Let me tell you about my Nan

Taking the lead of Pip from meet me at mikes, I'm going to tell you a little about my nan..

Beryl is her name.. She's always hated being called Beryl and has gone through phases of wanting to change her name.. Angela was one she liked. 

She's funny like that. 

In fact she's just funny in general. Loves a laugh and to debate. She finds it frustrating when people have strong opinions about things without having a reason and loves to hear what I think as long as I am willing to justify why. We have had our disagreements but what I love about my nan is that she adores me no matter what. And I adore her. 

She's full of old fashioned sayings like "Just let me get my hat 'n pants on", meaning "Let me get ready to go" and "We'll, this isn't buying the baby a new dress!" Meaning "we're not being very productive are we?" And "goodness gracious groceries".. I find myself saying them often. We chat like peers.

She goes through phases of having crushes on good looking fellas on TV.. Like the boys from  Il Divo. And spends most of her time playing on her iPad.. She and pop upgrade whenever a new version comes out. She doesn't get out much. In fact, I think it frightens her a bit these days as her mobility is quite limited and she is scared she'll fall. But the iPad really keeps her connected. I love it. Even though she harasses me to play my Words with Friends turn. I like to keep her keen. 

We spent most afternoons and many many sick days off school at nan & pop's place and we were spoilt rotten with lots of love and kisses (and choc wedges). Every afternoon after kinder nan would pick us up in her gold Mazda 626 and she'd take us to Chaddy (a big shopping centre to the south east of Melbourne city) for warm double chocolate muffins (with two butters). She'd always let us eat her cappuccino froth. 

Her love and affection has extended very naturally to my children- and she loves our foster daughter just as much as she loves the two that came out of my body. 

There's so much more to say but I'll leave you with a few lovely pictures instead. 

Nan & I circa 1990

My adorbs little brother Dave around the same time as the last pic 

Nan & I last year.. She was upset with us for taking it as she hadn't "arranged her face".. I think her face is fine.

A typical scene at Nan's these days..

Tell us about your nan! Go visit Pip at Meet Me At Mikes to read about Pip's nan.

:)

Monet's Garden at the NGV

I was still in bed when Molly excitedly ran into my room all dressed up (in this super cute mis-matched outfit that only Molly can pull off) saying "I'm ready to see Monet's Garden Mummy"...

The kids have been learning about Monet at school. I'm really impressed with the school's art program. They begin learning about art genres and influential artists right from prep and Monet's "Waterlilies" is one of Molly's favourite paintings. They of course still get to play with paint & pastels but their work is inspired by the work of the artists they're learning about. You should see some of the stuff they produce!!

When I saw the advertisement for the National Gallery of Victoria's most recent exhibition "Monet's Garden" I knew it would be a must-see these holidays.

There was a point on Monday night where I thought I was going to need to cancel and go in to work as one of my staff came down with a chest infection and it was looking like there would be no one to cover the shop. I was at work long after closing, calling everyone I could think of to try and fill the shift.. I got quite upset actually. I really didn't want to let the girls down.. At the last minute it was sorted! So off we went on Tuesday..

The kids always love a train trip to the city. That alone would be enough of an outing for Richie. Pulling into Flinders Street Station it hit me that I was about to see the artwork from one of the most influential artists in history. I was totally buzzing!

                                     

Neither of the girls had ever been to the NGV so it was all very exciting. Don't you think this photo of the girls touching the glass water wall actually looks a bit like a Monet? Yes?! I do!

I took a sneaky photo inside the gallery.. I felt very naughty! There were a lot of security guards lurking around so I was stealthy.

The exhibition was very well set out. It stretched over four rooms. The first showed paintings from his early years and also a very special treat, two portraits of Monet and his wife Camille by Renoir! The middle room featured the middle years, the next the later years and the final room was an amazing cinema room which played an absolutely stunning film that was recorded only last year at Monet's Garden in Giverny. 

We actually did a fairly quick first walk through and then after seeing the film of the garden, went back and saw the paintings with a new perspective. I really didn't expect the girls to connect with it as much as they did. I should give them more credit but you just never know with kids. Molly was so intrigued with Monet's story. Particularly his progression from the early years where he painted with fine detail to the later years when his eyesight was so badly affected by cataracts that his art became very clunky and childlike, and then, after he had cataract surgery his work became more recognisable again. It was completely fascinating to see the world through his eyes. 

I think it was a bit of a revelation to the girls to paint as you see... To not view objects as just objects but to see the colours, light, darkness and shapes and not to worry too much about the detail if you don't want to.

April spent her time wandering from work to work reading all of the information. This is actually quite a big deal as it was only a few months ago at the museum she was saying she hated reading information and she just wanted to look at stuff. In this case, the story is so important in understanding the artwork so I am really glad she decided to give it a go. Needless to say, she was also captivated and very much inspired.

Here are a couple of happy snaps we took before we left.

Here's Mol hanging with Claude

After the exhibition, feeling freshly inspired and positively right-brainy, we headed across to the Botanic Gardens where we attempted to see things as Monet saw them. Molly made me take lots and lots of photos so she could paint them later... Here are a few.. 

Have you been to see Monet's Garden yet? I'd highly recommend it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Ooh! Mail!

I am very excited tonight! When I got home from work there was a lovely brown paper package postmarked "The United Kingdom" waiting for me.

I knew exactly who it would be from- Sarah from The Faerie Factory, and it would contain some lovely vintage buttons! Taz at Butter and Buntings has arranged this wonderful Vintage button swap. Don't you just think it's the coolest idea?! (I would linkup but can't from my phone- will get on the computerator tomorrow & fix it)

Not only were there buttons, but a delightful bundle of other bits & bobs too!

Thanks Sarah! I love it all! I've popped your package in the mail today. Hope you enjoy it like I'm enjoying mine.

Look! 

Sweet enough:: I'm sugar free

Hello all,

I should probably start this post by saying that most of my last entry was written about 2 weeks ago and I had saved it & published only a couple of days ago. I hesitated about whether I should post it as it was a bit whiney and negative.. but I figure it's good to have a benchmark from which to mark changes. So without further ado.. my next post! lol
 
After my last post things have picked up a little. I'm feeling much clearer and I have not been on the emotional rollercoaster quite as much. My skin is beginning to clear up (I started to get these really big blemishes on my chest- probably stress related or hormonal or a symptom of not looking after myself) and I am beginning to feel my skin loosen a little. That last one probably sounds strange for anyone who hasn't been over weight. Whenever I start to lose weight my skin goes from feeling tight and stretched to soft and a little bit stretchy.. Yeah.. that really does sound weird.. it always tightens up eventually. But I count this as a good sign that what I am doing is having positive implications for my body. That's good because it means I can get on with trying to get my head right without worrying too much about my body.. not that they are separate.. actually, its a reminder that they are so connected.

12 Days ago my friend Belinda asked me if I would be interested in joining her Facebook group. It is a support page for people who are having a go at quitting sugar. She sent me a bit more info and I had a read of Sarah Wilson's ebook and it all just clicked. I remembered back to times when I ate very little sugar and how I felt and it made so much sense for me to try the 8 week "I Quit Sugar" program. I remembered that I have polycistic ovaries (not the syndrome- I don't have enough other symptoms) and I have always felt really amazing eating "clean". So I bought the cookbook and started exploring this new fructose-free territory.

I am in week 2 now. It's been a very gentle start. I decided not to weigh myself at all because I really want it to be about how I feel. Sarah suggests quitting sugar should be treated like an experiment and that we should remain curious and not harsh or critical of ourselves if we slip up. I really love this attitude. It's what I need right now. I'm sick of feeling like I need to punish myself. It's not useful any more.

Here is one of my favourite recipes so far;

Chocolate Superfood Mousse
(adapted from  Sarah Wilson's website)

Ingredients::
2 ripe avocadoes
1/2 cup coconut cream
1-2 tbs rice syryp
1-2 tbs cacao powder
1-2 tbs chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon or vanilla

Blitz in a food processor or use a stick blender. Pop in the fridge for half an hour to set a bit.

I have also made one with just 3 ingredients- a small can of coconut cream (tip out the water & just use the cream), 1 tbs cacao and 1 tbs rice malt syrup. Mix & refrigerate for a bit... So delicious!!

Are you a sugar addict?
Have you done the I Quit Sugar detox?
Have any thoughts on all this business??
Hit me up in the comments!

Ash
xo

Pete Seeger and the wintery season..

To everything (turn turn turn), there is a season (turn turn turn).... (Pete Seeger)

There are seasons in life.. Looking back over the last 10 years I can clearly see definite seasons.

Uni was one. I didn't realise how care-free and easy life was. I was sharing a house with a friend, paying $90 per week rent and working 12 hours a week while getting a couple of hundred from the government each fortnight. I could do anything I wanted. I was young and in love with my newish boyfriend Johnny C. We got engaged during that season.

Then John and I got married. We had a season living in a tiny one bedroom apartment in Mitcham- it smelled a lot like curry no matter how hard we scrubbed those walls. We loved being close to one another, washing dishes shoulder to shoulder in our miniscule kitchen and I went through a "tinnie" or lucky phase during this time where I seemed to win every competition I entered, this included winning a car, 5 litres of ice cream, $500 and a diamond ring.. all from different competitions.

We lived as lead tenants supporting a man with cerebral palsy.. that was a season that was very rewarding but also very challenging. We lived there for two years until we were blessed with wee Molly and it wasn't manageable any more.

During Molly's infancy I was a stay at home mum and got to spend my days hanging with my mum's group while John worked as an integration aide.. another quite pleasant season.

Then we moved to Footscray.. We have been here 5 years and we have experienced different seasons even in that relatively short period of time. Another baby, kinder, school, friendships lasting and some I've lost, different phases; gardening, cooking, craft. John studying while I worked a little bit. I had a great work arrangement where I could work weekends and have the week free to spend with the kids.

Our time in Footscray has been really great. Aside from the factory smells and lack of trees, Footscray is a vibrant, lively community and it feels like home. There have been ups and downs but life's been pretty good.

Well, we are in a season right now.. and it is definitely a winter for me.

I never want to seem like a complainer.. I generally avoid people who complain a lot online and I've never wanted to be one. But there's complaining and then there is telling people about things that are hard. And that's how it is for us right now.. it's hard. I went out for dinner with some friends the other night and one of them said "Does anyone else feels like things are all too hard at the moment?"... We all nodded. Everyone seems to be feeling the same.. Perhaps it's the time of year.. Holidays feel so far away.. Winter solstice.

This "winter" just feels endless and I have been trying to put my chin up and get on with things but I can only keep it up for a few days between regular melt downs and teary spells. I'm actually having a good day today. The sun is out and I have had enough sleep. Today is one of those days where I feel like I can persevere through the rest of the year until John finishes studying.

I think the problem is that I feel like I'm stuck. I am working full time, which I never intended to do, but it has become necessary as we just can't afford to be earning any less than we currently earn. I am not doing particularly inspiring work .. I mean, it's ok.. many people would love to do what I do. I'm glad to have skills and to be offered enough hours to earn enough to (just) make ends meet but I'm not really happy. I want to work creatively. To do my own projects. To use my social work degree but not be so busy that I can't hang out with Richie.

I am struggling a lot to find reliable childcare and every time I need to make a new care arrangement for him I am reminded that he is not with me. I want to be the one taking him to the park and having babycinos. I am constantly running around, I feel like I pull up to school in the morning (a rolling stop) and push the girls out of the car so I can quickly rush to the next thing. The washing is piling up because neither John or I have the time or energy to do it and I am still struggling to make time to do anything nice for myself (although, credit to me, I am going to see Katie Noonan on Friday night with Mezz!).

But it's a season... it's a very hard season.. But I can see an end to it.

And it's my project to use the next 6 months to plan out how I want next year to feel and what things I need to put in place to set that up. It will be better.

I guess it's a good lesson to the girls that sometimes you just have to put your head down and work through the shitty stuff until it's over.

And it's not over for us yet.. but every day it's getting closer.

Little Things Splendid

Hey all,

Thanks for the overwhelming support in response to my last post. A few of you commented on the post which is lovely! But the thing that really took me by surprise was the number of emails and Facebook PMs I received saying things like "I'm a binge eater too!", "I have struggled with this too and here's what helped me" and "Thank you for making this very taboo issue public". I really feel so much support from you crazy internet cats. I have so much love for you guys.... no really.. I do.

I'm doing ok. I am on the waiting list to see a brain de-muddler (a psychologist) and have been back to my GP to get my pathology results. All were fine.. I even had ok vitamin D which is apparently quite a feat in Melbourne- especially if you work inside as much as I do.

Anyway. I was talking to one of my most special friends today Philippa about how having things to look forward to really makes it easier to get through the hard slog times and so I thought it might be a good time to tell you all about an exciting thing that is going to happen soon!

My lovely friend Mayra and I are launching a little Etsy shop called Little Things Splendid.. see our brief bio below;

Little Things Splendid is owned and run by Melbourne duo Ash and Mayra and was born out of a passion for all things cute, vintage, kitsch, hand made, splendid and delightful. In their "spare time" they scour Victoria's op-shops, flea markets, fetes, garage and jumble sales to bring only the loveliest to Little Things Splendid. They do the leg-work and scrounging so you don't have to.

If all goes to plan we will launch on June 14th. If you are a vintage lover you'll love our shop. We plan to keep the prices very reasonable and will ship internationally for you folks across the seas.

Our address will be www.etsy.com/shops/littlethingsplendid but it's not open yet! Stay tuned!!

You shouldn't blog angry... or sad.. or maybe you should..

Picture unrelated to my topic but I think it's genius and very green.. so here it is.

"I am in too bad a place tonight to blog"

It did cross my mind for about 30 seconds... and then I thought maybe it's better to blog it out. My GP told me to blog more.. well, she said I should write down my feelings in a diary... but this is the only place I write down anything meaningful so it seems only natural to use this space.

Anyway.. I'm angry.. and sad.. and feeling pretty crap.

Today at work someone snuck into the back room and stole my very lovely leather bag and my manager's very expensive, brand new watch that she had only received a few weeks ago from her parents as a graduation present. I was the only one in the store and had to spend quite a lot of time at the counter serving customers so couldn't be circulating around the shop. I have no idea who it would have been out of all the customers I had today... I said hello to everyone who walked in and not one of them made me think "hmm.. dodgy.. keep an eye on them". They were all perfectly lovely looking..

That's what makes me so cross.. I want to trust people.. I always cringe when I hear people say "you can't trust anybody".. "Yes you CAN! People are inherently good!" is what I say (in my mind) in reply... But maybe I can't..

I am an optimist by nature.. I look for the good in people.. But this kind of crap makes me question why I believe this. Why would someone walk into a charity shop and steal the shop assistant's belongings? Maybe they don't have much money.. maybe they need money to feed their children or a drug habit... Maybe they're just JERKS!?

Anyway..

It's been an emotional day.. Before this all happened I made a spur of the moment decision to make a doctors appointment. My favourite doctor has started working five doors down from the shop where I work and only works on Fridays. I called, expecting that there would be no appointments available but there was one at 2pm so without thinking, I said "yep, I'll take it". I made arrangements to take a late lunch break and prepared myself to be brutally honest with her.

It was only half an hour before the appointment that I realised we'd been robbed so I was already very fragile so when I sat down in the doctor's office all my emotions started bubbling out and I was a mess.

I told her that I have been feeling really crappy and have been out of control binge eating every day. That I am terrified that if I don't do something soon I will end up putting on 20kg before the year is out. That I have 3 kids (one of whom is a foster child with lots of issues we need to work through with her daily), I work full time and I am supporting my husband through uni and I am so so stressed.. I also said that I have been holding it together for a long time and to the outside onlooker, I look like I am doing ok..

But the bingeing never happens when anyone is looking.. It's secret. It happens in the car and at work.. where we sell blocks of chocolate.. that damn delicious fair trade chocolate.. No one needs to see the wrappers. I don't need to be embarrassed. But I know what I do.. and it makes me feel disgusting.

The wonderful doctor sat with me for longer than my allocated time slot and asked me what I do that is just for me... regularly.. When I couldn't answer her question she asked me what I wanted to do for myself regularly.. I couldn't answer that either... it all just feels like a big effort. In the end I was able to identify that I have a gym membership that I'm not using so I might look up a class.. Not aerobics or anything too full on just yet.. something a little more gentle and enjoyable like yoga and book it in regularly. I also said I'd like to go walking more often. And do more intentional craft.. not just "oh I have 10 minutes before bed, let's make half a granny square".

When I said that I really want to avoid anything that feels like a diet she said "good.. diet's don't work anyway. Let's look at what is nourishing for you". She referred me for blood tests and has begun the process of setting up a mental health plan so I can get some subsidised psychology sessions.

I have called and left a message for the psychologist. I'm pretty scared actually.

But also relieved.  The truth is out now..

I have a binge eating disorder and I need to own that. 

Here are a couple of nice things that I have come home to tonight.. Our weekly veggie box was at the door when I arrived home.. so bright and fresh. Certainly a brighter spot in a crappy day.

John and the girls went out and bought me some supplies to get me through the night (they are all out tonight) and set them up on the bench like this.. I'll try not to eat it all in half an hour... And look at that lovely lovely brooch... John found it in Northcote today.. If you know anyone that has lost an Emily Green brooch in Northcote let them know it decided to pop in to my place to make me feel better this afternoon.. if they want it back.. umm.. well.. let's let the brooch choose where it wants to be.

Giving and sharing and welfare...

I love the idea of sharing. It's so so important to me to cultivate a sense of reciprocity in my life and in the lives of my kids. Also in our community.

Since beginning my social work career quite a few years ago I've been irritated by the welfare culture that exists within large community and not for profit organisations... you know what I mean....  "Poor" folks lining up for a food voucher or a bundle of poor quality canned or packaged  goods to keep them going through the week. Now, don't get me wrong.. I value the contribution of those who run and work for big welfare organisations.. really I do.. and they are necessary. Many families wouldn't get by from week to week without a food voucher. I get that.

I guess what has frustrated me for a long time is the massive power imbalance that is created when a well meaning, well dressed, middle class social worker (like me) sits behind a desk and makes decisions about the lives of the "poor" or "less fortunate" acting as a gate keeper between the "greedy" poor and the food bank or book of  supermarket vouchers (stamped NOT TO BE USED TO PURCHASE ALCOHOL OR CIGARETTES).

It's just never felt right to me.

I feel that community is the answer.. family to be more specific. When we are able to view our community (even the ones who are SO different to us) like family we are less likely to be selfish with our belongings, money and our selves. We are more likely to want to share what we have and try to make sure our friends have what they need... and in turn.. they make sure we have what we need.

Sounds pretty simple. But I'm sure you know as well as I do that it's not.

When we choose to hang out with those who don't really fit in to society we take ourselves in to uncharted territory and expose ourselves to the ups and downs of real relationships. Sometimes it's great.. other times it's just shitty and hard.

I am part of a special Salvos community in inner city Melbourne. One of our main aims is to act as a pseudo "family" to those who don't fit in. I have been thinking a lot recently about how we can encourage generosity between all the members of out community... no matter how much money we all have and have taken inspiration from some friends of mine- the Urban Seed mob in Norlane- and created a Share Cupboard where people can bring food or other goods to contribute and they can take what they need.

I worked up these signs today..

What are your thoughts on this? How do you connect with your community? What's your community like? Where do you see generosity in your life?

Let me know in the comments..

Ash
xo

Little changes make all the difference

This week I have tweaked my routine a little bit.. and I mean a really little bit- I have still been very busy and pretty stressed out juggling sick kids and not being able to find enough reliable child care for the little fella. But there have been a few great things big and small and I am determined to focus on those good things and be grateful for them. 

One little change I've made is that I have made time thrice (yes.. I'm using the word thrice!) this week to go for a walk. Once around the streets of Footscray where I noticed this beautiful rose. Set on the background of dark gloomy clouds I actually thought about a comparison my friend Mayra made the other day between roses in Footscray and our beautiful, messy, wonderful, awful community. There is so much beauty in the midst of chaos and at times, ugliness. The other two walks were at a local park and down at Point Lonsdale. Both gorgeous places to walk.

On Tuesday I took time to stop and marvel at the amazing tropical fish at the aquarium at the Royal Children's Hospital. We noticed that all the fishies barrack for the Tigers. I pass this tank most weeks but rarely stop and enjoy it. It's such a lovely addition to the hospital.

On Wednesday and Thursday nights I made time to crochet. An activity that gives me so much. Relaxation, mental stimulation, creative thoughts, connection with others. This orange square has been posted off to Pip Lincolne to sew together with squares from others to make a blanket for the little boy in Ipswich who lost his hands after being thrown a "golf ball" that was actually a small home made bomb. So awful. :(

I also taught myself how to make these great (and very quick) hexagons using a pattern also created by Pip Lincolne. I think I'll make them into a cushion. I am very inspired by Pip and her hard, yet joyfully creative and generous work. Big virtual hugs and kisses to you Pip! 

I decided to work half a day from home on Thursday this week. It was lovely to dag around in my big fat tracky pants and slippers and still be productive and hang out with the wee man. 

Mum picked the little guy up on Thursday night. He stayed with her on Friday and had a delightful time playing on the beach and being spoilt. After work on Friday I picked up the biggest girl and we stayed the night at mum's so we could get up early and walk on the beach. Here's a picture of A being a conservationist and saving turtles and seals by collecting old fishing line from the pier and disposing of it properly. 

Here's me enjoying being freezing on the pier. I love the cooler weather so much.

We didn't spend the whole day down at the beach as A needed to be back for a show she had tickets for. John took the whole gang and I had the house to myself for the afternoon so I could meet with Mayra and we could do some work on our exciting new venture! A vintage Etsy shop! 

We have been scouring opp shops for treasures and we have quite the stash now. We are at the photographing stage and we plan to launch in 2-3 weeks. Stay tuned for more info soon!! 

I don't have a photo of anything from my night last night but the highlight of my week was going out for delicious dosa, coffee and cheesecake with Mezz and chatting away the evening. It's something that we haven't done for such a long time- life has kind of got in the way, but we definitely intend to go on more Ash and Mezz dates! We see each other several times a week but it always involves kids, spouses and other community friends so going out just the two of us was a very uncommon treat. Thanks Mezz, it was totally lovely and life giving xxxoo..

This morning I had a bit of a lie in and enjoyed an impromptu concert from these sweeties.

And then we spent the day doing a long overdue "spring" (autumn) clean of our bedroom and the back craft room/study.  I can't tell you how much better I feel for doing this job. My favourite place in the house is now the cupboard in the craft room. 

Here's the organised cupboard. This space has been a constant stress with boxes, paper, tangled wool and scraps of fabric.. now it is the epitome of loveliness.. and the children have to ask to go in there! Lol.

And my creative space.. Ahhhhhh....

Isn't it amazing how cleaning and organising a space can make you feel physically better? Do you have any spaces you need to organise? Have you recently de-cluttered?? Why not share your tips below?

:)

Happy Mother's Day

It's been a very long time between posts. To say that life has been busy would be an understatement. As my last post (5 months ago... where did the time go?) suggested, I have been working like a trooper to support the family while John studies and just about everything else has been put on the back burner..

I really have neglected a lot of things that make me feel good and "together"... classic overworked mother syndrome.. and now I am feeling stressed, tired, over-stuffed (all my clothes are too tight), and uninspired creatively. I really feel that this needs to change so I thought re-kindling this old blog of mine might help me to identify and begin to address these things. I've been inspired by my sisters (in-law) Mezz of "Mezz Makes Stuff" and Taz of "Butter and Buntings", to use this space to document my creative endeavours and also chat about the good, the bad, the irritating and joyful stuff that life throws our way.

I promise it wont be too gloomy but I really need to figure out how to put myself somewhere among my top few priorities as I fear if I don't I'll end up right back where I was 10 years ago (118kg). Food has always been my comfort in times of stress and I often don't realise I am stressed until I have spent a few days.. weeks... months bingeing on stuff that is really bad for me. I am not anti-fat.. I love curves.. I just feel awful right now and I know what it feels like to be fit and to put good food into my body at most meals and I know I want to feel that again.

I need to get my health back in the spotlight but I don't want to be all crazy and obsessive about it. I want to eat like a normal person without it being the main focus of my life.

On that note... let's talk about today!

Today has been a gorgeous Mother's Day.. My two belly babes and my foster babe have made me feel very special and spoilt me with a lovely breakfast and a handful of carefully selected presents. They know me very well. I stayed in bed while they scurried around preparing things. I ate a delicious 2 course breakfast of cheesy leek toasties and eggs and tomato salsa on toast and sipped espresso out of my new Marimekko mug that the girls chose for me (I get a new one each special occasion).

I am at my Nan's now where we have had a delightful lunch and spent quality time hanging out, drinking tea and ducking outside for the occasional kick of the footy.

It's been idyllic.

I might leave it there today and show you a few photos of my lovely morning... I'll have a think about my next post and try to be positive and proactive rather than whiny.

If you read this.. please do leave a comment!

xxoo

Excuse the poor quality picture but I wanted to share the lovely "mum" cakes that my darling foster daughter baked me. So lovely..