funny spinach and parsley as described above) and I also got a Globe Artichoke – which I have never eaten in my entire life and have absolutely no idea what to do with.

That one is being gifted to vegetarian (but bacon eating – yeah, I know, don’t even go there!) – Mother.

She will know what to do with it.

Today I love…..pretty, sexy and lovely pics……

Hello again! Some lovely pics to share is what I have for you all today……

Grrrrrr…….nitey nite lovelies!!! Don’t let the bed bugs bite now!!! xx 🙂

All pics courtesy….weheartit.com

Today I love…..celebrating a champion in my family!

We are all soooooo proud right now!

What an achievement…..after so many years and so much effort and so many setbacks and so much bad luck!

Who would have thought that the boy from the bush who was kicked in the head by a horse all that time ago, would one day win Le Tour De France – one of the world’s most oldest and prestigious races ever! 

Well, we knew it! I can tell you that much! We dreamed and hoped and prayed and wished that it would happen one day; if and when everything ever fell into the right place for him!

I remember when he was kicked by that horse, but all I remember is my parents telling me was that it occurred and that Cadel was going to be OK. Of course, that’s what all parents tell kids when they are not really sure themselves….but he pulled through that and now look at what he has pulled off! You know what I think? Everything happens for a reason and this was meant to be for him.  

But finally, we can say that our Cadel Evans is the first Australian to win the tour and the oldest person as well!

So when will he come home? Well, I ask you – can he? In six months time or more, will he be able to walk down the street unnoticed? A lot of people would have recognised him before, but now?! WOW is all I can say!

I hope to see him very soon, but I don’t think I will be that lucky. It’s a bit hard for him to even see his Mum and Dad now as I heard on the radio today from my Uncle! After winning the tour, apparently Cadel is now committed to compete in more races overseas, but then I also saw that he promised the Tour Down Under he would return for 2012; if he won the Tour. So your guess is as good as mine. If I ever get to talk to him, I might get permission to share some more lovely pics with you.

I just hope that he is enjoying his well-earnt time in the spotlight right now, because he really does deserve it.

He is now the most famous person in our family – well, that I know of! Our late grandfather was well-known but not an accomplished athlete! Our grandfather passed just over a year ago, and I know that Cadel would have been thinking of him while racing. How sad that he was not able to be here to see this wonderful, history-making occasion as well…. 😦

I better lift my game, hey peeps!?! 🙂

Cadel did this not only for himself, but for all the people around him and all those that love or have loved him and supported him the whole way. As his lovely wife said, “All of Australia, My Boy’s family and friends – on earth and in the sky – were pushing him today…” – what a lovely sentiment! Is he a hero? That’s up to you my friends, but he is my hero now for the pure fact that he has strived and strived to get to where he deserves to be!

His poor father is now being hounded by the media – “12 live TV interviews 120 radio talkbacks including 2 with BBC, 30 odd newspaper stories…” So I can just imagine what his mother is experiencing as well!

Everybody say YAY for Cadel!

What a great life and can you imagine how surreal this all feels for us now?

This is a great pictorial of a wonderful person and his achievements……..HINT: click on the pic below……

And one from me……..

Love ya cuz xxxooo

Today I love…….Yelling AT Cadel!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you may have already seen this post about Cadel Evans……http://wp.me/pU9S6-iJ

 Most of you already know he is my cousin – but if you don’t; well you might very soon because we are all yelling GO Cadel at the top of our lungs in my family right now!

 The earliest memory I have of Cadel is when we were about 5 years old. Living with his parents in Woolgoolga; he rode his BMX bike with a passion! His first bike came at the age of 3 (with training wheels) but when we were five, I don’t remember seeing them at all!

 So I’ve gone through the archives and have some lovely (and few cringeworthy!) pics to share with you all……..

Everybody say awwwww…….I remember his Mum loved horses and he had a faithful and well loved puppy. Cadel was always a very gentle, quiet and shy person and when he eventually joined me at Eltham High School, he blended into our group well and still speaks to some of his old mates. He did quite a bit of skateboarding back then as well. Cadel is a true-blue genuine Aussie bloke; who would do anything for his friends and family.

 The Tour de France is a beautiful and long-winding dance of men and bikes through the most stunning countryside I have ever seen. I love seeing all the old castles; some which were built in the 13 and 1400’s! Amazing stuff…….

You can follow his lovely wife Chiara Passerini, who is constantly giving us updates on le Tour; on twitter here: @ChiaraPasserini or the @CadelOfficial feed is also updated regularly with his progress.

Just to make it fair and embarass myself a little as well:

GO DEL GO!!!!!!

 

Don’t forget to click the LIKE button below! ;0

Today I love….Sparky!

She’s so fine……..

 Beep, Beep!

I received a random email not too long ago.

“Hi there What I Love Today! We love your blog and would like you to take a brand new Holden Barina for a week to test drive and then review! How does that sound?”

Um, der…..I’m IN!!!

Thanks to Holden and their Blogger Outreach Program…..and my lovely friend who I was brought back in touch with via facebook and I thank you for that Mark! She is a wonderful person and that friendship I do miss……

So I went to collect my little spunky Sparky one rainy, dark and cold evening in the Melbourne CBD…..

Not having much of a chance to see the exterior of the car, I jumped in the drivers seat, signed my papers, received my instructions and I was away!  

I have not driven a manual car for six years, but this car was an absolute dream to drive! I think it drove itself most of the time! Stall count over 1 week period: maybe about 4….not too bad I say!

So, I drove home…..onto the freeway…..what a great steering wheel – I wonder if my Vienta will handle getting one of those babies installed?!!

The side mirrors….something is very strange there…..

So I got to the end of the freeway and then my bff rang me – “Where are you? Have you got the car yet!?”

Oh shit I say! “I thought you were going to call me when you finished Uni?”

So then I’m doing a u-turn for the first time in this car – the turning circle on my own car is pitiful – this thing would turn around in a one car garage I think!

Back on the freeway…….zooming along….this car is very comfortable and such a smooth ride!

Picked up the bff, parked in the bike lane and got dirty looks from some cyclists – hey, wait a minute –

My car is not much bigger than your bike! Go away!

Back onto the freeway –

OH NO! What was that flash!? God dammit – speed camera! 😦

*Note to Holden: SORRY!!!! I really didn’t mean it – I was getting used to the speedometer! I don’t like it at all – I need the little tiny lines in between the 50 and 55 mark…..telling me 50 or 55 is no good – cos I like to drive 52 if I can! Apart from that – I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way the dash is directly behind the steering wheel and not recessed – I thought it would be annoying having it so close but it turned out fine. I did however, turn down the dash light all the way to low and kept it there the whole time. Dark is dark. It’s not gonna get much darker I reckon!

Anyhoo……we keep going…..indicate to change lanes….oh, wait the damn rear windscreen wiper has just gone on and I can’t figure out how to turn the damn thing off and it’s dark and she can’t find it either and now the lights are flashing; no it’s not on that side! Oh, dear me……then we miss our exit……laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs – finally figured out the wiper controls and it’s all extremely funny – at least we are lucky and can still get off at the next exit and get home ok. Oh, dear me…..

So I drop the bff off and head home…..wait, why is that funny headlight on? OH NO did I have my high beams on the whole way home? No, new cars have advanced since I bought and crashed mine 😦 – they are fog lamps! Der…. I found the high beams no worries and then I finally got the whole fog lamp thingy before I gave it back after my Dad said you stupid woman – look there are extra lights there! Yep, I am BLOND.

The back passenger doors also had me stumped for a split second – or two! The handle is not where you look and not where you normally reach for! It also got another one of my blondie friends really good – she said “Where is the damn handle!?” Crack up city there……

The kids also loved it….when I picked them up they said oh wow it’s a smartie car! Which is pretty true. After not having much of a chance to view the vehicle before I drove it, I got out of the car when I FINALLY reached home and said – OH MY GOD! Look at the size of the thing – it is seriously TINY! But then seriously DID NOT FEEL like it when I was driving it! The car corners like it is on rails and it makes me want to turn corners more, because it handles them so damn well!

We had a 6’2” man in the back seat one day – he was fine and very comfortable apparently! Which surprised me greatly – it is TINY I say! TINY!!!! My ex-flatmate bought a Barina, but not the Spark model – I like this one much, much better than hers! It has all the lovely bells and whistles!

LOVED LOVED LOVED the leather seats – so smooth and sexy!

Note to self: Leather car seat covers for my car? $$$ = ouch I assume!

The sunglass holder is way too small….come on! Look in the magazines – I think reading glasses would fit in there and that’s it! The number of airbags also worry me – I am quite sure they are safe but they make me feel like I would be like a squashed little marshmallow if they all went off at once! That may be a good thing though…..

We took the Sparky down to Ocean Grove for a night……the big man was not very comfortable in the seats but they suited me very well – they hugged my body beautifully but I can also see how they would be too small for him.

What is with those side mirrors? It was very disconcerting on the freeway when trying to pass other cars or see how close the car was next to me. I think they are meant to emphasise your blind spot but all they did for me was make it seem like the cars were further away than they really were! Then if I turned to see my blind spot, there was a lot of wall/door in the way!

Whatever happened to: “Warning: Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” ????

The other problem was it was an extremely windy day when we drove home…..not good in a little car at all! I had a few difficulties getting used to controlling it in the wind.

What a wonderful surprise! 

Yes, I would probably buy one if I could…….talk to me in 10 years time….you can win yourself a lovely little Barina if you design your very own Spark!

I’ve done mine……here it is…..

View my Barina Spark Design Here

Throw me a vote and you could even win a prize for yourself!

Design your own funky little Barina Spark Here

Don’t forget to like the Holden Small Car Collection Page on Facebook!

Bye for now!

Today I love….50 days of me

Here we have Day ONE of my new ongoing project for reasons that I shall outline in a later post…..

I’m not saying that these 50 days will be consecutive….or in order for that matter. BUT you will get 50 days of fun facts and pics about me so that’s pretty good hey? Everybody say YAY! For your information and reference, I will now show you the 50 days list…I think this list is really good for a blog cos it’s not just about me typing blah blah blah to you – you actually get to see me and some of my life! Now what could be more fun that that? Enjoy….Here we have Day ONE…..

Note: we may have to edit some of these to make them more e-x-c-i-t-i-n-g!!!

Day 01 – A picture of yourself with fifteen facts – OK – see below! Damn…I got to waaaay more than that and I think I could even keep going = I am sooooo UN-boring!!

Day 02 – A picture of you and a friend you have been close with for awhile – T.B.A

Day 03 – A picture of the cast from your favorite show – T.B.A

Day 04 – A picture of favorite missed memory – T.B.A

Day 05 – A picture of you and the person you’ve had the best memories with – T.B.A

Day 06 – A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day – T.B.A

Day 07 – A picture of you and someone you’d be lost without  – T.B.A

Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh – T.B.A

Day 09 – A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most – T.B.A

Day 10 – A picture of your favorite sport or favorite athlete – T.B.A

Day 11 – A picture of something you hate – T.B.A

Day 12 – A picture of something you love – T.B.A

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist. – T.B.A

Day 14 – A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without. – T.B.A

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die.  – T.B.A

Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you. – T.B.A

Day 17 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently. – T.B.A

Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity. – T.B.A

Day 19 – A picture of you when you were little. – T.B.A

Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’ve traveled or you’d love to travel. – T.B.A

Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget. – T.B.A

Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at. – T.B.A

Day 23 – A picture of you on your birthday. – T.B.A

Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change. – T.B.A

Day 25 – A picture of your day. – T.B.A

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you. – T.B.A

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member. – T.B.A

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of. – T.B.A

Day 29 – A picture of someone that can always make you smile. – T.B.A

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss. – T.B.A

Day 31 – A picture of what you wore today. – T.B.A

Day 32 – A picture of what you did today. – T.B.A

Day 33 – A picture of you doing something you love. – T.B.A

Day 34 – A picture of your morning. – T.B.A

Day 35 – A picture that reminds you of someone. – T.B.A

Day 36 – A picture of someone you wish you still talked too. – T.B.A

Day 37 – A picture of what you like to do. – T.B.A

Day 38 – A picture of your favorite drink. – T.B.A

Day 39 – A picture of your favorite food. – T.B.A

Day 40 – A picture of your friends. – T.B.A

Day 41 – A picture of a tattoo, or piercing you have or want. – T.B.A

Day 42 – A picture of you and your family. – T.B.A

Day 43 – A picture of your room. – T.B.A (WARNING!!!))

Day 44 – A picture that describes your life. – T.B.A

Day 45 – A picture of what you did today. – T.B.A

Day 46 – A picture of you and 5 secrets. – T.B.A

Day 47 – A picture of something you can’t live without. – T.B.A

Day 48 – A picture of you more than 10 years ago. – T.B.A

Day 49- A picture of you and your best friend(s). – T.B.A

Day 50 – A picture of yourself with 20 facts edit HERE

Me

15 Facts about me

1.People who know me generally do not ring me until after 12pm on a non-work day, unless otherwise pre-arranged. Beware the wrath of waking me up.

2.I love shoes and am also qualified to make them

3.I love lip gloss (numerous brands, finishes and shades to be found in car, handbag, next to laptop, travel bag, kitchen, bedroom, bedside table, bathroom….ooooh and don’t forget the lip scrub in the shower! 🙂

4.I love chupa chups – fortunately….they are also everywhere! See above point; exclude shower.

5.I love Red Wine in Winter and Champagne in Summer – I assume….no explanation required

6.I am a hoarder – see previous posts for explanation

7.I am determined to be a mother one day

8.I love free stuff and winning things is even better = comp addict

9.I love pets…animals…any sort…give them all to me for all of my love! I want a farm one day….or a hippie farm….chooks and sheep and little pigs and rabbits and ducks and of course the dogs, cats, birds, fish…..

10.I love the beach….I love to wake up to the sounds of the waves…I have been lucky enough in my life to live this way a little tiny while!

11.I also love the rainforest and the middle of nowhere and the hippie country – this is my dream home

12.I love fashion and unfortunately I am going to have to expand my wall of wardrobe into the next bedroom in my house which….oh, yay lucky me – also has a wall of wardrobe – shhhh!!!!

13.I love computers and technology = thanks Dad

14.I love sport for once in my life and really do try harder at it (Shut up you!) = thanks Cadel

15.I love movies – lots of them – perhaps that could be another post – my top 50 movies?!?

16.I love Blythe

17.I love Mexican food

18.I love my family and my friends and my job and my shop and my pets and my half-kids and all the lovely things I receive every single day!

19.I can’t grow or keep a plant alive to save my own life….but I can cook!

20.Woops I kept going……over and outey lovelies!! Happy Birthday to the Queen!

Today I love……Inga

Oh she is so pretty! So useful, she surprises me every single day with her skills! She goes here, she goes there….she goes anywhere!!!

Well….hate me if you must….but I am now the proud owner of a la……iPad!

No, I am not a rich person by any means or I would own everything that I speak of on this blog! I bought Inga (iPad 1) on the day that the iPad 2 was released…which in my book is pretty savvy stuff….I don’t own an iPhone but of course I would like to have one…..

So…..she arrived….it wasn’t hard for me to work out how to use and abuse her…..I’m not a computer nerd but I’m not a complete moron either….then the apps started flowing….this little genius is a bloody godsend for the kiddies! They LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It reads them stories, it educates them and teaches them to spell, draw, count and even a bit of hand/eye and some logic thrown in there as well for them! I HAD to have Monopoly – yes, I paid for it but it has been worth every bloody cent – Mr. Big and I play it and the pool game a lot now. Which is nice….no more sitting in front of the computer or lounged on the couch engrossed in the telly…now we play together! Arguing and cheating is also involved but that is another story altogether!

Speaking of Mr. Big, he just interrupted the typing of this post by knocking over my antique side table and scaring the living bejesus out of me! Damn he is Big! Anyhoo, the first thing I did with Inga was learn how to convert my vids so that I could send them to iTunes and then sync them over to her. So that took a while. Well, not too long. Maybe I don’t give myself enough credit sometimes…..I think that sometimes….

So Mr. Big came home and there I was quite happy in my own hot bubble bath watching National Velvet with Inga leant on the wire bath storage next to the bath. Mr. Big took one look at Inga, after I told him not to come too much closer and spill everything everywhere and backed the hell outta there quick smart! So I did move her a little further away from said bathtub. I kind of had a vision of Inga falling into the bath tub with me and really did not want to end up as the first iPad death statistic in a bath.

After that, Inga’s uses became more and more known to me. She has taught me that I cannot grow any sort of plant, whether it be living or in a game. Thanks for that. I can also keep up to date on the networks and news and listen to my tunes whilst I am cooking dinner. I can take her to bed and read a book. It took a while to find a free book that I wanted to read, but I highly recommend the princess and the penis for your first freebie 🙂 Then I have my daily games….which for me I really need right now….gas tycoon rocks and the plants were another one but I’ve given up on that quest.

If you are considering purchasing an iPad I highly recommend it…I no longer have to pack up my laptop and all the cords and lug it around – I just walk out the door with this little beauty! It is of course easier to type on a normal keyboard, like I am doing now. This post may have taken a lot longer than the 10 mins it has so far taken on the keyboard instead of Inga…

I thought the other day about how exciting our world will be in 100 years time. Well, if it is still here….scary stuff….everybody – iPads away!!! xxxxx

Today I love….Floods, Bumps, Drips and Grandma’s Soup….

Well, here I was….on my last and final day of holidays – my computer and internet are playing up no end and I have both good and bad news to share with you my lovely little readers! I have been completely and totally hippy-fied for the 20^th time in my life – I think I need to move here! I love my mountain…Mt. Warning, NSW….no dreadlocks here….

but every time visit, a tiny little piece of the loveliness here….comes home with me….to share with you!!!

1.Torrential rain on arrival

1. The chance we may be flooded in/out of Tyalgum NSW for the first few days
2. Spiders and funny smells in an old house
3. Dad – man it’s hot
4. Burns and cuts on arrival
5. What day is it? From Grandma
6. A lost suitcase on arrival
7. Dad – man it’s hot
8. A found and delivered suitcase…followed by the unfortunate news the courier suffered an accident on the way back and was now in hospital
9. What day is it? From Grandma
10. Ah…the pool at the Local….sunshine and joy all round…..

 

1. Dad – man it’s hot
2. New Years Eve
3. Trying to go to the local with my man
4. Have we had Xmas? Grandma
5. Dad – man it’s hot
6. A day at the local pool/pub – fun all round!!
7. What day is it? From Grandma
8. BOTH children getting stung by Bluebottles at Byron
9. Dreamworld – wooooooooooooo – ouch…..
10. Meet the rellos – sunshine, lollipops….then…torrential rain! What a surprise!!
11. White water World in the rain – still warmish
12. Dad – man it’s hot
13. Calm…..the children and Mr. Big leave
14. Mail problems
15. Finding treasures from Grandma’s troves….ooooh my pretties!!!
16. What day is it? From Grandma
17. Real estate hell – Man I am HOT!!!
18. Dad – man it’s hot
19. Looking at land, plans and mud
20. Movies with Grandma
21. What am I doing? From Grandma
22. Floods in Brisbane – only 100km away
23. TV for 2 days watching the floods and waiting to see if it hits here
24. Trip to town wooooooo
25. Dad – man it’s hot
26. Flood here? Lots of rain….we’ll see….
27. Won a competition – won another competition
28. Grandma – please buy a Tatts ticket
29. Shopped till I dropped at Pacific Fair
30. Buy LCD day clock for Grandma – note to self – send calendar as well, new smoke alarms, pill holder and batteries – (for smoke alarm!)
31. Flood in Melbourne – will we get home??
32. Dad – man it’s hot
33. Packing to go home – man I’m HOT!!!!
34. What time do you have to leave?? From Grandma
35. Have you fed the dogs Grandma? Yes, I think so…..
36. Suffered numerous internet and keyboard difficulties – this has taken me oh maybe 1.5 hours to type! If you know me, that is NOT GOOD AT ALL
37. What day is it today? = Grandma
38. Woah I am HOT!!!
39. What time do you have to leave?? From Grandma
40. Oh how will you fit all that in your case Catrina?? = Grandma, I can do it woman! Watch me!!
41. Grandma’s special Chicken Soup – man that’s good!!!
42. What time do you have to leave?? From Grandma
43. Dad – man it’s hot
44. Oh, wine…no I shall not whine at all….I believe I have earnt my wine today!!!
45. Home soon folks……….love ya xx

P.S. Support, kudos, love, hugs and mucho thanks go to everyone supporting and helping us here in Australia, not just Queensland who have been or are affected by the floods in our country……..

Today I love…Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Sleigh bells are ringing….

I can hear carols singing….

I may be offline for a few days….I have bags to pack and presents to wrap…and then……unwrap!!! 🙂

I am crossing everything that I will get internet in the sticks of NSW…..please send all orders/enquiries and any other love you want to send to me at: catrinamurray@yahoo.com.au…..I hope you and yours all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! XXXOOO MWAH my ❤ darlings!!!

To all my lovely people at What I Love Today and Just For You Jewels…..I wish you all…..a whole lotta love and hugs and lovely, wonderful, safe, healthy (well, kinda! Cheers!!) and most of all…..FUN Christmas and New Years Eve…Mwah and hugs to you all….and enjoy my Christmas album….all images are courtesy weheartit.com

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Today I love….Christmas Templates

Today I love….Kawaii

Am I speaking English?

Well maybe not…..Kawaii is……

literally, “loveable” “cute” or “adorable” and has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, personal appearance, behavior, and mannerisms.^[1]

I found Kawaii – thanks to Blythe, and my sister-in law’s Footpath travels to overseas lands….

One really cool site I love, love, love checking in on all the time is Spoonflower – last month they had a Kawaii competition for the best Kawaii fabric design! Here it is….

BYE 🙂

For now!!! 🙂

Today I love….Message Burger….

Hello there!! How special am I?

I know I look very tasty and you really want to gobble me up but you just can’t eat me!

See???

Well, you can try…but you won’t get very far! I want one of these sets badly!

So I can give them to the kids to play with and watch the joy on their faces!

Yeah, right – hang on….I want some joy tooooooo!!!

message burger – shop – upon a fold

“Who said fast food isn’t good for you? We’ll have two burgers with the lot, thanks! Good enough to eat, this message burger comes with 24 cards – all in the form of yummy burger fillings! There are fried eggs, two types of cheese, bacon, beef patties, lettuce, buns, pickles and more. You’ll have enough ingredients to make two burgers and there is even a die-cut burger box for storing away all your fillings. This is such a fun gift to give someone… especially if the way to their heart is through their stomach. Each piece comes ready to pop-out and you can use them to write messages on or create your very own piece of burger art. Made in Japan, this kit measures 27cm x 24cm and when completed 9.5cm x 11cm x 4cm. Hungry?”

I bloody well am now!!!

No…I really just want and NEED to play with these!!!

Aaaarrrgghhhh…..

Today I love….A Patchwork Pillow

Awwwww…..what a great idea for balloons!!

So, so simple and so, so lovely!!! Go Martha, go!!!

A Patchwork Pillow – The Crafts Dept..

Today I love….Pura Vida

A new take on ‘friendship’ bracelets!!

Let’s all get real friendly now…..

“The phrase “Pura Vida” (pu·ra vi·da) means pure life in Spanish. Enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune and not taking anything for granted embody the Pura Vida Lifestyle. The hard work that went into each bracelet represents the dedication and respect for the beautiful land that we all live in. Each original bracelet is handmade in Costa Rica with a unique combination of colors. Selecting your “Pura Vida” bracelet isn’t always a quick task. Local jewlers spend days, even weeks creating specific bracelets to express their lifestyle. From vibrant colors to earth tones, Pura Vida Bracelets has any combination for you.

While traveling through Central America, the team at Pura Vida Bracelets realized they needed to help clean up the beautiful beaches around the world. With the success of the bracelets, the company decides to donate a percentage of company profits to the Surfider Foundation. The Surfrider Foundation is a grass roots organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the oceans and beaches worldwide. It has over 50,000 members and over 140,000 volunteer hours. Pura Vida Bracelets strives to go above and beyond your average new fashion trend and truly give back to an important cause.

Whether it be at the beach, going to work, or even a night on the town, Pura Vida Bracelets has proven to be worn at all times. It will be interesting to see this promising company continue to grow over the rest of summer. Hello fashion world, Pura Vida Bracelets has arrived and is here to stay!

For more info, pictures and updates visit http://www.puravidabracelets.com”

From here:

Pura Vida Bracelets Sparks Latest Fashion Trend in Southern California

Today I love….Everyday Hero: 30 Days Has September

Registration is open now for 30 Days Has September 2010…..

Tell your friends , family and co-workers what you’re doing, and get them involved. 30dhs is your own challenge where each new experience is a success, and where cost and time, age, gender and location should act as no barrier to taking on new activities.

Taste, smell, feel and act out fresh and exciting new experiences.

Get your friends, family and colleagues to participate and sponsor each other per experience or as a one off donation. Set yourself a goal of how many new things you would like to do. It’s totally up to you! Aim to try something new each day throughout September to get the most out of the 30 days.

The goal this year is to raise $100,000 supporting programs and services for Aussie kids who have been effected by substance abuse, mental illness and/or homelessness. Through the charitable trust the Ted Noffs Foundation’s Street University the difference you make will go a long way to helping these kids make the most of their days ahead.

Everyday Hero: 30 Days Has September

Today I love….Sliding Doors

Why did my life turn out this way?

Don’t get me wrong – the problem isn’t that I am not happy – I believe I am very happy….and I am thankful for my life….I am (reasonably) healthy, employed and loved, well housed, fed and clothed….I don’t actually want for much at all!

When I was growing up, I always envisaged that I would be in a different place to where I am now….

For instance….by time my Mother was my age, she had an 8 year old daughter (me) and another baby imminently due! (my brother)….of course times change….

Me, on the other hand….no children of my own (yet) but I do help look after Mr. Bigs’ kids every 2nd weekend and school holidays etc. and they are a lovely little handful of joy!!!

We do have plans however…

I thought I would have travelled the world….

I thought I would have bought 1 (if not 2) house(s) and/or made my dream home into dreamy spaces….

I thought I would have made a career for myself (not just a job!) and found my niche in the world…..I always thought I was here to make a difference in others lives….

I can’t help myself thinking….what if?

I have some regrets, yes….but what if I had taken that job?

What if that boyfriend didn’t dump me?

What if I had taken that choice instead of this one?

What if I had taken that road instead of this one?

What if someone had told me all those years ago, how hard it was going to be for me to own my own home…would I have listened? I like to think so….but I am probably kidding myself!

So now, I have some work to do….by the time I am 40 I have some things that I simply must do! So, I’ll need to write my list of things to do before 40 very soon! Stay tuned for that post!

I need to achieve…..I need to find my purpose in life and I need to be happy with the path I am on and I need to love, love, love myself again and not feel like such a failure all of the time….

I also want to know….what would you have told your younger self?

Today I love….You might shit me once, but I won’t let you shit me twice!!!

You wanna shit me?

Go ahead….make MY day!!!

DO NOT tell me….you din’t do it – cos I &*(*(&*&^&^% know you did it!!!

Bring IT on……….

But in the meantime…..oh I LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEE We Heart It…

It makes me feel better ANY time I am sad…………..

(Oops that was from my porn file!!)

Don’t shit me man!!! Or I’ll give you more of these sickeningly cute pics………….

Today I love….Ice Cream for Breakfast

Ice Cream for Breakfast?

There is only one word to say about that… Yummmm!

Every day Give Kids The World’s Wish families enjoy delicious ice cream from early in the morning until late in the evening. In fact, we have been serving ice cream for breakfast at the Village for over 20 years and now we think its time to share the concept with the rest of the world!

Give Kids The World Village invites everyone to support this delicious idea during the month of July by giving a “Scoop of Hope” for the families who stay at the Village every day of the year. Your “Scoop of Hope” will help ensure that we can continue to serve ice cream, every day of the year, to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Having all the ice cream they can eat is just one part of the magical vacation Give Kids The World provides to these special children.

Here’s how you can Get Involved today!

Donate and Share a Scoop of Hope

By donating just $5.00 and picking your favorite Scoop of Hope, you’ll be helping us continue to serve ice cream for breakfast year round.

Get Involved :: Ice Cream for Breakfast