The anxiety wakes me at dawn. It starts with a sick feeling in my stomach, then laces up my chest like a corset. I'm tired, I want to sleep, but it won't let me. I lie on my stomach to try and squeeze it out of me. I silently recite the Lord's Prayer over and... Continue Reading →

The kids and I were looking at new cars on the iPad last night. The youngest is determined to have a green one. We'd been thinking about getting a Honda CRV or a Nissan Juke, but they don't come in green. So we're thinking about getting a Subaru XV instead. It comes in a rather... Continue Reading →

I found my new home a year ago this week. As I noted in a blog post: "It’s big, has a gorgeous backyard … and is on an insanely busy road. But it’s cheap, in my local area and has a really nice, solid feel to it. It’s got – as they say in the business... Continue Reading →

Yes, yes, I know I just had a holiday, but I need another one. I'm knackered. I got back late on Sunday afternoon and dived straight into filling in as news editor on Kidspot on Monday. Then, on Tuesday I volunteered to start work from 6am each day. (So if I whinge about it, slap... Continue Reading →

My kids were lucky enough to have the most awesome experience last week - they stayed on a horse property in Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour, for two nights. My dear school friend Tracy owns a property there. It's set in the most glorious location and her horses are divine. The kids were totally blitzed... Continue Reading →

I spent two blissful nights last week sleeping in my first Air BnB - The Old Alpaca Shed. It's owned by my dear friends Bronwyn and Simon and is literally an old alpaca shed that's been turned into rustic, charming accommodation. The Old Alpaca Shed is located near a little village called The Channon, which... Continue Reading →

It will come as no surprise to hear that my mini-break had its dramatic moments. I thought I'd get them out of the way first, then bore you with all my pretty, happy snaps later. I am SHATTERED. I drove to the Byron Bay hinterland and back over a five-day period. It was a bit... Continue Reading →

I've been battling writer's block recently. DD was startled to wake on Sunday morning and discover I hadn't blogged yet - he's become accustomed to there being a new HouseGoesHome post by 7am, regular as clockwork, 365 days a year. But inspiration just wouldn't come. He'd suggested the night before that I write about my... Continue Reading →

I like things done a certain way. It can be deeply infuriating for people who prefer to go with the flow. I'm getting better with being spur of the moment, but it still does my head in a bit. I'd rather know - five weeks in advance - what I'll be doing at 3pm on... Continue Reading →

I have a terrible memory. Terrible. Whole swathes of people and events have been erased. How do you erase people? Especially ones who remember you, by name? I manage it somehow. It occurred to me this morning at the gym - I get some of my best thinking done while holding a heavy bar above... Continue Reading →