Happy birthday to me

Last month, I celebrated my birthday. I turned a year older and that much closer to mid-30s. To me, age is only a number, well at least for now but I think give it another few more years I'd probably take it all back. For now though, I still feel the same as I did last year, or even a year before that. People still thinks I look 19 so I guess its not all too bad, for now.

There were no big parties, cocktails or jiggling my bum on the dance floor, nothing of those sort. What I had was a simple celebration that revolve around food. It's always around food. Always.

My actual birthday was on a school night and due to the fact that I am new on the job and have not accumulated much annual leave, I had to work. So with that in mind, we planned to go somewhere lavish on the weekend and opted for a cheap meal of pizza and chocolate fondue on the actual day.

After that, we went home and ate cake. Then, I decided to end the night with a nice relaxing bath.

The plan was to use the bath bombs that were gifted to me by my friend.

However this was how it unfolded:

I put the bath on, lit the candles and turned the lights off.  I opened up my present, took one bath bomb out and dunk it in the water. I gingerly let myself in the bath, careful not to trip as with a big belly, getting in and out of the tub has become a nightmare.  As soon as I lay down in the tub, the door opened.

"Mummy! Why are you in my tub??"

"Mummy, I want to go in the tub with you!" "Please Mummy?? Pleaaaaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!"

I let out a big sigh, but then I thought, hey maybe it might not be such a bad idea after all. I can do this, I can enjoy a bath with my girl.

So out I went.  I helped her get her clothes off and carried her into the tub. Then for the second time, I gingerly let myself in.  Just as I was enjoying the warm bath water, I think it was less than two mins in.....

"Mummy? I need to go to toilet.."

"You what now?"

"I want to go wee wees mummy! Quick!!"

And so up I went and then back into the tub for the third freaking time. I believe by this point I was exhausted. Getting in and out of that tub was a bloody workout I tell ya. This little person had my work cut out for me.

The worse MUST be over.  How much worse could it get? Potty out of the way, I'm sure now we could all enjoy a bath.

But, Miss Three had other plans.

She started blowing the candles out one by one because it was fun and then shortly after, we were sitting in the dark.

I literally lost it and perhaps might have raised my voice at her which resulted in her bawling her eyes out. Sound tend to amplify in the bathroom so it made it even worse.

And that was it, tub party was over.

Having said that though, I had the best sleep that night. The bath salt must have worked, even though I was only in there for what it seemed like 5 mins!

Oh well, happy birthday to me.

Welcome to the big 3

Friends seriously thought I must be insane to prepare a kids birthday party only five days leading up to D-day. In true Miss Leney style, I like to do everything on my own, I don't know, call it OCD or whatever but when I have a vision in my head, I want it to be executed just the way I envisioned it to be. Yeah, it's something I am working on in terms of letting things go or perhaps its a case of borderline control freak.

No scratch that. I am a control freak.

But in all honesty, I am much better now. I was so much more worse back in the days. I don't know if that's convincing enough but its true! Haha



I had a little help from my mate Jan, who is just the fabulous girlfriend every woman needs I think. She is very creative and we made use of her talent in helping me create the Frozen 'shrine' and some other crafty things for the party. We went shopping together at Spotlight and got a few party decoration and got on to work.

As you can see, everything were kept to the theme, even food and drinks. We had cheese twisties disguised as Olaf's noses, blue jello with whipped cream were Snow blizzard, Marshmallow stick as Snow sticks and bottles of water as Melted Snow. 

Jan and I made Olaf party favour bags and I must say it came out really amazing!

As intimidating as the cake might look, it was actually pretty dead easy to make. Obviously I wanted the cake to be non-fuss but still pretty. Its made of basic vanilla sponge cake, buttercream frosting and white chocolate and organic blue food gel! Spruced up with edible blue sugar crystals, Frozen mini toys and you've got a cake!

We had 4 little princesses and fairies that day and they were all dressed in costumes. I've set up a little craft corner with lots of Frozen themed colouring books, stickers and crafty stuff. 

Remember that fabulous mate Jan that I was telling you earlier? Well, she does face painting and a brilliant one at that too. The girls absolutely loved it. 

We also played the Pin the nose on Olaf. Jan made that pin-sized Olaf from scratch. Told you she's amazing!

And then, it was pinnata time!! It was hilarious to watch the girls had a go at it but it was a lot of fun. Daddy had to interject and 'helped out' in the end otherwise it would take forever.

But once the lollies exploded out of that pinnata, trust me, it was like bees to honey. Before you could say 'chocolates' they were already stuffing them into their mouths. That's what chocolate can do to little people. 

Powerful.

No, hang on. Let me correct that last sentence. That's what chocolate can do to little people and hubby. Haha

What's this shenanigan under the table??? Why, playing memory cards of course! 

Presents were opened, literally the moment it was given to her.. It had to be opened NOW.

The favours were a Disney princess figurine (can't remember which one I bought - I think it was Rapunzel as I couldn't find Princess Elsa nor Anna), a necklace and a interchangeable crayon stick. I figured this would be much more fun than lollybags. 

Welcome to the big 3 Scarlybum. You are our endless stream of sweetness.

In comparison:

2nd birthday

1st birthday

For Miss Three's 2nd birthday, you can read it here

For Miss Three's 1st birthday, you can read it here

Miss Bossy turns TWO!

My in laws threw Miss Bossy a birthday party in New Zealand. It was held at my sister in law's home - families and close family friends were invited. It was really nice that Miss Bossy was able to celebrate it with her grandparents, aunties and cousins and I think she had a pretty good time. Definitely very spoilt!

The puss in boots cake that Miss Bossy and The Husband chose from the book! One of the trickiest one to do!

It was great for me because I didn't have to do much! Unlike most parties we had thrown previously, I am usually up in the crack of dawn, puttering about in the kitchen all day! I did help with the birthday cake though, along with my sister in law and that was pretty much it.

On the day, Miss Bossy was in her element. She was the boss of everyone. Bossing around her cousins and they were happy enough to obliged to her every command. Bossy Boots she is definitely one!

The kids playing with balloon.. Miss Bossy loves balloons!

Enjoying some cheerios - she had 5 of those!

Opening of presents!!

We were all looking everywhere but the camera - There were many cameras going at that point so did't know where to look! 

Happy birthday to our gorgeous girl!

In comparison:

1st birthday

A short video of Scarlett playing with balloons - not the best of videos as taken from iPhone, as were all the photos!

xo, Leney

on the plane we go...... soon

Guess what?

My monkey is turning two next month! I'm still in denial but that don't change the fact that she is going to be two soon. Very soon in fact. Blimey!

We are very fortunate to be going on a holiday back to NZ to spend some family time with my in laws during the first two weeks of September. We will also be celebrating her 2nd birthday there with all her kiwi family and relatives. It's going to be a great one. I love going back to NZ - there's something about that country that makes me so chill-out and relax. I plan on not doing anything specific and just want to enjoy my time there catching up with everybody. John will be pleased to go home and eat his NZ whitebait patties (NZ delicacy). My in laws always buy and stock up some NZ whitebait for him whenever we head back.

Whitebait patties eaten with slice of bread and sprinkle with salt. YUMMO! This was taken on our previous trip back in 2012!

I'm not going to be throwing a big party this year because I won't have time if you factor this holiday trip in. However, a birthday needs to have a cake and if you read my blog for a long time now, you know I am quite particular when it comes to birthdays. THERE MUST BE CAKE! A proper birthday cake might I add - call me old fashion. So I will be baking her a birthday cake without a doubt, which in itself is a project on its own.

I'm so looking forward to this much needed holiday! Shame we are not able to go back for longer (stupid annual leaves) but will definitely make the most of it!

Let's celebrate!

What a whirlwind of a weekend we just had. We have been really busy over the Easter break, with Easter, extended birthday celebrations and visitors coming in and out of our home. Nontheless, it's been such a great time seeing old friends again and getting reaquainted.

John celebrated his big X0 birthday and I have to say he had a great time. His best mates Johnny and Rick flew in to Perth to celebrate with him and it was fantastic. They brought along their new better halves, Clare and Ann and it was lovely for John and I to finally meet them in person.

One of the boys, Rick actually made a surprise visit and turned up knocking on our front door on the morning of his birthday. He flew in all the way from New Zealand! All of us were not expecting him to come as he told us that he had to attend a wedding hence would not make it to Perth. Who knew it was all a cover up.

Unbeknown to me, I opened the door in my PJs, undone hair and a cuppa tea in one hand (should have got John to do it for better effect!). I was, well surprised and slightly embarrased I might add and screamed 'OH MY GOD!' the minute I saw Rick standing on our front door. Talk about surprise visits, this one tops it all. Rick never visits Perth, even after continous effort of asking him to.

It was fantastic. I'm glad to see my husband enjoyed his birthday with his mates. It's not very often the three lads get together since everyone is living in different cities. The last time we were all together was on our wedding day which was 4 years ago! In between then and now, we've seen Johnny and Rick seperately. So its great to see them reunited again.

They are still here until the end of the week, so we still get to spend some more time with them until all of them bugger off back home to Sydney and New Zealand on Saturday. In the mean while, here's a couple of photos from the birthday.

And yes, I made that cake, in case you're wondering. Chocolate Truffle Cake it was. I delibrately left the base of the cake tin on because I dare not remove it in case it get ruined during the process!

Happy Birthday Darling! xxx

turning 30

So last weekend, I turned a year older. I have officially joined most of my friends in the 30s club. I know it's just numbers, but still, it's quite scary to know that I can no longer tell people that i'm in my twenties anymore. Haha.

Having said that, I have never been more happier in my life. At 30, I have everything that I could have wanted and more. Turning 30 somehow has made it even more special, knowing that this year is also the year that marks a special beginning - that year where I am going to be taking up a new role, a new responsibility, a whole new chapter in my life. Turning 30 is the year that I am going to be a Mama!

With a bubba in my belly and cannot drink (bummer!), I see no point in having a big-ass party to celebrate this huge milestone. I told hubba that i'm going to take a raincheck and make it a big one next year. But hey at least he still spoils me and got me very own Kitchen Aid mixer that I've been wanting for a long time. That man is a champion I tell you. What could a girl asked more? I love that husband of mine.

Suffice to say that I had a very sober birthday this year is an understatement. Having not to wake up with a bad hangover and spending most of the day in bed or by the toilet is quite a refreshing change.

Happy Birthday to this silly ol' me. As what my mates keep telling me, '30 is the new 20!'
Well if only that was true!