I had the most amazing opportunity tonight, to dine with some Melbourne bloggers. I had visions of getting them drunk and obtaining all their blogger knowledge whilst dining on delicious food! Instead I found myself in traffic for 1 1/2 hours!! Damn, I hate peak hour and these people wanting to get places! 

I witnessed three accidents on the way in and held my breath as I watched a car screech to a halt behind me! What is going on people?!?

So I whinged to the hubby, had a tanty in the car, maybe even shed a tear before arriving somewhere around an hour late ... so fashionably me! 

But the amazing Nicole at Seeking Victory had chosen a lovely restaurant for us to meet in, top job my love! And it was a pleasure meeting you! I also had the honour of meeting Sarah, from Creating Contentment too. Now this is a blog that I have been following for sometime, so it was very nice to meet you and hear what you had to say! It's always a pleasure hearing your thoughts direct rather than I creating the context!!

It was also nice to hear that there are people out there with the same issues and ideas. You are never alone in this world, you just isolate yourself.

Sadly I did have to run early to relieve hubby of his parenting duties, and my nerves played a part too. I truly hope I get to meet again! I had a lovely time! Thank you!

Today is international blog swap day and I have had the privilege of sharing my blog with Kelly from Domestic Goddesque! Kelly is from England, as you will learn and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share her post with you all! Enjoy ...

Greetings from the other side of the globe, and thank you for taking the time to read the first sentence of this post. I'm Kelly, I live in the Kent countryside, in the South East of England.

I say countryside, but my nearest supermarket is a five minute drive, and hospital is a half-an-hour away. My husband can be at his desk in Central London in an hour and twenty minutes so I'm guessing that some of the readers who live in the more removed parts of Oz are actually rolling on the floor laughing about now. So, sorry: that’s why I thanked you for reading the first sentence- in case you didn’t get any further!

I should also apologise now as all I know about Australia I learned from Neighbours, Home and Away and Heartbreak High. But hey, everyone has their cross to bear. In the spirit of Not Knowing, I have come to the very tolerant Middle Class Mamas blog today to share with you a recipe: a take on a classic British Treat, the Bakewell Tart. This basically scoops up all the Bakewell flavours- almonds, cherries and so on, and pus them into a cake. Less effort, same taste.

Bakewell Cake:

100g Ground Almonds

150g butter

150g caster sugar

150gSelf Raising Flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp Almond Essence

200g fresh cherries, stoned.

Handful each Demerara Sugar and Flaked Almonds

Preheat your oven to 180C.

Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin (you could use a small round cake tin if you don’t have one.)

Measure out the flour and almonds into a bowl. Roll the cherries so that they are coated (this helps prevent them sinking into the cake whilst cooking. Put both cherries and flour/almond mix to one side.

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy then beat in the eggs, adding one at a time until well blended. Add the almond essence and mix in.

Fold in the flour/almond mix, then pour half into the loaf tin. Press half the cherries into the mix. Top with the remaining almond mixture. Press in the last of the cherries, then sprinkle with the Demerara sugar and flaked almonds.

Bake for about 50 minutes until golden. And enjoy mid-morning with a cup of tea ☺

Kelly is the face behind the vintage silhouette at Domestic Goddesque, is part of The Motherhood, and is a Contributing Editor at BritMums. She has recently moved beyond the fringes of Greater London to the Kent countryside (though still within eyeline of the M25) and has added a few chickens to the family menagerie. Her day is spent chauffeuring children, learning how to cook with an Aga and encouraging the hens to lay eggs and trying not confuse the three. She is mother to two absurdly photogenic girls, wife to her beloved DH and master to the Wonder Hound. She drinks a lot of coffee and spends time on social media to make up for the fact that she doesn’t get out much. You can find Domestic Goddesque on Twitter,Facebook, Google +, Pinterest and Instagram. Do stop by and say hello!

Well hello all!!!

After attempting a new website and then my blog being down for almost two months, I am THRILLED to say I'm back!! Over the weekend I will be merging my website posts back onto here and staying put!!

Thank you to all my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram friends who have stayed on board while we were down! I guarantee I have a lot to say and share!!

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and you are recovering well!! Chat soon xxx

Yes, you read it right! Story Of My Life blog has another blogging challenge that kicks off today!
As I am lacking a little inspiration and I love a good writing challenge, I thought why the hell not!
Starting off, the topic for today is where did you come from? If you know me well or have read past posts, you would no I am not in contact with my family anymore. But I would glad to share story of me with you.
I was born at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne in 1982. I had a basic childhood, nothing amazing, we holidayed, we day tripped. I was an only child for nine years and adored my brother when he was born - never feeling resentment toward him.
We were raised well, taught manners, to treat people with respect, not to take crap from anyone and music holds a strong part of my childhood too. Unfortunately, somewhere between all our life lessons, they forgot to pave the way of a relationship that we could share. My dad was the bread winner and worked a lot. My mother would stay home. She ensured that there was no relationship formed apart from parent and child. I don't doubt there was love there! Not at all! I know she would do anything for me, but she failed to create a safe and open line of communication between us.
As I became a teenager, reached puberty, met my first boyfriend she kept me in the dark, never spoke to me about what was happening or even allowed for me to share my concerns or queries. I felt alone. My first period was the worst, she sat on the edge of bed and said 'Get used to it, it happens every month.' Then bought me a mood ring from the store.
I'm awkward with these things too, but I can assure you that when my girls reach that part of their life, they will have the support and the answers they need.
As the years passed, we grew further apart. There was never a friendship between us, and without that I forced to become quite independent very quickly. I rebelled in the later years, making things worse I'm sure. But I passed that stage as I met hubby. We would still party and have fun but he encouraged me to have a better relationship, but it was too late to change.
At the age of 21 I gave birth to my first daughter, much to the disgust of my family. I know it was not something that they would have hoped for us, but we were happy and willing to take on the task. I still remember my mothers words one day. " I will not be the babysitter and I will not push the pram, I don't want anyone to think she's mine."
The person I could turn to was my dear grandmother. She was always on my side and made me feel loved. I never had to pretend with her. I was excited to tell her that I pregnant, I would always share my news with her, knowing I would receive positive feedback and great advice. She was the woman I admired and took my cue from.
When my little girl was six months, we stopped talking to my family because of an argument that we had about dinner. Two years later I came crawling back apologising to make peace. I missed my family. But they are hard work. I would have to go to them, I had to go where they wanted, they criticised everything and were disrespectful.
Strained is an excellent description of our dysfunctional relationship. I was blessed with a supportive and loving family to marry into. They took us in when we needed a place to live. They watched our daughter and allowed us to have a life of our own too. Still to this day we have their love and support in every aspect.
Sadly three years ago, we had yet another falling out. Actually it was more me being exhausted from their way of living. Christmas Day we were told that they were having dinner with my uncle, when our plan had been to see them at their home for dinner. When I asked when their plans changed, I was told that it was a few days prior and couldn't understand my issue. I was pregnant with our third at the time and extremely unwell. We'd been up since 6 and was looking forward to nothing more than relaxing with my family, watching my girls get a little more spoilt by their nan and pop before embarking on the next family event. That year, we ate McDonalds for Christmas dinner. I never forgave them. They clearly think I couldn't be bothered to see them. But when I asked if they could stop past on their way through to see the girls and so we could wish them a merry Christmas, she said no. They didn't have time.
This relationship, or lack of relationship, is what has made me the person I am today. Sometimes I see telltale signs of her in what I say or what I do, but at least I have the sense to rectify this when it happens, rather than pushing my girls away as they get older and need you just as much.
I hope everyday that I can be a better mother and a better person then she was. I want to love and be loved. I share my world with my family and I hope they see how much I am here for them, everyday, every minute. I love them so much more than I could ever express.
Thanks ... MCM xxx

I had the pleasure if joining a blogging seminar hosted by Karen Andrews of Miscellaneous Mum today.
It was a course for beginners, but I thought the idea of starting way back at the start would help better my blog and it's content. Only I walked away feeling a little deflated. As the course title stated, it was for beginners. A lot of the content was structured around how to set up a blog, presentation, posting, timing etc. all the things I basically new.
What left me deflated though, was my lack of creativity. Blogging for me is a creative outlet. A hobby even. But today I realised that there is no real point to my story. There is no particular direction I take you guys as readers. Yet I'm not blind to this, I have thought this before, but never really concerned myself with it because I was enjoying what I was doing.




As much as I love to share and write, I think I need to take a moment to step back and reassess where I want my vision to lie. What do you guys as readers want to see and hear?
I know that I don't have a talent that I have uncovered as yet. You know what I mean? Some people can cook, some are crafty, some can dance, some are poets or writers. I just don't have a 'thing'. Now this has bothered me for as long as I can remember. I know I've had many sleepless nights and tear filled sessions about it too. I'm always hearing hubby say, "just do something that makes you happy!" I just don't know what that thing is.
Over the past two years that Middle Class Mama's has been up and running, I thought I was evolving into a great little place that I could express all areas of my life, but now I see there is nothing there but dribble, yet I know I have enjoyed writing and taking the time out to this for myself. But is there a point when there is no one to read it? Is there a point when your visits reach a max of 13 people in a week? What about when no one even clicks the links on Facebook or Twitter?
Again, I try not to concern myself too much with the stats side of blogging, but it's hard not to! I would love some feed back from anyone who reads over this! Tell me what's good, what needs improving, where do I need to lead my topics? I appreciate your honesty.
Thanks guys!!
Thanks ... MCM xxx

Ok peeps, here goes it, Day 1 of the blog everyday challenge and I'm already! Todays challenge is 'write a short biography on yourself', 250 words. Hooley dooley ...



Oh my! Thank you to the lovely at the Story Of My Life blog for putting this wonderful challenge together! I am always up for inspiration and can never turn down a challenge!

I'm so completely hooked on Pinterest at the moment, check out my boards!! I'm loving my Christmas board filled with lots of fun activities or the kids, decoration ideas and yummy recipes!

Look me up ... midclassmamas

Happy pinning ... MCM xxx

Just a quick one today! Did you know you can find Middle Class Mamas on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Middle-Class-Mamas/331195386910684?ref=hl

You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pintrest @MidClassMama

Thank you all ... MCM xxx

Hey ALL!

Guess what I spent the last few hours doing? Yep you guessed it, sifting through vector pictures to create a new logo ... That's what you were going to guess right?

It is so very cute and the three munchkins loved it more than I did demanding that it was to be printed ASAP! 
So I hope you enjoy! I would love to get your feedback!

Thanks ... MCM

So a little while ago I had been speaking to the team at the Babies and Toddlers Directory, a great website for what's what in your area and sharing great experiences too, about writing about the experiences I share with my girls!

Today, my very first post went live! I feel so accomplished! Lol! But seriously the amount I have spoken about my little write up I should be trending worldwide! I'm pretty sure the kids put themselves to bed tonight so they would stop hearing about it!!! So I'm a bit excited ... so what!

But I did want to thank the Babies and Toddlers Directory for accepting my review and for assisting by promoting my blog! Thanks guys!

Cheers ... MCM

(PS ... Click the link above to check out their website :)

Isn't social media a wonderful tool? Some agree and I'm sure there are just as many who don't!

I am addicted, I'll admit it! I have a hotmail and gmail account, then there is Facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, blogger, tumblr and the list continues! I'm really a sucker for anything that I can meet new people, learn new things and share a bit of me on!

Take Facebook as an example. I live for status updates and check ins!! My hubby though, he would rather poke himself in the eye with a hot needle then read one more depressing post from someone he went to school with and hasn't seen in nearly 20 years!! Valid point? Not when we argue!! We've had many heated discussions about this topic, he turned me one night to the point where I had deleted all my friends off Facebook except 1, for a week I claimed I was still doing things with it other than following friends and slowly everyone creeped back! I think that as a housewife (stay at home mum) I tend to lack that adult communication and don't get the opportunity to do lunches and catch up for coffee, either that or I'm starting to hide behind my laptop and iPhone, either way, it's my lifeline!!!!!
I remember the complete and utter feeling of desertedness* when my eldest was born 8 years ago. If we had the technology we do now my life would have been completely different and I'm sure I would never had returned to work!! It is amazing to think that wherever I am in the world I can still write blogs, still talk to high school friends I vowed I'd never speak to and sip cocktails all at once!!

I recently started up a fb page for the parents in our area to join, a friendly laid back group that is just an opportunity to share thoughts, businesses and have a laugh. It will be a week tomorrow and this page has almost reached 100 followers!! I believe the power of social media is a wondrous thing that is truly changing the way that everyone thinks, works and engages.

Thank you to those who are making our world more in touch and more instant! I couldn't think of better way of communicating anymore! I would love to know how social media has affected you or your business? What issues arise and how would you rectify them? Share, share, share!!!

*Coming Soon dictionary of MCM words, terms and spelling, I'm still collating all the dumb and weird words I've created, please be patient as there are MANY!


Thanks ... MCM xxx

Tonight I laid in bed ... And read the blogs of the Kidspot's Top 50 Bloggers.

OMG! So funny and touching and inspiring all in one! I loved it! Originally tonight started by, I could desperately use that $5000 they are giving away, maybe I'll vote and turned into, holy crap my blog sucks arse, I want to just read these ones!!!!! Then it eventually changed to motivation to write more and grow and maybe get betterer! Maybe! With lines like If being a mother required a license I would have lost it this week or at least a couple of demerit points! I couldn't stop myself from reading and giggling and joining so many new pages that I truly love and cannot wait to learn (and master) the art of blogging!!

As most of the stories go in the blogopshere I'm another mum wanting to share their world to everyone, a bit Truman show like, but with words!! Makes sense? Be sure to head over to Kidspot and check out the awesome talent!

Thanks ... MCM xxx

Hello all and I'm sorry for the delay in posting! What a wild and whacky month or so I have had with school holidays, returning to school and also family woes! But we are all back up and running now and looking forward to bringing you the best of Middle Class Mamas with some great stories from our Mamas, some trials and also a giveaway or two! So keep your eyes peeled and ensure that you check back real soon to see what goodies we have install!
Cheers ... MCM

Wow! Thank you for taking the time to stop past and read my new blog, Middle Class Mama's! I'm so excited with my new venture and I hope you enjoy it too!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting today. I have started this blog after becoming a My Child magazine addict upon finding out I was pregnant with my 3 child! I would religiously purchase the mag every 3 months and drool over every page as I fingered through on my lunch breaks and in the bath and sitting at traffic lights! I was hopeless! But the sad part was, every time I found an item I liked, the prices were ridiculous!! There were jumpsuits for $40 and bassinets for $2500, with matching g change table for $3000 and then the cot was “price on application”! Both hubby and I were working at this time but I honestly could not bring myself to spend that much money on items, that as a newborn, they only use for 1-3 months!

Yes I know, I must be sounding like Scrooge McDuck, but what I have realized over the past 6-8 months is that we can have the stunning furniture, cute clothes and designer lifestyle without needing the bank account to accompany it!

Let me introduce myself, I am a 29 year old mother of three beautiful daughters, I am currently a stay at home mummy, but have a dental nursing background (in other words I’m a spit sucker!) I have been married for 5 years, but in our relationship for 10! We live in the suburban streets of Melbourne, Victoria and we are the text book version of an average family!

The self employed electrician, the dental nurse/stay-at-home mum + three kids. That sentence is just one big recipe for STRESS!! Lol! But with our great sense of structure, love, humor and hubby being so good with money (I think it’s the Maltese in him) we do extremely well! Miss 8 attends our local Catholic Primary School, then for all three, there’s dancing and swimming and kinder and music and play dates and lunches and parties! Both hubby and I ensure that our girls get the best they can out of life, by experiencing all areas until they deep down know they have accomplished all they can! We went without a lot of things in our lives when we were younger, so we are just trying to make their lives better! But in order for this to happen, we sacrifice in other areas, which is why I am starting this blog. As we journey along we will talk about money matters, alternatives for EVERYTHING, when to sacrifice and when not to! Plus there will be product trials, giveaways and much more! As I said we are a your average family, someone you see at the shops or at the local restaurant, so please feel free to email me you questions for us to post or leave some feedback! Please stay tuned and I hope you have enjoyed the first of many posts to come!

Thank you and remember to share the love ... MCM xxx