But I live in a Rental property?

Just because the house that you live in is rented, does not mean that it can't be your home. I so often hear people say that they cant make it look like their own home because of the fact that they rent. Well I disagree.

Sure, you cant paint the walls, or change the floor plan, but there are things that you CAN do to give it a sense of "YOU".

As an Interior Designer, I can show you how to arrange your furniture so that it all fits better and looks more appealing. I can show you design tricks to make a small room look bigger and vice versa. Simply showing you how to organise your belongings and de-clutter can make a huge difference to how you feel about the home you live in, even if it is not 'your own'. I offer makeover consults specifically designed to help with these problems.

Not every one can afford to buy a house, but you can afford to make the house you live in a home.

Positive Power!!

I have noticed a change within myself in the past few weeks. Since embracing what is good in my life instead of pointing out what is bad (like saying things such as "it always happens in 3's" and "can anything else go wrong?") and focusing on what is good, I am finding that I am seeing a lot less of the negative! I am even managing (with the help of my medication) to control the symptoms of my bipolar!

I am raising a glass of red wine to the power of positive thinking! Universe, I as your pupil am ready now; please show me to my teacher :)

Think or sink

I read an awesome book the other day (quite literally actually, from cover to cover in a matter of three hours)and was astounded by how much sense it made! It's called "Think or sink" by Gina Mollicone-Long, and it was fantastic!It is all about happiness being a feeling that we can control. So many people say "If I just had more money, I would be happy" or "I will be happy when I get......", but this book tells you that happiness is a state of mind. You are either happy or you aren't. You cant base your happiness on getting something or achieving something, it is all about your outlook.

It was so enlightening to read. Gina talks about being accountable for your choices and your circumstances, and learn from them. If what you did worked out well for you, then refine what you did and make it better. If what you did did not give you the result you wanted, then look at how you can rework it so that when you try again, you get the result you are after. I really recommend this book!

My whinge

I dont often complain about things...I believe if you aren't happy, then you should do something about it. But what about when it is out of your control? Here is my drama...

I am partnered with a wonderful man, who pays through the nose for his two sons (from a previous marriage)in child support. He does this quite willingly, as he takes his responsibilities seriously. It is a large sum of money (how Child Support Agency think that this amount is reasonable is beyond me).

We have told CSA that there are three other children (my children) in the equation that we co-support. In essence, my partner supports two families; his sons from his previous marriage, and mine. Again, he does this quite happily.

CSA have said that it makes no difference that we have three other children that my partner helps support, as he is not LEGALLY responsible for them. Therefore, the exorbitant amount he is required to pay for his son's stands.

Now on the other hand, another Government agency (Centrelink)refuses to give me any money towards raising my children. I only work part-time, and if I were single then I would qualify. But here is the kicker...my income is added to what my PARTNER earns, and therefore I earn too much to get any benefits. How is it, that one Government agency says that my partner is not responsible financially for my children, but another Government agency states that he is?

I feel like we are screwed at both ends!

Podcast

Heading out today to do a guest speaking role in a podcast! The podcast is called The Mojo show for Mum's, and it is about listening to other mums talk about their own lives as parents. As women, we feel as though we are expected to love every aspect of parenthood, and to have bad days is a sign of bad parenting. The show is an honest depiction of how parenting is, and although we all love our children, there are some days when parenting can seem like it is all too hard. This podcast will talk about my life as a parent, business owner and full-time worker, as well as how I manage to cope with it all whilst living with PTSD and Bipolar. I will post it as soon as it is uploaded, I hope that you will get something out of it!
xx

Married sex in the suburbs

I admit, I love Sex and the city. I am going to the cinema tomorrow with some friends to see it, and I cant wait. But it's got me thinking. What about me? I am a working mother of three. I own my own business. I study full time. But it appears to me that life seems to be focused on the trials and tribulations of single people.

I have to say, that I would never give up what I have, I love my life, but that doesn't mean it is easy. I sometimes feel as though I am being left behind. Let me explain...
I have responsibilities. I wouldn't trade them for the world, but sometimes I miss not being included in my friend's girly nights. In our group, I am the Miranda. I have the kids. I have the busy life. I dont have the time or the financial freedom to take off for the weekend. And sometimes, I dont want to. I want to be at home with my gorgeous man and kids. I know that I am not alone in this. I make my decision to stay at home, for two reasons. Firstly, I love being at home. I think I am getting too old for nightclubs. Secondly, there is nothing worse than when you are the only 'married' friend in a group of single friends... you all have different agendas. I guess it is the same as being the only single friend amongst married ones. Why is it that the grass is always greener on the other side?

A night out on the booze is great while it lasts, but the next day is hell. The headaches, the dehydration and the bad memories of the night before. Maybe I am getting too old? Or maybe I am just greedy...do I just want the best of both worlds?