Wordless Wednesday- Fresh Lime

Playing Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys 


 

Sweet Dreams.

Although quite a lot of the first few days when the Little Lion was born is a bit of a blur, there's one thing that stands out for me oh so clearly and that, my friends, was the sleep depravation. Oh Lordy. I remember playing DVD after DVD at night in order to stay awake, and at one stage tearfully realising that I'd had about six hours sleep in three days. 


Fun times. 


The reason this was so excruciating for me was because I'm the sort of girl who loves her sleep. Less than 8 hours, and I feel completely out of whack and wooly headed. No wonder I muddled my way through the first two years of the Little Lion's life! I'm surprised I didn't turn up to work with my clothes inside out, or try to cook tea in the dishwasher! 


Although he's been sleeping well for the past six months, I found that recently I hadn't been. I'm not sure why, but the whole waking up constantly through the night thing was starting to throw me and I needed to rectify it quickly. 


My lovely sister in law Summer put me on to salt lamps, and I have one that holds a tea light next to my bed. Now, I've put a few little things in place before I head to bed each night and I don't know if it's psychological or not, but now once my head hits the pillow my eyes don't open until daylight. Such a relief! 


My little routine? 

• Make sure I don't have tea any later than two hours before bedtime, so I don't go to sleep on a full stomach.
• Make sure the salt lamp is lit before I go to sleep to emit negative ions in the air.
• Sprinkle a few drops of the amazing Endota Spa 'Dream' essential oil on my pillow. I love breathing it in deeply just before nodding off. It clears my head and has an instant calming effect on me.
• Put the laptop away, and read a few chapters of a book before going to sleep.

I've also found that it's easier for me to sleep if I've been exercising that day, especially if I've run during the evening. During weekdays I also try and keep consistent and go to bed at the same time each night. Helps with the killer 5:30am starts on my workdays!

Sweet dreams everyone! 

 

Find Your Strong.

I don't particularly like the feeling of being beaten.


Ok, maybe I should clarify that. I don't particularly like being beaten, not when it's by someone else, but when I do it to myself. Confused? Well, the run I did on Thursday where I only managed to complete 3.5km has been gnawing away at me, and I'm pretty annoyed at myself for giving up so easily. I was itching to have another crack at it, so I waited until Saturday when I knew Mr Hummingbird would be home to watch the Little Lion.


What was the temp on Saturday? Oh, that's right. 38 degrees. Damn hot. Mother-freaking-HOT.


So, I paced around for a while, then at 7:15pm I decided enough was enough. Enough with the indecision. Enough wavering backwards and forwards with should I, shouldn't I stuff and who cares if it's still 35 degrees? Not me! Get out there!


I wanted to do this:

Source: ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com via Rhian on Pinterest

I wanted to Find My Strong.


And, to my amazement, I did this:

The whole time I was running, I kept an internal mental toughness dialogue running. This is easy! Nothing can break me! Just put one foot in front of the other. Who cares about the heat? It's just a little sun! MAKE THAT SUN YOUR BITCH!


And, awesomely enough, it worked. Sorry, that doesn't really express how incredibly excited I was about it. This is a hot chilli sauce kinda awesome!! Check out how steady I was! The most consistent run by far! Does that express it enough? 


I know it's not the furthest I've run, but it's definitely the furthest I've run in this sort of heat, out in the elements. As you can imagine, this has made me feel a million times better about the Mother's Day fun run. I can do it. I know I can. Just one foot in front of the other. 


I found my strong. 

She Could. So She Did.

Feeling a little bit zombiefied and mentally tired today. When you have a toddler and a busy husband, you grab the opportunity for a run when you can.Yesterday evening however was an epic fail, and to be honest I should have expected that. 32 degrees of searing sun and on an empty stomach? Err.... no. The fuel tank ran out at 3.5km and it was a walk for the rest of the way home. Thwarted! 


I need a little bit of this...

TGIF! Have a fabulous Friday everyone! 

 

Outfit Post! MinkPink.

The gorgeous Miss Danimezza is always telling me to do outfit posts. My constant reply is Ok... but I've been super busy.. alright, I'll do it tomorrow! and then I don't. Slack-er. This week though, she inspired me again when I re-read her tips on how to take awesome instagram outfits photos and I hope she's proud of me, as I finally have an outfit post to share with you all!

Although I'm normally a T-shirt and singlet kinda girl in Summer, I found that I've discovered a love for dresses. Gorgeous patterns, shapes and fabrics, and I especially love the ones with an unusual cutout on the back. I'd been stalking this MinkPink one over at SurfStitch for a couple of weeks where I snapped it up the moment it went on sale.. isn't the crisscross on the back divine? 


I always wear my huge Witchery sunglasses outdoors, and I fell in love with the hat from Cotton On as soon as I saw it. To be honest I don't tend to accessorize too much in Summer, 90% of the time I keep my diamond studs in, throw on a bangle and/or a necklace and my rings and that's it. Winter is a different story... give me scarves, gloves and beanies stat!


Speaking of the bangle, I can't remember where I got that one from but I love the metallic tones and geometric shapes. Now I'm just on the lookout for more dresses with awesome back cutouts...



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Wordless Wednesday- Belated Valentine #2

Playing Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys.


 

Psyching Myself Out.

I discovered something on Sunday that will bring my goal of a 12km run in September a little closer to reality. My town is having a fun run on May 13th- Mother's Day- to raise money for breast cancer. This particular charity is one very close to my heart as my own mum is in remission from breast cancer, and I try to take part in any sort of fundraising that I possibly can. Like I said, it's super important for me. There are two runs- a 4.2km and a 7.2km. 


I'm going to give the 7.2km one a go. (eep!)


As soon as I decided I was going to go for the challenge and not the easy way out, those little niggling thoughts began to creep in. It's too far. Your fitness level isn't up to scratch. You'll never make it. You'll look like an idiot when you have to stop and walk. You'll come last. 


Isn't that stupid? I don't know why I'm thinking that way. Maybe it's because the run isn't too far away, and September still feels like a dream. When things start getting real... the doubt creeps in.


I think I let it affect me when I went for a run that night. It was soupy, hot, muggy weather and my legs felt heavy as I plodded along. I arrived home, with a stitch and out of breath cursing myself for not being able to run further when I know I could. I'd psyched myself out. 


No more psyching myself out. No more weak thoughts. When I'm running that 7.2km in May, I'll be thinking of mum, and how incredibly brave and strong she was when facing chemo. She has the strength of a Lion. I'm going to take that strength, and push myself to do this. 


I can do this. 


I will do this. 


I'll do this, and I'll damn well do it with style! 

Little Lion, Little Boy.

Sometimes, I'll glance at my Little Lion and suddenly it hits me, and makes me catch my breath. He's no longer my tiny baby, but a little boy, complete with his own developing personality and Holy Guacamole, where on earth did the time go? 


One of those moments occurred today. 

We were outside playing soccer when I suddenly though I have a little boy old enough to play soccer. I know, duh right? But maybe it's because we spend so much time together that sometimes I forget to really look at him. He's starting to use the phrase I can do it  frequently now, and I watch as he takes off his shoes, picks out his clothes and does his own hair. The nappies are now packed away and he now asks for his 'yocks' in the morning. He recites phrases along with Toy Story movies and can navigate my iphone with ease to find his favourite games.

We're so proud of the way he's growing up. He has the sweetest disposition, and constantly asks for cuddles, kisses and squeezes. He waves a sunny hello! to each and every person we meet. I'm grasping and trying to hold on to every moment, as I know the hundreds of cuddles we have a day will start to dissipate as he grows older. 


While watching him grow up is the most beautiful thing in the world, it's also bittersweet and slightly scary. How will I ever have the courage to give him the space and trust he will require when he goes for his first ever sleepover at a friends house, or goes for a bike ride on his own to meet friends?  No doubt I'll be fretting on the inside, but really, it's inevitable, isn't it? How will I be able to let him go? 


Right now, I'll live in the moment. As I'm finishing this post, he's crawling up on my lap and reaching up for another hug and a kiss. So, it's time for me to put this laptop away, squeeze him tight, then go and dance our little hearts out.


 

Letter Blocks!

I thought I'd showcase a few photos of the letter block sets I completed just before Christmas- a pastel set for Giselle complete with pale pink beading, a zesty set for Guiseppe in warm colours and a funky traffic theme in cool colours for Antonio.

If you'd like to order a set, check out my madeit store or email me at hummingbirdssong@live.com.
Happy Friday everyone!


 

Hitting the Thousand.

Due to all the excitement happening this week (like the small detail of me winning a $5000 Queensland holiday thanks to Nuffnang and Tourism Queensland with this post... eeeeeep!!!! Cue major happiness!) something almost slipped under the radar and I noticed it only last night. 


This, my lovelies, is my 1000th post. Mon Dieu! 


I still remember the first post I made, back when blogging was more about journal entries and diary posts. A place to be self indulgent and write without fear, a place free of judgment and curious eyes. Back then, it was simply reflection... which has now turned into connection.


Over the years, I reached out with comments. Emails. Twitter. Friendships began to form- tiny little daisies starting to blossom in a huge grassy field. I took a deep breath, jumped, and became a public blog. Quite terrifying at first to be completely honest with you, but... oh. Oh, if only I had the words that weren't so cliched. 


Delightful, rewarding, comforting.. addicting. I adore it. It's like a never-ending bowl of fairy floss. This is my little corner of the internet, all decked out in cream, orange and turquoise with my tiny hummingbirds weaving a melody in the air. 


It's my metaphorical home, with so many delightful visitors who stop to indulge in a cup of tea and piece of chocolate with me. 

A place to share tales of my Little Lion, my art creations, running and fitness goals and all things I find beautiful and inspiring. A place that continues to grow and continue to discover more connections. Every day, more and more daisies are popping up and flourishing in that grassy field. 


Here's to 1000 more posts in the future! 




 

Wordless Wednesday- Belated Valentine.

Playing Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys 


 

Something to Love.

Source: eatdrinkchic.com via Julia on Pinterest

Today...

❤  Let someone know you appreciate them

❤ When baking, lick the bowl.

❤ Listen to your favourite song more than once.

❤ Pick a fresh flower, and place it in a glass on your window sill.

❤ Have one extra piece of chocolate.

❤ Put twenty minutes aside to go for a brisk walk. 

❤ Stop to share a cuppa with someone.

❤ Choose your favourite scent and fill your house with it.

❤ Turn off the lights and use candles and tealights.

❤ Think. When was the last time you told someone you loved them? 

❤ And lastly... find something you love about yourself. 

Happy Valentine's Day ❤

The Green Zone.

One thing I love about the Nike+ is that every run you record counts towards reaching new levels. It was a nice feeling of accomplishment to finally get out that orange one, and hit that awesome lime green (which coincidentally is my favourite colour). Do you know how many kilometers I had to run to get there? 


250.


250 freaking kilometers... and I can't tell you how awesome it felt to finish that last run, and sync my ipod to watch my data click over. 


Let me tell you, those levels aren't the easiest things to reach. To get to the next one, I have to run 744, which honestly could take me around three years. So, I'm thinking I won't even worry about that until I'm at least halfway there. I'll just concentrate on making that 12k fun run for now! 


 

Vitamin Me? Vitamin Rhi!

I'm the type of person who takes a vitamin every day. A multivitamin to keep myself fit and healthy, and keep those pesky germs at bay. It's easy to find a vitamin for the body, but what about the mind and spirit? One to get that 'spark' and zest for life back into you? 

A vitamin for happiness... contentment... peace... wonderment... bliss...

The fabulous team at Tourism Queensland has created the idea of Vitamin Me- a vitamin which is administered by experiencing everything this gorgeous Sunshine State has to offer... including the arts, food, wine, scenery and wildlife. Let me tell you, I'm liking this idea a lot. 

So, how would I replenish my Vitamin Me levels? I had a brainstorm, grabbed my watercolour paints and created my own Vitamin Me- Vitamin Rhi.

Simply.. all the special, magical parts of Queensland that I crave all rolled up into the perfect recipe. Delish! I'll have a dose now please! 

A big thanks to Nuffnang and Tourism Queensland for running this competition - a $5000 holiday to Queensland, and for the wonderful opportunity to experience all that the Sunshine State has to offer. You guys are amazing!

 

Couch to... 12km?

A colleague and I were having a chat last week when I mentioned that I enjoyed running. His eyes brightened when I said this, and I discovered that he was once a keen runner too. He started asking me all the normal questions, such as what distances I was running, the times, etc, and then asked me the big one.. was I training for anything?


One of my goals last year was to enter the 12km Adelaide City-Bay fun run and unfortunately I didn't make it. Disappointed? Yes. I trained all through the summer reaching a peak of 8km, but once the colder weather set in all my motivation shriveled up and I hung up my runners until the sun returned. Yes, I'm lame. 


My colleague is now pushing me to enter this year (he even mentioned a marathon, and I told him he was crazy. Just a little out of my league there!) and I think if I have someone motivating me I'll be able to do it. Yesterday I decided to push myself and instead of turning to the right to do my short 5k course, I headed left and completed 7kms. Yes, I almost collapsed at the end (hence the sharp downward spiral), but I did it! 

I'm going to try and commit to running the longer distances on Sundays again, the shorter ones through the week and get my stamina going. Times I'm not too fussed about yet, I just want to make sure I can last the distance! Next goal is 8km... and I'm giving myself three weeks to get there. Wish me luck! 


 

The Most Amazing Cupcakes Ever.

So, while I was flittering away happily on Pinterest last week, I discovered the most amazing cupcakes in the world. Seriously, it was like someone had looked into my mind and picked three of my favourite foods in the world and combined them all into one. 


Cake? Check.


Chocolate? Check.


Cookie Dough? Check, check, check!


I became super excited and immediately planned to make them for my colleagues on our first day back at work. So, on Tuesday I created these delicious little morsels...

[Image]

Yes. It's chocolate chip cookie dough in a cupcake. HOW SUPER AMAZING IS THAT?! Unfortunately by the time I realised that I hadn't taken a photo of my creations, they'd all been snapped up and had disappeared. Apologies! 


For the recipes, simply click on the image link. You're welcome ;)