Santa Photo 2014

Saturday we headed into the big smoke/Sydney for our annual Santa photo at the amazing Queen Victoria Building.  It has become our yearly tradition now to head in early, have breakfast at one of the cafes, wander around the shops, explore a little of the city before heading home.

Yesterday I was not really in the mood to traipse the city as I have a cold and it is making me grumpy however I am so glad we went.  Not only because yesterday was really the only free day we had but because the Christmas spirit made me feel a little better.  I do wish we could have gone in a little later like next weekend as apparently there will be a Lego Christmas tree in Pitt Street Mall.  But that's life and the way the cookie crumbles.

We arrived at the QVB at about 9:10am and went and put our name down.  Even getting there that early there was about a one and a half hour wait which was fine as we had a look at some shops, grabbed some breakie and before we knew it it was our turn.  Sadly I had to wake the baby.  The baby who never sleeps in the pram slept for over an hour!!  Hindsight being so fantastic I should have said that another family could have gone before us so he had a chance to wake up properly.

I do love getting a Santa photo even though it is a little pricey!!  The QVB really is such a special place to visit and the company who do the photos are faultless.  I love how you put your mobile number down and they text you when it is your turn.  We have done other places and it really is hard to beat.  I always get the most expensive pack as it saves me printing out copies!!  Total laziness but one less thing to worry about plus the bonus bookmarks etc it comes with are great for all the older relatives!!

We have been lucky enough to have the same Santa for the 3 years we have been going and he is lovely.  So patient and genuinely jolly.  He had all the answers to all the questions my two big boys threw at him.  Did you know he parks his reindeer in a special garden on the roof of the QVB!!  He also graciously accepted the card the boys had written him and made sure he knew what was on their lists.  All up I think we spent 10 minutes getting the photo and having a chat.

After the photo we made our way to Pitt Street Mall to see the Lego tree which wasn't there!!  We had a peek at the David Jones window display.  Loved it!!  It was so nice to see the kids faces as they saw each window.  I do have some pics to share another day!!

These cute reindeer are the stars of the window!!

We had a little bit of lunch at the cafe inside the dj's store, after we went up to their Christmas Cave (it was nice but totally mental with people everywhere!!).  The cafe was great.  The simple reason being they had an awesome kids menu.  $6.50 got you a sandwich, a little bottle of juice and a gingerbread man for dessert.  I wish more places catered for kids this way.  It is a perfect lunch for little ones.  We ordered two to split between the boys and everyone was happy!!

After lunch we went to a few more places then headed home.  It was a long day but I think we all enjoyed it.  We can't wait to do it all again next year!!

There we have it!!  The best of seven pictures, baby in mid scream so it looks like he is smiling!!  The three year old wearing his scabby hand me down shoes which have holes in them and are quite literally falling apart!!  He is also wearing his oldest daggiest shorts, lucky he is cute!!  Butter wouldn't melt in the oldest one!!  Love it!!

Linking up with Tegan for Sunshine Sunday, Alicia for #openslather and Kirsty for #imustconfess.

Dubai Dreaming.

Dubai Dreaming by help-stuck featuring a chain necklace

Anna Field maxi dress
$36 - zalando.co.uk

Ted Baker outerwear
$155 - johnlewis.com

ALDO peep toe pumps
aldoshoes.com

Fringe purse
shoptiques.com

Bracelet set
simons.ca

Dolce Gabbana chain necklace
farfetch.com



This weeks LBD challenge over at Ms Mystery Case is all about the competition running at the moment by a blogging agency to win a trip to Dubai.  I have to admit Dubai is not on my travel list simply because I could not handle the heat!!  I chose this outfit as Dubai has quite strict clothing requirements

Clothing: Woman's clothing may be considered indecent if it is tight, transparent, above the knee or shows her stomach, shoulders or back. Men should wear T-shirts at all times and short shorts can attract the wrong kind of attention.
Swimwear: Wearing bathers outside the beach is against Dubai's decent laws and swimsuits in general should be modest. Nudity at beaches is illegal.

I think my outfit would suit!!

In other news we finally got concrete down in our backyard and after months of having patches of dirt which was traipsed through the house having a garden with grass and no dirt will be fab!!  

We then have to finish off the last parts which I honestly cannot see happening anytime soon unfortunately!! 

Could we all please send all the positive vibes that the new seal for my dishwasher arrives sooner rather than later, 4 days of hand washing dishes has made me realise how much I love my dishwasher!!  



Last but not least, tomorrow is Remembrance Day. The two littlest and I are off to the service at our local memorial.  I was inspired to attend this year as the preschool will be taking the kids who go on a Tuesday and I think this is a great idea so we will be joining them.  I am hoping the school has a special assembly so Kindy Kid can be a part of it too.

We will remember them.

Linking up with Tegan for Sunshine Sunday and Alicia for #openslather and yes I know it is Monday however it must still be Sunday somewhere in the world!!

LBD Challenge- Red Carpet and a Happy Birthday

Red Carpet by help-stuck featuring ankle boots

Yves Saint Laurent black dress
farfetch.com

Sergio Rossi ankle boots
saksfifthavenue.com

Salvatore Ferragamo clutch
neimanmarcus.com

Blue Nile diamond earrings
bluenile.com

Diamond jewelry
1stdibs.com

Antique jewelry
etsy.com



Playing along again this week with  Mystery Case LBD challenge.

The theme this week is Red Carpet.  

Because I am such a fashionista I have gone with a really simple but expensive dress and blinged it up with some mega expensive accessories!!  

I may wear this outfit at the premiere of the movie I am sure that will be made of my life.  It will be called "Snot and other catastrophes"!!

I believe it is a very special persons birthday today  I was going to send a card but instead I got Eddie Vedder to sing Happy Birthday just for them!!








Linking up with The Birthday Girl for #openslather and The Case for more fashion fun!!

Chocolate Spiders

#notafoodblogger!!

Ingredients:

1 pkt Chang’s Original Fried Noodles (100g)
2 Tbspns Crunchy Peanut Butter
200g Cooking Chocolate (milk or dark)

Method:
Microwave chocolate and peanut butter in microwave safe mixing bowl for about 30 seconds on high. If not melted, then microwave again in 5 second intervals. Mix well until it is a smooth paste. Add noodles and coat them well. Spoon the mixture onto grease-proof paper, or into individual paper patty pans. Using heaped teaspoons, this mixture will yield 30 to 40 spiders.
Place in refrigerator until set.
Please note this recipe contains peanuts.
Tip
Chocolate melts also works well with this recipe. It gives a smoother texture.
The spiders can be kept in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
They can be kept in freezer for even longer time.

Seriously the easiest recipe ever!!  A great one for kids to help with. The 3 year old and I had a blast yesterday making these.  They do have peanut butter in them but I think you can probably not use it and they would still be yum although I am no Martha so don't take my word for it!!  I also only had smooth peanut butter but I can't imagine that makes a huge difference.

Linking up an unprecedented quadruple whammy with Lauren and Lucy from Fabulous Foodie Fridays, Mums Take Five for Sunday Brunch and One Mother Hen for #openslather and the lovely ladies from Melting Moments for their Weekly Wrap Up