I did it!!!!!

Half Marathon - DONE!

There has been a rather large smile on my face since crossing the finish line at the stairs of the Opera House yesterday morning.
What a blast! I was aiming to finish the 21.1km Half Marathon course around the 2hr mark so my finish time of 2hrs 3mins 34secs is absolutely fine with me!
I managed to snap a pic at the start of the race as we crossed the Harbour Bridge but then tucked my phone away again and got down to business.

The course is a spectacular one to run, with some awesome views and Sydney's weather yesterday was stunning which made the whole experience fabulous!
Thanks to my father in law who came along to see my sister in law and I at the finish line. He snapped some pics while he was there for memories sake but they are only just a taste of how awesome it was to be a part of the race.

I'll be back next year - I just have to decide if I will be lining up for the Half or the Full Marathon...

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to those gorgeous people who sponsored my run in support of my step daughter Felicity - You are STARS!!!!!!

Half Marathon for Felicity!

Remember a few months ago I told you HERE how I have been training for my first official half marathon?? Well the time has ticked away and we are almost there - only 5 sleeps left in fact, and I can't wait, Woohoo!
So why am I doing this??

Not only am I mum to Milla and Harrison but I am also step-mum to Felicity, who happens to have a sever form of autism. Felicity was born unique with a rare chromosome disorder and a day in her life is very different to yours or mine. Coming up on 12, she works hard every day to learn simple language, organise her body and learn social skills..... and she does this in her own unique & delightful way. Felicity is currently in her 7th year of her full time in home Son-Rise Program™ for her Autism and this program is allowing her to reach for the stars. She is an absolute delight to be around and her joyful personality touches many peoples lives.
It's automatic to assume that I am running my first ever Half Marathon next week FOR Felicity but the truth in the matter is I am running BECAUSE of Felicity and I thank her for that... let me explain what I mean.
What I have learnt in the short time I have been honoured to be in the role parent/step-parnet to these three little people is that if they are happy in their life there is nothing more they will need. They can choose to be well paid, uber educated lawyers OR fit, fab and healthy athletes OR struggling artists one day - who knows! But if they are doing it with a smile in their heart then what more could I ask for?
I get asked by lots of people "how is Felicity?" and I can only assume they want to hear me reply with "she is doing so well, she now has X amount of words and any day now we will have her enrolled in a typical school and her Autism is a thing of the past" Of course I will be thrilled to one day tell people that, but what I have learnt and am continuing to learn is what I reply with: "she is happy" and for any parent/step-parent that is perfection!
Anyone that knows Felicity will tell you she is one cheeky, bubbly girl who is ALWAYS smiling no matter what is in her way. Seeing this shine through her for the past 6 years that I have been Felicity's step mum has made me realise that I need to always search for what makes me happy and DO IT! Happiness is a choice!

Enter running. It started as a little 'fitness kick' to loose a bit of baby weight - I did and I was happy. Then I realised I kinda liked this running stuff - so I keep doing it and I was happy. I ran my first ever official race last year when I took on the City2Surf - when I crossed the finish line I was happy. I run most mornings which wakes me up (I'm NOT a morning person) and gets me in a good mood ready to start the day with my family - that makes me happy. I have goals set to better my times/distance/pace - I beat them and I am happy. I WILL run my first ever Half Marathon in Felicity's name - this will make my heart happy. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't feeling 'un-happy' before all this but I wasn't happy with my weight, I wasn't happy with my grumpy mood in the mornings when there is such a better way to be with my gorgeous family, I wash't happy being an unfit mum who would rather sit and watch my kids instead of run and play with them, I wasn't happy with feeling unattractive to my hubby but what I am trying to say is Felicity and her Son-Rise Program has helped me learn that you need to find whatever it is that makes you happy and do it - that 'thing' for me in the past 2 years has been running..... it might not always be running but for now it is and I will run next weeks 21.09km Half Marathon race with a smile in my heart knowing I am doing it for myself - What an AWESOME thing to be able to say!

Thank you Felicity for being such a gift to my everyday and I will be delighted to run this race for you in the hopes to raise more more for your Son-Rise Program xx

I would absolutely LOVE your support for Sunday's race if you are able. Your sponsorship donation would go a long way in continuing Felicity's Son-Rise Program and would be appreciated beyond words! Pop over to the DONATE page on the Running The Marathon Of Autism's website HERE for ways to sponsor me!!

Busy Bee Me!

Goodness it's been a while since my last post! So much seems to be happening at once... There have been custom orders galore heading out the door, our Mac died after 6 years of faithful service (I'm writing this post from our brand new shiny iMac - it's VERY swish!), new OOAK buntings listed in the etsy shop HERE and I have been making a conscious choice every day to leave my iPhone and computer to the side as I spend quality time with my growing kids. Milla starts 'big school' next year so this time with her and her little brother, Harris, is precious and I don't want to miss one bit. So as you can see there is LOTS going on in life with our young family and Giggleberry Creations keeping me on my toes.... and speaking of toes I have officially started my 18 week training program to prepare for my first ever Half Marathon in September this year.

With snazzy new shoes (these babies glow in the dark!!) I have been running further and further and trying to pick up speed on most mornings of the week before the family have rolled out of bed. It's tough to get going in the cold morning (I am sooooo not a morning person) but once I get moving I feel fantastic and love that I get the 'me time' to start the day in such a way. The Half Marathon isn't until the 16th of September and it will be tough but I can't wait! I will be doing it for Running The Marathon of Autism to raise money along the way for my step daughter Felicity and her Son-Rise Program for her autism... would you like to know more? would you like to sponsor me? check out our website HERE for all the details on Felicity and her journey so far. On that note I will leave you once again - I will be sure to pop in to keep you up to date as things happen but until then I will be playing with my babies, running further and sewing up a storm. xx

Light It Up Blue!

Did you know April is World Autism Awareness Month?? And did you also know that April 2nd (that's today) is World Autism Awareness Day!!


For Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks is again doing Light It Up Blue day. This is the third year that Light It Up Blue has been running and it is great to see how it has grown and is really doing a fabulous job creating awareness for Autism!!

Giggleberry Creations facebook page profile pic and timeline image are both 'lit up blue' to help spread awareness and my personal profile page is also lit up blue... how about yours??
You can add the below image as your time line pic by just right clicking the image - saving to your desktop then importing it to your facebook page... Easy!!


Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support including the Sydney Opera House tonight followed by many many more - Unreal!!

I did it!!!!

WooHoo!! I did it! I ran the 14km City2Surf!!


It was a rainy morning but it didn't dampen the spirits of the 85,000 entrants I was surrounded by at the start line. I was pumped and when I crossed the start line I was so excited to finally be running in the official race after so many weeks of training.


I wish I could have had the energy and ability to take photos along the way because there is so many people in dress up, bands playing music on the side streets, little kids in their front yards waving to the crowd and generally lots and lots of people having fun!
Heartbreak Hill was tough but I got up it eventually and when I finally started the VERY welcome downhill home stretch into Bondi Beach I was rather proud of myself for getting there.
I finished the race in 1:32 and am pretty chuffed with that result as a first time entrant! I'll be back again next year to try and beat it though ;)

Most importantly I have to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who was behind me for this run. Family, friends and so, so, so many of you gorgeous people (most of you I have never actually met face to face) who donated, sent well wishes, spread the word about why I was running and pushed me along the way - you all ROCK!!!!!
We managed to get our fundraising tally to $3708 for Felicity's Son-Rise Program so a HUGE *high 5* to all of you, THANK YOU!!!

5 sleeps till I take on the City 2 Surf!!

Sneakers are ready, my iPhone has been uploaded with music, I've sussed out the public transport theory for getting to the start line... now all we need to do is wait 5 more sleeps and the starting gun will go off for the 2011 City 2 Surf!!
I'm rather excited about this Sunday's race and I can't wait to cross the finish line with a smile on my face. if you didn't know already I am running the Sydney City 2 Surf for the first time ever all in aid of my step daughter Felicity and her full time Son-Rise Program for her Autism. I'll be thinking of Felicity's cheeky giggle throughout the race and especially while I take on Heart Break Hill to help keep me going but would love some extra motivating support in the form of sponsorship if you can.


There have been many many early morning runs, sore knees, blisters and puffed out lungs to train for this race but it's only a tiny effort in comparison to the challenges Felicity takes on head first with a smile on her face. The progress Felicity has made during her Son-Rise Program has been AMAZING and for these to continue I will enjoy every step I run on Sunday in an effort to raise more $$$ to help Felicity's program go further and further.


For the ways to sponsor me through donations please click HERE or to donate with your credit card or paypal account simply click on the yellow Donate button below and follow the easy instructions.

We aim to raise $5000 and so far are at $3213. It would be so cool to run on Sunday knowing we hit our target!!

Thanks so very, very much from me and my little family in advance xxx





Giggeleberry Creations Update:
Our kiddie free long weekend away break was amazing! Lots of great food & wine, staying up late, sleeping in, window shopping and generally relaxing! We arrived home late Sunday night and have heard wonderful stories from the kids about their weekend with Grandma & Papa Giggleberry (more on that in another post).
Giggleberry is back to business with most orders up to date and in the mail. All emails & Etsy conversation have been replied to and I thank you everyone for being patient and lovely while I got to everything after a few days off. xx

Snazzy Shirts!

Remember how I told you HERE how I'm training to run the City 2 Surf on August 14th for my step daughter Felicity? Well let me tell you I will be running in style!!


A HUMONGOUS thank you goes to Christina of Billy Mac Clothing for designing some awesome shirts for us to wear on race day - seriously how cool are these!?! They match our Running The Marathon Of Autism website perfectly and will help us stand out a little more in the huge crowd on the day of the run.


If you don't know about Billy Mac Clothing then you should! Their funky designs on quality tshirts for kids (and adults) are too cool to cope! I have shopped at Billy Mac a few times for birthday and Xmas gifts and couldn't resist the super cool Easter bunny design they had this year... I bought one for each of my little kids and one each for my nieces we spent Easter with!!


Be sure to check out all the Billy Mac Clothing goodies through their website HERE and stay tuned to see happy snaps of me running in our new fancy schmancy shirts - Thanks Christina!!

Run Giggleberry Run!

In about May last year I was floating through the blog & Daily Routine of Sunny Mummy. I LOVE everything Stacey stands for: Mum's should "look after themselves first in order to look after their families best". I adore being a mummy but was not completely happy with how much 'me time' I was allowing myself... It was then I realised I was doing no exercise - seriously NONE. Besides following my kids round at the park I was not active at all and was becoming increasingly un-impressed with my waistline so I decided to do something about it. I set an alarm for some un-godly hour of the morning (I'm NOT a morning person). I put on my sneakers (I had to dig them out of the corner of my cupboard and dust them off first LOL) and I went for a run!
I only got to the end of my street before I was huffing and puffing like crazy and quickly dropped off to a walk. I walked around the block but when I got home I felt great! Sure I hadn't run a marathon or anything but I had got up off my butt for the first time since trying to lose weight for our wedding 3.5 years earlier!!
Little bit by little bit my walking pace picked up each morning and eventually I was getting up at 6am to go jogging around our block 3 times a week. When we moved house in September I found a new route to run and was running 3kms 3-4 times per week... I have since added to it and was happily running 4kms 4 times a week.
NOTE: This all started as a pledge to myself to get fit, lose weight and start taking care of me - I had NO IDEA how much I would actually enjoy it! I truly think I am a happier wife and mum than I was 18 months ago and all it took was a little bit of 'me time'!!


For the past few years family & good friends of ours have trained then run many races in our Running The Marathon Of Autism campaign to help raise money for my step-daughter Felicity's Son-Rise Program for her severe Autism. Each and every runner who has done this for Felicity are NOT professional athletes - They are mums, dads and even grandparents who love Felicity and want to help. This year it's my turn to join them!!

On August 14th I WILL be taking part in the Sydney City 2 Surf and I WILL finish the race one way or another! I WILL enjoy every step and I WILL be doing it for Felicity, myself and my family!


I have added 2kms to my morning run already (go me!) and now run 6kms every morning while I watch the sun come up but I would LOVE your support and motivation vibes please - I, along with 3 others (so far) who are running the City 2 Surf for Felicity would all be so thrilled to know we were able to raise money along the way. Please head HERE to donate to Felicity's Son-Rise Program that she has come so far in already, our family will be forever grateful and I promise I'll run a little harder up 'Heartbreak Hill' :)


THANKYOU Sunny Mummy Stacey for the reminder to take care of myself! I am happier, healthier, 15kgs lighter and thrilled I can support my family this way all because I took a little time out for me!!
Keep watching this space as I'll up-date you all on my training, race prep and our fundraising efforts along the way!!

City2Surf - Awesome efforts and results!!

And just like that the 2010 City2Surf is all over. What an absolutely stunning day Sydney put on for it - sun shining, crisp winter air and 80,000 entrants into one of the worlds biggest fun runs!
Carley, Jocelyn and Ian all took on the mighty 14km race as planned and all walked away from the day with a few blisters & sore muscles but most importantly a HUGE smile on their faces.



RESULTS:
Jocelyn - 1hr 16minutes (beating her last years City2Surf by 13 minutes)
Ian - 1hr 37 minutes
Carley - 2hrs 15 minutes

These inspirational runners should be so very, very proud of their efforts - absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!! Enjoy a well earned rest.

We are touched that so many people have donated via sponsorship for the runners and so excited that our total raised so far is $5061 that's past the half way mark of our aim of $10,000 for the Running the Marathon of Autism campaign.... and that's without seeing our latest Direct Deposit donations (they always take a day or so to 'land' in the account) - WOW!!

Next race we are gearing up for now is the Sydney Half Marathon on Sunday, September 19th. Jocelyn, Sammy and Nicole will be taking this 21km event head on - Go Girls!!

4 sleeps to go...

The timer is ticking away... at the time of publishing this post there is only 3 days, 20 hours, 21 minutes and 42 seconds until the 2010 City2Surf!
3 of the Running the Marathon of Autism runners: Ian, Carley & Jocelyn, will be taking on the 14kms in Felicity's name - AWESOME!!

This is your chance to sponsor these wonderful people for their marathon efforts and in the same action you will be supporting Felicity through her own marathon journey recovering from autism.



We have been overwhelmed with all the support so far and are thrilled that our donation counters are currently at $4506.
How awesome would it be to crack the $5000 mark before the starting gun trigger is pulled at the City2Surf this weekend??

With 3 ways to donate it's quick and easy to further support Felicity in her Son-Rise Program.

PAYPAL:
Donation via credit card can be made by clicking the below yellow button (you do not need a paypal account to do this)

DIRECT DEPOSIT:
Account Name: T J Costin
BSB Number: 944 300
Account Number: 012 598 461

NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please send your email address, postal address and a copy of the direct deposit transaction to - tanya@intellectualdisability.org

CHEQUE:
Cheques are to be made out to: T J Costin
Please post them to:
Running the Marathon of Autism
T J Costin
P.O. Box 304
Church Point
NSW, 2105

NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please include a note with your email address & postal address

THANK YOU< THANK YOU< THANK YOU in advance for all your support!!

Sugar & Spice plans for the weekend!

This Sunday, June 20th, will see the very first Sugar & Spice Children's Market in Woodend Victoria.


Click HERE to see the yummy list of stall holders who have been hand picked and are ready to go with all their gorgeous. mostly handmade, goodies!!
The hall has central heating, there will be cupcakes and coffee, face painting for the kids, live music, and goodie bags for the 1st 100 shoppers to arrive on the day! Sounds like the perfect Sunday morning to me!


To sweeten the Sugar & Spice experience even more - all the profits that are made through running the June (and September) markets will be donated to Felicity to fund her Son-Rise Program for her Autism.

Arrrr, more loot in the Pirate Party Auction Pack!

A HUGE thanks to Details, details and Red Letter Studio for contacting me to offer some very groovy pirate goodies to add to the Pirate Party Pack that is up for auction HERE.


Details, details is a gorgeous online store with a mission 'to share our passion for hosting beautiful, memorable celebrations with you and to make it easy for you to coordinate and execute a stylish, modern soiree by sourcing and gathering everything you need into one gorgeous online boutique!'

Red Letter Studio is 'an exclusive boutique design studio based in Melbourne, specialising in unique stationery and invites. We provide a personalised service to create custom graphic design in a variety of mediums to suit your requirements.'


So now added to the awesome Pirate Party Pack are:

* 1 pack of red and white cupcake wrappers
* 1 Palm Tree cookie cutter
* 1 Skull cookie cutter
* 1 Treasure chest cookie cutter
* 12 black, red & white cupcake flags
* 20 Pirate Party Invites with matching red envelopes


This great pack, that will have you completely organised for a Swashbuckling celebration, is now valued at over $270!! The best bit is every single cent raised from this auction will be donated directly to Running the Marathon of Autism to help Felicity with her Son-Rise Program for Autism - Yay!!


Bidding has started and the auction will be open until 9pm Sunday the 16th of May - you've got to be in it to win it!
Click HERE to be taken straight to the auction and happy bidding!

Arrrrr We Be Fundraisin'

Do you have a little pirate? does your little pirate have a birthday party coming up? would your little pirate like some bunting to hang in their bedroom or play area? Would you like to help Giggleberry support a great cause?
If you answered yes to even one of the above questions then look no further - we can help!


Firstly let me tell you about the great cause you will be helping - Running the Marathon of Autism for Felicity



Felicity is a 9 year old bundle of joy who has the warmest hugs and an incredibly cheeky giggle. Felicity is currently in her 4th year of her full time Son-Rise Program™ for her Autism, that has been nothing short of miraculous.
Get to know Felicity and read more of her story so far HERE
In 2006 a close family friend of Felicity's ran the Melbourne Marathon for the first time ever - Maryke, mother of 2, who claimed "it was tougher than giving birth". Maryke did the mammoth 42km run and was sponsored along the way to raise some of the necessary funds needed to keep Felicity's Son-Rise Program going. This year, Maryke and 4 other amazing women Carley, Jocelyn, Sammy and Nicole, are all currently training for a variety of major events including the 14 km Sydney City 2 Surf, the 21km Sydney 1/2 Marathon and the 42km Melbourne Marathon. These inspirational runners are not professional athletes, nor are they seasoned runners. They are women who are mums, work full time jobs and have children of their own but they all have one common passion - Felicity.
All money raised goes directly to:
- Providing training in the form of an Outreach where a Son-Rise Program™ teacher travels from the Autism Treatment Center of America™ to work specifically with Felicity and her family one on one in their home.
- Providing funding towards sending Felicity's mum to the United States for the 5 day 'Wide Awake' training course (in November of 2010) held at the Autism Treatment Center of America™ to further enhance the effectiveness of Felicity's Son-Rise Program™
- Providing on going bio-medical treatments for Felicity.

So how does your little pirate fit into all of this? I hear you ask...

You may remember HERE my little boy had a pirate party for his first birthday a few months ago. I made pirate themed bunting to decorate the party that was in a local park so the banners hung from a big tree... after the party was finished the banners were folded up and have been sitting untouched and unused ever since. These fun banners are in excellent condition and have years of life in them!

Sooooo up for auction via the Giggleberry Creations facebook page HERE is the 3 bunting banners, a total of 12 metres of red, white and black pirate flags that can be used for a pirate party and when the festivities are all over can be used to decorate your pirates bedroom!


These banners also come with a small pirate package that will have you well on your way for a pirate party including pirate serviettes, pirate sprinkles, pirate eye patches & pirate party hats all staying in the red, black and white theme!


HOW TO BID:
As of today (Wednesday 12th May) until 9pm on Sunday (16th of May) you have the chance to bid on this pirate package by placing your bid in the comments section under the package photo HERE. At 9pm on Sunday night I will 'close' the auction and whomever is the auctions highest bidder is our auction winner!

WHAT YOU'RE BIDDING ON:
* 3 pirate bunting banners - 11 flag/approx 2.5metres, 23 flags/approx 5metres, 22 flags/approx 5metres - all with extra ribbon at each end for hanging
* pack of 16 pirate serviettes
* 12 black plastic pirate eye patches
* 12 cardboard pirate party hats
* 1 pack of pirate sprinkles

NEWS FLASH: we have just been donated more pirate party items to be included in the auction pack!
* Pack of 12 red and white cupcake wrappers
* 12 red, black & white cupcake flags
* 1 Palm Tree cookie cutter
* 1 Skull cookie cutter
* 1 Treasure chest cookie cutter
* 20 Pirate Party Invites with matching red envelopes

AUCTION RULES:
* Only bids placed in the comments section under the photo found HERE will be counted
* The winning bid is the amount to be paid - no extra for postage/packaging
* The winning bid must to be paid via paypal or direct deposit within 3 days of the auction closing - we will contact you with details
* All the items will be posted to the winning bidder as soon as payment clears
* A receipt will be sent with the items for tax purposes as the winning bid is a donation
* Please ask any questions you may have prior to bidding


Happy bidding and a HUGE thank you for helping us Support Felicity and Running the Marathon of Autism
If you don't have use for these pirate goodies but would still like to support Felicity please take a look HERE for details.

Are you Aware?

As some of my long time regular readers would know, Autism is a cause very close to me and my family as our eldest daughter, Felicity, has a severe form of the condition. Felicity is one very happy little girl who seems to have an effect on all those who meet her - people just want to help her in some way. So without further ado I announce to you all our exciting new fundraising efforts Running The Marathon Of Autism. 5 individual and amazing women have separately pledged to run either the Sydney City 2 Surf, the Sydney 1/2 Marathon or the Melbourne full Marathon all in aid of raising funds to helps us sustain and increasing the effectiveness of Felicity’s intensive full time Son-Rise Program™ that day by day takes us closer to curing her Autism.
We are just blown away at the generosity and determination of these awesome women and are madly setting up a website HERE to help us in our bid to get this cause noticed so we can start the sponsorship donations rolling in.
There are many, many exciting things in the works for this campaign so be sure to follow us on Twitter at HERE at www.twitter.com/Marathon4Autsim and join our Facebook fan page HERE to stay up to date with everything.

April is Autism Awareness Month. In an effort to spread the message of awareness about this still unexplainable condition that effect 1 in every 150 children, on the night of April 1, prominent buildings across the world including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada will be lit up blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Friday, April 2.


In Australia Federation Square, Melbourne, King George Square, Brisbane and The Bell Tower, Perth will all be turning on their lights blue to show their support of world Autism Awareness Day.
The aim is "to light the world blue – city by city, town by town – by taking action to raise awareness about autism in our communities" for more information on the Light It Up Blue campaign check out www.lightitupblue.org

Other things you can do to Light It Up Blue:
* Change your Facebook profile picture to the Light It Up Blue logo and tag at least 10 of your friends.
* Post on your blog about Light It Up Blue to raise autism awareness. You could feature items that are blue you make &/or sell.
* Have an etsy shop? choose any blue items to be your shops 'Featured items' with a little blurb about Light It Up Blue or make a treasury of all blue items with a link back to Light It Up Blue
* Add the Light It Up Blue logo to your e-mail signature … and type your e-mails in blue.
* On April 2 wear blue clothing and ask your co-workers, schools and friends to wear blue too. Take pictures and add them to the Light It Up Blue Flickr gallery HERE.
* Bake puzzle piece shaped cookies and frost them with blue icing, then bring them to your school, work or place of worship to raise autism awareness.


Stay tuned for all the exciting news in regards to Running The Marathon Of Autism.