And then he turned four...........

 

 

Today we celebrated Georgie turning four.  A simple afternoon tea with friends at the park.

 

A low key and easy way to celebrate.  He loved it, especially the cupcakes which were made by a clever friend.

 

Happy Happy Birthday Dear Sweet Boy xoxo

 

 

 

 

Weekending in a retro caravan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday we packed up the car and headed up the Coast - just a short car journey away, to a spot that truly takes your breath away once you navigate your way over gravel roads and winding hills.

 

We borrowed a friends retro caravan for the weekend, a Birthday getaway for me and my family.

 

The weather was beautiful, and we started each day with a swim before breakfast.  The rest of the day was just spent lazing in the sun. walks along the beach, swimming, eating and running around after the boys.  There were no showers and a smelly long drop loo, but when you looked at where we were and the stunning landscape around us it didn't matter at all.

 

The best thing is that Mr H is now a caravan convert so it looks like my dream of having a retro caravan will one day become a reality.  We can't wait to go again, and hopefully next summer we will be in our own caravan in this little slice of paradise by the sea.

 

 

 

 

"The Season"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things have been busy around here - the last two weeks we have been getting used to the new school year and after school routines.  I have been settling into my new job which (so far) I'm really enjoying. 

 

February and March for us also means birthday "season" - and to start the ball rolling, Tom turned six years old.  He is our Valentines baby and has been counting down to February 14th for at least the last three months.

 

So on Friday we had an afternoon with close friends after school.  I made an M&M and Kit Kat chocolate cake for the occasion, we sat in the sun under the big tree and ate afternoon tea.  The kids played in the garden while we mums chatted and drank (beer) cold drinks.

 

On Saturday Tom has some class mates over and despite the rain we played party games and had a Birthday lunch.  My friend Rebekah (who is The Sugar Princess) made us the most delicious Lego cupcakes topped with buttercream icing and fondant Lego pieces.  As much as I love organising a party, it is exhausting and I love it when everything is cleared away and I can sit down and relax.................and listen to Tom as he plans his next one!  Just as well there is a whole year to recover.

 

We had a cold spell over the weekend and had the fire going (in February, crazy).  I made chicken soup for dinner and we spent most of Sunday making Lego Creations.  A really nice ending to a full on weekend.

 

I'm looking forward to a quieter week............... how is your February shaping up?

Happy Birthday little man Tom xo



 

A vineyard lunch

Oh dear, my New Year "detox" isn't going to well.  We found ourselves at a local winery this afternoon for lunch.  My sister and her family head back to Brisbane tomorrow so we decided to head out for a farewell lunch.

We drank chilled wines and ate platters of cheeses, meats and smoked salmon, served with piles of delicious bread and crackers.  All the tables were set up under a huge fig tree and there was live music playing too.  Cricket and Petanque was on site too if you fancied it.

The sun was warm, the wine flowed as did the laughter too.  It was a really good way to spend a Summers afternoon.

I'm really going to miss my sister and hopefully it won't be long before we see each other again.

 

How have you spent your Sunday?

Hello 2015!

Image from Flora Waycott Design

Happy New Year lovely readers!  Here's to a wonderful 2015 ahead. 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for leaving your always kind and encouraging comments.

 

May your year be full of love, health and happiness.

 

Elaina xo

 

 

 

 

Good things

The rain came then then sun showed up........along with the wind.  But that's all good, massive amounts of washing done and dried in just a few hours.  A bit of a novelty after the winter months.

And when the sun comes out, so do the jandals (flip flops).  Bought myself a new pair - I live in these over summer.

Toes done, check!  And my sister talked me into getting a Shellac manicure - I haven't had a manicure in years.  I'm a nail biter, and tend to garden without gloves so it has never been something I bothered with.  But I'm hooked, no chipped nail polish and I've stopped chewing on them.  (Penny - love how you spotted them in my review).  Feeling a bit fancy!

Baking.............

Try not to look too closely at the photo above - there is a lot of butter in these vegemite scrolls.  I never got to sample these ones.  I packed Tom off with a tin full when he went to a friends house to play.  I had a few sitting on the bench, ready to have with a cup of tea.  The phone rang, and when I came back they were gone!

Clams for dinner.  Delicious.

A lovely treat in the post from Kimberley of Creative Chaos.  Kimberley sends Lego magazines and posters for Tom which he pours over for hours.  And tucked inside was this beautiful wash cloth.

Thank you so much Kimberley - you are always spoiling us xo

School holiday mess.  It's a give in.  It's easily dealt to - I'm a bit Sargent Major when it comes to mess -  I have a "place for everything" (this really does work) so it is easily tidied away when the time comes.  I love seeing the boys engrossed in books with them scattered around them.

Gave the boys room another going over.  I emptied out the wardrobe and re-organised it.

I'm a fan of plastic boxes.  They aren't terribly pretty but they are so practical.  I like to be able to see what's in them.  And they are easy for the boys to take out (buy the medium sized ones) and carry to the lounge or where ever they want to set up.  It makes for a quick and easy tidy up too.

Eggs!  21 eggs each week........any good egg recipes you want to share?!

This handsome little chap is my nephew.  He took a huge liking to our dog Maybell.  Maybell is great with children and has the patience of a saint.  I have spent the last ten days with my sister and my niece and nephew who were visiting from Brisbane.  We had such a great time.  I loved spending time with my sister.  So pleased they are coming back for Christmas.  He started walking while he was here too.  Wobbly little steps.  Am in love with this little guy.

Discovered "Day of the Taco" a pop up restaurant.  Open on a Friday night.  Mr H and I went last week.  Frozen Margarita's and a Set menu.  Food was delicious and so filling - I couldn't eat all mine - Starter, main and dessert. All for $25.  I invited a group of friends for dinner there last night.  A lady's night that we plan on repeating very soon.

One more week of the school holidays to go.  I've been keeping everyone busy with play dates and fresh air.  I enjoy the school holidays, I love the break from kindy/school runs and after school activities.  Can't believe we will be heading into the final term for the year.

Have a great weekend where you are!