Our Forgotten Wedding Anniversary

Who knew?  Not us apparently!

Monday was our 7 Year Wedding Anniversary.  But yeap, we forgot all about it. 

How does this happen?

I blame baby number 3, we've never forgotten before so it must be because we now have three children! lol.

Anyway, at least we BOTH forgot.  It wasn't until my girlfriend text me today and wished us a happy wedding anniversary for Monday that I realised.  Otherwise goodness knows how long it would be before we realised.

Oh well, sometimes life just gets in the way, I mean, the man worked, he came home, I ran Lulu to dancing, then upon return, we tag teamed and i went to work...... that my friend was our wedding anniversary.

{ Note: since writing this, yesterday, I've noticed, our wedding anniversary was actually Sun.  This story is getting worse and worse by the day!  Better luck next year I say }

Make a Pencil Caddy

Today I thought I would share a little craft project I did for my daughter.  She is ridiculously crafty and as a result we have many tools lying all over the place on hand.

It got to the point where we had 5 pencil cases on the go, no joke!  One for crayons, one for pencils, one for textas, you get the drift.

So anyway I saw a caddy that some one had made on line (sorry can't remember where) and thought I could do something similar to that using a wine bottle caddy.

The next time I was in doing my shopping I just stopped past the liquor section and asked if I could have one.  

Once home I glued the base to stop it from folding in on it's self.  Then using left over scrapbooking paper I cut and glued some nice papers over the advertising.

To seal this, so that it wouldn't peel back later I covered it with 2 coats of Mod Podge, which I found at Spotlight.

Added a bit of ribbon for decoration and then it was time to fill it.

To stop it from ending up like a big tub full of miss matched items, we bought six tall plastic cups that I also glued to the base.  One for each space.  

Now the kids have all their supplies in the one spot.  

They can easily carry it around if they are colouring or crafting in different area's of the house.  Plus with the six different cups the kids have tried to keep the items in sorted (to some degree).

This was a great craft activity because it was almost free.  I mostly used resources I had lying around the house, and as for the Mod Podge which I bought, well I only used a quarter of it, so plenty more crafts to do in the future.

Cheers



Mandy

Training Update

So with motivation, I passed day 1 of this weeks training plan.  I walked 9kms in an hour and a half, but that included pushing 27kg of kids in the double pram.

I'm glad I achieved this and when I weighed in today, I'd even lost 1.1kg since last week.  Not that this is the focus of this training.

Whilst today is suposed to be a rest day, I cannot exercise tomorrow due to family / work commitments, so I decided to try and run today.

I can't run, well I'm not very good at it, I give up very easily.  So as per the plan I thought I would go to the oval and run laps, alternating with walking and try and push myself.  Zan could watch me on the side lines (I bought snacks as bribes) and Tom, well he could watch or join in, suit himself, it's just an oval after all.

Well as with anything with kids, it did not go to plan, after just one lap, as I went past Zan and away from Zan he began to cry, he screamed his little heart out.  I'm talking, squeals at the top of your lungs.  And so I gave in, I couldn't run laps listening to my baby almost hyperventate with stress at the thought of me running away from him every time I passed his pram.  

So back to walking during kinder time and I'll try this tactic again over the weekend.  Kid free!

Simple Things - Meal Time

Meal times, sometimes they're simple and some times they're not.  But for the most part they are a simple pleasure of getting the family together.  

This last week we took the little man out of the high chair after his meal and he left no time before he was munching on lulu's leftovers.

He even tried to use the folk. 

Look at the concentration (and check out the cheering on from the side lines!) 

We're linking up with Simple as That

Fun Run Update - I've been Sick :(

Ok so I'm into the second week of my so called training program, and it's all fallen to pieces.

I started to feel sick on Tuesday morning, and my daughter when she got home from kinder was too unwell.  Never mind, I'll rest up.

Wednesday, I was worse, meant to be on Kinder duties and then work, I sent my husband to kinder.  He came home an hour early, my son was now sick.  Oh seriously feel like crap now.

Thursday, both kids fully recovered, seriously, you'd never know they'd been unwell.  I on the other hand was taking a little more to recover. 

 

I'm really looking forward to crossing this bridge by foot!

But I decided I needed to find a balance between getting better and not stopping.  So come Saturday I decided to head back to the gym for my 2nd cycle class.

Like a complete tool I got my Saturday and Sunday time table mixed up, which is ok, but the guy on the reception at the gym didn't tell me that.  When I said I was going to join in the cycle class he just nodded.  So in I went, got all fired up and the next song came on..... the cool down song.  Man did I feel like an idiot.  So I did 1/2 hour on the bike in the gym instead.  Something is better than nothing.

Today I went for an hour and a half walk with my 'fit friend'  we were going to run, but I was feeling off when I woke up.  I soldiered on though and we walked, I am satisfied with that for today.  We did a big walk and it has reconfirmed what I already know.  I can walk this, no worries.

But I need to do some serious training to run.  I know I wasn't feeling well this morning, but seriously, I have 3 weeks till race day.

At the 'Run for the Kids' website they have a training program, where they help prepare you for the race.  It's 7 weeks.  Lets be honest, I don't have 7 weeks.  So given I have been exercising, I'm going to start following this as best I can from Week 5.

It states for the 14.3km race, this coming week I need to:

Monday - 60min walk/run (7km)
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - 3km run/walk to local oval, four to six fast laps of the oval
Thursday - rest
Friday - 40min walk (4km)
Saturday - 75min walk/run (9km)
Sunday - rest

Let's see how................................

iPhone 4

I am grateful that I got an iPhone, yeap, I know!

I've wanted one for....like, ages.  You know, probs because everyone else has one, and I just needed to know what all the fuss is about.

So by random chance this week I got an iPhone and I love it.  

Can I use it.  Not really.  I can answer a call, (oh wait, I was on the phone to my husband and it disconnected because some one else was calling, not sure what I did there) so maybe I haven't even mastered the basics.

What I do know is this, I'm grateful to have a phone that can capture quality images and video when I am out, so I won't have to miss a thing.  That is definitely something I'm grateful for.

And as for the apps and all that biz.  I'll get back to you on that one!

Feel free to tell me if there is a must have app I don't know about! lol.

I'm linking up with Maxabella loves.... and whilst she's away you'll find the link up here

Cheers

Mandy

Wooden Spoon People

Late last year we participated in a Christmas Competition over at Can Do Kids Crafts, check out our winning entry here.

As a result of this competition we won a couple of pretty cool kids craft books.  With visuals that just blew my daughters mind.

So after careful consideration she decided to make Wooden Spoon People.  We made a visit to the Supermarket to purchase our wooden spoons.  Then we went home and used resources from around the house to complete our craft project.

For hair she used some felt, (with grown up assistance it was stuck on using a hot glue gun).  We made some clothes using some scrap fabric and she then proceeded to draw faces and decorate to her hearts content.

Note: The one with the green hair is an alien, just incase you were wondering why it had so many eyes.

Come over to play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up

An Organising Binder - For Family Life

Today I thought I would share a little of my attempts to be organised.

Most would say I'm very organised, and you know what I thought I was pretty organised.  Well until I found blogs, and until I found 'organiser' blogs, like The Super Organiser Mum and I Heart Organizing.

I just have to say, I really love these blogs, I love the intimacy of the super organiser mum, they way Jade opens up her home and her life through words and gorgeous pics.  She organises with style!

And I love Jen's challenges, it's like she's there on the side lines cheering you on.  I decided to take part in Jen's challenge to create a household binder.  I've tried a number of different things, but with so many different things to keep on top of I decided a binder was the perfect way to keep everything in one spot.

So I got myself a binder and I have a number of different tabs to help keep on top of everything.  They include:

Active - To do list
Under this tab, I've placed a couple of plastic sleeves where I can insert newsletters, kinder forms, pretty much anything that needs actioning.

I also have a couple of pages that are like lists, one being a 'month at a glance' where I'm now planning our family meals a month at a time (still shopping weekly though).  You can print this out too courtesy of Picklebums

(Photo courtesy of Picklebums)

A to do list, where I can simply list everything I need to do around the home, for the kids, anything! 

And finally just keeping some things a little separate I have two other 'to do lists'  one for my business as an Independent Phoenix Trader and one for my website Family Travel Made Easy that way when I allocate time for these projects I'm not distracted by other things that need doing.

Financials

I just have a plastic sleeve here and place any bills waiting to be paid, and attend to this once a week.

Then I have a birthday tab.  Here I have a list where I record birthdays. I check this list at the end of each month to remind me of whose having a birthday the following month.  Some I buy for, others I send cards, others I simply text, but it's a great promt.

Kids Notes

With two kids in kindergarten this year, (one three year old and one in four year old) I'm forever getting receipts for payments, newsletters, fundraising information. To stay on top of this I include everthing I need for their education here. (Note:  If it's active, I'll usually put it in the first section until I've attended to it.) 

Templates

At the back of my folder I keep spares of my 'to do lists' just to help keep me on top of things.

For loads of great printables to get you started check out Jen's Binder Printables.  I love her use of colour, making organising a little fun!

I did make my own, but I'm still too new at this to share!  Maybe down the track.

Pin Free Pinwheels - Another Birthday Post

As part of Zan's Birthday Celebrations I made pinwheels and lollie bags for the kids to take home. 

1: Pinwheels (Pin free)

The Pinwheels were a big hit and quite frankly I loved them.  I loved their old fashioned charm, the fact that they were a little something different.

To make these pinwheels I simply purchased a half dozen pieces of 12 x 12 scrapbooking paper.  I choose two different styles. 

I cut each piece into 4 squares

Folded each square from one corner to the other and then unfold

Then cut along the folded line approximately 3/4 of the way toward the centre

Using a whole punch or scrapbooking punch place a hole in the middle and then on the tip of every second corner ensuring you have 4 holes around the edge.

(Note: I used a hot glue gun)  Bring each corner (with hole) to the centre and glue aligning the holes.

Allow to dry if necessary  (this a perk with using a hot glue gun, the glue was dry instantly)

Now you'll need a pipe cleaner and pencil.  Grab one end of the pipe cleaner and wrap it around the pencil a couple of times.  This creates the equivalent of the tip of the pin.

Then fed the other end through the hole from the front of the pinwheel to the back.  Bend the pipe cleaner so that it is facing down.  Wrap the remainder of the pinwheel around the pencil and use the pencil as the stick of the pinwheel.  (Note: I used straws.  I found super long ones in a 'CheapO' shop and simply chopped them in half, this made them a little longer than the standard straw).

2:  Lolly Bags

Initially I was not going to do lolly bags, just the pinwheels, but then I thought about how much my kids love lolly bags and decided I didn't have it in me to be the mum who didn't do them.

So I simply bought a bunch of little clear cello bags and made some personalised cardboard tags.  I love adding the small touches that really make a day that extra bit special.  And by special I don't necessarily think about possesions, I think about the love that goes into making someone feel special, whether that be the kids as they leave, feeling welcomed and appreciated.  The birthday child themselves (I know Zan's a little young to understand, but my other kids just love it).  It warms my heart to see the smiles on their faces.

2011 - Let's get Fit

OK, so I want to get fit, somewhere deep down inside I really want to, honest!

So now I just need to convert that from the mind and into action.  This my friend is the difficult bit.  I've decided the only way to do this is to just sign up for a fun run.  I mean I've tried exercising and I drop off pretty quickly, so I figured if I had something to work toward this would keep me motivated.

So I've done it, I've signed up for the Citylink Run for the Kids.  They have two different runs, a 5km run and a 14.3km run.  You'd think given I'm unfit that I'd do the smaller of the two, but when my 'fit and enthusiastic' friend joined me and encouraged me to do the big one I jumped right in.

Trust me when I say I have a little bit of 'buyers remorse' kicking in right now.  But never the less it's done, this is what I'm doing, I've purchased my spot, there's no turning back.

So now I have basically a month to get my act together, build my fitness, prepare my legs for running.  I've been out for a quality walk a few times so far, (it's been almost a week). When I drop one of the kids at kinder, I pile the other 27kg's worth of kids in the pram and push my way around town.

When hubby is home I plan on going for a run, let's face it it won't be 14kms but even a couple would be a good start.  My 'fit and enthusiastic' friend has suggested we go for a couple of big runs leading up to the event, that will be good, I'm grateful for this too.  I do rely alittle on others motivation.

So watch this space people, fingers crossed I make it to the other side!

Simple Things - March 11

You'll soon learn that I love to take photos.  I'm by no means a professional, believe me. (I'd like to be)

I wish I never used auto on my camera, but sometimes most of the time when I'm taking photos of my kids I revert to auto because I'm scared, I'll miss that moment and then if the photo is over exposed, I'll never get it back again.

So I'll continue to practise and practise.  And because I'm trying to live the simple life this year, I've decided to join in at simple as that

Old fashion chalk!

My kids just love chalk, and it's really a lot of fun to see what is going through their mind when they put chalk to floor.

In our home we often use the garage floor (usually when the man is at work) to draw on.  It's great because there really aren't any boundries.  They can do one big picture, many little ones.  Draw hopscotch, snakes and ladders.... I could go on and on.

I can see this being a very popular activity during the wet months of winter.  I'm sure the kids get a sense of being outside, even though in fact they are not!

Check out some of their creativity below:

and one of the budding artists at work!

For more ideas on kids play check out Childhood 101

I'm Grateful for............

I just heart Maxabella Loves, such a great inspiration.

So I can't help but to join in.

This weekend I am grateful for the opportunity to spend some time at home, with just my family.  In 2011, I am trying to 'stay calm' and enjoy the simply things in life.

Recently we've been away, we've had family visit, and whilst I've cherished every moment of it all, there is nothing better than when it's all over and you can sit back and potter around your home with the ones you love the most.  My home is a safe haven, a place of happiness (most of the time) and this is what I'm grateful for this weekend.

Cheers

Mandy

Cake Pops

I've just stumbled into the world of cake pops and I just love what I see.

I had to make them for Zan's party, why?  because they're different, I'd never seen them at a party before and what kid doesn't love a treat on a stick?

I decided that because I was also making cupcakes I didn't want to do your usual standard cake pops, so  I spiced it up a bit.  I made Mars Bar Pops!

I whipped up a batch of Mars Bar Slice and instead of putting it in a tray to set I simply put the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes just to allow it to firm slightly.  Then (with clean hands) I rolled the mixture into bite size balls and stuck a lolly pop stick into it, then placed it back in the fridge to set.

Once set, I melted some white chocolate and added a squirt of blue chocolate dye (otherwise referred to as candy color).  I simply dipped each pop in the melted chocolate and placed back in the fridge to set.  You can by pre-coloured chocolate from Spotlight.  This is far more affordable if you're making something as a one off.  If you're planning on dying chocolate on a regular basis then you're better off buying the colouring from specialty cake making stores.

Note: I used a florist block to stand my cake pops upright.

They were a big hit!

Wish list for 2011

OK, so some might see this as 'New Year's Resolutions'  but hey I'm a bit late for that.  But in order to give me something to check back on, here is a small list of the things I would love to achieve in 2011:

• Participate in a fun run
• Lose weight / get back to pre-baby weight
• Get micro business 'Ferry Creative' in the black
• Create / Organise photo wall in entrance of home
• Continue to learn to use DSLR to full potential (not on auto)
• Create a calm and peaceful home environment for the family
• Try not to say 'no' too much to the kids (without creating monsters)
• Visit my great friends in Country NSW (whose new home we've yet to see)
• Save money!

Fingers crossed xxx

Mandy

A Birthday Celebration

So the little man is turning 1.  The last of my brood, and I am excited.  Don't get me wrong, I've loved having my babies, but their is a sense of excitment as to what family life will be like with three little but independent children.

Last weekend we gathered at home with family and friends to celebrate the life of our gorgeous little man.  Let me tell you, he is an absolute pleasure and delight to be around.  He has an infectious smile (that is kinda goofy) and loves to be the centre of attention.

I mean just look at him, how could you not love that face!

Zan's birthday was an afternoon tea, so it was only fitting that we baked, baked and baked some more.  We created a gorgeous little afternoon tea table, which not only looked fabulous but was very apertizing.

The kids played inside and out, parents and friends relaxed and socialised.  It was a great opportunity to spend time with those that mean the most to us.

Gosh I love a good party!

Happy Birthday little Man.  Mwah!

To blog or not to blog: that is the question?

I've wanted to blog for ages now.  I love reading blogs and often find myself thinking about what I'd write about in my own blog.

Would anyone even read it? (I know no one will be reading this one! lol)

But anyway, here I am, one of those, tick off my list of things to do, kinda things.  What I will post about, who knows.

What I do know is I love my family, I love my home, I love my life.  I have a great network of friends, however those (situated) close to me, in most instances think I'm crazy....... 'scrapbooking, that's like a chore'...... 'your crazy spending time making those little printables, seriously'.  These are the sort of responses I get from my friends.  So whilst I cherish my friendships, I've found a whole world out there through the blogging community of 'like minded' people whom I feel I really connect with.

So whether it be scrapbooking, kids crafts, organising, photography, you name it I'll probably write about it.  To be honest.  I can't wait.  My husband is a bit sceptical (he doesn't really understand why people blog).  I guess time will tell if blogging is for me.

Until then, if you're reading my blog for the first time, hello there, I'd love it if you hung around for a while.  I'm looking forward to being a part of a network that I think is simply wonderful.

Cheers

Mandy