Maid in Australia

Yabby Dabba Do ....

2012-01-31T16:59:00.019+10:00

Review: Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm Western Australia: Nipper's Restaurant

It was a special occasion during our recent stay in Western Australia: My big brother's birthday. (Not telling how old he was.) *

Anyway, he decided on lunch at one of his favourite restaurant's for the occasion, the Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm, surprisingly enough, near Albany in WA.

My brother and his family are regulars here, and it's no surprise.

The relaxed venue is unlike anywhere I have eaten in Australia, or in fact, the world. Though it's a perfect spot for groups and couples of all ages, it's also family friendly (and you will see why very soon).

But first: The food.

The restaurant/cafe, Nippers, has an indoors/outdoors feel. The menu is fresh, seasonal, imaginative, and particularly for Western Australia, where dining out can be expensive, real value for money.

Nipper's Restaurant, Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm

The specials menu changes regularly to incorporate whatever is yummy, fresh and seasonal. The kind of menu that is not just for tourists but keeps locals like my family coming back for more.

Being an (occasional) food blogger, gives a girl an excuse to be greedy. I was really keen to sample all the Western Australian cuisine my brother had ~~taunted me about~~ tempted me with over the years. And there were more than enough hungry mouths to help me finish it.

This was the tasting plate which included yabbies (more than I could count), melt-in-your-mouth asparagus, avocado, goat's cheese, salad, turkish bread, aioli and more. For $28 it had to be one of the best value dishes I've had in Australia anywhere. It was way more than I could eat, and I think everyone on the table who wanted one had at least one yabby. (My son made short work of several!)

The quality was sublime. So much so, that Chase and I have been dreaming of yabbies for months.

The chef sources the food from their own farm or as locally as possible, and you can taste the difference. The service is friendly too.

This was Chase's yabby pizza, which he pronounced delicious. The piece I tried was mouth-watering. Not a scrap was left behind, and this was an adult serve.

This was just part of a chicken wrap shared by my nephew and sister-in-law.

One of the kids' pizza and chips ...

My big brother's marron pizza ...

A kiddie meal - ham and cheese toastie and chips which came with a juice box

The relaxed setting. We could have sat in the air-conditioning indoors, but chose the roomy outdoors area which meant we could watch the kids explore, and also enjoy the breeze, even on a hot day.

One of the attractions of the Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm was that the kids (big and small) could spend time waiting for their food to be prepared roaming the grounds.

The farm is home to a wonderful collection of wildlife in the grounds, including dingoes, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, ponies, and of course, marron For a small charge, guests can hand-feed some of the animals. The kids (and big kid Bronnie, adored it!)

For once, there was no call of "I'm bored", and the meals were there before we knew it. And after, as the adults lingered over coffee, the kids went back for a second look. Bliss.

We were able to settle in for as long as we wanted to.

So while the adults chatted, the kids enjoyed ...

* Disclosure: Not because I am a nice sister, but because by sharing my big brother's age, I may, in fact, inadvertantly, disclose my own.

If you go: The Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm is situated between Albany and beautiful Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, 304 Two Peoples Bay Rd, Albany, WA, 6330. Ph: 08 9846 4239

And now for something really important...

2012-01-28T15:56:00.000+10:00

Forget about national events, there have been far more important milestones going down at Chez MIA.

The week began with kids making the long awaited/dreaded Return To School.

They were reasonably ready to go back to school, and even fleetingly pose for a photo.

The budget-busting, kitchen-table-groan-inducing school supplies eventually were wrapped, labelled and stuffed into these ...

It only took me about four trips to carry them through torrential rain on the first day. (I let the kids off with just the initial trip with their back packs, since I didn't think they needed to get soaked umpteen times on their first day back).

Sadly, the change of weather did not bode well for Miss 8's asthma, and the next morning we found ourselves at our GP's where she was treated and monitored for an acute asthma attack. Poor little pet.

When we picked up her big brother that afternoon we were met with the news that there had been a reported case of nits at school. A very ill child and a suspected case of nits, all by day two of the school year people. Day Two!!

The next morning I ~~was dragged screaming~~ jumped effortlessly out of bed bright and early to celebrate ~~Mr10's~~ Mr 11's birthday celebrations! Yes, that's right, Chase turned 11 on Australia Day. (And he shall always be my Australia Day baby, just as to our GP, he will always be Sultana Boy. But that's a story for another post ...)

Unfortunately, the never-ending Queensland rain, and Harmonie's and my own-ill health meant we had to cancel our park and ice-skating plans, but we still managed to have a pretty good day.

First, there was the traditional Dawn Ceremony/Opening Of The Presents, which this year consisted largely of Moshi Monster type goodness, in the form of membership and toys.

After presents, one of our birthday traditions is that the birthday boy or girl gets to choose to have a meal (or morning or afternoon tea) out.

This year, Chase chose breakfast. And, for a change, he didn't want to go to a restaurant.

This year, his meal of choice was McDonalds. With a pre-breakfast $2 birthday massage.

A usually forbidden massage treat. Aaaargh ...

Birthday breakfast. Fit for an 11-year-old apparently.

Sibling love ... Could he sit any further away from his sister?

Later, it was time for visitors and of course, cake!

We made sure not to forget Tasmania!

Unlike Arnott's special Australia Day shapes!

Although Harmonie had a solution!

See? Instant Tasmania ...

Just another typical week at Chez MIA.

And the greatest of these? Was of course Chasely's birthday ...

Happy birthday to the ~~boy~~ young man, who make me smile. And laugh. Worry. And sometimes cry.

Mr 11.

Now he is something worth really celebrating!

Sunday Selections: Back To School

2012-01-22T15:56:00.002+10:00

Or: Guess what I'll be doing for the rest of today?

These are the school books plus earphones, USB drives, copy paper, pens and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink requirements for two children. Two!

And there are still several sold out books on order.

Plus there are these:

Bags plus chairs bags plus art folios.

Don't even get me started on lunch boxes, bottles and lunches!

Now, how am I going to cover and name all the feckers?

How am I going to fit all this into my little car and carry it all into school next week?

How in hell do people with more than two kids manage?

Most importantly, who else will be eating baked beans on toast for the rest of the month?

Today I'm linking up with the lovely Kim of Frogpondsrock for her regular Sunday Selection session.

Message in a lunchbox ...

2012-01-20T13:24:00.004+10:00

My kitchen table is threatening to crumble under the weight of school books, pens, copy paper, and in a sign of the times, usb drives.

Yes parents, it's back to school time, and already I'm stressed at the thought of preparing school lunches that will be actually eaten and appreciated.

So I was delighted when Kellogg's and LCMs sent me a sample of their newest product to try, and a few other goodies.

Miss 8 was even more impressed, and wasted no time inspecting the parcel.

The new product is LCMs that you can write on! The idea is that parents can write special messages to their kids, on the bars, so when the anklebiters open their lunchboxes at school, they get a little surprise. A cheery message from home will let the little tykes know that Mum or Dad is thinking of them, and make their day a little bit brighter.

Chase would have liked a pack for himself...

Oh look! They even included one, just for me. (Excuse me while I run off to hide it. Thanks.)

Harmonie wanted to check the flavour was still the same. "Yes, still yummy," she says!

'Aww, can't I keep them?", she asks? The pack also included a lunch box, complete with icy lid to keep the contents cool, a juice box, and sultanas.

Hmm, interesting marketing. "Mumma, why does the doggie have its head cut off?" asks H.

The LCMs Write-On Wrappers are available for a limited time only to celebrate Back to School (or prep, kindy, childcare or whatever). The special bars gives parents the chance to leave cute messages for their kids like: 'I love you', reminders like: 'No hat, no play', or "Return your library book", or even share a silly joke.

I gave my Write-On LCMs a trial run when the kids went to vacation care last week.

They were going for a day at the local pool, where there was to be a giant inflatable jumping like apparatus to be set up for the day.

We were running ~~late as usual~~ to a tight schedule, so I didn't have time to take photos.

But I wrote something like:

"Enjoy your day at the pool" on Chase's;

and

"Have fun jumping at the pool!" on Harmonie's.

And after each message, I drew a love heart.

When I picked them up, both kids were chortling.

"Mum why did you tell me to enjoy the poo?," said Chase.

"Me too," sniggered Harmonie. "And you told me to jump in it."

"And you drew a picture of a poo!," Chase continued. "Mum you're rude."

Turns out my '!' and the 'l' kind of ran into each other in my haste, and the love hearts looked more like poos than hearts.

At least that's what my kids, and all the others at vacation care thought.

And now all the other kids want their Mums to buy Write-On LCMs for them too. I am hoping that's not so they can be left messages about poo, but I'm afraid the damage may already have been done. (Really, my heart was in the right place. Years of frantic note-taking as a journalist has left my handwriting as scratchy as a doctor's).

In any case, the very generous people at Kellogg's and LCMs have given the readers of MIA a fabulous LCM Write-On Wrapper Back To School Pack, which includes a backpack, lunchbox, waterbottle, pens, and of course a supply of the new LCM Write-ON Wrapper bars, valued at $150.

To enter, simply comment below and tell me in 25 words or less what message you would leave for your child on the first day they started school.

And now the legal stuff ...
The competition is a game of skill and will be drawn by a representative of Kellogg's and LCMs.
Competition closes on January 27, at 5pm AEST.
Please check back to see if you have won. If you do not check back, every attempt will be made to find you. If the winner can not be found, the prize will be redrawn after seven days.

Disclosure: MIA was given a sample pack of LCMs to try, a lunch box, juice box, and sultana pack to try by Kellogg's LCMs. No payment has been received for this post.

Wordless Wednesday: The Hump Day Edition

2012-01-18T09:30:00.003+10:00

A road sign at Sigatoka, Fiji

Happy Hump Day!

MIA travelled to Fiji with the help of Tourism Fiji Australia and Air Pacific Fiji.

This is a bloggy link-up with Trish of My Little Drummer Boy.

Ms Cordiality!

2012-01-15T21:36:00.001+10:00

From the Long, Long Ago Memories of Summers Past comes the times when Mum would keep jugs of Cottee's cordial made up in the fridge.

These were usually only allowed on Special Occasions.

Sunday lunches after church, when we were having guests, celebrating a birthday, and/or, God forbid (pun intended), having the minister and his wife over for a meal.

The biggest treats were icy cups, which we made ourselves and ate with a spoon. Many an icy cup helped to pass long hot summer holidays without air-conditioning or (gasp!) ceiling fans! They were usually enjoyed after days spent cycling in the bush with friends, catching yabbies at the nearest creek, or swimming at the local pool.

After my own kids came along, health experts warned - and rightly so - that water was best, and I kind of got out of the habit of buying or drinking cordial. Besides those 2-litre bottles were so heavy and took up so much room in our pantry and/or fridge.

But I do believe there are times, particularly on blisteringly hot Queensland days, when kids need a treat, don't you?

So I was taken back to my childhood recently when Cottee's kindly sent me a sample of their latest fridge containers to try. They actually call it a Mix-It-Up Jug, and it holds 2 litres of made-up cordial and sits neatly in the fridge door.

Available free at Coles, with the purchase of any two specially-marked 1-litre containers of Cottee's cordials (while stocks last), the jugs are marked with measurements so there are no excuses for flavouring mistakes. Plus, the jugs are made for easy pouring, so even icy-pole-making is a breeze.

Miss 8 and Mr 10 wasted no trouble trying out the Cottee's Coola 1 litre sample we were sent to try as well.

I have to admit, I love the 1 litre sizes, as I hated lugging home the 2 litre containers, and to my surprise the smaller size was just as full of flavour as its predecessor.

It took just a sip of Coola to instantly transport me back to my childhood. I'd forgotten how yummy cordial was! (And Coola is a refreshing lime flavour, which is great watered-down on hot sports days).

And it was a simple and economical treat for visiting children over the holidays as well. (I worked about about 1 litre of Cottee's make about 10 litres of cordial, so you can't go wrong really).

Anyway, thanks to Cottee's and Alvin And The Chimunks 3 Chipwrecked 3, I
have a fantastic School Holiday giveaway for MIA readers and their families.

The prize pack consists of:

- A Cottee's Cordial 2-litre Mix-it-up Jug as pictured above with my darling children.

- A 1-litre bottle of Cottee's Cordial

- An Alvin and the Chipmunks beachball

2 X double passes to see Alvin and the Chipmunks 3

1 X Alvin and the Chipmunks double DVD

1 Alvin and the Chipmunk pencil case

An Alvin and the Chipmunks collection of plush toys

To enter, simply tell me your favourite flavour of Cottee's cordial and why.

Entries will be drawn on January 19, at 5 pm, and announced in a post on my blog on January 20, and on twitter. Please remember to check back to see if you have won.

Winners will be given 48 hours to respond or prizes will be given to charity.

Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday: The school shoe shopping edition

2012-01-12T07:36:00.000+10:00

Cheesus! Mickey Mouse's demands leaked

2012-01-10T08:05:00.001+10:00

They all have them.

Riders.

You know the kind of thing.

Ridiculous demands like M and Ms with all the brown ones picked out. Expensive varieties of grown-up drinks. Loads of deep-fried chicken and/or very healthy macrobiotic raw foods and peaceful koi fish. Presumably to look at in the latter case.

Now a spy in the camp of Disney Live camp has revealed the headliner of the troupe, Mickey Mouse, is a bit of a pipsqueak when it comes to diva-like demands on tour.

For those outside of showbiz riders are the food, drinks and miscellaneous treats entertainers demand be laid on in order for them to perform.

Known as one of the nicest guys on tour, Mickey is famous for politely requesting that all his cast and crew share the goodies on his Rider.

Mickey’s Rider is no Flo-Rida. Lady Gaga or Mariah Carey situation, rather, it’s a humble snapshot of what the most famous mouse in the world – and one of the most famous performers across the globe – has ever so politely requested rather than demanded on his Aussie tour.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival promises to be THE event for kids this Summer holidays – a live concert experience starring their most loved characters and stars, where they can rock out to remixed songs they all know!

Mickey's Queensland Rider seems to indicate that Mickster is keen to embrace his Queensland visit by getting to know more about the Sunshine State.

Are you ready?

CONFIDENTIAL: MR MOUSE’S RIDER – QUEENSLAND TOUR – Gold Coast + Brisbane DISNEY LIVE! TOUR 2012:

1. Cheese.
Known cheese aficionados, Mickey and Minnie are very keen to sample local Australian varieties, and have requested a selection of the famous Queensland Kenilworth and Maleny cheeses; the Apenzell cheese from Sunshine Coast cheesemaker Fromart (recently crowned Queensland’s Champion Cheese); and the Caerphilly from Witches Chase on Mount Tambourine. Please also include 2kg of Coon and Bega's top sellers, prepared in whatever what is best for tasting. They are really looking forward to sampling local produce in Queensland.)

2. Chocolate Cake
Though Minnie’s Chocolate cake is Mickey’s absolute favourite, he would like to request a large chocolate cake of your choosing to share with the cast and crew before a big show.

3. A framed picture of Minnie Mouse.

4. An air guitar.

5. An experienced mouse-eusse. Made available 3 hours before the show to him and the rest of the cast. That would be lovely, thanks.

6. Extra-extra-large ear muffs. Even during the Queensland Summer.

7. A large dog bed for Pluto should he feel like an afternoon nap.

8. A five seater couch in his dressing room
Definitely needed so Mickey, Minnie and Donald can sit and prepare before a show, and then relax after a show.

9. Cheese-scented candles.
Note: No Blue Cheeses to be used in the scents please.

10. A karaoke machine.
Needed backstage so the cast and crew can sing up a storm anytime they want, it’s important that music follows them everywhere!!

No surprises there really, are there?

For tickets and tour dates go to: http://www.disneylive.com.au/

And now for the winners of my Disney Live competition! They are:

Mlle Slimalicious
Kelly
Effie
Hotly Spiced
Rubyjaz

Congratulations. Please email or message me with your names and addresses so we can send out your prizes.

Fiji Me: We built a house in a morning!

2012-01-07T20:24:00.004+10:00

So the Christmas-New Year celebrations are over, and I don't know about you, but I'm feeling in a wee bit of a slump.

No presents? No special foods? No lazy days, spent swimming, watching movies, reading, and messing about on the computer?

It's enough to make anyone feel less than merry.

Loads of washing? Check. Endless cleaning? Check. Never-ending list of books, pencils, glue, and (signs of the times) USB sticks to buy, and be covered and labelled for school? Check.

Clearly, while the proverbial 'holiday' is over, school holidays are not.

Which is why it's the perfect time to look back at some of my missing memories from 2011.

They're the moments that have been have written about and stored in my drafts file, but because of commitments like, I don't know, life, I didn't get around to posting about at the time.

This weekend, it's back to our Fijian holiday, and in particular, the wonderful day where we built a fish house in a morning!

This special experience was one of the highlights of our stay at Shangri-La's The Fijian Resort And Spa at Yanuca Island, Fiji.

Mereoni (Oni) Mataika runs the resort's award-winning Marine Education Centre. (There will be a separate post on this later). Her work includes operating a reef protection environment program that allows guest to interact directly with the natural environment by building fish houses.

The homes preserve and grow the area's fragile coral reef ecosystem, and encourage fish and other marine life to visit and breed there. Not to mention the growth of coral.
Oni explains that decades of cyclones have damaged some of the pristine reefs that protect the Fijian islands. Other areas - not around Yanuca Island, which is a protected area - the ocean has been overfished or polluted.

What I love about The Fijian Resort And Spa is that they take a wholistic, community, good corporite citizen role of their view in the community and the environment as well.

They give back as much as possible, and even give guests the opportunity to maintain the environment that has attracted them to Fiji in the first place.

We were thrilled when we heard about the program, and wasted no time putting our hands up to build our very own fish house. I mean, everyone has build a sandcastle, but a fish house? It was another first for all three of us!

Oni picked us up in a buggy and took us to a quieter part of the resort, away from the sun lounges and kayaks, where we practically had the beach to ourselves.

A lovely local man called Moses, who studies for his marine biology degree in his spare time, while not working at the resort AND supporting his wife and kids, was waiting to talk us through it. (I so admire the staff here, they are amazing).

The magical beach where fish houses are made

Paradise!

Help preserve all this? How could we not?

Oni tells the kids why fish houses are important. (See below for an explanation)

Harmonie and Moses get started by placing rocks in a circle and cementing them together. Chase watches until he gets the idea...

...And then enthusiastically joins in!

Fish House Central

The partially made home. The kids, with Moses's help, have used rocks, coral, shells and cement to build a house, purposely leaving windows for the fish to swim in and out of. The inside remains hollow, just like a home.

Then it's time to pick up shells to decorate the house with. Once the house is properly dry, Oni will 'seed' the house with fast-growing coral which will eventually grow and help rebuild the reef. Attracting even more marine life. And encouraging more coral to grow. See how it works? Genius!

Chase finds a piece of brain coral. Oni tells him it grows about 1 cm a year, so we work out this is as old as Chase! It's too big to put on the fish house sadly, and he'd love to take it home, but I figure Australian Quarantine would have something to say about that. So we leave it where it is, and where it has been for the past 10 years. And we all agree something feels very right about that!

Moses and Harmonie put the finishing touches on our house.

Then Moses attaches a special tag. Oni will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's called a geo-tag. Basically it's a tag that means that it contains the information that this is the fish house that Chase and Harmonie built at the Shangri La's Fijian Resort and Spa. And, whenever the mood takes us, we can check in via google earth and see where our fish house, what type of fish (or eels/snakes/other marine life) are using it, and what type of coral has grown on it. Isn't that cool?

This is what our tag looks like. The holiday souvenir that lasts forever.

Our finished fish house.
The kids even left their autographs on it! (Probably one of the rare times they are allowed to write in wet concrete).

Our happy Fish House Building Team. That's Moses and Oni with Chase and Harmonie.

Why are Fish Houses important? It's all part of coral gardening.

Those of us blessed to live near coral reefs know that they take a long time to grow. So after the destruction caused by humans or natural disasters like cyclones, it can take forever for reefs - and marine life - to recover.

At the Fijian Resort and Spa, Oni's role at the Marine Education Centre includes removing the coral-destroying crown of thorn starfish, and rebuilding coral by constructing fish houses.

It's not just guests who are encouraged to get involved. Local people and school children are educated on how to help as well.

The houses are stone, cement, and coral structures which are hollow inside, with windows to encourage fish to shelter inside. The houses also absorb wave energy, and reduce impact of waves on the coastline.

MIA's stay at Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa was sponsored by Tourism Fiji, Air Pacific Fiji, and the resort. It's a wonderful destination, not just for families, but for couples, groups, and singles as well. (The resort does have adults-only areas including rooms and pools).

MIA's first celebrity of the year: With added giveaway

2012-01-04T13:37:00.003+10:00

So I promised you giveaways, and giveaways you shall have.

And 2012's giveaway comes from no less that the world's most famous, and ageless, mouse, Mickey Mouse.

Currently visiting Australia with the rest of the lovable Disney Live entertainers, including of course, his longtime love-interest Minnie Mouse, and their mischievous friends Goofy, Donald Duck, and special guests, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and the gang from Toy Story, Mickey took time out from his busy schedule to give MIA an exclusive interview:

Your bio doesn't seem to mention your age?: Gosh, let’s just say I’ve been acting since 1928. Not bad, huh?

Any Nickname/s?: Well, sometimes Goofy calls me, “Mick.”

Famous for?: I don’t know about, “famous” but folks seem to like the cartoons I’ve been in. Oh, and lots of folks know about my club… ‘Course I bet a lot of little kids know about my clubhouse too. (ha-ha).

Current Residence: Lately, I’ve been all over the place, there’s lots and lots of travel
for Minnie and Me with our shows, and visiting children everywhere. Lately you might say that home is where you hang your guitar. (ha-ha)

Do you have a girlfriend?: Minnie’s been my sweetheart for a long time, if that’s what you mean. She’s the best!

Hobbies: Oh, I like doin’ lots of stuff. Playin’ music, dancin’, fishin’, hot air balloonin’… you know? And I love to travel, it’s going to be great coming to Australia this Summer, we can’t wait.

What do you never travel without and why?: If ya ask me, it sure is hard to beat a pair of red shorts, they are a must when we pack to travel! And my music … I like all sorts of music! If it can get me dancin’, great! If it can get a crowd dancing, that’s even better! Of course I never travel without Minnie and my friends Goofy, Donald, Daisy…

Favourite holiday destination?: We love travelling all over the world, meeting children and making them smile and dance and sing. Australia is one of our favorites, Australian kids sing real loud!

Favourite Movie to Watch on a Plane: Gee, that’s a tough one… I really like Fantasia! It sure was fun to make. (ha-ha)

Mickey, what keeps you motivated after a long, long journey? I guess the first thing I think about is all my pals, all over the world. There’s nothin’ like good friends to make everyday tons of fun. Yeah, they really keep me goin’.

What’s the wildest thing that has happened to you and the Disney crew? Well, between Donald’s practical jokes and Goofy almost blowin’ things up all the time, I’d have to say, “this week.” (ha-ha)

Tell me a little bit about your new musical tour and what kids can expect: A little bit, huh? OK, how about three words: “Rock and roll!” (ha-ha)

Of the Disney crew that travel with you, who is the most: Naughty; Friendly and Intelligent? Let’s see… Donald sure does like to stir things up and Goofy’s awful friendly and Minnie’s really smart… Oh, and Daisy too – can’t forget her. (ha-ha)

How important to you is family and friends? Well, like I said, my I love all my friends. I think in a lot of ways, they make me who I am, ya know? If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be me. That’s why I love travelling with them all too!

Why is engaging in music so important for young children as they grow? You know what I heard? I heard that kids who are into music are really good at learning all kinds of stuff, like math and science and art. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get to know other people. But maybe the most important thing to me is how much fun music can be!

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival is touring Australia intil February 6 2012.

Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The line-up of performers including, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie, Woody, Buzz and Jessie are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session!

TOUR DATES/TICKETS

After already playing Perth to critical acclaim, the show continues as follows:

GOLD COAST Jan 6-7 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
BRISBANE Jan 9-10 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
SYDNEY Jan 12-15 Sydney Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster
NEWCASTLE Jan 17-18 Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

WOLLONGONG Jan 21 WIN Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
ADELAIDE Jan 23-24 Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
MELBOURNE Jan 26-29 The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketmaster
LAUNCESTON Feb 1-2 Silverdrome – Silverdrome
HOBART Feb 4-6 Derwent Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster

Tickets
A Reserve: $36.50 (*family ticket $135)
B Reserve: $29.50 (*family ticket $105)
*Admits any configuration of four people
For more information and to purchase tickets to Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival visit http://www.disneylive.com.au/

Thanks to Mickey and his friends at Disney Live! MIA has five awesome Disney Live Kids' Packs to give away, each containing a bag, colouring book and VIP program. Each pack is valued at $25.
To enter, please leave a comment below, sharing your favourite Disney character and why.
(Competition is a game of skill and will be drawn by a representative of Disney Live! after 5 pm January 6, 2012.)

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T17:46:00.011+10:00

We welcomed 2012 very quietly at home in Brisbane.

The kids weren't wild about the idea of taking public transport into Southbank for the official Brisbane celebrations, even for the early child-friendly fireworks.

And I'm glad we didn't go, because even though both kids were determined to stay up until midnight - and this year, I decided to let them as long as they agreed to sleep in the next morning - Mr 10 ended up crashing at about 9.30 pm. We never even would have made it home by then!

So instead we had a quiet party at home, at the request of both children. And to my relief. Let's face it, I couldn't afford a fancy New Year's Eve event, and most of them weren't family friendly at all.

And because we're renting a nice place at the moment, complete with pool, we were all really happy with the idea of staying here to enjoy the 'five star luxury' as Chase describes it.

We had party crackers we got half-price after Christmas, so were soon wearing silly party hats and telling bad jokes while we drank our juice and water from light-up glasses.

In-between swims, we watched New Year's Eve marathons on telly. At 8.30 pm, we brought out the glow-stick necklaces and bracelets and sparklers. Such a treat to have a packet each, though Harmonie shared one of hers with me!

After Chase caved, Miss 8 tried valiantly to keep her eyes open, but when she started yawning around 11 pm, I suggested bed, and she nodded reluctantly.

And now I'm a grown-up I didn't feel the need to 'see the new year in' on my own. (Just what is there to see anyway?). Instead, I stuck with the time-honoured tradition of mothers everywhere, and grabbed some sleep while I could!

Again, just as well.

Because the early-to bed dude rose at the crack of dawn begging to go to the local markets. (Another advantage of not partying is that you can wake up early and without a hangover. It may be boring, but you've got to love that)!

I made him wait until his sister woke up - especially since she'd stayed up so late - and then we piled into the car.

Only to find the markets were shut.

Wow. I felt sure they opened year round, but clearly I was wrong.

I offered to take the kids out for a New Year's Day breakfast (it used to be kind of a family tradition for us) but they said no, and that they'd rather go home. They are such homebodies these days, and seem to treasure every minute we spend together. And I'm proud they realise that doesn't necessarily have to mean spending a lot of money, it just has to mean spending time with each other. Bless their little hearts.

So we went to a park for a while, before the heat drove us home for more swimming, while Mr 10 cooked a BBQ brunch. (He insisted! And of course, at 10, he still needs help and supervision, but I do encourage his hobby).

So our brunch included eggs, bacon, chicken sausages, which we had with tomato, mixed lettuce, peppers, Japanese mayo and rustic crusty bread. Miss 8 added tomato sauce, and Mr 10, barbecue. So delicious.

Then we watched a movie and read while brunch when down, and spent the day swimming, napping, reading and watching telly. There was a walk in the afternoon, and more swimming.

We could have had friends over, but most were visiting family themselves and/or already had plans.

And quite frankly, because we see so much less of each other, especially in the school holidays, when access is on a 50-50 basis, we were just happy in each others' company. And that was cool.

It would probably sound boring to a younger Bronnie, particularly the girl I was in my 20s and even 30s, when New Year was often celebrated in another country, or in a big night out.

But if I'm honest, this was one of the best New Year celebrations ever. And the easiest. Hanging out with my own small humans was far cooler than I ever could have imagined! What great people they are turning out to be.

And as I tried to explain in my last post, I feel like I'm in a much better place than this time last year.

And so I have fingers, legs, arms, and toes crossed that 2012 will bring wonderful things. Not just for me, but for my children, my family, my friends, and/or for all of us.

Happy 2012.

The pool got plenty of use!

Look closer, and you'll notice that Missy Moo has snacks in the middle of her Li-Lo. Cheeky!

Mr 10 was too busy 'creating' in the kitchen to let me take photos while he was cooking, but he let me take a quick one before he tucked in. Note how serious he looks!

Chase cooked Nigella Lawson's creamy ham and pea pasta for our New Year's Eve dinner. Delicious!

Then it was time for Sparklers

For both of them

I like this photo because there's a cat in the background looking like it's got sparkly eyes and a cape!

Meanwhile, here are a few other reasons I'm glad we had a quiet New Year's Eve at home ...

This report was originally published in the Daily Telegraph and on http://www.new.com.au/:

AT St Vincent's Sydney, it was a typical New Year's Eve - with subtle variations.

Head of Emergency at St Vincent's, Dr Gordian Fulde, gives his report card:

"TWAS a good New Year's Eve - well, at least for most of the population who weren't left sick or bleeding.

It is the only night of the year when the whole world, black or white, religious or not, celebrates and has a drink. Hence lots of violence.

We had two stabbings, one into a male's abdomen resulting in a perforated bowel.

There were also lots of assaults and fights. One young man is still unconscious with bleeding on the brain after being king-hit.

A 36-year-old giant of a man was so drunk and violent he needed to be sedated twice because when he woke up he was still very dangerous and out of control.

Several pedestrians were hit by cars, including a 28-year-old drunk male.

Falls from vantage points occurred after midnight. One 25-year-old female climbed on to a first floor ledge to see the fireworks but fell.

A 19-year-old got up on a metal roof for the fireworks. While sliding down he suffered deep lacerations to his arm, damaging muscles and tendons, requiring surgery.

We even saw more vomit than blood!

A boy, 16, with a blood alcohol of 0.3 could only just be roused. A 24-year-old female suffered a nasty head laceration when she slipped in her bathroom while vomiting.

A female, 23, was found intoxicated. She had abrasions everywhere but has no idea how she got them.

But none were as bad as one young lady who was so drunk she dislocated her jaw vomiting!

Several mixed alcohol with ecstasy, coming to hospital unable to breathe, suffering panic attacks and vomiting.

One really stupid incident occurred when some friends "as a joke'' folded over a metal bottle top and put it in a mate's drink.

He choked on it and needed to have it removed in hospital. A close call.

Despite all that, I suspect most had a good evening and I wish all a happy new year."

Cheers to that!

2012 you better be swell ...

2012-01-01T21:29:00.006+10:00

Much of 2011, quite frankly, sucked.

In fact, my good friend and inspirational bloggie colleague and fellow Amanda Cox, she of the Bad Mother's Club/Real Mother's Club and Diary of a Mad Cow fame, summed it up best.

"If 2011 had been one of our kids, it would have been sent to its room until it could learn to behave in an appropriate and socially acceptable manner," she said, in her Farewell to 2011 Diary of a Mad Cow post.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

Not being one to make New Years' Resolutions - quite frankly I make and break resolutions year round, often on a daily basis - I wasn't sure about making a farewell 2011 post of my own.

But so many of my blogging friends were posting great wrap-ups of their 2011 experiences, and I had enjoyed reading them. It occured to me that since this blog is a record of my life with my kids, our travels, and my journey towards happiness, it would be remiss not to take a look at my own year.

And from the very first post, the one from this time last year, it was apparent that 2011 didn't suck quite so much as I thought.

In fact, I've come a long way in just 12 months. 12 months in which, once again, there were tears, challenges, anxiety, grief, and loss; but also growth, friendship, travel, joy, and laughter.

For one thing, I am now in a complete different place. Literally. Physically. Emotionally.

This time last year, after surviving what had described then as "the worst year of my life," (and I stand by that description), I'd ridiculously hoped that it would be 'heaven in 2011' .

Clearly, I was asking for trouble. For 2011 Bloody Well Was Not Anywhere Near Heavenly.

But parts of it were.

And for that, I can be extremely grateful.

2011, like life, was a mixed bag. That cliched rollercoaster of highs and lows, of darkness and light, of feeling dreadfully sick, and joyfully alive.

The main thing is, I'm still here. And 2012 is another year.

And it better be good, or I'll be giving it a good talking to, and sending it to the naughty corner.

In the meantime, here are some of my more interesting moments from 2011.

- Too cool for school and Holiday High-Jinks: A wrap-up of last year's Christmas/summer school holidays

- The day Mr 9 turned 10 and Miss 8's birthday

- The night I was touched by a man just right in a bar, and then fondled publicly by a woman the very next day. Sigh. Fondles, fun and frolics

- The very long day, when my little man needed surgery.

- A happy post that ended up sad. For such is the reality of single parenting.

- The Hot Cross Bum post. (Warning: May contain TMI).

- Beware the skanks. Because it made you smile.

- My Autism Day post. It didn't articulate everything I wanted to say, but it was one of my most heart-felt and popular.

- Possibly my most revealing post ever, my entry into the Kidspot Top Blogger's Competition. It didn't win me a car for a year, but it did explain what drives me.

- Parking at rear. Or what it's really like to have a colonoscopy. (More TMI)

- The weird week that started stressfully but ended on an unexpected high. It coincided with what would have been my 11th wedding anniversary, and ended up with all kinds of signs from the universe that life was looking up.

- The ones where I posted about taking my kids on the holiday-of-a-lifetime to Fiji: Postcards From Fiji, Fiji Me, Bula, Get Thee To Fiji, Fiji - Finally!, and Mumma Gets Her Zen On. Fiji was definitely a highlight of our year, and was so wonderful, I still have dozens of posts and photos to share.

- On our return, I got sick with a chest infection and tummy bug AND moved house. Surprise, surprise, there are no posts about that nightmare. Not because I didn't want to share - in fact I have a post in drafts still to finish! But I simply was so damn exhausted and sick and busy I didn't have a spare moment. Maybe I'll resurrect that post one day, but in the meantime, I'm not even sure if it's that interesting any more.

- Then the kids finished school with a raft of events, where I couldn't draw breath, after which we found ourselves on a plane again. This time, the purpose was to visit my brother and his family in Western Australia. Again, we had the best time. It was an eye-opening experience for the children, and a reminder of the size of this land of ours that we call home. I've posted about our time in Western Australia: Go West, WA's best fish and chips, and Sunset. (There will be more to come from WA too).

- Finally, there was our Christmas, and this, wrap-up I guess, of 2011.

Happy New Year to you all. And may 2012 bring only awesome things.

It was Christmas - but not as I knew it!

2011-12-30T20:30:00.001+10:00

As as 2011 draws to an end, I thought it was timely to take time out from our school holiday slumbers to post about our Christmas.

How was yours?

Truly, I was kind of dreading mine.

It was the first since having my children, that I've spent without them.

The lead-up was probably the worst.

The weeks before Christmas have always, like travel, been about the journey: Getting there.

The baking of festive treats; visiting Santa; buying and making of gifts for family and friends; buying, making, wrapping and hiding gifts for each other; visiting the Christmas lights, especially the wonderful award-winning one our school janitor Mr Kelly puts on every year.

I missed all that, because taking the kids to Western Australia to visit my brother and his family, meant the kids' father got extra time with them when we returned - and fair enough too.

But that meant I missed out on special pre-Christmas time with the ankle-biters. I didn't even get to take them to get their pre-Christmas Santa photo because I'd assumed we'd get to do it in Albany, WA. But at the shopping centres we visited, Santa was never there. Must have been busy with his Reindeer I guess, or perhaps southern WA may have been a bit too far off the radar for pre-Christmas photos!

Thankfully, we'd put up and decorated the tree; and the kids had chosen and wrapped their presents for each other, their Dad, his partner, and his mother, before we went to WA.

But I still felt like I'd lost a part of myself as I drove up on my lonesome to my family's home in Wondai, southeast Queensland, where we traditionally celebrate Christmas. Except this year, it was without my children.

I'd wondered, on my first Christmas 'on my own' - how I dislike that self-pitying phrase! - should I have done something else? Taken off to a far-flung destination. Visited with friends. I have many who live around the globe who entreated me to come and visit. Or I could stay at home, but help out at a local mission or visit those without family at the nearby aged care home. You know, just to get my head out of my own arse, and realise I have a lot to be thankful for.

But Mum and Dad are getting on in years, and although my brother and family from WA couldn't make it this year, many of the rest of the family could travel to the traditional family celebration venue. And I felt it was important to be there. Because - well, you know why. Without revealing too much of my parents' personal health, things can change in the blink of the eye. And even though they longed to see the kids, me on my own was better than not at all.

As it happened, being with my other family, was the best thing I could have done.

I stayed with my sister and her hubby at their lovely farm and spent my days at my parents'.

There was comfort in being with loved ones and the familiarity of times gone by.

In the past, being with family and friends has made me feel more aware of my single mum status - not that there is anything wrong with that! But this time it didn't seem to bother me.

Perhaps that comes with acceptance and time. Certainly, it's never been something my loved ones have put onto me. It's just been something within me. A feeling of being the 'odd one out', with all the baggage.

And perhaps it was that this time, there was no need to explain to those who hadn't seen me in a while that yes, my marriage had hit the skids.

"You don't pick men well, do you?," marvelled a well-meaning family friend outside church last year, when Mr then 9 had triumphantly showed her my ring finger, and Miss then 7 had chimed in: 'Mumma happy now'.

(Trust me, there are not secrets in a small town when you have small children!)

Anyway.

As usual, there was the traditional Wondai Christmas Eve Festival, which has been held every year for as long as I can remember. Except for last year when the Queensland flood rains meant it had to be cancelled for the first time in history.

The festival hasn't changed much, except that the infamous sleigh rides - where kids used to ride around on the back of trucks, often shooting from water pistols and climbing on and off as the trucks were in motion - are no longer offered. For obvious reasons.

Pre-carnival

The Hotel Cecil, attracting patrons since 1911

The always popular Merry Go Round. There are always popular turkey and ham wheels also, and there used to be a fabbo train ride for the little ones.

Possibly the world's smallest sideshow alley...

The traditional barbecue. Though the Marquardt family and extended loved ones usually opt for the air-conditioned comfort of the RSL. I really wish I had thought to take photos. I enjoyed possibly Australia's cheapest seafood basket at $12, a tasty concoction of fish, scallops, prawns, calamari and chips. And you help yourself to a vegie and salad buffet. Cannot beat it. I think the most expensive meal is a steak at $13. My parents opted for roast turkey, and again, all meals come with the self-service buffet.

The next morning, despite no kids in the house, my sister, her hubby and I rose early for church with the family. We followed that up with breakfast at my nephew and his wife's 'Love Shack', where their spoilt furry baby Reggie loved showing off his pressies, including his Fox.

Later, Christmas afternoon and dinner was held at my sister and brother-in-law's farm. It was the first time the family pool hasn't been used on Christmas day, probably because children did not arrive until much later in the evening. (And my kids did not arrive at all. Sob.)

A table set for Christmas dinner

O Christmas Tree ... at my sister's house!

Dinner included crispy duck, cooked by my nephew and his lovely wife ...

Crispy potatoes

Assorted roast vegies - purple carrots, normal carrots, parsnips, garlic, pumpkin

Brussel sprouts.

Not pictured: duck fat gravy, Yorkshire puddings
Later, there was Nigella Lawson's caramel croissant pudding, Auntie Bel's Famous Trifle, and Nana Doris's Plum Pudding and Custard

(Yes, I know. A heart attack in a meal!)

The main reasons for the effort: Mum and Dad

The next day, I was up at 4.30 to drive back to Brisbane to pick up the kids for our own Christmas on Boxing Day. We were straight over to my place, where they discovered that Santa (and Mumma) had visited. They were so quick, this is about my own usable photo!

After lunch, we walked to the park, all the better to test out some of their new Christmas presents, but Missy's face says it all: It was far too hot!

Par for the course in southeast Queensland Australia.

We spent the rest of the day in and out of the pool (where I nearly passed out blowing up their new pool toys), and I cooked them a roast dinner for our 'second Christmas'.

So Christmas turned out to be lovely after all. (Despite the heat.)

Hot, tiring, and messy; but still full of love, food, and cuddles.

Next: A Happy New Year to us all!

Of mice and webcams ...

2011-12-23T12:23:00.000+10:00

This Post Is Sponsored By Nuffnang

Anyone who follows me on MIA, Facebook, twitter, or even in real life, knows I am #technicallychallenged.

When the opportunity came up recently to try out and review the latest Microsoft Touch Mouse for Windows 7 AND the Microsoft LifeCam Studio WebCam I kind of jumped at the chance.

I post as someone who recently deliberately bought an el-cheapo black-and-white printer that the salesperson assured me that was just like the old-fashioned ones.

This was because I wanted a printer that only printed. That did nothing fancy, that only printed black and white word-processor-like print-outs. That not even a #technically-challenged Mummy Blogger like me could stuff up.

Just like Santa, I asked the young man and checked with him twice: Are you sure it’s easy to use and there’s nothing special I need to do or know?

“Oh no,” he said. “It’s easy as. And it’s the last one left. Lucky last.”

Was it the best, or was it the only one ever available?

Because I got home and found I STILL had to install damn software.

And despite wasting hours on it, and enlisting the services of Mr 10 – who can pretty much work out anything computer-related - I STILL can’t get the computer and printer to talk to each other. Which means I STILL can’t print anything.

SIGH.

And so I’ve learned that old-fashioned is not always best.

Meanwhile, did I mention that I get RSI in my right wrist? Not because of anything naughty, but because until now, I’ve been using a variety of computer mouses/mice, and none of them are up to much chop.

This is because, as Mr 10 wisely admonishes me: ‘You get what you pay for Mum’.

And I’ve never done a VLOG or Skype before, because I have a morbid fear of seeing myself on camera.

Which is pretty strange for someone who started her career as a television journalist, but there you have it. (Note: I was younger, thinner, and more confident back then. And had fewer wrinkles and freckles as well.)

So when the opportunity came up recently to try out and review the latest Microsoft Touch Mouse for Window 7 AND the Microsoft LifeCam Studio WebCam I was in.

Because I am sick of using mouses/mice that don’t work and make my wrist ache.

And I’m sick of not being able to skype my friends and rellies because I’m embarrassed that I’ll look even weirder than usual. (And don’t even think about business meetings)!

And this stuff is the best of the best.

I was pretty sure I wouldn’t even know how to install it.

In fact, I was waiting for my kids to come and help me install it (cringe, but true story), when the lovely Vanessa from Nuffnang rang to ask me if I’d reviewed it yet.

And so I decided to be a Big Girl and have a try myself.

And I could do it!

In fact, it has been the easiest of anything I have ever had to install on my computer.

The mouse and webcam basically talks you through the installation, so that even I couldn’t stuff it up.

The mouse is interactive, so you can choose the level of interaction that suits your fingers/thumbs/touch etc. It’s much easier for my poor arthritic hands, but much quicker and easier for any hands!

Isn't it pretty?

But the webcam! Even without make-up, the technology makes the vision far more flattering than my in-built Toshiba laptop webcam. I did think I’d use it first up, but I still want to experiment, and I would like my kids to be a part of my first VLOG.

The Microsoft LifeCam Studio perched on my laptop

It comes with full 1080p HD Sensor for superior video quality

In one cute package

Check out more information on the webcam!

So my lovely readers, you have future vlogging fun to look forward to (or not).

But it was so ridiculously easy to install, and sits so easily on my computer, that I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want one.

And I now have no excuse not to skype with friends, rellies and business colleagues from far away places.

And erm, VLOG.

Consider yourselves warned.

Does Christmas shopping stress you out? Get thee to Fiji!

2011-12-23T11:21:00.001+10:00

Have you been battling the madness that has overtaken Christmas shopping centres in Australia in the lead-up to the arrival of the Big Man In Red?

Me too.

And it's exhausting.

Not to mention, unsettling.

It's kind of a bit 'Bah Humbug' to see exhausted, whining children and sulking teens trailing after stressed, snappy parents fighting over the last Christmas puddings and plumpest cherries.

One toy shop assistant confided she secretly awarded a 'Grinch Of The Day' from a long line of cranky customers with her coworkers, and sometimes they were spoilt for choice.

It shouldn't be that way, should it?

If I could click my heels three times, I'd magic myself back to Fiji, where I could get my Christmas shopping done in comfort and perhaps have a swim on the way back.

A collection of shops near The Warwick Resort and Spa, Fiji

Just like at home, you can find yourself getting distracted, and ending up getting something for yourself. Or getting pampered.

See?

Even the Man Child had to have one (actually it ended up being three!)

The shops are air-conditioned and never crowded

The aisles are roomy too

There are no need for Christmas trees here. Fiji has all kinds of natural versions going on.

You'll always come away with a bargain ...

And a quiet place to sit down and escape the crowds if it gets all too much!

Readers, where would you escape to if you could?

Some of MIA's Fiji adventures were organised with the assistance of Tourism Fiji and Air Pacific Fiji. She booked and paid for her stay at The Warwick independently.

Dear Santa ...

2011-12-20T07:08:00.001+10:00

Pssst.

I'm going to share a secret with you.

I've never really been comfortable with the whole Big Man In Red routine.

Don't get me wrong, I love a rotund happy guy dressed for winter in the middle of summer as much as the next person.

And I totally get why we stand in line for ages and pay huge amounts of money for a digital photo of our offspring with a shopping centre Santa. (Kinda).

Like most parents, I experience that touch of panic - and often nausea - that accompanies the yearly writing of the Letters To Santa. In my case, the all-important letters increasingly become littered with exhorbitantly-priced, impractical presents, my kids have about as much chance of getting for Christmas as I have of getting a date with George Clooney. Bearing a new Nespresso machine. And a few months' supply of my favourite blends.

But where was I?

Oh right. Santa.

You see, the thought came to me again tonight, as the kids ran through their wish list again.

(Disclaimer: They know that a wish list is just that. That they will get maybe a few off the list if they are lucky. They know that Santa and parents and family and friends can't possibly give everything. Or even a tiny percentage of their list. But there's no harm in wishing, right?)

As a single Mum, I have a very limited budget, and I tend to have to be adventurous with my presents for various occasions. So far, I've always managed to delight them. The Santa ones have made them happy too.

But this year, it's a bit more challenging. And it's not just because of the cost factor. It's because of the logistics and practicalities.

And as a Mumma, I have to face the truth (once again) that I can't give my kids everything that they want. (And even if I could, that would be wrong, right? Because that would be totally spoiling them, and turning them into brats, and no one wants that. But still, the guilt that I can't make at least some of those wishes come true hits me in the guts like a bad case of eggnog.)

Anyway, in a bid to share my angst, here are some of my Christmas angels' wishes.

For both, the obvious ones include being able to live in our old Riverhills home with me; being able to pick the mulberries from the trees at our old home; having our old pets back, Daisy, Zac, Lolly and Narnie, who we reluctantly gave up when we moved to New Zealand; Chase's friend Nick being better again; Harmonie's favourite guinea pig Star not having been eaten by the carpet snake at our old home; and moving to Western Australia.

Now for the individual lists:

Chase

Nintendo DS 3 with the 3 turned off and the DS Skylanders Games
Gaming computer
iPad
iPhone
My own puppy (a real puppy, preferably a toy poodle, or malteser (toy poodle, maltese cross)
Trashies
A yabbie farm
Proper cooking tools so I can cook yabbies on the barbeque like Uncle Stuart
Good fishing gear and a beach nearby to fish at
A bike and helmet

Harmonie

Rabbits, especially a Mummy and Daddy rabbit who will have lots of baby bunnies for me to look after (Mumma's note to Santa: Illegal in Qld.)
Rabbit hutch
My own dog. Maybe one I can carry in a handbag. I don't really mind. It could be a rescue doggy.
Guinea pigs.
A real pony. And a home for it.
A farm.
Lots of good fishing stuff and a fishing boat.
Trashies and glueys
My own computer
An iPad
A phone so I can talk to Mumma whenever I want
A bike and helmet and maybe a scooter

Now clearly, most of these are not going to happen.

They are either too expensive, cannot happen because I am renting, or because of geography.
Sigh.

So Mumma and Santa are going to have to come up with some Christmas magic again this year.

But this is the thing.

In my days as a young magazine journalist, pre-kids, I remember writing a story with a child psychologist about the harm and confusion that Christmas can do to children.

And I remember feeling this myself as a child.

First, there is the obvious fact that year-round we tell our kids not to talk to strangers, to trust their gut instincts etc, then practically force them to sit on some strange man's lap.

A man we will allow to enter our house and eat our food and drink our milk. But leave presents, which somehow makes it all right. Which is all kinds of wrong, right?

Stay with me here.

Secondly, there is the Not Fair Effect. And I remember that feeling to this day. Being told that Santa comes to kids who are good, Is Not Good.

Because as a child, I remember thinking: 'But I've been really, really good. How come I only get one crappy bible book, and that nasty bully from school got all those toys and a cabbage patch doll? She wasn't good at all! And I was really, really good, and all I got was one present and it was religious one and wasn't fun at all?'

And no one could explain it to me!

So how will I explain to my kids that the nasty kids who play up all the time and talk back to their parents and pick on smaller kids in the playground will get the iPads, and the Skylanders, and the puppies? Even though they haven't been very, very good?

And that my kids, who are freaking awesome (though I accept I am biased), will get very much less?

Where is the Christmas miracle in that?
And yet, I know the kids and I will have a wonderful Christmas. Even though I won't get to celebrate the actual day with them this year. (My turn is next year, such is the the life of a single parent), it doesn't really matter, because we will have our own celebration on Boxing Day.

And to us, Christmas is more than a day, and it is more than presents. There is still a part of me that likes to mark the religious part of things, and they learn this at their school too. We also celebrate the spiritual side and the coming together of family and friends. The festivities, food, and fun.

For all, children, men, women, young, and old, I wish you peace and happiness for December 25.

And at least something to make you believe in miracles.

And may Santa bring you at least something that is on your Wish List.

I'm hanging out for a Nespresso. With or without George Clooney!

One of Chase's first Christmas photos. Santa's little helper!

And this was from last year. The kids have made me join them in every photo they've had taken with Santa! (Maybe that don't talk to strangers thing has sunk in after all!)

Fiji - finally!

2011-12-18T16:10:00.002+10:00

The first thing you notice as you get off the plane in Fiji is the humidity. The second is the friendship.

“Bula,” shout workers on the tarmac, as you leave the airplane.

“Bula,” smile the tropically-dressed musicians playing welcoming music as you walk inside the terminal.

Photo by Harmonie

The customs staff, fittingly, are efficient rather than friendly, and we are processed and picking up our bags with a speed that astounds me.

We pile our waiting Pacific Destinationz car for our transfer to the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa.

Ready to go. Miss 8 is sulking because her big brother got the front seat. (Only because he called 'first dibs'. She got it next time though...)

Our driver Moses, makes sure we know it’s at least a 90 minute a drive and checks if we need to go to the toilet or have a drink first. (So important if you have kids, or, ahem, a Mummy Bladder.)

Then he suggests a quick trip to the supermarket to stock up on bottled water and snacks, which will be much more expensive at the resort. And the stop will be at no extra charge to us.

I don't have to even ask the kids. "Shopping!" they say happily, thoughts of snacks and soft drink dancing in their heads.

We are thrilled to discover it’s a New World, which was our local supermarket when we lived in New Zealand.

Of course, the Fijian New World is not much like an Auckland New World which makes it far more interesting.

Oh the delights we find on the shelves!

Shasta softdrink – the kids’ favourite ‘artificially-flavoured’ soft drink of choice when we holidayed in Samoa.

UFO chips – my favourite salty snack when I was a kid, no longer available in Australia.

Fijian water – goes without saying.

Moses appears, and pushes our trolley, unloads and packs up again, and loads our purchases into the car again. Oh, I could get used to this!

Finally, we are on the road to the resort.

Snapshots of Fijian life flash by.

Crops of cassava and sugar cane. People walking home along sugarcane rail tracks, with fishing rods on their backs. Groups of youths playing rugby on dusty fields with makeshift goal posts. Homes made out of iron and timber with washing blowing in the breeze, line the side of the road.

We all desperately try to stay awake to take it all in, but lulled by the motion of the car, Moses’s CD of seventies hits, and our own exhaustion, we all doze a little.

Only Harmonie is still sleeping as we drive into the Warwick, and it takes quite a while to wake her.

“Missy, we’re here,” says Chase, speaking in his loving big brother voice. “We’re in Fiji.” Her head jolts up and she clutches her kitty toy and looks around her with wide-eyed interest.

"Bula," says our porter, Vasahalia, warmly shaking the kids' hands as they scramble out of the car.

He instantly makes friends with them by making a fuss of Harmonie's stuffed animals, and calling them 'sir' and 'madam'.

While I’m taking care of check-in, he takes the kids to look at the koi fish and carp and promises the children and their toys a ride on the baggage trolley if they are good while Mummy is busy. They are.

He has three children at home, he tells me, and making guests' kids happy is the best part of his job.

I’ve just completed the paperwork, when we’re presented with three very welcome glasses of juice.

The kids love this treat. Oh, and of course, Kitty has some too.

Then we’re taken to our room, the kids via their promised baggage trolley ride.

For me, the room itself is a disappointment. It's terribly small for three people, and there is practically no view.

I don't know how families of four or more manage, and the deal we booked was a room for four, not three, so I'd expected some extra space.

Chatting to others as the days pass, I find out that families of five often squeeze into these rooms as well! And of course, we also find that it doesn't really matter in the end, because we are only ever in our rooms to sleep after all.
Plus, the room is air-conditioned, and clean, and when our housekeeper arrives and sees we are short of towels and pillows etc, she's quick to remedy the situation. She also tells us to get to dinner promptly - the only restaurant included in our all-inclusive deal shuts at 10 pm local time and it's just after 9 pm now. So off we go.

Unfortunately, it's a buffet and all the best food is gone. Nothing has been replaced. It's roast night, which the kids would normally love, but there are only a few lonely pieces of rejected meat, overdone veggies, stale bread, and picked-over salads left. The gravy pot is empty.

Miss 8 bravely asks for fresh replacements and are told they coming. They never arrive.

There is nothing tempting left for dessert so we leave feeling still a little hungry. I would have thought there might have been at least ice-cream for the kids, and the fruit looked dried out and unappetising. (Note: Luckily this was our worst meal experience at the Warwick, and we certainly found with buffets the trick was to get there early).

If I'd had to pay full-price (the kids ate free) I would have been really peeved. But instead, we walked back to our room along a coconut palm-lined beach, enjoying the sea-breeze and the sound of the waves. We had nothing to complain about really. We were in Fiji after all!

The kids made friends with some cats and kittens (who made short work of the meat they were unable to eat), and all was well.

Back in our room, the kids tore into the snacks and drinks we'd bought earlier. (Thank you Moses.)

Just like her Mum!

The kids watched a little Cartoon Network while I read, and when I said it was bedtime, they happily turned out the light, and were snoring gently within minutes.

And I let them sleep in for as long as I dared before waking them for the first real day of our Fijian holiday.

After all, we didn't want to miss breakfast!
Maid In Australia travelled to Fiji with the assistance of Tourism Fiji and Air Pacific Fiji

Wait for it ....

2011-12-14T21:23:00.000+10:00

I was reading the latest post by the clever, funny and cranky Mrs Woog this morning, when it sparked a memory.

A memory of my worst waiting room experience ever.

I was at the office of my my OBYGYN in Brisbane, Australia.

He was always running late and racing off to deliver other women's babies. As they do. And I get that.

But one day, I'd been sitting with legs crossed and a bladder filled to bursting (he'd wanted to do a quick ultrasound on the day) for a good two hours, whilst my antsy toddler created havoc in the crowded waiting room, when the good doctor finally emerged and called for 'Bronwyn'.

With that, a woman who had just come in, changed direction, and walked breezily into his office. AAARGH. (I may have screamed that out loud!)

I told the receptionist, she phoned him, but the doctor decided to continue seeing the other Bronwyn since she was already with him. Even though he then had to call for her file - for it was mine that was before him. Delaying my visit further. And with no regard for my bursting bladder and rising blood pressure.

WTF?

Not only did he still charge full price, in the end the good doctor was not even there to deliver my baby. He was on holidays.

Anyway.

It got me to thinking about horrible waiting room experiences, because to be honest, are any of them ever really nice?

As Mrs Woog points out, most waiting rooms are painted in colours that are supposed to be soothing, but instead resemble the colour of puke, poo, or snot.

Usually, they are filled to capacity with people who are coughing, sneezing, or hacking up all manner of diseased bodily fluids. Or worse.

And all too often they are filled with seriously ill people, rioting children, and those who can least afford it empting their wallets on the way out. (Yes even with the Medicare rebate and/or concession cards.)

On one visit, to my GPs newly refurbished clinic, my child covered myself, himself, his chair and the floor in vomit. I then had to sit reeking of the stinky fluid during my child's consultation, apologising all the time, while the GP joked and said he'd smelled worse. He still refers to Mr 10 as the kid who 'christened' his surgery. To that GP, Mr 10 will forever be the child who sucked a sultana up his nose, but that's another story!

So readers, do you have a waiting room story?

I'll rustle up a prize for the most memorable.

Just share in the comments below ...

Sunset

2011-12-12T05:00:00.001+10:00

And so the sun set on our first day in Western Australia. Overlooking the Indian Ocean of course. From one of Fremantle's idyllic beaches.

The kids were distracted by shells and pieces of shiny glass, polished and made smooth by years of gentle wave and sand action.

They were oblivious to the nearby celebrations for the World Sailing Championships currently being held in the port. (Where a great white shark had been seen that very day I believe!) Can you see the 'Perth' sign to the left, which had been erected just for the world's camera's?

Miss 8 writes 'school holidays' in the sand! (Just in case there was any doubt!)

So happy to be here!

The sun slowly begins its descent ...

Mother Nature, the Indian Ocean, and the Universe work together to showcase Western Australia at her very best

Miss 8 was more taken with the shells than the sunset ...

The kids made friends with a local artist who regularly visits the local beaches to collect tiny specimens of polished coloured glass and stone. She uses them to make jewellery and other artistic pieces out of them. She was lovely, teaching them about the colours and which pieces were worth more, and her most valuable finds.

Harmonie was very excited when she spotted a hermit crab! And no, I wouldn't let her keep it as a pet!

Happy girl, skipping!

Western Australia's best fish and chips ... and a vist from The Doctor

2011-12-10T04:07:00.000+10:00

One of the first things a visitor must do in Western Australia, my brother told me, is watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Preferably after partaking of fish and chips on the water's edge.

So on our first evening in WA, we decided to do both.

Luckily, the historic beachside city of Fremantle was just a 10 minute drive away from our accommodation at the Cottesloe Beach Chalets.

We'd expected it to be difficult to find a parking spot, since the city was hosting the Perth 2011-ISAF Sailing World Championships at the time, and the Esplanade Park was a public village hub for the event.

But no, we pulled up just outside the open air concert venue, where Grinspoon and INXS were performing later. And where, had we been sans kids and perhaps a little less exhausted, we may have lingered longer. Okay and a few years younger as well!

Instead we headed down to the harbour to the reputed home of Western Australia's best fish and chips, Cicerello's.

Established in 1903 - can you believe it? - Cicerello's is situated right on Fishing Boat Harbour - and was bustling even at 5 pm. (We'd decided to eat before sunset so we could all get an early night since we'd all had a big day and would front up for another one the next day. Besides, it was 7 pm in Queensland.)

Cicerello's menu is extensive and showcases the best seafood that can be caught in Freo's harbour. (See, I'm talking like a local now!).

Fish (of course), scallops, oysters, crabs and more.

Ordering is a little like an episode of Seinfeld.

You stand in line, grabbing drinks from a nearby fridge if you want one. Order, then pay, then you are given a buzzer to take to your table.

Meanwhile, the kids knock themselves out (not literally!) pressing their little faces up against the aquariums that are scattered around the restaurant, even in the toilets. Yes the toilets. (More on that later).

Grab children, who forget their reluctance to leave the sea creatures once they clock the delights of the harbour. Try to enjoy the view whilst getting up and down to ensure children do not fall into the harbour whilst exploring the piers, moorings and nearby boats, and lying down on the wooden floorboards to spy on the fish below.

Finding a table

Seriously, it was actually fabulous fun. The view was amazing and seeing the enjoyment through the childrens' eyes as they watched the boats come and go was truly wonderful.

There was none of the usual boredom or pestering to play on iphones whilst waiting for our meals to come.

Happy kids!

It was relaxing, kicking back, chatting and watching the kids explore. Plus, there was the most delightful, cooling breeze, which was such a contrast to the heat of the day.

"That's the doctor," my brother told me. The what? "The Fremantle Doctor," he said.

He went on to explain that The Fremantle Doctor is the WA term for the cooling afternoon sea breeze that rolls in from the sea during the summer months, due to the difference between the temperature of the land and the ocean.

It's believed to originate from the sea off Fremantle and it's called the doctor because it brings instant relief from the high summer temperatures like those we had experienced earlier in the day. Oooh, I liked this doctor very much!

But enough talk, our buzzer was buzzing, which meant our meals were ready. Back to the Seinfeld-like requirements. A minimum of two people are required to collect the meals. (I wonder what happens if there is only one of you, hmm? Shh, I'm just making trouble). And then you can collect sauces, vinegar, salt, pepper and anything else that takes your fancy on the way back to your table.

The food was delicious and we wasted no time tucking in.

I went for garlic prawns with crispy potatos and salad. Drool.

Mr 10 usually loves fresh fish, but this time chose a ham and pineapple pizza which he said was delicious!

Miss 8 and her cousin shared a plate of calamari and chips. So cute!

Big brother opted for the tasting platter, which looked divine. I did think there might be some sharing going on, but then I only half-heartedly offered my prawns around before greedily finishing them all.

After dinner, the kids needed to check out the toilets. I don't think they actually need to use the toilets, they just wanted to check out the fish tanks leading to the loos and inside the facilities.

The aquarium outside the ladies' loos. All the aquariums' creatures are sourced from the harbour.

A seahorse inside the aquarium at the entrance to the men's loos. Miss 8 was incensed at the injustice of it all.

"Why do the boys' get the seahorses and the boys don't," she raged. "It's not fair."

Apparently the boys get an extra tank inside the facility too.

Cicerello's? Please explain.

Another aquarium and artwork in the foyer leading to the toilets. Hours of fun for the kids.

The view ...

Still to come ... The sunset

Go West!

2011-12-07T20:07:00.001+10:00

The kids' school broke up for the year last week, and the very next day we found ourselves boarding a Virgin Australia flight to Perth.

It was our first visit to Western Australia, and at five hours, one minute, was the longest flight the kids' had ever experienced.

It was a big ask, especially given they would then be required to sit in a car for a further five hours or so to get to Albany, in WA's Great Southern region, where my brother and his family live.

Luckily, my brother had A Cunning Plan.

He was there to meet us at the airport with his youngest son. His other two children were busy with end of school things with their Mum, and besides, we wouldn't have all fitted inside the car anyway.

From there, father and son took us on a quick tour of Perth enroute to famous Cottesloe Beach, where the Indian Ocean meets the Norfolk Pine-lined beach.

The idea was to break the journey with an overnight stay, whilst allowing us time to experience some more of this truly vast and for us, pretty much unknown state of Australia. Genius!

It was with relief that we checked into our beach-side accommodation, the Cottesloe Beach Chalets.

The chalets have a rather rustic appeal, which the kids' loved, but by far their best selling point was their location - literally a skip to the beach via kiddie-legs.

But considering it had already hit 40 degrees celcius by the time we arrived, we decided to cool off and chill out for a while first before heading back out into the sun.

Big brother and I had a cup of tea and caught up on news while the kids happily explored.

Our chalet had living area downstairs and loft-style sleeping quarters' upstairs.

The spacious downstairs living area.

A dip in the swimming pool cooled us down ...

Then it was time to hit Cottesloe Beach ...

The Indian Ocean is much colder than this Queenslander is used to, but the kids didn't seem to mind!

The famous Indiana Tea Rooms, where the late Heath Ledger's wake was held

Frozen yoghurt on the way back to the Cottlesloe Beach Chalets at Red Spoon on Marine Parade. Delicious!

Frozen yoghurt smoothie for the surfer-in-the-making. So good, he wanted another one next. (Of course, the answer was no, but I can't say I blamed him! They were yummy and healthy).

To be continued ...

Mumma gets her Zen on

2011-12-02T19:56:00.007+10:00

One of the highlights of our recent family stay at the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa
was the resort's ability to cater for children, adults, singles, and couples of all ages and preferences.

For me, it was a delight to watch my children happily beg to go off to the Little Chief's Club, the Shangir-La's Fijian's version of the Kids' Club, where there were so many FUN activities they literally didn't know what to do next.

This meant, that for the first time during our Fijian holiday, mostly spent at another resort - with a not-so-tempting kids' club - I got some time alone.

How did I spend that time, you ask? Lazing on the beach? Indulging in retail therapy? Catching up on blog posts?

You don't know me at all, do you?

Quite naturally, I booked myself in for a massage at the resort's CHI Spa, arguably Fiji's most luxurious spa experience.

And I deserved it. No, I literally did.

For, just the day before, the kids and I had braved the jet boat ride along the Sigatoka River to a remote Fijian village, that could only be reached via the river, then by climbing a steep path after alighting from the river landing. The reverse was true when leaving.

When it was time to leave, the Village Chief, who was helping less able guests onto the boat, obviously figured I looked hale and hearty and didn't offer his arm, instead opting to speak to the guy in the boat next to us. Of course, I'm not quite elderly yet and reasonably fit, so probably don't look like I have arthritis. However, I've had it from childhood, and my bones are now fused 'like concrete', as my therapists helpfully tell me.

So of all people to fall on their arses in the slippery mud as they approached the boat, it was me.

I was mostly unhurt, except for my pride, and a searing pain through my pelvis, spine, and into my neck, shoulder and arm. Not to mention, a massive bruise on my butt that developed later.

So the massage could not have come at a better time. The pain and tingling was so bad, I considered seeing the resort doctor and claiming on our travel insurance, but our activities were pretty much fully booked the following the day, and the doctor only worked a few hours, and I thought: What the hell? I've been through worse.

And I clung to the hope that a decent massage would help.

When the time came, I was whisked to the spa via a charming young man and a golf buggy, because the spa was a short walk from the main resort, and heaven help that a spoilt guest like myself be expected to walk in the heat to the spa for a treatment. (I could seriously get used to this!)

Then I was happily relaxing on a day bed overlooking the ocean and given something to drink, whilst filling out a questionairre detailing the many parts of the body that were causing me trouble.

That in itself was restful - well, ignoring all the body defects - as I indulged in watching the tiny waves break gently on the shore, and feeling the breeze wash gently over me.

See how relaxing it was?

As I drank my drink - NOT a G and T, but a herbal tea, or fruity water if memory serves me right - I also filled out a form which indicated the correct Element sign for me.

The CHI's signature therapies are based on the Five Elements Theory, in which Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth are in balance to harmonise with the positive Yang and negative Yin energy within the body. For balance to occur, the harmony of Yin and Yang must be restored.

Once your Element is determined, your therapist uses this to tailor-make the massage/facial/spa treatment of your choice to match.

Mine turned out to be Earth, which was I quote: 'The element of peace and harmony. Earth personalities are nurturing, always seeking to please everyone. Earth people like black and yellow, and are drawn to salty and sweet foods. They are at their best at night, and generally dislike cold weather.'

It does sound rather a lot like me.

Then my personal masseuse came to collect me.

Of course, I had my own relaxation room, with toilet, shower, wardrobe, safety box (hee hee), and a choice of robes and footwear.

Fluffy or Japanese style? Guess which one I chose?

When I was suitably attired, I had a little bell to tinkle so I could be taken to my relaxation room.

Did I mention the CHI spa is for above 16-year-olds only? And if you're really cashed up and in need of a break you can book the relaxation rooms for overnight stays (or longer), complete with detoxes, massages, healthy food or just as much relaxation as you want.

And it is paradise.

If you're lucky enough to sleepover, you sleep in the bed, obviously, and you can have TV and all the trimmings, plus schedule in various massages and other spa treatments throughout your time there. Yes, even at night. And those floor to ceiling windows open to welcome in the sounds and smells of the ocean. Bliss.

Oh my goodness. Sans children. (Because only over-16s are allowed in this part of the resort,) I would be back there in a heartbeat with a girlfriend, a partner, or even, to treat myself!

Set right on the beach, the bures are the ultimate in luxury, yet bring the outside in as well.

And they seriously look like the photo, but are actually better!

In my case, the sound of the waves gently breaking on the shore meant there was no need for a relaxation CD, and my therapist's magical hands and individually-selected potions meant I soon drifted off into dreamland.

I chose the traditional Fijian Bobo Massage. Partly because I liked the name - yes I am childish like that - but partly because I wanted to experience a traditional Fijian therapy. And I'm told you cannot get a Bobo massage just anywhere.

The techniques for a traditional Bobo massage are handed down through generations of women, incorporating firm massage techniques, using rich exotic oils to increase circulation, draw out toxins, and reduce muscular aches and pains.

I have had many massages in many wonderful settings, but I can honestly say this is the only one where I somehow drifted off and onto a magical plane.

Despite the fact that this was still a deep-tissue rather than a relaxing massage, there was something deeply intoxicating that resonated inside of me.

I felt long, warm strokes carressing my tense, worn muscles, and heard the sounds of the ocean rocking me gently to sleep. A few times I felt mildy irritated as a particularly tense muscle pinged me awake, but I quickly relaxed into bliss again.

The next thing I heard was the sound of a bell being rung and the gentle voice of my therapist: 'It is finished now. When you are ready, you can get up and get dressed.'

I woke up quickly, feeling mildly embarrassed.

"Oh that was wonderful," I said. "I snored though, didn't I? I bet I snored."

My therapist just giggled.

Clearly, I snored.

I was led gently back to my room, and reluctantly got dressed. And I realised the horrible electrical feeling zinging from my neck and shoulder down through my spine to my bottom and leg was gone. It was magic after all!

And yet, my magical experience wasn't quite over.

I was given a bowl full of tropical, easy to eat fruit, and some water, and, clocking the time, immediately began undoing the restful experience by getting worried about picking the kids up from the Little Chief's Club before it shut.

You see, another (long-staying guest) lady was there, happily booking more sessions for the next few weeks. A tiny part of me ~~hated her~~ felt mildly jealous in my new zen-like state, and she was clearly in no hurry to leave.

"It's okay, it will be fine," I was assured. And it was. "Fiji Time," grinned my chauffeur.

On my arrival at Little Chief's Club - and I was taken right to the door, in the little buggy via my handsome chauffeur - it didn't matter one jot that I was slightly late.

The kids' club staff knew I was having a spa treatment, and apparently are quite happy to stay on in that situation. And as it happened, the children had 'rescued' an orphaned kitten during the afternoon and were taking good care of it. They were not in the slightest interest in leaving unless they could bring kitty with us.

Gorgeous little kitty

"Mumma, can't we take it home?"

"Um, no. Not unless you want to get onto an episode of Border Security we can't."

Oh wait, that was totally the wrong thing to say ...

If only we all could have stayed another day at the Fijian, I know the kids would have loved to have returned to the Little Chief's Club, which would have given me a chance to try out another traditional Fijian treatment at the CHI Spa.

But, hey, there is always next time, right?

Maid In Australia travelled to the Shangri La's Fijian Resort And Spa with Air Pacific Fiji. And the CHI Spa, having heard there was a stressed-out 'famous'* Aussie Mummy Blogger in their midst, kindly offered me to test out one of their treatments on the house. Wasn't that lovely of them?

Got to love Fiji, and Fiji Time!

*My kids tell everyone we meet I am a famous Australian Mummy Blogger, and that everyone reads my blog, so it must be true!

Bronnie's birthday week

2011-11-30T22:02:00.001+10:00

So it's my birthday ... or at least it was on Sunday.

And these days that is supposed to signify a week of celebrations.

In reality, that doesn't really happen.

Let's face it, the days of summer soirees and lazy lunches with the ladies are long behind me.

(God help me, even a photograph of a friend's G and T recently caused a storm of unfounded accusations and lies in the comments section of a recent harmless travel review post. For now I will only say this: I will not feed trolls. The abuse did not unduly bother me, since it was nothing to what I've endured in real life, and these people lost the power to hurt me a long time ago. But when innocent followers were subjected to personal attacks too, I followed expert advice and removed the comments pending further counsel.)

And you know what? Despite the vipers, my birthday week has been great so far.

Okay, so I haven't been living in up in Europe, lazing on a beach in Thailand, or trekking through a rainforest in the Daintree, as I may have done on birthdays past, but I'm a mother now, and my priorities are different.

Firstly, I visited my own dear old Mum with a few other members of the family for her birthday.

Mum, bless her heart, has health and memory problems, so it felt even more important to see her this year.

This year, our presence - well, mostly that of the teeny-tiny members of the family - pretty much seemed to make her day, which made the effort to get there worthwhile.

As for me, I had my kids with me for my birthday, which was all I ever really wanted.

We had a lovely reunion over lunch the day before, catching up over kisses, cuddles and mountains of food ... They are obviously going through a growth spurt!

After grazing all afternoon, and two dinners (!), the pair of them gleefully woke me at the crack of dawn.

"Mumma, it's your birthday!", they shouted, jumping into my bed on either side of me; One bearing the card they made the night before, the other the present (a lovely photo of the two of them).

Mercifully, my birthday fell on a Sunday, so the kids then insisted on making me breakfast in bed. It's kind of a family tradition now.

Harmonie was charged with the task of keeping me horizontal, in-between fixing the toast and apple juice*, while Chase whipped up a batch of his famous scrambled eggs. (He's quite the masterchef you know).

Then they sat and watched eagerly to make sure I ate every bite. Efforts to share were quickly rebuffed. "It's too spicy," said Harmonie, screwing up her nose. (Turns out Chase had added a few herbs from the garden). "Nope, I'm making myself an omelette next," said Chase.

Soon enough it was time to go to my birthday party, organised by my brother and sister-in-law and attended by a few close relatives for a surprise.

Really, it was a kiddy party for adults too, with all the goodies that kids of all ages like. Cheerios (little red sausages) and tomato sauce. Party pies and sausage rolls. Attractively cut up fruit. Teddy bear biscuits. Cheese and crackers. Chocolate birthday cake. And the usual presents and mayhem, complete with furry kids pattering around and inspecting everything was in order. Thanks to big brother and his lovely wife for going to so much effort to have us all there.

After that, we did a little necessary food shopping, where I managed to talk Chase out of spending his pocket money on some jewellery for me. (Apparently he'd had his eye on it for ages, and was bursting to buy it for me.)

Then it was time for a swim with friends bearing gourmet snacks and gossip, followed by an early barbecue and bed.

In-between there were loads of phone calls, FB and twitter messages, and texts. I was well and truly spoiled.

Monday was back to school for the kids, and a thank-you morning tea for volunteers who had helped out throughout the year.

On Tuesday, I put in a few hard yards helping at the school parents and friends' Christmas stall. (It's surprisingly difficult helping a small child with $1.70 in his hot little hand understand he cannot buy something for $10 for his lovely Mum. Or trying to persuade another anklebiter that Granny probably wouldn't appreciate a toy toilet that makes fart noises for her Christmas present!).

Today, unfortunately, involved a visit to the dentist for the kids, and several appointments - no parties there.

Then there's an excursion for Miss 8 tomorrow, and a half-day as school finishes on Friday in a blur of farewells and overstuffed schoolbags.

And at the end of it, we will find ourselves once again on a plane, this time to Western Australia.

We'll be visiting my brother and his family in Albany. They have lived there for nearly five years now, and I've been aching to visit. Thanks to Virgin Australia's happy hour, we finally nabbed some fabulous airfares to get there. Happy birthday to me!

For a Maid In Australia, who has travelled widely throughout our Great Southern Land, it's to my shame that I admit that I've never made it to WA. Neither have the kids, so it will be another adventure we'll enjoy together.

The kids can't get their heads around the fact that it will take longer to fly to Perth than it did to fly to Nadi, Fiji; and that we'll then have to drive another 5 hours or so to Albany.

Luckily, we'll be taking our time and stopping overnight on the way from Perth to Albany.

We really cannot wait, and I'm betting, like Fiji, it will be over way too soon.

My birthday breakfast

Best of all, I'll be there to belatedly celebrate my other sister-in-law's birthday, as well as help my other big brother celebrate his this month.

We'll see more of this beautiful country of ours, and plenty of family bonding in the meantime.

May the good times continue!

* Why apple juice? Well, I still love coffee, but I am still a coffee snob, and would rather have no coffee than bad coffee. And since moving, I have not yet found my Nespresso machine. Sob. So I had to make do with juice instead. Dammit. Well, even birthday weeks can't be perfect ...

Postcards from Fiji: The high flyer edition

2011-11-22T09:23:00.000+10:00

Our Fijian holiday started far too early with hourly visits the night before from Mr 10, who arrived like a ghost in the night at my bedside.

“Is it time to leave yet Mum,” he’d stage whisper, scaring the crap out of me, and then leaving me restless and mentally going through my last minute lists.

Eventually, I abandoned sleep around 5 am, figuring we may as well be restless at the airport and have one less thing to stress about (missing our flight), then restless at home.

We made it to Brisbane Airport Parking in record time. BAP is my favourite parking choice now, following my run-ins with the inconvenience and expense of onsite airport parking.

BAP check-in and transfer was quick and easy, and we were soon being dropped right at the doors for the Air Pacific Fiji departures at the Brisbane International Airport Terminal.

Of course, check-in seemed to take forever, but there was still plenty of time for breakfast, shopping, and a quick nap thanks to our early arrival.

Nothing like a good healthy breakfast to start the day. Ahem. (Hey, it was early and they needed comfort food, okay?)

Catching up on precious zzzzs. Sure, now Chase sleeps!

Waiting for our flight was an exercise in people watching.

There were groups of families and friends travelling together; couples on honeymoon or romantic breaks; ‘average’ family groups (Mum, Dad, and 1+ kids; as opposed to us - single mum and two excitable kids).

Beside us a babble of bogans sat reading passages from the Sunday Mail and quite loudly, passing critical comment, and wind.

Across from us, an elderly lady unpacked a lunchbox – a real one this time – and proceeded to hand out boiled eggs and sandwiches to her group.

A glowing bride-to-be stood by happily clutching a wedding dress bag while posing for photos with well-wishers.

It was our first time flying with Air Pacific Fiji and I tell you it was like a blast from the past. In a good way.

While the plane seemed a little well-loved – there were no individual entertainment systems for example, and the movie/sound system wasn’t great – the seats seemed more spacious than usual and were comfortable enough.

The service was certainly friendly and efficient. We were greeted with hearty 'Bulas' by the brightly dressed staff, and nothing seemed like too trouble, even way down the back in economy.

The airfare included food, drink and entertainment. And, in a quaint touch from days gone by, drinks were mixed generously from scratch. Wine and spirit glasses were filled to the top – no individual dinky sized bottles or premixes here. Beers came in large-sized cans, much to the appreciation of several of the groups.

A gin and tonic came with ice, lime, a swizzle stick and packed a punch!

The real thing ... AND in economy too!

Lunch was a curious mix of a hot roll, pasta salad, biscuits and juice, which tasted better than it looked.

The roll had what seemed to be processed chicken and a little cheese inside it. It looked extremely unappetising, but the bread was warm and tasty. Especially when I filled it with some of the creamy pasta salad as well. (Mind you, I was starving, not having partaken of the comfort breakfast!)

Even Miss 8 devoured some of the buttery roll and biscuits.

Chase, a nervous flyer, wasn’t hungry when the food came around, but when he went back looking for something later, the staff cheerily produced a chocolate cake and some fruit salad for him.

I say it again: Nothing was too much trouble for the Air Pacific flight attendants.

Miss 8 needed a blanket? It was produced immediately, and with a smile.

The bar remained open on request throughout the flight. A few of the blokey groups were hoeing into the Fiji Beer. These were brought, efficiently and nicely. None of those requesting extra drinks were looked at like they had just stepped in something nasty as would happen on some national airlines I could mention.

(Note: Said consumption of drinks did mean the toilets seemed to be extra busy. Those with Mummy bladders or small children should go before they have to really go if you know what I mean!)

Soon enough, the first sights of Fiji came into view: Dots of islands, surrounded by searing blue water and pristine reefs. Lush tropical mountains. The kids oohed and aahed with excitement.

Until poor Harmonie suffered ear pain, and one of the lovely flight attendants brought her some sinus-opening stuff to sniff.

The other hiccup was when it was announced that the plane would be sprayed before landing for unwanted passengers (bugs, insects etc), just as they used to do many years ago in Australia.

Aspie Mr 10 went into a mild panic, scared that he would be gassed too. It took some fast talking on my part and I had to shield him with a blanket before he finally realised it wasn't that bad and he was going to survive after all.

And finally we were on the ground.

We were in Fiji. Our holiday in paradise had begun!

The golden ticket ...

2011-11-19T21:08:00.000+10:00

Should I stay or should I go?

Well, I don't have a choice at the moment, because I don't have an invitation. An invitation to the very-exclusive, invitation-only Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011.

The lovely people at Nuffnang has launched a competition for bloggers to win passes to the wonderful event, and this post is my entry into the contest. Seriously, those passes are rarer than Willy Wonka's Golden Tickets!

You see, on 16 December 2011, 500 bloggers from around the Asia-Pacific region will flock to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 at the Putrajaya Marriott. The awards, courtesy of Volkswagen Malaysia and the Putrajaya Marriott, aim to honour the region's best bloggers, as well as bring together blogger communities from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Why do I want to go?

1. Some of my fellow bloggers were lucky enough to go to Blog Her in America this year, and several are planning to attend next year as well.

But me, I've always felt more connected to the Asia-Pacific region. My first overseas trip was to Asia, and it opened my eyes to the delights of the world beyond Australia. And yet, we had so much in common - and that has only increased as time has gone by.

I spent months of several years backpacking happily around Asia. My first husband's parents lived in Singapore and we holidayed there every year for a time. I lived in New Zealand. I holidayed in Samoa. And my first overseas holiday as a single-parent family with my kids was in Fiji.

As an Australian, I want to learn how to become more a part of the Asian-Pacific blogging community and I believe the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards are clearly the best place to do this.

2. A trip to Malaysia would help me focus on where my blog needs to go next. Who better to be inspired by but the best?

3. The kids will be with their Dad so I won't have to feel any Mumma guilt. And I might be able to schedule some time for a little shopping. And realise my bucket list goal of going to one of those fish spas, where little fishies nibble the yucky stuff off your feet and toe-toes.

So how about it Nuffnang?

How about waving a magic wand, and turning a Maid In Australia into a temporary Maid in Malaysia?

Speak out! (Or: We all have a voice)

2011-11-18T21:11:00.000+10:00

Today is Speak Out day, where bloggers across the world are posting, or speaking out, against domestic violence.

That's violence of all kinds towards women, men, kids, parents (and to my mind pets as well. Because violence towards pets is often used to intimidate victims of abuse into staying and/or keeping quiet. Research shows that people who abuse animals also go on to hurt children and vulnerable humans as well).

And Speak Out involves domestic abuse across the board: Emotional, mental, physical, financial, and sexual. Sometimes a combination of the lot.

Some time ago, my lovely friend Wanderlust, a survivor of domestic abuse and international ambassador for the Speak Out campaign, asked if I'd be interested in joining the cause, and of course I put my hand up.

And, as in my participation in the online campaigns about depression and suicide awareness, I intended to share my own experiences in a bid to let others know they are not alone. That even if you're in the worst place imaginable, there is a way out, there are people who will help you, and you can be happy again.

And that's all true.

But, one of the first rules of participating in a campaign like this so personally, is that you have to be in the right head-space to begin with.

And this week, already exhausted from moving home mostly on my own, I used the time packing to write my post in my head. This time, reliving the past, of times when I was the victim/survivor of abuse of the kinds of all of the above at different times in my life, I found it was all too confronting.

The realisation that I'd been a victim/survivor? far too often in my life and not quite dealt with it, was far too much to deal with right now. And I realised the first person I needed to share it with properly was a professional, not the world wide web. I hope you understand.

Many flashbacks were experiences I have not yet shared with my loved ones, and things I do not yet need my children to know. (Some of their friends now read my blog, can you believe it?) So I'm going to have to censor it a little.

Oh sure, I'll share my stuff with my children one day, if they need or want to know, but only when it's appropriate. And now is not the time.

So instead, my message for Speak Out day is to reiterate the Things I Know about domestic violence. These include:

No one ever has the right to hurt you, punch you, hit you, throw you, slap you or throw things at you. (Well unless you're playing sport or something and it's in context).

They don't have the right to deliberately break things, including toys, punch holes in the walls, hurt your pets or threaten to, or to threaten to hurt your kids or parents if you don't do what they want.

That goes even if you're having an argument and you've said or done something nasty or naughty.

No one has the right threaten you, call you names, put you down, call you swear words.

If they do hurt you or abuse you verbally, you don't deserve it. You are not a fxxking idiot, it is not your fault.

If you wear a short skirt, or low-cut top you do not deserve to be sexually abused or raped.

If your partner/parent thinks you've been flirting with someone (even if you have, but usually it's in his or her mind), you don't deserve to be raped, sexually assaulted, bashed, locked up, and/or attacked or punched or glassed.

We all know that when it comes to sex, no means no. But that goes even if you are in a consenting sexual relationship. That goes even if some sex acts are okay, but some are not. The ones that are not should not be attempted by anyone, even if it is by your husband.

You should not have to do anything sexually that you do not want to do. Particularly if it hurts or is humiliating.

Children never deserved to be hurt or assaulted, physically, sexually, emotionally or otherwise. No matter what they do.

Even if you're not working, you deserve to have the freedom to make phone calls, to come and go as you please, to shop without showing the receipts to someone and accounting for every cent.

If you are in crises ask for help. A friend, neighbour, a doctor, the police. Speak out, and don't stop until you get help.

You may have to leave with nothing on your back but your clothes. In the scheme of things, does that matter as long as you (and if applicable, your kids) are safe?

1800 737732 is a free confidential service for any Australian experiencing or who has experienced domestic or family violence and/or sexual assault. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For other countires, google domestic or family violence. Or just go ahead and read some more of the posts from the other wonderful bloggers who have joined up with the Speak Out campaign cause.

Here they are:

Bula!

2011-11-14T04:23:00.000+10:00

This time last week, the kids and I embarked on our first big family holiday as a single parent family: Fiji.

Oh sure, we've travelled and flown by ourselves before. We've been on holidays and getaways too.

But this was the first time we'd done the full-on package deal involving an overseas flight that was typically aimed at families, honeymooners and groups.

I chose Fiji because:

It was close enough to Australia - about 3/1/2 hours flying time - to not be a drain on the kids and I either physically or financially.

Despite the short flying time, I knew we'd be immediately immersed in a different culture and way of life, which to me is one of the joys of travelling. I wanted my children to experience that too.

One of my BFFs was going at the same time, and I impulsively bought an internet deal so we'd be able to hang out together occasionally. Turned out we were even on the same flights, even though we booked separately!

It was affordable, even for me! Kids stay, play and eat free deals are popular, and all-inclusive deals mean there are no surprises at check-out time. Prices for souvinirs, food, drink and experiences are generally cheap compared to Australia.

I'd never been. Having spent a lot of time in Far North Queensland and Asia in my younger days, I guess I figured Fiji could wait. Silly me.

I knew from those who had gone before me that kids are treated well in Fiji. As a single Mum, I wanted to go somewhere where I'd get a bit of a break but the kids would have fun at the same time. Fiji fitted the bill perfectly.

I'm still taking it all in, so for now here are a few of my favourite memories of our holiday:

- Being greeted with a huge genuine Bula!, a firm handshake, and the words, 'Welcome home', when we arrived at the Shangri La's Fijian Resort and Spa.

At the Shangri La, guests are treated like family and therefore welcomed home like family.

In my past life as a travel journalist and world-traveller-sans-children I have stayed at more exclusive and expensive establishments. (Don't get me wrong ... the Fijian is pretty fantastic, and you can't beat the location). But never have I been made to feel more special and important than I did here. The kids rapidly grew accustomed to being treated like VIPS, and were practically in tears when the time came to leave.

- The Fijian's dedicated Children's Lounge. Just for kids when adults are checking in, out, waiting for tour pick-ups or any manner of tiresome holiday details that kids find tiresome. Chase and Harmonie were even served their welcome fruit punch here, and our porter Bill kept them company, checking out the latest iPad apps, while I finished the paperwork. (PS, Check out Bill's uniform, isn't it cool? He remembered the kids' names from that day forward and made a fuss of them every time he saw them too.)

Bula! The kids totally get into the spirit of our holiday. Harmonie is holding a box of her temporary pets, hermit crabs she has collected from the beach. (Yes, even on holiday we collect temporary pets.) That's a favourite one she is showing off to the camera. Bitey. They all had names. She also slept with a favourite coconut, and was really upset that she couldn't bring them all back into Australia.

This sign immediately caught Mr 10's eye.

He wanted to take them up on their offer for a free scuba dive lesson in the pool, but he missed the cut by 1 1/2 years. Well, that's a good excuse to come back I guess!

No Mummas allowed at the Little Chief's Club (AKA Kid's Club.) Chase looks like he's plotting all kinds of mischief ...

Fish-feeding anyone? Or fishing? Nature vs Nurture? (The waters and reef surrounding Yanuca Island is a marine park so you can't fish here. However, staff will take keen fishermen/women to good local spots by boat).

The activities weren't just fun, they were educational. Here, Harmonie learns how to tie dye her own t-shirt!

These are just a few tastes of our trip to Fiji. I can't begin to say how lovely it is and how much we long to be back on Fiji Time.

I asked the kids what they liked most about Fiji and Chase said:

'Everything. Just the whole way of life. The way they live their lives, how they don't have to lock their doors and windows or even have doors, how they look after each other and take care of children. That in the villages, everyone looks after each other. The food, the culture, the nature. I love it all."

Harmonie: "The beach, the rivers, and the hermit crabs."

For me, it was the beauty of nature and the friendly people.

Readers, have you ever been to Fiji? Would you like to go?

Fiji Me!

2011-11-04T12:07:00.000+10:00

I've been quiet on the blogosphere lately, but that's because life has been anything BUT quiet!

We're moving soon, so I'm up to my neck in boxes and crap; and I'm busy talking to removalists called Brett and Scotty and Jack, who hopefully won't poo in my toilet and clog it like one of the last removalists did.

(Yes, this actually happened).

And I'm also stressing Big Time, because the kids and I are going overseas in Two. More. Sleeps.

Squee!

Yes, we're off to Fiji on one of those daily internet deal thingies I booked earlier this year. It was the result of an internet-fuelled fit of madness after one of my BFF's did the same thing and posted it on her Facebook Status Update.

"So it's not takey?" I think I commented. She replied that she'd done a few of those deals, and they'd all been fine. Not only that, she'd stayed at this resort - the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa - before and it was lovely. And very kid-friendly. I was sold.

A few mouse clicks later, and we were on. (Has it ever been easier to book a holiday? Dangerous days indeed. Thank goodness for credit cards!)

The kids have been counting the days, and bombarding me with questions:

Will there be horse-riding? Yes, but you are very allergic

Can they go swimming? All the time

Is it five-star? Who cares? It's Fiji?

What will they get to eat on the plane? Really?

Can they each have a camera? Nice try

Is there a kid's club? That was one of the first things I looked for! Seriously apparently Fijians love kids and the kids clubs are The Bomb.)

So next week, instead of moving, thinking about moving, or stressing about moving; I intend to bare my white skin on a sun lounge (sunscreen applied and under shade of course!), read a few good books, get a massage, eat and drink far too much, wear sarongs, and build happy memories with my wonderful kids.

Fiji me!

Fine dining at The Warwick Fiji Resort And Spa

We've added on a few nights at the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa, Yanuca Island. Hopefully the view from our balcony will look a little like this!

Cannot wait to get Beached As ...

And lose ourselves ... (the Shangri-La)

We're flying with Air Pacific Fiji, so unfortunately there is no chance of us being marooned in Fiji as there might be with other airlines. Ahem.

We'll be back!

Things I love ...

2011-10-28T12:38:00.000+10:00

I spotted the following in a press release this morning, and it was so good I had to share:

"Europe From $999 Return!
Online travel agent ZUJI Australia has partnered with Garuda Indonesia to give travellers a new reason to fly high...to Amsterdam, that is.
From now until 30 November 2011, travellers can take advantage of the more-than-affordable return flights (departing from Sydney and Melbourne) to the picturesque and highly entertaining 'Venice of the north' for only $999, including taxes. That's a saving of more than $1000! To boot, travellers won't be slapped with any booking or credit card fees.
More importantly, there is no need to wait for months before jetting off. Prices are valid for travel from 14 January to 31 March and from 16 April to 13 July 2012.
This high flying deal is not to be missed! Book at www.zuji.com.au."
Now I can't afford the time or money to go, given that I'm taking my kids to Fiji and Western Australia in the next two months, but someone else might like to take advantage of these fantastic airfares.
And it got me thinking about other really cool deals or things I've come across that you might like, dear readers.
I'm not getting paid to shared these with you, I just really like this stuff, and karma makes the world go around, so I thought, why not?

Nespresso. I've had my own Nespresso coffee machine since 1996. I know this because my ex-husband bought it when I was speaking at the Somerset Festival of Literature on the Gold Coast following the launch of my book Happily Ever Parted (Surviving Separation and Divorce). I know, ironic, huh?
Anyway, I was a bit peeved that he'd gone out and spent money in my absence but one taste of the nectar that is Nespresso coffee and I was sold.
And unlike every coffee machine we've ever owned the Nespresso is still churning out perfect coffee, years after the warranty ran out.
It has travelled across the ditch to New Zealand and back again. It's survived multiple moves, and even separation and divorce. It makes not only excellant capuccinos, flat whites and espressos, but fantastic hot chocolates and babycinos for the kids.
When I visited ~~my spiritual home~~ the Nespresso shop in Sydney recently, I was overtaken by the urge to buy one of the new machines in their pretty new colours. But I couldn't justify the purchase since my old one is still working perfectly.
Instead, I comforted myself by sitting at the coffee bar and tasting a few of the new flavours, eating free chocolate, and chatting to a lovely lady who was buying her third machine - third mind - for her boat! As you do. Or don't, in my case.

Oh Nespresso, how I love thee. Even I can't stuff up coffee-making with my Nespresso...

Group-buying deals. You know those quick-sale deals, like Our Deal, Grab One and Living Social? I've grabbed a few lately, and been happy with all but a couple of them. One of them was a spur of the moment one I grabbed with a friend, which was a package deal, all-inclusive holiday to Fiji for the kids and I. My friend and her kids are going too. We've each got our own rooms and will do our own thing if we want to. However, we're both single Mums so it will be good to have company if we want it. Plus, the kids will at least see a few friendly faces at kids' club. And it's all paid for, so there will be no nasty surprises when it comes to paying the bill at the end.

I've also enjoyed hair cuts, massages, a cut-price car service, and meals.

I've really only found a couple of the restaurant deals to be not great value and/or at out-of-the-way places. My advice is to only book meals if you know the restaurant and would normally eat there anyway.

The same with the holiday destinations really. (In this case, my friend has stayed at the resort in the past and can vouch for it, so we are well pleased.)

There was one hairdressing salon that talked me into getting a few extras I couldn't really afford, but that was my own fault for not being strong and sticking to the voucher deal only.

Justice A shopping brand for tweenage girls (aged 6-14), I love that Justice comes in sizes from 6-20 in tops and 6-18 in bottoms, so the designs are suitable for all shapes and figures. The clothes are age appropriate as well - no gold lame tops or hotpants here, but the designs are on-trend and non-daggy too.
It's true, a size 8 tee arrived by courier today, or I may not have been aware of the brand, but that's the extent of my interest. (The shirt is a perfect size and design for Miss 8, but she's not with me today so can't model it for you).
I predict she'll love it. Not only is it very cute, but it's printed with scented inks, and smells like lollipops! I love the price. It retails at $10.90, so it's something I could normally afford to buy for her. Sweet!

People who go the extra mile, even though they don't have to. Like Allan Border, at the Queensland Cricket Junior Cricket Revolution Launch earlier this week. Even though he didn't have to, AB stayed on after the event to chat to parents and kids, and play with the little ones. He shared tips, threw balls, coached them, and even patiently put up with 'look at me now', 'throw it to me', 'my turn, my turn' pleas, high-fives, and once, an errant ball in the unmentionables, courtesy of Miss 8! A true champion.

And just because I can, here are some photos taken at the launch by the very talented photographer Hannah Millerick.

Hump Day Holiday: Caloundra

2011-10-26T14:40:00.000+10:00

My car is a tip.

It's a tip, A. Because we are messy, but B. Because we like to be prepared for all occasions.

We never know when the mood will strike for an impromptu picnic, a swim, a game, or even an overnight stay. So the car is stocked with tennis racquets, workout gear, shoes, towels, a picnic blanket, toiletries and swimmers. Usually, there's at least a change of clothes each, tissues, and toilet paper too. (Don't ask).

So when perfect weather beckoned when we were visiting the Sunshine Coast recently, we decided it would be a shame to return home without at least setting foot on the beach.

And once we hit the beach, we thought it couldn't hurt to see if one of the resorts didn't have a last-minute special.

The first one we tried named an outrageous price - $230 for a studio. Really? Ouch.

But the next one, the Worldmark Resort on Golden Beach, was $160. This was for an apartment with a queen bedroom, a spa bath, and a double sofa bed in the lounge area. And air-conditioning and a balcony. Perfect.

It was only one night, but it was like a mini-holiday for us!

Happy kids on the balcony ...

The view was breathtaking ...

An outdoor setting ...

The Glasshouse Mountains ...

There was an entertainment room for the kids ...(and the big kids!)

Who doesn't love a game of air hockey?

The next morning was perfect for a spot of kayaking...

Go Chase Go!

Harmonie tries her luck fishing ...

Kids messing about with boats ...

Readers, do you ever do things on the spur of the moment?

Meanwhile, the winner of my Little Treasures giveaway is Kylie Ofiu. Kylie email or DM me your details so I can send your prize.

More giveaways are to come, so stay tuned!

Howzat?!

2011-10-25T14:55:00.000+10:00

Some of my earliest memories are of long, hot, summer holidays sprawled in front of the television, crunching ice to stay cool, and watching the cricket with my brothers.

We also played cricket. In the backyard. On the beach. And it wasn't Christmas without an impromptu game after lunch while the oldies snoozed off the plum pudding.

There was that one time I was sent sprawling by a six, which connected with my head. (I refuse to entertain rumours I've never been 'Quite Right' since then). Then there was the time when we all hid after someone sent a cricket ball through the (closed) kitchen window and onto the stove where a furious Mum was cooking dinner.

Good times, hey?

That's why, it took me about a second to respond 'You Bewtay' to an invitation to play around with the great Allan Border at Allan Border Fields in Brisbane this week.

The occasion was Queensland Cricket's launch of their Junior Cricket Revolution, a new family-friendly format for kids.

Launched by ~~God~~ Allan Border and Junior Cricket's brand ambassador Chloe Maxwell, the idea is to tempt time-poor, financially-stressed parents and their kids back into cricket with a fun new take on the game.

Junior Cricket Revolution has several advantages over traditional cricket in that:

- No whites are required. (Think of the washing hours saved! And no red ball stains either!)

- It's played with softer balls and bats, so kids are less likely to get hurt. (Mind you it took Miss 8 about 10 minutes to cop a ball in the tummy, and Mr 10 another 10 minutes to sprain his ankle. Shhh ... They were soon back on the field.)

- It's shorter, so it doesn't take up the entire weekend. In fact, it's over in 20 overs (about 90 minutes).

- Every kid gets a turn, and all skills are practised - batting, bowling, fielding, the lot.

- Parents aren't required to be sporty or even participate, though that is welcomed if they want to.

- In fact, parents can sit on the sidelines drinking wine and beer and socialising (gasp!), while the ankle-biters wear themselves out. "You had me at hello," said Chloe Maxwell to that. Amen.

- There's no standing-around for all hours in the heat of the day, and some programs run at night. And the kids are active for the entire time they're playing.

- It's equally attractive to boys and girls - and in some cases the girls are better than the boys. (Gotta love that!)

- It's an affordable taste of cricket for youngsters, costing about $65 for about a ten week term. Kids play once a week, and this includes a backpack, shirt, hat, bat, ball, and Milo competitions/giveaways.

As Chloe points out, kids come home pleasantly exhausted which means: "They don't talk back, they go to bed when you tell them, and they sleep all night."

Where can we sign up?

(Easy ... Go to http://www.in2cricket.com.au/ and enter your postcode to find your nearest game).

Thanks to Queenland Cricket and the Junior Cricket Revolution I have a Junior Cricket pack to giveaway which includes a backpack, bat, ball, bucket hat, sticker and Milo sachet.

To enter, check you are following Maid In Australia and share who your favourite cricketer is and why in the comments below.

Meanwhile, here are a few of our favourite moments from the launch:

I love that Queensland Cricket is located at 1 Bogan Street.

Healthy catering for the kids

Me and bestie Allan Border

Practising my model hair flick with model mum Chloe Maxwell

A little pressie for me from Allan ... (Yes, we are on first name terms now, thank you)!

And the man himself checks my little man's injury is taken care of ...

The Milo queue

Good to the last drop!

Chase and Harmonie with the wonderful, very patient and giving Allan Border.

Harmonie doesn't want to wash her arm again ...

AB gives Chase a private bowling lesson ...

Harmonie's turn ... Honestly AB was like a Pied Piper with the kids. What a man!

Wanna play?

Random Acts Of Kindness

2011-10-23T11:22:00.000+10:00

The other day, I was walking back to my car after dropping the kids in to school, when I noticed a man putting something on my car.

I'm so used to people being snarky, that I mentally ran through what I may have done wrong.

Had I parked a little over his driveway? Was I too close to his wheelie bin, which was out for rubbish pick-up?

Instead, as I neared the car, he got on his bicycle*, and rode away, saying: 'Have a lovely day'.

And when I reached the car, I found he had left me this:

a bouquet of herbs!

Wasn't it lovely?

I have no idea why he chose me, but it turned an ordinary day into a lovely one.

The kindness theme is kind of fitting, as today I'm announcing the winners of a few recent competitions.

There's a big thank-you to the companies involved for the kindness in donating prizes to my followers. And to my followers for reading my posts and entering the competitions.

There will be more to come next week!

Without further ado, the winners are:

Baker's Delight Chia Giveaway #1 - pack of Chia seeds, Chia t-shirt and $10 in Baker's Delight vouchers - AlyceB

Baker's delight Chia

Giveaway #2 - as above but with $15 in Baker's Delight vouchers - operationhotmother

And winner of the ZhuZhu pet giveaway is Honey the Great Dane.

Please email or DM your details so I can send your prizes.

* He really did have a bicycle, which he rode off on.

Little treasures...

2011-10-18T13:58:00.000+10:00

Do you ever have parenting moments where you are caught out thinking the worst of your kids?

I do.

I guess I'm a bit of a helicopter parent in that we have family rules that are standard, and I expect them to be followed. And lately, if they're not, I'm too quick to assume the kids are doing the wrong thing.

Like the other day.

We parked at the shopping centre, when Mr 10 got out and starting running off in the opposite direction to the way we planned to go.

Now our family rules include that: A. We don't run in shopping centre carparks, and B. We wait until everyone is ready and we walk off together. So I was pretty damn snarky and was about to call Chase back, when I saw exactly why he was running.

Nearby, was a lightly-built young woman with a toddler, vainly trying to stop her shopping trolley from tipping over as she pushed it over a gutter.

Chasse was by her side in seconds, manfully righting the trolley and setting her on her way.

"You're welcome," he shouted over his shoulder, as he ran back to me.

My heart melted a little bit right then.

Then just this morning we were trying on school shoes again (don't ask), when something clearly caught his eye and he took off.

Now Chase does get distracted easily, and of course, the first thing I thought was that he'd spotted something far more interesting than school shoes.

And so he had.

But it wasn't an expensive toy, new D-Mag, or a mate as I'd expected. It was a lady in a mobility scooter who was having trouble turning into one of the aisles. (I swear department stores are making the aisles smaller and more difficult to manouvre through than ever before).

"Need some help?" my son asked the old lady.

She clearly did, and with a smile, she allowed him to help her on her way.

"Sorry Mum, I just like to help people out," Chase said when he came back.

Awww ...

Lucky none of his mates were around, because I had to hug him, right there and then.

And just recently, we were clattering down the stairs and into the car for school, when Harmonie suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Come on kids, we're late," I began, thinking she'd forgotten something or suddenly needed to go to the loo.

"Wait Mum, there's something little here and it's alive!"

She was right!

My little wildlife warrior had found an abandoned baby possum, all pink and tiny and mewling for its mother. A few ants had started crawling on it, and kind-hearted Miss 8 burst into tears.

"Mum I don't want it to die. We can't let it die! What can we do?"

I didn't know, but I was pretty sure our local vet would have a good idea.

I dispatched H. to find a pillow case - luckily the washing basket was handy. Ahem.

Then, C. gently popped the wee possum into the pillow case and held it next to his chest. I seemed to remember Bondi Vet's Dr Chris Brown cuddling a possum to his chest for body heat, (insert sigh ...), so I figured it would be okay.

We took the possum to the vet, where we told a wildlife carer would take it home and mother it. The kids were allowed to say goodbye to it, although Harmonie is still upset she wasn't able to look after it herself!

It's a cliche, but it's special moments like these that make all the sleepless nights, wiping of bums, cleaning up of sick, and de-lousing of hair worthwhile, isn't it?

I just wish I wasn't so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion.

It's nice to be reminded that my kids are great.

Sometimes I lose track of the fact that I'm actually doing quite a good job of raising them, and I just have to have faith in that. And them.

And now for today's Mental Health Kindness Giveaway.

Since this post has a parenting theme, I thought I'd offer up a gift pack of children's books from New Frontier Publishing.

This very generous prize features four books from New Frontier's Little Treasures range, which aim to uplift and inspire children - and their parents.

Focussing on international themes like love, family, environment and self-worth, the giveaway includes a copy each of Peter Carnavas's books:

Jessica's Box
Last Tree in the City
Sarah's Heavy Heart
and
The Important Things

These books are also fitting for my Mental Health Kindness Giveaways (giveaway #2 is here), because they would be helpful for children struggling to deal with death, anxiety, fear, friendship and love.

The last one, about a mother and son moving on after his Dad has died, is particularly poignant.

Each book is valued at $14.95, and they are all aimed at ages 4-6 years.

To enter, check you are following this blog and then leave a comment below sharing one of your favourite moments with children. You don't have to be a parent; you can be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or good friend to a child who you think would love these picture books.

Entries will close on October 25, 2012.

My own little treasures...

And where is Dr Chris Brown when you need him?

Sunday Selections

2011-10-17T04:25:00.000+10:00

Are you guilty of taking loads of photos that sit on your hard drive and never again see the light of day?

I am, which is why I always love Kim at fondpondsrock's Sunday Selections blog hop.

The idea is you share photos which have been sitting on your computer, so they can get the attention they deserve.

Today I thought I'd share some food porn from my last trip to Melbourne for Nuffnang Australia's inaugural blogopolis.

These spots were all within about a five-minute-walk radius from my hotel the Melbourne Citigate, and left me wishing I could stay longer so I could sample!

Melbourne, I love you! And so do my tastebuds ...

ZZZZ

2011-10-16T09:04:00.000+10:00

You know that last post, the one where I said I wasn't going to write about mental health?

Did you see what I did right there?

I kind of talked about it.

One of the deals with Mental Health Month is to raise awareness that a person can enjoy a perfectly happy, fulfilling, holistic life just like people with physical illnesses and injuries.

So by 1. blogging, and 2. giving stuff away, I'm getting my happy on. And hopefully adding some cheer to a few of my followers' lives too.

Today's giveaway is something that makes Miss 8 happy, and Zsa Zsa the toy poodle even happier: ZhuZhu pets!

If you don't know what a ZhuZhu pet looks like, you clearly don't have or know children, or you live on another planet.

They are small, noisy, and either extremely annoying or cute, depending on how you feel about that kind of thing.

This is a Zhu Zhu pet. You can get Kung Zhus for boys (or tomboys), as well as babies, puppies and other toys. And you can buy them clothes, costumes, carriages and other accessories. (Of course you can!)

They're based on hamsters/guinea pigs I think, and even now that we have our own guinea pigs the ZhuZhu pets are extremely popular at ChezMIA.

ZhuZhus scurry around making cute little noises, and kiddies love them. As do toy poodles.

Butter - or ZhuZhu Pets - wouldn't melt in her mouth ...

Kind-hearted Harmonie has a collection of ZhuZhus but kindly donated a couple to Zsa Zsa to play with.

Zsa Zsa cracks us up when she follows them around the house, and noses and fusses over them like they are babies.

Zsa Zsa in a tender moment with one of her ZhuZhus.

Nawww ...so sweet.

Except that, well, lately, Zsa Zsa has started to destroy her babies! (Warning: The following image may be unsafe for the eyes of small humans...)

This is what is left of the ZhuZhu featured in the previous photos.

Scary, huh?

And lest you think I'm critical of ZhuZhus, I am not. Just the opposite in fact.

They are freaking sturdy for a toy that costs about $10.

This one endured months, of padding at with paws, nose-poking, licking, gnawing, biting, nipping, mouth-carrying and dropping before it started to look like this.

And that's after already having a first life as a much-loved kiddy pet. So they are a pretty good choice for a toy that lasts. Especially if you can't have a real guinea pig. And unlike the real thing they don't poo, wee and wheet all the time!

For today's Mental Health Kindness Giveaway, I have a toy and matching outfit that will make your child and/or pet happy.

ZhuZhu Guinea Pig ...

And an outfit!

To win, simply tell me what your favourite toy was as a kid in the comments below. Make sure you're following my blog first!

For extra entries, tweet or FB, but leave a separate comment to tell me.

Entries closed and winner drawn October 21, 2012

Mental Health Kindness Giveaways!

2011-10-14T08:50:00.000+10:00

It's Mental Health Month in Australia, and I've tried many times to write my post in support of the cause.

I've written openly about my own on-again-off-again relationship with anxiety and depression, and the nasty major depressive disorder that saw me hospitalised in one of our finest mental health institutions.

I helped organise RUOK? day in Brisbane, and as an ex-journo I've been sat on the other side of the reporters' notebook, which has been a very strange feeling indeed.

And it all kind of drained me.

When the whole baring-my-soul thing became just a bit too raw, I decided I would take some of my own advice and show myself some loving kindness.

So I'm not writing about mental health.

Instead I've decided to do something different to mark mental health month, something that makes me very happy: Give Away Stuff!

As you know, there have been some fabulous social-media savvy companies who support MIA with giveaways, so I'm looking into my prize cupboard (okay it's a prize section in a cupboard)! And I won't stop until the ~~cupboard~~ section is bare.

Day one of Maid In Australia's Mental Health Kindness Giveaway is thanks to Baker's Delight.

Bakers Delight recently added freshly-baked white and wholemeal Chia Bread to their range of yeasty, bready goodness.

Have you heard about Chia yet?

Dubbed nature’s complete super food, Chia seeds are the highest combined plant source of Omega-3 ALA, dietary fibre and protein.

Baker's Delight source their seeds from the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, so you're getting a true blue Aussie product that is good for you and the economy!

Miss 8 and I loved the bread - and she usually won't eat wholemeal so that was a bonus!
I didn't try it on Mr 10 because of his allergies.

Chia bread is a new favourite in our house, particularly when toasted and served with Vegemite in the morning.

Thanks to Bakers Delight I have two Chia prize packs to give away. (Ok, there were three, but I've been dying to try Chia seeds so I snaffled one for myself. A blogger's privilege!)

Pack 1 contains: A Chia singlet (large/one size fits all), a pack of chia seeds, and $10 worth of Baker's Delight vouchers so you can try the Chia bread yourself.

Pack 2 contains: A Chia singlet, chia seeds, and $15 worth of Baker's Delight vouchers.

The Chia singlet. You can't have the man pictured wearing it. I already checked!

To enter, simply share your favourite lunch box recipe/idea in the comments below.
You can tweet or FB to earn extra entries, but be sure to leave an extra comment to tell me.

Here are ours:

Miss 8: A thin cover of butter and Vegemite on Chia bread, cut into triangles.

Mr 10: A wrap, no butter, with ham or chicken, a little grated cheese, chopped/torn lettuce and Japanese mayo.

Me: Chopped chicken, celery, avocado, spring onion and lettuce, mixed with mayo and a little pepper, between slices of Chia bread.

What is yours?

Entries close, and winners drawn on October 20, 2012.

You can have too much chocolate

2011-10-12T21:02:00.000+10:00

You can never have too much of a good thing, right?

Especially when it's comes to every woman's friend ... chocolate. Mmm ... chocolate!

I thought so too, which is why, when the kids and I tried Bistro Allure's 40 Days And 40 Nights Of Chocolate Buffet recently, we thought we were in heaven.

Candyland!

Trying out the chocolate fountain ...

We were like kids in a lolly shop ...

This rather phallic-like structure was a chocolate sculpture. At the top, the kids gleefully pointed out, was a man's bum! So you could have Chocolate, Out Of The Man's Bum. I cannot tell you how funny this is to children of a certain age. (By the way, I'm not sure what the man in the background was looking at!)

Shh! Dessert-creating genius at work!

A selection of chocolate slices ... most of these were off limits because of the nut thing

Mr 10 closes his eyes in ecstasy ...His favourites (and Miss 8's) were the strawberries they dipped into the chocolate fountain themselves.

One of Harmonie's tasting plates ...

And which Chase did for me. (What a good boy). My favourite was the Turkish Delight!

"No, I only had a little bit of chocolate Mum ..."

Our verdict: The chocolate buffet was a school holiday treat and it was definitely a one-off event.

Although it initally looked the part, with jars of jaffas, smarties, and chocolate crumbles, it was all a little bit too unhealthy for me, and even for the kids.

The chocolate fountain - which was tiny and difficult to get to - was supposed to be accompanied by seasonal fruits, but there were only strawberries, plus mini-meringues, marshmallows, and chocolate crumbles, which could all be skewered on to sticks. (Actually, I notice in the photos, there is a bowl of fruit up high in one of them. But being vertically challenged, I didn't notice it at the time. It certainly wasn't at kid/duck-height).

There were a huge selection of slices, and cakes, but when I told the waitress my son was anaphylactic to nuts and asked which ones contained nuts she couldn't tell me! She said most had been made off the premises, and they had no way of telling which goodies contained nuts. That really wasn't good enough for an establishment within a hotel which purports to be five-star (the Sebel King George Square Brisbane).

It was the same with the ice-cream. It was self-serve, but there was one scoop in a watery container for all the ice-creams, and two had nuts in them. Sigh.

So that meant a lot of foods were off-limits for Mr 10.

Luckily, he didn't have an Aspie meltdown and contented himself with making chocolate-dipped strawberries for himself and his mother.

Self-service water was available as was milk, but it would have been nice to make hot chocolate as well, or to be asked if we (okay I) wanted coffee or tea).

The slices and cakes tasted old and dry, as did the chocolate pastries.

But you know, for $1 per age for the kids (so $10 for Chase, and $8 for Harmonie) it was good value.

At $20 or $25 for me, it was not, but I enjoyed seeing their happy little faces eating so many forbidden treats. I ate about two chocolate strawberries and two turkish delights and felt my tummy contract.

Afterwards though, we all felt sick.

"No more chocolate," groaned Harmonie, as we left the building.

"Never again Mum," moaned Chase. "Never."

"I'm going to be sick," I said, dashing for the nearest ladies' room.

And it's true, we've barely touched chocolate since overindulging that unforgettable day.

Recently we walked past a Max Brenner* store.

"No Mum, it's one of those chocolate buffets," said Harmonie, grabbing my arm and dragging me away. "We're not eating chocolate again!"

Did we really say never again?

* I know Max Brenner is not a chocolate buffet but something far more decadent. I long to convert the kids, but it will have to wait until memories of out self-inflicted chocolate coma has worn off!

Does Mumma need a boyfriend?

2011-10-07T20:00:00.000+10:00

So the kids have decided I should have a boyfriend.

I discovered this fact, as I discover many of their thoughts and opinions, during a car journey recently.

In the car, I'm a trapped audience, and therefore a vessel for a barrage of questions, facts, and fountains of knowledge.

Somehow, in amongst chats about not wanting to move home (again), how they long to live on a farm (I do too), how much they miss our old home in Brisbane (agreed) and unfair stuff that happens in life (ain't that the truth?), they said the best thing about my split with their Dad was that they get to spend so much of their time with me. Their only gripe was that they didn't get to spend more time, just the three of us.

And, erm, one more thing.

"So when do you think you'll get a boyfriend, Mum?" asked Chase, just a little too casually.

"Yeah, Mum," said Harmonie. "That would be awesome!"

Really? I thought most kids were a bit reluctant to see their parents partner-up post divorce. Certainly, that was the impression my two had given me so far.

I reacted the way most mothers react when confronted with awkward discussions. I panicked!

And then I answered as honestly as I could for their age.

"I don't think I actually want a boyfriend," I said. "I'm quite happy just hanging out with you two, getting back to work, spending time with my friends, and the pets.

"Anyway,we're going to be moving soon. I don't think I even have time for a boyfriend!"

"But I think you'd like one Mum," insisted Chase. "You seem kind of lonely."

Do I?

I wondered.

I don't feel lonely.

I don't miss their Dad.

I don't want him back.

I don't want a relationship with him at all, although I accept that I will always have the connection which is to do with parenting our kids. That's it.

And I don't need a relationship with anyone else.

There have been offers - a single woman is never short of offers of company, is she? But so far, I'm not interested.

I have barely enough time to keep up with my kids and my own stuff, let alone someone else's.

Whether it's maturity or the fact that I have kids and therefore a body clock that's already gone past the snooze alarm, I do not know, but I have never felt that I need someone else to complete me.

I feel whole and fulfilled on my own.

But it bothers me that the kids think I am lonely.

And then I started wondering: Is it wrong that I'm not lonely? Am I too happy in my own company?

I asked my shrink the other day, and his reply was: "Does it bother you that you don't feel lonely?"

Typical!

Sometimes I think I think too much!

Readers, what do you think?

Hump Day Holiday: Brisbane

2011-10-05T14:17:00.000+10:00

I knew we hadn't explored enough of our own fair city (and beyond) lately, when we wandered into the middle of Queen Street Mall recently, and Chase announced with delight: "Mum! Are we in New York City?"

"Um, not quite Mate, not quite," I replied.

For it is true, dear reader.

Like many people who live in a tourist destination, (Stop it! Brisbane is a tourist destination) we rarely take time to explore the sights like those who are visiting our part of the world.

Sure, during school holidays we usually do South Bank, the Queensland Museum and the Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens.

But apart from that, it's usually too stressful, expensive, or difficult to make it into the busy Brisbane CBD.

Usually it's quicker and cheaper to go to our surburban shopping centres, where there are just as many facilities available as the CBD, with the added bonus of extra, often free entertainment for the kids.

But during the weird-weather spring school holidays, where the temperature lurched from freezing one day to hot the next, I recklessly did a hotel search on wotif.com. It was a sweltering, summer-like day, where bushfire smoke hung heavily in the air, and our hot-box of a home felt like a sauna. With a click of a mouse, I booked a last minute mystery deal for us.

The hotel had air-conditioning? Check. It had a pool? Check. There was room service? Check. There were no dogs, cats, or wheeting, forever-hungry pregnant guinea pigs? Check. Okay we were in.

The deal turned at to be at the Sebel Citigate King George Square, which Chase immediately insisted must be five star because a man opened the car door and parked my embarassment of a car for us.

("Mum, I bet he's never seen as messy a car as ours before," Harmonie giggled mischievously. I bet he hasn't either!)

Moments later, after a friendly check-in, we were in our room. Teddies included.

It didn't take us long to make ourselves at home. Chase took control of the TV remote (he is a male after all,) while Harmonie's panda looked on.

Harmonie thought the hotel was 5-star because the toilet paper was shaped like this!

Living large by the pool!

Just like Time Square ... Erm, not quite!

The perfect gift for the person who has everything: kangaroo scrotum beer openers. I kid you not.

The Brisbane River ... Tranquil this time, unlike earlier this year when she wreaked havic on thousands, many of whom are still recovering from the devastating floods.

The other side.

We ended up staying for the Santos City Of Lights, a free laser light show set to music which was the first of its kind in Australia. And although we'd been on the Wheel of Brisbane , the kids insisted it would be better at night. And so it was. But my iphone had ran out of battery long before all of this, so I have no photos to share. Bad Mummy Blogger!

We were exhausted by then and caught a cab back to the hotel, much to the childrens' pleasure.

"Are you on holidays?" asked the cabbie.

"Yes," said the kids.

"Oh, where from?" he replied.

"Brisbane!" they chortled.

I think he thought we were mad.

But an awesome time was had by all.

Readers, have you played tourist in your own backyard before? And is Brisbane really a tourist destination?

Note: To be continued....

Sunday Session

2011-10-02T14:59:00.000+10:00

I've been dying to join in on another of the lovely Thea's Sunday Sessions, and finally a chance has come around.

Thea of Do I Really Wanna Blog regularly hosts the Sunday Session where she shares, generally an oldie and a new musical favourite with her followers and encourages them to do the same.

But there are no hard and fast rules.

My new absolute favourite song and clip at the moment is LMFAO's I'm Sexy And I Know It. Seriously, there's something in that video that appeals to my sick sense of humour, and I'm glad that it's funny instead of soft-porny like most film clips these days.

Here it is (those with sensitive stomachs or an aversion to Dick Togs may want to avert their eyes):

I guess it's kind of like a modern-day version of Right Said Fred's: I'm Too Sexy song. You can watch it here:

I have fond memories of leaving a party and driving to a club in Cairns while all the men in our group sang this in the 90s. Oh happy days! http://doireallywannablog.blogspot.com/

He's back....and we have babies!

2011-10-02T02:29:00.000+10:00

Thank you to all who have sent their love and prayers and concern.

Russy the big, brave Abyssinian pussycat is back home after his brush with a nasty snake.

In fact, he's lying on the bed beside me, and seems unwilling to let me leave his side.

Gosh I love him.

Kit Kat, Hannah Cat, and Zsa Zsa the toy poodle are here too.

And even better news: When I arrived home after picking up Russy from the vet, Polly the pregnant guinea pig was wheeting loudly as usual, and when I peeked inside her hutch, I saw a little splash of brown and gold flashing by.

So I ran and got Polly some 'quality fruit and veg' as Mr 10 would say, and returned to see the little splash of brown and gold suckling her. And then I checked to see if there were any more babies, and I spied a little golden piggie on her other side.

Babies! At last!

The guinea pigs babies are perfect.

They are like mini zhu zhu pets, but even tinier. And unlike zhu zhu pets, they don't make sounds like 'awww', and 'oh shit, oh shit'. (I kid you not, we have one that says that. I have it on video, but I can't seem to upload it to blogger).

Polly Pig and one of her babies ...

Polly and baby number two ...

Here they are .... (Sorry, I have no idea how to stop the video from appearing twice. If I delete one, it deletes both. Leave a message saying if you'd rather see the video, or not at all. I'm new at the video caper. thanks.)

Readers, have there been any happy events in your furry family life recently?

As for the kids, they haven't seen them yet as they are still with their Dad. They would love to come and see them, but Dad won't let them until after school on Monday.

Mr 10 has already laid claim to the honey-coloured one which he has declared he will call Honey. I'm hoping Miss 8 will be happy with the Polly-coloured one!

Apparently they can change sex until they are about three weeks old, when we will take them to the magical Guinea Pig Lady to determine their sex.

And then, if male, then they will need to be separated from their Mum or sibling, because naughty guinea pigs may mate with any females, including their mothers or sisters.

And now I must go to sleep, to the music that is Russy's snores. (And that is a good thing!)

Puss ... and pets

2011-09-29T10:35:00.000+10:00

It was a scary situation at Chez MIA yesterday, when Zsa Zsa the Toy Poodle alerted me, by barking frantically, that Russy the big gentle pussy cat, was unwell.

Russy is a gentle giant of a kitty, who came with the house we're renting.

He's been ours for almost a year now, and just like Zsa Zsa, we love him like he's one of our own furry babies.

Lucky the kids were with their Dad, because when I saw Russy's shaking face, and darting unfocussed eyes, I knew instantly he was not okay. His back legs were down, and when he tried to walk towards me he collapsed.

It was terrifying enough for me to see Russ like this, that I knew the kids would be really traumatised had they been here.

All I could think of was that the cat had been poisoned or bitten by a spider or a snake. We live near a forest, and we'd had no less than five skinks in the house in a couple of days so it was a distinct possibility.

I dropped everything, popped Russy in his cage, and took him straight to the vet.

The vet was great, and took Russy ahead of the queue instantly. No one in the waiting room minded.

Russy was fast deteriorating and was kind of fitting in my arms. I thought he might bite or scratch in his distress, as the vet drew urine and took temperatures, and shaved bits where Russ thought he might be injured or bitten. But Russy just kind of moved into me, as if for protection. I had never loved him more.

Russy spent last night at the vet's hospital on a drip and on valium to calm his nerves, while more tests were done, and this morning the vet revealed the results: Snake bite.

He'd suspected as much the day before when shaving had revealed a suspicious puncture wound near Russ's face. But clearly the snake hadn't gotten a good grip of Russ, and it looks like our big pussy will be okay.

I hope so.

His real owners had warned us that Russy was an outside cat, who probably wouldn't spend much time with us once we moved in.

Indeed, he spent most of the first week or two staring at us balefully from his favourite spot near the outside pond.

He'd come in at night through the cat door, and eat his special, expensive cat biscuits, then disappear again, like a thief in the night.

But gradually, he'd come when called for a cuddle, or his favourite, a combing and brushing session.

Then he started letting Harmonie pick him up and lug him upstairs and into the house at meal times. And he'd stay here, joining us on the couch for petting and purring.

One night, he terrified me - and Zsa Zsa - by jumping on me in the middle of the night. He only meant to join me in bed! He still occasionally sleeps with me, usually only on a really cold night when the kids aren't here. They are his preferred sleeping partners of choice.

And then he started bonding with Mr 10. I'd often find the pair curled up in bed together, Russy sprawled on his back in ecstasy as Chase patiently rubbed his belly. Or sleeping side by side, Russy sharing Chase's pillow.

Even when C. was staying with his Dad, Russy would go to his room looking for him, and then settling down on his favourite spot to sleep.

When I came home last night, it felt strange not to have Russy waiting at the top of the driveway and then walking down to greet me as he always does. And when I leave today, it will be weird not to have him walk to the car with me, to see me off.

I knew I'd have to say goodbye to Russy - and to Zsa Zsa eventually - but I never thought it would be quite so soon.

So I really hope that the furry angels are looking down on Russ and will bring him home safe to us.

Our sweet Russy...
In the meantime, here's an ad that reminds me of how Russ would be if he was human. Erm, a cartoon. Well, you know what I mean. He's a big ginger kitty, and he's charming, just like Puss In Boots.

It's a parady of the infamous Old Spice ad, and I could really use a laugh right now!

Readers, has a pet ever touched your heart?

Hump Day Holiday: Rotorua (Where No One Can Smell Your Farts!)

2011-09-28T09:29:00.000+10:00

This week, I thought we'd revisit Rotorua, which was the destination of our first weekend away after moving to New Zealand a few years ago.

Yes, that was back in the day when I was still married to the father of my children, who had thoughtfully banned eating and drinking in the car, so I'd commited the unforgiveable sin of not packing snacks.

Even though we'd been up and had fed the kids early, they were starving an hour into the trip, so we had to stop at a service station for supplies.

And so we found ourselves queuing for nearly 25 minutes at the service station café, for what was possibly the worst coffee I have ever tasted in my life (and that’s from someone who has spent a lot of time in country Australia).

The kids were happy with their haul though – juice and brownies – especially as we broke the rules to allow them to snack as we drove to save time.

Cambridge was the next stop, where we literally spent a penny (actually it was 50 cents each) to use the loos. A farmer’s market was on nearby, so the kids picked up a bag of organic apples and juice for the journey.

I had never seen them so excited to buy fruit before, but hey, New Zealand apples are delicious!

Finally, after a very scenic 4 hour drive, we made it to Rotorua, where the first sights of steam rising from cracks in the ground prompted cries of excitement (from the adults as well as the kids).

We stopped at a local park, where the kids excitedly checked out a few hot springs, whilst complaining about the smell.

Yes, we’d been warned about ‘stinky’ Rotorua, but were still overwhelmed by “The Stench” as C. called it.

Still, there was a bright side. “Now we can fart and you won’t know if it’s us or the hot springs”, he announced excitedly. H. wickedly lost no time in testing out the theory! "It's true!" she announced happily.

We snacked on yummy roti and samosas made by local Maoris for lunch, before checking out our hotel.

I’d booked an internet special online, and after reading a few trip advisor reviews (after instead of before the booking), I was a bit worried about what we’d find.

But the Hotel Sudima was fine. Sure they lost our booking, but they found it again; and our room wasn’t ready on arrival, but they gave us a key to the pool and loads of towels so we could go for a swim in their thermatically heated pool.

It was divine! Even warmer than the hydrotherapy pool I used in Brisbane for my arthritis exercises.

There were even private spa rooms where you could lounge in peace. The spas were only partly covered, so you could sit back and watch the stars at night or enjoy the sensation of a cool rainshower while your nether regions were toasty and warm. These had to be booked, but there was no extra charge, which I thought was awesome.

For NZ $129 a night for all of us, including a full buffet breakfast, you couldn’t really ask for more … even though the Rotorua smell somehow followed us everywhere.

We walked around the lake, napped, and enjoyed hot spas in the afternoon, before heading to a Maori show and hangi that evening. It was touristy, but fun, and the kids were spellbound.

We all enjoyed the hangi, and later, the Princess joined me on stage for a poi dance, while the big and little men got to do the Haka.

The kids with two of the performers. Weren't they tiny back then?

Next morning, we visited the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Billed as New Zealand’s most diverse area of geothermal activity, it’s a bit like visiting the Land That Time Forgot.

Steam rises from eerily coloured pools and vents, mud gurgles and plops, steam vents hiss, and cavernous craters dot the land.

It is seriously one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to in the world. Right up there with unforgettable must-sees like the Grand Canyon and Victoria Falls.

Even the Princess forgot to ask to be ‘luppied’ (carried), so entranced was she by the sights and sounds (and even the offensive smells).

The Little Dude was taken by the names of some of the attractions: the Devi’s Home, Devil’s Bath, and the Infernal Crater, to name a few.

And they both loved the eruption (induced by soapflakes) of the Lady Knox Geyser, which soaked them both as it erupted about 20 metres up into the air.

We would have loved to have stayed longer at Rotorua (and I for one, would love to return to try the world-famous Polynesian Spa – girls’ weekend anyone?), but reality and work in Auckland beckoned.

One day I hope we'll return.

And "It smells like Rotorua" has become a favourite family saying, usually spoken when one of the kids has let one rip. (I, of course, never fart. And if I did, it would smell like roses. Not Rotorua!)

Styling me ...

2011-09-27T10:18:00.000+10:00

Isn't it lovely to get an invitation?

An unexpected invite via snail or email, a friendly tweet, a party?

Invitations are always welcome at Chez MIA, so I was immediately tempted when fashion stylist, blogger, social media expert, and keynote speaker Nikki Parkinson-Hubbard of Styling You, invited me to join her in a styling session at Westfield Chermside.

I ~~thought long and hard about the prospect~~ took about two seconds to say 'Yes!' Just like a lovesick young woman being proposed to by a gallant young prince.

Except that on this occasion it was my turn to be treated like royalty, as I rocked up to Westfield Chermside in my daggy school-run outfit.

(Yes, I had intended to wear something nicer, but of course, it had been one of THOSE mornings, and I only got to throw something on as I ran out the door. I wasn't even wearing lippie. Gasp!)

Neither Nikki nor our gorgeous Westfield stylist Christie Nicholaides made me feel daggy or self-conscious. (I was quite capable of doing that myself!).

Anyway, first up for my quickie styling session - described as perfect for a first-time fashionista, or someone looking for a special outfit for a particular occasion (snap!) - was a chat with Christie about me, my lifestyle, and the outfit I was after.

Christie's first question was: What shops usually catch my eye?

I resisted the urge to reply: The cheap ones!

For it is true, Dear Reader.

Whilst once, in the heady days Before Children, I could afford to be fashionable and adorn myself with the latest trends, I now find myself shopping at charity shops and/or K-Mart/Big W/cheap shops. Or even Target, if I'm feeling fancy.

And like Fran Drescher, I never pay full price.

This is possibly why Nikki and Chrissie are stylists and fashionistas, and I am a Mum, who feels daggy pretty much most of the time. I leave the house with chipped fingernails, no make-up, pet hair on my clothes, and quite possibly, a raging case of nits. You can see why my self-esteem may need a wee boost.

And I got it during my styling session.

I silently thanked the Universe that there was no Trinny and Susannah-style sniggering at undies, or clutching of boobs and belly fat.

However, Christie did stand me before a mirror, and worked out my body shape and which parts to highlight and downplay.

(Turns out I'm a hybrid. Who knew? And my usual style wasn't too bad for my shape and lifestyle).

And then she asked about the event I was hoping to find an outfit for.

I explained I wanted something comfortable and practical enough that I'd be able to wear it all day at Problogger's upcoming workshop in Melbourne.

But I also wanted it to be professional enough so that I could wear it to interviews and at meetings in my career as a writer and social media consulant. But it also needed to be casual enough that I could wear it on the school run and not feel overdressed.

Oh, and it had to suit my age and shape.

See? No wonder I'm fashion-challenged!

With that brief, Christie took me to Sussan, where she says she finds loads of affordable outfits for busy working Mums like me, because the fashion is on trend and good quality without being outrageously expensive.

I liked the first outfit I tried on, but I felt a little uncomfortable and as if I'd need to wear heels and be 'done up' to pull the outfit off.

The second outfit I tried on was the one I loved. It was a maxi-skirt, singlet top, short-sleeved jacket and jewellery that would take me from the school run, to work, and even out after work if necessary.

While I was trying it on, Christie ran a few stores down to Joanne Mercer for a pair of wedge heels that fit perfectly. And not only that, were comfortable!

What I loved was that there was no pressure to actually buy what Christie had suggested.

It was her own idea to put the outfits on hold while we looked for a few other accessories and also styled Nikki.

Nikki, who had a different brief entirely, due to her being all kinds of awesome and stuff, writes about our experiences here. And seriously, pop across there and comment, because you could win a Westfield styling session plus $1000 to spend on your own new look.

Christie also gave me a few hints on what to look for when I'm shopping on my own:

- Add more not less when it comes to bling. Two, not one necklaces! Three, not one bracelets.

- Have a signature ring on one hand.

- You can buy good basics, like a maxi-skirt from Sussan but team it with cheaper items like a singlet or shirt from somewhere like Target or K-Mart.

- It's worth spending more on shoes if you can actually wear them all day. Or night.

So would I pay for a styling session?

Before this invitation, I would have said no.

But after? Yes!

I would have thought a personal styling session was a waste of time and money for someone like me.

Someone like me being a woman who no longer has a big budget for fashion, nor the body or fashion sense to know what suits me!

But then I thought back to the hours of time and frustration I've spent searching for an outfit for a special event. An outfit that suits me, that I can afford, that is there, and ready to wear.

And in less than 30 minutes with Christie, I found what may have taken me days of searching and tears to achieve.

In an ideal world, I would have liked more time to try on and compare a few different outfits. Just because I'm a girl, and that's how I'm used to shopping.

But I was certainly happy with the outfit I took home, and I am always being complimented when I wear it.

I must add, that I've certainly never spent the amount I spent at Westfield on what I consider an everyday outfit. But they very kindly gave me a $500 Westfield gift card to spend on the clothes and I figured I may as well use it. (Note: I didn't even spend it all! For The Win!)

The clothes were comfy and on trend, as were the shoes and jewellery. And Christie gave me tips for how to make the outfit pop, say with a cheap red singlet to go with the red bag I already owned, rather than an expensive designer alternative.

To be honest, I've already worn the hell out of my Styling Session outfit. I keep it clean and ready to go, and can just pop it on when I have something I need to look decent for.

And that's another bonus. It travels well too, and no ironing is required.

I think the speed service would be particularly wonderful for women searching for a perfect outfit for a one-off occasion, like mother of the bride, prom night, wedding/five-star gown, or similar.

The only problem, is that like after an upgrade to business class and being forced back to economy, I've been spoiled.

After my speed styling session, I tried to buy the elbow-length top Christie said would take my tribal trend outfit into a possibly chilly Melbourne.

I spent at least a couple of hours looking, and nothing came close to what I'd been told I should look for.

And when I found it, I thought: Where's my stylist? How do I know this will suit me and is it worth spending my money on?

I think another visit to Christie is in order.

And next time, I may be brave enough to try colour blocking!

Disclosure: Westfield Chermside gave me a $500 gift card to spend whilst participating in the speed styling session.

Also? I did take photos, but as I've said before, I am IT challenged, and I cannot find them anywhere! Best go across to Nikki's blog if you want proof of my new look.

Yes, I know. New look, same sucky internetz skills.