dead ant

A couple of weeks ago we had the house sprayed for insects. I mentioned to the pest man that we occasionally get black ants in the kitchen. Just every now and then they appear, form a line and then they're on their merry way and don't see them again for a while. Mr Pest Man said to call him the next time they show up, he'll come back to lay some bait that they will carry back to their nest to take 'care' of them.

SO this is what I've been dealing with this week, after Mr Pest Man came back on Monday to bait them. He said there would be an increase in activity, and then they'd die off...

Now he said an increase in activity, not a whole colony!!!

this is them before interruption

And after a freak out!

Have you ever seen such a thing??

Mr Pest Man says it's normal, that we must just have a big nest somewhere :(

I've stripped the pantry bare even though the little buggers aren't into any food, they're just attracted to the bait, but still. Gross right!?

I just love having all my food on display :((

They're SLOWLY going :(( Silver lining I suppose, is it's the perfect opportunity to clean out the pantry :S

that's the bait in the left hand corner :(

thirty

It was my birthday on Friday, I've hit the big 3. 0.

I'm feeling really empowered and totally OK about saying goodbye to a great decade, and I'm welcoming my 30's with wide open arms.

I was up to feed Livy at 5:30am and when I jumped back into bed, D started singing Happy Birthday. I mumbled that I wasn't ready to wake up just yet so snuggled back in and we went back to sleep. Livy woke again around 8am so D went and grabbed her to have family cuddles in bed. D gave me day spa menu from Chateau Elan, The Vintage!

source

He had booked the following package for Mum and I to enjoy on the Saturday morning. It was pure bliss, I didn't know where I was when I got home!

We were lucky enough to enjoy:

60 minute pre treatment in the Hydrolounge
This unique space is equipped with a hot & cold plunge pool, as well as an infrared steam sauna. There is also a warmed area made for relaxation and socialising immediately after immersion treatments, with a fireplace, refreshments and water-resistant lounges. The sun deck overlooks the rolling vineyards of Beggars Bridge and Barrington Tops.

60 minute Swedish massage
Your therapist will use dance-like flowing style massage techniques, along with a collection of classical European moves designed to relax you, improve your circulation and lymph flow.

75 minute Terre & Mer Organic Facial
Using certified organic products from the prestigious French Thalgo range, this facial is not only good for your skin, but also the planet. Combining natural and marine algae with organic plant extracts including olive leaf extract, Immortelle and Orange blossom for powerful antioxidant, regenerative and skin soothing benefits, the Terre & Mer range is formulated only with renewable sources.

65ml Grown Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream to take home

Really beautiful. You can really smell the orange and it's not greasy! PLUS for me.

Also added was a Blink Collagen Eye Treatment..

We relaxed with a cuppa afterwards, for some reason I fell in love with this tea bag!

It's the small things that make me happy!

This is me leaving with my goodie bag.. it was so windy I didn't have time to get a proper pic!

Backtracking to Friday.. D took the day off work so we had a nice morning together. We headed out to Leaves & Fishes in the vineyards for lunch. It was beautiful. My parents, D's parents and my sister were there. Just small, like I wanted it.

Get ready for this! I ate..

Honey & sesame seed encrusted tuna with wasabi aioli & and sea weed salad

Tempura of soft shell crab

 

Lolly jar of assorted ice creams. I can never go past this!



OMG everything was sooo good. I'm hungry again just looking at this :)

I also received my boots:

And these earrings..

And these pretty flowers!



I'm catching up with my girlfriends to celebrate this weekend! Yep, I love dragging it out :) All in all I've celebrated just how I wanted to. A perfect way to bring on my 30's :)

chocolate fudge & raspberry brownie

WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

600g Dark Chocolate
300g Butter
3 cups of Brown Sugar
6 Eggs
1 ½ Cups of Plain Flour
3 Tablespoon Cocoa
250g Sour Cream

MELT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE TOGETHER IN MICROWAVE FOR 3-4 MINUTES.

IN ANOTHER BOWL MIX SUGAR EGGS SOUR CREAM. THEN DRY INGREDIENTS UNTILL WELL COMBINED.

ADD MIXED MELTED INGREDIENTS.

LAYER WITH RASPBERRIES IN LINED BAKING TRAY.

BAKE FOR 55 MINS OR UNTIL JUST SET ON 160 DEGREES.

ALLOW TO COOL REFRIGERATE AND CUT WITH HOT KNIFE NEXT DAY.

ALTERNATIVE FILLLING: APRICOT AND ALMOND, FIG AND NUT, BANANA.

Almost 12 weeks!

Who can believe my baby girl is almost 3 months old??!

I sure can't.

She brings so much joy to our lives.

Love you Livy xx