CTT stands in

Sookie La La

FFS Friday

So what has been giving CTT the shits this week

Who is CTT?

Cyril the Tosser aka CTT is a 36 year old avid Carlton supporter. He proudly owns a life size cardboard cut out of Chris Judd and is deliriously terrified of spiders. Religious ceremonies are performed at Juddy's feet every morning and it is speculated there could be lewd sexual acts happening when the lights go out. CTT is married to my gorgeous friend Nicole aka Schnoopy who is completely undeserving of his antics. 

My Saturday started with being out of work so late that I couldn’t pick my boy up from his footy presentation day. I love working so many hours that I miss out on stuff like that...FFS

So I had to go to another parents place to pick him up. Ended up having a few beers with the dad, quite a pleasant afternoon. No FFS there.

Had to stop drinking because we were going out somewhere for dinner...FFS

Maggie was asleep when we got there, so cuddles were completely off the agenda..FFS

And my footy team lost to Gold Coast…FFS

Sarah finally had some macarons I could eat. So now some woman from some other blog hates my guts. However, the salted caramel ones are well worth the hatred being expressed towards me. Big shout out to Parental Parody....FFS

My better half, Schnoopy is off to Bali next week. With all the fun that comes with having our own business, (Scrapbooks From The Heart in Canning Vale), it means I can’t go...FFS

My free advertising for our shop is hidden behind a very thin disguise these days..FFS

It means I’ll be running the shop for a few days...FFS

I know nothing about Scrapbooking...FFS

I support Carlton. I know that means nothing to most people reading this, but when your coach gets sacked because your team loses to Gold Coast, it’s heartbreaking on a whole lot of levels...FFS

I support Carlton…FFS

Back to Sarah now ...

OK so I mentioned earlier in the week that I have absolutely nothing to whinge about this week and it's still true. FFS Friday has been going for about 47 straight weeks now and this is the first time EVER! I am sure the universe will strike me down with a shit load of karma now just for mentioning how good my week has been. So stay tuned.

In the meantime if you live in Perth please head to Scrapbooks From The Heart next week and give CTT the absolute shits about everything scrapbooking. This would totally make my week awesome!

cheaper than mofo therapy

For more laughs at our expense check out last week's FFS Friday

I would love to read about other peoples FFS Fridays. Primarily because it will make me feel better about myself. If you are a fellow blogger please grab the FFS button and add your link below and provide me with a weekend's worth of irreverent entertaining reading.

If you are not a blogger please feel free to leave all your FFS Friday worthy rants in the comment section below

<center> <a href="http://www.dearbabyg.com/" target="_blank" title="Click to link up to FFS Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/SarahJ76/FFSFriday.jpg" alt="Dear Baby G" /></a></center>

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Teenage Dirtbags

Teenagers

My teens have had me on edge these past couple of weeks.

Both Gabby (14) and Liam (13) have been so utterly delightful and helpful that they have me thinking that something is seriously WRONG.

Can I help with dinner Mum?

Do you want me to hang out the clothes Mum?

WTF

We have checked their rooms from head to toe, there are no hidden smoking implements and no empty liquor bottles.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate this total behaviour switch, it is much more appreciated then the tired, sullen and back chatting teens that I try to ignore day in, day out.

But I'm sure they have something planned or more importantly something they WANT.

If they do it's a joint venture project because I even caught them walking home from the bus stop together today and LAUGHING.

What's with that?

We couldn't possibly be raising healthy well adjusted teenagers? could we?

Or maybe they have signed me up for an episode of PUNK'D ?

This must be what it feels like to have NORMAL kids so I'm just going to put my feet up and enjoy it while it lasts because I know now I have spoken these words out loud the super brats will return.

On a side note Maggie had her entire Kindermusik class in stitches today as she performed the 'Running Man' for a whole 5 minutes straight. Thankfully most of them have met HB so they know she doesn't get those ultra fine dance moves from me.

There may not be a FFS Friday this week because so far I just have nothing to whinge about. My two prime stars are out of action so it seems.

x

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Pregnant? Are you getting the nutrients you need?

Karimums

Sponsored Post

[Source: Karimums. Real mums. Real expertise. Real support.]

*This is a sponsored post*

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Bath time

Silent Sunday

Not getting out. Ever. 

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Hill Hairy Arse

HILARIOUS

So what has been giving me the shits this week?

HB and I were spooning last night and before he starting snoring like a pig I started to say, 'Your butt is so .... ' but before I could finish he jumps in and shouts 'WHAT, WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY ARSE?' and wakes Maggie up ... FFS

I refused to tell him what I was going to say which just made him all the more furious, 'YOU NEVER GIVE ME COMPLIMENTS' ... FFS

I whispered in his ear ... 'What I was trying to say was I wish my butt was as hairy as yours'. Hilarious!! however he did not appreciate my pig snorting laughter in his ear and went to sleep grumpy as hell ... FFS

Thank god he did not die in his sleep, I could never have lived with the guilt ... FFS

I made salted caramel macarons last week which HB devoured in a matter of hours. I asked him which was his favourite macaron flavour so far? He replied with much gusto 'lemon' ... FFS

I have never made lemon macarons ... FFS

Then he remembers those were the shop bought macarons ... FFS

I spent the next day baking lemon macarons ... FFS

Too bad they turned out like 'MACAWRONGS'. Mini bastards ... FFS

The creche caregiver at the gym informs me that Maggie has a lovely deep voice. Then she goes on to say, 'But she doesn't get that from you does she? Yours is like a little high pitched squirrel'. Motherf ... FFS

I was telling Annaliese (11) how we had sold the daycare to Poppy and how life would be a little less stressful now for me. She looks a little confused and then blurts out, 'But that's the only job you do Mum. What are you going to do all day long now?' ... FFS

Annaliese was also in tears this week because her BFF at school told her she was a late bloomer, she's ELEVEN ... FFS

Maggie and I have been going to Kindermusik for the past month and we have an absolute ball. HB took her along just once and ever since then all I get from the other mums and instructor is, 'Where is Brad this week? do you think he will come again?' ... FFS

One of the other mums at Kindermusik asked another new mum when she was due. Yup, she's not pregnant ... FFS

This means it's going to be a long awkward 12 weeks between those two ... FFS

I had to go to the doctor yesterday just for a referral letter. When I turned into the surgery car park I almost gave myself a high five, it's one of those 'no appointments necessary, seen in order of arrival' clinics. Before I could blink a beaten up old station wagon pulls into the lot, an old lady jumps out and runs to the door just so she can get in front of me ... FFS

Turns out she also booked her daughter and three snotty nosed grand kids in before me who were still in the car ... FFS

I had to wait 45 mins to be seen and my appointment took 2 mins. Motherf .... FFS

cheaper than mofo therapy

For more laughs at our expense check out last week's FFS Friday

I would love to read about other peoples FFS Fridays. Primarily because it will make me feel better about myself. If you are a fellow blogger please grab the FFS button and add your link below and provide me with a weekend's worth of irreverent entertaining reading.

If you are not a blogger please feel free to leave all your FFS Friday worthy rants in the comment section below

<center> <a href="http://www.dearbabyg.com/" target="_blank" title="Click to link up to FFS Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/SarahJ76/FFSFriday.jpg" alt="Dear Baby G" /></a></center>

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101 Dalmatians Disney Giveaway

Disney 101 Dalmatians

It's no secret that our weekends are jam packed lately and all 8 of us barely have time to breathe. If the kiddos aren't playing sport on the weekend and all their homework is done they are usually free to take some time out. That's exactly what our two little girls did on Saturday afternoon. They grabbed a blanket and pillow each, snuggled up on the couch together and watched this classic Disney movie. 

Disney has just re-released 101 Dalmatians and 101 Dalmatians 2 on August 15th. The DVDs include the original storyline plus extra special never seen before features.

101 Dalmatians 2

Thanks to our generous friends at Disney we have two 101 Dalmatian DVD prize packs to giveaway. 

Enter to win today and you could be catching up with Cruella De Vil plus all those gorgeous puppies. 

The Giveaway

2 prize packs to be won.

Each pack includes 101 Dalmatian DVD, 101 Dalmatian 2 DVD and a hardcover 101 Dalmatian story book. These are valued at over $80 RRP each.

How to enter

• 'Follow' this blog via GFC - Google Friends Connect (not G+) >>>> link on right side bar.
• 'Like' the Dear Baby G Facebook Page.
• Leave a comment below this blog post to let me know you've entered.
• The above requirements must be met, I do check because I need friends.
• For extra entries please share on Facebook and Twitter but remember to tag me so your entries count.

Giveaway open to Australian residents only. This competition ends Tuesday 4th September, 8pm AEST. Two lucky winners will be drawn by random.org

Good Luck x

*UPDATED - this competition is now closed*

random.org has chosen two lucky winners - #50 Renee Annison and #5 @SanityorBust

Congrats ladies!

Thank you to everyone that entered. Stay tuned for tomorrow's new giveaway x

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And so we are done

Just one more?

.... we drew a line in the sand and called it a day. 

There has been so much discussion and debate over this matter in our household over the past few months.

Will we have anymore children?

To put it quite simply, the answer is: No

We are done.

It was not an easy decision to come too either. For me, pregnancy and birth is quite addictive, I would have another homebirth tomorrow if I could. I just love to be pregnant too, I am incredibly lucky that aspect has always been so easy for me. If I consider just these factors alone I will never feel 'done'.

Baby fever.

It would always be a piece of cake to have 'just one more baby'.

But babies grow up, in a blink of an eye they are an inquisitive toddler, before you can take a breath it is their first day at school, then along comes high school and the turmoil of teenage angst begins. You muddle through their hormones clinging on to your revolting teenager because you know some day soon they will blossom into a beautiful young adult and in just a few short years could be leaving your home.  

It seems like it was just yesterday when I held my newborn baby for the first time, counted her fingers and toes, breathed her into my soul and cried the first of many tears to come. 

Empty nest.

It will be a long time before Hippy Brad and I have to face an empty nest, thankfully. Maggie is just 15 months and my eldest is 14. And although I've heard Gabby mutter furiously under her breath 'Just 4 more years', I don't think she means it. HB has sneakily planned renovations for the house, to double it in size and has made it ever so delightfully appealing to teenagers. So much so that they in fact will never want to leave. 

That's his plan.

This is when I get a one bedroom apartment by the sea. 

I feel a little melancholy for Maggie Rose who in some small way will grow up as an only child, she will be spoilt beyond belief and will most probably have the best of everything. She will travel, learn and have far greater opportunities than her five siblings ever had. This is not because we favour her or love her more dearly than the others but we are heading to a time in our lives we are far more financially secure than let's say ten years ago. 

Making the decision that your family is complete comes hand in hand with a grieving process that must be endured. I know this because eleven years ago I thought I was done and never in a million years did I ever think I would have 'just one more'. So I have been through it before, I know time heals and my uterus will stop aching eventually. However there will come a day, the sun will be shining and that thought will never cross my mind again.

With 6 kiddos just imagine how many gorgeous grandchildren we may have?

I am 35, HB is 38 and if there was just Maggie Rose in our lives we would be having a few more that's for sure. Our ages pose no boundaries for now but there are six other children who need us just us much and so it is with heartfelt sadness, relief and joy we can say ...

We are done. 

I am thankful.

Our family of 8 is complete. 

Are you done?

Could you have 'just one more'? What stops you?

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Why HB deleted all his social media accounts

Below is a guest post from HB.

About a month ago he deleted his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account and disappeared off the face of the Internet.

Warning it is LONG.

If you drop a pebble in a pond you get to see the ripple effect. If you drop a second pebble in a different spot you can see the two ripples crossing over. Sometimes in a big enough area you can try a third pebble but anything more than that basically becomes a pond with lot of moving water and no real enjoyable pattern.  Apply the same picture in your mind to a fresh spider web and then the mess of cob webs that you see a month later on your window frames.  The clear beautiful photo opportunity becomes a mess that needs to be cleaned up in order for the window to look right again. 

To me that is what social networking has become.  I never did myspace but I was an early adopter of facebook.  My facebook use and its purpose to me had three pinnacles, firstly it let me show the world about mine and Sarah’s journey together from divorcees to blended family, it was the ultimate tool in my arsenal for organising my 20th anniversary high school reunion and it let me celebrate the first year of Maggie’s life.  It’s served some time as a political voice, a place to post a joke and just a place to spend down time reading everyone else’s thoughts.  However my interest in facebook died a complete death in 2012 as the functionality changed, it became a listed company where people wasted billions in their life savings on the IPO and I started to think hard about how my blood family were communicating with me and how my acquaintances and friends couldn’t be arsed picking up a phone, dropping over etc because quite simply there is nothing to talk about anymore as its already on facebook.  How many times have you caught up with someone in real life this last 12 months and worked out that you already know everything that they are telling you because you already commented on their facebook page.  

Is it right for your family to wish you happy birthday on FB, rather than pick up the phone? 

I set myself a couple of milestones on FB dying. The first was to see if anyone I caught up with at my high school reunion made contact within the next two years for reasons other than wanting a job.  The second was to see if anyone from my former political life made an attempt to catch up in person after four years. The third was to see if my family would start using it instead of visiting or picking up the phone and finally to see if FB created conflict at home.  When the last box was ticked after I made an offensive comment that upset my wife I killed the account and strangely enough I feel no less or more connected to the people I love then I did when I had facebook.  I just seem to have a lot more time on my hands. 

The other social networking tool I hit hard this year was twitter. Initially I adopted it because Sarah’s personal facebook commentary appeared to dry up and I realised that apart from blogging and the Dear Baby G facebook she was twittering like a rain forest.  My jealousy of wanting to know what was going on in my wife’s life and my baby daughters every move whilst I worked deemed me unable to function without twitter. MaggieR’sPapa was born and I stalked my wife and her twittering followers.  Unfortunately as most of the people in the congruent circle of twitter and Dear Baby G are female this lead to me being a smart ass and upsetting some mummy bloggers and having direct message conversations with women I don’t know about babysitters, schools etc which became a source of family life conflict.  Conflict about social networking is not conflict I am interested in.  Goodbye twitter, although I loved hearing news from the reporters that I followed before it became news and reading Bill Murray’s jokes I don’t miss you for any other purpose and damn it I hated those people who would tweet entire TV programs, concerts, football matches etc.  No need for hate in my life either... I own a Harley and a chain saw. 

Probably the social networking tool I do miss is instagram.  I enjoyed seeing the daily photos of my Maggie Rose and my wife’s creative exploits.  However it still has message functions and it still creates the excuse not to communicate about the day’s events and I found myself looking at my day in terms of what should I take a photo of to show the world, rather than what should I do to enjoy the world.  I still get to see the photos I want to see, I just have to wait until I get home or for an email or MMS from home. 

Unlike the attention seekers who write messages like “this is my last ever message” or “I’m sick of FB” or “I’m taking a break from twitter”, I just stopped.  Poor Sarah has had to put up with 3 or 4 “where is Hippy Brad” questions from her Dear Baby G circle of people I’ve never actually met.  I’ve had one family member ask me “why?” with regards to FB and the rest of the Internet world exists like it did pre internet. I make no intrusion on the lives of the many people I’ve met throughout my life but whom I do not see and they continue to make the same intrusions they have on mine since they have been on a social network...none.   

The pond is still, if there is a single pebble it will make a beautiful pattern that I can enjoy.  The window is clean; if a spider arrives tonight there will be a dew covered web to see in the morning. 

HB 

Would you do it? Could you do it? Live without social media?

Hell No.

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Salted Caramel Macarons

Silent Sunday ...

Baked by me. I am awesome.

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One Powerball

Firstly, I'm a little excited today because this is my 300th blog post!!

No better way to celebrate than to bitch about my first world problems either.

So what has been giving me the shits this week?

My cleaner has changed my cleaning day from Tuesday to Thursday ... FFS

This means the house now stays clean for 36 hours before the kids trash it over a weekend ... FFS

I would complain but my only alternative would be to clean it myself. There is no way in hell ... FFS

HB is planning to renovate and extend the house so it's twice as a big as it is now ... FFS

My only request for the new renos was a new oven and a pantry. Requests denied ... FFS

Winter sport is almost at an end. But to top it off this week Annaliese has netball for half a day on Saturday and an all day netball carnival on Sunday ... FFS

I hinted that I might not stay all day on the Sunday and her response was 'Gosh Mum, do you know what that does to my self esteem and self confidence?' ... FFS

Before I could reply she jumps in and shouts 'It does NOTHING' ... FFS

I escaped the chaos and went to Bingo on Monday night. I did not win ... FFS

Georgia from Parental Parody went for the second time and WON for the second time. Motherf ... FFS

This week I paid an extra 33c for tin tomatoes just because they had a ring pull top. I am too lazy to buy the cheaper tin and use a can opener ... FFS

I could never be a poor old pensioner who lives on bread and water ... FFS

Given the amount of money these old bitties spend at bingo every week I'm not sure if poor old pensioners actually exist ... FFS

HB practically runs through the door the other night, huffing & puffing and obviously excited about something. Did we win lotto?? No, he's discovered 'two new muscles in his back' that just popped out at the gym that day and I just have to feel, touch and acknowledge their existence ... FFS

One powerball ... FFS

cheaper than mofo therapy

For more laughs at our expense check out last week's FFS Friday

I would love to read about other peoples FFS Fridays. Primarily because it will make me feel better about myself. If you are a fellow blogger please grab the FFS button and add your link below and provide me with a weekend's worth of irreverent entertaining reading.

If you are not a blogger please feel free to leave all your FFS Friday worthy rants in the comment section below

<center> <a href="http://www.dearbabyg.com/" target="_blank" title="Click to link up to FFS Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/SarahJ76/FFSFriday.jpg" alt="Dear Baby G" /></a></center>

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Isoki Mum's Backpack Giveaway

Dear Baby G Isoki Giveaway

I absolutely love this backpack and it has been my go to bag whenever I've had to leave the house for the past 15 months. I have several other baby bags but this has been my favourite and we have only recently switched to a smaller backpack. HB doesn't mind taking this one out either, so it's fairly unisex.

What do I love about it :

• It's a super large backpack 
• Many separate storage compartments 
• Hidden baby change mat
• iPod friendly
• Stylish
• Most importantly you can just about shove everything in there but the kitchen sick.

The Isoki backpack is also perfect for travel and babywearing.

The Giveaway

Enter now to win a brand new black lace Isoki Mum's backpack valued at $59.95 RRP. 

How to enter

• 'Follow' this blog via GFC - Google Friends Connect >>>> link on side bar
• 'Like' the Dear Baby G Facebook Page
• Leave a comment below this blog post to let me know you've entered.
• The above requirements must be met, I do check because I need friends.
• For extra entries please share on Facebook and Twitter but remember to tag me so your entries count.

Giveaway open to Australian residents only. This competition ends Thursday 27th August 8pm AEST. One lucky winner will be drawn by random.org

Good Luck xx

*UPDATED - this competition is now closed*

We had 85 fantastic entries with tweets & facebook shares and random.org chose #27

Congratulations to Maree!

Don't forget to enter my 101 Dalmatian DVD Giveaway :)







Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

*This is not a sponsored post*

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10 Blogs I love

Tonight I thought I would share a list of my current favourite blogs with you.

This list is ever changing and is in no particular order. These bloggers brighten my day when I need it and they probably need no introduction but here they are:

1. Beautifully Glossy - for the best advice on all things beauty. I love this blog so much!!
2. Mrs Smyth gets a life - my dear friend Amy with Mr S, gorgeous Millie and #2 not far away.
3. Parental Parody - no introduction needed here. The funniest blogger I know. 
4. Magnetoboldtoo - adore this blogger. Words can't describe her you just gotta go check it out for yourself. 
5. Woogsworld - have thoroughly enjoyed reading Mrs Woog's tales from Blogher New York, these past few weeks.
6. Sanity or Bust - Nat and WM are a younger, cooler and hipper version of HB & I. 
7. Pink Elephants and Lemonade - one of my new favourites and a fellow Perth blogger too. 
8. The Bloggess - in case you did not know The Bloggess has read and commented on my blog. Enough said. 
9. Perth Wife - PW writes anonymously and straight from her heart, she makes me wish my blog was sometimes anonymous too. 
10. Honest Toddler - he/she makes me laugh every single day on twitter. Everyday life through the eyes of a toddler has never been funnier. 

What makes a great blog? 

I read many different blogs for varied reasons but these are the ones I keep coming back too. Lately even when life is so busy I still find the time to check in with them and see what they are up too. To me, that makes an awesome blog. 

So these are my favourites. What blogs are you reading right now?

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Deconstructed Dandelion

Silent Sunday

A Deconstructed Dandelion.

This photo was taken on my Canon EOS 550D using a 100mm macro lense.

It is the fibre from a dandelion stuck in a spider web. 

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I am the ultimate mofo martyr edition

Dear CTT ...

So what has been giving me the shits this week ...

HB invited his entire family over for afternoon tea on Sunday ... FFS

This is not usually a problem because I love his family but HB spent Saturday afternoon playing hockey and Sunday morning coaching hockey and told me about it late Thursday night ... FFS

HB may have also put in a request for macarons, coffee meringues and coconut macaroons ... FFS

HB also decided to clean out the pantry and throw out half my baking supplies. Which meant another trip to the shops if anything on his high tea menu had a chance of making it to the table ... FFS

Apparently it is not hygienic to cook with expired goods and things hanging out of packets ... FFS

It was also a 6 kid weekend.... FFS

Make that 7 because given the circumstances I decided to act like a 2 year old for 48 hours ... FFS

I gave in and baked ... FFS

I baked several more dishes than what was on his menu because I am a perfectionist like that ... FFS

I gave up my 2 hours child free time a fortnight too because I'm a martyr like that ... FFS

Our old TV kicked the bucket about 6 months ago but we continued to watch it even though there were millions of lines running through the screen because it wasn't that old ... FFS

HB finally cracks the shits and buys a new Smart 3D TV except no-one in the house is smart enough to figure out how to use it ... FFS

I shamefully admit to hurling abuse at said TV because the 3D option wasn't working ... FFS

Turns out you need to turn the glasses 'on' ... FFS

I feel highly superior and intelligent when I wear those glasses ... FFS

This week I had to drive into the city in peak hour traffic whilst driving a manual car. It took me an hour and by the end I felt like I had run a marathon ... FFS

It took two Powerades to recover and then I had to drive back home again ... FFS

Maggie has been cutting her eye teeth this week and boy do we know about it ... FFS

We had the worst night ever on Wednesday, not even Nurofen & Panadol would allow us a couple of hours sleep ... FFS

Finally she fell asleep on HB's chest at 2am then they both proceeded to snore louder than you could possibly imagine until 6am ... FFS

I bought Scoopons at 3am in retaliation ... FFS

Scoopons which I will not use because I am never child free and nor do I have anyone banging down my door offering help either ... FFS

I continued to lay awake and write a blog post in my head ... 50 reasons not to have anymore children. I'm not even kidding, it will be published on the blog soon ... FFS

#1 reason was, 'You will never ever again have to endure the sufferance of 20 new baby teeth emerging' ... FFS

My mum asked me to bake several batches of macarons for one her work colleagues who's having a baby shower. I declined because as much as I would like to do this random act of kindness for a complete stranger it involves an entire day of shopping, baking and cleaning with a toddler wrapped around my leg ... FFS

Shit CTT says ...

Cyril the Tosser aka CTT is a 36 year old avid Carlton supporter. He proudly owns a life size cardboard cut out of Chris Judd and is deliriously terrified of spiders. Religious ceremonies are performed at Juddy's feet every morning and it is speculated there could be lewd sexual acts happening when the lights go out. CTT is married to my gorgeous friend Nicole aka Schnoopy who is completely undeserving of his antics. 

The crowd wants more, so here it is:

Having a good day last Friday, so my facebook status read something like “That’s just made my day”. Within minutes, Schnoopy is calling me with “what’s wrong”, people are commenting “did I win 50 million in lotto ?” Can’t I just be happy that I’m having a good day?...FFS

I didn’t win 50 million in lotto…FFS

I bought a ride on lawnmower. It’s fantastic. I Love it. It’s so much fun. Now I have to go over my whole friggin block with a rake, making sure there are no rocks branches etc, because I don’t want to bust it a week after buying it ... FFS

Now it’s one more machine I have to look after, clean, service etc... FFS

And no more excuse for our yard to look like a “natural” part of Australia ... FFS

And I feel a little bit like Forrest Gump when I ride it ... FFS

Then the neighbours wonder why I start laughing when I’m riding it ... FFS

Lieutenant Dan !! You got new legs !! ... FFS

Our coffee guy called work to let us know he won’t be in at all this week ... FFS

I now feel like the world’s biggest prick, because he’s going through chemotherapy and side effects are very bad and that’s why he won’t be in ... FFS

Toilet training. Kitten. Enough said ... FFS

Have been so busy with everything the we haven’t been to see HB, Sarah, Baby G or the rest of their tribe in ages, so facebook comments, twitter and instagram are the only interaction we have at the moment ... FFS

We only live 20 minutes drive from each other ... FFS

I’ve been inspired by the Olympics. Absolutely loving watching all the athletes that have been training for years putting in all that effort. Except it reminds me that I haven’t done any exercise for about 8 weeks now ... FFS

When I eventually get out for a run, my legs will kill for 2 days ... FFS

I’m also now on some sort of FBI terrorist watch list, because I’m associated with this blog. Thanks, Sarah ... FFS


I almost forgot to put my free plug in for our awesome business: Scrapbooks From The Heart ... FFS

cheaper than mofo therapy

For more laughs at our expense check out last week's FFS Friday

I would love to read about other peoples FFS Fridays. Primarily because it will make me feel better about myself. If you are a fellow blogger please grab the FFS button and add your link below and provide me with a weekend's worth of irreverent entertaining reading.

If you are not a blogger please feel free to leave all your FFS Friday worthy rants in the comment section below

<center> <a href="http://www.dearbabyg.com/" target="_blank" title="Click to link up to FFS Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/SarahJ76/FFSFriday.jpg" alt="Dear Baby G" /></a></center>

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What is the difference between Macarons and Macaroons

Macarons vs Macaroons

Until recently I did not know the difference between a macaron and a macaroon. But now I am somewhat of a culinary expert (attended one macaron masterclass). I am able to share my wealth of knowledge with you all.

Behold ...

Can you see the difference?

You may have fond memories of your Nana cooking macaroons in her humble kitchen? This has all but changed as Nanas and cooks around the globe try and serve up their best macaron.

Fond memories are long gone, because you may pick up some new colourful language if you ever sit and watch someone try to bake macarons.

Macaroon

I have been making macaroons for many years. I love them, they are best cooked on the day and only take 10 minutes to whip up. Macaroons contain coconut whereas macarons do not. I think they are served best by joining two together with some quality raspberry jam and top it off with a dusting of icing sugar.

Macarons

Macarons on the other hand are what I affectionately call mini bastards. You may think I am being just a tad harsh and wonder how something made of just 3 core ingredients (sugar, egg whites and almond meal) deserve such a name? But they are fiddly as all hell but oh so delicious when you finally do master them. Macarons are best made at least a week in advance, and like a fine french wine they age beautifully with time.

I have a recipe for both on my blog: Macarons and Macaroons

I may not be able to solve world peace or hunger, but I am happy that all of you will sleep so much better tonight knowing the difference.

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CouponCodes

Have you checked out couponcodes.com.au yet?

Well you should because you will save yourself some serious cold hard cash!

I first discovered this website earlier on in the year when I was shopping online for school supplies. I found a code for Surfstitch that gave me an extra discount on the kiddos new backpacks plus free express shipping. If you are anything like me I absolutely hate paying for postage & handling so this was a lovely added bonus to the $30 I already saved on the bags.

You may know I have an intense passion for Photography and I like to put my favourite captures on canvases. I order them online via Snapfish and couponcodes.com.au always has some fantastic promo codes up for grabs.

The couponcodes.com.au website is easy to navigate and the best part about it, is it's absolutely free. Can't find what you're looking for? just enter a few keywords into their search bar and it will let you know in a jiffy if there is a code available.

For weeks I have been drooling over all the super cute shoes over at The Iconic and it turns out couponcodes.com.au already have some fabulous free codes and discount to use at their online store.

LOVE!!

If you use couponcodes.com.au at The Iconic you will get an extra 20% off these beautiful babies. There are plenty of other exciting offers to use at The Iconic too. 

Sadly it's not always about us though, even though it very well should be. Father's Day is just around the corner and couponcodes.com.au have made shopping for your special Dad ridiculously easy. You can see all their hot discounts right here designed for Dads in mind.

Just think of what you can buy yourself with the money you save. Win, Win!

Oh and don't forget there are just 140 days until Christmas. You're Welcome.

It makes perfect sense to ...

Always check couponcodes.com.au before you shop



*This is a sponsored post*

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Butterfly Beginnings

Silent Sunday ...

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The Boob? What Boob? edition

Boob? What Boob? I want a babycino stat

So what has been giving me the shits this week?

I went to bingo on Monday night and we sat with a bunch of lovely old Nannas, so it seemed. If you have ever been to bingo you will know when they are calling the numbers out it is whisper quiet. Well, this one lady kept whispering quite loudly 'Come on! I need a 69er' ... FFS

I don't think she's had a 69 for quite sometime because she was bitterly disappointed when she didn't get one ... FFS

This puts a whole new perspective on 50 Shades of Grey ... FFS

Then this same lady won $500 on those little bingo rip open tickets and was STILL upset. I would choose $500 over a 69er any day .... FFS

Another not so charming Nanna started swearing mid game and I was getting quite distracted with her tourette like behaviour. Turns out she was angry at us 'young girls' because we 'were using our bingo dobbers too loudly??'. Motherf ... FFS

This same woman proceeded to chat throughout the entire evening and then had the gall to win one of the big jackpots ... FFS

The last week of the school holidays we went down to our local video shop for cheap Tuesday. All new releases are just $2! Bargain, the kids all got 2 movies each and we had a lovely quiet afternoon. I took the movies back the next day at 6.20pm and because it was after 6pm they charged me late fees, $4 per movie. $24 later .... FFS

Hello Quickflix ... FFS

My beautiful baby girl decided to wean this past week, she was absolutely fine with this decision. I was not! By the 4th day it was fair to say I had reached DEFCON 2 ... FFS

But along with weaning has brought an extra boost of energy to my life, I am no longer a walking zombie. I celebrated by increasing my weights at the gym which resulted in me walking/waddling like a freak with an extra chromosome for the past few days ... FFS

I may have ever so slight separated my knee cap by trying to leg press 100kg ... FFS

I politely informed HB that he needs to install a stair lift and received a not so polite response back ... FFS

I have had several AFDs (alcohol free days) this week, I feel fantastic and have had the most amazing sleep ever ... FFS

Of course, HB suggested the AFDs. Motherf ... FFS

Finally, when I was changing Maggie's nappy this week I was so horrified at the contents that I debated calling 000 or the CSIRO until I remembered she had orange & poppyseed muffins the day before. TMI, I know ... FFS

cheaper than mofo therapy

For more laughs at our expense check out last week's FFS Friday

I would love to read about other peoples FFS Fridays. Primarily because it will make me feel better about myself. If you are a fellow blogger please grab the FFS button and add your link below and provide me with a weekend's worth of irreverent entertaining reading.

If you are not a blogger please feel free to leave all your FFS Friday worthy rants in the comment section below

<center><a href="http://www.dearbabyg.com/" target="_blank" title="Click to link up to FFS Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/SarahJ76/FFSFriday.jpg" alt="Dear Baby G" /></a></center>

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And it's over

Our beautiful breastfeeding journey has come to an end.

But I'm not going to be sad. I will fight my raging hormones and reflect on the positives today.

Firstly, I breastfed my baby for just over 14 months. Something I never even dreamed was possible has come true.

It is one of my most proudest achievements ever. 

It began from that very first feed on our couch just minutes after she was born in our kitchen and it continued on until just 6 days ago.

This amazing journey has helped forged the strongest bond between Maggie and I, it's irreplaceable and pure love. I have never felt this bond before as a mother. This is not to say I  love my other 3 children any less. Anybody with more than one child understands that bonds vary, differ and change with each child as they grow older.

The LOVE for your children never changes.

It was only on the weekend that a random stranger commented on how healthy Maggie is.

'She's had a good pasture that one'.

I beamed with immense pride because I know I have given her the best start to life possible.

I thank my husband for being so incredibly supportive without him and with our busy family life it would have been a pretty tough gig to breastfeed this long.

I thank my older children for being so understanding when dinners were late, homework was unfinished and I was not hands free every time they needed me.

We were down to one short breastfeed in the morning and over the last few weeks her heart just wasn't in it anymore. She couldn't wait to climb down off the bed and run, play and find her Papa.

My beautiful little girl is enjoying showing off her independence.

Physically I feel fine. Maggie has done all the hard work for me and her slow weaning process over the past few months has worked out just perfectly.

Emotionally ... well that's a whole other blog post. 

But now in the mornings I get to lay in bed all snug and warm. I listen to HB warm up a small bottle of milk and go into her room, greet her with a shower of kisses and sit with her in the rocking chair happily chattering away together.

It's now time for them to create an extra special bond together.




What are you thankful for this week? link up with the gorgeous kate says stuff


 Linking up for World Breastfeeding Week 2012

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