Day 3256 - The Lovin Life Linky - The taking care of business edition

What projects are you working on right now?

As I type I am looking at the clock in the bottom right of my screen to make sure I don't forget to wake my son for his soccer academy.  The end of the soccer season never actually means the end of soccer when you've got a boy who lives and breathes his sport.

At 6.30 I'll be out the door driving him to his morning session, where I'll head off for a brisk walk to fill in time before racing him back home for a cooked breakfast and to get him to school

Once my mum stuff is done,  I'll hit the laptop to work on one of my many projects.

Day 3253 - The Museum Shop - Official Reopening

Have you visited the National Museum of Australia?

Two weeks ago I was delighted to attend the official reopening of The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

The Museum Shop features lovely home wares, arts, crafts, jewelry, fashion, books, stationery, gourmet treats, boutique wines and liquor and more. 

Just like the Museum itself, everything they sell has a story to tell.

Day 3249 - The Lovin' Life Linky - Hang in there edition

Constantly experiencing setbacks? 

Me too.  Huge setbacks.  The kind that make you want to walk away. 

But don't give up just yet. Hang in there.  The light will start to shine at the end of the tunnel again soon enough. And if it doesn't, then take a note from Sarah Henderson's book and "stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself".

Day 3246 - Travel Tips for Port Douglas

Today let's check out Far North Queensland

The view as you fly into Cairns - Jurassic World anyone?

For anyone planning a trip to Far North Queensland I thoroughly recommend you consider Port Douglas.  

Despite the fact that I jumped at every rustle of leaves and ran from every log on the beach, then cursed when the end of week came and I didn't actually see a crocodile,  I can totally recommend this quiet seaside destination.  It has the perfect combination of relaxation, views, good food and adventure. 

Day 3242 - A life built on gratitude and family

Our legacy is far greater than finances and achievements



This week we celebrated the life of my 97 year old grandmother as we farewelled her one last time.  Ed Sheran's "Supermarket Flowers" played as we escorted her coffin out of the church and into the hearse that would take her to her final resting place.

Day 3235 - A Life in Pictures - the Heath Ledger exhibition Canberra

Spending time with Heath's memories

Two weeks ago I was delighted to be my daughter's "plus one" at the official opening of "A Life in Pictures" at the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra.

Day 3228 - The Loving Life Linky - Some Deep Fried Contemplation

Getting lost in all the "stuff" 

On my way to Katy Perry last Thursday night
(as opposed to "last Friday night" which would be cooler given that's her song)

Do you ever feel like you're just so "busy" but for the life of you, you can't work out what you're actually working on?

I'm very busy being "busy" at the moment and I'm losing sight of a few things as a result.  I'm getting lost in all the stuff.  And that's all it really is. It's just "stuff".

I'm using a lot of inverted commas I know, but it just feels like an "air quote" conversation to have.  

Day 3227 - How to avoid cramps in your feet - Wellness Wednesday

Grab your toes and pull

My feet cramp - a lot.  I'm talking at least every second day.  It's been going on for years so I just live with it.  Plus the feet and foot sensitivity appear to be another "fibromyalgia hotspot" so for me I figure it's just par for the course. So you will often find me with my leg in the air awkwardly grabbing my toes and pulling them towards me in a very inflexible and unattractive pose as I attempt to alleviate the pain. 

I have discovered that regular stretching can help avoid cramps and strengthening exercises are recommended by health care professionals.  The toe raise, toe flex & point and even picking up marbles with your toes can help.  Applying a heat pack during the cramping works wonders to relieve the pain. Other tips include checking your shoes for best fit and comfort, increasing your electrolyte intake and supplementing the diet with calcium, magnesium and potassium. 

Of course constant foot cramps can signal medical conditions such as diabetes or liver disease so always get checked out by a doctor.  I've  had these checks (annually) so my foot cramps are clearly just part of who I am.   Many of us get them. The easiest way to fix them is to simply grab your toes and pull.

Do you get foot cramps?

Anyone else spend quite a bit of time with their legs in the air pulling at their feet?

What do you do to alleviate your foot pain? 

Day 3221 - New Sonoma bakery in Canberra

Stop press! Sonoma is in town.

Back when I was being the dutiful Mumager and we were taking day trips to Sydney on a regular basis, T and I would  often see the Sonoma vans driving up and down the M5.  I would spot the black vans instantly with their distinctive logo and wonder what the hell they were selling.

After much pondering (and a Google search) I discovered that Sonoma is a sourdough bread specialist that is stocking many Aussie cafes and restaurants with handcrafted woodfired delights.

Fast forward 18 months and I'm the "plus one" at the official opening of the Sonoma bakery right here in Canberra.

Day 3214 - 30 things to love about winter

Winter is my least favourite season, but there's always something to love.

What I really wanted to write up there in the title is "I hate winter" but "hate" is a strong word and once you've stated it, it can fester.  So I'm not hating winter.  Let's just say, I'm REALLY looking forward to spring.