Todays Card is.....?

This morning I pulled the " EMOTIONAL SENSITIVITY" card from DOREEN VIRTUES fantastic deck "ANGEL THERAPY ORACLE CARDS"

Honour and respect your deep sensitivity, as it is a gift to us all!

Have you been teased, or felt bad, about the fact that you’re extremely sensitive? If so, this card is the Angels’ reassurance of the positive qualities within your gift of sensitivity. For example, you accurately know whether or not a new acquaintance is trustworthy. The Angels are working with you to trust this feeling more often and not berate yourself if you’ve disallowed your intuition in the past.

You are peaceful by nature, so you naturally avoid conflict and other harsh energies. Ask your Angels to steer you toward other peace-loving people and keep all others away from you.



Honour your sensitivity by surrounding yourself with gentleness in your relationships, media choices, home life and work situation.



This deck of Angel Cards are wonderful and a joy to use too!




Have a Magical Day everyone!

Then, there's the Crystal Children

Then, there’s the Crystal Children.

My curiosity got the better of me and I aske Doreen Virtue a question about my 5 year old daughter Kobi. Kobi has so much passion and love inside of her every single day that I was starting to think it wasn't normal. How many times can someone say I love you so much in a day? Over 50 times a day I can hear this from her all in different ways. The hugs the apologies she gives me are the same that should be coming from an adult, not a 5 year old. She is very philosophical, I have no problems with her, and her relationship with the earth and the elderly just blows my mind away. And CUDDLES AND HUGS!!! Always always nearly every step I take she is there cuddling me, my leg or when I sit down for a cuppa tea, there she is hugging me then running off.

Doreen proceeded to tell me she is a Crystal Child:

The first thing that most people notice about them is their eyes—large, penetrating and wise beyond their years. The Crystal Children’s eyes lock on and hypnotize you, while you realize your soul is being laid bare for these children to see. Perhaps you've noticed this special new "breed" of children rapidly populating our planet. They are happy, delightful and forgiving. This generation of new lightworkers, roughly ages 0 through 7, are like no previous generation. Ideal in many ways, Crystal Children are the pointers for where humanity is headed . . . and it's a good direction! Crystal Children are quite the opposite. They’re among the most connected, communicative, caring and cuddly of any generation.

They are also quite philosophical and spiritually gifted. And they display an unprecedented level of kindness and sensitivity to this world. Crystal Children spontaneously hug and care for people in need.

Whenever I met them, I found myself falling in love with each young Crystal Child. Their hearts were as open and loving as any angel with whom I'd interacted. I found them unguarded and unpretentious. I'd go to sleep thinking about these children, and wake up with volumes of information given to me by the spirit world (or perhaps by the Crystal Children themselves) while I slept. Each morning, I'd wake up knowing more about the Crystal Children than I'd previously known the evening before! I began lecturing about the Crystal Children and found my audiences very receptive. Many of them were parents, grandparents, or teachers of these special youngsters. They instantly recognized their child's characteristics as I described them.

Just like humans have evolved from ape-like postures, the Crystal Children are concrete evidence that we're progressing in evolution. Secondly, I found crystal clear patterns among each survey respondent. I read dozens of similar stories about the Crystals and their relationships to animals, plants, rocks and the elderly, for instance. I poured over many stories with eerily similar accounts about children telepathically communicating with their parents . . . while eschewing verbal communication.

Most parents reported a happy relationship with their Crystal Child marked with very few problems. I heard from parents and grandparents around the globe as they described their Crystal as "an angel," "the love of my life," "a true joy," and so on. I noticed that not only were the Crystal Children highly spiritually sensitive, but so were their parents. The souls of Crystal Children were obviously selecting parents who could raise them in a spiritually nurturing environment. Occasionally, I met children who came through parents who were spiritually unaware. In these cases, their grandparents were highly evolved lightworkers who helped to protect and hone the child's spiritual knowledge and gifts. Most people told me that their Crystal Child was a profound spiritual teacher, who taught parents a great deal about being an exceptionally loving and kind person.

I and wouldn't want her any other way.

I convinced myself it was “Good Sugar”. But sugar is sugar. And its making me sick, tired and bloated.

I Quit Sugar is downloadable for the very sweet price of $15. Simply click on the button below and you’ll be swiftly directed to checkout.

Click here to visit Sarah Wilson.

If you’ve thought about quitting sugar, tried different ways, but can’t quite cut the ties… this ebook is your sweet, effective solution.

in eight weeks get clean + vibrant + yes, lose weight

Inspired by my own personal experience, my work as a health coach, and from some of the best experts from around the world, I Quit Sugar is practical week-by-week guide full of tips, recipes, advice and inspiration to quit the sweet stuff – for good.

What’s inside the book

I was addicted to sugar. I needed it every day. I convinced myself it was “good sugar”. But sugar is sugar. And it was making me sick, tired and bloated. I set about researching all the different ways to quit the stuff. It took a while. But in the process I found what works — for good. They’re simple techniques and they’re kind, sensible and totally make sense. In the I Quit Sugar ebook you’ll receive:
A sharp 8-week program that walks you through each crucial stage, week by week
A tidy, easy-to-relay-to-mates-at-the-pub explanation of how + why sugar is making us fat + sick
A sugar replacement plan: tested + nutritionally sound
“Sweet” sugar-free recipes
New treat ideas
A detox + a suggested supplements list
A downloadable shopping list of new ingredients to replace sugar in your life

“Sarah, I reckon your down-to-earth, practical approach to quitting sugar will make this message accessible to a whole new audience. You turn the idea of quitting sugar into a natural extension of doing the best you possibly can for your body. The result is a unique and thoughtful way of approaching the task” – David Gillespie, author Sweet Poison

Is this ebook for you?

Yep, most certainly, if:
You’ve tried to quit on your own and can’t get past the first few days (there’s a very important reason for this, which I’ll be sharing!)
You’re tired of feeling sluggish, bloated and stuck and want to try a new way (you might just be curious to see if sugar is the culprit…why not?)
You want to lose weight (because, yes, my program will help you do this, too!)

“Excellent book! The world’s longest-lived people traditionally consumed a fraction of the refined sugar that we do. Ms. Wilson offers us a lively, well-researched and engaging way for us all to curb the sugar habit and in so doing, offering another potential key for living longer.” – Dan Buettner, New York Times Best-selling author of Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from People Who’ve Lived the Longest

Food That Loves Your Body

Click here for some great Receipes from Sarah Wilson





Quinoa, pumpkin and orange salad recipe



Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed in a fine sieve Sea salt 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1½ brown onions, diced 1½ tbsp white wine vinegar 2 tbsp orange juice 200g pumpkin, peeled and grated 2 tbsp torn mint leaves 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas 1 tsp orange zest Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Bring the quinoa, 1½ cups water and a pinch of sea salt to the boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 12 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Allow to cool slightly before spooning into a large bowl to cool completely.

Heat the oil in a saucepan over low heat and sauté the onion with a pinch of sea salt for 7 minutes, or until caramelised. Add the vinegar and orange juice and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and heat through for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the mixture to the quinoa with the mint, pumpkin seeds, orange zest and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and serve as a warm salad, or leave to cool completely.

Chocolate Nut Balls



Half a jar of almond spread

250g or so of organic nuts. (We used almonds, brazil nuts and walnuts for their hormonally healthful properties. We tried using a stab-mixer, but it turned them into a powder, so promptly switched to a large food processor).

1/2 cup of raw cacoa powder (to taste)



2 big handfuls of shredded coconut

1/2 a stick of organic salted unadulterated butter. Or use the whole packet (200-250g) if you don’t have coconut oil.



4-5 heaped tbls of coconut butter (coconut oil)



One or more of these flavours:



vanilla powder (or use vanilla essence)

licorice root tea (gives it a very distinct sweet kick)

stevia (Natvia granules) - 2-3 teaspoons

cinnamon



One or more of these, to adjust the consistency, if you need to or want to and have them in the fridge anyway:

almond meal

LSA

protein powder – we used one called 180 Natural Protein Superfood which contains organic whey, flaxseeds, coconut and psyllium husks…about 1/2-1 cup

a small handful of chia seeds

maca powder

acai powder



Blend the above in a bowl, using a metal spoon to “splodge” the coconut oil and butter through the dry stuff. Don’t be precise – chuck in what feels right. You can’t go wrong. It will go quite “wet” – this is because the coconut butter turns to oil. Add some extra dry “filler” stuff to adjust the consistency. The chia seeds will do this super well. Grab little handfuls and form into “balls” and plop (seriously, this is probably the wrong word given what they look like) on wax paper on a metal tray. Stick in the fridge for an hour, or if you’re impatient like us, in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Quinoa with Black Beans and Cumin

Ingredients

Serves: 10



1 teaspoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

125g quinoa

1 1/2 cups vegetable stock

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

185g sweet corn kernels

800g canned black beans, drained and rinsed

handful chopped fresh coriander



Preparation method

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until lightly browned.



2. Add quinoa and vegetable stock. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to the boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,



3. Add corn and simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and coriander.



Note: Black turtle beans, or simply 'black beans' for short, are especially common in Latin American cuisine. High in fibre and packed with nutrients, they're a healthy addition to any dish. If you can't find tinned black beans, use dried. Or if you prefer to use tinned, try borlotti, pinto or kidney beans in this recipe.

Lentil Soup

Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis from Everyday Italian



Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil plus extra for drizzling

1 medium Onion chopped

2 carrots peeled and chopped

2 Stalks Celery chopped

2 Cloves Garlic chopped

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 14 1/2-ounce) can diced Tomato

1 lb Lentil approximately 1 1/4 cups

11 cups low salt Chicken Broth

6 sprigs fresh Thyme

2/3 cup dried elbow Pasta

1 cup shredded Parmesan



Method

1. Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the lentils and mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.

2. Stir in the pasta. Simmer until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.







SALAD DRESSINGS





Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette



This sugar free salad dressing is loaded with fresh cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice (can substitute lemon juice, good, but not as good) and garlic. Can you just taste the freshness? For those of us who are really into good food, we would describe this as green, fresh and smooth due to the olive oil. Make this once a week and refrigerate as you would store bought dressings, in a sealed container. Should last you the whole week.







Sweet Dijon Salad Dressing



Here is a very simple, straightforward Dijon mustard based sugar free salad dressing as another alternative for your vegetables or your salad. This one can be made without any sweetener, but a pinch of salt and pepper instead. That's if you like a little spicy tartness to your salad dressing. Can be made in no time at all. Make sure to make ahead of time so that it can be served chilled.





Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing



Avocado is a bit like potato chips, "you can't just eat one" serving. If you love avocados and are now focused on learning more about portion control, this is test number 1 - can you actually use only 1/4 cup in a recipe? We're betting that you can! Remember, it is one of sources of mono-unsaturated fats (45 calories per 1oz or 2 Tbsp). Hey, but if you love avocados and ranch dressing, this Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing is for you!





Ginger Salad Dressing



Ginger is one of those good for just about everything kind of spices. How can you go wrong with minced ginger as a big part of this salad? Okay, maybe try the Lite Soy Sauce instead to reduce the sodium levels. Beyond that, we've got garlic, ginger, mustard, olive oil, lemon juice...what's not to like in this one? You've got to try it!







Lemon Salad Dressing



A simple lemon based sugar free salad dressing that will always taste great! No Kosher salt in the cupboard? Use regular salt to taste. The great thing about these dressings is that they can also be used on steamed vegetables, not just salads.





http://www.preciseportions.com/category-s/65.htm

Spinach, Chickpeas and Sweet Potato - by Sarah Wilson



•Sweet potato (Roasted)

•Coconut oil

•2 large cloves garlic

•1/2 onion

•1/2 tin of chickpeas

•Fresh spinach (Frozen if it’s hard to get your hands on fresh)

•1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (You barely notice the coconut milk since it’s really just an accent, but you could always use broth if you’re not into coconut or if want it to be even lighter.)

•Harissa spice** (A dash of Cajun spice will also do, which then makes it Springtime in New Orleans)

•Salt



Chop up and roast a whole sweet potato. If you’re doing it on the stove top, dice it fairly finely so it will cook quickly (do not remove the skin). Heat the oil and when it’s very hot, add the sweet potato. Once it’s nicely browned (the oil must be very hot so it will brown), turn the heat way down, cover it and let it cook about 10 minutes. (Use this basic technique for roasting ALL vegs on the stove top). Remove from pan. In same pan sautee the garlic and onion adding a little more oil as necessary. Add chickpeas and with a fork, in the pan, crush most of the chickpeas leaving only a few whole. Then add the coconut milk, then spinach (don’t skimp here as it wilts down to nothing), spices and salt. Stir just until the spinach has wilted. Add the sweet potato back in. It will keep for several days, so make lots.

10 ways to sweeten food without sugar - From Sarah Wilsons Blog

One of the main tricks I share for quitting sugar is to get used to using other sweeteners (but only healthy ones).

•crushed berries…instead of jam. Crush some fresh or frozen berries (perhaps with a little stevia; I find frozen ones work) and spread on toast.

•vanilla powder… with yoghurt instead of icecream. In my ebook I share other tips, including where to buy the stuff.

•cinnamon…instead of sugar in your coffee. Try adding a dash of it to coffee as it brews. Toss it into the french press or coffee maker and let it infuse into the grinds.

•coconut flesh and flakes...to sweeten porridge.

•licorice root tea…in chocolate treats and baked things. A small teaspoon of the root (ie not after it’s made up into tea) adds instant sweetness.

•almond milk. The bought stuff is usually full of added sugar. Which is dumb because it really doesn’t need it. “Because of their sweet tasting oil (almonds) can trick our taste buds into thinking sugar’s present. Add it to tea as well as smoothies and you’ll likely use far less sweetener.”

•coconut oil.…as a snack after lunch. As Huffington Post writes, the mind makes such a strong “sweet” association with the scent of coconut, that even when there is no sugar present (like in the coconut oil) the mouth senses “sweet”. Look for the pure, virgin kind sold at most health oriented stores. I literally scoop it straight from the jar for an after lunch treat. I’ll post on this in the future. (see below for Huff Post’s spinach and sweet potato recipe cooked with coconut oil)

•cook onion…to sweeten pasta sauces. I love this tip: Many savory foods have loads of sugar added. This is especially true for foods with a tomato base due to tomato’s acidity. Sweeten with LOTS of cooked onion instead. Let them caramelize on the stove top until they’re deeply golden, their sugar oozing out…

•apple sauce...to sweeten muffins. Apples still contain fructose, but in moderation they’re fine and can substitute for sugar in muffins etc. Huff Post advises cutting back a little on the liquid, and/or add a few minutes to the baking time, and go 1:1 with the sugar to apple sauce substitution.

•roast vegetables...instead of dessert. Eat the roasted vegs at the end of the meal and you will be far less in need of a sweet. The most dessert-like ones: sweet potato, squash, beets and carrots.


Sourced from Sarah Wilsons Blog

2012 - Its Here and its Real

I have read books, listened to Podcast, viewed numerous You Tube Videos, researched at the library and enjoyed every minute regarding 2012.

Are your really aware we are sitting on Mother Earth? Are you really aware everyday that she is alive? And her heart is burning in the core of earth? Or do you just get up every morning, moan, groan, have your coffee, get dressed, maybe argue with your loved ones and go about your day and repeat it over and over again?

People are ignorant, shrug their shoulders and come up with their own theory formed by their ego and continue to debate with me about 2012.
Knowledge is power, not something you just make up and have an opinion about, open your mouth and blurt out with big words... Yes I will nod at you, smile and pretend to agree.. but it does not work....

2012 is a massive year for personal and global transformation.




Why are so many challenged by crumbling systems at this time on Earth? The effects of these changes are already moving through our world and will play out now in this pivotal year.

The forthcoming and current massive shifts in consciousness are:

•The appreciation of healers and birth of powerful new modalities in that arena as a symbol of self-healing becoming finally valued within the majority

•Evolutions in communication

•Individual and governmental responsibility where leadership is concerned
•Planetary changes

•The Redistribution and balancing of wealth and earning potential for the majority in the more immediate future

Dear Future Me

Dear Future Me.... A subject very close to my heart - my daughter Kobi, at the time of creating this video she is 4 1/2 years old. The date is December 2011. I will pull this video out again when Kobis around the age of 30 and show her. A great memory for everyone.

"Discovering Your Smiling Soul"

When you shift into spiritual awareness, you may appear to be living the same life as before, with the same ambitions, joys, and sorrows as before. However, inside, you have a radiant smile that may or may not be visible to the world. Your spiritual soul smiles through the good times and the bad. In fact, as your smiling soul shines more and more into the world around you, the world also begins to reflect your smil back at you. Do you ever find yourself smiling even when no one else is around? If not, try it! Smile to yourself. Smile at being alive. Smile to the Universe, which is always present where ever you are – closer than your own breath. I go out of my way everyday and smile smile smile and everyone, and I look at the frown and the creases they have and hope that I get a smile back to clear them away! OK, so some people have a reason not to smile at the precise moment as something terrible may have happened to them, but 9 times out of 10 its the smile I throw at them that may just make there day! I get hasseled at work some times because I just smile at people and my work mates don't get it! I will walk around for a minute with a smile on my face and god it makes me feel good! So today Sunday to me a favour and SMILE at everyone you see today! I call it...THROW A SMILE THERE WAY!

Choose Your Thoughts Carefully

These beautiful thoughts have been sent by a Friend and I wanted to share them with YOU ALL!

Thoughts are the seeds which we sow every moment of our Lives. Apple Seeds will grow Apples & Cactus seeds will grow Cactus.

So choose Your Thoughts carefully as Every Thought Conscious or Unconscious resonates Energy & that Energy exudes itself in different forms on different aspects of our Lives; Knowingly or Unknowingly!

1. Even with a small bank account, the one, who is contended, finds himself with great wealth.

2. Freedom starts in the Mind, not by cutting ropes.

3. To give happiness to others is a great act of charity.

4. Cheerfulness keeps up the spirit of the one who possesses it and brings a smile to the lips of others.

5. A smile can make short work of any difficulty.

6. Give a lot of time to the improvement of yourself, then there is not time to criticize others.

7. To taste the sweetness of Life, you must have the power to forget the past.

8. Waste work will make your heavy and tired and positive work makes you happy, light and refreshed.

9. Those who remain very happy will never internal laziness. Laziness is a great vice.

10. Balance is the real foundation of a blissful life. Keep this always in mind and your present and future will always remain bright.

11. Contentment and bliss go hand in hand. These qualities create great fascination for you among others.

12. If every step is taken in the remembrance of God, just imagine how much fortune there is in every moment.

13. If through some error yesterday was lost in grief, don’t lose today by keeping it in your memory.

14. Cheerfulness is the beauty of the face. He who is sullen is really ugly.

15. Life is like a drama. If I understood the plot, there is great happiness.

16. The more you enjoy putting in good efforts, the greater will be your happiness on receiving the fruits of those efforts.

17. When you smile, not only do you feel happy but you bring a ray of light into the lives of others.

18. Many people will want to quarrel and fight with you; realize that the only weapons you need are a smile and a loving nature.

19. To have balance in all situations is the key to happiness.

20. Sometimes a smile can be like a drop of water in the desert.

21. You must enjoy yourself and have recreation, but check whether it enriches your life internally.

22. If I make THIS MOMENT happy, it will increase my chances of having the next moment happy also.

23. The wealth of a rich man can be stolen or burnt, but the happiness and wisdom of the wise remain.

24. In the world of sorrow, what brings greater wealth- money or happiness?
25. A person is pronounce great when he can face a difficult situation with happiness and laughter.

26. Physical beauty can be lost with marks of age or through accident. Spiritual beauty cannot be destroyed.

27. The fool wants others to see him; the wise man smiles in the audience.

28. The one who is honest and has a true heart will always feel light and tension-free.

29. True victory means complete control over your sense-organs.

30. If you mind is caught in bondages and problems of the past, you will not experience the joys of the present.

31. If you want to advance in life, make sure that your wants don’t advance.

32. To forget your troubles, remember your Angels are there.

33. If you wanted and didn't get, may be you don’t need.

34. Condition your mind and remain cool under all conditions.

35. In the long run the most difficult thing is to search for an easy way out.

36. Nothing is just coincidence. Every tree in Life’s garden bears significance.

37. The one who knows how to adjust is the one who knows how to survive.

38. If others are against you, don’t put your back against the wall, see what you can gain from the company of the universe.

39. If you give your heart to someone they might break it. If you give your heart to your Angels, it gets strengthened.

40. If you beat your head against the wall when problems come, your intellect to decide will be messed up.

41. When the world becomes like a wild storm- the most beautiful shelter are your Angels.

42. If you do everything with the feeling of happiness, there will be no task too difficult to perform.

43. When you try your best and your best is not good enough, leave it in the hands of your Angels.

44. Remember you are very special. NO ONE can play your role better than you.

45. Loneliness comes when I forget that the universe is my Supreme companion.

46. Pin all your hopes in the universe, then you will not be pinned down by man.

47. To age does not matter, but by taking on matters you will age.

48. If there is no filament in a bulb, there is no light; If there are no Angels in your Life, there is no Life.

49. The more you understand yourself, the easier it is to remain happy and peaceful.

50. When all your attachments are with the Universe, then your achievements are many.

Good Ole Smiggles – Who Would Have Thought

I have bought the new Samsung Galaxy S2...

And do you think I could find a hard cover for it so I could just chuck it in my bag, throw it around at work, or the real reason was when I take it to the beach and sand would not get into it!

Also the bright colour tells me exactly where it is in my handbag which is practically a home, housing so many items that I can never find anything in there.

Trolling the shopping centres for a couple of days I could not find anything, then as we walked pass SMIGGLES, Kobis favourite shop as we always go to the Gold Coast Airport for a coffee now and then and she has purchased a few items at SMIGGLES there herself – she dragged me in the shop once again and there starring at me, this bright green case!

BINGO! There it was the something I was looking for to put my phone in. These are NOT marketed to phones, but I did a dam good job telling the chick at the counter to market them also for the smart phone!

So there you have it. If you’re looking for a case for your smart phone, but in my case for my Samsung Galaxy S2 SMIGGLES is the place to go!

Emotional? Me?

So there I was, I’d walked in at 11pm last night from work and on the table a big envelope from Currumbin Primary School stared at me!

Excited I was to see what teachers had Kobi and to see what side of the school she will be in. I opened the letter from both her teachers and all of a sudden my heart started pounding and my chest kind a hurt and I was blinking to hold back tears???

OMG, I was getting sad that my little girl was growing up and going to Big School next year and I felt like I was losing her!

I know I’m not loosing Kobi but it was freaky seeing my emotions just take over like that. I paced the lounge room reading that she was going to be in class PE and on the BIGGER SIDE OF THE SCHOOL. Arrrgggggggggggggg........

There are 4 Prep classes across the road in a nice little quaint area just for them and on the bigger side 2 Prep classes and this is where Kobi will be. Turning up for morning orientation not long ago to experience the whole school vibe took me back to when I started at Maclean Primary School. As I stood in the quadrangle a class of 8 year olds walked pass, no smiling, just staring us all up and down so in my own little head there I was playing a 5 year old looking at the older kids just staring me down, not smiling, walking with attitude, waiting for my mummy to walk out the gate so I could get picked on! I was looking at Kobi when this movie was playing in my head and straight away I could see myself putting Kobi into Self Defence classes, Karate classes, Kung Fu classes, just so she knew how to stick up for herself and stand strong.... Then I came back to reality, gulped and moved on...

The list of items needed comes to $177.80 – most of these I can see getting lost, left at school or the dog will probably eat! Then the uniforms... Of course these are going to be real expensive because NO price list was attached for this one!

I know Kobi will be fine. She has been attending Kangas since she was 8 months old, being surrounded by strangers most of her life. We have no family to help, no family to call on for ½ a day or a full day while we have to work ( no say in this one) and that thing we all have called a ‘Mortgage’. The only choice was this.

But I look at everything as a POSITIVE. In any situation that does not agree with me, I always see the POSITIVE SIDE.

Kobi loves people, very much a people person. Has wonderful manners, is polite and knows how to act around a bunch of strangers. Has learnt to stick up for herself at an early age. Being hit in the face by a stranger baby has made this cherub a little bit stronger in personality.

She will be FINNNNNEEEEEEEE at school I know. I have many wonderful friends who’s’ children have gone through the same thing, not once but even 4 or 5 times! First day at school photos I still have with me of some of my friends or in my mind I remember seeing the photos of their precious cargo all ready for big school. This comforts me.

So bring on 23rd January for I am ready for you!

Sunday Shout Out - Vicki James Creative Imagery - Yamba

Vicki James – Photographic extraordinaire, captures what we at times can only dream about.

Vicki is a young Yamba lady who specialises in wedding and portrait photography. Her work is breathless and every detail will be captured to precision.

Below is an excerpt taken from Vicki’s Blog....

Hello and thank you for visiting the Vicki James blog. I’m Vicki, it’s lovely you have stopped by to check out who I am and what I do. I specialise in Wedding and Portrait Photography. I’ve photographed hundreds of families and couples around service Northern NSW and the Gold Coast for quite a few years now. I am also available for interstate travel.

Before we meet, you might like to know that:

The following list may be a bit tedious, so if you only read this point, please know that while this page is all about me, when I photograph, it is all about the person in front of my camera. This page is to help you decide if I would be the right photographer for you. Writing my own story does not come easily……….

To read the rest of Vicki’s story, click on the click below and see how it ends!

http://www.vickijames.net/blog/about/


With a professional, fun and happy personality you will not be disappointed by inviting Vicki James to be your next photographer at your wedding or your family portrait.

You will find Vicki at:

Vicki James Creative Imagery
Yamba, NSW 2464
Clarence NSW, Far North Nsw Coast, Mid North Nsw Coast
P: (02) 6646 9589

http://www.vickijames.com.au

Places Ive Worked All Over The World

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

My father told me along long time ago... "Jecca, keep a record of all the places you will ever work, so you can look back on and see how far you have come". And so I did.

Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

A lot of people prefer the road less travelled because it means less change and less change results in less conflict. So many make choices that are safe and comfortable so they avoid the road less travelled because its the safer path. However, at the age of 16 I knew I WAS NEVER going to take that path....

One of my favourite quotes by Robert Frost, around the year 1920, wrote the quote called

'The Road Not Taken'...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

By ― Robert Frost


Below from the age of 16 to 41 are places I have worked - I loved moving about. I guess thats just me!

AUSTRALIA
Channel 9, Sydney NSW
Fishmongers Restaurant, Manly Sydney
Hamilton Towers, Hamilton Island, QLD
Denny’s Family Restaurant - Broadbeach Gold Coast
Chloe’s Restaurant, Quality Inn Hotel, Gold Coast QLD

Seaworld Theme Park Gold Coast
Perisher Valley Chair Lift Restaurant – Perisher Valley
Pacific Hotel, Yamba NSW
Australian Hotel, Mackay QLD
Travelodge Hotel, Surfers Paradise
Centrepoint Motel, Lismore NSW
Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba
Castalia Restaurant, Yamba NSW

Kern Consulting Group (Financial) - Cairns

CBC Staff Selection Cairns - Assignments Completed:
Petersen McCullough Robertson Lawyers
Department of Environmental Heritage
Department of Tourism, Sport & Racing

Bay Village Tropical Retreat Resort – Cairns
Tax Refund Centre – MGI Cockrell Reese Chartered Accountants - Cairns

Kosciusko Thredbo Resort – Thredbo
NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative – Harwood

RQ’s Tavern, Robina, QLD
Atkinson Gore Group / WPS V8 Supercar Racing Team – Gold Coast
Velocity – Gold Coast Airport
Hill View House - Administration
Solomons Flooring Tweed Heads

Tweed Heads Hospital, Sterilisation Technician – Tweed Heads


NEW ZEALAND
Carlton Hotel, Auckland NZ
Park in the Bar, Auckland NZ
Poenamo Hotel Auckland NZ
Autowash Company, Glenfield Auckland NZ
New Zealand Spirit Merchants – Browns Bay NZ

USA
Camp Counsellors USA - Full time Life Guard, Swim Instructor


ENGLAND
Harrods - Harrods Restaurant England

Cook Dennehy Recruitment London - Assignments Completed:
Frogmore Real Estate - London WC2B 6AA
HSBC Holdings Banking – Midland Bank
Merrill Lynch – Merchant - London
ABN AMRO – Dutch Bank – London

Devonshire Art Publishers - London
Medical & General Employment Agency - Temping
Prudential Assurance - PruTech Limited, 250 Euston Road London
Marler & Marler Surveyors & Estate Agents – Knightsbridge London

Today the Funeral of Daniella Louise Meads-Barlow will be held - 14th Nov 2011

Daniella Louise Meads-Barlow, aged 17 years old.

Sunday, 19 June 1994 - Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Bright young and full of aspiration, she had already lived a full, loving life with so much energy and pizzaz!


Below is the poem I wrote for Daniellas family.....

DANIELLA MEADS –BARLOW

Our Beautiful Daughter

You came into the world one day
A few short years ago
We wrapped you up in arms of love
And you began to grow

You learned to walk, and then to talk
When you were very small
We watched you dazzle with a smile
you gave to one and all

You learned to care about others
And often showed them how
We saw with joy and pride so great
and often remember now

You worked so hard at your books
Because they were so tough
We tried to help you as we could
And hoped it was enough

You treasured every single friend
Be they young or old
We could not help but think
You had a pot of gold

You filled the world with sunshine
With your beautiful voice
We held you high for all to see
and knew that you were right.

You left us on the 8th of November
When you were just half grown
We knew God sent an angel down
To take you to his home

You could not ever be forgotten Danni
As if we'd ever try
We try to see the love you left
Even as we cry

You will always be Mummy & Daddy’s little girl and big sister to Josh and Codey

Now we will look up in the sky to see the stars shining brightly, and there we will find you winking and smiling

Below is how you can donate towards the memorial fund established in Daniella’s name. - WRITTEN BY DANIELLAS MOTHER DONNA......


Donna, Brian Meads-Barlow and their family extend their gratitude for the enormous support and condolences they are receiving from friends, family and the community.

They have expressed a desire for this support to be channelled towards a memorial fund established in Daniella’s name. The funds will be used directly in the development of an appropriate alarm device for the pump used by Diabetics approaching Hypo-glycaemia. The alarm will send an urgent alert, not only should the pump malfunction, but in its design, will alert of a pending emergency of the sufferer of this dreadful disease.

Brian and Donna will continue to lobby in Daniella’s name this device onto the PBS in Australia to prevent this occurrence taking another life.

In lieu of sending flowers please help them take up this cause by donating to;

"Danii Meads-Barlow Memorial Fund"

By direct deposit: Australian Diabetes Council - Danii Meads-Barlow Memorial Fund
BSB: 062284 ACCOUNT: 10331874

Cheques F/- 'Australian Diabetes Council - Danii Meads-Barlow Memorial Fund'
GPO Box 9824
Sydney NSW 2001

Your contributions are greatly needed and shall assist in preventing another tragedy such as that which took our beautiful Daniella.

Danni looking up lovingly at her mum and dad...

SUNDAY SHOUT OUT - Smith & Brown Boutique, Yamba

Owner Kelly Smith has lived Yamba most of her life and in 2009 started up Smith & Brown Boutique in Yamba introducing many new styles of fashion and flair.

If you always wanted to look stylish and beautiful you may want to browse Smith & Brown Boutique in Yamba for high quality fashion that can be customized according to your taste which is the latest word in fashion today.

Although the task might seem simple, finding the perfect dress for a particular event is actually more challenging than you think. The combination of elements used on a dress and other fashion pieces you plan on wearing must blend perfectly to create a balanced look. Luckily, if you visit Smith & Brown Boutique you are guaranteed to find that perfect creation.


Click on the link below to find out more:

http://www.smithandbrownboutique.com/about-us