Finding joy in the everyday

Who manages the finances in your household ?   I know this is a delicate topic — money is something I tend to avoid discussing on my blog as it is both personal and considered by people in different ways—some people are very open on this topic, whilst others think this is a very private matter. So, please, I do not wish to be nosy . . . just interested, as I have read different approaches to household finance and wondered how it worked for you. Many a marriage has broken up or been strained over finance—too much money, not enough money, wasting money, credit card expenditure, saving money, household debt, partners having different goals . . . it really can be the root of all evil but we can't live without it no matter how hard we try. In Australia, 75% of wives either completely manage or has some say in the family finances. This is quite a change to my mother’s generation where far fewer wives managed the finances.  This created a major problem when their husbands d...

Books by Holly Farrell - yes, this is a painting not a photograph 2012 is the National Year of the BOOK (Australia) and as I am a lover of books I thought it was important to do a Art Wednesday that celebrated BOOKS.  So here is a selection of artworks that involve books or that most wonderful past-time . . . reading.  I love books and have wasted many many hours of my life reading.  I read when I should have been studying, I read when I should be sleep, I read when I should be working . . . there is nothing quite like reading and I couldn't imagine a life without books.  I doubt I will ever have enough time in my life to read all the books I would love to read. “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" Reading girl by Gustav Adolph Henning (1797-869) Liseuse by ...

Romantic embrace by Brent Heighton . . . by love serve one another.   (Gal 5:13) Ladies, you may think that men have plenty of courage and they don't need any of ours - but you're wrong.  I've made a discovery that will change the way you look at your strong, capable husband: Sometimes he still feels like a little boy. When your hubby is rejected by a job interviewer who's half his age, he feels defeated.  If he's told that his credit rating isn't good enough to get the low-rate car loan, he feels like a failure.  He needs to be reassured that you still think he's wonderful, even of the rest of world doesn't.   - from " Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome " by Nancy C. Anderson (page 65) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another . . (1Thessalonians 5:11 ) We often forget that our menfolk are not made of steel and that they cannot always get through ever battle alone.  They are not the knight in shinning amour that ...

The ladies of Cranford - BBC mini series "Cranford" I have decided to work my way through the alphabet and write about a different topic for each letter.  I thought it would be fun and encourage me to write about topics I might not normally write about.  So to start . . .  A is for AGE . I have just finished watching Cranford and Return to Cranford, two wonderful mini series based on the books of Elizabeth Gaskell. This series isn't for everyone . . . it is quiet, slow and peaceful . . . it is quite enchanting with a few tear and tissues.  But the most striking thing about this series is the cast of women . . . most of the women are older.  It isn't often that I watch a film where the main characters are over the age of 70.  In an era where age is tucked away in the corner and not allow to come out, where women are encouraged to buy potions to look younger or iron out their wrinkles, where people don't even notice the elderly and won't give up their s...

Today is my son's birthday - he is 24 years old.  I asked him what he would like for a gift - as I know he has quite a long wish list!  A few years ago the wish list would have contained computer games, books, music and DVDs.  Last year he wanted money so he could buy computers parts for his custom made computer, this year's list contained the following - maturity has arrived. This was a little pricy, but happy to contribute. Circulon 12"x18" Outdoor BBQ Pan - he found something almost as good in Costco that he bought with birthday money so now he is the proud owner of one roasting pan! Circulon 10-Piece Set What a nice dinning table my son selected I did think when I had 2 sons that I would never be able to buy "house and home" gifts as most men don't want saucepans for their birthday.  But I have a rather unusual son who loves to cook . .  and would love saucepans as you can see!!  When we were in Costco last week he spotted a roasting pan,...

It has been quiet this week on the blog - everyone must be busy.  So just dropping by to say hi and as it is Friday here in Australia, may you all have a wonderful weekend with your families.   But while I am here I will tell you something - I am feeling a bit deflated at the moment.  I have been reading other people's blogs and came across quite a few who are planning out their year, listing their goals, resolutions as a homemaker, projects/craft activities, book lists, even monthly menus and housework planners etc..  I don't do any of this.  I tend to go with the flow and see what happens! Does this make me a poor homemaker, a reckless person or just spontaneous?  I like to think the latter! I think it is wonderful that others do these things, they are very organised . . . and perhaps lead a more structured life than I do . . . I am more inclined to go with the flow a little. The only thing that comes close to a list is my "to read/watch" pile of boo...

Mia - Vet When I was a child I played with LEGO.  LEGO in the 1970s was basic, it is all I knew.  I built cities, dream houses, tower blocks, bridges etc... LEGO at that time wasn't into themes as they are today - quite uncomplicated - they allowed the builder to be creative with basic blocks.  By the time I was buying LEGO for my sons (and I bought a lot I will confess) we had space ships, vehicles, forts, castles and other exciting themes.  Less imagination was required as Lego was doing the thinking for you. LEGO has decided that their LEGO products is too "boy" focused and they needed to create LEGO just for girls.  They have created a range called " Friends " and here are a few examples within this range. What do you think? Would you consider buying them for your daughters? But the big question is - do we need LEGO/toys just for girls? Olivia - invention workshop Interestingly, not everyone is happy with the new LEGO Friends range and the Lego Facebo...