Whatcha ... Wednesday!

In an effort to keep my blogging mojo, I thought I might try 'theming' my days.

Yesterday was It's Tuesday & I Can't Wait... and I've dubbed today Whatcha... Wednesday.

Today shall be the day I update you on all kinds of randomness from my Wednesday - from what I'm wearing, what I'm reading, what I'm eating, what I'm watching and whatever else pops into my head!

So, let's begin!

Whatcha Wearing?
Grey v-neck angora knit jumper, non-descript black work pants, black pumps. Double string of pearls making a cameo appearance as a headband, usual rings & bracelets. Scent of the Day - CKs Euphoria.

Whatcha Reading?
I have two books on the go at the moment (not including textbooks).
The First Assistant, by Clare Naylor & Mimi Hare (light hearted fluff) & Lolita, by Vladimir Nabukov (a classic that's been on my 'Must Read' list for eons!)

Whatcha Eating?
Oats with berries, a gorgeous gnocchi bake and a plethora of cherries! (not all at the same time!) A Diet Coke is a given.

Whatcha Watching?
Still waiting for something spectacular to fill my Masterchef void. Project Runway comes mighty close! Am boycotting Neighbours until all the Bridget sadness has gone :(

Whatcha Plans For Tonight?
Finishing work, picking up the kidlets, doing a tad of grocery shopping before settling in with some coursework. Pretty standard for mid-week!

So, dear reader, if you shall be reading this, tell me about your Whatcha ... Wednesday!

xx

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait...

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait... to receive my little bundle of fabulous dresses from E!

I've been a long time lurker/reader of her blog and was uber-excited to see that she was culling her wardrobe & having a sale - she always looks fabulous!

I have this little number on the way, plus another (sssh - don't tell M!)

I already have the perfect pair of boots & tights - now I have the dress!

What can't you wait for? Play along here

What's With The Name Change?

Apologies for the change of name, thought the other was a little long winded!

Why 'Mrs Lady Beatle', you ask?

Yes, I am more than aware that Lady Beetle is spelt with two e's, as opposed to an e and then an a, however this is based on a sweet little story...

Growing up, my darling husband was dubbed 'Beatle' by his friends. This somewhat unfortunate nickname came about due to his haircut, which (they thought!) made him resemble the long-lost fifth member of the infamous Beatles.

Fast forward to our wedding day and during the speeches, the following comment was made by his best friend & groomsman: "Well, Rhi, with you marrying Beatle, I guess we need to call you Lady Beatle now"

It prompted many giggles from those in the know and to this day, the story still brings a smile to my face.

So that's the reasoning behind my new blog name.

xx

PS: We are 3.5 years into our marriage and it has been 9 years since DH graduate high school & he was called 'Beatle' as recently as this past weekend. I guess old habits die hard! :)

Forgive me...

Forgive me Blogfather, for I have sinned.

For it has been far too long since my last blog post.

I vow, with all my might, to rectify this. Starting now.

Will be back later. The littlest boy is sick.

xx

Saturday afternoon....

Firstly, note to self. 1. Remember to blog. 2. When you do remember to blog, please remember your password!

This morning was the usual swimming/dancing/house clean/mountain of washing-to-to routine. Pretty standard for a Saturday morning. L's swimming teacher has decided that he's ready to move up to the next class, so that's exciting! I has her first set of dancing exams on Monday morning also, so no doubt there'll be proud Mama posts over the next week or so!

On the cooking front, I had an abundance of lemons left after my market run last Saturday morning, so I currently have a lemon loaf baking. If the batter is any indication on how it will taste once cooked, it's going to be delicious!

Lemon Loaf
(based roughly on a basic butter cake recipe...)

125g butter, softened
3/4 cup caster sugar
2 small lemons, rind finely grated (or 1 large) (I also added a tablespoon or two of lemon juice)
2 eggs
1/2 cups SR flour, sifted
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 180 degrees (160 for a fan forced oven)
Grease or oil spray a loaf tin
Cream butter, sugar and rind until fluffy using an electric mixer
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well
Add half the flour & half the milk, stir gently until just combined
Fold in remaining flour & remaining milk
Pour mixture into prepared tin (batter will be quite thick)
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

My experimental Chocolate Perky Nana cupcakes went down a treat last weekend, so when I find my USB cable, I'll make another batch, post the recipe and a couple of pictures.

Off to battle with L for him to have an afternoon nap - wish me luck!

PS: If and when I'm victorious, I might have a slice of lemon loaf to celebrate!

And I thought it would be a typical Saturday...

Our Saturdays are busy. Both kids have swimming lessons, Ims has her dance class (tres cute!), the standard weekly house clean plus a run to Rocklea Markets at the crack of dawn every second Saturday. I thought today was going to be a typical Saturday, I met a wonderful mum at dancing today and received a lovely offer...

I was sitting on a bench at dancing, reading 'Labour & Birth' (a text for my doula course) when another mother sat next to me, saw my book and asked if I was expecting a baby. When I said "No, I'm actually studying to be a birthing attendant", I actually expected her to look at me like I had two heads! Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when she replied with the question "You're studying to be a doula?" Yes - someone was on my wavelength...I could have jumped for joy!

We continued the conversation and she explained that she was due at the end of May, with her fourth child, a daughter which they intended on naming Imogen. Her husband works away for 8 months of the year on an oil rig and she was looking for a doula to support her during her birth. She told me I was lovely and asked if I'd be interested in being her doula!

Oh.My.Goodness - another jump for joy moment! Being asked to attend the birth of a precious child really is an amazing honour and I'm very much looking forward to sharing this journey with T & her family. Will keep you updated on my studies and my experience with T as it progresses.

We're heading on a road trip to Byron Bay tomorrow. The monthly markets are on, so the plan is to head down early morning, wander around the markets, take the kidlets to the beach for a bit and just chill. Will toddle off and charge the camera batteries now!

PS: I felt a real connection with T - it was compounded when she told me they wanted to name their daughter Imogen (as I have an Imogen and there's not many of them around!) and also because T is due only a week or so after what would have been my due date with our precious angel. Obviously this experience will be educational for me, beneficial for T & family, but maybe also healing for me?

First Post - Friday Night

So it's a Friday night. And I'm at home, celebrating my very first blog post.

Kidlets are in bed (one sound asleep, one supposably asleep - but I can hear her sing-song voice from up the hall!), husband is out, the house is freshly cleaned and quality of television is crappy. So here I sit!

I've decided to take a lead from the wonderful women who amuse, educate, entertain and amaze me each and every day through their own blogs and create my own.

I'm kinda excited about the prospect but note to self.... get 'puter nerd husband to help me create a spunky layout. Blogger basic templates are B.O.R.I.N.G!

Busy weekend ahead - run to the produce markets, swimming & dance lessons and a birthday party.... all before noon tomorrow! I'm exhausted at the thought!

Am off to google 'blog skins' to make this place a more beautiful space... keep your eyes peeled!

Goodnight
xoxo