This weekend I cooked about 700 sausages, whacked them on bread and sold them to hungry shoppers!
We had a fundraising sausage sizzle to support the student concert put on by my hubs and my dear friends for all their guitar, piano, drums and singing students. Yes all my friends are musical maestros and I am the odd duck out (tone deaf!). It was great to spend the weekend with my best friends. Sadly I was so busy slinging snags (Aussie slang for sausages) I didn't take any photos!
I also sliced about 1200 onions to go on the sausage sandwiches. My brains were hemorrhaging out of my tear ducts! I have scrubbed my hands for two days with all manner of detergent products. I SMELL LIKE ONIONS!
The clothes I wore will forever smell like fatty pork sausages. I think I may have to donate them to whatever charity accepts stinky items. I put my sunglasses on this morning to drive to work and a got a waft of SAUSAGES!
I am the only vegetarian with a permanent sausage aroma around me. Let me say this - I have never been quite so glad to be a vegetarian!
The down-side to my packed weekend is the absentee housewifeism! My house looks like a hoard of savages rampaged through eating all the food and throwing clothes around. Thankfully my husband pulls his weight and whipped through a few loads of laundry today.
Any chance one of you could pick up a few grocery items for me? It would really help? Bread, milk, fruit, some salad vegetables. Just mail them to Sydney Australia. It will be a HUGE help.
I joined twitter today and will be tweeting all kinds of wisdom. When I workout how to put the link on the blog I will. I am elle_secretlife on twitter. Don't expect too much witty commentary on my day today - my Blackberry battery died AM and I was stranded all day. I just gave to work out how to put a little photo in my profile. That bird is cute and all but I want a photo!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Date Night & Errand Day
Last night hubs and I had a rare mid-week date night. I am off work today (thank you RDO policy) so I could stay up late and go out on a school work night!
I had to work late (who ever said an RDO came for free?) so I got home too late for us to go out for dinner before the movie. Luckily hubs had leftover Sunday baked dinner that he happily polished off.
I, on the other hand, feasted for my supper on a choc-top at the movies! Ice cream for dinner! I have such a refined palate. HEY! I am a grown-up and I can have ice cream for dinner...ok?
We went to a little independent cinema nearby. It screens lots of arthouse, indy and old movies. Things that may not have played well at the local multiplex.
Last night we saw Crazy Heart. The film was good. It was not a rip-roaring mile-a-minute blockbuster. It was good. It was filmed beautifully. Jeff Bridges was AMAZING. Beyond amazing. I had no concept of the actor at all. All there was was the character. Maggie Gylanhall annoyed me a bit. I found her a bit insipid. Hubs thinks she needs a good meal.
Overall - a good choice from the husband.
Today was errand day. I had lunch with hubs at our fave little sandwich place near his work. Are these not the post wonderful sandwiches? I have the exact same thing every time. Cheese and salad on white bread with home-made mayo and hold the beetroot. This mayo is from another world. I want to slather it on myself. Maybe not. I would almost commit a crime to find out the recipe for this mayo. The sandwiches are so good we get white bread! Wild I know. The bread is thick and wonderful. Hmm,
I also spent a fair bit of time at the Post Office today. Not a fun errand. I received a tantalising card in the mail box the other day. A package was waiting for me! I love love love getting mail and especially packages (not a fan of bills though. You can stop sending those ok?)
I was expecting some stationary from Ashley Brooke. It may also have been some goodies from my sister in Boston.
I dispatched hubs to the Post Office on Monday to collect my package. There was a hitch. They could not find my package.
Excuse me? You put a card in my mailbox. WHERE IS MY PACKAGE??
They promised to call if it turned up. How kind of them.
They did not call. For two days.
I was Miss Manners when I went in today. Very smiley and pleasant. "oh, I think you were looking for my package..." "That's right. I remember something about that from the other day. I think I was meant to ask the driver about it but I forgot."
WHERE IS MY PACKAGE??
I left voluntarily as I had a lunch date with the hubs.
Later that afternoon I got a call - from hubs not the Post Office. Hallelujah! They found it. Turns out it was completely mislabeled (by them. Ashley Brooke had addressed it correctly). There were about three extra syllables in my name.
Anyhoo - my goodies arrived! I have swished my name out but you will get the idea.
 |
| Beautiful notepaper |
 |
| Cards and envelopes |
A package also came for hubs. He was very excited! He desperately wants to buy a Dodge Journey but will have to settle for the shirt for now.
Tonight is the State of Origin. This is a football game held three times each year. It is all the best NSW players versus all the best Queenslanders. It is VERY important and VERY serious. It is the high point of the rugby league season. We live in NSW (despite hubs being born a Victorian but we won't hold that against him). Each year the Premier of NSW and QLD have bets. For instance if Queensland wins we have to fly the maroon flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. BOOO! QLD have won the series the last four years in a row. Surely it is our time! I will keep you posted.
Go the blues!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Why oh why?
Why did my dryer break the exact week it got cold and rainy after the longest ever summer?
Why did a lady go jogging near my office at lunch time in a total exercise outfit but wearing pearls?
Why did I sign up for an 8am ballet class? On a SATURDAY?
Why did I ever think bolero jackets were a good idea for me?
Why did the Pioneer Woman take her family to Orlando for a holiday instead of Sydney ? I have a spare room.
Why did I dream of my new peg basket?
Why was my new peg basket miniature in my dream?
Why didn't my school have a glee club?
Why did Modern Family only now get to Australia?
Why has the writing gone tiny on my blog? Or is that just the preview?
Why does my neighbours' cat think it lives at my house?
Why does my neighbours' cat think it lives at my house?
Why do people have cats?
Why did my husband already own that crazy cowboy hat?
Why did I already own the footless lace stockings?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Love Story - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
My second foray into dating was troubled from the start. I broke the cardinal rule of every workplace and women's magazine advice column - NEVER DATE A COLLEAGUE.
I worked in a different office then. It was smaller and the staff were all quite good friends. There was a netball team, a football tipping comp and regular Friday night outings.
It became apparent in the office that I was a single girl. I was in a very bad way after The Cheater and actually formed firm friendships with some of the female staff who came to my aid.
It didn't take long for people to move from consoling me to match making me. Someone had a cousin, someone else had a friend of a friend, someone else had a cousin of their mailman's neighbour who has a great personality. I was not buying it.
My good work-friend Katrina is the most sweet lovely lady. She and I went out for lunch and coffee on weekends and I spent time at her home with her and her wonderful husband. She had a different plan for me.
There was one other youngish single person in our office and he was a man. He was a bit like our office mascot as he had TERRIBLE trouble with the ladies. He was sweet, hard working, owned his home, played guitar (am I that transparent?)etc. He was a good catch. Yet he could not find the right special someone.
Katrina thought we would be PERFECT for each other. Two of her dear friends united.
Unbeknowenst to me (or to him as I believe) the plotting and stratagising began in earnest. He had purchased a house and was hosting a housewarming party. The whole office together with his friends and family were invited.
I had a really good time. It was my first social event that I had attended as a single girl and without either my sister or my girl friends for support. It is always fun seeing colleagues out of work and I enjoyed every one's company.
I also could not deny I was starting to see this colleague in a different way. He cooked. He hosted a wonderful party. He sang and played his guitar (I know I know). I was starting to see him as potentially cute.
One Friday night there was an outing to see a band play. Many of the staff from the courthouse had formed a band and we were going along to support them. He was there as was our Cupid Katrina. She engineered things so we were always sitting by each other. We danced and had a great time. I will admit I was beginning to notice a chemistry and was wondering if it was just me. Did he feel the same? Was I reading it wrong?
I was driving home and Katrina asked if I would drop him. I said yes of course - and then two other colleagues said they would also hitch a ride with me. Katrina's big plan was foiled.
The following week I was arranging the baby shower for my dear aunt / quasi big sister. I needed a punch bowl and could not find one anywhere. I emailed the whole office and guess who volunteered to lend me theirs? The MAN. (Side bar - what kind of single man living alone owns a punch bowl? If only I pondered this at that time).
I thanked him for the bowl and he asked if I would come for lunch one weekend to collect it!! That definitely sounded like an invitation, but was it a date?
We made a time for the following Saturday. I was SO NERVOUS. I dressed and prepared as if it was a date and drove to his house.
When he opened the door I was shocked. And appalled. And Horrified.
He was wearing house slippers. Old man style slippers. In the middle of the day. On a sort-of-maybe date.
I was wearing cute jeans and boots and a pretty top and make up and NOT SLIPPERS.
Anyway, we actually had a nice time. A pleasant time. We talked all afternoon and had loads in common. He cooked minestrone soup which was lovely. When it was time to go I grabbed the bowl and ducked out into my car before any awkward goodbye moments might arise.
I was more confused than ever about this guy!
He apparently had no such confusion. I got a full report from Katrina that he was smitten (I am sure that was not his word but I am writing this story!).
Were we dating? what was going on? He wore slippers? What does that mean?
My friends and sister thought it was HILARIOUS! He has ever after been know as Slipper Man. Would I see him again? Other than every day at work. AWKWARD.
My second foray into dating was troubled from the start. I broke the cardinal rule of every workplace and women's magazine advice column - NEVER DATE A COLLEAGUE.
I worked in a different office then. It was smaller and the staff were all quite good friends. There was a netball team, a football tipping comp and regular Friday night outings.
It became apparent in the office that I was a single girl. I was in a very bad way after The Cheater and actually formed firm friendships with some of the female staff who came to my aid.
It didn't take long for people to move from consoling me to match making me. Someone had a cousin, someone else had a friend of a friend, someone else had a cousin of their mailman's neighbour who has a great personality. I was not buying it.
My good work-friend Katrina is the most sweet lovely lady. She and I went out for lunch and coffee on weekends and I spent time at her home with her and her wonderful husband. She had a different plan for me.
There was one other youngish single person in our office and he was a man. He was a bit like our office mascot as he had TERRIBLE trouble with the ladies. He was sweet, hard working, owned his home, played guitar (am I that transparent?)etc. He was a good catch. Yet he could not find the right special someone.
Katrina thought we would be PERFECT for each other. Two of her dear friends united.
Unbeknowenst to me (or to him as I believe) the plotting and stratagising began in earnest. He had purchased a house and was hosting a housewarming party. The whole office together with his friends and family were invited.
I had a really good time. It was my first social event that I had attended as a single girl and without either my sister or my girl friends for support. It is always fun seeing colleagues out of work and I enjoyed every one's company.
I also could not deny I was starting to see this colleague in a different way. He cooked. He hosted a wonderful party. He sang and played his guitar (I know I know). I was starting to see him as potentially cute.
One Friday night there was an outing to see a band play. Many of the staff from the courthouse had formed a band and we were going along to support them. He was there as was our Cupid Katrina. She engineered things so we were always sitting by each other. We danced and had a great time. I will admit I was beginning to notice a chemistry and was wondering if it was just me. Did he feel the same? Was I reading it wrong?
I was driving home and Katrina asked if I would drop him. I said yes of course - and then two other colleagues said they would also hitch a ride with me. Katrina's big plan was foiled.
The following week I was arranging the baby shower for my dear aunt / quasi big sister. I needed a punch bowl and could not find one anywhere. I emailed the whole office and guess who volunteered to lend me theirs? The MAN. (Side bar - what kind of single man living alone owns a punch bowl? If only I pondered this at that time).
I thanked him for the bowl and he asked if I would come for lunch one weekend to collect it!! That definitely sounded like an invitation, but was it a date?
We made a time for the following Saturday. I was SO NERVOUS. I dressed and prepared as if it was a date and drove to his house.
When he opened the door I was shocked. And appalled. And Horrified.
He was wearing house slippers. Old man style slippers. In the middle of the day. On a sort-of-maybe date.
I was wearing cute jeans and boots and a pretty top and make up and NOT SLIPPERS.
Anyway, we actually had a nice time. A pleasant time. We talked all afternoon and had loads in common. He cooked minestrone soup which was lovely. When it was time to go I grabbed the bowl and ducked out into my car before any awkward goodbye moments might arise.
I was more confused than ever about this guy!
He apparently had no such confusion. I got a full report from Katrina that he was smitten (I am sure that was not his word but I am writing this story!).
Were we dating? what was going on? He wore slippers? What does that mean?
My friends and sister thought it was HILARIOUS! He has ever after been know as Slipper Man. Would I see him again? Other than every day at work. AWKWARD.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
"Match Made" in Heaven
I am so impressed by Whitney's Love Story, and they are making PW's into a movie - so I was inspired. I thought I would recount the tale of an up-tight lawyer and a carefree musician and our journey toward love.
The working title is "Match Made" in heaven for we were, indeed, the product of a dear friend's match-making! To see how it unfolds you will have to stay tuned.
Chapter 1
I had never really "dated". I had one blind date in 10th grade and it was a DISASTER. James Cameron is making a movie about that date. Kate Winslet is playing me and Celene Dion is doing the soundtrack.
I had a steady boyfriend my last year of High School and we were together for four years. I am sure everyone thought we were headed for the alter. Then one day we realised we had grown up and apart and it ended.
I had a steady boy friend in law school. We dated for four years (are you seeing a pattern?) everyone thought we were headed for the alter. Then one day I realised he was a lying cheating dirt bag who did not deserve to speak my name.
This left me a single gal in my mid-twenties who had never "dated".
With that background in mind I hope you will forgive my brief but very stupid foray into the dating game. I remember the exact moment I decided I was ready to date. I was out on a girls night and suddenly just felt ready. The wounds caused by The Cheater had healed enough and I felt good. My time was no longer about the absence of him. I was enjoying being by myself. I was ready!
I announced this to my friends to their extreme amusement. I mean laughter. Loud laughter. They knew I was not a "dater". I decided to prove them wrong!
There was a boy, kind of a friend on the outer circle of my group. I had known him for years. I also knew he had been in love with me for years. Since the days of HSSH (High School Sweat Heart). Our timing had never been right as we were never single at the same time.
I asked my friend Tanya for his number.
She exploded. "No nononono. No. No way" I could see she needed a bit of convincing.
In the end she contacted him and had him call me one day. Very discreet. He called and we talked on the phone for ages. Like two hours! It was so nice to hear a boy say nice things to me after having such a broken heart.
As we headed into hour three he made a casual reference to his girl friend.
EXCUSE ME?
Your girlfriend??
You have been flirting with me for two hours and asking for my address so you can come over??
Are you kidding me?
I just gone done with a lying, cheating, cold dead beating, two-timing, double dealing mean mistreating, loving heart.
I am not going down that road again. Further more, I am NEVER going to be the OTHER WOMAN in that scenario!
Needless to say I ended the call very quickly. He emailed and texted but I ignored him. I saw him in person a few weeks after that - with his girlfriend!
I was rapidly losing confidence in my ability to date.
The working title is "Match Made" in heaven for we were, indeed, the product of a dear friend's match-making! To see how it unfolds you will have to stay tuned.
Chapter 1
I had never really "dated". I had one blind date in 10th grade and it was a DISASTER. James Cameron is making a movie about that date. Kate Winslet is playing me and Celene Dion is doing the soundtrack.
I had a steady boyfriend my last year of High School and we were together for four years. I am sure everyone thought we were headed for the alter. Then one day we realised we had grown up and apart and it ended.
I had a steady boy friend in law school. We dated for four years (are you seeing a pattern?) everyone thought we were headed for the alter. Then one day I realised he was a lying cheating dirt bag who did not deserve to speak my name.
This left me a single gal in my mid-twenties who had never "dated".
With that background in mind I hope you will forgive my brief but very stupid foray into the dating game. I remember the exact moment I decided I was ready to date. I was out on a girls night and suddenly just felt ready. The wounds caused by The Cheater had healed enough and I felt good. My time was no longer about the absence of him. I was enjoying being by myself. I was ready!
I announced this to my friends to their extreme amusement. I mean laughter. Loud laughter. They knew I was not a "dater". I decided to prove them wrong!
There was a boy, kind of a friend on the outer circle of my group. I had known him for years. I also knew he had been in love with me for years. Since the days of HSSH (High School Sweat Heart). Our timing had never been right as we were never single at the same time.
I asked my friend Tanya for his number.
She exploded. "No nononono. No. No way" I could see she needed a bit of convincing.
In the end she contacted him and had him call me one day. Very discreet. He called and we talked on the phone for ages. Like two hours! It was so nice to hear a boy say nice things to me after having such a broken heart.
As we headed into hour three he made a casual reference to his girl friend.
EXCUSE ME?
Your girlfriend??
You have been flirting with me for two hours and asking for my address so you can come over??
Are you kidding me?
I just gone done with a lying, cheating, cold dead beating, two-timing, double dealing mean mistreating, loving heart.
I am not going down that road again. Further more, I am NEVER going to be the OTHER WOMAN in that scenario!
Needless to say I ended the call very quickly. He emailed and texted but I ignored him. I saw him in person a few weeks after that - with his girlfriend!
I was rapidly losing confidence in my ability to date.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Last night we went to the Rock Star Party! Tanya and Jess had turned their house into Rock Central. These girls are hilarious. They threw my Bridal Shower and Bachelorette night and are the ultimate party planners.
Here is Tanya and her mum - Dianna Ross! Cheryl had painted her face in make up! Tanya's dad was Stevie Wonder. Olly and Cheryl are such good sports.
Natalie (who is in a really punk style dress with punk streaksin her hair) with Kristy and Kylie.
Our Hostesses with the Mostest! Tanya and Jess. I love these girls! Tanya was my Maid of Honor and Jess was like my Deputy Wedding Planner! Tanya is a variation of Pink I think and Jess is a groupie.
Even their dog Ziljan has a Rock Star name! He got in the diva action.
Their whole house was decorated. The hallway had posters of rock stars and bands.
The lounge was set up for Singstar battles and one of the bedrooms was the Guitar Hero area!
There was another Madonna! Laura and I had on the exact same gloves! After all how many places in our town sell black lace fingerless gloves? One apparently!
Don't worry. There was no repeat of the Prom Queen Fight of 2010. Laura is like a little sister to me and I love her!
Here is Brad Paisley and Madonna! I had a great time dressing up. Hubs was a bit unsure so he went with something safe. He had the shirt already and strapped his telecaster on his back for full effect.
As soon as I added the beauty spot I looked in the mirror and saw Madonna! My first experience with black nail polish was interesting! I have to say I took it off when we got home. I was certainly inspired by recent happenings at William McKinley High!
Hope you all had a fab weekend!
xx elle
Here is Tanya and her mum - Dianna Ross! Cheryl had painted her face in make up! Tanya's dad was Stevie Wonder. Olly and Cheryl are such good sports.
Natalie (who is in a really punk style dress with punk streaksin her hair) with Kristy and Kylie.
Our Hostesses with the Mostest! Tanya and Jess. I love these girls! Tanya was my Maid of Honor and Jess was like my Deputy Wedding Planner! Tanya is a variation of Pink I think and Jess is a groupie.
Even their dog Ziljan has a Rock Star name! He got in the diva action.
Their whole house was decorated. The hallway had posters of rock stars and bands.
The lounge was set up for Singstar battles and one of the bedrooms was the Guitar Hero area!
There was another Madonna! Laura and I had on the exact same gloves! After all how many places in our town sell black lace fingerless gloves? One apparently!
Don't worry. There was no repeat of the Prom Queen Fight of 2010. Laura is like a little sister to me and I love her!
Here is Brad Paisley and Madonna! I had a great time dressing up. Hubs was a bit unsure so he went with something safe. He had the shirt already and strapped his telecaster on his back for full effect.
As soon as I added the beauty spot I looked in the mirror and saw Madonna! My first experience with black nail polish was interesting! I have to say I took it off when we got home. I was certainly inspired by recent happenings at William McKinley High!
Hope you all had a fab weekend!
xx elle
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Party Preparations
I have had a very productive Saturday. There is nothing like the endorphin kick an 8am ballet class gives you to get the day started.
Right after class I hit the mall looking for some special jewellery for my costume for tonight. I forget if I already said what my costume is. Hmm.
I didn't find what I needed at the mall so I headed to Westfields. I was in and out in 20 minutes and long before the place was busy! I was a commando shopper. I got all the finishing touches for my costume. Including black nail polish. I have never in my life owned black nail polish until today!
I then hit the party supplies store and the supermarket and squeezed in a 30 minute chat with my sister in Boston. This was all before 11am! Wow what a morning.
I am preparing a few finger food items for tonight's party. It is a Rock Star themed party but the food is usual party fare.
Jess, one of the hostesses requested my famous Mexican dip. It is embarrassing how easy this dip is to make. It is 5 store bought ingredients whacked into a dish. Yet every party - this dip is requested. For other events I have filleted, sauteed, marinaded, fire roasted and prepared all kind of delectable fancies. What do they always want? The layered Mexican dip is always requested. In fact the dish I usually make this in is still at Jess's house from her last party where I brought it!
It is super easy. You need salsa, re fried beans, some form of avocado, sour cream and cheese. Pioneer Woman would not spit on this dip, yet my friends love it.
You simply layer the ingredients in the dish, starting with the beans and ending with a good covering of cheese. It really is yummy.
I am also taking some meatballs and chicken skewers that I grabbed from the bulk party supplies store.
I have actually cooked one thing. Actually properly cooked, with a recipe and everything! I made PW's Potato Skins. I made these for the last party and they were a smash hit. I know I trialed the double baked potatoes the other day for my work function but I decided the skins would go down better with the rock star crowd!
So here is a preview of my accessories for tonight. Can you guess who I am going as? Can I draw your attention to the lacey black gloves?
During the week I was opining at work as to where I would find lacey black fingerless gloves. Several unhelpful colleagues suggested the type of stores that ladies of ill-repute by their work attire. I opted not to go browse in that type of store!
I went to a generic costume jewellery type store at westfields and saw them right away! In a mainstream store! Do girls actually wear these? On purpose? In a non-ironic non-fancy dress party way?
Kids these days!
Right after class I hit the mall looking for some special jewellery for my costume for tonight. I forget if I already said what my costume is. Hmm.
I didn't find what I needed at the mall so I headed to Westfields. I was in and out in 20 minutes and long before the place was busy! I was a commando shopper. I got all the finishing touches for my costume. Including black nail polish. I have never in my life owned black nail polish until today!
I then hit the party supplies store and the supermarket and squeezed in a 30 minute chat with my sister in Boston. This was all before 11am! Wow what a morning.
I am preparing a few finger food items for tonight's party. It is a Rock Star themed party but the food is usual party fare.
Jess, one of the hostesses requested my famous Mexican dip. It is embarrassing how easy this dip is to make. It is 5 store bought ingredients whacked into a dish. Yet every party - this dip is requested. For other events I have filleted, sauteed, marinaded, fire roasted and prepared all kind of delectable fancies. What do they always want? The layered Mexican dip is always requested. In fact the dish I usually make this in is still at Jess's house from her last party where I brought it!
It is super easy. You need salsa, re fried beans, some form of avocado, sour cream and cheese. Pioneer Woman would not spit on this dip, yet my friends love it.
You simply layer the ingredients in the dish, starting with the beans and ending with a good covering of cheese. It really is yummy.
I am also taking some meatballs and chicken skewers that I grabbed from the bulk party supplies store.
I have actually cooked one thing. Actually properly cooked, with a recipe and everything! I made PW's Potato Skins. I made these for the last party and they were a smash hit. I know I trialed the double baked potatoes the other day for my work function but I decided the skins would go down better with the rock star crowd!
So here is a preview of my accessories for tonight. Can you guess who I am going as? Can I draw your attention to the lacey black gloves?
During the week I was opining at work as to where I would find lacey black fingerless gloves. Several unhelpful colleagues suggested the type of stores that ladies of ill-repute by their work attire. I opted not to go browse in that type of store!
I went to a generic costume jewellery type store at westfields and saw them right away! In a mainstream store! Do girls actually wear these? On purpose? In a non-ironic non-fancy dress party way?
Kids these days!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Fashion Friday
Welcome to another edition of Wife Dressing!
As a full time working lawyer I find much of my wardrobe is dominated by work clothes. Suits, separates, business skirts, pants and shirts. The occasional dress.
My 9-5 wardrobe (really 7-7 but who is counting?) is pretty much locked in. When I leave in the morning I usually wake hubs up as I leave. He glances me through bleary eyes for 5 seconds as I snatch a goodbye kiss. I am sure he rarely could identify to you what I was wearing once I left.
The problem is - that is when I look my best! My hair is smooth and sleek. My make-up is flawless, complete with glossy lips. My clothes are neat and pressed and professional looking. My perfume is fresh. I radiate energy and vigor.
When I get home - that is a completely different story. After hours on my feet in heels my tootsies are screaming so I always change into flats for the journey home. I always opt for ballet flats or pumps. I cannot abide those corporate ladies who wear joggers with stockings and a suit, or even thongs / flip flops! I also have a fear that I will forget one high heel or will break a heel and will only have joggers to wear to court! Anyway - flats are inherently less visually appealing than heels.
My clothes carry that smashed, smushed, wrinkled, worn all day look.
My hair has morphed from sleek corporate to desperate ponytail as I endure the horrid train ride home. The trains are always packed, and standing room only. They are also SO HOT! Didn't State Rail get the memo we aren't having Winter this year? It hit March and they switched from cooling to heating. Honestly it is like travelling home in a moving Bikram yoga class. Some of the positions I get in trying not to fall over while I read could also qualify as yoga-esque.
My make-up....Well I am sure I put make-up on this morning. Wear has it gone? Perfume. FORGET ABOUT IT!
So the vision that walks in the door to greet hubs is a dishevelled, sweating, red faced, frizzy haired frumpazoid.
Not attractive!
So my question to you is: Should I glam up on the way home? If I reapply my makeup and spritz on the Amarni Mania, is that totally Stepford? I usually try to slap on some lip gloss. Should I go the whole distance?
I would love your ideas! SAHMs I want your input too. Do you glam up Donna Reed style when you know your husband is about to pull into the driveway?
I have another fancy dress party this weekend and there will be loads of pictures.
Have a great weekend!
As a full time working lawyer I find much of my wardrobe is dominated by work clothes. Suits, separates, business skirts, pants and shirts. The occasional dress.
My 9-5 wardrobe (really 7-7 but who is counting?) is pretty much locked in. When I leave in the morning I usually wake hubs up as I leave. He glances me through bleary eyes for 5 seconds as I snatch a goodbye kiss. I am sure he rarely could identify to you what I was wearing once I left.
The problem is - that is when I look my best! My hair is smooth and sleek. My make-up is flawless, complete with glossy lips. My clothes are neat and pressed and professional looking. My perfume is fresh. I radiate energy and vigor.
When I get home - that is a completely different story. After hours on my feet in heels my tootsies are screaming so I always change into flats for the journey home. I always opt for ballet flats or pumps. I cannot abide those corporate ladies who wear joggers with stockings and a suit, or even thongs / flip flops! I also have a fear that I will forget one high heel or will break a heel and will only have joggers to wear to court! Anyway - flats are inherently less visually appealing than heels.
My clothes carry that smashed, smushed, wrinkled, worn all day look.
My hair has morphed from sleek corporate to desperate ponytail as I endure the horrid train ride home. The trains are always packed, and standing room only. They are also SO HOT! Didn't State Rail get the memo we aren't having Winter this year? It hit March and they switched from cooling to heating. Honestly it is like travelling home in a moving Bikram yoga class. Some of the positions I get in trying not to fall over while I read could also qualify as yoga-esque.
My make-up....Well I am sure I put make-up on this morning. Wear has it gone? Perfume. FORGET ABOUT IT!
So the vision that walks in the door to greet hubs is a dishevelled, sweating, red faced, frizzy haired frumpazoid.
Not attractive!
So my question to you is: Should I glam up on the way home? If I reapply my makeup and spritz on the Amarni Mania, is that totally Stepford? I usually try to slap on some lip gloss. Should I go the whole distance?
I would love your ideas! SAHMs I want your input too. Do you glam up Donna Reed style when you know your husband is about to pull into the driveway?
I have another fancy dress party this weekend and there will be loads of pictures.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Mother's Day
I really loved reading every one's Mother's Day posts. So many of the blogs I read are by ladies who have become mother's in the last year. It was so cute and sweet seeing them enjoy their first Mother's Day as mothers. Many blogs also contained beautiful tributes to the bloggers own mothers.
For Mother's day this year hubs and I had both our mothers and my father over. My father in law is no longer with us.
We all live in the same town about 10 minutes apart. We see no reason to keep them separate in our lives. I cannot think of a single time both sets of my grandparents were in the same room. Other than my parents wedding I am not sure they ever met or spoke to each other.
Hubs and I decided early on we would not live like that. We also noticed a fierce competition brewing between our mothers early in our relationship. Each would always question us about how often we saw the other and how much time we spent with them. It was really awkward for us so we ended it by combining as many events as we can.
This year the mothers came for dinner. I have to admit I was quite nervous. My MIL and parents are from completely different worlds and generations. Beryl, my M-I-L has children as old as my parents. Hubs is her youngest (by years and years) and has nieces and nephews older than him. Beryl is lovely but is more like a grandmother figure to me than a M-I-L.
My parents were on their best behaviour and they all got on together well. Phew!
We took no photos of the table or the food (because this is my secret wife life and nobody knows I have the blog).
We made a roast leg of lamb in the crockpot. I seasoned it and then made cuts all over and inserted slivers of garlic and sprigs of rosemary. It cooked on low for about 8 hours. It smelled wonderful!
I served it with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, crispy roast potatoes (the trick is semolina. I will tell you another day) and my special pumpkin / sweet potato.
I marinaded the pumpkin and sweet potato in a mix of seeded mustard, honey and olive oil. DELICIOUS!
We also served a green salad (for my vegetable hating mother) and hot crusty rolls. The meal was a total success!
For desert we made Pioneer Woman's Key Lime Pie. The recipe was simple and we had a bunch of limes that a friend grew and we had to use up.
Hubs had a great time smashing the crackers up! He basically made the pie under my close supervision. The highlight for me was when he said to me: "where do we keep the lime zest?" Like it was in a jar or something! I handed him the limes and the grater and his face fell!
The pie was SO WONDERFUL! It was also really simple for a home made desert. We will definitely make it again.
Here is some pictures of my parents walking me down the aisle. I had my mum and dad do it. They both raised me and I wanted them both to give me away.
Some last minute advice! I have no memory of what she said to me.
It is strange to think that this may be my last Mother's day not as a mother! Next year I may have a baby, or be pregnant! Wow.
Today I had another pre-pregnancy injection and boyo do I have a dead arm! I have to have all the immunisations; hepatitis, chicke pox, measles, rubella etc. The doctor wanted me to have them all before we started trying for a baby. Hubs thought it was unromantic and wanted to just throw caution to the wind and make a baby. I could never forgive myself if something happened to my baby that a simple shot in my arm could have prevented. There are so many scary things out there that we cannot control. I am glad to be able to control this one little bit of the world.
Even though I have a really sore dead arm!
For Mother's day this year hubs and I had both our mothers and my father over. My father in law is no longer with us.
We all live in the same town about 10 minutes apart. We see no reason to keep them separate in our lives. I cannot think of a single time both sets of my grandparents were in the same room. Other than my parents wedding I am not sure they ever met or spoke to each other.
Hubs and I decided early on we would not live like that. We also noticed a fierce competition brewing between our mothers early in our relationship. Each would always question us about how often we saw the other and how much time we spent with them. It was really awkward for us so we ended it by combining as many events as we can.
This year the mothers came for dinner. I have to admit I was quite nervous. My MIL and parents are from completely different worlds and generations. Beryl, my M-I-L has children as old as my parents. Hubs is her youngest (by years and years) and has nieces and nephews older than him. Beryl is lovely but is more like a grandmother figure to me than a M-I-L.
My parents were on their best behaviour and they all got on together well. Phew!
We took no photos of the table or the food (because this is my secret wife life and nobody knows I have the blog).
We made a roast leg of lamb in the crockpot. I seasoned it and then made cuts all over and inserted slivers of garlic and sprigs of rosemary. It cooked on low for about 8 hours. It smelled wonderful!
I served it with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, crispy roast potatoes (the trick is semolina. I will tell you another day) and my special pumpkin / sweet potato.
I marinaded the pumpkin and sweet potato in a mix of seeded mustard, honey and olive oil. DELICIOUS!
We also served a green salad (for my vegetable hating mother) and hot crusty rolls. The meal was a total success!
For desert we made Pioneer Woman's Key Lime Pie. The recipe was simple and we had a bunch of limes that a friend grew and we had to use up.
Hubs had a great time smashing the crackers up! He basically made the pie under my close supervision. The highlight for me was when he said to me: "where do we keep the lime zest?" Like it was in a jar or something! I handed him the limes and the grater and his face fell!
The pie was SO WONDERFUL! It was also really simple for a home made desert. We will definitely make it again.
Here is some pictures of my parents walking me down the aisle. I had my mum and dad do it. They both raised me and I wanted them both to give me away.
Some last minute advice! I have no memory of what she said to me.
It is strange to think that this may be my last Mother's day not as a mother! Next year I may have a baby, or be pregnant! Wow.
Today I had another pre-pregnancy injection and boyo do I have a dead arm! I have to have all the immunisations; hepatitis, chicke pox, measles, rubella etc. The doctor wanted me to have them all before we started trying for a baby. Hubs thought it was unromantic and wanted to just throw caution to the wind and make a baby. I could never forgive myself if something happened to my baby that a simple shot in my arm could have prevented. There are so many scary things out there that we cannot control. I am glad to be able to control this one little bit of the world.
Even though I have a really sore dead arm!
A romantic getaway
It feels like so long since I have written! Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. I keep writing posts in my head then never getting around to post them. I'll try to catch up!
This weekend I had a conference for work on Saturday. I know! Grrr. Lawyers in Australia (I am sure elsewhere is the same) have to do a certain amount of hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education each year. This conference was a great one for me to attend as it was in my specialty area and was run by a good friend.
The Conference was held at a beautiful hotel in a semi-rural area outside of Sydney. It was so lovely driving out to the country! Some of my less gentrified colleagues were horrified to see cows in fields as they drove.
The hotel is so lovely that we decided for Hubs to come join me for the dinner and stay overnight. We did the same thing at this conference last year and the after-party turned out to be the social event of the legal calendar!
This year was a bit more sedate. As Sunday was Mother's Day less people chose to stay overnight.
We had the Conference Dinner in the main restaurant of the hotel, but in a special function room. Good thing too because it got rowdy!
The dinner was....lovely.....beautiful.....expensive....and tiny!
It was arty food on the plate that looked amazing but was gone in three bites. Hubs and I left the party at about 12.30 (I hear Tell that others stayed up until 2am but let's be honest I hardly did that at 22 so am way past it at 32!).
We went back to our WONDERFUL room. As soon as we walked through the door we looked at each other and said "Let's get room service!" We were both thinking the exact same thing as we were both STARVING after out beautiful tiny dinner. We ordered this amazing pizza and shared a Bounty bar I had in my bag for just this occasion. It was very romantic!
The bed was huge! I am usually quite anxious about hotel rooms and beds but this was pristine. All white linens hide no sins!
Here I am in the Robe that Ate Montreal! It was HUGE! I know I will never truly succeed as a blogger until I can take good photos of myself in the mirror. Must work on that!
The bathroom was beautiful with a large spa. I so wish I had used the spa. It would have helped me more than some of the seminars at the Conference - Oh well!
We raced straight home after breakfast (no pictures but ohmigosh! Made to order omelets and pancakes to die for) on Sunday as it was Mother's day and we had to prepare the homestead for the Mothership Visit (two mothers at once.)
I will do a whole post on Mother's Day as it was quite a day!
This weekend I had a conference for work on Saturday. I know! Grrr. Lawyers in Australia (I am sure elsewhere is the same) have to do a certain amount of hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education each year. This conference was a great one for me to attend as it was in my specialty area and was run by a good friend.
The Conference was held at a beautiful hotel in a semi-rural area outside of Sydney. It was so lovely driving out to the country! Some of my less gentrified colleagues were horrified to see cows in fields as they drove.
The hotel is so lovely that we decided for Hubs to come join me for the dinner and stay overnight. We did the same thing at this conference last year and the after-party turned out to be the social event of the legal calendar!
This year was a bit more sedate. As Sunday was Mother's Day less people chose to stay overnight.
We had the Conference Dinner in the main restaurant of the hotel, but in a special function room. Good thing too because it got rowdy!
The dinner was....lovely.....beautiful.....expensive....and tiny!
It was arty food on the plate that looked amazing but was gone in three bites. Hubs and I left the party at about 12.30 (I hear Tell that others stayed up until 2am but let's be honest I hardly did that at 22 so am way past it at 32!).
We went back to our WONDERFUL room. As soon as we walked through the door we looked at each other and said "Let's get room service!" We were both thinking the exact same thing as we were both STARVING after out beautiful tiny dinner. We ordered this amazing pizza and shared a Bounty bar I had in my bag for just this occasion. It was very romantic!
The bed was huge! I am usually quite anxious about hotel rooms and beds but this was pristine. All white linens hide no sins!
Here I am in the Robe that Ate Montreal! It was HUGE! I know I will never truly succeed as a blogger until I can take good photos of myself in the mirror. Must work on that!
The bathroom was beautiful with a large spa. I so wish I had used the spa. It would have helped me more than some of the seminars at the Conference - Oh well!
We raced straight home after breakfast (no pictures but ohmigosh! Made to order omelets and pancakes to die for) on Sunday as it was Mother's day and we had to prepare the homestead for the Mothership Visit (two mothers at once.)
I will do a whole post on Mother's Day as it was quite a day!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Temptation
We temp children with lollies and chocolate bars. In supermarket checkouts and convenience stores. Petrol stations and newsagents even. Right there where they can see them. See the brightly coloured wrappers and shiny foil cases. Right there where they can touch them, can reach them.
Rows and rows of gooey chocalately goodness. Enough sugar to send our children into blind hysteria. The inevitable request comes. A plea. The child is staaaariving, or desperate for the treat. They have been sooo good. They deserve it.
Remember the feeling as a child, where the thing you longed for most was in a bright Cadbury or Hersheys wrapper? Where you would dream and ponder over what treat you would get if in fact you were allowed?
Today I realised that adults are tempted the same way. Wife-Candy, or even girl-candy!
For us the temptations come in magazine form.
Right there in supermarket checkouts and convenience stores. Petrol stations and newsagents even. Right there where we can see them while standing in line. What else is there to do?
They shimmer and shine, all glossy and perfect. Airbrushed glamors with perfect teeth and perfect hair. Airbrushed homes with perfect gardens and perfect kitchens. Airbrushed meals with perfect caramelization and perfect presentation.
These magazines tempt us away from what we know is good in our lives. Suddenly the outfit we chose to run errands is dull and passe. The table setting we creatively fashioned is vulgar and silly. The meal we prepared for our husband is amateur and insulting.
We pine over what these magazines offer us. Designer bags and clothes advertised right there! In the $3 magazine in Woolworths. See I am the target audience. I should aspire to a Gucci or a Prada.
Real people smile at us from those amazing homes! Jenny works full time in publishing, has three amazing children and two dogs and still has a house that looks like a feature in Home Beautiful. Wait a minute - it IS a feature in Home Beautiful! If Jenny can do it, why is my house so pathetic and average? I have no children and no dogs. Why doesn't my house look like that?
You know - my husband does deserve cordon bleu cooking. He loves me and works hard. If I leave work early I can get home in time to prepare the casserole, and it cooks for 5 hours...I could race home at lunch and start (a round trip of over an hour), could I start it the night before and just stay up late to cook it?
Why do we pine for these unrealistic things?
As an adult I look at the candy shelves and see through the fake glitz. I see empty sugar and calories, supermarket chocolate that is cheap and nasty and has likely been sitting on that shelf a while.
I hope I can train myself to see through the magazines the same way and call out the empty false promises for what they really are. Just that.
Rows and rows of gooey chocalately goodness. Enough sugar to send our children into blind hysteria. The inevitable request comes. A plea. The child is staaaariving, or desperate for the treat. They have been sooo good. They deserve it.
Remember the feeling as a child, where the thing you longed for most was in a bright Cadbury or Hersheys wrapper? Where you would dream and ponder over what treat you would get if in fact you were allowed?
Today I realised that adults are tempted the same way. Wife-Candy, or even girl-candy!
For us the temptations come in magazine form.
Right there in supermarket checkouts and convenience stores. Petrol stations and newsagents even. Right there where we can see them while standing in line. What else is there to do?
They shimmer and shine, all glossy and perfect. Airbrushed glamors with perfect teeth and perfect hair. Airbrushed homes with perfect gardens and perfect kitchens. Airbrushed meals with perfect caramelization and perfect presentation.
These magazines tempt us away from what we know is good in our lives. Suddenly the outfit we chose to run errands is dull and passe. The table setting we creatively fashioned is vulgar and silly. The meal we prepared for our husband is amateur and insulting.
We pine over what these magazines offer us. Designer bags and clothes advertised right there! In the $3 magazine in Woolworths. See I am the target audience. I should aspire to a Gucci or a Prada.
Real people smile at us from those amazing homes! Jenny works full time in publishing, has three amazing children and two dogs and still has a house that looks like a feature in Home Beautiful. Wait a minute - it IS a feature in Home Beautiful! If Jenny can do it, why is my house so pathetic and average? I have no children and no dogs. Why doesn't my house look like that?
You know - my husband does deserve cordon bleu cooking. He loves me and works hard. If I leave work early I can get home in time to prepare the casserole, and it cooks for 5 hours...I could race home at lunch and start (a round trip of over an hour), could I start it the night before and just stay up late to cook it?
Why do we pine for these unrealistic things?
As an adult I look at the candy shelves and see through the fake glitz. I see empty sugar and calories, supermarket chocolate that is cheap and nasty and has likely been sitting on that shelf a while.
I hope I can train myself to see through the magazines the same way and call out the empty false promises for what they really are. Just that.
Monday, May 3, 2010
ABC
Hi all! I have seen this done a few times and think it is a good "getting to know you" type post. I first saw Jill do it and then Meganfeatured it as well.
A. AREA CODE : 02. Sydney, NSW
B. BED SIZE: Queen
C. CHORE YOU HATE: Ironing. Why oh why must we wear smooth clothes?
D. DOG'S NAME: None.
E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: Toothpaste and a good brushing
F. FAVORITE COLOR: Blue. So soothing
G. GOLD OR SILVER: gold
H. HEIGHT: 5' 1"
I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY:Not a one but can I claim credit for my talented husband?
J. JOB: Lawyer. Love it. too much. Must find life and identity outside work!
K. KIDS: cannot wait. Maybe next year?
L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: renting. Bleh. Will but a house when I am a grown up.
N. NICKNAME: Elle
M.MOM'S NAME: Barb
O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: only as a baby (when I was born)
P. PET PEEVE: racism and intolerance
Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: "I carried a watermelon" We have all had those moments of cringe inducing shame. (Also do a google search for baby + watermelon. Very funny and not what I expected.)
R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Righty
S. SIBLINGS: I have one younger sister faraway in Boston.
T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: 6.30 or 7am.
U. UNDERWEAR: Yes I wear it!
V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: Brussel sprouts. Who really likes those? Do parents just torture kids with them?
W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE: traffic
X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: Neck and spine.
Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: Anything Pioneer Woman tells me to cook!
Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: ? Mr Shuffles!
A. AREA CODE : 02. Sydney, NSW
B. BED SIZE: Queen
C. CHORE YOU HATE: Ironing. Why oh why must we wear smooth clothes?
D. DOG'S NAME: None.
E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: Toothpaste and a good brushing
F. FAVORITE COLOR: Blue. So soothing
G. GOLD OR SILVER: gold
H. HEIGHT: 5' 1"
I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY:Not a one but can I claim credit for my talented husband?
J. JOB: Lawyer. Love it. too much. Must find life and identity outside work!
K. KIDS: cannot wait. Maybe next year?
L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: renting. Bleh. Will but a house when I am a grown up.
N. NICKNAME: Elle
M.MOM'S NAME: Barb
O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: only as a baby (when I was born)
P. PET PEEVE: racism and intolerance
Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: "I carried a watermelon" We have all had those moments of cringe inducing shame. (Also do a google search for baby + watermelon. Very funny and not what I expected.)
R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Righty
S. SIBLINGS: I have one younger sister faraway in Boston.
T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: 6.30 or 7am.
U. UNDERWEAR: Yes I wear it!
V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: Brussel sprouts. Who really likes those? Do parents just torture kids with them?
W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE: traffic
X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: Neck and spine.
Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: Anything Pioneer Woman tells me to cook!
Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: ? Mr Shuffles!
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