Weekend Rewind: Duchess of Ninja Towers

{Weekend Rewind @ The Fibro}

I declared last night while watching the Royal Nuptials..that from this moment forth I shall be greeted as Duchess Lauren of Ninja Towers.  Well, if Kate & Wills can do it..why can't I? I also asked for a Tiara but husband decided that anymore requests like that and he was stopping my supply of bubbles.

Have put the cassette in the double cassette player and skipping through old time wedding classics..and now I do have Billy Idol's, White Wedding stuck in my head.  You can thank me for that one later.  Over at {Life In A Pink Fibro} we are linking up some wedding love.  Three years ago..I signed on the dotted line and danced the night away celebrating {One Day}

In the spirit of all things wedding..allow me to reminisce on my day..as a princess. For a man I have known for nearly 10 years..I have done well not to break him yet.  There have been times where we have been at breaking point..but the times where he just gets every word I am saying...without me having to utter a single word.  For him..to have my back 110% For him..being a beautiful father.  My partner in crime.  My Mr Ninja.  I do rock the Mrs Ninja stakes too.

Happily ever after..
Duchess of all things Fancy Pants
Loz xx

Queue Royal Trumpets: High Five..It's Friday!

  Oh Friday.  What's more exciting than this here Ninja Wrangler high fivin' her favourite day?  A royal wedding of course! Only just though. Don't want the fame to go to their head too quickly. Yes. It is true..Friday is here and I am leaping through hoops to a grand finale of high fivin' and hoo-rah..what five things have made this head think..or maybe even make my eye twitch?  Read on my friend.  Read on.

{ONE}
It seems we will never be on that show hoarders.  We can't have things in the house long enough before Husband is loading up the Jeep with all things 'but we have 2 FREE trips to the tip' For the record..my old bird cage is super important and so are the fifty trillion scarves that have been in storage..for a wee while now.  I was forced to sit and sort through the boxes that time forgot.  You know the ones?  The ones that you seem to cart from house to house...with a shed load of empty promises...that one day you will acknowledged that you do not need...a manky old remote and a tangled wind chime. 

{TWO}
The Ninja.  Oh my not-so-little girl.  The girl who pretends to be asleep..only to jump up and shout BOO! The one who you ask where her shoes are..and she looks at her bare feet..then toddles off to find them.  Every picture of a dog..is met with a 'woof.' She waves at complete strangers..and offers them her biscuit at the Aldi checkout.  She can draw circles.  Lots of them.  She can put her own plates away.  She squeals..but then shh's herself. She blows kisses before bedtime.  The girl..who has turned into the biggest parrot and her mum is very much watching her p's and q's.

{THREE}
The Royal Wedding.  Katie Watie and Wills.  I am super crazy excited.  I love a good wedding me.  I love the anticipation..the moment where after yonks of planning..it is finally official. I also bet they didn't have mega meltdowns in Myer trying to work out what towels should go on the Registry.  I also bet Katie won't have a immediate change into comfy shoes 30 minutes after the ceremony.  I don't know if it's just royal grooming..but I like them.  I do.  Although..I would hate to get The Queen for Kris Kringle. 

{FOUR}
It has been excitement stations in Ninja Towers recently.  We have had weekends away, we have had Nanna's and Grandma's and Grandad's come and play.  We have night of luxury in the city.  We have had..two colds in a month.  Ah-choo.  I am quite looking forward to getting back to the ordinary life.  Husband heads back to work Monday..where he can get all twitchy about the state of their cupboards instead. I am looking forward to getting my healthy eating back into action.  Healthy body and healthy mind..is my new plan of attack. I have even inherited a fancy pants steppy machiney thing. 

{FIVE}
Had the Ninja's 18 month check up with my dizzy health nurse.  Seem to of ticked all the boxes and was able to leave with only a slight cross next to our name.  Well.  It's not my fault that her windows don't open..and my daughter felt the need...for #2's right there and then.  Seems she is quite tall (ninja not dizzy health nurse. Dizzy health nurse is average height if you were wondering.) But props to her head being in proportion to her body.  Phew.  Her next appointment..will be when she is TWO.  Two.  Bugger me.  Isn't she still a newborn?  Then.  Then I get to fill out Kinder forms.  (I really want her to go to 3 year old kinder) Had a rushing feeling in head..when I realised..my bubba is blooming into the Big Girl stakes now.  Husband now on my case for number 2.  Had to remind him of the the size of our daughter's head again.  Should keep him quiet for a few more months. 

I bid you a good night..hope you don your imaginary tiara..and cheer on The Royals..and hope that Harry totally arses up the Best man speech..that we all get a giggle.

Loz (Her Royal Majesty..of Ninja Towers) (You can stop curtsying) (A bow will be suffice)
xxx

{PUSH} Self Portrait.

Eeep.  How hard is a self portrait?  Or am I the only self critical one amongst us?  Do I pull a silly face?  Do I just smile?  Do I just ponder off into the distance and no think about all the washing on the line that I am yet to bring in?  How about all three?  Am I..am I..just thinking waaaay too much into it?  Me thinks so too.

So what is this here Ninja Wrangler banging on about today you may ask? Well.  I am quite enjoying this photography lark.  So much so that I am dancing the photography dance that the lovely blogger Danielle is hosting over at my new favourite place {Hello owl}  Each week there is a new mission..and if you choose to accept it..you post your photo along with other participating dancing bloggers and hoo-rah {PUSH} is better than a blue light disco. 

This week, if you hadn't already pieced the puzzle together..is all about a self portrait.  Hence the eeep like stance I am in. 

I'm the person who likes to behind the lens..rather than in front of it.  I put my big girl pants on (they are quite large) and pretended it was totally normal for me to be doing a round of hand-heldy-should-have-got-the-tripod-out fun.  Without further ado...Mrs Ninja Wrangler in her natural habitat: 

Can't wait for next weeks challenge. Tessa-dog and Ninja are in for some more happy snappy Kodak moments.  They are thrilled I can assure you that.  Check it out, join in..or just post some comment love on a new blog..we thrive on that shizzle.  {PUSH}

Laters. 
(I'm off out to buy some wrinkle cream)
Loz x

Why I drink coffee.

Even over the hair dryer I could hear her.  I closed my eyes.  Back to my happy place. Concentrate on my breathing. "Gee, she's a bit grumpy today" Yes. I was well aware that.  Thankyouverymuch. The entire shopping centre was also witness to the mammoth tantie being chucked by my precious 18 month old.  A very smile-through-gritted-teeth husband appeared.  Maybe she needed a drink. Tiny Teddies? Queue rifling through my handbag.  "How is your fringe now?" Perfect.  Let's just get this over and done with so I can get out of here.  "I'll just finish blow drying it for you" Awesome..let's make this a little bit more painful for everyone.  She paused. "Oh, what's that smell?" Excellent.  That would be the hair dryer burning itself into oblivion. 

Only a mere hour before did I have one attentive nurse holding my legs in the air and clambering for a glass of water.  I think I had scared the other one off with my outburst of snotty tears.  See, needles have this affect on me.  Not long after the strap was released and she was all like "See, not that bad" did things get a tad blurry.  Awesome.  Not only did I have to do the ceremonious pee into a jar (men have the upper hand on that gig) but now I was crying into my polystyrene cup and feeling like a royal sooky lah la.

24 hours ago, I was pleading my case to my doctor.  He was kind of like a rabbit in head lights as I rolled of the list of ailments I had off my tongue.  He had no chance to fob me off.  I wanted my thyroid checked and a reason why my hormones are like a ride at Luna Park.  He was all like..well yes..we all should get a proper check up least once a year.  Who'd a thunk it?  So in a little lab somewhere..my blood is being checked for a shed load of things.  Hoo-rah.

Some days you feel like you have achieved shiz all.  Like the fact you were supposed to be doing your grocery shopping as there is only half a rotten apple left in the house..but instead you have one El Snotty toddler clinging to your neck and you leave..grocery-less and trek back home because it's just a tad much for today. 

She's asleep now.  Gammy eye and snots o' plenty.  The oh-so-familiar Vapouriser puffing reliably in the corner.  Nurofen for Kids has taken it's spot prominently at the front of the shelf.  My coffee mug is ready to be re-filled.  Dinner is all about what we can make from a quick duck into woolies.  The dust bunnies live to see another day.  The clean clothes may just have to sit and think about life in the spare room one day longer.  I have a dead arm thanks to my friendly nurse.  I have a sore head thanks to my oh-so-shouty toddler.  But..I have a new hair-do.  Hoo-rah. 

I think it's time for another coffee.

{Coffee Cozy}

{Love in a cup}

{Coffee Ring}



Hop to it.

I am sitting here on my second mug of Peppermint tea..in a bid to ignore the billion cries of "eat me..go on..do it" coming from the pantry.  The little cries..that one Cadbury Crunchie Bunny would make.  The ones that I am trying to block.  lalalalalalalaaala. In a very over sized lunch box..contains some very yummy treats..Treats that the Easter Bunny may or may not have left in my very eager hands on Sunday.  I may not believe in God..but heck I believe in The Easter Bunny.

We left Ninja Towers in fairly high spirits on Good Friday.  Car packed with the usual billion bags and last minute shove it in..before husband notices..and asks whether I really need 2 pairs of jeans and 4 pairs of shoes..for 3 nights away. Ahem.  We were only 15 minutes from our front door and we hit grid lock.  Ah, those drivers that hit panic-pants stations and lose their shizzle because there is more than 3 people on the road.  Lucky for us..we had already caffeined thy-selves up to the ear balls and I had purchased some toons off the I-toons and we were bound for the land of Grandparents and all things cousins that we hadn't seen..since..well..a while.

Easter Saturday found us driving through the streets of our old home town and laughing at all the memories it conjured up.  We then tracked back to home base where we were all for some sitting in the sunshine..with some vino..and some sneaky easter cupcakes.  Nom.  Nom.  NOM.

I changed my mind about twenty billion times Re: The Easter Egg Hunt.  I decided that yes..we could have one.  But chocolate inhalation by Ninja..was limited. Yes..it seems that even a few sneaky morsels can send one 18 month old into pure mayhem.  She totally got into the spirit of things and went crazy looking for eggs!  Made me smile.  Her little ooooh's and What's this? every time she found a egg.  It made my heart skip a beat. 

We're back home now, Ninja tucked up into bed and Tessa-dog passed out in her bed. Trying to keep up with a German Short Haired Pointer will do that to you.  I am happy.  A weekend of great company and some pretty tasty treats.  A weekend where I saw the love and life that my daughter brings to people.  The energy she creates.  The love I have.  The brilliance...of Family.  For now, I shall ignore the calls of the ghost of chocolate past..and giggle at the thought of me sending text messages to passing traffic..that have failed to replace their indicator lights.  Serves them right for having their mobile number blazened down the side of their said trailer...

I am playing along with a beautiful blog {Sunny + Scout} for some Point & Shoot excitement.  Join in.  Check 'em out.  Get snapping for next week.

Love and chocolate,
Loz xx

Ps.  New blog design..Yay or nay? 

Happy Bunnies

Ps:  Ninja Tales is very proud to wear our badge of nomination for the Sydney Writers' Centre..Best Australian Blog Competition.  Part of the competition can involve you! Yes, You!  If could follow the link and vote for us in the People's Choice awards. Yeah!  {Vote!} I am on page two!

Thankyou! Loz x

My Tantrum.

I've had a light bulb moment.  One of those moments where you feel like you have finally mastered the Rubik's cube..or even finally understood the rules to Deal or no deal (please..don't tell me I am alone in this one..I have NO idea what that show is about)  I have been dragging my heels for far too long.  Considering if I am going mad or not.  Looking at the clock..to realise it's only 9am and I am already ready for a kip.

My moods recently, have rivalled a very surly Miss Naomi Cambell.  I have even thrown a mug.  I have shouted.  I have picked fights. I have slumped my sorry self on the couch and willed a Toddler to give me a break.  I keep telling myself.."this is normal..every mother feels this way"  Wrong.  I have put my hand up and bravely asked for help.  I am a stranger to even myself these days.  Even answering the phone feels like too much of an effort.  I hear my tone as I nit-pick my husband..and even I have a question mark above my head. 

It's all felt like too much.  I have felt so snowed under.  I have been questioning if I have been depressed.  Anxious.  Post baby anxieties.  It didn't add up.  I didn't feel depressed.  I wanted to make plans.  I wanted change. But..I just couldn't make head nor tail of it all. I wanted change.  I just didn't have the energy.  I don't resent Emily.  I love playing with her.  Being her mum.  Just my head is full of fluff and even the most ordinary tasks seem like I need 8 coffee's just to get my act into gear.  I have tried lists.  I have tried diet.  I have tried doing nothing/everything.  Nope. 

My energy levels have always been high.  I understand I am getting older..but I am only 28 dammit.  I am the one that still pulled 10 hour shifts when I didn't realise I had pneumonia yet.  I am the person who did double shifts at a hotel..after pulling an all nighter with my mates.  I am the person who even after working a full week..would have about 20 million ideas shoved up my sleeve.  I am the person who endured a near 13 hour full blown labour..to only walk myself to the ward after..and check myself out not even 24 hours later. 

My mum planted the seed of me getting my thyroid checked.  I thought about it and promptly filed it next to one day.  Yesterday.  As I wept on the couch and shouted into thin air..after another failed sleep attempt from Ms Ninja..I decided enough was enough.  I was exhausted..after doing nothing.  My hormones were raging.  My temper was frayed.  I just wanted a rest.  I turned to my mate Google.  Light bulb.  Tick.  Tick.  Yes, my hair is falling out.  Yes..I bruise crazy easily.  I have bugger all energy.  I even have the odd heart palpitation.  Oh.  My.  {Read More}  Maybe a Thyroid problem could be a culprit?

I have not written myself to having a Thyroid Disorder..but I cannot let this one go this time.  I need to get some sort of answers.  Life isn't meant to be this..sluggish.  I am on the hunt to find a good doctor that is willing to work with me on this one.  For me to work on the other avenues of life (licence, job etc) I need to get #1 sorted.  It would be like asking someone with a broken leg..to run a 10km marathon. 

I am just on the research trail..it is interesting to see that it it quite common to have Postpartum Thyroid problems.  Below..I have attached a few links..If you are interested..or feel that maybe you need your Thyroid levels checked.  It is interesting also..that many women get fobbed off..as it is normal to be tired when your are a parent.  pppffft.

{Postpartum Thyroid Problem}
{Thyroid Problems}
{Better Health}
{Thyroid Australia}

I know I am not me.  My nearest and dearest..know I am not me.  I was scared for myself yesterday. The rational side of me knew that I was over acting.  But still..I chucked an almighty tantie in the hallway.  Back to basics.  Back to Loz.  For real this time.  You can all hold me accountable.  Or even just hold my hand.  It is hard..to admit..to the interwebs..that I am struggling.

Loz x

Playing Favourites.

I have lots of favourites.  Lots.  In this day and age we are so spoilt for choice..I find myself more often than not..rubbing my chin and have my eyebrows knitted together in a serious What is for bloody dinner? kinda way. So in a bid to distract me from the fact that nanna has returned to The Shire of all things Grandparents..This blog post is dedicated my love all things...Me.  My Favourite Things.

Ah NOM.  Diabetics and health-kickers look away now.  Oh my.  I nearly rugby tackled my sister when she bought this here cakey-cake into this here house. Perfect for an arvo of a billion cups of tea and hanging with some of my fav people. My Mum, my sister, my daughter..and me.  Tick.  Favourite.

Props to the hotel we stayed in on the weekend.  What is better than bubbles?  free bubbles.  What is even better than free bubbles?  A bottle of your all time favourite bubbles.  Next time you are looking for that extra special something-something..get thee a bottle of this.  {Cheers!}

{Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo} Brilliant, brilliant show.  Asher Keddie is just amazing..how she has just captured everything in the mind behind the magazine Cleo..Ita Buttrose.  To be honest..I had no idea what Ita was even famous for.  I know.  Check it out.  It will have you wishing that your wardrobe was full of 70's fashion. 

Music features highly in my day.  I love settling down at the lap top and popping Itunes on.  Words flow so much faster when I am toe-tapping away.  This song is getting a huge workout on my speakers.  I think I am going to bite the bullet and grab the whole album.  {adele}

Oh  the small things.  Like sticking leaves to the iconic fountain in good ol' Melbourne town.  The weather is a changing..not sure I am going to favour the grey skies ahead.  This morning we walked in the cool morning sun and tried to tire out the sleep striking toddler.  It seems I have failed in this as she is currently causing chaos under my feet.  Not in bed.  I digress.  I am favouring the small things.  Like painting the bricks with water.  Like making play-doh pizza's.  Playing Peek-a-boo with Boo Bear.  Snuggling on the couch in my smurfette dressing gown.  My hormones are a raging and I know PMT is not my friend..so I am practicing my love of the small things. 

{image}

My freezer is full again.  Ninja has some new threads.  I have had some good belly laughs, some heart warming nanna/grandaughter moments.  I have had a few minutes where the house was empty.  I have had a weekend away with just my hubby.  I have felt like I have been wrapped in a wool blanket and started to re-build this worn out Ninja Wrangler.  My Mum..is the kind of mum everyone should have.  She knows me.  She acknowledges my hard work.  She remembers how tough Toddler Taming really is.  I felt the real concern in her words.   I too..am concerned about me.  I am not sure where to start.  I am exhausted.  Never had a chance to catch breath.  I have felt let down.  I feel like I have it the toughest.  Today..in week 2 of The Great Sleep Strike.  I feel over ridden.  My patience is worn thin. I am snappy. I want to be happy.  I am trying.  Feck, I am trying.  I just don't know where to start.

I just need to keep reevaluating.  Keep the positives in mind.  Live in The Now.  Have My Favourites on hand.  Just keep on..keeping on.

What are your favourites?

What is your fail safe..get out of a rut card?

My City

Of course.  Of course.  It's like they knew.  Why wouldn't it happen? I really shouldn't have been surprised.  The siren blared and the muffled squeaky and highly excitable voice confirmed that yes, we were to leave the building.  Immediately.  Awesome.  I put down my handful of goodies and made my way up the stairs..with the myriads of Saturday shoppers...caught in what seemed to be a non-emergency evacuation..of Myer's. Not exactly a serene and calm scene.

I found myself spilling back onto Bourke Street Mall.  What next?  I had already perused all my favourite haunts.  I had tried on exactly 99.9% of the women's department in Target.  I tapped my foot impatiently as it seemed we were not getting back in any time soon.  Did they not know?  Understand?  Appreciate?? How precious my time was?  Did they not know..That this was the first time I had been shopping alone in over 18 months??  Did they not know..That the last time I went shopping included bribing a eager beaver toddler from the racks of the kmart toy section.  Obviously Not.  The fire trucks then arrived.  Oh-kay.  Coffee Time it seems. 

I sat and soaked in the vibe that Melbourne city..just oozes.  The fashion.  The people.    The sounds of the oh-so-familiar freaking pan-pipers.  The near misses trams and tourists with no idea of the concept of trams.  The gypsy asking to tell me my fortune.  The music pumping from stores.  The Crowds.  I just sat and took in every sight and sound.

My life, for the past 5 plus years..has always been the city.  I worked there.  I played there.  I spent many an hour with my ipod headphones plugged into my ears..being rocked to sleep by a city peak hour tram.  I spent many a lunch break ducking and weaving through the hustle and bustle of Melbourne Central.  I knew the lady with the crazy socks and the TAB guide..was harmless..just stark raving bonkers.  I knew the good coffee shops..I knew that lunch on the steps of the Library..was the best place to catch some Vitamin D. My heart..was beating to the same beat..of my beautiful city.

Sitting on that bench.  Surrounded by the Beautiful People.  Surrounded by the music, the trams and every nationality under the sun..I felt at peace.  I no longer lusted for the life I once had.  I had a new life.  A new chapter.  Two people..who were not with me..I wanted to just hug.  I just wished they were there..right now.  I sipped my coffee and felt a huge and immense rush..fulfillment.

As the pan pipers started back up again..The last fire truck left and it was safe to go back into the mecca of shopping.  I had a gift card still burning a hole in my pocket..and I wasn't afraid to use it.  I also had the clock against me.  The weekend had landed.  Husband was watching a footy match..and Nanna was watching The Ninja.  Ah Bliss.  A hotel had been booked and a dinner sans cutting it up into little pieces and blowing on it was not on the menu.  I did a little happy dance in my head.  I headed back through those big doors and proceeded to tsk and tut at the fashion these days.  And proceeded to buy a royal blue fluffy HOODED dressing gown.  I am kinda like Hugh Hefner meets a Smurf..who then does Rocky impersonations.

Hot.  I know.

Pictures for your enjoyment..

Happy Dances, Love Loz xx

Ninja Cooking Class.

Feels like Groundhog day in these parts recently.  Get up, fend snot, extract Ninja from leg, fend snot, bribe with cartoons, fend snot, extract Ninja from leg..add in a few tantrums from wiping snotty noses and the general "I don't DO sick Mum" kinda vibes I am getting from a certain 1 and a half year old...and you have me sitting on the couch with a slight twitch in my eye. 

Also with rain we have had over the last couple of days has me nearly calling Noah.  You know, just so I could borrow his Arc and all.  Team that with a sick Ninja, I have not only turned to going to my happy place but have also donned my imaginary apron and done a bit of baking.  Martha Stewart need not fear..I'm the kind of cook that will only turn on the oven if I have 100% of the ingredients in my pantry. 

* Cakes by Loz..card by Ninja.  Happy Birthday Dadddda x

Now the recipe I followed was for a loaf style cake.  Now, it seems after spending 10 minutes stuck in our cupboard..we do not have a loaf tin.  Ahem.  Nothing better than a bit of improvisation hey?  I just used a silicon muffin tray..and ta-dah!

100g (4oz) Self Raising Flour
100g (4oz) Soft butter or Marg
100g (4oz) Caster Sugar
25g (1oz) Desiccated Coconut
1 lime, grated rind only
2 medium eggs
1 tablespoon of Milk.
Topping: 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and the juice of the lime you just nearly grated your fingers off with.

Heat oven to 180 degrees (my oven is a serial nuker..so I had it a tad less..plus I got scared since I was mucking around with cupcakes vs loaf)  Find your tray, tin, muffin pan of choice..and grease.  Or forget like I did..but breathe a sigh of relief because Silicon is awesome.

Place all cake ingredients in a bowl.  Beat well until light and fluffy. Put kettle on..Chugginton is on telly and the song sends me a tad loopy.  Spoon into whatev's tin took your fancy and pop in the oven.  That freaking easy.  Bake until golden on top, risen and firm to touch.  Cool for 5-ish minutes.  Mine cooled a lot longer.  Someone was having meltdowns by this point.  Mix together the lime juice and sugar.  Turn out the cake/s and stand on a plate..slowly spoon the topping over the cakes so it soaks in the limey goodness. Sprinkle with coconut and sample one..for quality control.

Since it has been 3 full days of NO SLEEEP FOR ME I have needed to calm said wrangled nerves.  I turned to my friend the cook book again today. 

I have no idea why..but every time I take her photo..this is the face she pulls.  I think it's a smile.

100g (4oz) Butter or Marg
One tablespoon of golden syrup
100g (4oz) sugar
50g (2oz) oats
50g (2oz) Self raising flour
75g (3oz) Crushed cornflakes

Heat the oven to 190 degrees.  Grease or line a baking tray.
Melt the butter/marg and syrup..but don't over heat!  When that's done, confiscate the crayon off the toddler who is drawing on the dishwasher.  Mix in a bowl the sugar, oats, flour and cornflakes.  Pour the mixture onto the dry ingredients.  Stop Tessa-dog barking at imaginary birds. Mix thoroughly.
Place that oh-so-nommy mixture on a tray (You have my full go-ahead to taste test here YUM!)  Bake, till just firm (say 20 minutes?  I have no idea.. it's like I'm in a vacuum some days..times just..disappears)

Cut those bad boys into slices...whilst still hot.  Don't burn your mouth..put the kettle on and wait for them to cool.  Hide container.  Hide it right at the back of the pantry.  They are quite...more-some.

I had to share one more time! This is the card that Emily and I made yesterday.  She drew all the pictures..and I cut them out.  Perfect.  Can't top that hallmark.

Laters, Loz xx

Happy Birthday!

There is a cause for celebration in the Ninja household today..Mr Ninja Wrangler is dancing the dance of "only one year left of my twenties!" Yup.  Today marks the day..that 29 years ago..a Chris came into the world.  We've made our card for dadda and a sweet treat to go with our coffee..all we need now is the birthday boy to finish work and be home!

So while we wait..I have whipped out my hard drive and have delved into the files of Chris' this is your life moments.  Well.  Only as long as I have had a Digi Cam..  I met Chris when he was a freshly shaven, shiney shoe wearing and Vodka Baltic drinking 19 year old..my my my..how times have changed!

Happy Birthday, we love you lots and lots! Lauren, Emily & Tessa- dog xx

Three Sleeps

Do you ever get that feeling..that you have not long dusted yourself off..and already..you are back down again.  Ugh.  Double ugh with a side serving of not again..for the love of coffee.  It only feels like 5 minutes ago that the vapouriser was on 24/7 and I was chasing a very quick toddler with a tissue and saline spray.  Yup.  The little one is with cold.  Fun.  Hang on..I don't feel you are getting my gist... FUN.

Today has been testing to say the least.  I may of had a sneaky sniffle to the husband when he rang at lunch.  The thing is..and it is quite a big thing: Snot is not as sleep inducing as I wish it was.  Even now.  At freaking 2.34pm..I can hear the song and dance going on in The Ninja Nursery.  I am spent.  I have been up and down like a freaking yo-yo from about..oh say 1am this morning.  Tears.  Snot.  More tears.  More snot.  Repeat.  Add some Nurofen, Euky bear and a few strong coffee's..and that's my day in a nutshell.

Woe is me.

Today I am dragging my feet.  I feel a little battered and bruised.  I could do with a better set of circumstances..but really..what is the alternative?  I have many exciting things ahead..they have kept this weary Ninja Wrangler going on this rather boo-hiss-worthy day.  What are they? Well.  Nanna of Ninja is speeding along the highway on Thursay. Three-freaking-sleeps and I can get a big mum cuddle that I really need.  Then. Oh then.  On Saturday, to celebrate Mr Ninja Wrangler's last year in his 20's..we have booked a rather swishy hotel in the city.  Hang on.  Go back and read that again.  One Night.  Nanna Ninja Sitting.  King Size Bed.  Amen.  Those string of words have been on high rotation in my over tired brain.  I may be in the sleep deprived dumps..but I can see a shiney pot of gold at the end.  Just.

Seems the Ninja is not sleeping today.  I could just cry I am so tired.  Infact.  Yes.  I am. 

Three sleeps. 

High Five..I'ts a fabulous Friday!

Magic. The sunlight bouncing off my favourite lamp.  Always makes me smile.  Always.

Hello Friday. Hell-lo. Once again Friday rolls around and it has me stationed at The Lap Top with my thinking cap on..Pondering: What is worthy of my high fiving ways...this week? Well. Since you are here and all. Raise your right hand and high five with me....awesome. Now you are initiated..join me. On what I call.. High Five! It's a fabulous Friday! Magic.

Starting our garden was a labour..of love maybe?  Many a hour has been spent: building garden beds..weeding..planting..planning..and finally we are at a stage that we can sit back and enjoy it.  I love watching Emily toddle around in her gum boots and shovel.  I love that bee's are buzzing around the remaining flowers..I love that I can have fresh basil with dinner. I love my lone lemon.  I am hoping some friends will join him soon.  It is far from perfect.  But is it teaching me patience.  It's my peaceful place.

 I am loving cooking.  I actually put my hand up to cook dinner each night.  I like being creative..and playing around with herbs and spices. I like finding a recipe..and it working into our very-high-rotation of meal plans.  We are far from the Miss Nigella Lawson stakes..we are very much a chicken and something household.  But it's nice..to sit down and enjoy something you have prepared..with the family.  This morning I made Miss Toddler herself vegemite scrolls.  Vegemite is a favourite in these parts.  We made {these} This blog is worth a lookey..there are some fab posts on cooking with kids. Check. It.Out.

Oh my.  Oh. My.  Do we have a l'il rocker on our hands or what?  I may..just may have heard the beginning to the Yo Gabba Gabba Cd about 3 billion times over the last week.  Someone..has worked out how to not only turn the Cd player on..but shuffle the discs until I hear the familiar..oh so familiar..lyrics of So, yummy..so yummy in my tummy!  Another favourite is the theme song to Bookaboo.  The Rock Puppy.  It never fails to rise a smile from me.  She dances.  She loves music.  She loves to perform.  She is just magic.

Little ol' Me.  The last month or so has tested every cell in my body.  I have had days where I wanted to slam the door and not turn back.  In fact..I think I did. But..what makes history so..is that it's in the past.  What happens from this day forth..is all that I am concerned about.  I enjoy my days.  I enjoy dancing to my fav tracks on my Ipod with one Ninja.  I enjoy turning off the telly and having a cuppa with my husband.  I enjoy planning weekends away.  I am at peace..with myself.  I am Loz.  I have my good days..my bad days..and everything in between.  But..I am happy. A happy Mumma of Ninja. 

In a bid for work-life-hobbies-ninja rearing duties balance...Mr Dadda/Husband aka Chris..has been tinkering in the shed for the last few weeks.  Sometimes the Ninja has been The Leading Hand. Sometimes she just plays the drums with sticks..just you know..to keep a dadda on his toes.  He has chiseled..by hand..this amazing sign.  Christopher Scott.  I don't know if this man even gets how freaking talented he is.  He has a billion ideas up his sleeve right now..every thing from our very own Ninja Towers Beer Garden..to some pretty kick arse furniture.  I'm so excited that his passion for furniture has been reignited.  He has such an old world skill..that I find is being lost..in a world where a computer can spit out a kitchen in 3 seconds flat.  Chris..thank you.  Thank you for stepping up.  Thank you..for being my rock.  Team Loz and Chris..is back..I love you xx

I hope your Friday..is every thing magical. 
Love Loz xx

Lusts.

I have nothing interesting to say today.  Apart from I need a money tree to fund my recent obsession of trawling the inter webs for pretend shopping trips.  It's fun.  Try it.  No eager beaver sales assistants pretending they like children and not feeling like a complete dweeb standing in supre wondering... Is that a top..or a skirt?  You can also giggle at the thought of you tottering around in your imaginary new shoes.  With matching bag of course.  So join me.  No Black Amex needed.  No..packing the nappy bag necessary.  It's shopping time..

I have an obsession with coats. I love them.  I am on the hunt. {for the 10th winter in a row} for a red coat.  The Perfect Red Coat. I do, like this one however:

{Pea Coat @ Witchery}

Or this one?

http://portmans.com.au/asp/product_detail.asp?category=Jackets&line=772203&name=Equestrian Coat

I love how effortless they make it look..to be stylish. 

{this goes with that @ Sussan's}

I love wearing dresses.  As easy as jeans are..this curve embracing body was made to wear a dress.  Not so practical with a Toddler on the go.  Oh..this is imaginary.  Sorry.

{Dress @ Jacqui E..hello girls!!}

Geez.  How safe do I play it?  Got any black..to go with my grey?

Since I am beyond tech savvy..these sites won't let me 'borrow' their images..but I am hearting many of their goodies!

{Alannah Hill}

{Cue}

{Forever New}

{Metalicus}

{Veronica Maine}

I am an accessory lover from waaay back.  A scarf does not make you feel fat.  I kinda miss my wear 3 necklaces, twenty bangles and earrings days.  Sigh!

I am loving everything that this super talented girl makes.  So super talented..she made my jewellery for my girls at our wedding.  I lust over all her pieces.  Have a lookey at her website..oh and see me in my bridal get up ;)

{Angie L Designs}

I love, love...LOVE this amazing jewellery (hint hint husband)

{Lovestamp}

Shoes are confusing me right now.  I am not digging this whole crazy boot fashion.  I guess I am a ballet flat lover.  I wish I could rock heels.  I just look like a drag queen.

I mean honestly?? {Novo}

My store.  The store which usually is my turn-to?  Is {jeanswest}  I am loving a few little things, this especially.

{these jeans} Are the best.  What is not to love about a jean called a curve embracer?? When your hips are bigger than your waist..you need these.  Stat.

Wasn't that fun?! All that excitement and lusting..and you didn't even have to leave your chair!

What are your favourite stores? Online?  What is on your lust-list?

* This hasn't been a sponsored post.  But hey..Witchery..you have my email ;)

"We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

{I heart etsy}

Time.  How precious is it?  Really.  Like many parents across this fine ol' planet can agree..Time is one of the most precious resources you can have in your Mary Poppins-esque  bag of tricks.  Having a little person in your midst is a massive creator of "bloody hell..better get the dinner on"  kind of sentiments.

The Toddler can be an incredible time eater.  They also have this inner gene that suspects when you are in a hurry..and almost can pull the brakes onto you achieving anything productive in that day.  You can plan your time to the finest detail..but they know.  Boy, do they know.  You may as well feed your list of things to do to the dog.  You are achieving sweet zippy today. 

Take hanging out the washing as a prime example.  A simple job really.  No Rocket Scientist experience necessary.  Unless you have your nominated helper with you.  Ah, Bless.  Between every sock you hang up..and every peg you drop..you stop and pluck Miss Destruction Derby 2011...out of the plant pot...out of Tessa-dog's kennel..and on and on it goes till you feel that the sodding clothes can dry in the basket.   Then, when you come back inside, look at the clock and realise...it took you nearly 40 minutes to hang out a load of towels.  Sigh.

I know I am an impatient person.  Being a mother has made me 110% aware of this personality trait.  Everything in me is literally screaming:  "We have to get home..I have a gazillion things to do" But, instead..we stop and look at bark chip in detail.  Great detail. We explore the apparently insanely interesting concrete on the path.  We point at random objects.  We sit on the ground and refuse to hold mummies hand when it is time to go home.  Awesome.

I have 10 books gathering dust on my bedside table.  I have half a granny crochet square done.  Badly. I have runners that have not seen my feet in a very long time.  I have twenty billion shows recorded on my t-box.  I have an equal amount of movies..that sit..unwatched.  I have the title page of Toddler Taming stuck on my fridge.  That's exactly what Emily thought of me reading it. 

Life with little people..is busy.  It's about finding those sneaky moments to inhale a hot cuppa.  Making the most of nap times.  Having a back-up plan when it all goes to The Shiz. Choosing your days to learn said crochet skills.  Setting realistic goals.  Calling in reinforcements. Dancing to an Adele song.  Drooling over imaginary online purchases.  Having a laugh.  Or just calling your mum for a good ol' gas bag.

Time.  Ain't it precious?

ps.  Have total Alice in Wonderland obsession now!

"Oh my ears and whiskers, how late it's getting!"

white rabbit, Alice in Wonderland.

T is for Toddler.

As a parent of a toddler you will at some point in your day..survey the current state of your home and question 2 things:  Have we been plagued by a small army of wilder beasts..or was that my toddler I just saw whizzing passed my eyes??

It is easy to confuse the two.  Easy.  So. I have compiled a simple guide for you, for future reference...If you ever so find yourself in a confused toddler and/or small heard of antelope situation again..  File it next to: Chuck the kettle on, my eye is twitching again.

A Toddler is in your midst when:

* You don't even question why teddy is tucked up into bed with a matchbox car and half a smushed up apple.
*  You have a sneaky stash of goodies in your handbag.  Perfect for meltdowns at the cash register, waiting at the traffic lights..general "arrrgggh not now!" moments.
*  You try and take some nice photos.  Confused why each one blurry.  Reset the focus.  Start looking for the manual.  Try a different setting. No.  The blurriness? That would be caused by the sticky fingers from a certain toddler on the lens. 
*  You never go to the toilet alone. Ever.
*  Phone calls are interrupted by you sternly saying "Get off the chair.  Get off it now.  No, don't throw blocks at tessa-dog.  No. Tessa-dog doesn't need a bath.  Certainly not with your water bottle."
*  You go to write something important in your diary.  Only to find that that page has been toddler-fied.  For a whole week.  A Month..quite possibly a year. 
*  Your Facebook news feed is full with groups on toys, people selling nappies/bibs/clothes..mumspace. kidspot... you try and be all cool and add in a few bands.  But still find yourself flicking through pictures of hair clips, I don't even use reusable nappies, invites, cooking ideas..
*  You believe the baby gate was the best invention.  Ever.
*  You can make a lunch out of the most random ingredients in your fridge. 
*  The best toy in the world has to be..your keys and sunnies.  Closely followed by your purse.
*  You don't even need to check.  The smell wafting around your nostrils.  It's change time.  Now.
*  You use these sentences on high rotation: Gentle hands.  Ta for mummy.  Please stop.
*  At the supermarket checkout..you find yourself humming wiggle and learn...
*  You don't even bat an eyelid that tomato sauce is so exciting... That you have to eat it with your spoon.
*  You find yourself doing random jobs at night.  Just because it is easier.  What. Cleaning the loo by moonlight?  Romantic.
*  Chasing a toddler around Kmart, was your exercise for the day.
*  You just know...from that deep intake of breathe.  That, that bop on the head..is going to need a big cuddle.
*  There is a count out, count in policy when it comes to crayons and pencils.  You may need to buy a magic erasers by the truck load other wise.
*  A walk around the block could take a good 45 minutes. Or an hour..if you stop to play with the bark chip.
*  You think swimming lesson should be given out at birth..just for the sleepy toddler after effect factor.
*  You drink endless amounts of pretend cups of tea.  But balance it out (for good measure and all) by having equal amounts of real cups of coffee.
*  You know your Mister Maker from your Giggle and Hoots.
*  Sometimes, checking the mail box..is the only peace and quiet you will get in a day.
*  You check the clock.  A lot. Nap time, lunch time, snack time, water time, milk time?????
*  You are the next new inventor.  Games come to you at the drop of a hat.  You are the make-up-the-words master.
*  A helper is only ever one footstep away. Or as another mumma put: is it a "Helper"?
*  Laughing...will get you much further in a day



Laters, Loz xxx

Wacko Jackie O?

Jackie O and Kitty {story}

If you believe the verbal diarrhoea spouting out of one  NSW Families Minister Ms Pru Goward's mouth, you would be led to believe that this picture is as equally as disturbing and dangerous as Michael Jackson dangling his newborn baby over the edge of a balcony.  Right.  Can totally can see her point on that one.

yeah, EXACTLY the same.

 

The shiz has started to fly on this one. In one corner you have some idiot who clearly has never had a screaming hungry child in her hands and in the other..you have a rally of mum's..that are sick to the back teeth..of being so bloody publicly vilified.  What gives this woman..the right to even weigh in on, where and how a mother chooses to feed her child? eeeeermm, better call DOCS, I fed my one week old child on the toilet.  Yes.  The Toilet.  Nature has no mercy on the 'forever latched to my boob' child.

Look, to be honest.  I am hardly Jackie O's biggest fan. I originally saw the photo and thought "yeah ok..probably could have done better..but who hasn't been caught short?"  I have been in countless supermarkets with a newborn who really doesn't give a flying brass wazoo that now isn't a convenient time for din-din's.  I am sorry Pru, my baby ain't going hungry just because you think we should find an more acceptable place to feed.  I have sat in countless back seats of cars, spare bedrooms, coffee shops..park benches, change rooms..the list goes on.  The stigma behind feeding a child is big enough without you adding fuel to the fire. 

Miranda Kerr and Flynn {credit}

Remember the out cry on this picture?  So even.. EVEN when you are breastfeeding in BED you can't freaking win.  When will we learn?  Why can't we just exist..without all the I'm better..my child is better...i never did that...ooh you are doing it all wrong blah blah blah.

What started this slanging match and me wanting to shout at my laptop..was a certain journo  Annette Sharp..penning an open letter to Jackie O and casting the wand of how can you go back to work..when you are obviously in a financial position to take a year off?  Because Annette, sweetheart.  As women, we slave our freaking butts off for years, climb that god dam ladder for our ovaries then to go...oh hang on..BABIES..then,  so we are not cast off the employed list..we go back.  Sometimes we don't.  It's our call. Who are we to say what is right and wrong?  

As parents..as anyone really. We are under enough pressure without the Opinion Army weighing in.  We do, have our children's best interests at heart.  We do what we do..the best we can.  We have enough of that ol' chestnut of mother guilt and holy fark..will my kid be okay thoughts running through our stressed out and sleep deprived minds. 

We may breastfeed.  We may bottle feed.  We may co-sleep.  We may have cartoons on.  We may forget to brush teeth.  We may..just may give in to tantrums. We may just go back to work.  We may have sneaky chippies.  We may...just may..just dare to parent..our way..without public scrutiny.

Phew. 

Weekend Rewind!

What's not to love about a weekend?  What's not to love about the world's easiest blog post?  One you have already written.  I am playing along with {Life In A Pink Fibro} for some dust off the archives action.  This week..well it's all about November.  Check out some new blogs...for some old post love!  You never know what you might find!  While your there..have a read of my {My contribution}

Off you go then!  {Weekend Rewind}

High Five..I've got a Ninja on my mind!

I have every single window open in the house, used up every available space on my washing line, plus two clothes horses, I have stacked and unstacked the dishwasher, made pizza dough, washed dishes, folded 300 square metres of clean washing...and now I am dancing a dance that I save for this awesome day.  Friday.  High Five it, if you will.  I am.  It's a special edition of high fiving festivities..The Ninja Edition.

One.  When oh when did you turn into a little person?  Where did my baby go? You are off and running these days, no looking back.  The world is an open book for you.  You are most likely scribbling on the pages..but in your eyes..you know no limits.  You can climb, you can feed your self, you know what your shoes are, you throw the ball for Tessa-dog.  In the next few weeks..you hit 1 and a half.  Where did that time go? 

Two.  You know exactly what you want.  Quite vocal about that actually.  Song and dance in the bathroom?  Oh sorry, will just get your toothbrush.  Dragging your booster seat across the floor?  Don't worry, lunch is on it's way.  Wailing at the front door with a pair of shoes in your hand? We'll take Tessa-dog out later.  Some (most) days, I have absolutely no idea what the tears and dramatics are for.  I just play a game of charades and usually we find the answer.  If in doubt..a bag of Tiny Teddies usually fixes it.  Ahem.

Three.  Your cuddles, melt me.  I am putty in your hands, when you hug me.  Like a proper, hands around my neck cuddle...your little head resting on my shoulder.. it dissolves me.  I feel a million dollars, nothing in the world matters.  I love you more than I could ever describe.  Life with you..is one heck of a ride but Emily Grace...you are just perfect.

Four.  Passion.  Everything you do..is with passion.  You have energy and a spirit that I am yet to see in any other being.  Your little self loves drawing. Like, obsessed with drawing.  To the point of, I am doing my shopping lists on the sly so you don't spot my pen and *gasp* paper.  You love to dance.  Hands in the air, bum wiggling and feet stomping..you really do dance like no one is watching.  The pram is gathering dust as you need to walk everywhere.  You wave to complete strangers at the supermarket, you are BFF's with the baker..and the whole swimming pool is used to your dance moves on the water mat these days.  Don't ever lose that fighting spirit my beautiful, the world truly is your oyster.  Don't let anyone let you believe otherwise...You are set for some amazing things.

Five.  There are no rules.  There is no book on the market on How to Parent a Ninja.  Google..has no idea who you are, either.  No matter how much I lose sleep over: you not eating/sleeping/insert general worry here..you seem to work it out yourself.  Parenting is about getting yourself through the stages..and realising when it is safe to let out a massive sigh of relief and pour ye a very large glass of sauv blanc.  You make us realise Emily Grace..that there are more important things in life.  Your dadda and I..love you.  Like crazy love you.  This family of three + Tessa-dog...is growing.  I can't wait to keep growing with you.

What a day its been.

What a magic day.

Shhh can you hear the sun is on its way.

It's time for all the stars, that sparkle in your eyes

 To fly to the night and light up the sky

What a day its been

 Laughing with our friends

Now that the sun has sunk into its bed its time for hoot to go, and watch over you at night

Fill your head with sweet dreams on a soft moon light

And soon the shining sun will rise again

And light the way to a bright new day

See you in the morning!

hoot hoot!

Hoot's Lullaby.  A Ninja Favourite.

Lyrics by Lior.