10 Day 'You' Challenge - DAY SIX

6 Places. I thought this would be an easy one.... but it turns out it's really hard to just choose 6!

Right, so here are the places I've been: 

Every state in Aus except NT (no real interest in going there) and TAS (would like to go there); Fiji; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur; Penang and Bali.

And here are 6 Places I want to go! (America not included, as this is soon to be a reality!)

1. Greece -  For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to go to Greece. I mean who wouldn't want to go here?!

2. Rome - The history, the buildings, the religion.... want to see it all :)

3. Jerusalem - Self explanatory really. The Holy City. I honestly don't know how I'd handle the excitement of walking in the same place that Jesus lived all those years ago. What an experience! I get goosebumps just thinking about it :)

4. England/Isle of Man - Lewy was born in England, Mum was born in the Isle of Man... between Lewy and I, we have a lot of relatives there. So that's on the list :)

5. Egypt - What a sight to see!

6. Brazil - I'd love to visit Brazil just because it looks so cool :) 

I'm going to cheat.... one more place I would love to go:

Russia - After reading my all -time favourite books (which I'll rave about on Day 4!), I have a huge desire to visit Russia.

There are loads more places but these ones here are top of my wish list! One day... one day :) x

Today's post to come later this afternoon :) x

Day 256 'Power Off' FAIL

Wednesday... it's supposed to be my 'power off' day. Where I say goodbye to the camera, computer, phone & TV. Well. Ahh. I failed on every account.

I found it really hard to switch off today. While my boys were playing outside after breakfast this morning, I took a quick peek on my phone at the blogs I follow. Well, the positive from that was a friend had posted a pic of her lunch... so I copied, because the tomato, basil &cheese toastie looked too good to pass up! (Thanks Iz!)

Then I sneakily messaged a friend that I had been thinking about, just to see how they were going. After I did that, I had every intention of 'powering off' ... until I decided I needed to check to see if she had replied. Then I figured I may as well check my emails, then I figured I may as well take a pic of the boys outside as they were so cute playing in our 'wilderness', then I wanted to phone Mum for a chat, then Lewy for a chat.....you get the picture... I stood no chance today. It was all too tempting.

Sam being a tiger...

I did however, manage a totally camera-phone free outing to Hyde Park with my boys :) So that makes up for  my 'power off' fail, right?! Hyde Park is gorgeous, and I want to get out there at some stage by myself to get some photos.... so many beautiful things waiting to be photographed... but I would prefer not to have the stress of my children (meaning Jacob) falling into the lake while I'm trying to get the 'right' shot! You'll be pleased to know there were no ultra high slides for Sam to fall off....phew!

Happy Wednesday!
xxxxx

10 Day 'You' Challenge - DAY SEVEN

7 Wants... this should be easy!

1. To move overseas and then travel the world 

2. To live in the country one day with a huge property

3. A body that is a few (lots more than a few) kilos lighter!

4. To be more patient 

5. To either work as a missionary or with a church

6. To take my photography to the next level

7. Lastly, if I could have just one thing... it would be that my boys have a happy, safe and fulfilling life. 

Today's post to come - named 'Power Off' FAIL! 

Day 255 Makeover Time

After I dropped my boys off at daycare, I headed out to the shops to run some errands etc. A good productive morning... but I probably should have taken more care with my appearance. I'm seriously becoming one of those 'run down' housewives! 

I ran into an old friend, which was wonderful..... she looked amazing. I almost died when I went to the bathroom afterwards and saw myself in the mirror. I look tired and old! It doesn't really help that I also have a healing black eye thanks to Jacob who head butted me the other day, which just makes me look like I have bags under my eyes! Time to put some more effort in I think!

It's all good though - I've got some very healthy, very positive things put in place so hopefully soon you'll be seeing a new and improved Tracey! Yay! Watch this space!! The new me is on its way :) 

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Check this photo out. Unreal right?! It's from the TwistedSifter website I follow that has amazing daily photos (http://twistedsifter.com/). Just stunning!

Here's another favourite (Sea cave in Portugal):

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Amazing what a bit of colour can do. Goodbye boring beige bathroom mat & shower curtain in our ensuite... hello splash of blue!

Before & After

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I took some time today in the peace and quiet to snuggle up on the couch, wrap up in the blanket and read my book.. I was obviously pretty comfortable as I'd only read 1 page and I woke up 1 hour later :) What a rare treat!

Enjoy your evening my friends xx

10 Day 'You' Challenge - DAY EIGHT

This is harder than it looks! 8 Fears...

1. Losing someone I love, especially my children.


2. Having another baby. Seriously, this is a fear. I know my limit!


3. I'm a little bit claustrophobic... in situations where I feel trapped or closed in either physically or emotionally.


4. Spiders. I think it's safe to say I'm a massive wimp when I see spiders. Snakes on the other hand, no problems, it's just those 8 legged things .. they give me the creeps!


5. Being in the ocean, out deep .... no problems with swimming where I can see the sand underneath me, but as soon as the seaweed creeps up, I'm out of there.


6. Confrontation... hate it. I just like for us all to get along!


7. Seeing my son fall off the top of a slide... I'd say that's a fear!


8. Okay, I guess public speaking should go in here to. My voice shakes, my heart feels like it's going to come out of my chest and my bad habit of over-talking begins.

Today's post on its way!

Day 254 Favourite Day

I think Monday is my favourite day (followed very closely by Friday). All the other days have good stuff about them as well but there is something quite special about a Monday.

Mondays, for me, are full of hope, fresh starts, organisation for the week ahead, renewed energy after the weekend and the feeling that anything is possible!

I haven't forgotten about the other days though... they have their positives too.

Tuesdays - My boys go to daycare on Tuesdays. I don't think I need to really explain this one too much! The break is well received!

Wednesdays - Okay, so this day is likely to become a pretty special day also. I've decided Wednesdays are now for 'Powering off' .... saying goodbye to work, computer, camera, TV and phones. Wednesdays are going to be dedicated to full focus on quality time with my boys :)

Thursdays - Ahhh, they are good because it means the weekend is almost here.

Fridays - No need to explain this one... Friday always feel more fun, the vibe in the air is more exciting, and Lewy is always that much happier when he walks through the door after work!

Saturdays - well usually I love them, but lately they have been business as usual with Lewy working. Even still, it makes me happy to know that Saturday night is our 'party night'. And by that I mean, Lewy and I have some wine or beer, stay up that tiny bit later, and relax that bit more. We are total party animals aren't we!

Sundays - These are always special. Family day. We always have Lewy home with us, the boys love it, I love it .... it's pure quality time together.

But Mondays.... I always feel the best on Mondays :)

What is your favourite day? 

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Thai Rice Sambal 

 http://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au/recipes/2007/july/thai-rice-sambal

The dish Lewy made last night? Oh boy. Beautiful. Check out the fresh, vibrant ingredients. Big thumbs up. 

I have little toddler fingers on the laptop screen... so that is my cue to sign off now :) Happy day! x

10 Day 'You' Challenge - DAY NINE

Okay, so God, my family, friends... it's a given that I love them :) So I'll come up with some other stuff I love!

1. Photography. No surprises here, it's gives me a huge amount of joy to continually be searching for a great shot and try to improve. Plus the fact that it doesn't cost me anything to take photos... actually, scrap that. Two broken lenses later and new filters.. it is not such a cheap hobby!


2. Reading. I love getting lost in a good book. I love to be inspired, to learn and grow from whatever I read.


3. Cooking. I never used to enjoy cooking much before I had children. Now, there is nothing I enjoy more than providing tasty, healthy meals for Lewy and my boys.


4. Pasta. I think pasta might be one of my most favourite foods. Any kind of pasta, any kind of sauce, any kind of vegies included. Love, love, love. This is probably why I struggle to lose weight!!!


5. Social outings. I get a big high from going out and catching up with friends or going to a party/event etc. I'm a sociable person, I love meeting new people, having heart to hearts and meaningful conversations, enjoying good company, laughing and making the most of the outing.


6. Coffee/Tea. Any hot drink really - not so much because of the drink but because I always make the effort to sit down for 5 minutes and have a break when I make a hot drink. If it wasn't for coffee breaks I'd probably never sit down during the day!


7. My Blog. The should probably come right under photography, that's how much I love updating my blog. I love that I can still connect with the outside world while I'm at home with my boys. It's my way of reaching out. I'm more amazed (and so honoured) that people actually read it and encourage me to keep it up - love you guys :)


8. Rain. First of all because it gives me some different photos to take, and secondly, it's so refreshing, and so peaceful listening to the rain falling ... love it.


9. Finally, having a clean house. You are all shocked right?! Ha! Seriously though, clear house, clear mind. It works for me and considering I work at home/stay at home with my boys....my home needs to be clear!

Be back later with today's post! Happy Monday all! x

10 Day 'You' Challenge - DAY TEN

Here's a bit of fun! I saw this idea on another blog... so I'm copying :) For the next 10 days I'll be sharing all the above stuff. (If you have a blog, please do it as well!!)

Let's jump right in  - TEN Secrets


1. I am so far from being the person I want to be ... I often worry I'll never even get close.

2. I look at my husband and my friends and wonder how I got so lucky to have them in my life.

3. I love watching romantic, cheesy, corny, funny TV shows.. Lewy finds great amusement in my bad choice of TV viewing  (eg. 7th Heaven is one of the shows he enjoys teasing me about! oh and if it's got cheer-leading or gymnastics in it.. I'm there.. phew it feels good to get that off my chest :)

4. Probably not a secret.. but when I'm nervous, I talk.. a lot. This is a great way to meet people though, I talk to people until they decide they like me and will include me :)

5. I don't care about money, it doesn't motivate me...I care far more about soul and character.

6. I worry that I will get to the end of my life and will not have made a difference at all.

7. I find my boys' hands and feet utterly amazing,... the tiny details, their little bodies... they are miracles :)

8. When it's just me, or me and my boys in the car, I sing REALLY loudly. Sam often says to me 'Muuuummmy, don't sing!!!!'... I can't sing to save my life!

9. When I was little, I drew a treasure map on a piece of paper, put dirt on it and rubbed it in to make it look old, burnt the edges and then hid it in our backyard.... then pretended to be so surprised when my sisters found it (with my help of course).

10. Not a secret, but if I could I'd take my family and travel the world and not come back for a few years...I can only wish :)

Day 253 Fathers Day

Some things I love about my Dad: 

* He is kind, humble, strong and smart;
* He is hugely talented in many areas, but doesn't know it;
* He is easy to talk to, thinks deeply and is wise. 


Happy Fathers Day Dad... I'm a lucky daughter. 

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Our morning began with Lewy having a much needed sleep in, me serving a cooked brekky and hot coffee when he woke up and basically just enjoying a quiet, relaxing day together. Sam has said Happy Fathers Day to Lewy about 1000 times already, it's pretty sweet.

Even though it's Lewys' special day, he wanted to make us a nice dinner for tonight.. so this is what we are going to enjoy: http://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au/recipes/2007/july/thai-rice-sambal Looks good doesn't it! 

You know I was thinking the other day... there are lessons and insights into life everywhere you look. Sometimes I will pray that I need a little lift or some revelation in a certain area... and it always come in the place I least expect it.

I've just started reading a new book called 'Leaving the World' by Douglas Kennedy. (Has anyone read it?) I've only just started so will let you know the verdict!

So as I as reading, this sentence jumped out like it had neon lights around it.

"No one gets away lightly in life, and the moment you think you've arrived is the moment it all goes wrong."


I like when I'm reminded that life is a journey. Lewy often says to me "this is a marathon, not a sprint' and these reminders help me to take things a little slower, to breathe and reflect and tackle one thing at a time (instead of tackling everything all at once, which is my natural tendency)

Another place I got a huge insight and kick in the right direction was in an email I received from a friend the other day. In one part of her email, she said "The less I have been consumed with myself, the more time I have to love and serve"... when I read this, I thought it about for ages afterwards, letting the words sink in and adapting them to my own life. Very powerful idea right there.

Happy days! xxx

Day 252 Baby Shower

A special outing today for Val and I... off to The Royal in East Perth to celebrate with Tina the impending arrival of her beautiful baby boy. The choice of venue was perfect, along with gorgeous food, tasty wine and a stunning view of the water. Above all, the lovely company and relaxed, enjoyable conversation was the icing on the cake :)

This cake.... totally yummy.

I've known Tina since High School, and she is going to be a natural ... I just know it. A kind heart, gentle nature, and beautifully maternal....what more could a child need?! Tina and Kim's baby will be one lucky boy!

My Spinach Gnocchi. Delish!

The beautiful mother to be, Tina, only 3 weeks to go!

Val having her turn at guessing the right amount of Jelly Babies... we didn't win... probably a good thing!

Overall, a wonderful afternoon! Thanks Tina for inviting us to your special day! x

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This evening calls for some tasty pasta (a little combination created by Lewy, simply involving olive oil, parmesan cheese, fetta, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes & some basil.... simple but oh so tasty!), along with a glass of white, and settle back to watch a movie.

Happy Saturday! x

Day 250 & 251

Friday night...glass of wine (you know, my 'unwind' treat), kids are in bed, I had a good catch up with a friend this afternoon, food shopping done, house clean, looking forward to a good weekend...

Yesterday I had a 'Power Off' day. I turned my phone to silent, put an auto response on my work email, let my boss know I would be away for the day, packed up the computer, turned off the TV and put away my camera. Wow.. I could breathe. I had a day out with my boys at Whiteman Park, we took the bikes, went to the playground, had a picnic for lunch and had a ball.

I needed that day with my boys. No distractions, no worrying about getting the 'perfect shot', no worrying about checking work emails, no phone calls.. nothing. Just me, my boys and the playground. Sam met a friend  and they were off enjoying themselves (apparently they were aliens in a space ship and racing around doing 'alien' things!), while Jacob and I had fun in the sand and on the slides. We all went on a rocking boat, swings, slides, ladders, see-saws... the whole lot.

The outing wasn't without it's ups and downs though........

At one stage, we unfortunately had a run in with an older man walking past the playground, who, long story short, made it clear that little Jacob was a hindrance. Usually, I am a nice person....until the moment someone has a go at my child for no good reason... I let this man know exactly what I thought of his behaviour and his unnecessary words. But for every mean person, there are always many more lovely people....and we were blessed that another group heard the interaction and quickly came to our defence and gave Jacob and I a lot of lovely attention to soothe the negativity.  They were beautiful and made our day.

The next event....

My Sam... oh my Sam... he was on the BIG slide, the very very high slide. And as I looked over at him at one point of the outing, he is falling off the side, doing a somersault and landing in the sand at the bottom. I screamed and ran to him. I have never been more afraid in my life. Never. ever. ever. My heart stopped and I couldn't get to him fast enough. He was crying  and I was near tears myself. But my strong boy, Thank You God, he was totally fine. Fine. No broken bones, no sprains, he was fine. Except for the almost heart attack I had and the major shock my poor boy had, we walked away unscathed.  He was quite proud later on, re-telling the story about how 'mummy got a fright' and 'I fell from the big slide'.

Overall, mean man and major fall aside, we had a beautiful day, no watching the time, just enjoying ourselves in the sunshine and nature and being together. And you all know how happy that makes me :) When we were packing up the car, Sam got into his seat and said "I am happy" :) Melt my heart.. what more could I ask for?

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I'm so so so excited...... beyond excited! I just found out tonight that The Pillars of The Earth book that I read recently by Ken Follett, was made into a DVD series!! Oh man... cannot wait to watch it! I ordered it tonight so hopefully before I know it I'll be sitting down and soaking it in!

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Blue Cheese Sauce

Oh.My.Goodness. This sauce. Cannot get enough! Tonight I made this sauce to top Lewy's Scotch Fillet steak and to top my roasted carrots and potatoes. If you want something special, look no further.. this is heaven. 

You will need:

1 garlic clove

1/4 cup of spring onions

2 tablespoons brandy

75g blue vein cheese

2 tablespoons chicken-style stock powder

2 tablespoons cornflour

1 x 375ml can evaporated light milk

In a saucepan, with some olive oil, sauté the garlic and spring onion for 1 minute. Pour in the Brandy and cook for 30 seconds, add blue vein cheese and stock powder, stir until cheese has melted.

Combine cornflour with evaporated light milk and pour into saucepan. Stir continuously until boiled and thickened. 

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Love to you all! xxxx