Cheers to the Freaking Weekend...

Firstly I have to thank Jess over @ CocoandArchie for the heading idea which I stole (sorry hun!) I was trying to think of something that summed up how I felt about the weekend just gone, and I stumbled upon her blog today (thanks to Instagr.am for our connection!) and viola!

This weekend was supposed to be efficient. It wasn't.

After 7-months of Maternity Leave, I am returning to work part-time as of Thursday. Just 2 days a week; enough to earn me some much needed money, but it also allows me to get back out there in the adult world, away from the poo, puke and crying. I'm going to miss it though...

This last weekend was thrown out the window when Ryder (5-months old) came down with a fever on Friday night. I got about 2 hours sleep. It was his first fever so I was up, checking his temperature every 5 minutes, worrying, checking it again, trying to get some fluid into him. He was fine. His temperature was a bit high, but he was never lethargic, he just got a bit unsettled and fell asleep a bit later than usual, but I couldn't sleep.

Saturday night was my turn, but this time I didn't have a fever, I had gastro. Oh my goodness. So there goes any chance of a nice, relaxing Saturday night at home with hubby. And any chance of a catch up of missed sleep from the night before.

Sunday was spent trying to recover and regain energy. It was the eve of Logan's 6th Birthday, and also the eve of his first day at school for 2012, so I had a lot to do. Housework, cleaning, uniform sorting, not to forget my immediate family coming over for dinner to celebrate the upcoming birthday. Luckily I didn't have to cook. I had just enough energy to order the pizza, hold conversation and that's about it.

By Monday, the gastro bug hit hubby and my mother. Hubby came home from work before lunch and spent the remainder of the day in bed.

So I am sitting here, it's Tuesday morning and my house is a mess. I am procrastinating. What a crappy, crappy weekend.

January Photo-a-Day: Recap

I have absolutely loved this challenge, (a brilliant idea created by Telle @ fatmumslim), so much so that I had to create a memory board to recap all my photos.

I must admit I started off as a bit of a newbie, when it comes to photography, my sister got all those genes (ha ha ha!). But towards the middle, I started trying to think beyond the whole 'point and shoot' concept and I tried to experiment with angles, etc. I've really loved what I've come up with!

Have you seen the list for February Photo-a-Day?

I plan on joining this also, I am hoping to be able to commit to all of 2012 if it's running for that long! I love the subjects, it's allowing me opportunities to capture things I wouldn't usually, and therefore allow me to see the beauty in everyday things that I've taken for granted.

And I love how I look through all the photos (via the hashtag #janphotoaday) and see all the interpretations of something so simple. So many people go to such an amazing effort to show their creativity, and the subjects are chosen well to allow for it too.

Did you take part in the January Challenge, or are you starting in February?

It's never too late to start! You don't even need a good camera, as most of my photos were taken with my iPhone. Furthermore, you don't even need Instagr.am; just share it on Facebook, on your blog, etc.

Feel free to 'follow' me on Instagr.am: @mumontherun

Don't forget! Tag your photos #febphotoaday next month to share your photos with everyone else that is participating! With one day left of #janphotoaday, there's over 160,000 photos!

Photo a Day: Days 21-25

DAY 21: REFLECTION

It happened to be weigh-in day (I totally forgot about it the morning before), and I had put on weight. Again. So I took advantage of the 'reflection' subject and used this as a chance to reflect on what I should have done more and shouldn't have eaten. It actually kick started a new-found motivation... fingers crossed for this week!


DAY 22: YOUR SHOES

I tried and tried to take photos of my shoes, but it looked messy... it was only when the boys were in the pool and I was lounging beside it that I realised that the sun was in a PERFECT position, viola!


DAY 23: SOMETHING OLD

This locket was given to me by my late grandparents on my first birthday. It's something I cherish and never wear because I am too afraid of losing it.


DAY 24: GUILTY PLEASURE

Chocolate...


DAY 25: SOMETHING YOU MADE

I took Logan to the 'Plaster Fun House' as his last little excursion of the school holidays, and who am I to miss out on all the fun?! I painted this plaque for Ryder's room while Logan painted a Speedboat

6 Years Ago...

I'd like to introduce a very special little man in my life; his name is Logan and today he is 6 years old. The day he was born, I became a mother. I was no longer just "Megan", I was someone's mum and was responsible for this little person's life forever. I couldn't have asked for an easier baby to ease me into Motherhood... minus a couple of scary experiences in the early days.

Everyone adores him. He's the sort of kid that is always laughing and always smiling, he's the epitome of happiness. He always wants to help and be a part of the action; I have to remind myself sometimes that he's only "6", "5", etc. He's a kid, but he's a very old soul at times.

I love him. For showing me how to have fun, how to laugh, how to be patient and most importantly how to love life. Kids have a funny way of making you appreciate the little things in life, to stop and look at the funny pictures in the clouds, to pick a flower, pick up a ladybug... so many simple little things that put a smile on your face, all the while creating some beautiful memories.

These 6 years haven't been without their challenges, but kids are perfect with their imperfections; that's part of being a kid. The tantrums, tears, phone calls from the school (yes, already!) and let's not forget the attitude! But deep down inside, there's no malice... he's not the sort of kid to deliberately be naughty, he's far too busy trying to please everyone and make everyone laugh.

So Happy Birthday my little man. A great 6 years so far, and many, many more to come.

What an amazing son I have, and what a lucky mother I am to have you xxx

Photo a Day: Days 16-20

DAY 16: MORNING

Ever since my husband and I have met, I have awoken to a text message greeting from him every morning. It started as something that he did out of habit (when he was trying to 'woo' me), and has now turned into an amazing gesture. He starts work very early in the mornings, so this is his little way of saying 'Good Morning' as I've not had him beside me in bed when I've woken. He is very romantic at times..


DAY 17: WATER

This was the view I was met with upon coming home from a late gym session, pretty amazing huh?


DAY 18: SOMETHING YOU BOUGHT

With my eldest son on school holidays, I really have to think of ways to keep him entertained, and it's especially difficult on the days where you're staying home. I try to make everything (well, most things) a bit of fun, even breakfast. This morning, we made rainbow pikelets, dividing the mixture and creating coloured batter - it was a success!!


DAY 19: SWEET

A love note... my favourite


DAY 20: SOMEONE YOU LOVE

My husband. I love him when he's dress up as (Hulk Hogan, Optimus Prime and Venom), when he's in his best attire and when he's super scruffy... I love him. Always.

Knock-Out Gnocchi!

This is a recipe that I am most proud of: it's my own creation duplicating a dish that was discontinued at a local restaurant. I went there one day with a similar dish in mind (having had it there before) and wasn't impressed to find it replaced with something else {don't you hate that?!}. So instead, I went to the supermarket with the intention of copying it. Well, I wasn't able to source a couple of items so found the next best thing and voila! I love this more! Everyone I've made this for have loved it and it has quickly become my signature dish, that I'm now willing to share :)

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4, Medium-Sized):

3 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
300ml cream
1 1/2 cups grated cheese
500g packet Gnocchi
150g baby spinach, washed
1/4 cup pine nuts

Firstly, brown the chicken in a large saucepan {or an electric wok, this works well!}. Whilst this is browning, put a saucepan of water on the stove and bring to the boil. Once boiled, add the gnocchi and allow to cook until it rises to the surface. Strain.

Add chopped sundried tomatoes to the chicken, and mix.

Add the cream to the chicken and coat, allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes and add the cheese. Stir and simmer until the cheese has melted and has mixed in with the cream. Add the strained gnocchi and stir gently. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Add the pine nuts and mix, then add the spinach. It is important to add the spinach last to ensure that you don't overcook it. You want it to be cooked just enough so the green is vibrant, if it starts to darken, then it's overcooked. You only need to cook the spinach long enough so it starts to welt. It will continue to cook once off the heat and you are serving it up.

Enjoy!!

Photo a Day: Days 11-15

DAY 11: WHERE YOU SLEEP

I absolutely ADORE our bedroom, although the wardrobe could be a little bigger! Our bed is such an oasis, and the colour combination reflects a calming mood that we want to have welcome us when it's time to retire for the evening. Above our bed is also our favourite wedding photo which we had printed into a series of 5 canvases :) My FAVOURITE place in our whole house.

DAY 12: CLOSE-UP

I took the boys to Glenelg to catch up with one of my girlfriends and her gorgeous daughter. It was a fantastic day, not a cloud in the sky but a tad on the windy side... So it surprised to me find when I got home that I was sunburnt from head to toe, ouch!! This is my eldest son, who was looking at me while the photo was taken. It served two purposes, a close-up of my sunglasses to get a photo of him :)

DAY 13: IN YOUR BAG

I don't have the luxury of taking a handbag out overly often, I tend to just grab what I need which usually consists of my mobile phone, purse, keys and a bottle of water, and just chuck it in the nappy bag or straight into the car. I don't like it, but it's far too hard to lug a nappy bag and another bag full of unneccessary stuff - and I very rarely go far from home. Because of this, my handbag is only used during my 'kid-free' time and it only carries the essentials: My phone, purse, camera, sunglasses (and their case), pen, headphones... you know, the typical things a girl needs!

DAY 14: SOMETHING YOU'RE READING

I've never been the sort of person to go through novels, it has to be something that I've been looking for or has really captured me. I can count on one hand the amount of books I have read in the last 5-years. Bad hey?! At the moment though, I am reading PerezHilton.com {my daily celebrity gossip ritual}, Super Food Ideas {Which I bought last weekend for their very bad Ice-Cream Pie recipe... Watch this space!} and a book that I received as a Christmas present, Paris. If you don't know by now, I love Paris. It represents the start of something magical {hubby proposed to me at the Eiffel Tower}, and this book is amazing. It's the sort of book to sit at our coffee table and you just browse through whenever. So much history and so many amazing photos - you can fall in love with the place all over again {if that's possible}

DAY 15: HAPPINESS

I have the honour of being a mum to two very special and great little boys. Everyday their bond grows, their love for each other blossoms into something that only brothers can share. I captured a moment where my eldest son was reading to the baby. My heart melted. Instantly.

Photo a Day: Days 6-10

DAY 6: MAKES YOU SMILE

Hubby and I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast with some friends over the weekend, it was bliss! So much food, and good food at that. I took a photo of some nibbles we prepared to represent the great food and great company we were sharing... That moment made me smile :)

DAY 7: FAVOURITE

My favourite jeans... I love that after 2 kids (one recently) they still fit, although at the moment they give a bit of a muffin top (with which I match a loose fitting top to conceal it). I love the colour and moreso that they had a short length so I didn't have to take them up (I'm a shorty!!)

DAY 8: YOUR SKY

I got in with this one just before the rain hit... In between the morning shower and the afternoon downpour. To me it looks like a love heart, and being a sucker for anything 'love' I had to make this my photo of the day.

DAY 9: DAILY ROUTINE

My Morning Coffee: Hazelnut Latte <3

DAY 10: CHILDHOOD

This photo is very dear to me, this was taken when I was maybe 4, I'm sitting with my nanna who passed when I was 5/6 years old - I still have the dress that I am wearing, it reminds me of her.

Let's Play: A to Z

Age: 29
Bed size: Queen
Chore you most hate: Gardening. That's why I don't do it. Oh and folding/hanging clothes, you only have to see my bedroom to know that.
Dogs: Harvey
Essential start to your day: More sleep. Toilet.
Favourite colour: White, red and orange.
Gold or Silver: Silver (or white gold, not a fan of yellow)
Height: 165cm
Instrument you play: None, I was known for my voice.
Job title: Client Services/Mum
Kids: 2
Live: Adelaide, SA
Mother's name: Tracy
Nicknames: Megs
Overnight hospital stays: Giving birth/post birth for my 2 sons, kidney stones, and 2 in 2010 for suspected blood clots (turned out to be something else after a million tests)
Pet peeves: Sooo many; bad table manners, lack of initiative/common sense, ignorance... Just to name a few.
Quote from a movie: "What is with today, today?" Empire Records.
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: 1 sister
Time you wake up: At the moment it's usually once (on a good night) between 3:00am and 5:00am and then 7:00am to start the day.
Underwear: Yes I wear them.
Vegetable you hate: Cabbage
What makes you run late: Kids or a cleaning frenzy.
X-Rays you've had: Teeth, chest, ultrasounds for babies, and multiple CT and MRI scans
Yummy food that you make: My famous Gnocci, Tim Tam Tart, Chicken Pies... I am now own for my food!
Zoo animal: Giraffe

Reindeer Tartlets

T'was the day after Christmas...

My big boy and I had time to kill on Boxing Day in between visitors, and decided to create these cute little reindeer tartlets. We had intended to make these for Christmas day, but time just kept running out... That doesn't mean that they weren't consumed just as quickly though!

The recipe for these came from the Arnott's website: a variation of their Butternut Snap Tartlets.

INGREDIENTS:

Tartlets:
1 x 250g packet Arnott's Butternut Snap Cookies
1/3 cup cream
200g milk or dark chocolate, chopped
65g unsalted butter, chopped

Reindeer Decoration:
White marshmallows
Jaffas
Mini marshmallows
Left over chocolate tartlet filling
Mini pretzels

METHOD
Pre-heat oven to 180C. Place 12 biscuits over each hole of a twelve hole, 1 1/2 tbsp capacity round based tartlet tin. Bake for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven then carefully press softened biscuits into tin to mould into a cup shape. Allow to cool. Remove from tin and transfer to serving plate. Repeat with remaining biscuits.

Place butter, cream and chocolate in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir constantly until melted and smooth - approx 7 minutes. Pour into clean, dry bowl and refrigerate until cool but not set - approx 20 minutes.

Fill biscuit cases with 1 heaped teaspoon of chocolate mixture then place in refrigerator for 20-25min or until set and ready to serve.

To Decorate
Cut a regular marshmallow in half and place cut side down for face. 
Stick a jaffa to marshmallow using some chocolate tartlet filling.
Cut a mini marshmallow in half and place cut sides up onto tart for eye whites. Add a small drop of tartlet filling to the middle of each eye.
Cut mini pretzels to shape and gently push into chocolate filling to make ears.

Photo a Day: Days 1-5

DAY 1: YOURSELF:

This picture was taken a few years ago (hence the hair length) but its one of my favorites :)

DAY 2: BREAKFAST

Nutri Grain Smileys (or ET faces)

DAY 3: SOMETHING YOU ADORE

I know it must seem ultra soppy but I really adore my marriage, above photo taken on our wedding day almost 2-years ago. We have such an amazing connection and passion for each other, and we just work.
We're a team. I love him.

DAY 4: LETTERBOX

Pretty self explanatory really.
That's our letterbox, with my car and our house in the background :)

DAY 5: SOMETHING YOU WORE

Today I am wearing some Clinique makeup and my Lola perfume. I'd take a photo of my outfit like everyone else, but I've been swimming, have come home and had a shower and am now in my lounging-around-the-house clothes. Not photo friendly.

I can't go without mentioning my everyday, love-it-so-much-that-I-never-want-to-take-it-off necklace from hubby (and Tiffany's)

Photo a Day Challenge: January 2012

I've taken the challenge (via the Project365 app for the iPhone, get it!) to take a photo every day. I use instagram (another app) which has made this an easy challenge thus far, and over at fatmumslim there is another challenge just for January, with a specific list of photos to take each day, I love it! I'm finding that I am taking photos of things that I wouldn't (like my letterbox).

For those that love taking photos (even from their iPhone like me), I recommend you at least give it a go for this month, it's never too late to join!

I admit that I am a little addicted, and once February hits I will probably be a little burnt out, but that's ok. I love taking photos... Usually they're of my boys but who can blame a woman when she has such cute children?!

Christmas, Catch Up and Cooking

It's been a mad month. Mad not like I've spent the whole time in a bad mood, but mad as in crazy. I've only just caught my breath. Unfortunately, I've been a bit absent from my blog... It wasn't intentional; I thought of updating it every day, but the time for it has been non existent. So let me fill you in on some of my movements from the last few weeks:

- My son is on school holidays, his first Christmas holidays seeing as he commenced school at the beginning of 2011. He's the sort of kid that needs to be busy all the time, or have something different to do, so sitting at home hasn't been overly possible. Luckily for me, it's been the silly season so we've yet to really have a day of just doing nothing.

- Christmas. Need I say more?! This also marked the first Christmas with the baby so we hosted Christmas at our home and for 2-days it felt like we had a revolving door. It was great though, not overly stressful but ultra busy nonetheless.

- Camping! We took the boys camping up at Lake Albert for a few nights over New Year's Eve. It was bloody hot. Lucky for us, whilst we were camping, we had family staying in the same park that managed to get a cabin with air conditioning, so when it got too much we walked over and used their coldness. It was a great few days, very relaxing... And we are contemplating going at the same time at the end of this year. Must book farther in advance though.

- Mother's Group. I joined a mothers group at the beginning of November, and these meetings finished just before Christmas. Most of us have remained in contact which is great. I've been taking the baby to Aqua Playgroup each Thursday morning (except over Christmas) with one of the mummies, it's great to see how much babies love water! Especially my little dude, he is at one with water, he may as well fall asleep he is so relaxed.

- Cooking. Cooking. Cooking. Notice a trend here? I've been cooking some new things {watch this space!} Tim Tam Tart, Chicken Pies, my famous Gnocci... Better put that diet on hold for a while, that's my recommendation!

Ok so that's a short catch up. Over the next few days I'll try to sit down with my recipes from my latest creations, and also post some topics that have been sitting in my brain for a little while...

Hope you had a great break and spent time with your loved ones <3