Grocery shopping without hassle please

Being on maternity leave has led me to spend a lot of time at shopping centres and the local grocery store. I quite enjoy this outing, as it gets me (and bub) out of the house and into air conditioning. The local shopping centre often has groups who raise money for different charities or projects and whilst I usually have no objection to this, I do when volunteers hassle you. I think it says a lot about the charity they're supporting too and it just paints a poor image of them in the mind.

There was a particular charity at the shopping centre last week and whilst I want to name and shame them, I won't. My morning had been particularly bad with the little one and the last thing I wanted (or was expecting) was to be harrassed by volunteers. I just wanted to get in, do my grocery shopping and get out. I said no upon entry and was asked 'Excuse me' twice more on the way out (which I ignored). My point was if you ask me once and I said no, of course I'm going to ignore you if you ask twice more, especially when I had finally got my non-sleeping child to sleep.

I think it should be a rule that you can't hassle people in the shopping centre, this includes people selling beauty products.

Giving at Christmas

My Nanna taught me from a young age the generous act of giving to those less fortunate than yourself at Christmas and the joy you can bring to others, even if you don't get to experience it (or see it for yourself). Every year my Nanna would selflessly donate a gift or two to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal and since her passing my sister and I have continued to take up the cause.

Image from Salvation Army Website

This year however is slightly different. Whilst my husband and I are still giving to the same worthy benefactor (The Salvation Army), my husband's workplace has distributed recyclable shopping bags with a list of items to fill them with for the homeless. We have almost filled a bag but there's one more item that must go in before my husband takes it back and that's a Christmas pudding - a must for everyone's Christmas.

Do you have any worthy charities you donate to at Christmas or any special Christmas acts you take up annually to support a good cause?  

Five for Friday

I am stealing the idea of my good friends from Style from the Suburban Intellect blog and giving you five things of interest for your Friday.

1. Cuteness

This adorable Koala Joey made it to page 3 of the courier mail today. Click here to read the full article.

Image from The Courier Mail

2. The Intouchables
A fantastic French film that has made it into mainsteam cinema. It is based on a true story of a friendship that develops between a French aristocrat (who is a quadriplegic) and the man he hires to be his carer. Watch the trailer below.

3. A Classy Summer Spritzer
I was introduced to the concept of Verjuice combined with soda water last weekend and love the idea. Not only does it taste great but it's non-alcoholic, if you're stuck driving for the day. Kids can also feel like grown ups drinking this. Mixed portions work out to be a bit like cordial but the cordial is replaced with Verjuice. 

4. Movember
It's official, movember has begun! Show your support for prostate cancer and facial hair. Read more about this great cause on the official movember site.

5. That Shop
I discovered That Shop, as what I assume is a pop up store next to the Pearl Cafe at Woolloongabba last weekend. I'd love to buy some of their dresses when I have a bit of money.

 Image from That Shop

Happy Red Nose Day!

Today is Friday the 29th June and Red Nose Day to support SIDS and Kids. Harvey Norman is donating $1 for every person who uploads a photo to their Red Nose Gallery online. It's a bit of fun for Friday and great to support a good cause and share with your friends. Here's my photo below. Head to www.rednoseme.com to show your support. Happy Friday!!