Middle of the road child

I don’t have genius, prodigal children. Maybe I’m being a bad mum for saying that. But it’s true.

My kids are in the middle of the road. I am very thankful that we don’t need extra support. I know some families who would give anything to have their child tred a well-worn path.

But at the same time, we aren’t offered extension learning. Neither of my boys show extreme promise in sport, art, languages or music. There is no lack of passion for soccer or drawing, but I’m realistic about abilities.

So, you can rest assured, I’ll never be that mum who chews your ear off about my gifted children. And I actually think that’s a very good thing. Read more

What to wear to Adele

I’m old. I know this because I listen to ABC radio in the car, can’t see without my contacts and have an emergency set of tweezers on stand by. But despite my advancing age, or perhaps because or it, I’m headed to a concert next week. Like a lot of people in Brisbane, I’m off to see Adele.

Tickets were a Christmas present from my husband. There was a great deal of hinting. I actually unwrapped the Adele biography. A few moments of frantic searching revealed no tickets hiding in the pages. So I had to ask “does this mean what I think it means?” We had a circular, cryptic conversation that amused him and frustrated me. Happens often.

Anyway, after confirming the existence of tickets, my mind turned to what to wear.  There are a few practicalities to consider. It will be hot. We will have to walk a fair way to the concert itself – Gabba parking being horrendous. There shall be dancing. We are going out to dinner before hand. Read more

Getting chore charts to work + FREE chore chart printable

Chore charts

Chore charts. It’s a divisive topic. Should kids be rewarded for contributing to their own household? Should parents have to make a captain obvious list as to what needs to be done? Do they actually work? Does anyone use them after the initial month of fervour wears off? Do the white board markers go missing in all families? If so, you could look into a site like https://writeyboards.ca/, where you can purchase a fresh new set of markers and maybe a new whiteboard while your at it!

We currently have a chore chart hanging off the fridge, laminated and ready for ticks and crosses. Once we can find the white board marker. Read more

How to wear a pencil skirt

I love a good pencil skirt. It’s terribly grown up, office appropriate and beautifully tailored. With the added bonus of being just a wee bit sexy. Basically, an office staple you can take out to drinks.

How to wear pencil skirts

Pencil skirts make up a good proportion of my corporate wardrobe. I have a couple of black pencil skirts, a floral printed skirt and a sturdy black slip dress that doubles as a very high-waisted pencil skirt. The silhouette works for my body shape and pairs back beautifully with the soft, floaty blouses I favour. Pencil skirts also play well with my collection of belts for extra waist definition.

While I appreciate the ease of a good dress, separates are fantastic for their versatility. And a pencil skirt combines the femininity of a dress with the practicality of being able to make a host of different outfits.

Here’s my guide on how to wear them well:  Read more

My dear friend without children

My dear friend without children

My dear friend without children.

Hundreds of years ago we used to hang out. All the time. Our lives were entwined, our dreams were aligned and our parallel paths stretched long ahead.

Then these other people came into my life. People I haven’t known as long. The little people that have snatched all of my heart and most of my time.

You and I still hang out, but it’s so different, I know. I’m sorry. Read more

Where to find sewing patterns

Where to find patterns

One of the things I love to do with my spare time (the little I have) is to sew. It’s such a lovely thing to take fabric and a pattern and create something beautiful. For those who’d like to try sewing, or are looking to get back into it, finding the right patterns is key.

So where do you find the best patterns?

The traditional place to buy patterns is a fabric store. They have pattern books on display where you choose your ideal look. Then you locate your code and size in cute, old-fashioned filing cabinets. I have fond memories of selecting my grade seven graduation dress just before we bought ALL the taffeta. But that filing cabinet is not the only place to look.

Here are few that you may not have tried …

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