So...that was a rather extended break!

All those good intentions, all that trying to figure out how to blog via ipad. It all got a bit overwhelming and just didn't happen.

Our trip was awesome, amazing, fabulous. New York is all that and more.

We returned home to the last week of school, ballet concert, school holidays, Christmas...and all of a sudden it's been a very long time since I have blogged, or even read another blog. These days, with Miss TikiBoo home, I've been checking email and Facebook a few times a day (usually via phone) and that's about it. I downloaded our New York photos, but haven't even looked at them.

So. Let's just say that some time in early Feb, I hope to get back to regular blogging, including a proper travel report.


If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

Packing - my top tips

People have been asking me for days, "are you ready for your trip?". Yes. I'm rather obsessive when it comes to packing, and tend to start weeks before it's time to go. I don't like to overpack, but then there is the fear of forgetting something essential, although that's not likely to be an issue when travelling to the States!

These are some of the little things I've learnt - especially when it's likely you'll be shopping!


1. Suitcase within a suitcase.
We have a large case which will easily hold a regular suitcase, so I pack the regular, then put it inside the large. There are 3 of us travelling, so it's no hassle to be taking 3 cases home, and perfect if you intend to shop! I've packed the hats and gloves around the sides.


2. An extra carry on bag, and a spacebag.
I bought this super light travel bag in Paris last year. It holds loads and is carry on compatible. It will be going in the suitcase as a "just in case". I'm also taking a spacebag to use with our coats on the way home. It's a roll up type as we may not have access to a vacuum.


3. Guide books.
These are a must for me! As is the little New York Moleskine. I've also loaded everything imaginable onto the iPad and iPhone, including tickets, itineraries etc. Dropbox is a really great application for this, you can drag any document from your computer to it.


4. Comfortable footwear!
I've had these boots for a few years now, and they are super comfortable. In a pinch they go with almost everything too. I tend to stick with black for travelling to make it easier as well.
Another tip - get extra soles put on before you go!


5. Snacks and water.
How cool is this Vapur drink bottle! When it's filled it stands up. When it's empty you can roll it up and stash in your bag. I also always take extra snacks on the plane, just in case I'm not liking what they're offering.

These are just a few of my tips, do you have any brilliant extras to add?

What sort of packer are you - last minute or weeks in advance?


If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

{Home on Wednesday} - Spring is for planting

A fun little weekend activity with my girl.  She has the attention span of a... nearly six year old, so it's good to find things which don't take long and have a few different steps.

Step 1. Add seed raising mix to trays.
Step 2. Place one seed in each section.
Step 3. Cover with 5mm seed raising mix.
Step 4. Water regularly.

I wanted to grow something under the plants along our back fenceline.  Nasturtiums are a great choice as they grow quickly and are quite hardy, PLUS the flowers can be added to salads for a pop of summer colour.  They have a slightly peppery taste which I really enjoy.

image from Sheridan Rodgers (links to recipe!)

I planted some of them out yesterday evening, so hopefully they will do their thing and grow like wildfire!

If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

Tree time, already?!

Still playing around with some iPad editing tools, I thought I'd share some photos of our tree and decorations.
Traditionally, we don't put the tree up until December 1st, but as we will be away, then crazy busy for the first week and weekend (ballet concert - yikes!) I made the executive decision that it should go up now.
We went out on Friday evening and bought a new bigger tree, given we have the space now, it felt like the right thing to do!

When do you put your tree up?  Do you wait until December, or as soon as the kids start asking?

What about decorating?  Do you have the same each year or change things?
We pick a new colour theme each year.  This year is Red, Gold & Aqua.  I wanted Red, Gold and Green but was out voted.  No Karma Chameleon here!  There are also some special decorations, each year since Miss TikiBoo was born I have bought something "precious", a Wedgewood or Royal Doulton type ornament.  These will be her special heirlooms.


If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

Paris - A lady in rouge

Parisians do love their splashes of red. The Moulin Rouge, potted geraniums, a gold embossed awning. Look around and you'll find it everywhere!

Another of my "Colourful France" series. To see the previous posts click HERE.


If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

{Finding Beauty} - At the markets

Yesterday I listed four of the things I love, that I am passionate about. One of them was "finding beauty", especially in unexpected places.
When I saw these little cloves of purple tinged garlic at the markets, they just had to come home with me to sit on my windowsill. It's the little things. Luscious ripe red strawberries (3 punnets for $5) didn't last long either, I kept eating them.

I'm not a photographer, but it was fun to play around with these and come up with some fun images.

What are some of the little things making you smile today?


If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

Congratulations...

Veronica from MamaJots!

Congratulations!

If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!