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!!

Collaborate For A Cause

Have you heard about Collaborate For A Cause? I didn't know anything about it until last year when I saw heaps of gorgeous handmade goodies being auctioned off on Facebook and went to suss it out a little more.
The aim of Collaborate for a Cause is to promote friendship, understanding & fun throughout the facebook handmade community, while raising money for causes you are passionate about.

This year I wanted to be a part of it for sure - soooo along with some of my online handmade buddies we have a bundle of matching goodies all ready.

There is a Universal Pram liner made by A Lillie Bug, pram snuggle quilt by Boondie Baby, 11 flag bunting by yours truly :) and quilted wipes case and dummy pod holder made by Puddin's Reteat. They all match each other and are a super cute red, white and black Little Red Riding Hood theme.

Be sure to Like the Collaborate For A Cause Facebook page where all the auction action will be taking place from 8pm July 27th - July 29th.
There will be items added to the Auction Album all this month ready with goodies of all kinds up for grabs so keep checking back. All money raised in the auctions will donated to different causes too so you may just find the perfect cause to support.

Mother's Day Classic

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mummies out there - how was your day? did you get lots of kisses and hugs? I was up bright and early and popped on my running gear ready for the Mother's Day Classic!! It was a rather fresh morning waiting for the train to take my sister in law, Julia, and I to Parramatta Park ready for the 8km run to begin but worth it.

We finally convinced each other to take our jackets of to revel our awesome singlets I designed with the help of Christina from Billy Mac Clothing and I just had to ask a friend we saw at the park to snap some pics of us.

The park was covered in people wearing pink and with such a family friendly positive vibe in the air the event was one I'll be a part of every year!! I managed to cross the finish line in 43mins and then headed home to my babies and to celebrate Mother's Day with the gorgeous lady we ran for: my Mother in law, Janette, who kicked Breast Cancers butt!!! Woohoo!!!!

I think we might have convinced Billy Mac Clothing designer, Christina to run it with us next year too :)

Bunting for Wayside 'in action'

Remember the 83m of bunting I made for The Wayside Chapel from 100% donated fabrics and ribbon (See post HERE) It was made for Wayside's annual Christmas Day Street Party to add a festive touch to such a great event.


Just check out these great pics of the day where you can see the bunting hanging above the HUGE crowd of guests that celebrated Christmas in such a fabulous way!

Donated fabrics and ribbon turn into 83m of bunting for The Wayside Chapel

Every Thursday I receive the 'Inner Circle' email from Graham Long of The Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross, Sydney. In this email Graham tells a bit of his experiences working at The Wayside Chapel and my Thursday's aren't complete without reading these emails (if you want to get these emails as well, join the mailing list HERE) Anyway about 4 weeks ago the email had a 'call out' in it for anyone who could donate goods, supplies and services for the annual Wayside Christmas Day Street Party where the Wayside staff close down the main street of Kings Cross and feed over 1000 people who would have otherwise be alone and hungry on Christmas day.


Instantly I checked out the 'wish list' to see if there was anything I could donate and when I saw the word DECORATIONS on the list I knew that was something I could do... BUNTING - lots and lots and lots of Christmas bunting!!

I raided my fabric stash for anything green, red, white or Christmas-y and had a small stash to start with but I had visions of ALLOT of bunting that Wayside could use at their Street Party year after year. So it was my turn to make a 'call out'. I contacted some wonderful friends, colleges, family and businesses and asked for fabrics for my little idea.

Bundle after bundle of fabric & ribbon arrived over the next few days and a HUGE thanks goes out to these AWESOME businesses who donated: The Oz Material Girls, Ribbons Galore, Wrapped In Fabric, The Habby Goddess, Em & Femme Designs, Baby Galah, Tea for Evie & Little Sew & Sews (I so hope I haven't forgotten anyone - so so so sorry if I have).

I got cutting and sewing and just this Monday gone I finally finished it all - a whopping 83 metres (the longest amount I've ever sewn for one 'order') of handmade bunting for 100% donated supplies!! Check it out:






Folding it all up and popping it into a box was an effort in itself but I got it posted off to Wayside ready for the Christmas Day Street Party and I reckon it's going to be looking pretty swish :)

Thanks again to all who donated - Mwahh!!

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!!

Weekend plans?

What are you up to this weekend? Catching up with friends? Doing a bit of spring cleaning? Just taking it easy?


If you are happen to be in Victoria, Australia on Sunday why not pop into Sugar and Spice Children's Market. This gorgeous handmade market, located in the heated St Ambrose Hall in Woodend, has something for everyone - even the dads!


Free face painting, cupcakes and coffee, a 'Dad's Corner', and an absolute plethora of stunning handmade goodies for kiddies on sale from a wide variety of talented sellers. Check out what's on offer HERE. With only 106 days until the Jolly guy in the red suit pops by this is the perfect chance to grab some Christmas goodies!


If you are one of the first 100 shoppers through the door on Sunday morning you will also receive a FREE goodie bag!! You might even spot a pack of 'giggle berries' from Giggleberry inside the goodie bag!

All profits raised from this weekends market will be kindly donated to Felicity so from 10am to 2pm happy shopping!!