Between motherhood and hubby working late nights and weekends, my blog has unfortunately suffered these past couple of months. I became particularly aware of this over the weekend when one of my friends pointed out to me that she often visits but there is nothing new to read. Another friend pointed out to me a blog she often reads run by a multi-tasking mother. Well that was it...I'm determined to fix this problem, starting now!
I love my friends to the moon and back and sometimes their generousity is overwhelming. A friend was recently back from the UK and decided to give away her SLR camera for free on Facebook. I was unfortunately a bit late in putting my hand up for it, as I saw the post later than others. However, she let me know that if she didn't see her acquaintance before she left, the camera was mine. I thought nothing more of it, until she turned up to our regular coffee catch up and gave it to me. I was left dumbfounded. I have been after an SLR for years, as I really need a good camera to take macro shots for selling items and long distance shots of scenery.
So I am now the proud owner of a Nikon D60 camera and two lenses. I have downloaded the manual to read and will get to it but I have been playing with the camera a bit anyway and trying to work out things for myself. Here's a few shots I'm pretty proud of already.
Cai Guo-Qiang Falling Back to Earth (GOMA Exhibit)
This is the name of my new favourite, YouTube video. The video centres around UK comedian, Michael McIntyre speaking of his children and what life is like for people without kids. Here it is for your enjoyment:
I have posted this on my blog today because I have come to realise it's true - people with no kids, have no idea. Since having a child, I have found myself apologising to friends who already had kids because I felt I could have done more for them than I did at the time - I had no idea!
The video also does well in summing up how I'm feeling lately. I'm suddenly finding myself left off invite lists or getting a secondary look in from friends. Maybe my friends think that they're doing us a favour by not inviting us out or maybe they think we're now stuck at home because we have a baby. Either way, it would still be nice to get an invite, as at least one of us can attend and relax a little. So to my friends who have continued to invite me to things, thank you for giving me the option to say yes!
I love my friends and wouldn't change or swap any of them! They are always there for me when I need them and even there for me when I don't. Recent acts of kindness which I feel are worth mentioning include calling me during the recent Brisbane floods to check that I was okay and didn't need help moving anything from under my soggy house and helping put together a joint present for a friend, which saved me heading out shopping.
I was however in complete shock yesterday when one of my friends rang me to ask if she could come round in 10 minutes. My first thought was 'ahhhh the state of the house is a complete mess' but my second was 'of course, come round, mind the mess though'. Monkey (a nickname that has a story and goes back some years ) had decided to give me a very early birthday present and had found me some wonderful maternity clothes. She had heard that I was running short on clothes that fit and had gone out of her way to look for some (i.e. a non pregnant woman browsing maternity sections). So I have to thank her once more because these clothes couldn't have come at a better time. Here are the goodies I received...
Two Long Singlet Tops (that will expand with me)
A cute blue dress
A bird print dress
This is my favourite that I hope to wear to an upcoming party
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very good at remembering to give credit where credit is due, so today my blog post is all about others and their blogging talents. So without further adieu, let me be unselfish and introduce you to:
As Snug as a Bug in a Rug is run by a friend I've known for over 17 years. We met through Girl Guides Australia (which meant a lot in my life) and found out that we were at the same primary school at the time and in the same grade. Although our friendship groups were always different throughout primary school and high school, we have always kept in touch and remained close friends, which means a lot to me.
My friend's blog is about issues that are close to the heart with motherhood and caring for a young toddler, in addition to DIY projects and selflessly helping others. I have a lot of admiration for this girl and hope you find you do too.
Handmade by Gem is run by a workmate I had when I lived and worked in London (back in 2005). I believe we have actually become closer since I left the UK, as we discovered we both had a passion for crafting in our spare time, Gem's just a lot better at finding time for it than I am. Although, this may change with the recent announcement that she's expecting - a huge congratulations must be given!
Gem makes beautifully handcrafted greeting cards (and even enters competitions) and has started to sell them online through her Facebook store. She also dabbles in making jewellery and video projects to show others how to accomplish certain crafting projects. I'm a little in love with her crafting room, as per below.
Mosh Pit Son is run by a very talented friend, who has a passion for taking amazing photographs in his spare time, particularly of music groups (some of which are extremely well known). Recognition for his photography is growing with magazines such as RAVE publishing his work.
In addition to taking photographs at concerts and upcoming shows, this blogger also takes the time to write reviews of albums. If you've got a minute, please take the time to check out his tumblr here and his beautiful photos.
Last but definitely by no means least (all in alphabetical order I'm afraid) is Style from the Suburban Intellect. This blog is run by friends B and Jane. Whilst I went to high school with these ladies, we ran in different groups and it wasn't until after high school that we discovered a closeness, due to similar interests and common friends. I now can't envision my friendship group without them - it's funny how things change but in a good way.
Style from the Suburban Intellect began as an online space for the girls to review books but has since grown to be a blog you'd visit to find information about fashion finds, handmade items, television/movie/book reviews, events, places to visit in Brisbane and light entertainment. The girls also publish their opinions about issues of a serious nature to them. It's really a great all-rounder blog, one which my blog should aspire to.
