Hallmark Occassion...

To Infinity and Beyond... Awww-he was so little!!

Ever since my babies were small I have bought them a Hallmark Christmas decoration each to put on the tree. The great thing about these decorations is that they nicely support whatever obsession the children seemed to have focused on for the year as their favourite (Hmmmm , more commercialism really). Like above, Master T was way into Buzz and Woody. He couldn't get enough of them when he was 3! A lot of the decorations require photos which is lovely to look back on. When my brood are old enough I will give them said decorations for their own trees. Might have to be when they have children and realize the true dedication behind the tradition. (My sister LJ was a great chucker-out-er-er so my magpie nature notices these things...) I usually pick them up at Target here starting in October (hey, I'm a true Christmas fairy to the core). They do decorations for all family members and occasions so keep an eye out for them as an idea... Sometimes they do things like have music or move. Pretty cute. A-n-d they have the year stamped on them too.....

Tinkerbell winds up and dances around for Miss T

Years of Star Wars obsession...

2002 this one....

One for sisters too

Our family for 2010....

I got this one for Miss T of Bella and Edward... She will l-o-v-e it!!

 What decoration are meaningful in your family?.....

Don't forget my giveaway!!! See Monday for details. Don't be shy or I might just develop a complex...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Giveaway!!...

Today is my 150th post (somehow I missed my 100th...) and to celebrate, I have hand made 4 shoe bags to give away!! I give shoe bags as presents because they bring enjoyment to simple tasks (I'd say packing shoes is kind of usually non-exciting!). Some of my friends also use them to store their lingerie. These shoe bags are made from Michael Miller's Esther Teal teamed with a red drawstring  in keeping with the festive time of year. This fabric was purchased at Funky Fabrix and is just divine. To enter simply become a follower and leave a comment, or if you are a follower, just leave a comment. The giveaway will be drawn on the 3rd of December which also happens to be my birthday!!! Good luck!!...

Ciao for now 

just Martha

A Christmas Glimpse...

In our house Christmas has commenced!!! We say 'pashaw' to tradition of the 1st of December!! We started last night, putting up the decorations. Here is a small taste of what is to follow... I have gift wrapped the front door to resemble a present. This was done with ribbon on sale from last year bought at Bed Bath and Table. Nice huh? When this comes down after Christmas I think I will sew all the ribbons together and join the ends with elastic so I can just snap on each long piece then pin the bow on. Was a bit tricky with 3 long pieces of ribbon. Stay tuned, more posts to come....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Neighbourhood Stroll...

This one needs a few more rocks I think...

See this feature next to the letterbox? A gabion wall. I l-o-v-e these as a feature, enclosing rocks in wire to make a something functional.This one is from a neighbour's house and is purely for decoration but they do get bigger and can be quite useful as well as attractive.

Here is another made into a wall.

Ciao for now


just Martha

Pressie Idea...

Personalized to suit!

Gorgeous little story...

I have just ordered these two books for my niece and nephew for Christmas. They are going to be beside themselves with these personalized books. Have you discovered Mooo yet? Go on pop over and have a look... I have also ordered these:

Pencil case

Lunch bag...

There are going to be squeals of joy, I'm sure. Go on, have a look....

Ciao for now






just Martha

Give Thanks...

Life seems to be a bit fragile at the moment. Have you noticed? The thread is noticeably tenuous. Lots of things seem to be happening around my universe. What about your universe? Surely it is everywhere: people passing away, friends having strokes, families separating, families unnecessarily apart, families going through such hardships, the lovely A-M on a perpetual blog pause due to tragedy..... the blogging world is not the same without her.

I think it is a great opportunity to give thanks for what we have, for strength and  hope. For being able to smile and give and live and share. 

Thank you...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Hmmmm: Detective Required...

Do you know what this is? On my floor in the bedroom? We are perplexed. When I was moving my furniture in my bedroom this was left after I repositioned my bedside table. Now, said table doesn't really get much sun so we were unsure why the floorboards look like this. I have my bedside lamp on every night whether for reading or a bit of mood lighting. The Silver Fox's side was unblemished. He is not a reader and does not use his lamp (no bulb) So, theoretically, if the floor was bleached by my lamp over, say, the last 5 years, shouldn't the area under the table be darker. Not lighter?... What would Sherlock Holmes say? What would the divine Mr Rooney say?

What do you think Watson?...


Ciao for now


just Martha

Tantrum Invitation...

This seems to be me! At the moment. Maybe it is the time of year as everything is getting so busy and all my roles seem to be conflicting. Role conflict. Yep, that describes my life at present. I seem to be doing lots of things badly instead of a few things well. It is probably the time of year too, lots on. A-n-d my birthday is looming. Not a big issue but being a December baby means there are lots of things to squeeze in, organise, attend, plan....By this time of year I have usually run out of steam..

So, an invitation. To have  tantrum. Oh, nothing too intense. Not really a lie-on-the-ground-and-pound-fists sort of release. More like, screaming into a pillow. Yes. That sound like it will to the trick whilst maintaining decorum.

Anyone care to join me?.....


Ciao for now

just Martha

Brolly...

I need a new brolly. Mine died. The brolly sort of fell off the handle. Just when I needed it. I suppose it was kinda old. It was a red tartan with a timber handle. Aaah! Now the search begins for a new one. I have been a discerning shopper now for a few years after discovering the world of Sarah ban Breathnach.  I only buy things that I am 100% happy with, that tick all the boxes, that make my heart sing. And yes bloggers, it is only a brolly but why not enjoy all aspects of life? Why not enjoy the simple stuff, take pleasure in the everyday? The search begins...   Any ideas? I have looked at Oroton but they are a tad too pinkish for me...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Close Shave...

Master T has had a hard week. It all started with a haircut. Now Master T has thick glorious hair that grows like, well, grass....  He is a sweaty little beast so off to the hairdressers he went, with his sister, for a trim. Now, I was not present at the hairdresser but had prior knowledge of 'the plan' to go from some long locks he could flick, to a very short 'do'. Whatever. I rather liked his 'flick' but it was getting expensive to tame. Anymore that 2 trims a term really is a bit much. So, he came out with a short 'do'. Quite a radical change but he had been this short many times before. We all loved it. I think the hairdresser was a bit concerned that I would freak out but hey, it is his hair.

The next day he went to school....

And the comments started... Not really nice ones either

He came home in tears. Angry. Very upset. 'I'm not going back'

We talked for a long time about people and comments and being noticed. We talked about protecting his little heart with armour from the inside. We talked about how tomorrow everyone would be talking about something else. We talked about him not 'pounding' the next person who told him he 'looked gay'

He hopped out of the car in the morning and squared his shoulders, took a deep breath and 'braced' himself for the day. To remain calm, to look like he didn't care, to laugh it off... He did care. Very much. My heart bleeds for him, my sensitive, gorgeous little man. And yes, I did ring his teacher to keep an eye on him.

Thankfully, kids being kids, they were on to something else the next day and paid his haircut no adverse attention. He bounced home without a care.... 


Ciao for now


just Martha

Things I Know...

These things I know:

• Life is fragile. It can change in the blink of an eye
• Live each day to the fullest
• Children should ride in the backseat until they are 12. True
• Christmas is fast approaching
• Be tolerant. Others are fighting their own battles
• Public smiles private tears
• Don't judge
• Take chances
• I am in week 9 of my 'challenge' and I am still alive...
• I thank my body for being healthy and achieving what I ask without injury
• Smile 
• Hum if you want to. I do. I am a 'hummer'
• See beauty in the everyday.
• There are miracles everywhere...
• Remember, the cleaning will always wait
• Don't sweat the small stuff- life is too short
• Teach your children how to be strong and resilient
• Have Christmas traditions
•  Take time out atleast once per day to look around and give thanks for what you have

 

Ciao for now


just Martha

Plastic? Not thanks...

I have a gorgeous friend who recently went to investigate the world of beauty enhancement, of concealment, of camouflage.... She was very excited! She decided that she would like to get something done to her top lip to reduce the wrinkles. So off she went to a popular clinic that advertises continuously. She sat down is the fancy room, awaiting her consultation. She checked out the brochures. She waited. She thought a little dermabrasion would do the trick. Nope. It wouldn't. It was suggested that she had fillers and botox to relax the area. Girls were marched through who had had similar procedures done. Apart from hearing the dollar signs chinking together, a little light bulb started to gently glow behind her eyes. It got brighter and brighter. 'Oh oh', she thought. 'This is not for me' she said. 'I will lose who I am. I will lose the very essence of what it is to be me'.  She looked around and saw Barbie Dolls. Everywhere. No wrinkles. No expressions... She is a very expressive lady. She uses her hands and her looks to convey meaning. She was out of there!......

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Fridge Confessions...

What is your fridge confession? Anything you want to share? What do you always have in your fridge? What is your secret pleasure? What dies in your fridge?..............

Sometimes, I have fainty carrots....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Blog-Anon!!!

I wonder if there is a help line for blogging addicts?... My computer was down for a few days and I was beside myself not knowing what was going on in my other 'world'! I had to restrain myself from nipping over to the neighbour's house for a quick check-in!! Oh look, I don't spend h-o-u-r-s blogging but I do like to nip in here and there to check. I also seem to be getting obsessed with my 'stats' counter too a-n-d my followers a-n-d how many people visited a-n-d what time they visited a-n-d where they came from a-n-d what sites referred a-n-d what countries people came from a-n-d how many hits per week a-n-d per month a-n-d to date... See what I mean?.... Deep breath. Relax...  AND if I get a new follower, or even a comment, I smile from ear to ear. It makes my day. It's true. Like right now I should be getting ready for work, and I am not because I have this idea for a post so I really need to jot it down. And now.  I have only been blogging since April. Is there any hope for me?? You all know what I mean... Please. Someone out there agree with me!!!....

But seriously, this blogging world is totally amazing! Supportive, kind thoughtful.. Oh I have heard otherwise at times  but would you agree that all in all it is pretty fantastic?....

Ciao for now


just Martha

My Handbag!!!....

In my family my handbag is M-Y handbag. No one is allowed to set one finger into it. Not even the Silver Fox! Why? Why am I so possessive? When I was a new Mummy everything belonged to everyone else from the Obstetrician to the baby. Girly-bits were public property, private times like showering or going to the toilet were now done as group therapy. The only thing that I could have all to myself was my handbag. The only thing that wasn't open for public display was my handbag. Still to this day it is mine, all mine. Bwahahaha!!! (wringing of hands together) Oh look there is nothing unsavory in there. No crazy double life. But. It is mine. All mine....

Ciao for now


just Martha

just Florence...

 I am in love. With Florence Broadhurst. I didn't know until I started blogging and I saw her designs here and there..I even have Florence-inspired coffee mugs I bought a-g-e-s ago. And didn't know!

Florence Maude (1899-1977) began life as a singer and entertainer, being quite musical and at some stage also taught music. After living overseas, she moved back to Australia  in 1949 having developed an artistic streak and brought with her 114 paintings as part of the 'Paintings of Australia' collection and founded the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales. She also taught printmaking and sculpture. By 1959 she had founded the company Australian Wallpaper Pty Ltd and by 1972 had some 800 handprinted designs in 80 different colours.

Tragically, she was murdered in 1977 and although the murder was never solved, some think she was the victim of John Wayne Glover, the notorious Granny Killer. Others speculate that her killer was known to her as two cups of tea were found near her body. Still the world mourns the loss of such a talented and innovative woman...


Ciao for now 

just Martha

Shoe Bags Anyone?...

I like to give a gift from the heart. I like it to be special, useful and so the person I am giving it to knows she is cherished. At the moment I am giving shoe bags. Look, it is j-u-s-t a shoe bag but also so much more. It represents love, caring, friendship and beauty. My mottos: 'See beauty in the everyday'. 'Take joy from the simple things in life'. If my friends go on a trip and get joy from packing their shoes in these handmade shoe bags. Hooray!!!

I carefully select beautiful material for the birthday girl (let's face it all this would be wasted on a boy!) Something that represents them as a person: could be girly, modern, something with their favourite design or colour... I usually use a contrasting drawstring. These ones above are for a friend today whose birthday is soon and she is taking her children to Paris for Christmas. Paris!! 

What do you think? Feel free to use this idea for your friends...

Ciao for now 

just Martha

"Mummies Don't Fluff"...

The Queen and I have much in common. She doesn't know it. But she is the topic of my conversation at least once per week. You see she is responsible for my stance on body wind. I not sure she would approve, being the topic of such conversations. But. Well. She is...  In my family "Mummies don't fluff". This has been maintained and vehemently defended by myself since the beginning. I was thinking about it last night. This has always been my story and I am sticking to it. Look, others in this family have m-a-n-y talents in that direction so I like to maintain, sort of, standards really. One does need to have standards.

Like the Queen. She doesn't fluff either. The Tweenies don't really believe us but they don't have any proof either that this is not true. Well, that's what I tell them. Personally, I don't really actually know if the Queen fluffs. Do you? I just assume it is not a conversation for polite company really. I am just assuming of course because I don't really know what goes on behind closed palace doors. I just can't imagine the  Queen doing 'that'. Maybe that is why she has corgis. Maybe.... she b-l-a-m-e-s the corgis!!! Must remember that when I get older. Note to self: get a dog! I  refer to the Queen frequently in my daily conversations also, especially when trying to instill manners at the table. "You'll never be invited to the palace if you eat like that!", "You will never have tea with the Queen"...

The Tweenies sigh now. In a sort of tolerant way. Like I have lost my mind. Like they know the chances of being invited to the palace are pretty slim. Humphf! It is hard to get away with things now they are older. Now that they can use logic. Now they can sniff out a 'parent lie' It used to work. Like a dream. Like the time Buzz Lightyear rang Master T when he was toilet training to congratulate him on dry undies through the night. Or the time that I told Miss T a bubble monster lived in the drain in the bathroom so she wouldn't keep taking the cover off and chucking stuff down. When the bath was let out bubbles did come up the drain so it was pretty effective that one.

I need to get smarter. I need a bit of street-wise cred. So they will still listen. I will a-l-w-a-y-s maintain that Mummies do not fluff. I take the 'we are not amused'... stance when conversation turns in this direction. Always.... One does have to have standards you know....The Queen and I...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Zucchini + Cake?...

We went to a birthday party on the weekend for the gorgeous little Luke, who turned 3. His Mummy made him a birthday cake which was a Zucchini Chocolate Cake. Yep, you read correctly. It was too-die-for a-n-d you could see the zucchini in it. This was not enough to dissuade avid vege-haters from consuming a piece with much gusto. It was also served with ice-cream, like you used to see on TV when you were a kid and wish that you too could have 'cake and ice-cream'... how Hollywood!

My neighbour Heather is a delightful woman and has generously given me access to share the recipe with you. Now this recipe has nuts in it which were omitted for the children:

ZUCCHINI CAKE:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plain)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts( optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 13x9 inch baking pan.
2. Combine eggs, oil, sugar, grated zucchini, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon and mix until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F(175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.

Now Heather also made too-die-for frosting so here is that recipe:

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

What do you think? Worth a go? These recipes came via: www.allrecipes.com


Ciao for now


just Martha

Notebook No More...

Some of us may know that the Notebook magazine is no more. It is finished. Kaput. Nada. Zippo. Gone. Out a here.. Get the picture. Now, I was on the first scheme to pilot the layout, stories etc as a consumer and was in love from that day onwards. It was different to any other magazine around and had these heavenly sections to fold out, like an index system. Ingenious. I have had many subscriptions over the years and given many as presents. It was reasonably priced and something exciting to look forward to every month. ...

I still have 2 months to go on my own subscription, given to me by an insightful sister i-l. So, I received a letter to say that as a replacement I would be receiving a country type of magazine for the remainder of my time. So far so good...

Why o why did a skinny little gardening magazine arrive in the mail today? It is about  1/4 the thickness of Notebook and quite insipid. Not that I have anything against gardening but when promised country...... sadly wanting I'm afraid. I thought it was advertising material!! So, 'not happy Jan'...

So, currently awaiting a reply to my 'please explain' email........... Waiting , waiting.....

Ciao for now


just Martha

Flowers? You Shouldn't Have...

I received some flowers late last week. As above. Aren't they lovely. They are from my neighbour's husband. 'Oh' I hear you exclaim.  Bit unusual I agree. Especially since his wife was walking past the florist when he was buying them as knew they weren't for her. 'This should be interesting' she said to her children.  Yes. It is interesting. They were for me. They were a 'thank you' gift. Plot thickens??? Not really. Apparently I had 'lent' my husband to my gorgeous neighbour to do 'man-stuff' and he felt a bit bad that we were deprived of the Silver Fox's company for the whole weekend!!! So, flowers as a thank you. Heck, between you and I it was nice to have the place to myself for once!!! Knowing the the Silver Fox was doing something he loves with his best friend was reward enough. Heck, I would have p-a-i-d him for the time-out I got!! Don't get me wrong, I adore my hubby but it was nice. So really no flowers necessary.... My pleasure!!!!

Ciao for now


just Martha

Topsy Turvy...

The phone rang last night. Very late. About 9.51pm  to be exact. Even with daylight savings allowances it's a bit late. A ringing phone late at night can strike fear into your soul. 'What's happened?', 'What's gone wrong?'. Brace yourself for tragedy. The world seems a little topsy turvy at the moment. Maybe it is with getting older, losing innocence that such things as a late night call can mean life and death, tragedy... Change... good or bad but definitely change.

Sometimes it is just an innocent phone call from a friend or relative who has lost track of time. It was in this case but the shear relief it brings reminds us we have been holding our breath, getting prepared. We let out a huge sigh of relief. This time. We know from past experience that these calls can bring grief, have us planning..'now, I'll change out of my pyjamas...', 'call the neighbour to watch the children...' Getting prepared. It happens. We know it happens. Hopefully not to us but no doubt we have all received too many calls in the past. Even one is too many.

So hooray to late night calls from those who forget the time. I give thanks for my family and friend's health, happiness and well being and support those whose life has suddenly turned in the wrong direction. May everyone be safe, well and happy. The blogging world definitely included...


Ciao for now




just Martha

'Would You Like Some Tea Mrs Carrot?'

When LJ (sister) and I were small we would have tea parties and one of us would be Mrs Carrot and the other Mrs Parsnip. A game invented by my Mother I think. We would get dressed up and serve tea with a small china tea set, surrounded by our 'guests'. The funny thing was that neither of us ever wanted to be Mrs Parsnip. Ever. And we would argue and I usually won because I was older and bossier.... and it was my teaset. Why didn't we just change the name to ...say... Mrs Spinach or Mrs Cauliflower?  'Would you like sugar in your tea Mrs Cauliflower?' 'Why thank you Mrs Carrot. 2 lumps would be ever so nice'. My memory was jogged when talking with the effervescent Ms El at work.  How funny!!!

Ciao for now

just Martha

Time Management...

Do you suffer from time management issues? I think it is a modern woman's dilemma. Or maybe not. Maybe it has always shrouded women through the ages but it gets a bit tricky doesn't it? Ticking all the boxes, crossing all the 't's...  This year seems to be whizzing by and I still have lots to do.  But. The weeks are flying. And it's Friday already!! Do you play games with yourself to get ahead? I do. How do you fit it all in? This is what I sometimes do:

• I will change the beds mid-week even though they are due on the weekend. Sometimes I even wash all the sheets during the week then feel very happy with myself on the weekend!
• I will set my clock by the bedside 10 minutes fast so even though I know it is fast, I can surprise myself with 10 minutes more... Works like a dream, Go figure
• I will cook 4 times more so I can freeze extra meals. (The challenge for me is remembering to put it all in the freezer when it has cooled enough and not leaving it out all night to be thrown away in the morning. Done that before...)
• I make lunches the night before
• When I go away, I clean the house top to bottom, change the beds, leave bleach in the toilets and bug spray the room edges. Then, while I am away, I smile in anticipation of my clean house, clean sheets, and a few dead bodies to dispose of.... Crazy but I get so much comfort from this!!

I guess this whole mother/daughter/worker/sister/friend/driver/homemaker/washer/shopper/cook/tidy-er/wife thing gets rather tricky to coordinate at times!! Oh no, I put 'wife' role very low on the list. I hope that is not a bad sign!!!! Poor Silver Fox!! Might have to move that one up a few notches. Maybe, I can ditch a few management responsibilities on to him.... 'Oh Silver Fox, how are your ironing skills...' lol.

 

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Positive Thoughts...

There is a site called positive-thoughts.typepad.com  which is both beautiful and inspirational. I am keen on celebrating the everyday and this site is full of beautiful words and photos to be enjoyed. Take time dear bloggers to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend your 20 minutes each day doing something you love. Give it a go...

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Our Christmas Traditions...

Talk about Christmas has been creeping into the blogs for a little while now. Quite rights too as it is only around the corner. Questions have been asked about what one does at Christmas by way of traditions. We have traditions. Some not always appreciated by the littlies of the family but have continued none the less. Here is what we do:

• Read Christmas books at night around the Christmas tree. Books like 'The Night Before Christmas', 'Aussie Christmas', '6 White Boomers', "First Day of Christmas-Aussie Style'... All in their pyjamas, Christmas tree lights on... 

So far so good...

• Christmas Eve we leave a shortbread biscuit and a carrot out for Santa and his reindeer plus a glass of milk 

Nothing unusual yet...

• Christmas morning Santa has left a Christmas stocking, place gently at the bottom of the bed (or in the corridor if someone was still a bit restless) to be explored in the morning. Usually containing some presents, lollies and something exciting.

Then

• Christmas swim at the beach for the morning after a light breakfast

• Rest of the family arrives

• Cold Christmas lunch with seafood plus ham and my mango and avocado salad 

Have you noticed no presents yet?...

• Then we tidy up the dishes and the kitchen

Then And only then.. (by now it is about 3pm)

• 'Santa' (usually my Dad) hands out the presents to each person and one of the little Elves (Grandchildren) delivers them....

Then

• When all the presents are handed out......... we open them and then spend the afternoon playing, reading, listening or smelling....

Then... 

• We have Christmas pudding, brandy butter, custard, jelly, ice-cream.....

Done!!!!

We used to have to wait until after dessert before we opened the pressies but we have changed it slightly over the years. Mainly because we are still a bit full from lunch.

How is that for a torturous tradition??

I still remember sitting around the tree with my heavenly Grandfather handing out the presents. Aaahhh, traditions....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Peacock

On my way to work I get glimpses of some gorgeous peacocks and their peahens just hanging out in front of someone's home.  In the front yard.  What a heavenly site to catch a quick glance of the beautiful blues and greens. They are quite big birds, proud and majestic. I feel quite overwhelmed to see them just watching the world go by seemingly without a care.  It fills me with such joy to know they are there. It makes my day to see such beauty. No tail-showing off yet, but it will come...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Frizzy Hair...

 I am of the 'Frizzy Hair" breed. Give me a bit of humidity and zzzzzz = instant frizz! Are you at peace with your hair? or are you a 'wannabe'?. You know, a 'wannabe straight' or a 'wannabe wavy'.... My goal is to be at peace with my hair. I even went to a hairdresser once and said 'please cut my hair how it wants to be cut'. I am sick and tired of trying to tame my untameable locks. Why is it? Why is it that we want what we don't have? I have hair that is keen to frizz at the slightest temptation. Send me to the hairdressers girls and as soon as that straightening iron comes out, it will rain. Every time. It is true. What a waste of money! 

I am determined to accept my hair for who it wants to be. If only it would make its mind up. I went to Canada once and my hair was perfect!! Different climate. No 'frizz' here!! Bit extreme just for hair though relocating across the world. Now, I have learned a few secrets of late...

1. Here is my secret weapon:

Moroccan hair products...

They work people.  No oil slick but just tame hair.

I also learned another secret. If I wash my hair and blowdry it when it is wet, it is also less likely to frizz. Didn't know that!!! So now, after x amount of years, I can finally look sleeker. Hooray!!!

Ciao for now

just Martha