TIM TAM = 0 ; ME = 1

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Dapple Grey

So Thursday is Music Day!!! I take my two kiddies to a Mainly Music class just around the corner. Well over a big bridge and around a few corners. But anyway, we have been doing this class since we moved to Sydney, and actually also did it in Melbourne. It is also where I met my Sydney friends. So now as our children’s social lives require their own diary, thursday tends to be the only day we all see each other. Basically – it’s the activity I most look forward too during the week.

After the class, the children get a snack. They then head off to play with the toys while the parents get their morning tea. I’ve been DREADING this time. I don’t think I am strong enough to avoid the tempting treats. If it’s not chocolate I think I will be ok, but if I caught sight of that dark brown creamy delight in any form, I think my heart might possibly stop. I watched the Mainly Music lady carry the first tray, I held my breath and tried to distract myself… Yes, I can see child one, and over there is number two. Dam, I don’t need to search the hall. Thankfully it’s a tray of slice – not chocolate!!! I breath a sigh of relief. But then, BAM, a second tray arrives. Why are we standing right in front of the food table? Then I think…. we always stand in front of the food table!!! Hmmmmmm. Then just like that I drop to my knees and beg to the heaven’s above…. Please make these tim tams calorie free!!! (Without changing the taste of course) Well that didn’t actually happen, but I thought it and felt like I was in an Ally McBeal episode.

My friends know I am doing the 12wbt, so as I watched them eat a tim tam each, saliva I’m sure dripping out of the corner of my mouth, I told them not to let me. I actually gave permission for them to tackle me to the ground!!! I was being serious!

The mind game during that 30 minutes was killing me, I found myself making “deals” in my mind… ‘just do extra cardio tonight’, ‘only one won’t hurt’, ‘don’t have a coffee later’. I watched as lady after lady took her tim tam… I wanted to cry. Well not really, but I’m sure you feel my pain!!! Anyway, they disappeared and I was free!!!!! I DID IT – I DIDN”T EAT A SINGLE TIM TAM!!!

As we left to continue our catch up at a local cafe (our thursday routine for the past 2+ years) I was advised that they weren’t “REAL Tim Tams” anyway. I don’t know if I would have cared at that point, but then again, if I’m going to waste those calories, it might as well be the real thing!!!

So for this week anyway I won!!! Hopefully it will get easier with each passing week, and I won’t have to think about that non-tim tam all day. I’m pretty sure I will dream about them tonight though…

I’m a yo-yo

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Dapple Grey

So I thought I would share some photos… looking at them has actually inspired me. I look at some and can’t believe they are even me. It’s funny as I can look at most of them and pin point the reason why I was the size or shape I am – big or small. There were a few photos I couldn’t find – pretty sure they are in Melbourne in storage.

So here goes – I’m putting these out in the worldwide web, this first one I haven’t even shown my besties….

The Heathrow Injection… 2003

I actually hate looking at these photos, pretty sure I only have them in Sydney so I can keep watch on them and ensure nobody see’s them. Well now it’s out for all to see. And to be honest, this is probably a good one. Just goes to show that living overseas whilst a poor uni student eating potato and cereal in copious amounts is not good for the figure. I was drinking way too much as you do at 21. I was also working in a pub, where after work in the wee hours of the morning we would eat pizza and drink beer before going to bed!!! I don’t even like beer, but it was all I could afford. This photo doesn’t show it (of course I choose the best. lol) but my skin was terrible whilst living overseas. Another reason why I need to clean up my food – at 30, surely I shouldn’t be getting pimples????

Starting to drop

I was home from living overseas, and starting to drop the weight – I still don’t like this photo, but want to show my progression.

2006

This was in 2006. I had just met my now husband, and was in pretty good shape!

Post baby # 1. 2009

This photo was taken 9 weeks after having my daughter – I was back in my jeans and happy. My boobs were MASSIVE, but they were feeding my baby. I exercised all through my pregnancy and as soon as I got the go ahead from my doctor I got back on the wagon. I was also conscious of what I was eating at this point in my life.

If I could find some other photos, I would have added what I looked like before going overseas (the first photo) I was at a great point in my yo-yo. I completed a 10 week challenge at my gym and weighed about 62kg. I didn’t have scales while living overseas, but at one point I was 78kg (weighed myself on the odd occasion I went to the gym). I actually never did it again after seeing that weight – that was a gain of 16kg in less than 6 months!!! In the 3rd photo I was about 66kg – which is around what I weigh now, but my body shape is a little different since having children. Another photo I couldn’t find, was when I was 19, I had just broken up with a long term boyfriend (over 5 years) and as you do when you are young and think your life has ended (I wish the future me could have spoken some sense to that teenager) I went the opposite way and lost heaps of weight. I don’t remember consciously doing it, but I was depressed and had lost my appetite. I dropped to 55kg and so many people thought I was sick. So I know I don’t want to go that far and that’s why 62kg is my goal!!!

I’m lucky in some ways as when I gain and loose weight I tend to do it proportionally – that is a bit everywhere. So most people don’t even notice when I gain or loose. The only exceptions would be when I was super skinny at 55kg and then my biggest overseas at 78kg. EVERYBODY noticed that!!! lol. So for my friends that called and e-mailed wondering why I was wanting to loose weight – it’s not only about loosing a few kilos, I want to eat better for my body and be the best version of myself. I’m not saying I’m overweigh, I’m not, but I know how easily I can gain weight, and I can’t just depend on exercise alone to keep my weight stable. I NEED to eat better and I’m starting now. Just PLEASE PLEASE don’t put any chocolate near me, I’m not over that addiction yet…

Back to being me – A 12 week challenge

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Dapple Grey

Great – so after pouring my heart out in this blog, I pressed “save draft” and BANG – blog gone!!! Maybe it was too long and this was word press’ way of saying “stop – we don’t need a second by second account of your last 30 years!!!”

So I’ll try again… I am just starting my second week on Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation. So far it is going great – not perfect (only self to blame) but great all the same. It’s not only about weight loss, it’s about finding ME again.

So who am I? I am a mother of two – a daughter 3 years and a son 2 years. We live in Sydney after moving here from Melbourne two years ago for my husbands work. Loosing my support network and comfort zone has been hard, but I’m here doing this challenge to change and stop making excuses.

With my babies

You see once upon a time, not all that long ago, I was a fit and healthy physical education teacher. Sometimes on my journey through life I hit speed humps and loose my way. I want to go back to the ‘old’ me. The happy, fit and healthy PE teacher and positive role model, but rather than being a role model to my students, I want to do it for my own beautiful children.

My weight over the years has been up and down, I might even share some photos if I find the courage… I wouldn’t say I have been obese, but certainly overweight for my height. I know some of you will hate me for this, but I am one of those people who actually ENJOYS exercise. It might be hard to get going, but I love it once I get going. (oh and when I am ‘fit’ me) My problem has been food. In the past I have exercised so I could eat what I wanted. BUT, when I hit 30 last year, someone turned the switch off that made that theory work. Suddenly exercise wasn’t enough – I needed to pay more attention to what I put into my mouth. Although I know what I should eat, all those years of abuse had caught up with me. I was (and I guess I still am) addicted to chocolate, potato and bread, and large portion sizes. I am so use to eating so much, to be honest – I am finding it hard to stick to the 1200 calorie intake.

So while I have had this blog for sometime, this section will focus on my journey over the next weeks on the 12wbt. This is time to find myself again (sounds cliché I know), remind and teach my body how to eat and what it needs to nourish itself. To rid myself of those addictions and stop finding comfort in food. It will be a battle but I’m prepared to do it. After only one week I feel better about myself already and looking forward, once again, to the future.

Jack & The Beanstalk 2nd Birthday

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Dapple Grey

So my baby turned TWO in January!!! I can’t believe it – where did that two years go? When thinking of a party theme we were reading Jack and the beanstalk over and over – he loved the giant!!! So that is where the theme came from.

I searched on pinterest and google, and I was surprised to find that there hadn’t been many parties done using this theme. But what had been done, had been done well!!!

There were 10 children attending the party of varying ages and their parents. It turned out pouring with rain -ALL day, so the games I had planned got the ‘axe’. Although it rained, it wasn’t cold. It was hot and very humid – causing some issues with the food. Jack’s cottage (the cake) melted and was falling apart, but my little man didn’t care – he was thrilled!!!

So here are some pictures… enjoy!

Welcome sign -
Fee – Fi Fo Fum I smell the blood of a party guest. Be he alive or be he dead, stay out here and you’ll be bread.
Quick – come in Jack’s BEAN waiting for you!

Sweets Table

Green Milk

The melting cake and hand stamped chocolates

Harp cookies. These also struggled in the humid conditions. They were dipped in white chocolate and then I piped the actual harp

Giants gold coins and green jelly

The spoons were hand stamped but that even melted away

Golden egg cake pops

The table setting – complete with beanstalk to the roof

The children all planted their own beanstalk seeds

I created masks of all the characters and the children (and some parents) acted out the story

The birthday boy with his melting cake!!!

Stamps & Labels – Stampin’ Up (you can purchase these products through me!!!)

Harp Cookie Cutter – Harp Connection, USA

Mini Milk bottles – The Little Big Company, Melbourne

Lollies – The professors, Castle Hill Sydney

Food & Decorations – made by me: Dapple Grey

Father’s Day 2012

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Dapple Grey

To celebrate Father’s Day this year I planned a sweet buffet for my husband. The children were involved in cooking the cookies and the banana bread. My daughter also helped with decorating. As you would expect they were extremely excited when it was time to enjoy – with daddy of course!!! The food was a collection of daddy’s favourite foods. Some items were made by me and others were purchased!!!

Happy Father’s Day!!!

Our little man enjoying his milk

Our big girl loving her milk!

Olympics Party

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Dapple Grey

Prior to having children I taught Physical Education & Sport so as you can imagine I am a lover of the Olympic Games. To celebrate, my little family hosted a small get together to watch the opening ceremony replay. Although in the end, my husband and I got up at 5.30am to watch, we figured that we wouldn’t be able to watch fully with a house full of kids.

I put together this small simple table for the celebration. My three year old daughter and I made the paper chains to represent the Olympic rings. She loved making them and was thrilled when I hung them up. She was very excited for the pending party but really didn’t understand what the Olympics was. She kept asking “but who’s party is it?” Sorry darling, no singing of ‘happy birthday’ at this party, although we did have cake.

I purchased a sponge from Woolworths, to save time, filled it with cream and jam and added icing sugar on top. Some flags from around the world topped it off. I made the chocolate cup cakes from scratch using a recipe from the Australian Breastfeeding Association Cook Book – I love this book, my mum used it when I was child and she gave me a copy when I was pregnant.

I purchased some individual chocolate bars from Aldi and changed the wrapper to the colours of the olympic rings. I also then printed hollow olympic rings on white paper and the children were then able to colour them in.

I made layered jelly in the colours of the rings, although these didn’t turn out as well as I had planned. I should have put a white layer in between the colours so they stood out better. It ended up just looking dark – if you look closely you can see different colours

Lamingtons purchased from Coles gave an Australian taste, jelly beans in the colour of the rings again. Lolly bananas, licorice and red frogs added some more colour. Water served in mini glass bottles with vintage looking red paper straws (available through Dapple Grey) were a hit. For lunch we had Mini Pizza (Italy), Guinness Pies (Ireland), Hot Dogs (USA) and Sausages (Germany). Finishing with a fruit platter.

A simple and easy table that was inexpensive and easy to create.

Go Aussies!!!

Party Party Party

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Dapple Grey

I NEED more Children…

Before my friends and family start talking – it’s not what you think. Well maybe a little… It’s no secret I wanted a big family, but my darling husband wasn’t thinking as big as I was, and my plans for this big family was before I had even started a family, and well before I had any idea how hard it actually was. Anyway, we have two beautiful children, our daughter born in April, is three and our son born in January, is one. So here is my dilemma – party season is over for us…. To add to my dilemma, we now live in Sydney (and have for two years at the end of this month), originally coming from Melbourne. So even though my closest girlfriends are all starting their families I’m so far away. Hence, why I need more children…Anybodies children!!!

My latest obsession is party planning!!! And now that my babies birthdays are done and dusted and I have started planning next years events (yes I know they are months away) I need something soon. I actually just styled a table for a corporate event, but it was in Brisbane. So I basically just organised lollies in the businesses colours and made a bunting to match. A friend put the table together for me. While the table looked great for the resources she had, it didn’t fulfil my creative bug – I want more. I’m a little bit of perfectionist with creative things and my mind was a buzz with all the ideas… if only it was in Sydney. Being asked to do this event was a thrill, and came from others seeing my children’s birthday parties. It did get me thinking – is this a possible venture for Dapple Grey???

One of my best girlfriends son is about to turn ONE!!! I’m so excited – but again the party is in Melbourne, and I just don’t think I can fit another trip back in. Anyway, she came to visit me recently and she wasn’t really sure what to do. I was like OMG – a paaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! It’s very hard to have a small party, we have a large group of friends, so does her husband. They are both from large families, and she is close with her work friends. Not to mention that is just the adults – add all the children and it’s huge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was totally excited, but she just put it into the too hard basket. Yes, it was like a knife in my creative heart. (I still love you friend x) Anyway, I told her to get her ‘spirit fingers’ out (think cheerleaders) and start planning – I would help of course. If I was in Melbourne I probably would have become a control freak and tried to take over – but alas I’m not. I will keep you updated on her plans – they keep changing. (again said with love dear friend)

A future project for this possible venture is my sisters wedding. She is getting married in December. I’m thinking a candy bar/dessert table/sweets table (call it as you wish) is a must. She isn’t so sure yet, I’ve got a few months to talk her round. She isn’t as over the top with this kind of stuff as I am – although I think I would get her future husband over line!!!

If I had a money tree and money wasn’t an option, I would go crazy with planning my children’s parties. I’m not much of a cook, but I LOVE to bake… I just don’t do it that often as I then want to eat it all, and that isn’t good for the waistline. (said as I tuck into my third milkyway…shhhhhh)

My daughter’s first birthday was pretty big – 66 adults and 33 children from memory, all in our small three bedroom home. The theme was “Jungle” as my daughter loved lions and tigers. I happened to come across an amazing jungle cake in the newspaper. I enquired, but at above $600 – that wasn’t going to happen. I decided to give it a go myself. I started making animals out of icing a few weeks in advance. I used two fake layers – of polystyrene, to make the tiers as I didn’t have cake tins big enough. It turned out better than expected, even though I was painting spots on the giraffe as guests were arriving. It wasn’t anywhere near perfect like the one in the picture – but I made it, and I was proud.

I got the Art teacher from the school I worked at to create a backdrop – it was the same animals from the invite – it looked spectacular!!!

My mum and I made the birthday girl a lion costume – she was super cute. In the days leading up to her party she would put the hood on a roar – she loved it. But on the day, she wasn’t so happy, so the lion costume didn’t last long.

For my daughters second birthday, we drove from Sydney to Melbourne. It was at Easter so I made her a rabbit cake. I had had this cake myself as a little girl when my own birthday fell on Easter. It was so simple and from the Women’s Weekly Cake Book my mum used. I love this cake book!!! We didn’t have an actual party, just went to the park with family. I think we were still recovering from her first birthday!!!

As this entry has become longer than planned – I will do this years events in another blog. Do you ‘theme’ your children’s parties? If you don’t have children yet – will you?

Don’t forget to read the previous blog (or look in Competitions) for your chance to win a Dapple Grey $50 gift voucher. Entires close tomorrow night!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Dapple Grey!!!

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Dapple Grey

It suddenly just occurred to me that Dapple Grey is ONE year old!!! Where did that time go???So much has happened in such a short amount time and I am so thankful to so many.

Firstly, my husband. Thank you for supporting me in this adventure – I know it isn’t easy, but you support me anyway.

My children – Without you, I wouldn’t have started this. You light up my life everyday.

My mum – You are the most amazing and talented women I know. If I can be half the mother you have been to me, my children will be blessed. You were a single mother of 4 children under 7, you worked so hard so we never missed out. I don’t know how you did it, but you did. Your creative talent inspires me daily.

My Nan – while you aren’t here I think of you everyday. I wish you were around to see Dapple Grey. Your sewing talent and eye for detail was amazing. I’m sure you would have sat with me at the markets. Especially the Sydney ones!!!

My friend Annette.F – Without you Dapple Grey would never have happened. You have done everything computer related for me and designed my logo etc. You always answer my questions and give me step by step instructions and advice. I hope you know how talented you are and how eternally grateful I am. If anybody out there would like something done, e-mail me and I will pass on your details to Annette. She is amazing and it’s great to support another stay at home mum!!!

The Bubble Girls, family and friends – You know who you are. Not only are you all my biggest supporters and fans, you are my best friends. Without your support and encouragement I would have given up. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Handmade Love & friends – Jeni from Handmade Love has been a wonderful support and has helped my business to grow. Thank you! Also to the other handmade women on her closed page. You are all so talented and inspire me everyday also. Watching your businesses is truly amazing. Thank you for your support, encouragement and kind words – it is so nice to be a part of such a wonderful community.

So that is the thank you’s out of the way – I’m sorry if I have forgotten you and I’m sure I have missed a few.

To celebrate this special milestone I will be giving away a $50 gift voucher as a thank you for your support.

To enter simply complete the following:
1. sign up to this blog. (if you haven’t already)

2. Like Dapple Grey on facebook (if you haven’t already) www.facebook.com/dapplegreyaustralia

3. Comment on this post

It’s so simple, most of you have already done the first two!!! And PLEASE share with your friends if you wish, so they too can feel the Dapple Grey love.

The winner will be drawn via random.org (or similar site), with the comments on this post being used as the number. Inappropriate and duplicate comments will be deleted. My decision is final. Entries close Friday July 13th, 2012 at midnight. Winner will be drawn and announced within the following week.

Voucher conditions: To be used in a single transaction. Order through me at joanne@dapplegrey.com.au I will delete the items from the store(s), rather than purchasing through the store(s). I also have stock that is not listed, so contact me to find out what is available in the size you require. Voucher can also be used at any markets I attend within the time-frame. Voucher valid for 3 months. One entry per person.
Winner to contact me at joanne@dapplegrey.com.au

Shopping 5th Avenue Style

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Dapple Grey

It’s been a little while since my first post – but I have a good excuse… I have been overseas. I went to America with my husband, and child free!!! I felt guilty doing it, but it was lovely to have some time for us. Since moving interstate we rarely get time together alone, so it was nice to have time to focus on us. We love our children dearly, but I think it is important to keep the spark of your relationship with your partner, and that’s hard with young children. The children had a wonderful time with their grandparents, and they also got to spend time with their cousins. When we got home, my eldest kept saying she didn’t want the new house anymore. Meaning she wanted to be back to Melbourne I think.

I didn’t get to do as much shopping as I had planned, but I did get to shop on 5th Ave in New York City!!! I was lucky enough to have been given a nice wad of cash for my 30th birthday, and it was given to me with the purpose of buying something special for ME!!! I did not disappoint my friends and followed their instructions. My lucky? husband had to follow me on the journey of hitting all the high end stores. I went through them all and slowly!!! My first thought was to get a Burberry trench coat – I have had this on my fashion bucket list for a long time. It is so classic and doesn’t date – I was very close to putting a tick, but then reality hit me – I have a one and three year old – a light colour just isn’t going to work at this stage of my life. I had visions of screaming and running away from my children’s dirty hands, petrified they would dirty said coat. I can’t live my life like that, so sadly it remains on my list.

Next on the list in my head were Burberry gumboots. My husband just didn’t think I would get enough wear out of them. It did rain an awful lot in Sydney during summer!!! And as we head into winter, surely I will get plenty of wear??? He talked me out of them – I didn’t even try them on. Now I do wonder if they would have even gone over my gigantic calves???

Next on the list was a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s – I loved Sex and the City, and loved the blue shoes Carrie wore in her wedding to Big. We found the store as it was closing – the security guard let me in. The pressure to shop quickly was too much and the shoes were very expensive. There is a TV advert on at the moment about not saving those special things, and the lady wears her nice shoes while sitting on the couch – sounds good, but – is this the life for a beautiful pair of shoes. Thought also about Fashions on the Field, but to work an outfit around a pair of shoes was more than my mind could handle at that point of the day. The security guard looked ready to go home, and my husbands face wasn’t much better… We left, no Carrie shoes in hand. I then decided to purchase a handbag.

Back to Prada we went. I had been in earlier and was close to purchasing a bag, but I wanted to check everywhere first. I had been given a Prada purse from my besties for my birthday and getting a matching bag had always been option. I had thought about colours all day in the back of my mind – the matching colour was out of my price range. My husband was over talking about it (he had done well all day) so I just had to choose. I went with charcoal! I LOVE it. It was hard to part with so much money on ONE item – but it is simply divine, and I do feel special carrying it. The customer service was amazing. General stores could take a leaf out of the pages of these stores. I have to admit I was worried I would have a Julia Roberts moment (in Pretty Women) and asked to leave as I am not the type of usual clientele, but it wasn’t like that all. Maybe security watched us more closely I’m not sure??? Plus I have read so many stories of young women putting the latest it bag on their credit card and not eating more than two-minute noddles for a month to pay for it. So I guess an everyday shopper isn’t unheard of anymore. Anyway, I walked out of Prada with my new bag in a giant box, in a giant shopping paper bag (I love paper shopping bags) and a huge smile on my face!!! I love the smell, the feel, the design and most importantly the smile on my face. So now that I am back from my holiday and back into reality, the most beautiful bag in my world has nappies in it!!! Clean ones of course

This is the style of my bag, just in black

Welcome!!!

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Dapple Grey

Welcome to Dapple Grey’s Blog! I will share lots of different things here, new items, sales, special offers, fashions on the field events, birthday party ideas and maybe even a tutorial here and there. Firstly, a big special thank you to Annette F for creating this for me. If you are interested in something similar, contact me and I will pass on her info – she is amazing and it’s great to support another stay at home mum!!!

Dapple Grey’s current range is called “Cafe` au lait” which means white coffee or coffee with milk. This story (the collection) features a warm colour palette of white, ivory, different shades of brown and a few splashes of colour. It reminds me of a yummy hot latte` or chocolate milkshake. It is perfect for autumn and winter, but many of the items could be worn all year round.

I really love this range, and am glad I did something a little different with the colours.

Stella Dress

The Stella Dress is made from drill so is hard wearing and perfect for the cooler months. Pop a long sleeve top underneath with some tights and boots and your little girl is set. The fabric of the fully lined bodice and pockets is a vintage re-print. The Cafe` au lait Stella dress is available in the following remaining sizes: 4 & 6 ($34+ postage) and 7 & 8 ($36+postage)

Long-sleeve seahorse t-shirt & Cord skirt with vintage trim

The cord skirt in biscuit features a vintage broderie anglaise trim from Austria. Currently only available in size 00 & 2 ($22+postage) and size 3 & 6 ($26+postage) The Seahorse long sleeve t-shirt is available in size 1 & 3 and a long sleeve body suit in size 00. All are $15+postage.

Long sleeve Holli Top

I just love the feel of this long sleeve Holli top. It is made from super soft Japanese tana lawn and is adorned with hydrangea’s. The sleeves can have elastic added at the wrist for a different look. Only size 3 & 5 remain and are $26+postage each.

This is just a small selection of the “Cafe` au lait” story, and to celebrate my first blog post I will offer free postage on the above products. To take up this offer please email me at joanne@dapplegrey.com.au with your order and leave a comment below.

I look forward to reading your comments on the Cafe` au lait story – you don’t have to order to leave a comment. I love hearing your feedback!!!

Thank you