19 December 2014

Merry Christmas / Season's Greetings / Happy Holidays

For me Christmas is not just about the presents and Santa, although it's all very nice, its about spending time with the people you love. Sharing food and some wine, telling stories, enjoying each other's company and making memories to look back on over the years.  


Merry Christmas!

I will be taking some time off over the Christmas/New Year break so won't be blogging for a few weeks, as I will have my hands full with my two girls. I am looking forward to spending some quality family time with Hubby being on holidays, and will be busy planning Popette's upcoming "Frozen" birthday party. I can't believe she is turning 6!

I want to take this time to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays. If you are spending time with family, like we will be, I hope you make the most of your day. We have a yummy lunch planned at our place with our Mothers and Hubby's family. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a nice Summer's day (I don't want to say it too loud, but it always seems to rain on Christmas day here) and we get to enjoy eating outside.

See you here again in 2015!

10 December 2014

My guiding words wrap-up for 2014

This year has gone by so fast. At the beginning of the year I picked not 1, but 3 guiding words, Positive, Savour and Reclaim. 3 words...what was I thinking!?! Probably not the best idea I've ever had, but I gave it a shot! 

My guiding words for 2014

Positive - As a worrier and a complete stress-head, I find being positive can be difficult at times. This is a work in progress for me, but the good thing is that I am noticing when I'm feeling negative and change my mood. I also try to remember (even if I don't always post about them here) things that I am grateful for.

Popette playing keyboard at her first ever performance

Savour - I have been savouring time spent with my family this year. With Popette starting Kindy, I was also very fortunate to attend many of the school events and help out in her class with reading groups. Watching Popette play keyboard at her first concert performance was a highlight for Hubby and I. Popette has only been learning since Term 4 and played wonderfully. Moments like these have been a joy, and something I will always savour.  


A photo of my gorgeous family taken on our 18th wedding anniversary day out

Reclaim - I spent a little time on reclaiming my art & drawing this year, as well as got the sewing machine out and made a dress for Popette. I hadn't sewn anything in such a long time, so I felt rather proud of myself in completing Popette's Queen Elsa (Frozen inspired) dress. While its not the same as ones you buy in the shops, I like to think of it as a "Special Edition" as it's the only one of its kind.

Popette in her Queen Elsa dress


I failed with decluttering the house and getting fit & healthy. I really need to make a go of the gym next year. I started off well, but then we had months of sickness, old injuries flaring up, and Hubby coming home late from work which gave me an excuse not to go! 

Hopefully I can sort through more of the clutter over the holidays. I have made a few donations of kids clothes, toys, and baby stuff to the local Op shop, but still have to empty out the buffet and pack some things we no longer use or need and drop them off to the Salvos or Vinnies.

Next year

I have Cherub starting preschool 2 days per week next month. I’m still unclear on what I want to do work-wise, and when I will return to work. I'd so love to find a job in a creative area, or something that I can do from home.

I still haven't decided on my guiding word for next year....so stay tuned. 


If you had a guiding word, did you get what you wanted out of it?

03 December 2014

Christmas craft & recipe link-up

Over the past couple of years the girls and I have made quite a few little Christmassy craft projects. This year I have been a bit slack, and haven't prepared many crafts for them leading up to Christmas, so off to Pinterest I go in search of some inspiration!

I don't have any new Christmas craft too share at the moment, so thought I'd link up to ones that we have created in the past as well as some of my yummy recipes that are always nice to create for loved ones at Christmas. 


I hope you enjoy them :)


***Recipes***


My girls love to help make the gingerbread men

Shortbread

My yummy shortbread

***Christmas craft***

Santa


Snowman

Toilet roll reindeers



Folded paper Christmas tree



Recycled Christmas card tree




P.S. If you are a bit late in getting together an Advent Calendar. Check out this cute cotton wool ball Santa we found on Pinterest, which Popette did a couple years ago. All you need is a printer, glue and some cotton wool balls! :)