tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79442936809742895822024-03-19T20:37:25.596+11:00TheUrbanMumTheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-86118562515799418632013-03-22T15:58:00.002+11:002013-11-02T16:26:43.769+11:00the sweet and the sour of marriage...and Lemon Almond Cake...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image: taste.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">TheHusband
and I are thirteen years into marriage </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></o:p><br>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Like all
good Fairy tales it has a storyline that dips and soars - and more often flat
lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">The hero
leaves the toilet seat up, clears his throat while he watches TV and frequently
acts like a Bachelor.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">These
actions (and many more) cause the heroine so much grief she can't believe
she married such an imbecile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We'll save
her mood swings, failing eyesight and diminished sex drive for another post.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Less
Beauty and more Beastly...</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">The bad
can overwhelm the good and make it seem very hard. Which it is. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Marriage
is work. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Extenuating
circumstances aside, it can require more effort to stay and keep going than to
move on. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">When you struggle and wonder if leaving would be better. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">When you
dream of having the bathroom to yourself, or long to read a newspaper that hasn't
been decimated and strewn around the house before you get to it. When you are
reduced to being annoyed by the way he even breathes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Then
try to remember what it was like when you met. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">The
serendipity that brought you together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-sweet-and-sour-of-marriageand-lemon.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-81473300122231548062013-02-26T13:21:00.000+11:002013-11-02T16:27:27.513+11:00finding the Fizz when all you feel is Frazzled…& the best mayonnaise recipe...<br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Marriage for TheHusband and I is a little like flat
lemonade at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sweet enough but not much in the way of sizzle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Festive Season whirl and long stretch of Summer
Holidays shoved our needs as a couple aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">School is back in swing and routines are busy, even so
we need to make time for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Although if I am honest the daily grind of ho hum can
bury deep the reasons why “us” is great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So I’ve booked a weekly babysitter for Thursday
DateNight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the two of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It won’t be too complicated; less opportunity for
things to go off the rails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A champagne for me and a beer for him at the local…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2013/02/finding-fizz-when-all-you-feel-is.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-85367029625551508962012-05-30T21:45:00.002+10:002013-11-04T09:19:01.165+11:00tastes like heaven...Dutch Apple Pie...TheKidsFood School easy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSmrNttsjjZ5WlMclNlM4KSmq2ItV9X1lvvhxdt3FADY97T4Bs-bbeLazwngslCwgIw_J4qIC-qjDvZZ0GAam8-Z53E5cqKScykXTC-5Z7406EakeNEtWu1t1ANR4rlIt5kveEDnUQZ8M/s1600/apple7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSmrNttsjjZ5WlMclNlM4KSmq2ItV9X1lvvhxdt3FADY97T4Bs-bbeLazwngslCwgIw_J4qIC-qjDvZZ0GAam8-Z53E5cqKScykXTC-5Z7406EakeNEtWu1t1ANR4rlIt5kveEDnUQZ8M/s320/apple7.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dutch Apple Pie, fills the house with smells of comfort. Home baking reminding me of my
Oma. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This recipe is for anyone who loves biting into a crisp
sweet pastry, encasing the tart magnificence of cooked apples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is also for anyone who ever felt nervous about
making pastry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too hard, too time
consuming…<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This recipe is child’s play. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Made by TheYoungSon whilst at home on a not quite sick
day; more a need of a pyjama day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We both had a slice of the finished product for lunch,
with whipped cream of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lashings
of it!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quick enough to make as an after school activity.</span><br>
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<a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/05/delicious-dutch-apple-pie-never-fail.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-83357087386234867162012-05-02T09:30:00.002+10:002012-05-02T09:34:13.366+10:00Albert Slice – a treat to celebrate the Queen’s fabulous wardrobe - oh & the Diamond Jubilee…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image:TheTelegraphUK</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I really do like the Queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I am not talking about the politics – whether or not you like the Royal family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">No – I simply wish to declare her as a fabulous woman of style.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">What is not to love about her glorious wardrobe of hats and handbags?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The rainbow of coats and sensible shoes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Lipstick immaculate - never a hair out of place.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I grew up in New Zealand singing God Save the Queen… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">My Dutch family adopted their new Country with fervour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Blending their favourite Continental cuisine with the English tradition.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Raised on afternoon tea slices and cakes and cream teas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So this post is in honour of celebrations this year for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I made Albert Slice – named I guess for The Queens father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a lovely old fashioned slice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robust enough for the lunchbox and pretty enough to serve for a special treat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Recipe</span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">ALBERT SLICE<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">125 g butter<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>1 cup cranberries (or currants)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">¾ cup sugar<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>2 cups plain baking flour <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">2 eggs<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>2 tsp. baking powder<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">2 tsp. golden syrup<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>pinch salt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">¼ cup milk<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add eggs one at a time, beat well after each addition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beat in syrup. Fold in cranberries. Then add flour, salt, baking powder, alternatively with milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix until combined.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Spread into a lined slice tin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 25 minutes, until set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When cold ice with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d60093;">pink icing</span></b><span style="color: #d60093;"> </span>sprinkled with coconut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut into squares.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-36318415150088135842012-04-23T09:00:00.000+10:002012-05-02T09:33:27.362+10:00Albert Slice – a treat to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee…TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-51623371078977832002012-04-16T09:30:00.000+10:002012-04-16T09:30:00.645+10:00vitality - the best tonic for ageing well...oh and good nails & hair help too...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TszjapEa6D9BfKXOD860jYT0LLykdbH09HjkD3nHklkQR4SkOXOVcbwbGuymkdOgTDiEPdAbo5yHnOhD6qr5rGNeVzgVS-MUsyw593BA-LWdkeApJmRUnwSNWPF-CP6_4mtWhgB8ZT9/s1600/linda-rodin-olio-lusso1-568x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TszjapEa6D9BfKXOD860jYT0LLykdbH09HjkD3nHklkQR4SkOXOVcbwbGuymkdOgTDiEPdAbo5yHnOhD6qr5rGNeVzgVS-MUsyw593BA-LWdkeApJmRUnwSNWPF-CP6_4mtWhgB8ZT9/s320/linda-rodin-olio-lusso1-568x460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image:TLindaRodin</span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I've been pondering ageing recently.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In relative terms I'm still young; but changes are afoot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Some I don't mind; like the <a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/striking-balance-and-coconut-lime-cake.html">thicker skin</a> I've developed and the ability to speak the truth often.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I don't love the few extra kilos that creep on when I let down my guard for a minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I really dislike that it takes twice as long to lose them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Strangely though, as wrinkles appear and my hair begins to grey I actually feel better in my skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I have never shied away from the options available to maintain a semblance of youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I always said that if I needed it I would go under the knife, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hell I'd go the whole carving set if I thought it might help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">But as that sweeping statement drifts closer to becoming reality I wonder if that is the path I will take...I'm beginning to suspect not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I'm experimenting with growing the colour out of my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blond was becoming yellow and the darker options were ageing against my skin<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I won't stop minimal injectables; I don't need to wear a frown line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">But I don't indulge so much as to keep people guessing as to my real emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I have spent time recently in the company of older women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of whom look fabulous. Not just for their age, they stack up well against any number.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I leave their company and wonder what it is about them that I find so inspiring, so truly invigorating.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I've concluded that it is their vitality. Their total engagement - in the conversation, in their interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The effort that they make that seems almost out-dated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Except it's not. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Elegance is timeless, as are manners and a quiet self confidence<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Add to that great hair, groomed nails and a healthy fit body and you are pretty well set.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Develop a certain je ne sais quoi to your style. A sartorial elegance as it were.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Then you've got it nailed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Like <a href="http://oliolusso.com/">Linda Rodin</a> pictured above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe a little thin, but so chic. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">She is in her ‘60’s and beginning <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a new career, developing a fancy, schmancy facial oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I have a girl crush - she nails it with her style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And apparently she does it all with a minimum of fuss. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3fu4NnQTbXy5S9eHASYmCBZ5qxNOA4mUJXRMNC4qzIeLjpJqNSyvYn8A6DMkAgjrNpgpWvPQGrz1uenHMzjbtU4GuMk7Nrt9CM4WVoVAgoXNSgaXfCvoNtAMH6agDjYysxDxMwCCeyie/s1600/marigold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3fu4NnQTbXy5S9eHASYmCBZ5qxNOA4mUJXRMNC4qzIeLjpJqNSyvYn8A6DMkAgjrNpgpWvPQGrz1uenHMzjbtU4GuMk7Nrt9CM4WVoVAgoXNSgaXfCvoNtAMH6agDjYysxDxMwCCeyie/s1600/marigold.jpg" /></a></div><div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh and go and see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/">The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel</a> - these gorgeous friends of mine tell me it is a wonderful feel good tonic - whatever your age.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-90548499937964571062012-04-11T09:00:00.000+10:002012-04-11T09:00:05.120+10:00stop with the Easter Eggs & Fasten your Running Shoes…come for a ride on TheUrbanMum’s high horse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3BwgytqB4BP3hayqN7ZZ4LPxmMEGJcB-b1LX3yUwkhDLZiGNiISq_GcDikDy36Xir_jfMWCmZnT1wMEc8H7XtPdap4b_epY0YrSO1Lv1jSP1GlVoyydty7N8HFcxxY6EaTJOM1_7ZJgU/s1600/woman-joggingnamasteshopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3BwgytqB4BP3hayqN7ZZ4LPxmMEGJcB-b1LX3yUwkhDLZiGNiISq_GcDikDy36Xir_jfMWCmZnT1wMEc8H7XtPdap4b_epY0YrSO1Lv1jSP1GlVoyydty7N8HFcxxY6EaTJOM1_7ZJgU/s320/woman-joggingnamasteshopper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image: NamasteShopper</span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Yee ha - girls buckle up, I'm riding in on my high horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Just why am I galloping around?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Well I like to share – I’d love it if you came on up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">There is room for all of us…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">++++++++++++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I may have mentioned my love of morning exercise - no doubt not gaining many friends along the way. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I’ve gone on (and on) about how good it makes me feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offering a fabulous start to even the most potentially crappy day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A kickstart to your metabolism doesn't hurt, sets you up for wise food choices. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Fires all those little fat burning gremlins that mostly lay dormant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting for any opportunity to expand and make your jeans tighter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Oh and over indulgence of the kids Easter eggs will do that to you too. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Just saying.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">All that aside I truly exercise for my head not so much my arse. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A sleepless night is swept away with a little sweat. Keep up with the demands of your life with a little running shoe shuffle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Your AM efforts will keep on giving. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When I wake up these days my face is a scary reflection of someone much older than I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Well okay at 6.00am I also feel bloody old – but work with me).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">An hour later the circulating blood lends me a youthful glow and my cheeks are back up near where god intended them to be - rather than somewhere closer to my chin.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Before you decide you want to hit me and snuggle deeper under your doona let me tell you that below my lycra clad surface...lays a sloth. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxL-Gd1Vhg773lV2SNhqHtKV5DRIWAhed1y8Zl01zMABDDKsrN4CHsbAatHTnHEwqj9M4Th1e4SoaaRef7yZA1EpudVBViQSiUW9m3vc85UVgQF7KwLlYPg0jwfjifygRb7DbAZTKZ4Eo/s1600/guardian.co%252Cuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxL-Gd1Vhg773lV2SNhqHtKV5DRIWAhed1y8Zl01zMABDDKsrN4CHsbAatHTnHEwqj9M4Th1e4SoaaRef7yZA1EpudVBViQSiUW9m3vc85UVgQF7KwLlYPg0jwfjifygRb7DbAZTKZ4Eo/s320/guardian.co%252Cuk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: TheGuardian.co.uk</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">My default position would be curled up with a book, in bed, scoffing a piece of toast dripping with peanut butter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But to go there would be be a slippery slope to over indulgence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd feel sluggish and just drag through the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So against Lady Gaga’s pronouncement, <strong><em><span style="color: magenta;">I wasn't born this way</span></em></strong>. It's become my routine through force of habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now I don't think, or bargain with myself - I just get up and do. And feel great. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If only I could lasso that counterproductive peanut butter habit and fling it away. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Well I didn't say there wasn't room for improvement.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Need more encouragement,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a place to begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a look this website <a href="http://gritdoctor.wordpress.com/">Run Fat Bitch Run!</a> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Go forth and sweat. I swear you will learn to love it - in time.......<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 18pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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</div>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-37547534530900229522012-04-02T10:43:00.002+10:002012-04-02T11:34:10.187+10:00paradise lost - a Cake Bake, Sponsor a Child...Fiji Needs You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mz1lGg9j1ftJ4eo3ZbjCVyVKnzF8TexuHBtt3PMiAve_HTsRjhqwecZIcQhq5YOiwsqhw5zQwHbG15nCefnovNkRS_dlLKl1PV3xVl_pCvdDjX9f0LLvXr12TBLlD1_UIv_0IsyEEqx5/s1600/Kadavu-Island-Fiji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mz1lGg9j1ftJ4eo3ZbjCVyVKnzF8TexuHBtt3PMiAve_HTsRjhqwecZIcQhq5YOiwsqhw5zQwHbG15nCefnovNkRS_dlLKl1PV3xVl_pCvdDjX9f0LLvXr12TBLlD1_UIv_0IsyEEqx5/s320/Kadavu-Island-Fiji.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bula!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Poor, poor <a href="http://www.fijime.com/">FIJI.</a></span></div><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Wracked with widespread flooding and a potential cyclone on the way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Nearly 200,000 Australian’s visit Fiji every year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Many of us love the magnificent climate and kind people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong><em>As a child my family lived in Suva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now my children visit.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong><em>It’s magic has us in it’s grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once it gets under your skin you don’t forget.</em></strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhpOTHF0W9dhvStT758S9zVqtUcijPc6vAse1fv7pQs3toVydhsVkswBK_LskypzgUqMb9rWSY7dSYmTwCN6VWSIONOLMjIIuAi_CdqpFav4tz4Coj7mJ5KxrZW0lLGlgJm1EcSHKoXfx/s1600/362498-floods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhpOTHF0W9dhvStT758S9zVqtUcijPc6vAse1fv7pQs3toVydhsVkswBK_LskypzgUqMb9rWSY7dSYmTwCN6VWSIONOLMjIIuAi_CdqpFav4tz4Coj7mJ5KxrZW0lLGlgJm1EcSHKoXfx/s320/362498-floods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Fiji is already a poor nation with a standard of living way below what we enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you feel touched by their plight think about how you might assist;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">A <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Bake-Sale">Cake Bake</a> at school or work. <a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/what-i-make-when-iprocrastibake.html">Fijian inspired Cake to get you started.</a></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">A gold coin donation drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gather up old sporting equipment or clothing, so many people are left with only the clothes they stand up in.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/how-run-nonprofit-used-book-sale-5641648.html">A Book Sale.</a></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://fijikids.org/default.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sponsor a Child</span></a></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Or if that seems all too daunting keep an eye out in the media for official organisations collecting funds on behalf of this nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">We are all busy & stretched.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">But as you know – every little bit helps</span><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Vinaka vaka-levu<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-32997798950662612692012-03-26T13:37:00.004+11:002012-04-02T10:45:53.088+10:00baby steps for tackling a growing problem…. & why parents need to cook...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAv5g_qxO52mNa0xXuX0XbSmMwGkG7Zeor1SQOI-NGQrpK8Jr1UgUleBv9TC1TzA1fp6fpXY1QumVIfEQv6xAk2sUIqJ5HrEi91mZrzEnberahPKbSihCMJSv9JyLSZHP_ol4JsozaA-_/s1600/domestic-goddesslivefrombelgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAv5g_qxO52mNa0xXuX0XbSmMwGkG7Zeor1SQOI-NGQrpK8Jr1UgUleBv9TC1TzA1fp6fpXY1QumVIfEQv6xAk2sUIqJ5HrEi91mZrzEnberahPKbSihCMJSv9JyLSZHP_ol4JsozaA-_/s320/domestic-goddesslivefrombelgrade.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image - livefromBelgrade</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I feel this post is going to be preaching to the converted.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you are a reader of my Blog then I assume you have a vague affinity with food.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But I can’t help it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I need to say it… <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">There is a trend at the moment. Other blogs, in the media – just a feeling I get.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">It seems to be the thing for some women to declare themselves unable or unwilling to cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather like a badge of honour.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A little feminist take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Along the lines of “I am too busy, too dis-interested, it’s not my role – to cook”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I understand when you are living alone – the task of preparing a meal for one is daunting, boring, hard to manage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I recognise that when you work and return home at an hour when you want to collapse; your appetite has all but fallen asleep anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I am absolutely in the firing line of prepping lunch boxes to have them return untouched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see the look in The Boy’s eyes when the meal I have prepared does not meet their approval (as an aside, TheHusband for all his faults is eternally grateful for any meal, <a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/familly-that-cooks-together.html">he cooks too sometimes).</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">parent</span></b> who WON’T cook?<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">(before anyone gets all high-horsey please note I did not make this entirely a female centric comment).<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you can read you can cook.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you have children – you should cook.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">This of course does not mean you want too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But can’t is different from won’t – is it not?</span><br>
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<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Kristen ITC; font-size: large;"><strong>TheUrbanMum xoxo</strong></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-steps-for-tackling-growing-problem.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-9794561226100128712012-03-21T21:14:00.003+11:002012-03-26T15:54:23.085+11:00one woman's trash = anothers Smart Shopping - & healthy (relatively speaking) Chocolate Chip Slice...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw13quUjf4AMr8o0rLu-3RGcjVxNEMEsFx2GsF3iycMkdwJ0EieqZ_PuMlalQUhcsbqklHpKvVmn77SF6W8W7N5jqBKWm5eDZPb7_q0IJjXoyopss9vFVqeWLjt9g4BNBF-p6cqmILV0S/s1600/smartshopping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw13quUjf4AMr8o0rLu-3RGcjVxNEMEsFx2GsF3iycMkdwJ0EieqZ_PuMlalQUhcsbqklHpKvVmn77SF6W8W7N5jqBKWm5eDZPb7_q0IJjXoyopss9vFVqeWLjt9g4BNBF-p6cqmILV0S/s400/smartshopping1.jpg" width="152"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image - TheUrbanMum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I go for quality over quantity – every time – well for clothes at least.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">(If we are talking food – that’s another matter and post entirely – I defy you to stop at just one piece of this <a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/afternoon-tea-and-things-that-go-crunch.html">Chocolate Chip Slice</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I shop well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed so well that when I find one of my Smart Shopping goodies, I feel it would be a disservice to leave it on the rack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">More often than not, I snap it up and it comes home with me…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I am also very good at editing my wardrobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Selling the fancy stuff on eBay or dropping the rest off to clothing bins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that in a world of disposable & cheap manufacturing, some things live to see the light of another day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One woman’s trash – and all that… <o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">It can get a bit tricky as the definition of the Quality/Quantity thingy can be subjective.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">For example my idea of forgoing the quantity in order to buy quality does not match the TheHusband’s understanding. Otherwise why would he have asked this last night?<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you need another pair of shoes with little heels and pointy toes”?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">It had been a long day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply didn’t have the strength to respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">++++++++++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66HyzQV1uKrsS9OBjBu0gz9gQGqmDWdeZpRDx19cTVrf6A8Gb8p6Ww8jmTN4QiQIRfRZTWzl1sPR976JwZxt16yvgLHI5zrzBuSS1DBOt4npJeQpgzYrPQcZeA09IrOtq9pw-8gLGJEp3/s1600/smartshopping2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66HyzQV1uKrsS9OBjBu0gz9gQGqmDWdeZpRDx19cTVrf6A8Gb8p6Ww8jmTN4QiQIRfRZTWzl1sPR976JwZxt16yvgLHI5zrzBuSS1DBOt4npJeQpgzYrPQcZeA09IrOtq9pw-8gLGJEp3/s200/smartshopping2.jpg" width="200"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image - TheUrbanMum</span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I wore them today.</span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo <o:p></o:p></span></b></div></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/you-call-it-old-i-call-it-smart.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-61563473274999050232012-03-19T21:52:00.004+11:002012-04-04T13:40:49.000+10:00bullies in Sheep's Clothing – a message to my boys…& the easiest Fruit Cake…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3NIHlmhJCQjftidGrdCSXukIhicU0AKp2vXky98kQ1K08Ne6TLRVNCpzajH8o0hXEu3DUnkDdsjA22S_FA1ZxKgsK4Xd3WYGL2P6NgSEuJXpWKy9sRaFvsh32h_IYXahebAGgipksQb9/s1600/Wolves-in-sheeps-clothing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3NIHlmhJCQjftidGrdCSXukIhicU0AKp2vXky98kQ1K08Ne6TLRVNCpzajH8o0hXEu3DUnkDdsjA22S_FA1ZxKgsK4Xd3WYGL2P6NgSEuJXpWKy9sRaFvsh32h_IYXahebAGgipksQb9/s320/Wolves-in-sheeps-clothing.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: MightyMag</span></div><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Although it’s not always perfect, I am happy with my lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Oh of course I would like to be taller, thinner, have more Chanel Shoes, travel to Paris every year – and a whole host of other inconsequential things.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But generally TheBoys & TheHusband and I bumble along in a pleasant existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minding our own business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not particularly concerned about what everyone is up to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying not to tread on the boundaries of social niceties.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Therefore I am constantly surprised by other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completely and utterly floored by their behaviour. </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Usually I suspect it stems from dissatisfaction with their lives.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">We have had a spectacular series of events in the last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I posted about some unsportsman like behaviour TheYoungSon experienced <a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/theurbanmums-cake-tin-and-should-i-be.html">here.</a></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Then it was TheEldestSon’s turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An attack by a fellow mother, clearly on the brink of … well something…<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="color: magenta;">++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So on Friday afternoon I had one of those moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When it has been a truly crap day and you wonder how the hell you got to be where you are now.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When no matter how many candles you blew out on your last birthday – you still feel about 10 years old.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When you hear yourself communicating with your kids and you turn around to see if your mother is in the room; because it certainly sounds like it.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">When you realise you are now old enough to look back at your various past proclamations with barely controlled mirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stuff you said when you were about 18 yrs. old and you were all that and then some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you swore blind there were things you would never say, believe in, become.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">And well here you are… </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">There is a magazine that has a column where celebrities write a letter to their younger self.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I feel like the boys have learnt powerful life lessons this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to smooth the way for them, impart my hindsight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they probably won’t listen, just like I didn’t to my parents.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So here I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In retrospect…I’m all ears </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><strong>TheUrbanMum xoxo<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></o:p><strong></strong></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><strong></strong></span><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/bullies-in-sheeps-clothing-message-to.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-11883891895063517772012-03-16T16:05:00.005+11:002012-03-26T15:55:14.936+11:00TheUrbanMum’s Cake Tin – and is it naive to teach my kids to play nice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIybT_qnlJgAFOGu4yIK0j8FJFCcoJ-7XMFNYbqupTJ-qzduGKm-GI_3-th7pt8g13cX_kajw2HB6xK0m3ZNXh0DvWi60NEG8GE-7jS4im9-jfXyMd9xmv00WE2fXZJeZJZwzHcAoRDL8/s1600/afgans3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIybT_qnlJgAFOGu4yIK0j8FJFCcoJ-7XMFNYbqupTJ-qzduGKm-GI_3-th7pt8g13cX_kajw2HB6xK0m3ZNXh0DvWi60NEG8GE-7jS4im9-jfXyMd9xmv00WE2fXZJeZJZwzHcAoRDL8/s320/afgans3.jpg" width="239"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image:TheUrbanMum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br>
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">This post was going to be a quick, breezy one – about biscuits.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Before pushing send I raced off for lunch with lovely girlfriends (quick Hi to TheHusband; I have accomplished more in this week than lunches and shopping - well a little more….).</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Chat, chat, chat – munch, munch, munch – all going well, then…<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I mentioned an incident that happened at school this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">TheYoungSon was running the Cross Country. Half way through the race, in a narrow point of the course, another boy decided to hold up my son and his friend – “not gonna let you pass” – he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">He is a “competitive” child – I was told by my lunch companions – his parents tell him to always BE the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">TheHusband and I don’t do competitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couldn’t give a toss about what others are up to, where they live, how they bring up their kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">As parents we have always run with “do YOUR best” – “you only race yourself” – “the biggest prize comes from the actual participation, not the medal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blah, blah, blah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Apparently I do my children a disservice by adopting this attitude.</span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Okay, so we live in the cut-throat world of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where people would sell their soul for a parking spot and the veneer of keeping up gives a lot of folks sleepless nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many parents have blinkers when it comes to their children; discipline seems old-fashioned and bad behaviour is tolerated as the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Possibly I am being naive when I encourage my boys to run their own race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To value manners and good grace above all else…<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I can’t bring myself to tell them they need to win at all costs.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I still think nice counts. And that’s why I bake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Kristen ITC; font-size: large;">recipe</span></strong><br>
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</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/theurbanmums-cake-tin-and-should-i-be.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-35035699325716331552012-03-13T13:46:00.005+11:002012-03-19T22:01:08.706+11:00style...Slack Tart Shortcut...& gorgeous peacock feathers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pNaB0V6sof_6JwCaeww1v2NFKRHBgOK9bkidc6NkuG97jj-Lt1PVdBhgCVfqh0eLJqGeIkm0-DSCU0dvYUvxQm06hPIoi7WO0r9y4F_5u386KFkYHEka6nudbbu-l-eYUZzwMDrEpulr/s1600/black+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pNaB0V6sof_6JwCaeww1v2NFKRHBgOK9bkidc6NkuG97jj-Lt1PVdBhgCVfqh0eLJqGeIkm0-DSCU0dvYUvxQm06hPIoi7WO0r9y4F_5u386KFkYHEka6nudbbu-l-eYUZzwMDrEpulr/s400/black+outfit.jpg" width="121"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">image: BryanAdams</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Judging by some of the women I see at the school gates, they either do not own a mirror or don’t care what they look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would hate to think it was the later. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Getting yourself out of the house by a designated time in the mornings requires organisation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you also need to get children fed, watered and clothed - the mission takes on herculean dimensions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Achieving the above AND making yourself look presentable. No news here; it can become tricky.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But not impossible.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you look good, you feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless if you are a working Mum or a Stay at Home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same rules apply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">It might be old-fashioned of me, if it is I don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I cannot leave home without hair/make-up/decent clothes – well okay I do depart sometimes in gym gear, but still manage some grooming effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">My grandmother's never left the house without a polished handbag to carry their handkerchief & lipstick; they wore scarves and gorgeous shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They</span> always looked classic and stylish. My mother continues the tradition, she looks fabulous every day.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l098ciiHYWoq7JEgxTbtbo7njQxnewxo6WlsXYQ6KBa3QVK_nNmrZW4sF_6AlhFYJBzOQ-XZR2bWyLbW5hUUqZ_DVO9Db1nAqqt2NJ8uD5dAmVDBgmqjkt6mfXAPZtQJKIXdU6OJgrin/s1600/brooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l098ciiHYWoq7JEgxTbtbo7njQxnewxo6WlsXYQ6KBa3QVK_nNmrZW4sF_6AlhFYJBzOQ-XZR2bWyLbW5hUUqZ_DVO9Db1nAqqt2NJ8uD5dAmVDBgmqjkt6mfXAPZtQJKIXdU6OJgrin/s320/brooch.jpg" width="239"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">image:TheUrbanMum</span></div><br>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff3399; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I had them in mind this morning with my StyleBuy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gorgeous brooch (yes from Vinnie's - again).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cost a pitiful $10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This peacock hued and jewelled treasure will be stunning on a velvet blazer or for jazzing up a cashmere knit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But I digress…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/styleslack-tart-shortcut-gorgeous.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-27898864600369400732012-03-08T13:46:00.003+11:002012-03-19T22:01:23.422+11:00It’s a gloomy old day in Sydney – rain, rain, rain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTCSMKerUISE28b58gcBOWoqordrv7iTf63hjyS-f3n_IOO3XGCO09wgPw3mqCqQ5EA27uDjD8dTGFbBOop1WJavx43nAM0xLAKQKFJLM86X6ksNKM40OOvzaY9_DAhyphenhyphenl6y2eZ1rPJ3Lm/s1600/redshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTCSMKerUISE28b58gcBOWoqordrv7iTf63hjyS-f3n_IOO3XGCO09wgPw3mqCqQ5EA27uDjD8dTGFbBOop1WJavx43nAM0xLAKQKFJLM86X6ksNKM40OOvzaY9_DAhyphenhyphenl6y2eZ1rPJ3Lm/s320/redshoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: TheUrbanMum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The traffic is snarled around Westfield as every woman and her child vies for a parking spot – undercover.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tempers are dreadful, the damp seeps under your skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simplest tasks irritatingly laborious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">TheEldestSon suffered through the dentist this morning, TheYoungSon dropped a treasured piece of his art work in a puddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My lively 92 year old Grandma fell and broke her hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am sure tales of woe abound all over town on this blah day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are all in some need of cheer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So when I spied a car park earlier– right outside <a href="http://www.vinnies.org.au/home-nsw">Vinnie's</a> – I naturally grabbed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the window was these happy hued, gorgeous, never worn Marc Jacobs heels – in my size.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The suede trim will not fare well in the wet so they can travel in my handbag as I slosh in gumboots, off on a datenight with TheHusband this evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then I’ll whip them out – we’ll both be happy with the purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">TheHusband because they only cost $30 and me because through every cloud is a red shoe lining…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep dry.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo</span></b></div>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-69268886620180649792012-03-07T16:49:00.004+11:002012-03-18T13:20:38.706+11:00World Read Aloud Day – what are you reading to your children tonight?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhnHBVMDXaDQGLNkDHogb4-Y4mlBvkq374B6ck7udlv6Qw_6Hlo0LwQn0C6hJAgF8n0-OWtoUZGn1dlLalC9Yr9NX5Q-SL262JDN3Ightci8gyTjtCd66Z_Wj8yZT0OHLRgFXFEX3UeWa/s1600/replay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhnHBVMDXaDQGLNkDHogb4-Y4mlBvkq374B6ck7udlv6Qw_6Hlo0LwQn0C6hJAgF8n0-OWtoUZGn1dlLalC9Yr9NX5Q-SL262JDN3Ightci8gyTjtCd66Z_Wj8yZT0OHLRgFXFEX3UeWa/s320/replay.jpg" width="204"></a></div> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is </span><a href="http://love2read2012.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">World Read Aloud Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TheHusband and I love to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go so far as to say this mutual passion has created marital harmony – on many an occasion.</span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know the times when the less you say is best?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just flip the pages on your current tome and conversation can be OVER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough said…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our boys also seek joy in literary discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TheEldestSon has not come easy to reading so we find other ways to help expand his repertoire (given his way, Top Gear Magazines would be his choice every time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TheYoungestSon reads voraciously and widely – yet he loves a story told to him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you are still struggling with new words and their meanings it is wonderful to lie back and absorb the plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the words wash over them, the boys can focus on building the pictures and anticipation in their mind – truly living the text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As enjoyable as this is, I am generally pooped by the time it is their bedtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To then listen to the boys efforts and then read to them as well – it can be arduous.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we have book time whilst they eat their dinner – or while they relax in the bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just an idea that works well for us.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have carted many favourite childhood books with me over the years, my Father always made a point of buying me one as a gift on his return from business trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The now yellowed pages treasured as prized possessions.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have tried to introduce the boys to favourites from my youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mixed success – in part gender and part “too old fashioned Mum”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the books we have on the go at the moment, both school text and new discoveries;</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy reading.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #990033;"></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #990033;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">TheUrbanMum xoxo</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span></strong></div><strong></strong></span></div></span></span><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/03/world-read-aloud-day-what-are-you.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-84545172972242842732012-02-29T21:32:00.003+11:002012-03-13T17:56:28.620+11:00Slack Tart Shortcuts – speedy domesticity…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_WJehyphenhyphen9GbmNKRp6o5WeNkTHnTgLnkd5RCmOYBR7aCa4Xj30efan16OPkRH1I_ZR8TFLwXNsudUgsnJLEPnaavc0_CedTnUOzM00RewDBj64HsSwUtBAyVpfkScMphZrBvKn3LQeI0aja/s1600/slacktart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_WJehyphenhyphen9GbmNKRp6o5WeNkTHnTgLnkd5RCmOYBR7aCa4Xj30efan16OPkRH1I_ZR8TFLwXNsudUgsnJLEPnaavc0_CedTnUOzM00RewDBj64HsSwUtBAyVpfkScMphZrBvKn3LQeI0aja/s320/slacktart1.jpg" width="316"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: TheUrbanMum</span> - <span style="color: red;">get them into the kitchen early, so they can cook the meals</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So many things to cram into each day, so little time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">More to the point – so little time for the tasks that render you tearful with their smack of ‘ground hogness’.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I simply cannot bear spending more effort than absolutely necessary on the domestics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or personal grooming for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Yes I like clean, sweet smelling clothes. However I face every new load of washing wondering if anyone would notice if I just shoved it all, unwashed, back in their drawers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A filthy floor renders me unwell, however a clean sweep can be accomplished in the time it takes for the kettle to boil – who checks the corners?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I love to cook, to bake, to potter in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless I approach the timetable of weekday evening meals with several helpings of reluctance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Good nutrition is my thing; it’s never too early to start healthy habits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However each school lunch returned in its box, barely touched, sends shivers of mutiny up my spine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Unruly eyebrows and chin hairs (not saying I have these, just saying that’s all) are for mountain goats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banish the grooming gremlins; I’ll have you shipshape in no time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Feel avalanche risk every time you open your wardrobe? Keep posted and you’ll glide out of the house each morning, spending less time to look fabulous than you probably do now to look average at best. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Help is at hand…</span><br>
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<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Kristen ITC; font-size: large;">TheUrbanMum xoxo</span><br>
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</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/02/slack-tart-shortcuts-speedy-domesticity.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-68851829012449588112012-02-26T18:25:00.003+11:002012-03-18T13:21:20.939+11:00Fruit in abundance…TheUrbanMum looks to the CWA…<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I rather fancy myself as an Urban <a href="http://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/merchandise/home.do;jsessionid=005A87E002FD7A32515E73999B619967">CWA (Country Women's Association)</a> Mum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I love their Cookbooks and will elaborate on their merits in the next post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Efficiency is the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has the luxury to faff about in the kitchen…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Those country girls certainly don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I like to bake a cake in next to no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn leftovers into quick meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I don’t necessarily plan ahead but I do have a good store of basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the pantry, fridge and freezer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I confess, I do not really stick to a budget for the weekly food shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a vague idea what it costs to feed the family, it is increasing exponentially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the boys grow so too does their appetite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I want to keep up with nutritious options – without having to mortgage the house to afford it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So I look for little ways to stretch the dollar – without spending much time on it…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Today I take advantage of the wonderful quality and well-priced fruit currently available in Sydney. They're easy ideas - you could even get the kids to help if you can be bothered cleaning the extra mess. TheEldestSon gets hold of the handheld blender and I am left with ceiling decorations Pro Hart would be proud of...</span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p>As with most things, if you are pressed for time - do it yourself...</o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiPxWIEnJuAxgufQS9n7x7wbbxIzvwBK-yuwhl68uA1r0MH4GllDplGahkpCfe_Kjr1eEzPHiTHZWztnxOe1b8eENut6PPF2DaHMEcHfWwqBAviSyElE_SIda9Wqa3t3nfI-qF-5Zf_Ha/s1600/nec1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiPxWIEnJuAxgufQS9n7x7wbbxIzvwBK-yuwhl68uA1r0MH4GllDplGahkpCfe_Kjr1eEzPHiTHZWztnxOe1b8eENut6PPF2DaHMEcHfWwqBAviSyElE_SIda9Wqa3t3nfI-qF-5Zf_Ha/s320/nec1.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image:TheUrbanMum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e46c0a; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #E46C0A; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">TheUrbanMum xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></b></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/02/fruit-in-abundancetheurbanmum-looks-to.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-72316522130579182092012-02-20T22:02:00.004+11:002012-03-18T13:14:57.205+11:00Striking the balance – and a Coconut Lime Cake…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOapSyJRBVdi47UilOvlaeZprRGigi_YlwKZ1Vb3uWQ_d1R5jDwzeB3540cUiI7aCFHhSWlAyp4MsKcXuZZ0Qy36ivhPqqB8XH3aEIgSbOQR1nxPcKCu1zn-KNvFI7TBiR44ce2ZzFV1BC/s1600/limecake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOapSyJRBVdi47UilOvlaeZprRGigi_YlwKZ1Vb3uWQ_d1R5jDwzeB3540cUiI7aCFHhSWlAyp4MsKcXuZZ0Qy36ivhPqqB8XH3aEIgSbOQR1nxPcKCu1zn-KNvFI7TBiR44ce2ZzFV1BC/s320/limecake4.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: TheUrbanMum</span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Is honesty the best policy?</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Generally, I tend to choose the white lie option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A little embellishment of the truth, a tiny exaggeration or omission or downright avoidance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I just don’t want to be mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My tact perfected over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Recently I have begun to adopt a trait that has rendered me gasping when observed in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Grandmother is the reigning Queen of “speaking her mind”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Although I may have observed her method in abject horror; her Chutzpah, her audacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secretly, I longed for her ability to tell it like it is – offer her two cents – share her experience – without care of upsetting the applecart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/02/striking-balance-and-coconut-lime-cake.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-70093497770493567152012-02-15T21:41:00.003+11:002012-03-18T13:14:57.207+11:0015 Minutes to Chocolate Cake Heaven...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSrfLtHtoRIDGWaHI6f7C_KNnacpIzEjSxPY_bhsKeXKY5l5ZEI6IVNeAzQEzcs2yiqjpKdTqupVmGKiHtTBqG5KOui7qnAVyIN4u6aM5ygezitpCW9LlyRX7zK9dS6kbBuqSW30wQ8le/s1600/choccake3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSrfLtHtoRIDGWaHI6f7C_KNnacpIzEjSxPY_bhsKeXKY5l5ZEI6IVNeAzQEzcs2yiqjpKdTqupVmGKiHtTBqG5KOui7qnAVyIN4u6aM5ygezitpCW9LlyRX7zK9dS6kbBuqSW30wQ8le/s320/choccake3a.jpg" width="320"></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> image: TheUrbanMum</span><br>
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</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The aroma of chocolate cake baking makes me smile; consuming a still warm slice makes me swoon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I love TheHusband very much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(and kids of course but this blog post is adults only, kid mention free)</i> so this cake is the one I made him yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A recipe that is perfection in its simplicity…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The road to bliss might just be paved with fresh chocolate cake and at first bite even TheHusband agreed with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The recipe below is filled with a whole lotta love without taking a whole lotta time</span><br>
<span style="color: #d60093; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">15 minutes to make<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="color: #d60093; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">30 minutes to bake<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<span style="color: #d60093; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">NOVICE protected</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwQByVI9YzdQ2fUR06SlB_7Bi7q9wL0RRumxydPpiK1QoPBdRuNggz36lWMvbIEpLeAP3CLFO3V1S7D4I7fa2xPp8JxedozNbhiNkZtoYMG5PS9HqwcM-zrIBI4pTbD57pgO4RhuQpcJk/s1600/choccake1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwQByVI9YzdQ2fUR06SlB_7Bi7q9wL0RRumxydPpiK1QoPBdRuNggz36lWMvbIEpLeAP3CLFO3V1S7D4I7fa2xPp8JxedozNbhiNkZtoYMG5PS9HqwcM-zrIBI4pTbD57pgO4RhuQpcJk/s320/choccake1a.jpg" width="239"></a></div><div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><br>
</div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> image:TheUrbanMum</span><br>
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<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #d60093; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Now for a Valentine’s Day story; albeit a day late… <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><br>
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">This one is dedicated to my Dad - a man who loves his chocolate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't imagine he has ever baked a cake in his life - but this year he has good reason to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Dad give it a go <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(my father is one of the faithful who read this blog)</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never too late for parental support!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyXQtggbVodLKogcQwxVSKdp8koULEduf7eS6pr53V5VV4dfBW1NNzKQVaylGug1uAHaOmzLQTbq38Vj_NalwGDF16gyPU2NlB8TVvLhBWkmD_G9oxtwIWcfQTpVxRwD-B8ZsqKi7sB9C/s1600/choccake2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyXQtggbVodLKogcQwxVSKdp8koULEduf7eS6pr53V5VV4dfBW1NNzKQVaylGug1uAHaOmzLQTbq38Vj_NalwGDF16gyPU2NlB8TVvLhBWkmD_G9oxtwIWcfQTpVxRwD-B8ZsqKi7sB9C/s320/choccake2a.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="Body1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br>
</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/02/15-minutes-to-chocolate-cake-heaven.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-31012460681935194862012-02-08T16:53:00.007+11:002012-04-04T13:41:52.098+10:00Cake a Difference...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53HlsgQrIJ-Bp1T3S1QVXS_CsjTVDc0U8T3cwpVzlpknEmXflQGlI8mjFXowGa7fAqTSh6uyxi19_YsGSvB3190wDQ8CgN38aELMCGEAX2MOkgQ4-gHsIesPBcEU1ucgkVhZkNqY4Foky/s1600/1marblecaked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53HlsgQrIJ-Bp1T3S1QVXS_CsjTVDc0U8T3cwpVzlpknEmXflQGlI8mjFXowGa7fAqTSh6uyxi19_YsGSvB3190wDQ8CgN38aELMCGEAX2MOkgQ4-gHsIesPBcEU1ucgkVhZkNqY4Foky/s320/1marblecaked.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">image:theurbanmum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In general I cook a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part I enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not spend hours in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am efficient (read; adept at scanning recipes in advance in order to avoid ones that might cause me trouble – or a headache from the effort).<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also bake - a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distinctly different from cooking per se.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my book one nourishes, the other indulges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar but not the same… Feel free to argue the point.<o:p> </o:p></span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Furthermore I give food away – quite often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This wasn’t always the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many years I wondered if my attempts made the “grade”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That invisible bar I had set for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the benefit of experience I have come to realise people are thrilled to be thought of, to be fed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most things in life, if you practice eventually it all becomes easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With it confidence flourishes.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel there is an art to giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as to ensure no return favour is expected and the recipient is relaxed in accepting the gesture – for what it is – simply a sweet thought from you to them. </span><br>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my Recipe repertoire this cake is a “keeper””.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the first test bake at the end of last week I have made four of them. The original comes from the wonderful <a href="http://www.annabel-langbein.com/citybooktaster/nz/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annabel Langbein's - Free Range in the City</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> cook book.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2012/02/cake-difference.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-48845194648134384722012-02-01T11:27:00.003+11:002012-03-18T13:14:57.210+11:00Plain & Simple – more than just “a piece of cake”…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkfqsEMLPYaM0Xx_NN5bkM1x1nolrlAwTaoQpfiKr3ccTlWWPmjw9OLbZUKyYMAQe7F43k_ViK8KIABUZ9CAgSz3k_loxC2PiobaIZUI-DFm4gB_aMrORpz9NM01D9qZtXspOiz-mbPxM/s1600/Cinnamon-teacake-full.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkfqsEMLPYaM0Xx_NN5bkM1x1nolrlAwTaoQpfiKr3ccTlWWPmjw9OLbZUKyYMAQe7F43k_ViK8KIABUZ9CAgSz3k_loxC2PiobaIZUI-DFm4gB_aMrORpz9NM01D9qZtXspOiz-mbPxM/s320/Cinnamon-teacake-full.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: foodizlife</span></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">New Year, new plans, new routines. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Most hours in the day are kid-centric. When they are just 8 & 9 years old they still need, and thankfully, want Mummy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But less. This is as it should be. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I can fill the hours between 9.00am and 2.30pm with more. Writing, work…regular blogging.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">With the bulk of my time spent in the home I need to be strict – less making perfect. Seek ways to simply make do.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Not to sacrifice quality…more of a balance. Reduce the quantity of time spent cooking meals, keeping the house showcase pristine.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Cut a few corners and find myself turning a corner in the process.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Procrastibaking will fall by the wayside in favour of SpeedBaking. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">For whoever rejected a proffered sweet, moist morsel simply because it took the giver less time to make.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I derive immense pleasure from offering a salve, a welcome, a gift – in the form of a cake. I know more of us would enjoy the process if we were reminded the quantity of time did not necessarily sacrifice the quality of the baking.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I also happen to think that cake makes the world go round. Flowers are nice, a meal a practical pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But a cake (or slice). Now that says you simply want to make someone smile. That you have noticed. That you would like to celebrate, say thank you, hello, are you okay?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Connect with a friend, a nameless neighbour, a relative, a needy stranger.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Each week this year I will trial an easy cake. Giving time involved and an honest taste review.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Join me to share some sweetness – it’s simple – but always more than “just a piece of cake”. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">TheUrbanMum xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-39377459787251114462011-10-16T19:35:00.005+11:002012-03-18T13:14:57.212+11:00Blog Action Day 2011 - on compromise & christmas cake...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkJkpVd22pcwjG8o1ZCWa4aGv4D03g5oASCxdOkBCohrZJA5WZXY7KPJaCB9ofsrpSPPwDg4lUeWWON9KCqfPrVAbnRpoOmG6kWl7X2Q-zwcLTyk7iuJmcQIszqTUVUDD2pn8qPz1cyfh/s1600/fruitcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkJkpVd22pcwjG8o1ZCWa4aGv4D03g5oASCxdOkBCohrZJA5WZXY7KPJaCB9ofsrpSPPwDg4lUeWWON9KCqfPrVAbnRpoOmG6kWl7X2Q-zwcLTyk7iuJmcQIszqTUVUDD2pn8qPz1cyfh/s400/fruitcake.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">TheUrbanMum</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Today is <a href="http://blogactionday.org/">Blog Action Day 2011</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year it coincides with World Food Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">An opportunity to talk about FOOD in all its guises. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A reflection on the positive connotations food conjures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Also the darker flip side; of starvation and unsustainable farming or unethical methods of food production.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">And let’s not forget those who suffer eating disorders – where food can become the enemy.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It's a time to wonder at what might be achieved by strength in numbers. By gathering together. A force to be reckoned with.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I decided to focus my post on a Flavour Memory.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat to write a light piece about how I begin to make my Christmas cake at this time every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile however - our family has celebrated TheEldestSon’s 9<sup>th</sup> Birthday with his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enduring also a sleepover that resulted in the day beginning 3.45am, with the excited chatter of little boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cakes and ice-creams and pizzas and BBQ’s have been consumed on fast rotation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">As a result we are now high on exhaustion and short on tempers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So Sunday evening meal time in our house has not been the languid family affair of norm (oh and the Rugby World Cup continues to dominate so TheDad made for the nearest exit and headed to the Pub with his mates).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately I found myself squealing at the boys as they refused the casserole I made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No it wasn’t the most effective way to remind them of the many billions of children in the world who are unable to enjoy a wholesome home cooked meal tonight, or indeed any night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The fact that I used Organic Beef and fresh market vegetables wouldn’t have registered either.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The boys have travelled a little and understand that we are extremely fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love a variety of foods and eat well – generally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are encouraged at their school at various times in the year to raise funds for less fortunate fellow humans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect for all creatures and treatment as such is embedded in their psyche too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Tonight- amid the tiredness – comfort was needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a boiled egg on toast has since been proffered and all is calm again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So now back to my Christmas cake and the mouthfuls of Memories it evokes.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-action-day-2011-on-compromise.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-33217074887947348772011-10-10T22:33:00.001+11:002012-03-18T13:14:57.213+11:00endings…beginnings…and lime coconut cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3ULrQPOwyh6KAXmeij_jcvxW7E2-O2AbP6LpTabYU1FercHWQvnPfmPG1p8YGb87o0etLh43fUZ3VQn9Xk-5UAvKJTPaDU353fOHHlmhG1XTM5ILONyWEkbO4zPzvi3EOw1spBfNeb4o/s1600/limecoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3ULrQPOwyh6KAXmeij_jcvxW7E2-O2AbP6LpTabYU1FercHWQvnPfmPG1p8YGb87o0etLh43fUZ3VQn9Xk-5UAvKJTPaDU353fOHHlmhG1XTM5ILONyWEkbO4zPzvi3EOw1spBfNeb4o/s400/limecoconut.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">TheUrbanMum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You know it will come eventually - the end of the holiday...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Yet this is the beginning and that is still in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Your excitement stuffs the thought in the suitcases; you zip them up and store them away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The feeling passes and you forget…a haze of days without schedule or homework or time constraints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You eat when you are hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep as long as you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk and swim and play board games – TheEldestSon and TheYoungSon amazed at your Connect Four skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">++++++++++++++++++<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Then the feeling returns– this time with a vengeance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time is nigh. Back to the Big Smoke and home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Suitcases pulled out of hiding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swimmers and clothes smelling of carefree days; stuffed in along with memento's.</span><br>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2011/10/endingsbeginningsand-lime-coconut-cake.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-1473163931212714842011-09-27T20:52:00.003+10:002012-03-18T13:13:44.997+11:00school holidays…whale watching…restorative flapjacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWnkqlYzChcdegfhPz8rMI9qR-bClAkEaK4t4SvMu1LGJPq2y9F8z-8TD_kuAXpzLIUH18BQ7HyRlhNQRl348trO1EMePTeCkv60o3qR-6gkHrq-N-JsYS8BBWYK7KVsiF2LzRYz4hIQG/s1600/corbisflapjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWnkqlYzChcdegfhPz8rMI9qR-bClAkEaK4t4SvMu1LGJPq2y9F8z-8TD_kuAXpzLIUH18BQ7HyRlhNQRl348trO1EMePTeCkv60o3qR-6gkHrq-N-JsYS8BBWYK7KVsiF2LzRYz4hIQG/s400/corbisflapjack.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">image corbis.com</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br>
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">School holidays and keeping TheEldestSon and TheYoungSon fed, full of adventures, rested and out of mischief – a full time job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">I am keen that they have fond recollections of wonderful experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">My own childhood - as I have previously alluded to - involved lots of fresh air and the great outdoors of <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</country-region></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leading me to flee for the big city and concrete as soon as I was able.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Nevertheless as most things in life, around it all comes, and I find our school holidays to be an antidote to the life we lead in the Urban Jungle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">We board a plane to <place w:st="on">North Queensland</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
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</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2011/09/school-holidayswhale.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944293680974289582.post-41913601037604776102011-09-19T20:26:00.002+10:002012-03-18T13:18:54.481+11:00chocolate cake & flavour memories…leaving the nest...school holidays<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8xfAEHnOXSSFhL0T8vkJHlmz-TTnmnynQyoeC-tPrXgcFd-tSfqtv7HO4rnG-1_IK37OtWRyxrgEyjReEgc1UGIV9CLlIAAQdSzt0MiIn7HYEXxjkHb3xE_VEzh-peu7HGBmhkmhj5xI/s1600/choccake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8xfAEHnOXSSFhL0T8vkJHlmz-TTnmnynQyoeC-tPrXgcFd-tSfqtv7HO4rnG-1_IK37OtWRyxrgEyjReEgc1UGIV9CLlIAAQdSzt0MiIn7HYEXxjkHb3xE_VEzh-peu7HGBmhkmhj5xI/s400/choccake1.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image - TheUrbanMum</span></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br>
</div><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten days since my last post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lifetime in events.</span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">TheEldestSon went off to camp with his school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just one night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too much of a wrench you might wonder.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But it was… very, very much so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I carried a mixed bag of feelings as we farewelled the bus – watching him in his seat as he chatted animatedly to his friends; he didn’t even register the departure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, yes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Livingston_Seagull">Jonathan Livingston Seagull</a> – set them free etc. – I know I know… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The house echoed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silence that I so often long for – resounding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unpleasantly so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">TheYoungSon wandered around looking for things to do alone – then gave up and went to snooze on his absent brother’s bed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Its beginning I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although of course as parents we know it starts as soon as they are born and it is as it should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability for your children to function on their own, happy and with confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone is blessed with this gift – some children need constant assistance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So I am lucky I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But yet…</span><br>
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</div><a href="http://theurbanmum.blogspot.com/2011/09/chocolate-cake-flavour-memoriesleaving.html#more">read more</a>TheUrbanMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285773289260615noreply@blogger.com0