tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63057135097399174602024-02-21T07:39:32.200+11:00Highlights to HouseworkThree daughters, one ex dance teacher mum and a tolerant husband. I used to have highlights in my hair, now I pretend there are highlights to housework.Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-1986666177838730962012-03-30T20:53:00.000+11:002012-03-30T20:56:50.935+11:00Keep on walkin'The Bug and I have been making a big effort to walk to and from school. It is a great money saver, it gives her and I some time together to just chat and studies have shown that children that are active before school do very well at remembering what they have learnt that day.<br />
On Thursday last week I headed out the door pushing Baby Boo in her pram. There was a thin band of dark cloud in the sky but the rest was blue, as blue could be. On the way to school a few large rain drops feel on my head but nothing major. Then it rained a little, just a little mind, nothing really serious. Once at school it started a slow, steady rain. I put the rain cover on the pram, put my hat on my head and got the Bug to put her hat on too. The sky got darker and the rain slowly got heavier. Half way home The Spy turned up in the car, The Bug jumped in with relief. I opted to keep walking, Baby Boo had just fallen asleep and was snug and dry in the pram and the rain was still fairly light. The Spy drove off into the distance and I walked on. The sky got darker and the rain started to pour down on me. I was getting VERY wet, drenched in fact. My shirt was soaked, my jeans stuck to me, water dripped off the peak of my cap and my shoes slowly filled with water till my socks squelched.<br />
It was uncomfortable.<br />
I found myself trudging through very unpleasant weather conditions.<br />
And I was giggling, then I was laughing and grinning like a fool.<br />
Walking home in the pouring rain, drenched to my skin was hilarious!<br />
I couldn't stop grinning, even when the Police wagon drove passed twice!<br />
In my head it all became a metaphor for life.<br />
When the heavens open up and rain (or pour) on you parade.<br />
When things get uncomfortable and unpleasant and difficult.<br />
You can choose to get upset and angry and hide under cover or you can have a laugh at an absurd situation, plant a smile on your face and keep on walking!<br />
<br />
<br />Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-83372655404730448872012-03-15T21:58:00.000+11:002012-03-15T21:58:16.270+11:00I had a homebirth, what's it to you?One down side to being a mum is the competition. Mums like to push their way of doing things as the right/best way and any other way is wrong!<br />
I was recently reminded of this while reading an opinion based piece, on a large female focused website, entitled, "Is hating hospitals a reason to give birth at home?"<br />
The piece it self was really just fluff taking a shot at Danni Minogue for wanting a home birth and didn't raise anything new. Then I read the comments, seriously- I did- silly, I know!<br />
<br />
The comment section of so many sites is a place of ego stroking. The place that many go to make their parenting choice the best choice. The place they go to bash other people's choices.<br />
In this instance, the comments included such things as;<br />
<ul><li>If you have a home birth you are stupid/selfish/a bad mother/don't care about the baby/a child abuser</li>
<li>That your birth experience is unimportant, that it is all over in a short time and should be all about the baby anyway</li>
<li>That, if you are a nurse/midwife, willing to state that you have seen the problems caused by hospital intervention but have never seen a problem with a home birth, you must be a liar.</li>
<li>That being defined by your birth choice is idiotic</li>
<li>In short, if your choice is not with the mainstream and everyone else, you made a big, fat, wrong decision.</li>
</ul>At first I was so, so mad, livid, eyeball poppingly FURIOUS!<br />
<br />
<ul><li>How DARE you insinuate that I am less intelligent because I birthed at home</li>
<li>How DARE you accuse me of being a bad mother </li>
<li>How DARE you assume knowledge of EVERY other women's hospital experience</li>
<li>How DARE you try to remove a legitimate birthing choice for women</li>
</ul>Then, after a few days cooling off, I realised how sad the situation really is.<br />
These people, who have logged on, left their comment extolling their choice as the best, safest and only sane choice. Then they log off and go about their day, feeling all superior knowing that they are SO much better then those silly home birth supporters. Knowing that their comment will cause anger and upset and being happy because it will show 'those' women to be crazy, just like they said they are.<br />
<br />
<ul><li>I call you out.</li>
<li>I call you ill informed.</li>
<li>I call you gullible to what you read in the media. </li>
<li>I call you insecure in your choices.</li>
<li>I call you closed minded.</li>
<li>I call you judgmental for no good reason.</li>
<li>I call you out on being snarky at women that allow their birth choice to define them, because you just used birth choices to define women. Women you don't know, or care about or are likely to bother ever knowing.</li>
</ul><br />
I had two of my three births at home, they are all healthy and I love them dearly.<br />
I am different to you judgemental anti home birthers because, while I may not approve of your birth choice, I will support it.<br />
I will trust that <u>MOST </u>women will make the best choice for them and their family.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I support and fight for your choice to birth the way you wish.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Will you support mine?</b></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-35955366027341725752012-03-02T22:34:00.002+11:002012-03-03T20:30:58.137+11:00It's cold outside<i>"Put your jumper on, it's cold outside"</i><br />
<i>"Oh, um, mum I left it at school"</i><br />
<i>"Are you sure?"</i><br />
<i>"Yes mum, it's in my desk"</i><br />
<i>"Ok, put your pink jumper on till you get to school and then swap, ok?"</i><br />
<i>"ok!"</i><br />
<br />
The Spy put the kids in the car and took them off to school and kinder, does the shopping and comes home.<br />
<br />
<i>"When I asked Bug to change her jumper she told me that her school jumper was at home"</i><br />
<i>"I double checked with her that she had left it at school"</i><br />
<i>"I know, but she insisted that it was here, I took the pink one off her though so she didn't get in trouble for being out of uniform but I am worried she will be cold"</i><br />
<br />
I had already searched the house before school, looking for the jumper that I had washed and dried just the night before. I went to check again, it was no where to be found. I assumed that Bug had it somewhere at school.<br />
I started the washing, and there, under all the dirty clothing, still folded up nicely, was the school jumper.<br />
It was a cold, rainy day and it seemed that our 6 year old Bug had tried to pull a swifty on us. I am not sure why but it seems that she wanted to wear her pink jumper, the one with the tiny butterfly in diamantes, instead of her school jumper. So she had hidden it and told a fib about its where abouts.<br />
We decided not to take the jumper to the school, it was a cool day, but not cold, and I don't want Bug to think that we will fix every single self inflicted problem. But I felt terrible for doing it.<br />
<br />
This is new to us, the tiny deceptions that creep in. This one was probably about just wanting to wear something different and pretty and it really isn't a big deal, but I wonder what the future holds and if I will be able to spot the deceptions that are a big deal?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How about you? What little fibs (or big ones!) do your kids tell?</b></span></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-32183651779847766272012-03-01T20:25:00.000+11:002012-03-01T20:25:17.083+11:00Caterpillar to ButterflyWith hubby having to shut down his<a href="http://highlightstohousework.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/change.html" target="_blank"> business last year</a> our finances are tight, really tight, tighter than tight. <br />
Every dollar is allocated and every cent has somewhere important to be.<br />
There is no room for new shoes or books, for hair cuts or new make up.<br />
No money to go to a movie or to order in pizza.<br />
Hell, a coffee in a cafe would take up any spare change that we see, just one coffee.<br />
It could quickly lead to us feeling like we are about to be hit by a truck. But we are choosing a different view. We have taken this path so that we can come out in a much better place.<br />
A more secure place, with a brighter future.<br />
So this year, the year 2012 is our cocoon year.<br />
The year that we use all of our resources for only the most necessary things. We wrap ourselves up in the glow of our beautiful little family and we rest and we wait. In time we will emerge again and we will be strong and energetic.<br />
Caterpillars no longer, but butterflies.Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-46233450370026443842012-02-24T22:56:00.000+11:002012-02-24T22:56:27.185+11:00Sorry- bring me a fresh horse!There is this woman, Eden Riley, she writes <a href="http://www.edenriley.com/2012/02/what-else-should-i-be-all-apologies.html" target="_blank">Eden Land</a> and she is all kinds of awesome. The kind of woman that we need more of, strong and powerful and loud and smart. The kind of woman that you want to shine a light on for your daughters and say, "here is a woman that has been kicked in the guts more times than you can imagine and yet look at what she has done, what she has become". Eden is awesome. She has a meme<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.edenriley.com/"><img alt="Edenland's Fresh Horses Brigade" src="http://lizosaurus.com/EdensFreshHorses.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
and I am joining in today.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am sorry for not believing in myself.<br />
<br />
I am sorry letting too many opportunities and too many years go by.<br />
I am sorry for letting what other people think become too important.<br />
Sorry for saying fuck too often.<br />
Sorry I don't want to conform, it's too hard and too boring and I can't keep up.<br />
Sorry for not being the ideal mum, I'm working on being as good as I can be.<br />
Sorry for not writing or returning calls. <br />
Sorry, I really don't care that my house is messy, I have better things to do, like hug my kids.<br />
Sorry, I think homebirth should be legal and encouraged for those able to do so.<br />
Sorry, I love shoes and fashion and it doesn't fit with the hippy homebirthing thing, too bad.<br />
Sorry for not being who you think I should be.<br />
Sorry, I am who I am and I WILL be proud of me.<br />
<br />
And finally, I am sorry I didn't find Eden sooner!Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-29821280710153332902012-01-17T14:23:00.001+11:002012-02-15T22:24:06.752+11:00TimeI have been a mother to one for six and a half years, a mother to two for four and a half years and a mother to three for nine months. In the past few weeks I have learned a valuable lesson about motherhood (I may have been a little slow on the uptake!)<br />
<br />
The best thing I can do for my kids is to take a little quiet time for me.<br />
<br />
Time when I am not wiping bums or snot.<br />
Time when I am not breastfeeding a baby.<br />
Time when I am not pouring drinks, vacuuming carpet, washing, hanging out or folding clothes.<br />
Time when I am not answering a million <strike>annoying </strike>super important questions.<br />
Time when I am dishing out consequences for undesirable behaviour.<br />
Time when I am not breaking up fights or banning kids from the trampoline.<br />
Time when I don't have kids following me to the toilet.<br />
Time when I don't have to think about everyone else first.<br />
<br />
I need to take the time to breath, to finish a thought from start to finish all at once.<br />
I need to take time to recharge my batteries so that I stand a fraction of a chance of keeping up with my kids.<br />
I need to take a little care of myself so that I can take a lot of care of everyone else.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are your needs as a parent?</b></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-18441722273075992272011-11-17T13:21:00.000+11:002011-11-17T13:21:26.131+11:00Thankful Thursday- UsThis is the first time that I have posted a Thankful Thursday post with <a href="http://www.katesaysstuff.com/2011/11/thankful-thursday-babe-is-born.html" target="_blank">Kate says Stuff</a> but it feels like a good time to start.<br />
This day, I am thankful for my husband and my marriage. Not very original but very true.<br />
In the past few years several of our friends and family have fallen victim to divorce, have suffered through custody issues or had terrible, gut wrenching fights in the family court (still on going). We have looked in on other people marriages and relationships and wondered why they are together or how they manage to live with one another.<br />
I am not saying my marriage or my husband are perfect, they are not, nor would I want them to be.<br />
Perfect is no fun. Of course we have moments where we simply don't like each other. That's what happens in a long term relationship. The kicker is that we live through it, we simply let each other know and then we go off and cool down.<br />
<ul><li>I am thankful to be married to a man that can deal with the emotional ups and downs of a marriage.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I am thankful to be married to a man that can cook up a storm!</li>
</ul><ul><li>I am thankful to me married to a man that can cope with three little girls and more than cope, a man that can be fantastic father to three little girls.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I am thankful for a man with a creative streak, that suddenly makes fairy books for our girls, complete with working lights, draws pictures, leaves notes and can make a paper bird at the drop of a hat. </li>
</ul><ul><li>I am thankful for a husband who pours wine at the end of a long day, wraps me up in his arms and tells me he loves me.</li>
</ul><ul><li>And last but not least, I am thankful that I am <i>allowed</i> to get married to the person I love, lets not take that for granted!</li>
</ul>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-69416512851081469142011-11-15T20:10:00.001+11:002011-11-16T13:01:55.630+11:00Motherhood, it's all glamourIt was a stunning day today and after dropping Bug at school I headed to the park to meet a friend.<br />
I love meeting up with Ms H, we talk about some really diverse stuff and I always feel like I have had fabulous conversations after our dates. So in between discussing why having 20 kids is crazy, how it is so not fair that even as adults we can't do or have whatever we want, and the case for enforced sterilisation, she headed off to push the kids on the swings. At this point baby boo shifted in her Ergo and managed to pee out of her nappy, missing her own clothes and soaking my leg! No big deal, it was a warm day, I mopped up a bit and let it dry.<br />
We said our good-byes at about 10.30 and headed off into our day.<br />
It wasn't until I just had a shower about 15 minutes ago that I realised I was still wearing the baby pee pants!<br />
That's right, I had forgotten to change them and had instead spent 9 hours in baby pee soaked pants.<br />
Motherhood is many things but it is rarely glamorous.<br />
In fact, I doubt that it is even hygienic.Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-67190908863806085492011-11-04T21:46:00.000+11:002011-11-04T21:46:33.496+11:00Ice cream anyone?Last week we took a trip.....interstate.......in the car........with three kids.<br />
One of these kids hates the car and had let us know, loudly, many times before this trip. The kid that hates the car is also the one kid that is too young to understand <i>"If you can be really quiet till the next stop (two hours away) Mummy will buy you an ice cream, Hell, Mummy will buy you two"!</i><br />
The kid that hates the car screamed for the first hour of the trip. Loud, heartbreaking screams, that became quiet, heartbreaking sobs, complete with sad, sad little eyes that held much accusation. And then, she went to sleep, holding my hand, with my arm so straight, to reach her in the back seat, that my elbow locked!<br />
After that, she went to sleep no trouble. It was being awake that made her yell.<br />
<br />
Ice cream anyone???Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-48354307298023182862011-10-19T13:28:00.001+11:002011-10-19T14:16:40.853+11:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSG4D7w67959E96bxKufE5TnzuU99HOnR-YxGNFLIakxlthpZyjLbzp3f_AfdmHaPs-3G7mpfqnAaiGJPu4uuHpbTS7DbYnvbg-WCaW7wRSj8_UJbUcTqzTSlZctkfFHwvwWr7SMvLyBM/s1600/DSC01544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSG4D7w67959E96bxKufE5TnzuU99HOnR-YxGNFLIakxlthpZyjLbzp3f_AfdmHaPs-3G7mpfqnAaiGJPu4uuHpbTS7DbYnvbg-WCaW7wRSj8_UJbUcTqzTSlZctkfFHwvwWr7SMvLyBM/s640/DSC01544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
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<br />
Playing along with <a href="http://mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/2011/10/wordless-wednesday-nature-takes-my.html">My Little Drummer Boys</a>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-80207276344633532192011-10-03T21:34:00.000+11:002011-10-03T21:34:47.920+11:00Surprising ways to go greenAustralia is one of the world's biggest producers of waste per capita, per day. We generate 2.25 kilos of rubbish per person, every single day! That, my lovelies, is a lot.<br />
So how do we reduce this ridiculous load on our precious Mother Earth?<br />
I have a (maybe) surprising way to save on waste and money:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Look after your kids clothing!</u></b><br />
<br />
Yep- clothing in landfill equates to approx 10 kilos per person per year. So making your kids clothing last longer is a great move (saves you some cash too)<br />
<br />
<ul><li><b><u>Learn to wash correctly</u></b>. It is pretty common to sort our washing into like colours, but how often do you sort them into washing needs? Get a good hold of those clothes and read the tags. Wash like with like and follow those directions!</li>
<li><u><b>Start reading those labels BEFORE you buy</b></u>. Go with the cold wash, line dry clothes.Think carefully about anything that says 'hand wash'- because unless you actually do hand wash, that pretty, delicate item won't stay that way for long! If the label says 'dry clean only' put it down and back away.</li>
<li><u><b>Quality over quantity</b>.</u> This works especially well if you have more than one child. My own personal experience with this idea is what makes me include it in this list. I have done <u>a lot</u> of kids clothes shopping at a certain, large chain store, and I bet you have too! The clothing is cheap and cute. BUT the sizing is inconsistent and the quality sometimes dubious. The few items that have been passed down from my biggest girl to my middle girl have not made it unscathed. They are stained or have patched knees, they only just make it as play clothes. However, the few items that I have bought from 'designer' children's labels still look pretty good (and yes, they have been worn just as often because I bought them half price and didn't feel any need to be precious about them). The clothing looks played in but it has no stains or tears. In fact, a few of these are already packed away for the smallest girl, and are still in good condition after two big sisters.</li>
<li><u><b>Repair and patch.</b></u> My biggest girl seems to tear the knees out of her pants and jeans. My middle girl does not, BUT she refuses to wear pants with the knees out (even in the garden!) So we have to patch them. I tried the cheat option of iron on patches but they didn't last. So I had to pull out the sewing machine (use a needle and thread if you have to) Find some fabric and sew the patch BEHIND the tear. It adds a lovely decorative element and prolongs the life of the item. </li>
<li><b><u>Upgrade to a front loader washing machine.</u> </b>I know they get a bad rap, but I love mine. They use less water AND less power.</li>
<li><u><b>An oldie but a goodie</b>.</u> Wash in cold water and line dry. It isn't new but I want to add a new tip. Try to dry your clothes in the early morning or late afternoon, (in winter in the southern states of Australia this isn't as important) The Aussie sun is harsh is on your kids clothing as well as their skin so it is well worth protecting both!</li>
</ul>Do you have any tips for prolonging the life of children's clothing? <br />
<ul></ul>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-56399992906390061732011-09-12T21:14:00.000+10:002011-09-12T21:14:09.913+10:00Baby's First Year- teethAt some point in your baby's first year you'll begin gum watch. You'll know you have started gum watch when you find yourself staring at baby's little pink gums instead of baby's big, beautiful eye's!<br />
For our little cherubs, gum watch started at about the 4 month mark, I would squint and peer at those little pink gums looking very hard for little white tooth buds. All three of my girls got their two bottom teeth at the same time and all within month 4!<br />
Teething in baby's first year can be traumatic for parents as well as bub's and is surrounded by many ol' wives tales. So lets set the record straight.<br />
Firstly teething does <u><b>NOT</b></u> make babies ill. It does <u><b>NOT</b></u> cause fevers or diarrhea or any such thing. Seriously, think about it for a minute, if your seven year old was growing in some adult teeth and became ill would you blame the teeth? Not a chance! So why do we do it to babies. Growing teeth <b><u>DOES</u></b> make some babies grumpy and make their little gums sore but it does NOT make them sick- got it? Good.<br />
Fix anyone who tells you otherwise with your best mummy stare and, if it's a doctor, find a new one, <u>now</u>.<br />
<br />
To help you baby through try some of these:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Give extra cuddles </li>
<li>Try carrying your baby in a sling to keep them close, they can even sleep on you for a few days.</li>
<li>Give extra breastfeeds if it calms your baby (but not formula feeds, sorry)</li>
<li>Try an amber teething necklace</li>
<li>And for older babies- steam some carrot sticks and then freeze them. Give to your baby and let them exercise those sore gums on them (this tip was given to me years ago by Rhianna @ <a href="http://aparentinglife.blogspot.com/">A parenting life</a>)</li>
<li>As a last resort use pharmaceutical pain killers but only in bubs over three months and follow the directions closely!</li>
</ul> For bottle feeding and dummy/pacifier users you really need to start checking teats VERY carefully- sharp baby teeth can make light work of silicon and rubber teats. Sharp little teeth can make light work of nipples too! Breastfeeding/nursing mothers need to be aware that their precious bundle may bite. In baby's first year this is very unlikely to be naughty or malicious- baby simply doesn't know that those new teeth are sharp!<br />
Punishment is neither appropriate nor likely to help the issue.<br />
<br />
A few things to try:<br />
<ul><li>It may be the time to start removing your nipple from baby's mouth before they fall asleep. You would be surprised how tightly shut a sleeping baby's mouth can be!</li>
<li>Let out a yelp (in fact I dare you to try not to!) Baby may get the picture</li>
<li>If your baby bites often try gently removing them while saying "Ouch, that hurts mummy". Do something else for a while then resume the feed. Baby will likely get the picture</li>
<li>Be gentle and patient, your baby will learn quickly that his/her teeth can hurt you</li>
</ul>Teeth do not necessarily mean that your baby is ready for food. Wait till the six month mark or take the advice of your early childhood nurse.<br />
<br />
Once your baby has teeth you'll need to clean them. There are all sorts of tools on the market but simply wrapping a face washer/flannel around my finger and gently rubbing over the tooth and gums worked for me! To begin with you may not get far, but keep at it, healthy baby teeth are really important.<br />
<br />
Most of all try not to letting teething become too big a drama, it will be over before you know it!Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-77773986956482428222011-09-02T20:58:00.000+10:002011-09-02T20:58:53.368+10:00This is why we buy onlineIf you live in Australia and read the mainstream media then you will be well aware that there has been much kerfuffle from the retail sector about our growing penchant for buying online.<br />
I buy online often, I try to source what I want/need (ok ok, mostly want) from Australian based sites. But sometime the draw of a bargain from overseas sites pulls me in.<br />
<br />
Today I was looking for skin care and I came across this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVruS8GrwSm7Y3FFw-09aB-lVgUJ89Zx_z_9gKEoEgMW49MraWzlt32IRGnvu4r-bK9lb9PeZfgJ_YUp8Qm4Zkb8an3A3OqYxPG1_vnafpq70xLxUQ58GCu9EuqemO1AELClMwRGKSdDgb/s1600/Radiance+Serum-+Burt%2527s+Bees+-+Mozilla+Firefox+2092011+73809+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVruS8GrwSm7Y3FFw-09aB-lVgUJ89Zx_z_9gKEoEgMW49MraWzlt32IRGnvu4r-bK9lb9PeZfgJ_YUp8Qm4Zkb8an3A3OqYxPG1_vnafpq70xLxUQ58GCu9EuqemO1AELClMwRGKSdDgb/s320/Radiance+Serum-+Burt%2527s+Bees+-+Mozilla+Firefox+2092011+73809+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGA2th_PbeSX6ZWuosSeSjOmoV7dHUwBRc5PDI0LhtioLUUHJnjOXv_8cFLD_gYIZo8wCI91kiy_C6JfIO5O1XsD3P3cWK0JHDyOh3N-nI7DorFXaPqiVTSUXMFtOLynAyvuXuF-ftyb8/s1600/Burt%2527s+Bees+-+Mozilla+Firefox+2092011+74135+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGA2th_PbeSX6ZWuosSeSjOmoV7dHUwBRc5PDI0LhtioLUUHJnjOXv_8cFLD_gYIZo8wCI91kiy_C6JfIO5O1XsD3P3cWK0JHDyOh3N-nI7DorFXaPqiVTSUXMFtOLynAyvuXuF-ftyb8/s320/Burt%2527s+Bees+-+Mozilla+Firefox+2092011+74135+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl24FnEsOuPu869z4OY5TusVEP6mVoR3VSTPJ0ljg0cQES5n7vZIm5-RNqHaVZZ_x2MWssaUNpU12Y3cf-ToByjiSWHcVX6ntxH1SnHCGei9M-ZJimilJ1oROyzY4OSWJJiWdQLKfbpqo/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Take note of the price....The top screen is from the US site and the serum cost is $18. The bottom site is the Australian on and the cost is $34.95. That's a difference of $16.96, rather a lot for a little bottle of serum.<br />
On top of that if I bought the $18 product and lived in the US I would get free shipping, if I buy it here in Aus I pay an additional $8.95 in shipping!<br />
<br />
So I end up paying $43.90....and that is why we shop online folks!<br />
<br />
Now I know that this is not the full story, we pay GST etc and if you buy overseas you often buy a large postage fee....but we often end up paying a much inflated price here in Australia.<br />
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Can anyone shed some light on why?<br />
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Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-24813548472343518882011-08-25T21:53:00.000+10:002011-08-25T21:53:13.535+10:00Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEctTd-LGC204ujUq159Oibwin4EAo4goQtmtjI-2s49_IMXuwy6yQ86VuI0hYpt9WmqUNxhzNBp-gcElTd1i9wQPexU9uEGDoJYtwOTVrYz6yp93A0TrKMVY-nzoIvBbTp_8Qgx1iEqjK/s1600/Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEctTd-LGC204ujUq159Oibwin4EAo4goQtmtjI-2s49_IMXuwy6yQ86VuI0hYpt9WmqUNxhzNBp-gcElTd1i9wQPexU9uEGDoJYtwOTVrYz6yp93A0TrKMVY-nzoIvBbTp_8Qgx1iEqjK/s320/Plan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Things in our house have been going through a major change. The Spy has shut down his small business and is heading to uni. Such a small sentence to write but such a HUGH change in our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This means that The Spy is now home pretty much full time and has taken on all of the house hold duties so that I can focus on Baby Boo, Cricket and Bug. Sounds like a dream right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember that saying that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This isn't exactly a new situation for us, when Bug was born The Spy had the first year off and we all stayed at home together, it was a blast and made the transition to a family much eaiser. This time around though I am in the mind set of the house being my domain, my work place and I know hpw I like things done (or not done) and The Spy has his way. If I am totally honest The Spy is MUCH better at getting the housework done, but he has a wife at home to look after the kids! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The really good thing is that I haven't cooked since Baby Boo arrived and The Spy has been doing all sorts of fun things like baking biscuits and cooking meringues with cream and berries and making ginger and caramel slice! The floor is clean, the clothes are washed and the shopping is done and best of all the kitchen is sparkling clean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So why am I feeling a bit miffed?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-12597191788798013572011-08-10T21:48:00.000+10:002011-08-10T21:48:29.791+10:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AcKWABFOW5FYCSxHXT8CGKthP0CBRkgmfF5snhNuNCqXT-ejonoXZFULhX9iz4zFBV8UNgZNiyuBi1lYTBgfuEp4Hx4eR4Bhlr9jKRe2wwIrkwrTFVvogPY1sgA_raOmbramaQLNgojI/s1600/218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AcKWABFOW5FYCSxHXT8CGKthP0CBRkgmfF5snhNuNCqXT-ejonoXZFULhX9iz4zFBV8UNgZNiyuBi1lYTBgfuEp4Hx4eR4Bhlr9jKRe2wwIrkwrTFVvogPY1sgA_raOmbramaQLNgojI/s640/218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Play along at <a href="http://mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/2011/08/wordless-wednesday-bounce.html">My Little Drummer Boys</a>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-8828550989806723562011-08-02T22:30:00.000+10:002011-08-02T22:30:46.863+10:00Stop- I want to get off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR2rARM41z36OjPIIJZCpWZ_N_yJAMqJjHLeD82cN7d53LZeqoL5cQ8T6e4BYzZVoM2UxWCj3LbnNDVgKKiFI_QWaCRSGeZXhAwKtPnB_Fd-FmB8F1vHmtNcKKtTslI5CqDVwajoEpdL3/s1600/Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR2rARM41z36OjPIIJZCpWZ_N_yJAMqJjHLeD82cN7d53LZeqoL5cQ8T6e4BYzZVoM2UxWCj3LbnNDVgKKiFI_QWaCRSGeZXhAwKtPnB_Fd-FmB8F1vHmtNcKKtTslI5CqDVwajoEpdL3/s320/Sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1306463">Photo credit</a></span><br />
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A few small (read huge!) changes have been occurring in the Diamante House! As a result the financial reins are being pulled in super super tight (like a nasty corset that breaks your ribs).<br />
<br />
Now this is all fine and dandy really and not forever and totally necessary and for the future of our family and the light at the end of the tunnel is bright and blah blah blah. The problem is that I am a <strike>total absolute lover of stuff </strike>bit of a material girl and so I have to give it up. All of it...no extras, nada, nothing, nix, OUCH!<br />
<br />
The first thing I did was hit my email inbox and slowly, over a week, unsubscribe to all of the fabulous shopping and bargain and sale sites that flood my happy little email inbox with material love on a daily basis.<br />
<b>It hurt. </b><br />
<b>I didn't like it. </b><br />
What if I missed a bargain, or the latest handbag or shoes or lovely little dress for the mini diamantes???<br />
Hah, hah, what then???? I mean the world might stop and I would fall in a heap, wouldn't I??<br />
<br />
Well, no, actually I am fine. And I am feeling better about the no spending thing because all of that lovely Internet shopping goodness is not being waved under my nose to the tune of 90 emails a day! (Did I say BIT of a material girl?? I lied) <br />
<br />
So seriously, if you want to pull the reins in too then start at your inbox and clear out the temptation. It's like when you go on a diet and eat ALL of the naughty food in the cupboard in one sitting cause it would be a waste to throw it out...(everyone does that right? Please?!!!)Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-56332626840306660062011-07-20T11:40:00.000+10:002011-07-20T11:40:05.114+10:00Wordless Wednesday- Stop!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaXgdX6R1CF5eM3QmW0HuquN_bCqvhfeO4MtXXseuAO97V8msQv0cO1T3OswuDMPi6U9qHEDvtaM2AgeBHjIaw7SrraDSkwuYMhfLcv0djISWfaCYPnxgStTQeGX6yTR0Rzx-RTMHBeAB/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaXgdX6R1CF5eM3QmW0HuquN_bCqvhfeO4MtXXseuAO97V8msQv0cO1T3OswuDMPi6U9qHEDvtaM2AgeBHjIaw7SrraDSkwuYMhfLcv0djISWfaCYPnxgStTQeGX6yTR0Rzx-RTMHBeAB/s320/122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">Join wordless Wednesday over at <a href="http://mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/2011/07/wordless-wednesday-farm-babes.html">My Little Drummer Boys</a></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-85770010826671232012011-07-12T14:26:00.002+10:002011-08-12T21:41:14.873+10:00Baby's first year- SuddenlyBaby Boo is already three months old. I feel like we arrived here rather suddenly. Boo has barely been out of my arms for 12 weeks. All her day sleeps are taken on me and we co-sleep, so at night she is cuddled up with me too. Blogging has been on the back burner as it is difficult to type one handed! <br />
Little Boo is just now starting to sleep on her daddy, she is getting bigger and she has more space on him. Soon her day sleeps will have to be taken in bed but for now I love being able to just cuddle her.Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-49195556345870525942011-07-05T20:49:00.000+10:002011-07-05T20:49:52.679+10:00Frock it! Google random-nessFor this weeks <a href="http://www.midthirtieslife.com/2011/07/10th-frock-it-what-to-wear-to-wedding.html">Frock it!</a> over at <em>This mid 30's Life</em> I was lost for inspiration. I had not spotted a single frock all week that stuck in my mind. So I did what any sensible soul would do, I turned to Google!<br />
I typed in "frock" on google images with the intention of using the first frock that turned up and the result was......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeMHDCSne84T74CoU0I_wJYEXn1YT3r23JvuvQvr3s_Uq6zTRHBNomQ161KiDJECvcs9cC_tUAzBHyE0B4pENTydtAt2B978hm83QCNsGlKCjWyrvNWTtMTxBygf_ttcQSpQtLs1uwO1i/s1600/frock_narrowweb__300x417%252C0%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeMHDCSne84T74CoU0I_wJYEXn1YT3r23JvuvQvr3s_Uq6zTRHBNomQ161KiDJECvcs9cC_tUAzBHyE0B4pENTydtAt2B978hm83QCNsGlKCjWyrvNWTtMTxBygf_ttcQSpQtLs1uwO1i/s640/frock_narrowweb__300x417%252C0%255B1%255D.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">read the story behind this stunning gown <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/fashion/not-your-average-frock/2007/05/18/1178995376274.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-55239959805675821542011-06-29T10:39:00.000+10:002011-06-29T10:39:48.171+10:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXhoPPV-WashbW0gt-kDXcciDRb32WQ7taqvLR009ui1DSAN5WC68_1J3Yyw5cmlDsKxrzX__gUa1UfrTD-1O4A2h1D45M3JZ4pp6GPJDBvpT_96LPtG2WTZNQ02pQ0qAf621sFVSn0OJ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXhoPPV-WashbW0gt-kDXcciDRb32WQ7taqvLR009ui1DSAN5WC68_1J3Yyw5cmlDsKxrzX__gUa1UfrTD-1O4A2h1D45M3JZ4pp6GPJDBvpT_96LPtG2WTZNQ02pQ0qAf621sFVSn0OJ/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A girl and her red shoes! <br />
(taken by my 5 year old)<br />
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I am playing along with Aussie Wordless Wednesday at <a href="http://www.mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/">My little drummer boys</a>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-23217533120589510372011-06-21T18:52:00.001+10:002011-06-21T21:06:10.122+10:00Who doesn't love cup cakes?If you are from some far off, undiscovered planet, where people don't love cup cakes, then this post is not for you! If however, you are like just about every other person on the planet and feel that cup cakes should be classified as a food group, then I have something for you!<br />
I recently came across a blog called " What would Martha do?" written by the lovely Claire. And Claire is being extra lovely by giving away one of these.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib52LN6s1KO1r9EyKRYtLey1ZHEcXyBrIcOtPL0trzcCAHc7NENNyrVSE6nFRl0BHRAjkful1abHhsZb1IKBgRSVKRQkM30RYYhLuzy07I7vxxCkp2D7nK_gakaH4XGsf0GWwLWiTrutKE/s1600/marthastewartcupcakes%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib52LN6s1KO1r9EyKRYtLey1ZHEcXyBrIcOtPL0trzcCAHc7NENNyrVSE6nFRl0BHRAjkful1abHhsZb1IKBgRSVKRQkM30RYYhLuzy07I7vxxCkp2D7nK_gakaH4XGsf0GWwLWiTrutKE/s320/marthastewartcupcakes%255B1%255D.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's right, not only is it a book full of cup cake-y goodness, it is book full of cup cake-y goodness by Martha Stewart! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So take you cup cake loving booty over to <a href="http://marthado.blogspot.com/2011/06/martha-stewarts-cupcakes-giveaway.html">What would Martha do?</a> and enter the competition.</div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-770168884512463552011-06-20T23:04:00.000+10:002011-06-20T23:04:21.708+10:00A novel idea...Ten weeks ago I had a baby. Nine months before that she had started growing in my belly which inevitably meant I put on weight. I was super lucky with this birth, not only did I have a beautiful baby but I also came out weighing less than when I started growing a baby. <br />
So you think I would be happy right? Wrong! <br />
I started this pregnancy weighing more than I should, an unhealthy weight really. So now it is time to get rid of it. One little catch here is that I am not very good at staying motivated so I had to come up with something novel. <br />
One morning, whilst rummaging through my drawers trying to find something to wear I was millimeters from stamping my feet and having a nice little hissy fit about having to buy new clothing. Then I realised that I have literally hundreds of clothing items that I could be wearing if only they actually fitted me! So I decided that instead of spending money to buy new clothes I would "spend" my excess weight to simply "buy" my smaller sized clothing!<br />
It feels like my whole mind set has changed, I no longer feel deprived when I don't have sweets or an extra large bowl of pasta, instead I can see all of those clothes that I love so much that I have kept them for years (even though they haven't fitted for many of them). <br />
I am really hoping that I can stick it out with my novel approach. <br />
How about you? <br />
Any weight loss ideas? <br />
and what do you think of mine?Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-37636002225560437302011-06-14T16:14:00.000+10:002011-06-14T16:14:21.862+10:00Kobi's wishThis letter came through my inbox this morning and nearly broke my heart!<br />
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<tr> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="153"></td> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="14"></td> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="467"><div align="right"><strong><span style="color: #4d3c70; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 2011</span></strong></div></td></tr>
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<tr> <td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: indigo; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't let Kobi's wish be the one that got away.....</span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Five year-old Kobi is fixated on fishing and boats. He is a very fine sailor and already he has rowed through the biggest storms and right over the tallest waves. What's more, he's done all this without leaving the hospital.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo; font-weight: bold;">You see, Kobi has been battling cancer. So when it gets too much, this little boy sits in his pretend boat and moves his imaginary oars.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Kobi rowed after surgery. Then again with each and every dose of chemo. </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span>He lost his hair and his skin was red raw. He was terribly sick and so skinny. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Even so, nothing deterred Kobi from wanting to be in his pretend boat and out on the bay. </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo; font-weight: bold;">Over the years, financial pressures have seen the family lose their home and sell furniture to help cover costs. However, when Kobi once saw his Mum Amanda cry, his condition deteriorated.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">From that point on Mum knew Kobi's spirits had to be kept high. With Captain Starlight on deck his room was turned into a disco. There was singing, dancing and painting every day and before long his vital statistics were improving with every smile.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Happy moments make the most marvellous medicine. This one wish has kept Kobi going and helped him get better. I can't wait to see this little champ on a river, rowing his own boat, with a fishing rod nearby and I'm sure you feel the same way. But Kobi is not alone.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: indigo; font-weight: bold;">This year Starlight hopes to grant a wish every single day. But at an average cost of $6,000 each, <a convert="0" href="mhtml:{AFF53179-FA23-4E4C-B039-1502885BDDC4}mid://00000315/!x-usc:http://cl.e-inspire.net/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=7022%7c169%7c00070%7c95195&digest=8%2fpCAcVriZ3C0L4LntL8sA&sysid=1" style="color: mediumblue;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">every donation counts</span></a>.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">When Starlight asked Kobi about his wish, Mum Amanda was convinced that it wouldn't eventuate. As Amanda recalled: "It was such a unique wish, we tried to steer him away from it". </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">But a tin boat was what Kobi wanted - and so <a convert="0" href="mhtml:{AFF53179-FA23-4E4C-B039-1502885BDDC4}mid://00000315/!x-usc:http://cl.e-inspire.net/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=7022%7c160%7c00070%7c95195&digest=W97OJF%2b0AB4F4tYogHuMqQ&sysid=1" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">with your help</span></a>, a tin boat it will be.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for helping to make this happen.</span></span></span> </div><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 6px 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></td></tr>
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<tr> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="76%"><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span convert="0" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">P.S. Don't forget that whatever you <a href="mhtml:{AFF53179-FA23-4E4C-B039-1502885BDDC4}mid://00000315/!x-usc:http://cl.e-inspire.net/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=7022%7c161%7c00070%7c95195&digest=y5dT8RZvYnLNCtctw6%2bzWg&sysid=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">give now</span></a> can be claimed on your very next tax return</span>.</span></span></span></h3><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"> </h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;">Head over to <a href="http://www.starlight.org.au/Pages/default.aspx">Starlight Foundation</a> to make a donation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Lucida Grande", Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; margin: 6px 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></td> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="3%"></td> <td style="vertical-align: top;" width="21%"><span style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: indigo; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="mhtml:{AFF53179-FA23-4E4C-B039-1502885BDDC4}mid://00000315/!x-usc:http://cl.e-inspire.net/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=7022%7c162%7c00070%7c95195&digest=z%2fU6FI3w%2f46q5XdB4lvaKQ&sysid=1" target="_blank"></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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</tbody> </table>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-45163108731567405142011-06-05T17:55:00.000+10:002011-06-05T17:55:26.876+10:00Frock it!We are playing along with <a href="http://www.midthirtieslife.com/2011/06/frock-it-6.html" target="_blank">This Mid 30's Life,</a> head on over and join Frock It!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1tQUlx9rLDQZJ7KrI3PhIO957Z_dLBjc2onv2M3CvkpA4059OzX86CQZwFHSiswEY_M8kyNIhVCYavS5zkI7zeWMtHEcMIrjk3WuGcqJvW4naWS-porXC4CffRA6GxRZs7Mhf_wWr7B7/s1600/581107-1_l%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1tQUlx9rLDQZJ7KrI3PhIO957Z_dLBjc2onv2M3CvkpA4059OzX86CQZwFHSiswEY_M8kyNIhVCYavS5zkI7zeWMtHEcMIrjk3WuGcqJvW4naWS-porXC4CffRA6GxRZs7Mhf_wWr7B7/s320/581107-1_l%255B1%255D.jpg" width="214" /></a>Dress by Josh Goot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently this is what we will be wearing for Spring/Summer 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks easy to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Wake up</li>
<li>Wrap bed sheet around body</li>
<li>Proceed with your day....</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(and if the model is anything to go by we should have stopped eating too)</div>Nicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305713509739917460.post-44483558078968837542011-06-03T10:39:00.000+10:002011-06-03T10:39:10.427+10:00Welcome backI am back on line! <br />
We have a new name and I hope a renewed focus.<br />
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So a very warm welcome to Diamantes on the Floor, we hope to see you often.<br />
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Kind regards,<br />
<br />
Nicole HarryNicole Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12948140910517726832noreply@blogger.com1