Monthly Archives: August 2010

5 Great Finds: Crunchy Lemon Muffins, Lunchbox Survey, Discrete Ironing Board, Magnetic Bookmarks and Preserving Family Memories

Posted on by Mika
4

MY FAVOURITE MUFFIN RECIPE

Cat Taylor has shared my favourite Crunchy Lemon Muffin recipe. This page in my cook book is well-worn (splattered).  Crunchy Lemon Muffins are a hit in our house, and they always turn out so soft and moist. I always make sure I have a couple of lemons on hand incase I want to make this recipe. In fact, I whipped up a batch this morning because our cupboards were bare!

http://cattaylornz.blogspot.com/2010/08/crunchy-lemon-muffins.html

REALLY CUTE LUNCHBOX SURVEY

June Pfaff Daley [via Skip to My Lou and My Delicious Ambiguity) has come up with this adorable lunch survey to pop into your child's lunchbox. It asks questions such as..."On a scale of 1-5 how tasty was your lunch today?" and "When I get home from school I want to..."

You can now find June at http://junepfaffdaley.com/

http://junepfaffdaley.blogspot.com/2008/04/official-lunch-survey.html

FAB IDEA FOR STORING AND HIDING YOUR IRONING BOARD

Carolyn from My Backyard Eden came up with a discrete way of storing her ironing board. Don't you just love how it turned out?!

http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2010/08/ironing-board-dilemma-solved.html

PRINTABLE MAGNETIC BOOKMARKS

I remember a while ago, some young boys selling these types of magnetic bookmarks. They are such a great idea! Mollie from Wild Olive [via Crafty Crow] has made these printables so you can make your very own magnetic bookmark. Yay!

http://wildolive.blogspot.com/2010/08/keep-your-spot.html

PRESERVING FAMILY MEMORIES


Kat from Inspired to Action has blogged about this lovely way to preserve family memories over at Steady Mom. Basically she suggests jotting down any memories on an index card daily.

http://www.steadymom.com/2010/08/preserving-family-memories-the-simple-way.html

A little while ago I featured Tag’s free week of requests on Facebook on 5 Great Finds. Well, hubby has informed me that they their special subscription rate is going up after 31 August. If you purchase it at this low price, you will have that price forever!! (So you can understand why I want people to take advantage of the low price!) I have purchased the year one….so I get a year’s access to someone else ringing up stores to find out which stores are having sales on their children’s footwear or find a specific product so I don’t have to take my toddler to a thousand different stores. Someone else can make the phone calls on my behalf while I am out and about away from my landline. Someone else can help me save me time, and make my life a bit easier! Yee ha!

Check out Tag’s Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/TagPersonalAssistants

Details of the offer here: http://www.tagnet.co.nz/fbpromo.html

http://www.steadymom.com/2010/08/preserving-family-memories-the-simple-way.html

Have you got a Clutter Monster at your house?

Posted on by Mika
4

The Clutter Monster

Watch out for the clutter monster,
Who wants to ruin your life.
He’ll move in uninvited,
And proceed to cause you strife.

He tells you to save,
Each magazine and bill,
If you follow his advice,
Your house will over-fill !

He tells you to keep this,
He tells you to keep that,
Even to keep,
Your grandfather’s hat.

With things in boxes,
All over the place,
You’ll soon find out,
You have no space!

He’s convinced you to keep,
All of your junk.
His advice to you,
Is just plain bunk!

Throw out some paper,
And claim your life back,
The clutter monster,
Will at first give you flack.

If you keep up your efforts,
Your house will look swell.
Clutter monster in your house,
No longer shall dwell.

Mary Ann Matulis

This fun poem was read out by Galit Maxwell at her “Sort Your Clutter” workshop, which was put on by The Yummy Mummy Club this week.

I think a lot of us came away feeling inspired, and motivated to tackle our clutter!

Some learning I will take away:

  • If we keep things “just incase”, we are not showing faith in the universe that it will provide.
  • You should keep things that mean something to you, and is uplifting.
  • Keep quality! Get rid of quantity!
  • Set time limit to items, and then let go of it. (Having a deadline is especially handy if people are asking you to store something.)
  • A child’s room should grow with a child. It should have items in the room that represent their present self. (That goes for adults as well, we should have items around the home that represent our current self – although some mementos are good if they make you feel good)
  • Clutter makes you feel tired, keeps you in the past and distracts from doing things.
  • Everything needs to have a place!
  • Clutter is an extension of what is going on inside.

If you get a bunch of friends together, you can get Galit to do this workshop for you (Minimum of 8 people, the host is free!). In the workshop she goes over all the clutter-prone areas in the home, and shares tips on how to keep the clutter at bay. I like how she goes over the purpose of the areas of the home. For example, our Bedroom is there to give you good rest, it should be calming and it should be a retreat. It is easy to see that my a cluttered nightstand could detract from that. ;)

She is even available to hire to help you formulate a plan and tackle the clutter!

All this goes along with an Anti-Procrastination podcast that I recently was listening to by Flylady. If you are suffering from CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome) I suggest you stop by her website and start on her babysteps.

At the end of the night, my friends and I decided to look in our handbags to see who had the weirdest item. I think I may have won when I pulled out a stone (?!?!)

Does anyone else have something “odd” lurking around their handbag?

A little story about a girl who liked a boy…

Posted on by Mika
9

Let me tell you a little story about a girl who started to like a boy.

She knew there was a Church YSA ball (for people aged 18-30) coming up. She started to work up the courage to ask the boy she liked.

One day, she got a call from this boy. It was a big surprise!

He asked her to the Church Ball (for all ages) which was coming up before the YSA Ball. She was shocked and really happy…she thought maybe he liked her!

Then she blurted out an invitation to the YSA Ball in that same phone call. He accepted. Turns out, this made the boy really happy because he thought maybe she liked him!

Well, as it so happens they really did like each other. They even fell in love and got married.

The boy and the girl went to a Church Ball last Friday. 11 years on, she still loves dancing with this boy, and he still loves seeing her all dressed up….*swooon*!

Evidence that I am no longer that “girl” from 11 years ago:

  • Having to arrange people to look after my children while I got my hair curled and while we went to the ball (I am so grateful to you all!)
  • Content not to dance to every song at the ball. Enjoyed sitting and chatting.
  • Happy to leave before midnight ;)
  • Getting up early, instead of sleeping in the next day. We even had a productive day. We got out of the door early in time to set up at our Playcentre Gala, then rushed over to our Church Garage Sale, and then rushed back to help with the Gala and helped clean up. I think I would have slept part of the day away 11 years ago.
  • The best part of not being that “girl”….getting to go home with that “boy”!

5 Great Finds: Moon Sand, Thank You Cards, Necktie Companion, Fruit Roll-ups and Father’s Day Certificate

Posted on by Mika
6

DIY MOON SAND

I can’t wait to try to make my own moon sand with my kids! Kristine from Bilbified shows us how simple it is!

http://bilbified.blogspot.com/2010/08/moon-sand.html

PRINTABLE THANK YOU CARDS

Kellie from 74 Lime Lane has made this cute bunting thank you card for us to download and use! Yay!

http://74limelane.com.au/blog/2010/08/20/friday-freebie-23/

Take a look at another adorable card you can download from HeySusy*

http://susanconnordesign.typepad.com/heysusy/2009/09/many-thanks-free-download-card-design-.html

NIFTY NECKTIE COMPANION

My hubby had one of these, until it disappeared one day. I’m excited that Cheri from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar! blogged about this, because I can whip one up myself. It is a great way to keep a necktie in place discreetly.

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/08/magic-tie-trick.html

MAKE YOUR OWN FRUIT ROLL-UPS

I have seen recipes for home-made roll ups before, but I love how Amy from New Nostalgia used freezer/waxed paper to bake it, and then cut it up with the paper attached.

http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/2010/08/healthy-homemade-fruit-roll-ups.html

BEST DAD CERTIFICATE

Maddie from li’l magoolie, reminded me that Father’s Day was just around the corner in New Zealand, when she posted this adorable Father’s Day Certificate that you can download from FamilyFun.

http://familyfun.go.com/fathers-day/fathers-day-printables/printable-gift-worlds-greatest-dad-certificate-704051/

In the Kitchen: 16 Snack Ideas

Posted on by Mika
5

Lately, I have been trying to add variety to what I put in the kid’s lunchboxes.

We tried cold pasta with sausages & veges, rolls, french stick sammies, tortilla wraps, pita bread pizzas and some other variations. Next on my list to try is sushi!

Today, I needed some inspiration and ideas on what to feed the kids when they came home from school. Thankfully, my lovely friends on Facebook came to the rescue with a bunch of suggestions! I thought I would share them with you. What is your favourite snack to whip up?

16 Snack ideas:

  1. Cheese toasties
  2. Fried rice
  3. Toast with their favourite spreads
  4. Fruit
  5. Popcorn
  6. Muffins
  7. Scones
  8. Smoothies
  9. Carrot sticks and hummus
  10. Homemade soup and toast
  11. Big glass of chocolate milk
  12. Cheese and crackers
  13. Jelly
  14. Rice crackers and hummus
  15. Pikelets
  16. Pancakes

Discovery Date Drama

Posted on by Mika
10

The forecast predicted rain today, but all I could feel was the warm sun on my skin. The ocean beckoned me.

I dropped off my daughter at Playcentre, left the cares of housework behind, picked up some OJ and a croissant, then made my way to Oriental Parade.

As I drew closer to the water, I started to feel excited. It had been some time since I last spent time in solitude at the beach.

I felt like the clouds were closing in from all directions. I wished for one moment out by the water, just a little bit of time before the clouds set in, and I would be happy.

Then it happened, I got a flat tyre. I managed to pull into the car park by the beach.

As shocked and disappointed as I was, I couldn’t help feeling grateful.

I haven’t had my cellphone on me all week, but this morning I decided to bring it along….and it was charged!

I was afraid my Automobile Association membership had expired. Once I called them, I found out I was all paid up until December.

I was safe, I was getting help, and I had a good book to read while I waited. I felt grateful.

After the tyre was changed, I finally had a chance to have a walk around in the brisk, chilly, winter sunshine.

It was a brief moment, but the moment was mine, and I breathed it all in. Grateful again.

After picking up my daughter and finding a place that could fix my tyre I got some bad news. The tyre wasn’t worth fixing because the sides of tyre were worn due to an unbalanced car…boooo. The other front tyre was also worn and needed replacing…double boooo.

Once again, I felt shocked and disappointed, but in the end I couldn’t help feeling grateful.

Grateful for the helpful man at Beaurepairs who fitted us in, fixed our tyre while we waited and became smitten by my daughter. “She’s a great kid, I wonder if she knows how great she is.” Awww **bless**

Grateful for the yummy hot chocolate that was on tap in the waiting room.

Grateful for the TV in the waiting room that we were able to switch to the kid’s channel.

Grateful for a happy wee girl who waited with me.

My discovery date certainly didn’t turn out like I had planned, but who knew that I would have had so many things to be grateful for after getting a flat tyre. God is good. ;)

Fun Kids Activity: Spot the Difference with a Twist

Posted on by Mika
12

Last night for Family Home Evening, our 5 year old was responsible for choosing the game.

He decided on the game “Spot the Difference”.

Spot the Difference Game Rules:

  • One person stands in front everyone, so we can have a good look at them.
  • Then that person goes away where everyone can’t see them.
  • They change their appearance in one way.
  • They appear before everyone, we then guess what thing is different about them.

In the past we have made the changes really obvious like, take off a sock or pull up a sleeve or take off a belt. This time we were all very sneaky! My daughter pulled a zipper down on her jacket pocket, my hubby had a sticker on his sock that he changed from one foot to the other and I took off one of my rings.

So depending on the age of the children you can adjust how obvious the differences are. Or you could be really silly and be like one of my children who decided to turn up in just their underwear for a laugh!

Come play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up

We Play

5 Great Finds: Bookplates, Virtual Assistants, Thank You Box, Apple & Spice Cupcakes and Alphabet Flashcards

Posted on by Mika
8

BEAUTIFUL BOOKPLATES

I am in loooove with the many, many bookplates available from My Home Library [via ohdeedoh]. (There were sooo many I wanted to share with you, but I think that you should have a look and pick out your favourites!)

By Mick Inkpen

By Quentin Blake

By Rebecca Elliott

By Martin Ursell

FREE VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS FOR A WEEK! (For New Zealanders)

Out and about and need directions? Want to know what shops stock a certain product? Want to know what shops currently have a sale on kid’s shoes? These are just a few things that I have used “Tag” for.

My hubby and his brother started the company up so that everyday people like you and I have access to our very own Personal Assistants. Those examples I mentioned were all request that I sent via text messages (very, very handy when I was out and about), you can also email requests in. Other clients use Tag to book appointments, find out info about movie sessions, restaurants, shops etc.

This week Tag are offering their services for FREE on Facebook for a week. Give it a go, and put a request up on their wall!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/TagPersonalAssistants?ref=ts

http://www.tagnet.co.nz/

CUTE DOWNLOADABLE THANK YOU BOX

All you need is a piece of A4 Cardstock and you too can have this cute little thank you box to put party favours in, or a wee present for someone. Check out Yellow Mum’s blog where she offers lots of lovely things you can download on her “Freebie Friday”.

http://yellowmums.blogspot.com/2010/08/ff-striped-birthday-favor-box.html

APPLE & SPICE CUPCAKE RECIPE

I have a bunch of bruised apples that I would love to turn into this amazing Apple & Spice Cupcake by Cathie at m.e. I also think that part of me just wants to sink my teeth into that icing! YUMMO!

http://melbourneepicure.blogspot.com/2010/04/apple-spice-cupcakes.html

GORGEOUS ALPHABET FLASHCARDS

Jill from Homemade By Jill has put together these adorable alphabet flashcards for her wee boy, and for us! I also think they would look great on the wall!

http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/08/alphabet-flashcards.html

My Love/Hate Relationship with Routines

Posted on by Mika
4

When it comes to routines (meaning things that need to get done on a regular basis…including chores and things that promote physical/emotional/spiritual wellness):

I LOVE the peace it gives me, and the feeling of being on top of things. I love not feeling overwhelmed. I love the feeling of satisfaction. I love it when the kids’ routines are so ingrained that they do it without being told! (*YEEEES* *fist pump*)

I HATE convincing myself to do any sort of routine when I am tired. It’s like I am choosing to rebel, but it’s like I am rebelling against myself! I hate getting the kids to do their routines when neither of us are in the mood. I hate the fall out that comes from neglecting the routines too long…..kids searching for socks, hubbies searching for dishes, mummies negotiating walking through the family room without stepping on something!

It never ceases to amaze me how EASILY the house can get turned upside down even after one day of not picking up after ourselves.

So this week I am going to be working on being more consistent with our routines so we can enjoy the peace of mind (and sanity) that comes from having order in the home.

My plan of attack:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Establish realistic routines
  • Be consistent
  • Motivate with small rewards (“just do A, B and C, then I can do D”)
  • Be flexible when needed

Twittering about my goals has always helped me stay motivated and feel accountable.

So feel free to follow my tweets at JugglinMthrhood.



5 Great Finds: Globe & Crossword Wall Art, Free Photography Course, Muffin Doughnuts and Fab Organiser

Posted on by Mika
10

GORGEOUS GLOBE

What kid (or adult!!) wouldn’t want this amazing globe in their room. The talented Jennifer from Cup of Coco [via ohdeedoh] created this for a client. It is an interactive globe where the animals and landmarks have velcro on the back so you can put them on or take them off and store them in your cute little suitcase. I just love the adorable plane too!

http://cupofcoco.squarespace.com/blog/2010/3/23/nursery-wall-art-interactive-globe.html

FREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE (for Wellingtonians)

Why not take advantage of this exciting opportunity to improve your photography skills and attend a FREE photography workshop series which will be led by wedding photographer, Keith McNabb.

Date: Every Thursday from 19 August for 8 weeks

Time: 7pm-9pm

Venue: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands, Wellington

The format will be as follows:

1. Session: Getting the most out of the camera 19th Aug;
2. Session: Secrets of the Exposure System 26th Aug;
3. Session: Taking control of the flash 2nd Sep;
4. Session: How to shoot portraits like the pros 9th Sep;
5. Session: Computer time 16th Sep;
6. Session: On assignment Field Trip 25th Sep Field trip;
7. Session: Assignment results assessment 30th Sep; and
8. Session: Publishing 7th October.

If you’re interested in attending this workshop, please register with Donna Wilson, the Newlands Community Centre Coordinator on any of the contact details below.
P  04 477 3724
F  04 477 3725
M 021 227 8092
DDI: 04 803 8092

MOUTH WATERING MUFFIN DOUGHNUTS

Jen from How to: Simplify, is now my best friend for posting up this delicious recipe (and gorgeous photo!) All I can say is…I want these…NOW!

http://www.howto-simplify.com/2010/08/muffin-donuts.html

CROSSWORD/SCRABBLE WALL ART

I would LOVE something like this on my wall! Kellie from 74 Lime Lane featured this awesome Wall Art on her “Inspirational Files” this week. These were being sold at PoshTots for $500US (Post Edit: Unfortunately they no longer sell them on their site. I guess we’re just going to have to get creative and make our own!)

http://74limelane.com.au/2010/08/09/inspiration-files-whats-on-your-wall/

http://style-files.com/2010/08/03/crossword-wall-art/

FANTASTIC ORGANISER

This organiser is the BEST! It is the brainchild of Wendy Davie from “Totally Organised”, who I met at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo on Saturday. Looovely Lady.

The Action Station is a handy pad with 52 sheets to fill out every week of the year. Instead of the normal “To Do Lists”, she has titles like “What have I been avoiding?”, “What can I delegate”, “Stuff that really matters”, “Stuff I put off last week” and my favourite “Inspiration Cloud”!

The great thing about “Totally Organised” is they come to you! You can get a few friends together, get tips and buy some really useful (and pretty) products without leaving the comfort of your own home. (They haven’t paid me to say all this by the way, I just love that Wendy took an idea and turned it into a fantastic business with great products!)

Lessons in Motherhood: Comfort vs Fashion?!?!

Posted on by Mika
4

Last year I wrote about “comfort vs fashion” and the sacrifices we may make in the name of fashion, eg wearing high-heeled shoes when you know you will be running after a toddler, choosing to wear a fashionable top even through you know it won’t keep you warm…the list can go on and on!

Well, now I want you to think about what fashion sacrifices you make in the name of comfort.

Do these sound familiar: (If being a “fashionista” is in your blood, this may not apply to you…hehehe)

  • Wearing a pony tail day after day.
  • Having a kid friendly bag, a back pack or one that you wear across you chest. A fashion handbag just doesn’t fit the nappies and water bottle and change of clothes etc etc etc that you need. Plus it hits the kid in the head when it comes off your shoulder, and it is sometimes tricky to hold a toddler and handbag at the same time.
  • No time for make up (some of which are incredibly out of date)
  • No Accessories (who wants a necklace in the way of doing the dishes, or having earrings constantly being pulled off)
  • Can’t remember when the last time you actually bought clothes that wasn’t a sweatshirt, a pair of jeans or a t-shirt.
  • Clothing decisions revolve around the weather. Short-sleeves for a warm day, Long-sleeves for a chilly day, Jersey for a cold day…all teamed up with the trusty jeans (that now have holes in the knees…but we stopped worrying about that ages ago right!)
  • Practical, Practical, Practical!

Comfort was definitely my number one priority when I woke up (sleep deprived from broken nights rest) knowing that I was going to get drool/food/milk somewhere on my top during that day. Sometimes we are in survival mode aren’t we!

And then the cloud parts, and you see that fashion has moved on, and they might as well be selling alien suits in the stores, because you could never imagine yourself wearing the stuff that is out there.

But then things start to change….

You start to treat yourself with a haircut more regularly.

You linger in the shopping malls a bit longer since you aren’t on a breastfeeding curfew any more.The fashion doesn’t feel so foreign. You buy a few new pieces that make you feel like a million dollars, including a nice pair of jeans for the size you are now, instead of waiting for all the baby weight to fall off.

You invest in a “adult’s” handbag, and feel great using it!

You go out in the evening with friends or a date with your hubby and actually apply make up, earrings and a necklace. You look “hot”, even if you do say so yourself!

Even though on an everyday basis you keep it casual and comfortable, you know that on any given occasion you can turn the dial-up, because you are one “hot mama”….it’s just a matter of taking care of yourself and working through any issues that maybe a barrier to believing you are beautiful inside and out. (I think the “How to look good naked” series was inspirational because they were able to help the women change their perceptions of themselves…powerful!)

5 Great Finds: Hairdos, Photography tips, Ring Sling, Glow Cones, Mindy Gledhill

Posted on by Mika
2

GIVE YOUR HAIR A FACE LIFT!


I just love all videos that Cheri from I am Momma Hear Me Roar does! She has done a few video tutorials to show you how to style your hair in different ways.

I’ve been trying them out in my hair, and have felt quite “glam” after the transformation!

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/07/hair-week-styling-your-hair.html

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/07/hair-week-hair-dos.html (the first blooper video is such a laaaaugh!!)

GETTING RID OF THE BLUR IN PHOTOS

Stacie from Chasing Picture Perfect instructs us the various steps we can take to avoid blurry photos. Me likes!

http://www.chasingpictureperfection.com/2010/07/my-photos-are-blurry-solutions-for-most.html

RING-SLINGS BY KIWI MUM

I am constantly amazed at how many balls we can juggle as mothers.

I stumbled across Oyako Designs which produce quality baby carriers.

Emily is an amazing mother who is juggling 4 children under 8 years old.

After years of experimenting and adjustments she came up with two designs which she believes is the most comfortable and convenient carriers possible. (Hmmmm…..Shall I have another baby just so I can get one of these?????)

She recently received her first wholesale order from “Organic Baby”, 127 Jackson Street, Petone. So you can check out some of her products there, or on her website. Congrats Emily!

Check out her instructional videos, it totally made me want one!

http://oyako.co.nz/Home.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oyako-Designs/140751245949217

GLOW CONES

Amberlee from Giver’s Log shared this fun and easy idea of making “glow cones”. This would make a treat for the family a little bit more special and memorable!

http://giverslog.com/?p=9142

BEAUTIFUL SONGS BY MINDY GLEDHILL

I heard about Mindy Gledhill through CJane’s blog. She is releasing her new album “Anchor” and it’s great! If you are lucky you can listen to a preview of her album on her blog until her album is released (Post Edit: 4 Aug in America)

I loved the words to the song “Hourglass”, totally made me think of my son…

“Little boy, when you speak, I can’t help but kiss your cheeks, I love the way you grab my hands, tell me all about your plans.”

And check out this lovely video to the song “All about your heart”. The dancing by the little girl is so enchanting! Check out the words too…

“I don’t mind your odd behaviour, it’s the very thing I love, if you were an ice cream flavour, you would be my favourite one”

“I’ve loved you from the start, in every single way, and more each passing day, you are brighter than the stars, believe me when I say, it’s not about your scars, it’s all about your heart”

http://mindygledhill.blogspot.com/

BEAUTIFUL SONGS BY MINDY GLEDHILL