Pool play

One essential in the tropics is a swimming pool!  When we bought the house we decided the very first thing we would do is install a pool.  We want Master Jack to learn to swim and it will provide us with summer fun family time.

We decided to pop the pool nice and close to the house to ensure we maximised use of it.  We are also fortunate to have a bathroom that opens directly on to our patio so no need for wet little feet to travel through the house :)  Perfect!

Here is the yard before its transformation.

My dearly departed grass :(

For viewers of the great Aussie classic movie 'The Castle'...."Dug a hole Dad". 

There's not a lot of garden left.

The temporary fencing is going up and it's starting to look like a pool!

And a few months later...

We still have a fair bit of landscaping left to finish and eventually we'd like to replace the make-shift shade sail with a lovely new one (this one was found left-over from the previous owners so a bargain!).  

I'm thinking a cocktail by the pool is on the cards...

Bit by bit we get there :)

Kid friendly

Some shopping centres just get it 'right' for parents and children.

We were delighted in Rockhampton to find their Stockland shopping centre had a fantastic indoor childrens play area.  After a good couple of hours shopping, little Jack was restless so we headed to the play area, I grabbed a coffee and watched him have fun!  It was terrific, broke up our shopping day and kept him in a better mood, longer.

The play area was spotlessly clean, the equipment was bright and great fun.  He was also able to see himself on television which kept him entertained.

Then to top off this fantastic family environment it was time to head to the parenting room.  Wow!  What a great space for parents and kids.

Firstly there is a big open space with another small play area, for toddlers.  Then a row of very clean, bright change tables with complimentary wipes (heated thank you!).  A variety of feeding rooms with lovely chairs in them with automated locking doors and toys for toddlers.  Large toilet facilities (big enough to take in your pram and all your shopping) with both toilets for big and little people :)

I know to the uninitiated a post on toilet facilities seems a little uninteresting, however, if you've ever been to the shops with an infant and pram alone and needed to 'go' you would understand the logistics can have you in tears ;)

I took a pic of the little play area but the rest of the room was full so I didn't get any others

Apologies for the quality of the pictures, they were taken with my phone :)

Organised shopping lists

I am a terribly disorganised person!  My friends will tell you otherwise, but I promise you it's an act!  I need to work very hard at organisation within my home.

One of my husbands biggest frustration with me is 'lists'.  I am forever writing list upon list and then leaving them all about the place.  To Do lists, shopping lists and chore lists.  I can always find a random list around the house or in my handbag.

I bought a journal lately and have only written my lists inside it, it's been great and prevented all my bits of paper.  I have also discovered a super organised way to write my grocery list, it takes an extra few minutes but I think it saves a bucket of time at the supermarket (and with a toddler this can only be a good thing).

I usually shop at either Coles or Woolworths, they have great online sites.  I logged on and registered and then created a shopping list (really meant for home delivery).  Once I've picked all my items I then print it off and head to the shops, and as an added bonus I already know what my shopping will cost!  Very conveniently most the items are automatically grouped together in the appropriate areas and makes shopping a breeze.  Better still, they are so up to date with information that you can automatically see items are out of stock...before you even head out to the shop!

I absolutely love it.

Here's an example

Coles Online

Woolworths Online

Dangerous liasons

Living on a cliff-top can have its drawbacks.  Master Jack is 14 months old and is a mobile terror!  He walks, runs, climbs and above all, he falls over...a LOT!

We do try to childproof the house ahead of injury, but lets face it, sometimes we miss things.  Trial and error unfortunately means a bump to the scone for Jack or worse.  It's always a sad day in our house if he takes a big tumble, but on a cliff it could be so much worse!!

One area we have been meaning to fence for some time is this one...

It's an area near the front entrance of our home and houses the pool filter, as you can see it's a pretty steep and rocky drop to the water tank.  A bit scary!

The Mr fashioned a fabulous Merbau gate on a hinge.  He stained it with a clear stain and I think it looks fab!  Cost under $30.  Bargain!

Looking at the nice new stain though makes me realise how desperate the balcony is for a sand and stain.  Looks like another project to add to the list!

Seaforth visit

We all went away for a few days to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.  It was a lovely few days and gave little Jack and I a few days exploring whilst the Mr worked.

On the way there we found this gorgeous little spot about 20 minutes off the beaten track between Proserpine and Mackay.  It was truly magic.  Nothing but holiday houses, a camping ground and a general store.  It's Seaforth, and I know I am probably the last person to find out about it!  We loved it, it's the sort of place that you feel you could let the kids run off at lunch time and call them back at dinner without a worry.

We'll definitely be back for the Markets.

What a view of the Whitsundays too.

Our little picnic spot in Seaforth.

Plenty of picnic tables, room for the kids to run and even a little free swimming pool open on weekends.

Subway Art

I am just loving Subway art at the moment.  Particularly anything inspirational.

I have printed out a couple of these and placed them around the house in frames.

This one I popped in Jack's room.  It displays all the fabulous things I want him to absorb.  There are various colours and the big bonus is you can download it free here at Mozzies Way of Life!

Thanks to my fave The Super Organiser Mum for the link :)

I have this one in the lounge room as an Easter decoration.

Available from Tammy Mitchell

See how gorgeous they can look!  Thanks Moms By Heart

I wonder how hard it would be to have a go at one of my own?

It's all getting a little Easter crazy in our house.  Lots of craft and decorations.  I'll post some of our own soon.

My favourite Easter ideas

With all the rain we've been having, I am always on the lookout for crafty ideas to keep Master Jack and I occupied.  I found a few beautiful ideas, I thought I'd share them :)

Yolk Folk!  Too cute!

.

You can purchase the template at Cradle Rock

Or a novel twist on giving an Easter Egg

The Eggling

What about some FAB Easter baskets?  I'm a bit intimidated about making these, but will give it a go!

Find the template at the wonderful Kiki Creates

Or something simpler, but adorable to do with the kids

The instructions can be found at the Speckled Freckle

I think Jack and I might stick with simple colouring in and painting.  I found these gorgeous colouring in templates.  They are free and easily printable.  By Style me gorgeous, they have a free template each month and also seasonal templates.

Now off to create!