A Clean Secret

 I have a secret. A secret cleaner. She comes in like a fairy and cleans the house while I take the children out with these ladies - its a Wednesday thing.

Today, she arrived a little earlier than usual with a bouquet of blooms from her protea tree, as if I didn't love her enough already. Every time I apologise about the toys on the floor, the toddler pee around the toilet seat or the dishes in the sink she replies with 'oooh, don't worry darlin' (I LOVE being called darlin') and quickly carries on with business. She is a marvel.

On Wednesdays (once a month) we arrive home to a sparkling house that looks and smells oh so fresh. The beds are made, counter tops polished and every single surface is dust free. The dishes are neatly stacked, the bathroom is spotless* and the toys are in their appropriate places.


It's pretty much the only day of the month that Dave comes home to a clean and tidy house. I usually like to ensure that dinner is also on the go for his majesty's arrival, just to complete that picture perfect package. Tonight I offered him a bacon and egg roll. I'm just that kind of woman, ever prepared to meet her husbands needs.

Surprisingly, he opted to cook an alternative?!

tell me, do you have a cleaning fairy? 

If not, do you struggle to keep on top of the vacuuming and mopping like I do?

Does your toddlers wee end up ALL OVER the bathroom house?

also, i blogged earlier today if you're interested.

* p.s I am not a princess, i totally scrub my own dunny.

Wearing - a little bit of animal print

Nothing like a little animal on animal.

Personally, I like leopard spots the most and am currently searching for a pair of winter boots sporting the ferocious print. Seen Any? 

Wearing Country Road top

Faux Fur vest c/o Anna from The Glass Onion Society

Levis Jeans

Sportsgirl Necklace 

Zoe Wittner Shoes (bought for this occasion)

Wearing Aztec

Wearing Fruit Salad

Wearing Everything

How's the cringe factor coming along? Growing an immunity yet?

no, neither.

oh also, this giveaway will be drawn tomorrow so make sure you enter today!

Thank You Park Ladies

photo's from our Spend Free Weekend

I've been meeting with a bunch of other mothers at our local park ('The Park Ladies' if you will, i've mentioned them before) ever since they invited me into their inner circle some time around the writing of this desperate post.

It was the first time in my very short parenting 'career' that I'd been fortunate enough to meet with a group of women who were so deeply honest. They didn't brush over times of hardship when telling their stories, instead they each spoke frankly about their experiences. They didn't smile and provide sweet superficial answers to my questions on what their lives as parents were like.

With no expectations and no pretenses they told me their stories, complete with failure and triumph.

Over our months of meeting together they have taught me more about being a parent than I had learnt in the 2.5 years prior. They have taught me the value of allowing my kids some space to learn and make mistakes without their mother hovering about. Through example they have showed me the importance of being prepared - wipes, nappies, snacks, tea cups, tea bags, thermos, toys, sultanas, camera, phone and spare change always at the ready. They encouraged me to re-think the 'first baby, mother to one' ideals (I do believe I heard laughter when I said Zeph couldn't watch TV).  They have loaned me literature (promise i'll return those books ladies) that has changed the way I parent and offered more support than I could have imagined possible.

Mostly, they remind me that I am normal - on the good day's I'm normal and on the bad days I'm normal.

So park mums (you know who you are), THANK YOU will never be enough.

If you'd like to perve on one babe'n park mum, you can visit her blog here.

oh and don't forget to enter this weeks giveaway - it'll be drawn on Thursday.

These Two (they have so much love)

These two little besties make my heart swell each and every day - they haven't yet learnt to 'be cool' about how much they love each other.

They spend their time running laps of the house, laughing like hyenas and pausing to 'mmmwha' kiss. When Zephie is at preschool the Lady Baby wanders aimlessly through the house calling his name and playing with his trucks.

Today, when they were reunited at 2:55 after almost five hours apart they hugged each other for long time, right there in the middle of the big grey mat in the main room at preschool. They embraced, exchanged hello's and shared a knowing smile. They have their own thing these two. They are completely and utterly adorable.

Growing up, my brother was well and truly my best friend and that makes seeing this blossoming love even more special. 

They are blessed beyond measure.