It’s been hectically busy around Mamamia HQ lately. Always is but there is so much happening and there has been so much buzz on the site lately we are just lapping it up. You know that we are now posting on weekends right? It’s creating such a fluid feeling to the site and although the 24/7 aspect can sometimes seem a little daunting it’s creating a real sense of flow. Loving it.
Around the Office
The Mamamia office - as you walk in
Shopping
Last weekend I managed to take out an hour from some very intense time with my extended family. Almost. My husband was away so I landed up at the shop with my 11 year old son. Not a great combination until I discovered that he was very happy browsing the aisles of JB Hi-Fi which was located very close to Supre. Tantalisingly close.
I’ve never been a Supre shopper but my fashion mentor Mia speaks about it with great enthusiasm, she is a big fan of their crop tops which come in about a bazillion colours and cost $5. Yes $5. So I ventured in. I blushed slightly when I heard the music. I was ridiculously excited to see a friend at the counter paying for some purchases. At least I was not the only 40 something in the shop. And then I went to say hi and realised she was shopping for her daughter. Duh.
But let me tell you I walked out with a bag full of purchases. Two pairs of coloured jeans, three tops, a jumper and two crop tops and I spent less than $200. How good is that? I may never be able to wash them but I am happily dressing as a teenager for a while. Still not buying the soundtrack that accompanied my shopping expedition. And no Supre have not paid me, they did not give me a discount and they are not sponsoring this post 
The interns
Mamamia has taken on five new interns in our first organised intern program. Haven’t had a chance to work with all of them yet but Lord the interview process was tough. What amazing people are out there looking for internships? Truly I was bowled over.
The Flowers
This amazing gallery comes from colossal art and design and I wonder if I have ever seen anything quite so spectacular.
The massive art installation called Bloom is the work of artist Anna Schuleit who has filled almost every square foot of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC) with 28 000 potted flowers.
The facility was about to be demolished and the exhibition was a way to pay respect to all the people who had been cared for or worked there and also to allow them to come and visit and reflect.
Bloom by Anna Schuleit at the Massachusetts Mental Health Centre
What’s been happening behind the scenes in your world? And what’s on your mind?
PS: ‘OMM’ stands for On My Mind for those playing along at home. Enjoy!
Comments
198 Comments so far
Where does one find the Soul energy drinks? I did a Google and got nothing. Want to try the mojito flavour.
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No need to worry about the washing of the Supre gear Lana – teenagers have no idea that there is a working link between clothing and the washing machine!
My daughter’s BFF used to say when there is nothing in the wardrobe to wear and it’s all lying dirty on the bedroom floor (note: there is no working link between dirty clothes basket and clothing in the teenage world either) then its time to go shopping! Where did she shop? Supre, of course
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Question to Lana: where is that pink oversize top, that you are wearing in the title photo of this post, from? (I can’t click on that photo to see it bigger, because then basically the post comes up and another pic of you)
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It’s from Supre
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thanks
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Have taken up blogging and its super fun. And law ball is on tomorrow night, so there’s that. Pretty happy in my little life right now!
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Finally got my copy of 50 Shades of Grey in the mail. It’s a little hard to get into because I love to read and write, and I can see it is badly written. Just waiting for the juicy parts to start. I bought it because my job is stressful and I need that bit of fluff to relax me.
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I have a question. How do you pronounce meme? As in “internet meme”. Do you say it “me – me” or “meam” ?
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meem
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Feeling a bit proud – I just weighed myself and I’ve lost 10kg! It’s taken me four months and it’s been hard but i did it! Being able to walk into a clothing store and try things on and having them look good is so much for of a pay-off than a big block of chocolate! I am now a size 12 and my BMI is 24. That’s the healthiest I’ve been since before I had my first bubba, almost five years ago. Hooray!
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Congratulations!
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Had a lovely break from the farm in Sydney with my boys. Easter Show, Football, Bowling, movies etc. The kids were kept busy so I could sneak away and do a bit of shopping.
I have been doing some teenager style shopping for myself too! Went to Peeptoe and bought a bangle with skulls all bejazzled on it. Could be a big waste of money, could be the thing that funks up my all-black wardrobe. I have a feeling that I will look too goth – not sure yet.
And I am trying something new. Red lipstick.
It freaked me out when I got it applied, I am going to try out this new look and just try to go with it. No more boring same/same for me now!
OMM: Must get heating sorted out. This house is freezing!
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The bangle and the red lippie sounds fabulous. Sure way to vamp up your look.
Go you good thing!
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Thanks Sailorgirl! Can you tell I am afraid of change?
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Need help please MMers!! My son is learning electric guitar, but the prices seem to be getting really expensive.
Does anyone know of a great guitar teacher in Sydney (lower North Shore)who specialises in teaching children and is reasonably priced?
Thanks!
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Maybe you could hire a high school student or uni student? You could email a school close by to you and ask a teacher to recommend someone.
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Check your local council. Ours offers free guitar lessons as part of their youth program.
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OMM: how do I stop stressing so much? I worry about anything and everything – hubby jokes if I have nothing to worry about, I’ll worry about that! I’ve always been this way and I know it is stupid, such a waste of energy and time. I wish I could magically change this about myself.
Also wondering how to figure out what study I should do. Need to make a career change but can’t find something I’m really passionate about. Pressure is on to figure it out so I can get cracking earning some money to pay for the school we’d love to send our kids to. A couple more years at home with the kids, so i’d love to study now too.
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I’m the same
drives hubby mental.
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Is it possible that you are suffering from anxiety?
Cognitive behavior therapy and practicing meditation can be helpful.
Wishing you well.
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Nearly four months in I still think I have the best and obviously most adorable baby in the whole entire world and whenever Red Rocket isn’t around just lie in bed playing with him.
Last babies rock. You drink in every last drop of them.
If it didn’t involve being pregnant or raising presschoolers or teenagers I’d ahve dozens of the little bunnies.
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Lana- I LOVE Supre at the moment and was in there on the weekend as well. In front of me at the counter was a woman who started apologising for being in there. She said “I’m sorry, I feel so embarrassed, my daughter shops here, I shouldn’t be too!” I thought it was a bit sad she felt like that but then the 16 year old shop assistant chirped “Oh don’t be! My Mum and all my friends Mums shop in here and pretend they are shopping for my friends but I see them wearing it too! But its good cos we can all borrow our Mum’s clothes!”
Also on that note, as a single Mum working full time I don’t have much time to shop, and Supre is one of the ONLY clothing stores I can take my 3.5 year old daughter without losing her. Last weekend one of the assistants managed to play hide and seek with her and have a dance at the same time as putting things back on hangers at the change room. I know I can go in there and they keep a firm eye on her while I try things on. This is why I spent $200 there last weekend… and that’s a lot if you know Supre!
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I love Supre and I also love Forever New – and Im in my late 40s!!
thanks for sharing – I’m not alone!!
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I might have to check Supre out again. In the past, I’ve found it quite expensive for what it was. I’ve found alot of those clothes are tiny and made from horrible ridiculously clingy material. I’ve found better singlets at Dotti and better and cheper leggings at K-Mart. But I’m open minded and will check it out!
Am currently in Italy with my boyfriend who lives and works here. I’ve been here for almost 4 weeks and fly back home on Sunday. Leaving him is going to be ridiculously hard (there will be many tears), but I am looking forward to going back to Adelaide to my life. I’ve been working from home from his flat while he’s at work, and I haven’t really enjoyed it. I need structure! I need to get up in the morning and go somewhere! But will still be so sad to leave him. But I’ll be back at the end of July!
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so happy that my fiance (who is studying and not working) has found a casual job. its great for a little bit of money to add to the ‘wedding/life account’. also, i get to have a bit of quiet/me time for a few hours at night after a busy day at work.
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Its our first week of the school holidays in the ACT and what a delight it has been! I have a hectic schedule of nana naps, catch ups with friends, planning and tidying scheduled. I swear that I never looked forward to school holidays as much as a student that I do now as a teacher
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On Friday night I bought 50 Shades of Grey on a whim for my Kindle. Started reading. Got hooked (even though I would love to know who edited or *cough* didn’t edit it) and have now read 2.5 of the books since Friday night. I also work full time and am in a manager role this and next week while my boss is on holidays. So my uni work this week has been non existent and now I’m a tad bit stressed over it, not to mention sleep deprived from the late night reading!
Tonight I’ll get back on track and reward myself with some 50 Shades before an early bedtime.
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I am really excited about getting a new wardrobe! I need a complete style overhaul, starting with my body – i’m not buying anything until I’m a bit smaller. My baby is only 4 weeks old so not worried about losing weight etc yet but I am so looking forward to the day I’m out of maternity clothes and back wearing some normal gear. What I need help with is shoes. Can you do a post saying what she’s go with what? I know it sounds stupid but I wear thongs with everything and have no idea what shoes go with jeans. Help me…
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OMM; People being so gross in the work toilets. Seriously is it so hard to flush the toilet once you’ve finished and if there’s anything still floating afterwards, is it that hard to flush it again?
And why leave pee marks on the seat? for other people to clean up?
And why won’t people wash their hands with soap after going? There’s one woman who constantly “washes” her hands (they’re in quotations because she holds her hands under running water) for 2 seconds then goes into the kitchen and starts touching all the plates and cutlery. I’m not clean freak but that is just gross!
on another note, little annoyed at my friend still. I know she’s hurting but i can’t stand listening to her bitch about her ex because i’m really close to him. lame!
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I totally relate to the work toilet issues! We have standard home-type toilet roll holders too, and for some reason it’s REALLY hard to put a new roll on for some people.
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Yep! We have had the same issues at work this week!
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Yes, don’t people understand that washing your hands with water and no soap achieves nothing?
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Maybe just put up a sign in the bathroom, saying to clean up after yourself, and replace roll etc. Unfortunately I have seen a few of these signs (seriously, there should be no need!!!). Also, I have seen signs re washing of hands (how to wash them properly – again so sad) so maybe look at that as well? You might just even mention it in passing to HR and say how gross you are finding the state of the bathrooms, and ask them to put up signs
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Oh I know. The cleaners here at work have put up signs on the back of each door saying, please flush after use and don’t fill with toilet paper as it blocks the toilet. This seems to be the other issue. People using what seems to be half a roll when they go – what the??
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I’m moody and I know it. (Wiggle wiggle etc etc)
Been such a goose re new bloke who turned out to be a frog, not a prince. Continuing to kick my own arse. Swearing off them for a good while, methinks.
OMM: Schoolmate lost his battle wiht the Big C yesterday. We are all so gutted – last we heard he was in remission. Went suddenly downhill in the past month. He was such a funny, much loved bastard. Only just met his soul mate in the last 18 months – they married last year.
I think my happy is somewhere behind the sofa, with Jesus…
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The good is that I’m feeling a lot more settled in my huge country house.
THe bad is that as everyone has heard (sorry) I have no furniture or personal belongings besides a computer, one bag of casual clothes and three pairs of shoes.
So we’re sitting in this huge empty house apart from a bed. And it’s become cold and I have not one pair of winter shoes!
And the monsters who illegally did this, threw away all my belongings & furniture, have attempted to substantiate it by saying that everything I owned was crap. However, the recent photos I fortunately took of the house well & truly prove that to be a massive lie.
And I can barely believe their massive lies including this whopper about my beautiful clothes:
“in such poor condition that it was not taken to the Salvation Army out of respect for their well advertised problem of costs incurred in the disposal of poor quality goods dumped by the public”
This about my as new Herringbone, Jigsaw, Scanlon Theodore suits, Prada, Gucci, Robert Clergerie shoes, many clothes & shoes never even worn.
Even the brand new Iphone still in its box never opened was rubbish & thrown away along with pretty much everything else.
I really do not see how this is not outright theft?!
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Who did that ? Why can’t you go to the police? That is totally sucky. I can’t believe it!!
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My real estate agent. There’s a Tribunal Hearing and then I’m suing them privately.
As I’ve said in other posts it’s really them throwing away my little soulmate dogs ashes which were in a beautiful box next to my bed w a pic of her and my fathers WW11 photographs from when he served in the navy. Plus all my photos since childhood, no negatives or copies of any.
Plus having to start from scratch again with absolutely nothing. And the lies about my belongings and clothes!!! Outrageous lies.
Plus (here I go again!) if everything I owned was such rubbish then why didn’t they allow me to collect it all as I was entitled to?!!!!!
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just interested to know , how could anyone end up in that situation ?
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You seem to be inferring she’s to blame for this horrendous thing happening Anon. And quite judgmental too. I really do not think that is necessary.
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no she’s not! she’s asking a simple question – it is really hard to have this situation occur. And if she is suing privately, she shouldn’t be continually writing on mamamia aobu tit.
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Do you also think it is “hard” to be robbed, mugged, bashed, etc? Or are people to blame for this happening to them as well?
I’m suing my ex husband and I’ve written about it frequently on here, is that ok with you?
“it is really hard to have this situation occur. And if she is suing privately, she shouldn’t be continually writing on mamamia aobu tit.”
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“it is really hard to have this situation occur”. Is it really? How do you know that?
Is it hard to have someone steal from you, commit fraud at your company? Instead of trying to proportion blame, maybe we should be thinking how shocking it would be if it happened to us.
I don’t think the question was reasonable either. “How could anyone end up in that situation” – I’m sure someone going through that terrible experience would love to hear that.
How does anyone end up in any situation?! If you leave a window open and you’re robbed is it your fault that there are people out there who steal?
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I suppose that someone could end up in that situation due to a person or company acting with wrongful intent, maliciousness, disregard for the law and Legislation etc. It’s extraordinary but it can and does happen.
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Anonymous, don’t you just love these anonymous’s…..
She can write about it on here as much as she likes! You must be a very cold and judgmental person to say she shouldn’t be doing this.
She’s understandably extremely distraugt, as would anyone, to have this happen. Why shouldn’t she be writing about it?!
I really hate when criticism and judgmentalness appears on here, it’s not necessary and very unfair. We should be supporting, not ripping into each other.
If that had happened to me I would be overwhelmed. She’s probably dealing with it as best she can including writing on here. We should be giving her support, not having go’s at her.
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Anonymous number 2, it was the manner in which she asked the question which inferred criticism “how could anyone end up in this situaiton”.
It’s hardly “that’s horrible how did it happen” type of question was it?!!!!
Are you going to judge everyone’s postings whether they should appear on here, whether it’s appropriate or not?????
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Let’s all please remember to keep it civil. Thanks
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Yes Natalia, we should be civil. But we should not be judgmental or telling people what they should or shouldn’t post on here.
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How did I end up in that situation? well it was fairly easy. I spent two weeks asking the agent to allow me to remove all my belongings. I am entitled to do this within 14 days of leaving the property.
I asked them on day one to let me remove everything that day. Every request was met with steadfast refusal. I then advised them that I would apply to the Tribunal to be allowed to remove my belongings. But they then threw away/sold/donated everything regardless.
So, no it wasn’t “hard” at all. The extraordinary thing is that they caused themselves enormous amount of time and work throwing everything away, selling it etc. If they had let my removalist remove everything it would have required no effort on their behalf and approximately four hours.
Don’t worry, I won’t post about this or anything on here any more.
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why did it happen in the first place?
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Our lease was terminated due to my owning two little dogs despite house being kept immaculate and no complaints from neighbours. I applied for a rehearing confident I wld get it but it was refused and we had to move out pretty much the next day.
I confirmed w Department of Fair Trading that I was allowed to remove all my belongings within 14 days of departure. I packed enough that I cld carry in a taxi on my own, my computer, a fan, pillows, blanket and my v heavy computer.
Then when I tried throughout the 14 days to be allowed to remove everything, as Legislation entitles me to, they refused and then they sold/gave away/threw away everything.
That, Anon, is how could “anyone end up in that situation”. Some people ignore regulations and believe they can do anything they want.
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This is a very strange situation. Did you not have your goods in storage? Why did your real estate agent have possession of your goods?
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Strange? It’s a nightmare. See above per yr questions. My belongings were in the house and they refused to allow me to collect them.
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So incredibly frustrating !!!!! Is there any way you could recover the items thrown away? Could you go to the tip?? Def sue them and file complaints etc! Why would they be so difficult?
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I’ve worked in real estate for 20 years and what they did was absolutely wrong and they will face a severe fine plus compensation costs. they could lose their licence.
Most agents are good and know they have to work within the guidelines of state legislation which is very clear. Then there are the others who do whatever they want. It’s very clear in the Act that the tenant has 14 days to remove their belongings and they can not be prevented from doing so. So the first issue is that they refused to allow her to remove her belongings. the second is they then, incredibly, sold/gave/threw away everything.
Obviously this was a very malicious act and they will face disciplinary action including loss of licence/registration and a major fine. She will be compensated but the personal belongings can never be replaced and that is the truly terrible part of this.
I really feel for her, it’s a shocking thing to experience.
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I dont believe they threw any of it out and either gave it to friends/family or flogged it off.
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OMM: People choosing to hold their kids back from starting school until they are 6 years old.
I know there are reasons for kids starting later, but I get the feeling that some parents are making the decision a bit lightly.
I was chatting recently to a mother – we share a mutual friend. Her son had his fourth birthday in January. I asked how he was enjoying kinder. “Oh, he’s not doing four year old kinder this year – he wasn’t ready. So we’ve put him in three-year-old kinder this year.” Um, maybe if you had him in three-year-old kinder last year, he would’ve been ready for four year old kinder this year – WHEN HE IS FOUR.
My boy will start school next year at age four and will turn five a few weeks into the school year. He’s a fairly bright, confident and very social kid who will be ready to start school then. But, I just wonder, will he be at a disadvantage when there will be kids there who are up to 18 months older than him?
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not having a crack at kids who need the extra year in kinder for whatever reason, but it feels like some parents are holding their kids back for reasons that, to me, are not valid.
It will probably all come out in the wash and I might be worried about nothing. No doubt he’ll feel sorry for himself in his final year of high school when his mates can go to the pub and he can’t – not such a bad thing during year 12 studies if you ask me!
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That is OMM too at the moment as my little boy is due to start 4yo kinder next year (2013), and then school the year after that (2014). J will be 4 when he starts school and turn 5 in June of that year, just 3 weeks before the cut-off. I asked a few schools about delaying J’s start until 2015 but I’ve been told I can’t – maybe its different here in WA than in other states?
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Sounds like the states are different – there’s a bit more freedom in VIC for parents to choose – something like they can start if they turn five by April (at the youngest), and must have started in the year they turn six (at the oldest).
Sounds like J got a rough deal being born in June, I guess the next 18 months of pre-school will be really important to prepare him for starting school. Good luck.
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I’m in NSW and my birthday is in the middle of the year (June). I started school the year I turned 6, so I was 5 and a half and had no problems. My cousin who started the year before I did, who is only 11 days older than me, had lots of issues, but I personally don’t think that had to do with age, just with her individual development at the time. I could have started school the year before but the way my Mum saw it, once a kid starts school, that’s it. You’re then in school, uni or work for just about the rest of your life so why start school any earlier than you have to. I think it’s a little easier though when kids birthdays are in the middle of the year.
My brother’s birthday is in April and he could have started the year he turned 5 but he really wasn’t ready (issues with Aspergers, etc) and so he did an extra year of pre-school than the rest of us girls and while he was older than a lot of the kids in his year it worked really well for him.
I think there can be a risk in sending a kid to school when they really aren’t ready but I think in the end it has to be based on each individual child and the person who knows that child best is their parent. I doubt there would be a lot of people that make the decision lightly (although I’m sure there are some). To each their own.
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Sigh*
I have your same OMM too. I have a son that is a December baby. He went when he turned 5 so he is the “right” age to go to school but there were kids who were already 6 and just starting kinder. I was worried as all these people were holding their kids back so they were 6 when they started, but I can see that is makes buggar-all difference in a normal child.
I think my son would of been driven insane if he had 3 years of preschool and I had held him back to become more mature.
There are kids who have birthdays in the same week as my son and they turned 8 whilst he turned 7, it makes a huge difference in age being a whole year older than him that I wonder if he is at a disadvantage because kids are much older when they go and the expectations can change from the teachers to suit. He is doing well and some of the kids who are that year older are only average in the classroom anyway. It doesn’t make them more intelligent, just older.
I think my son is going to be so cross with me once he hits year 12 and has to wait until December for his 18th, but I hope that he will knuckle down instead of thinking about a life in the pub in year 12. We will see how that pans out.
I do think that if there is no real problem with the child, they should be sent when they are 5. It makes it too hard otherwise in my opinion.
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My daughter is a March baby, and she has started school this year and is one of the youngest in her class. So far all is good. I think I take a more pessimistic approach to yr 12 drinking that you do, though. While it’s true they won’t be at the pub, they will have a have a whole group of friends who are willing and able to buy their grog so they can drink it at home or in a park somewhere. Guess it’s a fair way off though..
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Thanks for the insight! I think we’re in the same boat as you – another year of kinder will give me a bored five-year-old! Good to know your boy is doing really well despite being a young’un. But I agree with you about starting on time unless there’s a specific issue. Lots of parents deciding ‘he’s not really’without any real reason or effort to get them ready!
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Hi I’m curious what you mean by “disadvantaged”. My boy started school and turned five at the end of the February. He did a year at the local public school and moved to an all boys school in year 1 and I can’t think of any disadvantages he’s faced. Should I be keeping more of an eye out? My daughter is also a February baby; she’s 14 now and I also can’t think of any way she’s been disadvantaged over the years. I worried for the first few years that she wouldn’t be as mature as the older girls but it hasn’t amounted to anything. The more precocious girls (especially the ones getting up to tricks) were pretty evenly spread across the year. The ‘naughty girls’ in year 7 included both the oldest girl and the youngest girl in the year.
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Thanks Elle – my son is a Feb baby too – glad to hear your Feb babes have done well! I just wondered if, this early in life, a year older was significant enough to make those kids more advanced.
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Hi TJ
My daughter turned 5 in Feb, 2 weeks into the start of the kindergarten school year (we’re in NSW) She is a little younger than her peers but she was emotionally and mentally ready. I have no regrets in sending her and believe she wouldn’t have been bored with another year of pre-school.
Perhaps you could speak with your son’s preschool teachers and ask for their feedback on whether they think your son is ready? The school will also have some kind of entry assessment and the teachers there will be able to help.
I don’t think it matters if there will be a gap in ages within the school year, that’s life right? Best they learn early that everyone is different! A good teacher will play to each individual’s strengths anyway.
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I’d love a teacher’s view on this.
I’m in QLD, and my son’s year was the last before they introduced Prep. A lot of children held their kids back from the year before, so he started school with 30 boys, 14 of who were up to a year older than him. Made a huge difference in playground dynamics, sports etc (kids have to do carnivals etc in age groups). Academically, not much difference. There were only one or two girls who were older, so seems to be more a boy thing.
I remember one mum telling me she held her son back, so he’d be 18 when he went to schoolies! I was gobsmacked that that was her sole reason for holding him back!
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OMM: Lamenting about a lot of things. Mostly its money, jobs, time, understanding my kids growing up, balancing time trying to keep myself sane with contact with friends and one-on-one time with the kids during the holidays, trying to work out how to balance a budget that is non existent, trying to work out how I can keep the facade up that we’re not broke, trying to work out how we can still do some really important family things on a shoestrong budget, working out how to stay happy in front of the kids despite my brain constantly working over divvying up the money we do have for bills each week, working out how on earth I can afford to try and give my husband something special for his 40th in a few weeks with no spare cash. Its becoming a constant thing thinking about money and its doing my head in!
And basically it all boils down to being a bit devastated that the way we had things planned on paper hasn’t worked out in reality with my husband going full time with contracting work (it’s either feast or famine – 4 people chasing him for the same week of work and then nothing for 7 weeks, then a month of work, then nothing for 3 weeks …) and us moving closer to my family. And the reality that we may have to move to improve our work/financial position despite being we are totally happy where we live now and the emotional/physical support we have from family and the fabulous community we live in and the kids are educated in. There’s just not the financial happiness.
Anyone else taken some giant leaps in job/family changes to fall flat on their face – we only ever seem to hear about how people upend their lives to brilliant success … :-/
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Hi, I’ve been in this boat too. My partner and I moved 450km away from Perth 4 years ago for him to work for his dad in the family business. In the long run, this was meant to be the retirement plan for us. It ended last year with the business going bust (after 25 years) and my partner not being paid for 6 months and then being out of work for 2. He had a bit of a brain snap at the end of the year and we split up for a few months before moving back to Perth and getting back together. We’re now living in different houses and struggling to get a bond together so we can try and find a house in Perth’s crazy rental market. Much worse off than we were before we moved!! I feel like we’ve lost 5 years and I’m really struggling with it at the moment
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OMM: Between two jobs, two committees, case meetings, training, uni & sleep. I am struggling. How long till the end of semester?
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School back on Monday – and I’m madly prepping for this term with the enormous responsibility of co-ordinating my school’s ANZAC Day liturgy. It’s a huge deal – veterans, VIPS, parents, 800-odd students and the school executive present. Yikes. Scared I am. Powerpoint don’t fail me now.
I’ll also be up for the dawn service in our small town, marching with the school contingent to the memorial and watching the sun rise over the water – as they did in Gallipoli. Does the dawn service – or ANZAC Day in general – make anyone else cry? Does me!
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ANZAC Day never fails to make me cry. All those boys…….all those mothers
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OMM: I actually wanted to write about this last week, as it’s bugging me since then, but I didn’t have the chance, too busy.
Ok, on Easter we were invited to our Neighbours for their easter celebrations, went there had dinner, all good, then I left with our 11month old because she was tired and it was bed time for her. My husband stayed a bit longer with our 3y old, you know she wasn’t tired, had fun with some other kids a hubby also with the adults. ( And because we live literaly across the road, no issue with driving and so on)
Now to the issue. When my husband came home he told me how the neighbours were behaving crazy because they were smoking marijuana(or joint or whatever it is called) and were obviously stoked. I mean they and most of their friends/guest were already pretty drunk at the time we arrived. What is bugging me basically, I wonder is this normal these days for people to not only get drunk at any chance they get, but also stoked?
Oh I have to add, they(and their friends/guests) have all kids, from small to teenagers, normal jobs, mortgages, etc.
Are they otherwise bored and feel like they need to try “crazy” new things? What about the kids? Aren’t they aware what kind of message they’re sending? So many questions, so little answers.
And just for the record, me and my husband are non smokers, so no I don’t feel pier pressure.
Any opinion?
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‘Stoked’? I must be old but I thought that word was only used by surfers.
Anyway, I’m with you. I’d be mighty cheesed off. Smoking pot and drinking copious amounts of alcohol around kids is just NOT okay. I’m having a 50th birthday dinner on the weekend and my invitations specifically say no kids – not because we’re going to light up enormous spliffs and play Frank Zappa, but because we’ll be drinking margaritas and may get a little crazy. Not okay for kids to be around this!
You have every right to be annoyed – and puzzled. I mean, what will happen when the teenager of one of these families decides it’s okay for them to smoke pot? Will it then be a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do?’ Hmmm?
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Totally with you on this one. Pot is definately not ok – especially around kids!
People don’t understand how damaging the stuff is and how it can cause major mental health issues. If anyone smoked it around my daughter I would never speak to them again. Harsh but fair
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While I personally can’t condemn someone for smoking pot (can’t say I haven’t had the odd joint or two), there is no way I would ever do it around kids! If you’re gonna be doing that sort of thing then at least have the decency to leave your kids with a baby-sitter overnight so they aren’t exposed to that in any way. I feel the same if you’re going to get totally drunk as well, I just don’t think kids need to see that behaviour no matter how old they are, it doesn’t set a very good example.
I only have a 5 month old daughter so I haven’t had a huge amount of experience with that sort of thing, but I’ve told my husband if we are to be having a big night at any stage in the future then I would prefer it if she spent the night at one of our Mum’s places and was well away from drunken adults and he agrees.
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thanks for your responses Kathy W, SusieQ and KP.
If there was a next time, I would definitely leave with my kids when they would smoke again.
and by the way, sorry about my choice of vocabulary(stoked, …) I didn’t grow up here, so am not used the choice of words.
and also I completely agree with the mental health issues!
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You mean “stoned” not “stoked”! lol
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I guess so
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Haha I couldn’t figure it out. Thanks!
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Thanks. I shall use a dictionary more often.
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What’s happening here…. Well, the sun is glorious!! I love the variety of Melbourne weather. You think summer is all done and dusted, and then a few hours later, there it is! Layering is a must.
My 18 year old brother is going through a bad stage. He’s gone back to his CRAZY ex girlfriend. If anyone knows the crazy-hot girl ratio from How I Met Your Mother…. EEEK! So I’m praying for him… He needs some peace in his life to focus on his goals.
Work is getting busy thank goodness! I work in a very pro-active kind of job. There can be nothing for weeks then BOOM! A bit of pressure never hurt.
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I have this problem with my brother. Things start going well for him, then he goes back to her and it all turns to shit. I have almost had to list him as a missing person twice because she steals his phone so we can’t contact him for weeks at a time.
She has given him head injury by pushing him into a wall, tried to glass him, steals his stuff, hacks into his phone… she is proper, stabby, crazy.
I have no idea what to do about it, but I worry for him all the time.
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Terrible and so worrying. Next time something like that happens you should report it to police even if he doesn’t want to. THat is really important. It will give her a warning and protect him for the future and he may really need that. Good luck
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Ha the Vicki Mendoza diagonal!
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I have a question for everyone.
After reading about the Daniel Morcombe foundation help me app, I downloaded it for myself as I thought it was a great idea. I listed my sister and fiancé as the 2 emergency numbers. We decided to try it first just to see what sort of notification we received. When you hit the emergency button the phone starts beeping loudly and I could only turn it off if I switched my phone off. Does anyone think this is not ideal? If I am in an emergency and I want o discreetly notify someone, I certainly don’t want the phone to start beeping. I don’t know if you can disable this feature?
I also think we should be able to list more than 2 numbers for emergency contact.
I still think the app is a fantastic idea and genius work from the Morcombe family.
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I haven’t tried this app, but reading your post I am thinking, maybe it’s a good thing that it’s beeping so loud, it might turn the predator off of assulting you, because obviously he will realise that help is coming.
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I don’t agree – wouldn’t the first reaction of the predator would be to take the phone off you and throw it away, particularly if it’s a small child that they are taking somewhere in a car? Sure you want to attract attention before you are forced into a car but I don’t know that the phone beeping after that point is a good idea. Surely it’s safer to be on silent so the predator can’t see what you are doing but you can be tracked by police?
I do think it’s an amazing idea and the Morcombe family is incredible – just wondering if it’s something that needs to be fixed up on the app.
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I agree with you b.
I did have a bit of a think from marijana’s perspective however and tried to think of a situation in which the beeping would be useful. When i was in high school, my best friend and I were seated separately on a bus that went into the local town. The bus was very busy. A man put his hand up her skirt and tried to touch her. She got very scared and didn’t know what to do. When she got off the bus she was crying. I guess in a situation like that the beeping might be ideal but for the most part I don’t think there should be a beep.
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Yes! I did this at work yesterday and thought the exact same thing. I added my number in to test it and my phone started beeping really loud. I was so embarrased as everyone looked at me. Imagine hiding with your phone if you had been kidnapped etc and trying to contact someone only for your phone to start loudly beeping!
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I haven’t tried it as I don’t have an iphone, but there is a similar app designed for adults called circle of 6. I think you are program it to automatically send someone you trust a text to come and pick you up from your location according to gps. More discreet than a loud alarm anyway.
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Sharons, as someone who drives past the Daniel Morcombe memorial site daily, and has seen first hand the devastation endured by Daniels parents, our police and community, may I suggest that you take your concern to the foundation?
I am sure your feed back will be greatly appreciated. I am concerned that your feed back here will put people off the app rather than promoting it…..The app is a wonderful step in the right direction for keeping children safe.
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Well it’s been a dramatic morning here at work. We had a break and enter last night, the robbers stole 10 laptops, 20 yr old whisky, $8 in change!! But didn’t touch my Hilary duff perfume…. should I be offended?
They cut themselves pretty bad as they came through the glass and blood was everywhere so forensics arrived and took photos. It was like an episode of CSI!
Nothing like a bit of scandal to start your otherwise boring Wednesday morning but it’s a reminder at least to lock away valuable items at work!
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I hope they bled to death.
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wow. You’re scary Happymum.
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‘Spose that was a bit evil wasn’t it?
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Instant Karma for the burglars! I love it!
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Hey Rose, sorry to ask but was everything backed up? How terrible for your company. Awful. hope yr well xx
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Nothing of mine was stolen.. but I assume they back up. Even the cable locks were stolen too. The guy took an umbrella, packs of noodles and reading glasses? A bit weird really.
I’m alright just ego a bit bruised, he didn’t want my perfume or high heels under my desk!
Hope you’ve been well too Louise x
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Guys just wondering if you ever think of doing giveaways on the website with some of the free stuff you get sent?
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Hello! We mostly use the free stuff as prizes, parts of hampers, special giveaways on our Facebook page and what not. Occasionally if it’s food … we’ll just go ahead and eat it
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Hey Rick, I don’t have facebook. Would be nice to win something off this site instead
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I don’t really get why every one is always trying to get stuff for free. It’s almost always crap or the wrong shade or weird..
When I want something, it’s always a specific type/brand/colour/style and I just buy it.
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Hi everyone, I recently finished a book which I loved so much, I thought I’d share it with you all.. It’s called “What I Would Do If I Were You” by Mandy Nolan, who is a stand up comedian and writer who lived in Byron Bay. The book is mainly about her life as a mother to 5 children, and the best thing about it is that she has absolutely no pretence about being perfect. In fact, she really puts all her imperfections out there, which makes for a hugely interesting read. I imagine some of what she writes might have the perfect people among us up in arms in a fit of self-righteousness, but I found it a really nice reminder that I’m not the only one who stuffs things up occaisionally. And it’s very very funny.
Here’s a link: http://www.booktopia.com.au/what-i-would-do-if-i-were-you/prod9781921462337.html
(Incidentally, I do not recommend googling her and going to her website, as it seems to have been hacked by scary people from Yemen…)
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My dog died. Well, he was the family dog. He was amazing in every way. He had such personality and opinions. He loved snoozing in the sun. He didn’t like going for walks and would try and hide under the table. He liked going in the car to pick up the fish and chips. He was a champion at cuddles. He loved to sleep in bed with people and he always took up more room than seemed possible. He liked ice cream and prawn crackers. He didn’t like olives. He snored. He used to chew on stones. He barked at birds. He wasn’t very good at wagging his tail. He never learned how to roll over.
There aren’t enough words to describe how he fit in our family, how his presence comforted us, how he loved us and allows us to love him.
I miss him every day.
Thanks for reading.
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I’m sorry for your loss.
It’s funny how much pets really mean to people but cherish those memories and eventually you’ll laugh more often at them than feel upset.
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Oh what a beautiful post. A dog that likes ice cream and prawn crackers. He sounds like the perfect pet. I bet he is thinking how lucky he was to have you as his human.
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So sorry to hear that. They’re not around for long enough, are they?
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I’m so so sorry for your loss. He sounded like such a beautiful personality – hiding under the table at walk time! He’ll be running around at Rainbow Bridge barking at birds excited to one day see you again xx
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You dog sounds like a dude. I love him now too. Dogs are the best. I am genuinly so sad to hear your family dog has died. Those memories of him you have described are beautiful. The love we have for our doggy friends is indiscribable. I hear you, Thanks for sharing.
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So sorry to hear about your dog… I know how hard it is to lose a pet, they become such a big part of your family. He sounds like a real sweetheart.
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I lost my family dog in February and it was very hard on all of us. Sam was my Christmas present when I was 9, and he lived to be 18. He was the most loved member of the family and whilst it was easy for all of us to fight with each other, no one could be mad at him. He was just too charismatic and sweet. If I was having a shit day, sitting down with Sam for a few minutes was enough to make me feel right with the world again. The only other person I can say that about is my husband!
It was really hard on my Dad when his little dog started to slow down and each visit to the vet sent us all into a panic. My Dad is quite reserved and private with his emotions but it was obvious to all of us that Sam’s wellbeing was worrying him and later after he died that he was lonely without his little friend at his heels.
I went to visit Mum and Dad over the weekend and I noticed that Dad had stuck up some old Polaroids of himself and Sam on the fridge. He caught me looking at them and his eyes went all watery even saying his name. I don’t think Mum and Dad could get another dog, but I will when I’m ready. There are just too many little souls needing a rescue and I can’t see my life without a hairy friend! Only now can I start to think about him without feeling an overwhelming sadness and just enjoy the memories from his time with us. Grieving for an animal is hard, I felt as much grief after his death as I have for friends and family that have passed, but I felt silly about sharing that with anyone because ‘he was just a dog’ – but he wasn’t just a dog. He was family.
Best of luck Nursee – may you find love with another furry friend in the future.
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I agree! He wasn’t just a dog. He was Frank.
We couldn’t be angry at him either. And was always up for a listen.
I’d love to get another dog but it’ll be a while. I rent and I want to travel.
Thanks for sharing.
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Frank the dog – I can imagine him just from what you have described.
As i said on another MMer’s post last week I hate people who dont understand being after after losing a much loved pet. They become family
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Oh nursee
I am so sad for you. He sounds like such a wonderful dog and so very loved
Big strength xxxxx
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I’m so sorry to hear this. I really hope he died of old age and was comfortable.
I lost my little soul mate, Lucy Bear, nearly three years ago on April 30. She was only 12 and died of lung cancer.
She was the most amazing little buddy, we spent every day and night together having so much fun for 12 years, never apart. I used to be scared of the day she’d pass and it was truly horrendous.
But nearly three years later i am able to talk about her, her funny little habits and the fun we had. It can break your heart but you get through it and the memories are worth it.
When she got sick it was a shocking six months but she was so happy. And when she died I really had to wonder whether it was worth it and whether I could go through it again.
Her sister, Leisel, was devastated and wouldn’t get off the lounge. So we were incredibly fortunate to adopt a little 5 year old rescue who is happy 24/7, an amazing little girl.
I miss Lucy Bear terribly, she was a one in a zillion, but I feel happiness instead of pain now. I hope that you will soon too. xxxx
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http://www.ourwonderfulpets.com/
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Pets are so precious. My darling cat died at the age of 16 years recently. I loved and adored him. I had him cremated, and at times I kiss the box his remains are in because I miss him so much. His mate has been dreadfully sad too, which compounds the sadness. She is too old to accept another pet (I believe – please prove me wrong?) I just hope that time lessens the pain. I wish you the very best xxx
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Hi anon, my Leisel was 13 when her sister Lucy Bear died and she was devastated. it was so terrible and I was scared she was going to pass from grief which often happens.
We adopted Harriet, she was five but still very much a puppy. I didn’t care about getting another dog as I was so heart broken but I had to do something as I didn’t want Leisel to be so unhapppy.
Leisel growled at Harriet for about a month but soon became the best sisters. Even when she was growling at her it was a distraction for Leisel. Leisel is now nearly 15 years and adopting a sister for her was the best thing ever.
I would seriously look at doing this. It’s hard enough for us to handle the grief but for them it must be shocking having a buddy one day and then not the next. Lots of cats need good homes.
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I’m sorry for your loss.
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Hi team,
just letting you know that the first gallery has come out as thumb nails for me that have to be clicked on individually (and opening in another window!) and the text of the first paragraph is normal size but the rest is really small. The second gallery works normally!
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Thanks MissV
Are you on a mobile device or a laptop/computer. We are in the process of rebuilding our mobile site – soon it will be up bigger and better than ever before
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Lana, can I make a small suggestion re your directory listings. I’ve been on there looking for a lawyer and there’s so many that there needs to be, if possible, a few lines about what the practice’s area of specialty or what’s different about them. As otherwise I would need to click on all of their websites to find out which would take forever. I love you having a directory though!
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Hi Louise, my name is Nicola, I am the manager for the Mamamia Directory (Go to Guide)
That’s a fabulous suggestion, we are always looking for ideas to make our site bigger and better.
Thank you for your feedback.
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Thanks Nicola! That will make it so much easier for me to find a lawyer. xxx
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Hey Nicola,
)
you should seriously do a feedback survye – it has a lot more potential, but its almost as hard to use as the jobs functionality! (which is so buggy it hurts
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on a PC. may be me, apparently IT are upgrading all our computers this week.
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OMM: sooooo much work to do for uni!!! It is alarming how far behind you can get so quickly!! Am spending today trying to catch up and finish the two assignments that are due when I’m on placement.
OMM2: Need to finalise my internal flights for when i’m in the US. Any recommendations for airlines that are good value??
I’m not a Supre fan, but I did find a fabulous green top that I had to buy. The colour is amazing and it is quite flattering, so I’ll put my judgements aside just this once
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Ha ha, not a Supre fan either, but won’t wear any singlets other than their long basics! The best!
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Try using hotwire.com, united, souhtwest, delta, AA are all generally quite competitively priced.
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If you can, avoid United like the plague. I recently flew with them in March, over six flights in seven days they lost my bag each time. I have flown with Virgin and I like them.
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Agree don’t fly united international but internally I haven’t had an issue
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I book all my internal flights in the US with Expedia. It is also a lot cheaper if you book as a multi-city trip rather than each flight separately. They have sales often, and the prices inexplicably go up and down randomly. Check the prices twice a week for a few weeks and you will get the picture. Have fun!
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I’m feeling down about uni at the moment. I’m studying journalism (not wanting to be a journalist, but a writer) and I was hoping to get some work experience or an internship but it’s really hard! No one gets back to me and I feel stuck. I’m thinking of quitting studying because if I can’t get any experience then I won’t be able to get a job, and it’s hard to get work experience if you’re not studying. But if I quit then what am I gunna do? Ah! Sorry to be negative but I feel stuck! Any advice??
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No don’t quit! You’ve just got to be persistent. Keep contacting these places and after a while they’ll get back to you.
I’d also recommend trying some lesser-known publications/websites etc. They’ll have less people coming to them, (hopefully) more time to spend with you and will value the extra help.
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Hey MellyBunny,
Securing internships is hard! I remember how tough it was.
I don’t know where you’re located, but does your course have an internship coordinator (Or some other equivalent)???
I also studied journalism and our course had a specific internship/work experience coordinator who you would submit an application to, listing your preferences and she would place you accordingly.
This was great for 2 reasons:
1. A lot of bigger news orgs will only take interns this way
2. Pretty much every student gets placed at some time throughout the year usually aligns with their preferences.
Sorry if this isn’t helpful at all MellyBunny!
But if you don’t have one of the, maybe you could talk to your lecturers or tutors who might be able to hook you up.
Good luck and keep at it!
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We agree, don’t give up!
Websites like ours are always looking for good content. Do some research, submit an article, get published and you’re instantly building your resume.
Submit travel articles to newspaper, etc., as well as they are always looking for content too.
As a writer myself, I recommend working free for radio stations too. It’s how I got started.
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This year I signed up for the career mentor scheme at my uni and it was the best thing I ever did – I should have done it years ago! I’m not in journalism (I’m in health, so completely different sort of mentoring), but the mentors are people in the industry who’ve put their hand up for a mentoring gig, so they want to be there and help. Worst case scenario, they could look over some pieces you wrote and give you advice, best case scenario they could hook you up with some of their contacts for a work experience gig. Find out if your uni offers a career mentor scheme too and get into it!
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You have to chase them, not rely on them getting back to you. If you call and they’re not available ask them when would be a good time for you to call. And keep calling. Of course don’t harass them, there is a thin line.
THey’re flat out working, handling issues etc, the onus is on you to reach them at their convenience and not rely on them. They probably get hundreds of applications so you need to (a) not give up (b) prove to them that you’re the one they should accept (c) put in the effort if you do really want it bad enough.
Others will give up or become complacent. You be the exception. Good luck!
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Thanks for the advice everyone. It’s hard because my course is online so there’s no internship program or anything, also I’m in Melbourne where there are practically no magazines! I’m just wondering whether studying will actually be beneficial or if I should just concentrate on writing. I’ve got some thinking to do! Thanks guys
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Need to think laterally then. How about local or community newspapers?
Or maybe there’s some trade publications depending on your interests. What about the Melbourne Fairfax sites? THey have editorial teams based in Melbourne as well as Sydney.
People in Melbourne may be able to make some suggestions, hope so. xx
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I adore being able to peek into the workings of mamamia – and I love that this post means the working week is half over!
OMM: Im having serious uni fatigue. I think I have finally reached the limit of how far I can push myself.
I have been working full time for 5 years and doing my uni as well of an evening. Im not going to lie, im a lazy student, but I always pass and always front up for every test/exam/assessment and never hand in work late.
I failed the first assignment on one of my current courses and it has totally taken me aback. If i fail this 2nd assignment, I have essentially failed the course and I am so full of self doubt.
This is my last year, and after this semester I only have 2 subjects to go before I graduate, but I’m really struggling to see past the current situation. I need the drive and motivation to return and trample the doubt
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Wow, 5 years of working full time and uni too! That is really impressive, Cait, and I’m not surprised you’re fatigued!
Is there someone you could to talk to for that paper and ask what you can do to ensure your second assignment is stellar so that you pass the course?
Or is there any chance of you taking it in the next semester (if it’s not a pre-req or anything?)
I know you’ve probably heard it before, but you are so so close! I’m sure you actually are a great student, so keep your head up and remember to take a little bit of time to relax and have ‘you’ time every now and then, even if it is just 10 minutes reading a magazine with some chocolate biscuits.
All the best xx
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Hang in there, it will be worth it in the end. I completed my undergraduate degree as a part time external student, it took 7 years but it was worth it in the end.
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I feel for you Cait! I have a bit of uni fatigue at the moment too (two essays and one 3 hour exam in less than a week is never fun). But just know that you are so close to the end and all you have to do is smash out a few more assessments and you’re all DONE! Re the second assessment – all you can do is try your hardest. Not sure what uni you’re at but there is usually great support and maybe you can chat to someone about why you did badly in the first assessment. Don’t ever doubt yourself. You’re working full time as well as uni and you usually always pass and get things in on time – that deserves some kind of medal!!
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Thank you so much for your kind words
definitely has made my day (and week)!
Am going to keep attacking these assignments, and hopefully not attract any further negativity. The end of the year (as long as there are at least passes on my transcript) cant come soon enough!
Thanks again all xxx
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If I’d not seen my own birth certificate and knew my name was Amy not Cait… I’d swear that you were me. I am in exactly the same sitcho. 5 years of full time work and 2 units a semester.
I just want to finish. So weary of studying. Never being able to come home and crash on the couch because in the back of my mind is “you should be studying”. I’m a lazy student but I tend to pass. So fed up
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Cait, do not stress. I failed five, yes FIVE, subjects at uni because I was too busy joining the 100 Pots’ Club. Two years on and I’ve landed the most incredible job because I still earned my qualification regardless. My best wishes to you. xx
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Good on you Lana!! I don’t think I would dare venture into a supre store…. but i have just found their store online…
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What? Supre online? There goes my lunch break.
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At least you can mute the music on their website!
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My delivery man brought me TWO presents (ie: packages) this week! I think I love him a little bit. ;p
One is a package of 100% recycled paper (oh the colours! so pretty!) so I can start creating products with that this afternoon. And the other package was my customized stamp so I can brand my products.
This business feels like it’s moving in the right direction considering I launched my store with no business knowledge and a “feel your way around” approach. It’s hard work, but it’s making me very happy.
http://www.ivoryleaf.etsy.com
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Just looked at your site, ivoryleaf – looks great! Very cute stuff
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Thanks Nat.
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Happy Humpty Day Mammamia team!
Supre is great for basics!
ive never tried their jeans tho might have to get a bright pair for winter! thanks Lana!
Im in love with my new House of Hollan mock suspender tights i wore them for tuesday date night with my husband last night ^_^ so glad its becoming cooler in the evenings now!
OMM: my heart is back east in Melbourne…we are only living in Perth because of my husband is studying and he has an interview for a grad position on friday and if he gets it could mean at least another 2-3 years here and im finding it hard to accept that we might have to stay here longer than i really want too…i know it will be for our future and im prob being a bit selfish its just hard when all my friends and family are back overeast….and my job isnt that exciting either…so maybe if we stay here i could look at going into a field im more passionate about…will take it as it comes rant over! hahaa
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OMM- I have finished uni and was planning on emergency teaching this term (possibly the rest of the year) A job has fallen in my lap (North of Melbourne, lots of behavioural issues) I went to visit the school and didn’t get the best vibe. Am I being ridiculous not taking a job that I haven’t had to apply for or be interviewed?!?! I can’t sleep because everything is turning over in my mind, “A job’s a job”, “follow your cut”, “beggars can’t be choosers” aarrgghhhhh
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My two cents … First job is a great foot in the door. If it’s no good then you can move on a revert to your original plan of emergency teaching! It seems like a small risk to take.
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I have some friends who are teachers here in Qld, and the job market here for them is really tough. I would take whatever you can get. You can add it to your resume, if it is not a contract job then you get paid for holidays, and at least you have your foot in the door and experience when you do find jobs you want to apply for.
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Will there be a follow up to the 40 Days of Treats article? Did Mia and Lana deliver treats to the clinics?
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We spoke to the clinic about the best time to visit and they suggested a publicised visit may be counter-productive… They still have our greatest support and we will continue to show that in any way we can
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Firstly, it’s 10 sleeps until I go to the US. I’m am becoming unbearable with excitement! I can’t believe this holiday is finally here.
What’s even more exciting is that while we are in Florida, there is going to be a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral! It’s a military satelite. I’m going to see a rocket launch!!!! (Weather permitting of course)
After my little meltdown last week, I have started taking some pro-active steps in my life. The one I’m the MOST excited with, is finding a singing teacher. I start lessons once a week when I get back from holidays! Yay!
On a shitty note, Monday I realised that I’ve lost my credit card, and yesterday someone ran up the back of me. But who cares! I’m going to see a rocket launch! (Weather permitting)
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Wooo rockets! And Disneyland?
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Disney World AND Disneyland
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I hope the weather permits you!
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Love the Bloom installation, what a beautiful tribute!
OMM: Sick 2yo and buckets of rain means we have been stuck inside for a few days with Lion King & Nemo on loop and my work is mounting up! But on the flip side my tot is getting better and we are spending lots of quality time together. Priceless!
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I am working from home with a sick 11 year old today. Not sick enough not to commentate EVERY THING he is doing though xxx
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Desperately need help! It’s my partners 21st in about 1 month and I have no idea what to get him! We have been together nearly six years and so have already used up a fair few present ideas on him. He loves golf (and is good at it), computer games (COD), watching sports and is a typical bloke.
Unfortunately he has already been bungy jumping, had All Black’s tickets, been skydiving, white/black water rafting, quad biking, he doesn’t wear jewelry, has done Formula 1 driving, all that jazz….if any one has ANY ideas, that would be super super appreciated!
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A bus scroll? You can design your own at http://www.wisebydesign.com.au and fill it with places/dates that are special to you both.
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That’s an awesome idea! Now to find a company in NZ that does it…
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LOVE this idea!
Looking at doing for for myself and my partners new place
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Thanks so much maybedaisy! Found a NZ company, and just sent off my order!
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Are we dating the same person??? Lol my bf is exactly the same. I got him a watch for his 21st last year and he loved it… Other things I’ve seen done is experiences (red balloon do them) and cuff links. He’ll love whatever you get him! Good luck.
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A watch is a good idea! Except I don’t think I could choose one for him and I’d like him (for once!) to not know what I’m getting him….arrgh!
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Question, does your BF have a Steam account? It’s an interface where you download computer games. If he does, you can always give him some Steam games? The games I recommend are:
Company of Heroes
Arma 2
Anno 2070
Supreme Commander 2
Batman Arkham Asylum
Batman Arkham City
Hope this is helpful
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Yeah I think he does! Another good idea, but I’d rather not encourage his gaming habit
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Get him a GoPro HD mini camera……… Very cool, compact and it can be attached to helmets for motor sports, snowboarding, skiing, hang-gliding etc, or surfboards, boats etc for water sports….. he’ll be the star of his own action flicks !!!!!! That’s what my young man….er …. 45 year old husband , is getting soon !!!!
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I second this – I know so many boys that have these and are obsessed with them! I think the Contour one is also good and you can add waterproof cases etc (http://www.surfstitch.com/category/accessories/cameras)
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How about a travel voucher, or even book a w/end or week away somewhere. If he likes wine how about a bottle from the year he was born…. all depends on your budget though.
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Toni* and Guy, you lucky things !!
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Whats OMM this week….
My Bf’s sister is having her baby pretty much as a I type this!! So excited to meet her little boy and my ‘future’ nephew (if things work out as my bf and I want them to) soooo happy and hoping everything goes well
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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On my mind
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OMM = on my mind
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Oh I didn’t phrase that well…I know what it means, it was more of a whats on my mind……thanks though everyone!
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Only one and a half weeks to go till I’m on maternity leave! yay! All I could think this morning when I could hear the downpour of rain here in Sydney is that it can’t come soon enough. I can’t wait to snooze when I want to…..until the baby comes.
I’m really looking forward to not having to be all corporate mon-fri. There’s no scope for flair and creativity where I work so I feel like that’s all been squashed out of me over the last few years – I’m going to enjoy rediscovering it and maybe a new career path too.
OMM: labour. It kind of hit me with less than 5wks to go that this kid is coming out one way or the other and I don’t feel quite ready for it. Can’t back out now!! lol
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Toots – congrats on your impending birth!! Hope you can go into your birth feeling nice and relaxed – it really is the key. Go with the flow, trust your body and if in the end you need to have a caesar, then that’s okay too. Truly, the only thing that matters is that you and the baby are safe and well. You may wish to think about finding some meditation tracks that assist in preparation for labour – they are a great way to relax and build your confidence (and breathing skills).
Lovely that you are looking forward to reclaiming your creative flair – just don’t expect to have oodles of time and energy in the early days with bub. They are extreeeeeemely time comsuming (in a truly gorgeous way)!
All the best to you.
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Thanks Silverdragon!
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Love fashion, love a bargain.
But if we are paying $5 for a top, someone is getting paid slave labour to make it.
I know there is no guarantee that a pricier item means a good deal for overseas workers, but I do know that I can’t enjoy this disposable fashion so much. There’s a nagging feeling of guilt for me.
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I know that feeling well. It’s been on my mind a lot. Especially after I bought $25 shoes. Thinking thinking – and hopefully evolving
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With my losing everything I’ve been buying winter jackets etc at the Salvos & Vinnies. I’ve got some fantastic stuff! A brand new Billabong Corduroy jacket, as new Levis denim jacket w wool lining & long sleeve t’s.
You can get some fantastic stuff, it helps the charity & recycles.
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I’m the same Luc. I’ve stopped buying disposable fashion but it’s hard to be certain where things come, even some luxury brands have been known to use slave labour.
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For ages, I’ve been wishing there was a simple directory or symbol or something to show which brands are fair trade. I’ve really cut down on my clothes spending lately because of this.
CUE and tree of life are fair trade (pricey, but that’s ok. Ppl deserved to be paid for their hard work)
I wish I knew of some other places.
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Yes, I noticed the ethical label on a dress I bought recently at Cue (where I haven’t shopped in eons) and thought that was very interesting. Just hope it’s for real.
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I have rediscovered my love of Chicken Crimpy biscuits with cheese on top. It has to be the block of cheese and not that overprocessed plastic crap that my husband has a secret love for. The irony in that is that he’s actually right into cheesemaking and doesn’t see how (or why!) I find it hysterically funny. Maybe it’s just me?
Oh, and because of my rediscovered love of the salty biscuit I’m trying to figure out how much it would cost to ship some to a friend in Dubai. She’s the reason I went and bought them (well, it’s convenient to blame her, and she’s far enough away that she can’t whack me on the back of the head for doing so!) but she can’t get them over there. Her excitement at discovering BBQ Shapes (her second favourite) was something to see… I’m guessing a care package of Chicken Crimpy’s would go down well.
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Mmmmm chicken crimpy. I’ll have to try these with the cheese on top. Sounds yum, yum, yum!
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Take the bags out of the boxes? If they pop they might be stale though.
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Yes, just take them out of the box. My mum used to send me care packages filled with BBQ and Pizza shapes when I was living in London. The best bit was opening them up, coz once they’re taken out of the box you don’t know what flavour is inside!
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A grown up version of a lucky dip? I might have to throw in some random packets of other flavours then, just to surprise her. *lol* I guess I could fit more in a posting box if they were just the bags and not the actual boxes themselves.
Thanks everyone! Shall have to go digging for her postal address and then do a run on Coles to collect a heap of salty goodness. I’d tuck in a pack of Tim Tams as well but they would melt before she got them.
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What an awesome friend you are!!!
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