Friends, old and new

This week I am grateful for friends, old and new.

The Great Redundo is what I have decided to call being retrenched...much better than saying I have been "made redundant." 

Well, The Great Redundo has put me on a gravy train of farewell lunches and dinners of late and it has been quite a bizarre experience. I have been in my "corporate job" for nearly 18 years and although I am happy to be starting a new chapter of my life, I can't deny that I am sad to be leaving what has been such a massive part of my life. I have been genuinely touched by all of my friends' and colleagues' kind words about me leaving and I am so unbelievably grateful for all the friends I have made along the way. I can safely say that I have met most of my lifelong friends through work and that is pretty bloody special.

This week, my job share buddy & bestie and I went out to dinner with some gorgeous ladies from our past work days and we had such a laugh reminiscing about the old days and comparing notes about the new.  (These ladies had been given the Great Redundo a couple of years back!)

I also have an obsession about photographing cups of coffee!

On a quick side note, we had dinner at the Prahran Hotel which has lately become a bit of a favourite. It has been "done up" in recent times and I have had many a work lunch there over the years. It was fun to go somewhere familiar and local. The food is always good and on Tuesday and Wednesday nights they have $13 steaks and parmas! (Another side note...why do Geelong people call them parmis?) We sat in a funky booth with funky pendant lights (I am obsessed by light fittings at the moment due to our new house nearing completion!)

I highly recommend it. Here's to friends, old and new!!  

Linking up with Maxabella this week over at the Village Voices for 52 weeks of Grateful.

New House - Wordless Wednesday

Hello all! Welcome to hump day!

I am linking up this week with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday. I thought an update on our new house was long overdue...getting V excited!!!  

Favourite Song Friday!

This is my first attemp to post a YouTube clip on my blog! I just cannot get enough of this song at the moment. I admit, I heard young Ben Bennett sing it on The Voice and I have not been able to get it out of my head. It's Fireflies by Owl City.

I challenge you to not feel happy after listening to it!!!!  

Lyrics so you can sing along (you're welcome!)

***

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell

But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Comfort Zone

http://soulhunting.tumblr.com/post/22037618911 Pinterest

Seems like lately I keep pushing myself out of my "comfort zone" and I don't know why the hell I would do that to myself! I am a self confessed introvert (but can be borderline extroverted when amongst people I know well!). So for those of you fellow introverts, you would know how terrifying it is throwing yourself into new situations.

Flying fox...oh dear!

So... recently

• I have been retrenched from my job
• I am seriously thinking about going back to uni
• We have nearly completed the build of a brand new house (well not me..the clever builders have)
• I  have booked a ticket to Blogopolis in Sydney for June but not my flight or accommodation and
• I just had a weekend away at Big 4 Bellarine with a heap of lovely strangers (and Miss Mandy!)

All of these things stressed me out last week which did result in a bit of a freak out/meltdown on Thursday - it was the culmination of being sick with a ridiculous cough for weeks, not enough sleep and work stress that ended up with me coming out in a rash on Thursday and stiff neck from all the tension. I thought, you know, my body is telling me something has got to give.

Now that was a VERY rambly way to get back to the weekend that just passed. A little while ago I got invited (thanks again to Miss Mandy from A Little Space Like Home) to the Big 4 Bellarine Mum's Night Out. Basically a very generous and gorgeous weekend away put on by Sophie and her team at Big 4 Bellarine. I know this is ridiculous but I was really anxious. Anxious about meeting new people, anxious about what this "great race" was going to be that was on the invitation and anxious that I wouldn't be able to relax. I was thinking, oh why did I push myself out of my comfort zone??

I am so glad that I did. The experience couldn't have come at a better time. The location was gorgeous, so restful and green. Mandy and I had our own cabin which was so spacious and new. We met Ling from Pork Chop's Nest, who was on our "team" and right at the get go she said. "let's get this straight, we don't care if we don't win right?" I was so relieved. We just got to run around the park, Ling kicked a football, Mandy climbed a big climby thingy, I changed a toy baby blindfolded, we ate pancakes, flew on a flying fox and had a great laugh!!

Ling, me and Mandy at the pancake leg of our great race!  

Then we were basically left to our own devices to relax before drinks at around 5pm. I relaxed on the comfy bed with some magazines and my ipad under the nana blanket...bliss!!

Pic borrowed from Big4 Bellarine facebook page

The crew at Big4 put on a beautiful dinner with tea lights, flowers, (champagne for me!),  lollies and gorgeous food and dancing!  I chatted away to new people who were just lovely, normal mums(normal to me is a compliment!) and I even bumped into a lovely girl I used to work with years ago. Quite bizarre that I should be reminiscing with her about work when I am about to leave my job. (The universe really does work in mysterious ways!)

I collapsed into bed so happily on Saturday night, so relaxed and content in the knowledge that I would get a full night's uninterrupted sleep and didn't have to set an alarm. Breakfast consisted of a latte, bacon and egg roll and then followed by peaches and yogurt! Yum!

I just realised that I haven't written much about Big4 Bellarine itself! To be honest, whenever I have driven past there on my way to Queenscliff I have wondered, what on earth could be in that vast space?? Well, what is there is...gorgeous accommodation for those of us who will never actually camp in a tent (because we are soft!), sites for those who are not soft, giant jumping pillows, awesome pool with a slide, huge play ground for the kids, bikes, tennis court, soccer pitch, footy goal posts, games room and theatre room! It is a great place where you can bring the whole family and feel confident that there is heaps for them to do in a safe and oh so happy environment.

Pic borrowed from Big 4 Bellarine facebook page

I would really like to thank Sophie, her husband Tim and all the staff at Big4 Bellarine for being so generous with their time and "back yard". I had an awesome time and am grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone because it was just what I needed!

Look how refreshed I look!!!

Pic from Big4 Bellarine facebook page

Hallmark 7 cards in 7 days challenge

When I attended the Digital Parents Conference a little while back, in the bag of goodies that I was given, was a gorgeous selection of cards from Hallmark. In the pack was a challenge to send 7 cards in 7 days! Well, I LOVE sending cards so this was right up my alley. I love the process of choosing a card, handwriting in it (becoming a lost art!), licking a stamp and actually putting it in the post box. I think because in this day and age of digital everything, the effort it takes to actually send a card is very, very much appreciated. It's also really nice to stop and tell someone what they mean to you. I am grateful this week for all the people in my life that I was inspired to send a card to. It made me think about them and why I wanted to acknowledge them in some way with my efforts. Here's the cards that I sent. I have given them all the same "feel" using picmonkey editing software and noted why I sent the card.         

This card was not from my pack but was from my collection...still from Hallmark

When was the last time you told someone how much you cared about them and sent them a card?

Linking up with Maxabella for 52 weeks of Grateful at Kidspot.  

No More Tangles!

There seems to be alot of discussion in the blogging world at the moment about whether bloggers should get paid for their time or whether its good enough just to get free stuff and then review it. This is all so very new to me and I am unashamedly trying to build up my followers so that one day I "might " be able to earn some income from promoting my home town.

I can't deny my excitement though at getting free stuff and I guess I am still wide eyed enough to be dazzled that anyone would want me to write about anything!

Recently I got sent some Johnson and Johnson products to review and although its just hair products, I was still a bit chuffed. Now, whether or not this will fit into what I hope to do with my blog, I don't know. Back in G Town has been evolving since I started it nearly a year ago and I am keen to add content that I think readers would like.

Given the above Johnson and Johnson products were the first I was ever sent, I am going to give you my 2 cents worth!!

I have been using the "detangling" spray for a couple of months and I love it. It doesn't have a sickly smell like some have had in the past and it does get most of the tangles out in the morning while Miss 7 whinges her head off before school.

The shampoo and conditioner are good too. Miss 7 has eczema and it has been fine on her delicate skin.  

I was also given the opportunity to use the Johnson's baby bedtime bath (below) which I have to admit I love. The kids LOVE the bubbles and the smell is lovely. The only thing I don't enjoy is the kids fighting over who has more bubbles and who gets to use what toys with the bubbles.

So, there you have it... my first product review. I was not paid for my review but I did get the products to try for free. No harm in that hey?

My mum is...

My mum is:

Kind

Determined (very determine actually)

Loving

Generous to the extreme

Funny

Clever

An amazing cook

An amazing Nonna

Frustrating as hell when trying to deal with technology that is not working properly

A San Tomaso (A doubting Thomas...i.e needs to touch, feel and see to believe!)

A glass half full type

Patient

A sweet tooth (loves anything  with "lashings" of cream) 

Cranky when she doesn't get 8 hours sleep

My best friend

Me and mum at the "Run Geelong" 2010

Happy Mothers' Day Mum!

I would like to dedicate this post to all those people who have lost their mums or don't have the relationship that they would like.

I realise that I am blessed and my heart goes out to those who aren't as fortunate.     

My mum is fantastic because...

This morning I was privileged to go to to a mother's day liturgy at my daughter's school. Its was just beautiful. We, (the mothers) were broken up into small groups in different class rooms with our children and we heard some lovely reflections, songs and prayers about mothers.

The children went around the circle and had to finsih the line, "My mum is fantastic because......"

My Little Miss 7 said...

"My mum is fantastic because she is kind"

She made my day. If I could pick one thing that I would love her think of me and one thing that I would love for her to be, that would be it.

Needless to say I had a lovely little tear. 

I feel so lucky to be a mother and I am grateful for that this week.     

Linking up with Maxabella Loves 52 Weeks of Grateful   now found at Village Voices at Kidspot!  

Jewellery Giveaway! Yay!

This is the gorgeous locket, "Memories of Paris" that Mecino is giving away!

I am very excited to announce my first ever giveaway! Yay! 

On Saturday I was very inspired by Fat Mum Slim's Photo a Day Challenge, of "Bird". My dad loved birds and they always make me think of him. I took a photo of one of my favourite pair of earrings, that I bought at the Geelong Night Market over summer.

My favourite bird earrings

They weren't expensive and I can't tell you how many compliments I get about them. This inspired me to make contact with the lovely Michelle from Mecino who made them and she very graciously agreed to give away one of her gorgeous pieces to my lovely readers! Yay!   

A little bit about Mecino:

Michelle lives in Melbourne and is a mum to a little lad, she's a wife and a daughter.
As a little girl she used  to  love to hunt through markets for little treasures. She loves the past and all things old. Michelle loves random pieces of old furniture put together around a dining room table, fifties inspired dresses teamed with granny style cardis and coloured tights.

Michelle's love for childhood innocence and past memories inspired her to create Mecino. She loves Alice in Wonderland, fairy tales, afternoon tea, pretty dresses, pirates, unicorns and writing.

Soooo....to enter to win the beautiful locket featured above, "Memories of Paris"  :

• Simply 'like' Back in G Town on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/backinGtown

          and/or follow this blog via Google Friend Connect

• and leave a message on this post or on facebook telling me what your favourite piece of jewellery is. 

• Extra entry if you share this on Facebook or Twitter, please leave a separate comment to advise

Details:

Open to Australian Residents Only
Winner will be chosen by Dynamo Nonna (she LOVES jewellery)
Giveaway Closes Midnight Friday 18th May 2012

Couple of my favourites! Check out the Mecino website and facebook page!

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

Winter sucks and Cocco Lounge

Ok, so I can't stand winter and yes I know it's not winter yet but I'm just putting it out there. Now I pride myself on trying to be a glass half full kind of person, so here's my list of things that I like (can tolerate) about the coldest, most miserable 3 months of the year.

- Snuggling under the doona with my heat pillow

- Flannelette sheets

- Winter coats

- Winter scarfs

This my gorgeous "Zara" scarf that Mr G bought me back from  LA last year 

- Hot chocolate

- Warm puddings

- Hearty stews and soups

- Day trips to the snow to go tobogganing

Miss 3 last year at Lake Mountain

-  Hot cups of tea with chocolate teddy bear biscuits

-  Ugg boots

- Watching movies under the blanket

- Crisp air and winter sun

Leaura Park Estate last winter

  - Footy (if you are into that!)

- Discovering warm and inviting cafes

 
Not bad hey? On the last note of discovering warm and inviting cafes, I think I need to make that a challenge for myself this coming winter. (Someones gotta do it!) I am a bit of a cafe junkie and I think the challenge may just get me through.

On Saturday Mr G and I went hunting for lights for our new house and as a reward afterwards we stopped off at Cocco Lounge on Ryrie Street. It was about 4.30pm and there is not a lot open in G Town at this time but given its near the cinema, we were in luck. We just had coffees as Nonna was cooking up a roast at home, but they were top notch! There is the cafe part and the lounge area. We sat in the lounge on the comfy lounges and de-briefed about the lights. Very nice way to cap off a Sat afternoon!

Now I have heard good things about "A Spot for Joe"....stay tuned!            

Cocco Lounge

210 Ryrie Street
Geelong,VIC3220

Grateful for opportunities

This week I am grateful that I have opportunities.

I have officially been "made redundant" from my corporate job and although I am pretty happy about it to be honest it will be a massive change to my life. I have worked there for nearly 18 years and have pretty much grown up under that roof. I went on my first overseas trip while I worked there, met my husband, got married, had 2 kids and pretty much met all of my bestest friends while working there too.

I am the most grateful about that. I have friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life that I met while working there. I have a lot to say about being retrenched but as I have a couple of months left to work, I might save that for when I get my pay out!

I am grateful that I have opportunities ahead and that I can start a new career if I choose to. I am seriously thinking of studying to become a primary school teacher! Get out! No, you get out! I have always wanted to go back to study and I have a Bachelor of Arts that I can build on. I am so excited at the idea of studying. Seriously!!!

So, watch this space about this new chapter of my life! (It will also give me some more time to hang out here at Back in G Town, yay!)

Linking up with Maxabella Loves for 52 weeks of Grateful.

PS Also very grateful to my friend Miss Mandy from A Little Space Like Home (who I also met at work!) for designing my new blog header...thanks for continuing to motivate me and for believing in my Back in G Town idea!    

It only took me 5 years to read Angela's Ashes

My eldest, Little Miss is 7 is really coming along with her reading. She's in grade one and I find it fascinating how all this reading finally starts to come together. We have always read to her, even when she was a baby and I like to think that it has helped her development. I remember hearing Mem Fox, childrens' author extraordinaire, saying something like "reading 3 books for about 10 minutes each day will have an amazing influence on your child's exposure to words". Not only do your children get to hear such wonderful words and stories, but they get to spend such special time with you in a (hopefully calm) and relaxed setting.

Recently I attend the Digital Parents Conference and Hardie Grant Books were one of the sponsors. They gave me a book to take home. I chose one of the Billie B Brown Books by Sally Rippin for Miss 7  called "The Secret Message." She was given a 10 book box set for her birthday in January but hadn't really gotten into them yet.  She has always loved being read to and is doing quite well at school, but the nightly "school reader" has always been a bit of a chore. "I'll just do 2 pages because I'm too tired!" Soooo, the Billie B Brown book was the first "non-reader" book that she attempted on  her own and guess what, she loved it! What a revelation, find something you like to read and it's not so much of a chore...der!!!!

Ridiculously, I only discovered in the last couple of years the kinds of books I like to read. I used to struggle to keep interested in a book and I too found reading a bit of a chore. Mr G jokes about "Angela's Ashes" that I bought on our honeymoon at the airport. I think I finished it about 5 years later. I actaully really LOVE to read stories about travel and culture and food!

Anyhoo, back to Miss 7. I interviewed her last night about "Billie B Brown: The Secret Message" by Sally Rippin. Here it goes:

Q. What is The Secret Message about?
It didn't actually have a secret message. She (Billie B Brown) was making up stories.

Q.Why?
Because she wanted to play with some girls but she was too nervous to talk to them.


Q. Then what?
They built a sandcastle. Bille broke the sandcastle, the bottle split open and there was no message. Billie felt so bad. She ran off to the beach umbrella. Then the girls came back to see her and they were all best friends forever.

Q.Why do you like these books?
Each book has a secret word - this one was beach.
They are pretty easy to read

Q.Why do you like reading?
Well some books I get frustrated with and I don't like it but most books I am good at. (Hmmm...we have a perfectionist on our hands here so for her it's all about doing it well...that's another blog post)


So there you have it.

Some of the other books that she loves are:

The Enid Blyton classics (who doesn't love those?)

Andy Griffiths - she thinks they are hilarious - something about "the day my bum went psycho!" Mr. G thinks they are hilarious too!

Clarice Bean by Lauren Child and Roald Dahl (LOVE Roald Dahl!)

What kind of books do you and your kids love to read?