tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post9222774286750325380..comments2024-03-19T19:33:25.643+10:00Comments on A Tray of Bliss: Motherly Advice...The conundrum of being a Stay at Home Mum...Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-34399809296633492872018-05-29T07:50:20.613+10:002018-05-29T07:50:20.613+10:00Great post as always Mimi, you make all us stay at...Great post as always Mimi, you make all us stay at home ladies feel as important as we really are........I read an article in the paper once that<br />said husbands could not afford to pay what a stay at home MOM does every<br />day. I believe that is true and you pretty much prove that with your <br />posts about how much you save your family. Thank you for taking the time to share these things with us.....You are amazing and I could not agree<br />more with so much that you say here. You go girl!! Glad you are doing well. <br />Love and blessings,<br />NellieNellie's Cozy Placehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14619797669030115088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-71854720839383917372018-05-28T22:49:04.219+10:002018-05-28T22:49:04.219+10:00I am so very sorry that you were subjected to a re...I am so very sorry that you were subjected to a remark such as that. Just appauling!!!How you fashion your life is NO business of there's.Take heart, and keep up the great role you carry out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-26631741957978981482018-05-28T13:27:01.288+10:002018-05-28T13:27:01.288+10:00Dear Clare, this comment really makes me sad for y...Dear Clare, this comment really makes me sad for you and your 'friend'. What honestly is wrong with some people? You deserve praise for taking this path, not denigration. We all know how much time, energy and effort goes into keeping a nice home and garden, nurturing a family, supporting a working partner, feeding them all well on a budget and generally being the keeper of hearth and home. Really working parents know that too, but have to juggle working outside of the home, and still contending with all that, so I think sometimes these derogatory remarks stem from sheer fatigue and stress. Please know that what you do is so very important, and doing it well, is as rewarding as any career in the corporate world. Sending love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-40494912848018101652018-05-28T08:49:01.548+10:002018-05-28T08:49:01.548+10:00Dear Mimi, thankyou so much for your empowering po...Dear Mimi, thankyou so much for your empowering post. When I doubt myself now I will think "I am worth my weight in gold". Silly comments can sting for sure, being a stay at home Mum 'outside the accepted window of time' as someone else expressed it, I am still trying to let go of a person close to me saying in front of alot of people "lets call your life what it is - bludging off your husband". I do know my value but comments such as that did not do my confidence any good. I have a lovely husband who does value what I do in our home and blogs such as yours help me feel less alone and help me strive to do better and better. Thankyou again, Clare TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-14164611852000175682018-05-28T08:14:10.777+10:002018-05-28T08:14:10.777+10:00Dear Veronica, there is a reason and a season as I...Dear Veronica, there is a reason and a season as I have said before. This is your season to provide for your retirement, and that's okay. Your season to be the Earth Mother will return to you in good time. Don't wish this time away. I'm sure it has many rewards. I know my career did. I valued it then, and I value what I learned from it, to this day. Both worlds have their positives and not-so-positive, let's be frank. Some days I yearn for the excitement of the corporate world I left behind, with it's whirlwind days and reward for effort. But then I look at what I have, and I am so very grateful to have experienced both worlds in my lifetime. I am fortunate indeed. Be patient. Give each world your best self so that you can look back with fondness, not regret for having wished things away. Balance is a good word. Find your balance. I like it. A blog post in the making right there. Love Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-55703994210562738652018-05-28T08:09:47.048+10:002018-05-28T08:09:47.048+10:00Exactly! You simply cannot be all things to all pe...Exactly! You simply cannot be all things to all people. Or at least not in the long term. It's exhausting! Media Schmedia. They don't know what they're talking about. We know better, don't we. Part time works for many families. If it works for you, then perfection! That truly is the best of both worlds. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-91382360360215099472018-05-28T08:08:28.729+10:002018-05-28T08:08:28.729+10:00Lorraine, you say the loveliest things. I so appre...Lorraine, you say the loveliest things. I so appreciate your comments. Glad to hear you like my little gift tags. They are pretty aren't they? Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-77024289357212920042018-05-28T08:07:47.034+10:002018-05-28T08:07:47.034+10:00Pam, I've seen your sewing. You'd save the...Pam, I've seen your sewing. You'd save the equivalent of a mortgage payment every couple of months with that! As for your Chrysanthemums, well what a lovely thing they are. I adore them and had them at my wedding. Lucky you to be able to grow them. I do NOT have that particular gene. See? We all have our talents...xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-76339893282873587552018-05-28T08:06:34.985+10:002018-05-28T08:06:34.985+10:00Oh Chel...it was said in 'jest' by a frien...Oh Chel...it was said in 'jest' by a friends husband. He thought it was funny. I laughed it off. But it stung for sure. People will say the oddest things when you buck the trend! And yes, single Mums do it tough. That's another criticism I grow tired of. Yes, some might think it's all a bit of a lark sitting around on a government benefit with toddlers at your knee. That was not my life. I was not single by choice, and I was determined to show my sons that their only available parent was hard working, motivated and wanted a good life for them. I NEVER accepted a government benefit, and sometimes worked two jobs and studied at the same time. And this was after my youngest son was born prematurely and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. If anyone had a right to fall in a heap and extend the hand for Government benefits, it was me at that moment. But I chose a different path. I chose the Career Girl path for a time. It did help me keep my sanity for a good decade. Being all things to all people is hard to sustain though, that is for sure. So I was glad to take a step back and become the stay-at-home Mum when the opportunity arose. I have nothing if not a wealth of experience and perspective Chel...lol! Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-65872153483015428542018-05-28T08:01:16.986+10:002018-05-28T08:01:16.986+10:00Jodie, your husband is spot on. What a lovely man ...Jodie, your husband is spot on. What a lovely man he must be. I think it's worth remembering too, that we all make the choices that suit us. Those who choose to work outside of the home do it because it's the right path at this moment in time. They may not always. As I've said before, there are reasons and seasons. I vote we give women everywhere our wholehearted support, no matter their choices. I know from experience that having a career outside of the home is tough. The home stuff invariably still falls to the woman (mostly), and this is the whole contradiction of so called 'having it all'. Having what exactly, is the question that springs to mind. I feel sorry that women feel bad for NOT having a career, and they feel bad for HAVING one. I feel sorry for women that are exhausted trying to 'have it all'. I feel sorry for women who are criticised for choosing to be a stay at home manager, and those who are criticised for being corporate managers. I think we all have to say 'enough', and be kind to one another really. Modern life is all a bit of a conundrum really. Don't you think? Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-16851056932365160162018-05-28T07:38:02.553+10:002018-05-28T07:38:02.553+10:00Thank you for your wisdom Mimi.
After having quite...Thank you for your wisdom Mimi.<br />After having quite a number of years of not working to raise our family, I'm entering a stage where work is extremely busy for both hubby and I as we try to build up our savings and plan for our retirement. I often feel like I am drowning and not keeping up with home-making as well as I would like to. By Friday the house is a mess and we are all exhausted. I feel so blessed and I love my career, but those home-making days were wonderful, and important, and I miss them. I also remember being judged by others for not "working" at that time, but I would not trade those years for anything.<br />As much as my time permits I still love to cook from scratch, grow at least some of our own food and sew, and I can't wait for work to slow down in the future so I can get back to that stuff. Maybe it's all about finding a balance, and as you have said in previous posts, making the most of what you have, and the stage of life you are in.<br />Thanks again, <br />love VeronicaVeronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03855392936497923602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-41554534312283637402018-05-27T21:17:17.179+10:002018-05-27T21:17:17.179+10:00I think it's wonderful that your husband ackno...I think it's wonderful that your husband acknowledges what you achieve.Society can make women feel their not valuable if their nor contributing financially to the household!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-19335664850154713432018-05-27T21:15:37.959+10:002018-05-27T21:15:37.959+10:00I work part time. I simply "don't do full...I work part time. I simply "don't do full time" work!!<br /><br />I have no idea how women work full time. In no way am I criticizing those who do. It is their choice, or maybe they have little choice. But I can't help think that surely something must have to give? We can't do it all. The media portrays a woman who can, but I consider this is a myth. How can you keep a home, have a good marriage, solid relationships with your kids? I am not superwoman. I hung up my cape years ago - after a bit of a breakdown. Part time works for me. I have the best of both worlds!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-36958486223413279792018-05-27T19:54:47.075+10:002018-05-27T19:54:47.075+10:00Mimi, I absolutely love your writing and way with ...Mimi, I absolutely love your writing and way with wise words. Your fill your posts with inspiration and always encouragement! So much to process and I enjoy every one of your posts.❤️<br />A highlight for me are your gorgeous tags, so sweet. THANKYOU for always sharing 💕💕💕Lorraine Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02379640218491078465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-40601810063672535132018-05-27T10:07:38.238+10:002018-05-27T10:07:38.238+10:00Yes! This!Yes! This!Mimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-48241091785996102542018-05-27T10:07:24.022+10:002018-05-27T10:07:24.022+10:00Lol Annabel yes! This is a con isn't it? This ...Lol Annabel yes! This is a con isn't it? This whole thing of 'we can have it all'. Well, what is 'it' exactly. Exhaustion? Separation from our children and loved ones? Rampant consumerism? It bends my brain. It's interesting for us I think. One foot in the 'old world' and one foot in the 'new' according to when we were born. We have seen such changes. Much that is positive, but also much that is questionable. I agree. Home is the place to be and we are doing the right thing. Thankyou for articulating my own thoughts. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-41740571044448615372018-05-27T10:05:25.600+10:002018-05-27T10:05:25.600+10:00Leigh it is the same for me! Daughter and Husband ...Leigh it is the same for me! Daughter and Husband ask me often, and it sounds like so little. "Oh the washing, cooking, tidying, gardening, shopping...you know". It's only when they are home and can appreciate what is involved in those tasks that it hits home sometimes I think. I know of The Prudent Homemaker. A woman after our own heart! Yes! That is our 'job'. To raise and support good human beings. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-60673519083974983212018-05-27T10:03:47.663+10:002018-05-27T10:03:47.663+10:00Penny, its only as we become older and can look ba...Penny, its only as we become older and can look back over our own lifetimes and the lives of those we hold dear, and see what an impact we have had. If only we had the wisdom of experience when we're young, eh! Everything you are doing is so very valuable, and it's sad that these days the only 'value' that has worth, is the financial one. I like to write these insourcing posts as a reminder that ALL that we do has value, and much of it by insourcing/outsourcing standards, a very high one. I bet your daughter loved having time with you to recharge heart, mind and soul. So very important. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-17264416413909441922018-05-27T10:01:33.923+10:002018-05-27T10:01:33.923+10:00I think it's worth sharing our heart sometimes...I think it's worth sharing our heart sometimes. We are all only human, with life experiences that are not always pretty, but that make us who we are. Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-54929020858701322552018-05-27T10:00:45.039+10:002018-05-27T10:00:45.039+10:00Dear Jean, thankyou. That's a lovely complimen...Dear Jean, thankyou. That's a lovely compliment :) I love that it makes you feel empowered. That is my intent. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-58459439842173725452018-05-27T09:59:51.778+10:002018-05-27T09:59:51.778+10:00Dear Jane. My shift in my thinking only happened a...Dear Jane. My shift in my thinking only happened after I realised that the friends who had called me a Stepford Wife, or a Kept Woman or any number of other derogatory remarks, were actually not my friends. I took heed of that saying 'You become most like the five people with whom you spend the most time', and chose those people accordingly. I think perhaps you are doing the same thing. It takes time. I love that you had such a bountiful week. Home harvests are the best. So rewarding in such a fundamental way. I saw your profiteroles. Absolutely mouthwatering! And I bet they're easy too! Another thing we get duped into paying astounding sums of money for. There is a boutique éclair shop in the big shopping centre near us. The tiny eclairs there are $7 each. I mean finger length. Ridiculous! I think replacing those curtains was a several hundred dollar saving. Great work! Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-40229037779847805502018-05-27T09:56:02.326+10:002018-05-27T09:56:02.326+10:00That you bothered to comment at all with New Mama ...That you bothered to comment at all with New Mama brain, makes my day Jen...xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-58704200510870203842018-05-26T22:40:54.078+10:002018-05-26T22:40:54.078+10:00I filled three vases full of chrysanthemums from t...I filled three vases full of chrysanthemums from the garden today - total cost $0. Even the original plants were free. The white and yellow ones taken as plant divisions from my Mum, while the purple ones were taken from a cutting when a student presented me with a bunch over 20 years ago. When the flowers finish, I'll be dividing the plants yet again to provide more colour in the garden and flowers for inside next year. I so admire you saving money by cooking. Sadly, that's not my strength.Pam @Threading My Wayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15990609128028224347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-60260676225615084072018-05-26T20:45:18.293+10:002018-05-26T20:45:18.293+10:00Wow Mimi, I have never been called a 'kept wom...Wow Mimi, I have never been called a 'kept woman' or anything like that. Fancy saying that to someone. Good on you for working so hard in the workforce when you were a single mum. That is a really hard life and I really don't know how so many young women cope with it as I don't think I would have been capable but I guess if you have to you just get on with it as you did. I can tell you love being home now and are enjoying the challenge of insourcing and you do it so well. Nanna Chelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500527266771727074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-25695847137838075822018-05-26T16:26:38.095+10:002018-05-26T16:26:38.095+10:00Hi Mimi, I have only recently discovered your blog...Hi Mimi, I have only recently discovered your blog & I absolutely love the wisdom you share here. It’s taken me a long time in my stay at home mum season to truly see my value. With so much emphasis placed on what women are achieving outside of the home, society can make you feel like you are second rate if you choose to keep going along this path outside of the average window of time. Thankfully my husband recognised my contribution before I did, and reminds me often about how much I do in our everyday lives & how valued it is. Thank you for this post Mimi - Jodie xxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010201798260805659noreply@blogger.com