Creating a Photo Wall

In our entrance we have a buffet and above this I had started a photo wall.

It's been unfinished for years.

It annoyed me, frames were always squewed, and it just didn't sit well with me.  I'm a little nurotic like that!

Plus photos were also building up on the Buffet, it was over crowed and scrappy.  Sigh.

I'd been aching for ages to redo this area.  I'd been inspired to do a photo wall using clip frames.

Essentially a clip frame is a 'frame less' photo frame.  It's just glass held together using clips.

I loved this concept because it means my wall would be covered with photos not covered with frames.

I wanted to use 16 frames, but I didn't want 16 holes in my wall.  Plus, I was concerned as to how I'd keep all these frames straight, because 16 wonky frames was going to look ridiculous.

Then I discovered 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips.

These were the perfect solution for a number of reasons:

# Firstly using a 3M Command Picture Hanging Strip means no holes in my wall.

# Secondly because they fix directly to the frame, and directly to the wall, there won't be any wonky issues.

# Thirdly, because the strips have two parts to them, I can mix and match the frames in the future if I want to 

   move photos around.

They were the perfect solution.

I got hubby to fix a small piece of flat wood to the back of the frames using liquid nails.  I needed a small space between the wall and the frame due to the clips.  I think it gives a nice 3D effect.

Then the most challenging bit was fixing them to the wall.  Having 4 rows of 4 photos and ensuring it all looked square on the eye was important.  Thank goodness for hubby!

So anyway, this project is still not complete.... obviously!

I need to fill all the frames with photos.  

I'm thinking I might even put in a quote in one of the frames, something that our family can relate to.

I'm already stoked with the end result, even though I'm yet to fill all the frames.  Using the clip frame really draws the focus on the photo and I love it.

The frames are 8 x 12" so the images are large and bold.

I'm loving these new alternatives to a picture hook, and they're not only great for hanging frames  They're perfect for celebrations such as Birthdays, Christmas and Easter where you might like to temporarily hang things from your walls, bookshelves or even the ceiling.

Have you created a photo wall in your home that is a little different?

Can you tell I'm a little photo obsessed?

Cheers

Mandy

Disclosure: I was provided 1 packet of 3M Comand Picture Hanging Strips. No payment was offerred or received for this post.

Sentimental Summer ~ Adventure Park Action

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Can you believe last weekend was the last weekend of Summer?

No, me either.

I guess the best thing about the seasons is they do tend to over lap, so whilst this might be my last Sentimental Summer Post for the season, I'm hoping on a personal note we will continue to enjoy some great weather for a while to come.

When it comes to birthdays we declared 2012 to be the year of 'Doing something fun with your Family'  [in other words, sorry you're not getting a party].

Lulu wanted to go to the water park.  We held off, waiting for the perfect weekend to go, to ensure it would be hot.  Weekends came and went with tops of 25ish degrees, and then the weather man told us it was going to be 30C.  Perfect.

We locked it in and low and behold [because the weather man is never right] it ended up being 38C.  We knew this the night before and it did leave us umming and arrhing as to whether it could possibly be too hot. We decided to grab our opportunity and go.

Best decision ever.  The day was Perfect.  There is loads of shade sails in the play areas and with all the water it honestly did not feel that hot.  Except for perhaps on the odd occasion we were walking around the park in the direct sun.  We took along the esky, and pack loads of drinks and snacks.  We also packed our beach chairs.  Our great friends the Jones came along too, so we set up camp on the edge of the kids water playground under a shade sail, and, well, the rest is history........

Our kids love these guys beyond words.  It was so nice to have friends to share the day with, that would certainly be my biggest tip.  The more the merrier.

The lazy rapids were more like a traffic jam than lazy, but still loads of fun.  We lost Lulu early in the piece and without worry assured ourselves she's off having fun somewhere.  When she showed up she advised us she'd been on the lazy rapid river and every time it came back around to the start she couldn't get off, so she just went round again and again. lol.  She soon worked out that it was actually not that deep and she could just jump off.

It wasn't too long before these two water slides were declared the favourite of the day.  Even I had a go!

Despite the fact that the place was packed, it really was quite relaxing, the atmosphere is fantastic.

We spent 7 hours in total there, and you'd think with a 1, 4 and 6 year old that would be hard work.  But with great company and so much to do, the time just flew by.  I did put Zander in the pram around 2.30 for a sleep.  He didn't argue, it was the power nap he needed to finish off the day on a high.

So it's fair to say we saw out Summer with a Bang!

What about you?  Did you do something exciting to see off the end of summer?

If so why not link up below.  I love seeing what others have been up to.

Cheers

Mandy

 

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: My Lifestyle took Priority this week....

[source]

I'm just going to say it, I didn't lose any weight this week. Nothing, zilch!

I'm kinda OK with this, kinda not really.

Weighing in at 61kg I still have 3kg to lose so I really need to push this thing, but we had a big week planned and to be honest I just wanted to enjoy myself without having to think about it.

Drinking is my weakness.  I like to drink, especially this time of the year.

I did opt to drink low carb beer and bourborn with coke zero, to help reduce the impact.

So whilst I didn't go out binge eating or anything I wasn't focused on reducing those last few kilos.

I guess I was having one of those '90 days is a long time weeks'.  I didn't want to spend the whole of January, February, March turning (my idea) of fun down, because I was on a challenge.

I'm still on this challenge and focused very much so, I just need to indulge along the way.

Do you think I should have stuck to the plan 100% or do you think it's best to enjoy yourself ocassionally along the way? Be honest, I can handle it.

Cheers

Mandy

HLS [WK8] - What makes you happy?

[Image source]

To ultimately determine what makes me happy I only need to reflect on the past few weeks and the challenges Deb has set here in the 52 week challenge.

Happiness is something that I do struggle with (as I'm sure we all do).  I struggle with how I thought my life would turn out and where I am actually at right now.  Understanding and accepting what is, whilst aspiring to the future is challenging.  However:

I know that Family and Genuine Friendships are important to me. Spending time with people who make me feel valued and loved is important. It not only makes me feel good, it also brings out the best in me, I want to be there for others, support them, make them laugh, and in general be a good friend in return.

I also know that being organized makes me happy. I get stressed and frustrated when I’m surrounded by clutter and disorganization. I feel like I’m losing control of the situation and I don’t like it. I like to set up systems and spaces within our home that work well in reducing this stress. I like them to not only be functional but also be aesthetically pleasing.

Finally I love to be creative, in so many ways, in too many ways. Taking photos, scrap booking, crafting, planning family adventures, all of that. My blog gives me so much satisfaction as it inspires me to be active in these areas and share my progress. But often the challenge of time does get in the way.

My Happiness List

• Cuddles with my family
• Sleeping in
• Taking photos
• Editing photos
• Scrap booking
• A kids free movie on the weekend with hubby
• A family movie event (where we all sit down together to enjoy)
• Going to the Cinema 
• Having friends over – drinks / dinner
• Reading a book
• Reading blogs
• Exercising – Walking / Running / Going to the Gym
• Going to the Beach
• Swimming with the Kids
• Dressing nicely (and feeling like I’ve nice things to wear)
• Sewing
• Holidays (small and large)
• Going out for dinner
• Time out with the family
• A massage
• Chatting with friends – In person / on the telephone
• Relaxing
• Having a laugh with the kids
• Chatting to my mum – usually on the telephone
• Sunshine
• Feeling healthy
• Eating dinner outside

Now the reality is I could probably continue to add to this, so this list is not the be all and end all of happiness for me.

I thought about the little things that make me happy, like cuddles with kids, as well as the big things, like a holiday.

As part of this challenge I was asked to try and do something from my happiness list each day.  Obviously the idea bringing a little happiness into each day makes your day brighter.

I will attempt to reflect each day on what it is that made me happy that day.  But to reflect on this week been:

Monday: I went to the Gym for an hour. 

Tuesday: I had Cuddles with my Family.

Wednesday: I had Time out with Family & Friends (Took kids to play centre - Relaxed)

Thursday: I went to the Gym for an hour.

Friday: I relaxed a little, then had time out with Family & Friends (School 'Get to know you' Family Night Out)

Saturday: I had time out with Family & Friends (Went to Adventure Water Park)

Sunday (Today): I am having time out with Family (Taking kids to an Enviro Kids Tadpoles and Frogs Session)

# Note: Each day I'm fortunate enough to be surrounded by great friends when I am taking the kids to and from school / kinder.  So most weekdays I am lucky enough to have time out chatting with friends.

I feel like this week was probably pretty easy to do something that make me happy, because quite frankly, our calendar was already full.  But on the days that are just consumed with mundane, I will try and take the time to stop and think 'What can I do that will make my heart fill full, even if for 10 minutes?'  I mean I've got a list I can refer back to if I draw a blank!

Do you look for a little bit of happiness each day?  Do you stop and reflect at the end of each day to remind yourself of what you've got going on and why you should be grateful?

Cheers

Mandy.

 

Your Worth It!

Recently I commented on a post over at Diary of a SAHM.  She was down on herself and oh how I can relate to that.

But then something happened, Jess pulled herself out of that mode of thought and decided it's about time we started to focus on what is good about ourselves, because goodness knows we are worth it.

Below is what came about as a result of asking 'What do you love about yourself?'

 


Mandy

Cooking with Kids ~ Homemade Sausage Rolls

Lulu is a helper.

She is wanting to help with everything.  And I mean everything.

She has always considered herself a Masterchef, but is now wanting to help with meals and if she had it her way would be in charge of the gas cooktop.

So last weekend we made Sausage rolls.  Or as she likes to call them, party rolls.

Homemade Sausage Rolls

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Sausage Mince

2 Cups of Beef Mince

2 Cups of Breadcrumbs

2 Cups of Warm Water

1 x chicken stock cube

1/3 Cup of Onion Granules

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Puff Pastry - Approximately 6-7 sheets

2 Eggs

Method:

Mix all the ingredients, except the pastry and eggs, you can add other vegetables if you want to sneak them in. e.g. carrots, zuchini.  

Note: I use onion granules instead of fresh onions, in keeping with my 'lazy cooking' I really can't be bothered having to finely chop or grate a real onion.  Plus they make me cry and that is bloody annoying!

(This was her first time using a 'sharp knife', it's all about being grown up right now)

Cut each piece of Puff Pastry in half.  Then you'll need to place enough meat mixure on each piece and roll the meat out into a 'log'. 

Beat eggs in a bowl and then brush pastry with egg mix. Fold over pastry ensuring all meat mixture is covered and resembles a log.

Cut into desired lengths.  We usually get 5 sausage rolls from each log.

Place on oven tray covered in baking paper, brush tops of sausage rolls with egg mix.

Cook in oven at 180C for approx. 20 minutes or until golden.

Do your children like to cook?  What some of their favourite recipes that you'd recommend for Lulu (aged 6).

I'm linking up with Jess from Diary of a SAHM for Proud Mummy Moments.  I'm proud of how independent this little girl is and how motivated she is to cook and in general learn. I mean how good do those sausage rolls look!

Cheers

Mandy

*Note: this recipe is adapted from the Beechworth Bakery recipe.  

I always wanted to be Extraordinary!

[source]

I always wanted to be extraordinary, don’t ask me why, it’s just built within my soul.

I wanted to do something or be someone that people would be proud of.

My mum worked for a supermarket chain when I was growing up.  I watched her work really hard for little reward and swore that would never be me.

But here I am. (In a job, just as ordinary)

When did I settle for this life?

Was it when I took on my first mortgage?

Was it when I gave birth to my first child?

I don’t really know.  Perhaps I’d settled long before any of that.

I still want great things.

I just have no idea what those great things are.

How do I find direction?

How do I find the courage to make change?

How do I have the confidence to affect my family and trust it’s for the best?

I’m an over achiever, who’s failed to over achieve, and to a person with the desire to over achieve, its heart wrenching.

I’m a jack of all trades, good at many things, but not really great at anything.

Being a mother is probably the most important role I could ever take on, holding those little people in my hand, in my heart.  Directing them and giving them the best possible life, opportunities to be the best they can be.

But selfishly I need more than that.

Most women are mothers, so what is extraordinary about that? 

I’m suffocating in the mundane of everyday life, wondering is this it?

And it makes me feel guilty.  I love my children; I give a great deal of my time ensuring their life is full and enriched in many aspects.  I am entirely grateful for their being.  I know I loved them from the minute they were conceived.

So tell me if you can how do you turn around a life that feels ordinary and make it rock, something to be proud of, and something a little extraordinary?

Regards


Mandy

Sentimental Summer ~ Local Love

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We love everything about Summer.  We love the sunshine, we love the adventure, the quality time in the great outdoors.

This week however, everyone is a little tired, there are a lot of sniffles.  We needed a bit of a break, some home time.

To break this up a little we headed to one of our local parks for a bit of 'afternoon tea'.

It was only an hour, with a picnic rug, some fruit and some fun.

I also tried my hand at a bit of photography.  The kids really weren't in the mood and given I was there on my own with the three of them it was a little challenging.  But anyway, here are a few of my favs:

 

I never tire of taking photos of my little cherubs.  They really warm my heart most of the time.

What have you been up to lately?  What are you doing to create a Sentimental Summer?

Why not link up below, the link is open till Saturday.  All you really need to do is include a photo with you in it.  Because creating memories is about getting in front of the camera and not standing behind it.

Cheers

Mandy.

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: Reminding Myself of the Bigger Picture

I'm almost half way through the 90 day challenge.

I'm more than half way to reaching my desired weight. (58 kilos)

It was exciting the first week, when I had a big loss, but I'll be honest and say the following weeks have required focus.

I'm not always focused.

Life is hectic, it gets in the way.

Having six meals (including shakes / protein bars) requires your attention.  Often I'm out, or even as Friday would have it asleep.  Yeap I was knacked and I was fortunate enough to squeeze in an arvo nanna nap.

But I need to focus, I need to ensure I am having my meals as diligently as I would if it were medication for a serious illness.  I need to just do it.

[source]

I promise (myself) this week I will not miss a meal.  I will eat from the bullseye recipe book and not stray, at all.  I'll set the bloody alarm clock and leave it on the kitchen bench if I have to.  And as things have now settled down, I will make sure I'm home.

It doesn't have to be hard.

I have started to include the fitness aspect.  I've been to the gym twice and I went for a 9km walk with friends tonight.  I want to step it up to 14kms in preparation for the Run for Kids.

The team at the Food Patrol talk about Barrell People and not letting people bring you down.  My husband is very supportive.  But I'm probably walking around with my own barrell at the moment.  I need to break free from that.

I can kill these last few kilos and be the person I've always wanted to be.

So for the record I now weigh:61kg

Starting weight:    67.8kg
End wk 1:            63.4kg
End wk 2:            62.9kg
End wk 3:            62.4kg
End wk 4:            61.8kg

End wk 5:            61.3kg 

So stay with me as I hone my time keeping skills and follow this program to the tee.

Cheers

Mandy

HLS [WK7] Creating a Vision Board

Last week we got a 'rest' in the Home Life Simplified Challenge, and boy did I need it.  It's surprising how draining some of these exercises are when you put your heart into it.  But then when you're done, it's like a weight is lifted off your shoulders and you're better for the experience.

I had that same experience this week.

Vision boards, never done one, had no intention in ever doing one and to be honest, I almost considered giving this opportunity a miss.

But then, because I'm a bit anal and I want to complete every HLS challenge, I just got on with it.

I was amazed at what an experience it actually was.

Because I'm lazy, the Internet has everything, I opted for a digital vision board.  I mainly found my inspiration from Pinterest and We Heart It.

I'm not going to break down what all this means to me.  Because it's self explanatory, and if by any chance you've followed my HLS journey, you'd see this all ties in with my values and goals.

So now that I've got my goals in writing and my vision board to help keep my inspired and focused, I'm ready to embark on the next HLS challenge.

Do you know what direction you're taking in life, do you like to plan, or just see which direction the wind takes you?

Cheers

Mandy

 

Grateful for Celebrating with Nature!

This week as we all know it was Valentines Day.  

Some love it, some loath it.  

I, sit somewhere on the fence. 

We love to celebrate 'days' with a no cook philosophy.   That's about all.

But my Lulu, she's started school and they celebrated Valentines day, and boy did that start the ball rolling.

She made me the sweetest card.

And then she went on to tell me how important it was that we did something special, to show that we love one another.  Flowers, she wanted flowers.

So after school, we headed off to swimming and then, on our way home, we headed to the florist.

I didn't want to spend a fortune on a bunch of red roses.  I wanted to offer the kids the experience they were seeking, on a budget.  Sometimes I can be a real tight arse!

We stopped in at a little local florist who I know sell 'al cheapo' flowers.  Nothing special, just a 'wild flower' mix.

Have a look at how happy they are.  They'd gotten what they came for and they were feeling fine.

We went home and Lulu set about some flower arranging.

Sometimes it's really nice to bring a bit of nature indoors.  I often have a love hate relationship with flowers, due to my hay fever, but this week, every time I walk past the colourful patch of flowers that fill my home I smile and think about the little loves in my life.

Despite the lovely day we'd had, the next morning Lulu woke up and asked me "mumma, how come you didn't do anything special for me for valentines day, I thought you would have something special for me"  

Sometimes they know how to hit you where it hurts.  My poor baby, it didn't even cross my mind that she'd expect a declaration of love from me.  I might just have to surprise her with a random act of love over the next few days.

Despite that, we really did have a lovely time, selecting our flowers, discussing why we want to bring flowers into our home and the symbol they represented.

This week I'm grateful for nature, and bringing a little bit of that into our home.

What are you grateful for this week?

Why not stop over at Kidspot, 52 Weeks of Grateful and check out what everyone else is grateful for.

Cheers

Mandy

 

DVD Review & Giveaway - The Help

I love an emotionally charged movie and that is definitely the words I'd use to describe The Help.  A movie that reflects on the emotions behind racial tensions in the 60s, through the eyes of woman.

What's the general plot?

Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives -- and a Mississippi town -- upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. 

Aibileen (Davis), Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, is the first to open up -- to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories -- and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. 

Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly -- and unwillingly -- caught up in the changing time. 

~X~

I have to be honest and say that I was excited to see this movie, I just had a gut feeling it was going to be good.  It did not disappoint.    There are moments in this movie that despite the sadness are just plain hilarious and satisfying.  I walked away from this movie knowing I'd recommend it to anyone.

~X~

Another thing I noticed in this movie is how organised and talented these ladies are in the kitchen.  They sure do know how to cook. Below is the recipe for Cheesecake Pecan Pie.  (Now don't you be adding any unnecessary ingredients, ya hear me! lol)

Not only can they cook, but Miss Myrna is a domestic goddess when it comes to cleaning.  My house never looks as good as those in the movie, but then I'm a lazy house keeper.  

That said I thought I'd share with you, some of the more important Cleaning Tips from Miss Myrna.

Red Wine on the Carpet: Miss Myra says "Blot up the stain with an absorbent cloth,  then saturate the spot with club soda and continue entertaining.  Later create a paste of three parts baking soda, one part water - liberally apply to the stain.  Let dry for 24 hours, then vacuum"

Chocolate - Sticky hands and spills can spread everywhere: Miss Myra says "Carefully scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife.  Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent with two cups of cool water.  Blot the stain using this mixture and a damp cloth until the stain disappears.  Sponge the area with cold water and blot dry"

And finally did you know that Hairspray can remove coffee, tea, ink, marker and lipstick stains.  It can preserve flowers as well as snag pantyhose.

~X~

So all I can say is this movie is fabulous.  It's such an insight into that era, although a little upsetting to believe, they've portrayed it in a way that is light hearted and funny, without detracting from the seriousness of the matter.

I highly recommend this movie and as such have a Blue Ray Copy of The Help to giveaway.

All you need to do to enter is Click Here and fill in the form on my Facebook Page.  Easy!

Good Luck.

Mandy


Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

Zucchini Fritters

At Christmas time when I was hanging out with my Sister-in-law and her gorgeous family, I was offered a Zucchini Fritter. It was served with Tzatziki Dip as a started before the BBQ.

All I can say is it had me at Tzatziki!

A delicious snack, served with my favourite dip was a huge winner and given there are 101 zucchini's growing in our gardens at the moment, I thought I'd share this recipe with you.

Zucchini Fritters

150g Zucchini - grated

1 medium Onion - grated

3 Rashers of Bacon - finely diced

1/2 cup of Plain Flour

3 Eggs

Oregano, basil, parsley (to your liking)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Oil

Combine all the ingredients except for the oil in a bowl and mix well.

Heat oil in a fry pan and shallow fry spoonfuls of the mixture, turning once to brown.

Keep in warm oven whilst frying additional fritters.

Serve with Tzatziki Dip

* These can be made in advanced and warmed in time for serving.

Cheers

Mandy.

Sentimental Summer ~ A Day at the Melbourne Museum

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What is going on with this weather?  I can't believe Summer is almost over, but in my heart I'm hoping it's just getting started.

On Sunday we had a family day out and headed to the Melbourne Museum.

That said, sticking with our belief that 'life is better with friends' we invited some of our good friends along.  We started with lunch in Lygon Street Carlton, then headed down to the Museum which is only minutes away.

We had a ball.  We started with the Children's Gallery, which had loads to touch and feel for the kids.  They weighed in and measured their height.  My children weigh the same as a wombat!

We also took part in a craft activity that was running on the day.  Bee masks: Did you know that bees have five eyes?

There was stacks to do, we spent over 4 hours at the Melbourne Museum and did not see it all.  We visited the Dinosaur exhibition, and checked out all the gorgeous animals, large and small.

Given that we live in Melbourne we found 'The Melbourne Story'  a really interesting exhibition.  Lulu found it really fascinating, checking out the old fashion TV, Record Player and Cinema.

The kids asked loads of questions and I have no doubt they learnt a lot.

But of course the best part of all was spending quality time with the people I love most.

What have you been getting up to lately?  Have you been creating a Sentimental Summer?

If so why not link up below.

Cheers

Mandy

Product Talk by Nuffnang

Click here to go in the draw to win a Double Pass to the Melbourne Museum 

 


Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: Consistency is Key

The Food Patrol Challenge is a 90 Challenge.  It's one of those things, cup half full, half empty.  It's up to you how you choose to see it.

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I have days, some where I don't want to concentrate, on how many meals I've had for the day.  Whether I'm going to be home when it's time for my Shake. Sometimes I think 90 days, oh that is such a long time.

Yet other days, I'm focused, it's only 90 days, in the grand scheme, of this year, it's nothing.  It's a small commitment for a great result.  I remind myself why it is I wanted this in the first place and it's easy.

Remember the saying in my first Food Patrol post:

"If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll get what you always got"

I think I can honestly say, I no longer need chocolate to get through the day.  I no longer need to stuff food in my mouth all day.  I'm busy and it's not my focus. I'm positive I can maintain this attitude over a long period of time.

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So how have I gone?

I now weigh: 61.3kg

Starting weight:    67.8kg
End wk 1:            63.4kg
End wk 2:            62.9kg
End wk 3:            62.4kg
End wk 4:            61.8kg

Since I started with the Food Patrol I've lost 6.5kg

My results have been consistent.

Cheers

Mandy

HLS [WK6] Setting Goals

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When I think about setting goals I think back to my 2012 New Years Resolutions.  But they were adhoc thoughts about what I wanted to achieve.

Now that I have defined my Personal Values;

Created our Family Motto;

Completed the Wheel of Life;  I really know what it is I need to focus on.

So using the key areas on the wheel of life, I've jotted down some key areas of focus and set myself some goals.

Career (1/10)

This area of my life rated the lowest.  I currently feel extremely trapped in my job.  I want to be a home with my children, dedicating my time to them, however financially this is not an option.

My current role provides flexibility to be at home during the day (mostly) and pays well.  But I can’t express in words how sad I feel going there.  It’s not an awful job; I think it’s more of a case of been there too long.

But I don’t want to move from one dissatisfying job to another. 

Goal: To research and establish what it is I really would love to do.  Take steps toward making it happen.  (Maybe register for a course).

 

Money (2/10)

Leading on from the first goal, a focus on money is needed.  We already see a financial planner and are focused.  However improvements still need to be made.

Goal 1: Continue to build a passive income online

Goal 2: Fine tune our family spending

 

Health (6/10)

Last year I started to run.  I wanted to run 5km without stopping on a regular basis.  This did not really happen.  Not to say that I didn’t achieve success.  I ran a number of fun runs throughout the year, I just didn’t hit the ‘consistent’.

This year I’m acknowledging there is more to it than running.  Health and Fitness go together.  I can not run and be active if I do not look after myself in other areas.

Goal 1: Loss the unnecessary kilos that have accumulated since having kids.

Goal 2: Continue to go to the gym on a regular basis throughout the year and work on my fitness and running.

Goal 3: Maintain a healthy eating plan throughout the year and no longer eat food that is no good for me.

Goal 4: Reduce the amount of Coke Zero I drink.

Friends & Family (6/10)

I have some great friends however have often let ‘busy’ get in the way.  I want to remember how important these people are to me and make more effort.

Goal 1: Visit 2 friends whom I did not get the time to do so last year.  Both are very dear to me and distance should not be an issue.

Goal 2: Be more spontaneous and open to ‘last minute’ catch ups.  (I probably need to get hubby to work on this more so than me!)

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Relationships (9/10)

I have a good relationship with my husband; I think we are on the same page.  That said when caring for three children, tag teaming work, it can be difficult.  As a result I know I need to continue to maintain this relationship.

Goal: To set aside Saturday nights to just relax, together.  This may be in the company of other people or by ourselves.  But the key is to stop doing things for ourselves and come together.

Personal Growth (4/10)

When I think of personal growth, I think of the time spent doing things for me.  But not just leisure, also activities that help develop me as a person.

Goal 1: Take time out once a month to participate in a photo challenge.  (This can simply be set by me).  It’s an opportunity to spend time with my camera and improve on my skills.

Goal 2: Read.  It’s been many years since I read a book.  One of my new year’s resolutions was to read books.  I still haven’t started.  Even dedicating a couple of hours each week would be satisfactory.

Goal 3: Develop my blog further.  I love my blog and am keen to improve my writing and build on my readership.

Fun & Recreation (6/10)

This has been an area of development for us and we are getting there.  At one point hubby had two jobs and worked his finger to the bone.  Now he works one job and we are happy.  We get to spend time together as a family enjoying ourselves.

Goal: To regularly engage in activities as a whole family, creating fond memories.  This can be as simple as going to the park, having a picnic, flying the kite, visiting the museum. Etc.

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Physical Environment (9/10)

This rated fairly highly because, although our home could always be ‘bigger’ I do love our space.  I’m happy.

I love to be organized and this is what I think about when I think ‘how can I improve in this area’ I’m a systems junkie and still believe there are opportunities to fine tune some areas.

Goal 1: Continue to sort the kids stuff and pass on what we no longer need.

Goal 2: Continue to organize and create spaces in our home that work for us in an effectively.

Have you set yourself or your family any goals for 2012?  If you're needing inspiration, why not head on over to Home Life Simplified for ideas.

Cheers

Mandy.