Tag Archives: Discovery date

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. ;)

Discovery Date: Bath & Candles….just what the doctor ordered

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Source: Google Images

I can’t even remember when the last time I had a nice long bath was! Is that sad?

While I was de-cluttering a few weeks ago, I came across some bath bombs and a whole bunch of candles…yay!

I’m counting down until the younger kids are in bed so I can put them to use.

I’m hoping I will get a bit of peace and quiet with no interruptions. Kids knocking on the door and asking what I’m doing or begging me to open the door would be a bit of a mood killer ;) hehehehe (can you tell I speak from experience!)

I must admit, the thought of turning back the clocks so the kids could go to sleep earlier did pass my mind!

Not too long to go now…

I think the anticipation of some pampering time, is half the fun isn’t it?!

Discovery Date: Channeling Beyoncé

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Guess what I did tonight? I learnt a hip hop routine!

Mums in the City put on a Hip Hop Class through Pump Dance Studios.

I rocked on up by myself, not knowing anyone…and I was pleasantly surprised at how many brave, adventurous souls decided to try something completely out of their comfort zone as well!

We all learnt a really fun dance routine to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”.

Everyone did soooo well, and we managed to pick up the steps and had a blast!

There were some awards given out at the end of the night.

We felt pretty special when a couple of us won the “baddest” dancers prize! Yay! (That’s us in the top right photo with our yummy chocolate prize)

Mums in the City included time at the end for some chit chat and supper. I was able to meet some great people and enjoyed this delicious spread:

Tried something new: Check!

Met new people: Check!

Had a great time out: Check!

Thanks Mums in the City and Pump Dance Studios for putting on a fabulous event!

Upcoming Mums in the City events (for more information go to their website or facebook page)

A Pamper Evening at Sarak Hair & Beauty Salon on Thursday, 19 July 2010 at 7pm. Free consultation, goody bags and nibbles.

Secondhand Clothing Sale on Saturday, 28 August at Johnsonville Community Hall. Sell your unwanted, nearly-new clothes, shoes and accessories. Shop for bargains. $10 if you want a table.

Adult Classes at Pump Dance Studios (for more information go to their website)

Thursdays at 7-8pm at Pump Dance Studios, Level One, 302 Taranaki Street, Wellington

Discovery Date: Venturing out into the “adult world”

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Source: Arizona's Website

I can honestly say that I can’t remember the last time I had a weekday lunch with adults…childless! Has it honestly been 9 years?!?!

My hubby, dad and I were all willing beneficiaries of a meal voucher my mum received in a accommodation/meal package she bought.

We went to Arizona Bar & Grill, Wellington and I ordered the delicious Black Jack Steak Sandwich. “Sliced marinated beef sautéed with onion, paprika and mushrooms. Served in a sage bread stick and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese with french fries and creamy guacamole.” (Yes it did taste as good as it sounds, totally recommend it!)

We squeezed our huge plates and two entrée plates around the small tables and proceeded to gleefully gobble everything down until we were full.

Source: Aol Travel

I’ve noticed that when I dine with children (especially at buffets) I don’t eat until I’m full any more. I eat, I tend to the kids, I eat, I tend, I eat, I tend, the kids get restless, then it’s time to leave. It’s actually a good way to keep the extra pounds off ;)

After lunch we had a little bit more time up our sleeves, so hubby and I went jean shopping. Jean shopping on a weekday! Once again….a first in a long time! But alas, I am a woman who needs a lot more time to try on every pair in the shop before I walk away the “perfect jeans”…so we will hold off until I venture out into the “adult world” sometime in the future!

I found this voucher on Vouchermate which is valid from 24-May-2010 to 13-Aug-2010. Enjoy!

vouchermate

http://www.vouchermate.co.nz/vouchers/7912

Discovery Date: Getting some pespective

Posted on by Mika
6

Thank you for all the good vibes that you sent my way after hearing I was unwell. I feel MUCH better today.

For my discovery date today, I decided to take some time out and reflect.

I tend to have my head down and just run in all sorts of directions, so it’s good for me to take a breather, take a look around, and make sure that I am on the “right path” so to speak ;)

I wrote down some simple things I could do each week under different headings like “family”, “kids”, “interests”, “house”, “me”, “spiritual” etc.

Although it would be nice to do everything on my list, I think what is more important is having my thoughts written down, and having a basic plan of where I eventually want to end up. I will also be able to see clearly if there are specific areas in my life that I am neglecting.

My goals? Loads of things! I want to do a good job in the roles that I have. Right now I am also striving for… Balance…Contentment and Happiness (that’s all! hahaha)

Discovery Date: Admiring Wellington and a Good Book

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I forced myself outdoors for my discovery date today. I had to take advantage of the fact that the rain had stopped (for the moment.)

I took my camera and headed into Wellington city.

I love how our city and the people can progress, but does not turn its back on the beauty from the past.


On your walk down Lambton Quay you are bound to pass buskers and even workers digging right in the middle of the footpath.

I ended my discovery date at Astoria in Midland Park. I grabbed myself a yummy tart and hot chocolate then found a table outside.

There were moments I actually wished I had sunglasses, and other times, a scarf! That’s Wellington for ya!

Recently, I received a surprise package in the mail. My best friend had bought me my very own copy of “A Mother’s Book of Secrets“! (She’s so good to me…totally spoilt!)

Shawni Eyre Pothier co-wrote it with her mother Linda Eyre. It is a BEAUTIFUL book, which I am sure a lot of mothers can relate to.

It is filled with real life experiences and practical tips as well.

I think what makes it special, is that it is written from Shawni’s point of view, which is from the trenches of motherhood. As well as Linda’s point of view, which is looking back on motherhood with a bit of perspective.

Some of my favourite quotes so far:

“There isn’t a more difficult yet more important and magnificent career than that of a mother”

Linda Eyre

“Sometimes success is when we don’t get through the to-do list but instead stop long enough to notice the little things. To savor moments. Not only to notice the delight in our children’s eyes, but to help create that delight.”

Shawni Eyre Pothier

(Shawni has a blog called 71 Toes. It’s a great blog, so be sure to check it out!)

Discovery Date: Doing a project on my new sewing machine!

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I finally have my very OWN sewing machine! The money that I had earmarked for it finally came through yesterday. Very exciting!

In hindsight, my first sewing project should have been something simple. Instead I decided to just try out a concept I had in my head. Basically it is a mini-tote for my daughter’s lunchbox & drink bottle, which has draw strings at the top so everything stays in the bag.

Thankfully it turned out the way I wanted. I learned a lot (thanks youtube & blog tutorials!) I just have a greater appreciation for patterns, because it probably means a lot less unpicking! ;)

PS Everyone is back at school/Playcentre, and I am feeling much better thanks!

Discovery Date: Wellington Food Show

Posted on by Mika
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Discovery Dates are all about doing things you love right?? Well, by now, you may have figured out I just love food….so you can understand why I was in heaven at The Food Show in Wellington today.

What is there not to love about strolling around sampling different foods, sitting in on cooking demonstration, and nabbing some great food deals for the WHOLE day!

This is my second year attending the Food Show, and it was fantasitic! I went with my fellow foodie (aka my sister-in-law Erika. You can check out her older sister, Angela’s  blog, and her younger sister, Mariah’s blog if you have time.)

Best Deal: Verkers Kransky Sausages which are selling at Woolworths for $21 a kilo, but at the food show they are $20 for 2kg!! (Apparently Verkers are not exhibiting on Sunday) The $2 Feta was also a pretty good deal!

Favourite Freebie: Chocolate from the Lindt Stand..hmmmm…chocolate!

Surprisingly yummy: The Rejuva’s Aloe drink and the Relax’s Cactus Drink!

Most outrageous (and funny) person: Annabelle White

Pleasant surprise: I bumped into someone from High School, who I haven’t seen in about 15 years!

Great bit of info: If you shop at commonsense organics they will donate 5% of the purchased amount to a designated school or preschool to go towards their organic garden! (We have a edible garden at Playcentre) I’m also liking the Bokashi Compost-Zing System.

Pretty impressive: The amazing cakes that were on show for the cake decorating competition

Look at this amazing Alice in Wonderland cake:

Look at the detail around the base of the cake!!

Tips for surviving a Food Show!

- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Set money aside in your budget so you can take advantage of the many items they are selling less than retail value!


- Bring a BIG bag for the free goodies, and the great bargains. Or you can buy a nifty Food Show Bag with slots for bottles inside (great for kids drink bottles) for $3! I also bought with me foldable chiller bag (that I got from Essentially Foods last year at the Food Show) to store my meats and cheese that I bought.
- If you do go with someone, it is more enjoyable if you both attend the food show for the same reason. You may both love taking your time sampling food and talking to the passionate vendors (like Erika and I), or both of you may love rushing through, seeing everything and zipping back home.
- Grab a drink before you sit down for a chef demonstration. We grabbed a free hot chocolate from Caffe L’affare, found a seat and rested and chatted while we waited for the demonstration to start. (Below are some photos I took at Lauraine Jacobs’ demonstration….Lauraine has a blog too!)

Pork Fillet on a Warm Salad of Roasted Chickpeas, Beetroot and Spinach with Horseradish Cream (recipe)

“Just a tart” (recipe)

You can find loads of delicious recipes from the celebrity chefs on the Food Show’s website!

Here’s a video that I found on youtube that was taken at the Food Show 2008. It’s quite similar to what we experienced today…

Discovery Date: Window Shopping at Iko Iko

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Cuba Mall is one of those delicious places in Wellington, where you get such a wide cross section of people and shops!

One of the best things about Cuba Mall is this gem of a shop called Iko Iko. (You can call them or email them about any enquiries…their details are on their website (as well as the address to their Auckland store). They are really friendly and helpful!)

They have such GREAT original stuff, that it was hard not to drool over their selection!

I loved the gorgeous prints on the cushions and tea towels…

Such a great selection of unique bags…

Lovely craft books…

Cute notebooks…

A wide selection of children’s goods…

Can you imagine your own favourite fabric in this DIY light shade?

Or perhaps you would like a Pohutukawa print lampshade…

My favourite find for the day were these plastic replica cups of the traditional kiwi milkshakes you get from the diary (corner shop). LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!

Afterwards, I headed down to Oriental Parade for a bit of sunshine and a smoothie.

PS This isn’t an advertisement, I just wanted to share all the neat stuff I saw

You may also enjoy:

Discovery Date: Window Shopping at Small Acorn

My Love/Hate Discovery Date

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Love: That today I am able to visit a few shops that I have never previously been to in all my years of living in Wellington.

Hate: That time flies, and before I know it, it is time to head back.

Love: Looking at beautiful things that inspire me and makes me giddy inside.

Hate: That the price tags means I can’t take them home (just yet…hehehe)

DRRRROOOOOOOOLLLLLL…..It’s an asian vase…….DRRRROOOOOLL!

Discovery Date: Retail Therapy

Posted on by Mika
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It’s not even winter yet, and our family have already been struck down with illnesses. I haven’t had a chance to go out by myself about 3 weeks now, so I jumped at the opportunity on Thursday night to have a discovery date.

I had 2 hours up my sleeve, so I headed down to our local shopping centre.

I enjoyed getting out of my work clothes (i.e. jeans with holes in the knees, and a comfty top that has flour on it from the day’s gingerbread making) and into something a bit more flattering.

I enjoyed sauntering around the shops at my lesuire. Picking things up, looking at them for a long time, then putting them down, walking around the store, then coming back to it and picking them up again. (You know, all the things you can’t do when you have a child in tow!)

The bookstore was great….books and stationery, how can you go wrong?!

There were lots of the beautiful things in the homeware/gift shop, Trends. I fell in love with the big vase of chinese lanterns in different colours. I found a picture off the web, so you can get an idea of what they looked like:

You probably would have noticed one of my favourite quotes on my blog, “Live in the moment, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering!” by Fanny Crosby. So you will understand why I had to take this beauty home:

Discovery Date: Nourishing the mind…and the body

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I have been trying to play catch up from this past week, which has been busy in our household.

After dropping my daughter off at Playcentre, I was torn between using my time to work (chores) or to play (discovery date).

I ended up compromising….I spent 5 mins in different areas of the house tidying up: hallway, dining, living room and family room, and 10 mins on the kitchen.

Then I went to the local cafe and ordered a chicken ceasar salad and read my book (reading North & South at the mo…it’s getting to the good bit!)

In my 9 years of motherhood, I don’t think I have ever sat down for a paid meal during a week day by myself!

I can’t wait to go to an actual restaurant in the city for one of my discovery dates….that would be indulgent! (If you don’t know by now…I love food!)

A few years ago, I would not have been interested in dining by myself. But when I first started doing discovery dates, I got up the courage to go to a restaurant in the evening all by myself. The restaurant ended up being  practically empty (!) but still, I was proud of myself for trying something new.  Since I haven’t had much Thai food before, I asked them to recommend something and it was SOOO good! The owners were fantastic! A great experience for a newbie!

Who knows, if it is the fact of calling it a “discovery date” means that you push through barriers you have in your mind. For me discovery dates are all about giving yourself permission to do things you love, to appreciate the moment, and to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

Guilt-free Indulgence, one discovery date at a time…

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7

It’s autumn here now…

I miss the sun….I miss the warmth….It’s getting colder, and I miss the beach….

There are some good things that make their appearance in cold weather…hearty soups and stews served with fresh bread…mmmmm…..oh! and we can’t forget hot chocolate!

*mental note: put marshmallows on the shopping list*

Another good thing to do on a cold day is getting a blanket and snuggling up to watch a good movie. That’s exactly what I did for my discovery date today.

I love discovery dates. Once a week, for a couple of hours, I give myself permission to forget the housework and do something that makes me smile. I wish I started this years ago! Even with a little one (or two or three) at home with me all day, I think I could have done it in the evening, or carved out a couple of hours in the weekend…I just didn’t think about doing something on a regular basis.

Now that I am doing it, it feeds my soul. My children make me very happy, but I also get to discover a different kind of “happiness”. Becoming aware of what I love, and exploring that, brings me that kind of happiness.

So today I got giddy thinking about getting out a sappy dvd while my daughter was at Playcentre. I mean, watching a dvd during the day!?! How indulgent is that!

Calling it a discover date, helps me fight off those thoughts that are telling me I am being lazy, that I should be doing something more useful with my time, and that I should be productive. Calling it a discovery date helps me to remember that it is exercise for my soul. I think it is good practice to do something you love and not feel bad about it. It also gets me out of my comfort zone to try new things in the name of “discovery”.

It’s only taken me 9 years of motherhood to figure this out, hopefully it won’t take you that long!

Participating in life. Making our choices more meaningful

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Thank you for the all the lovely encouraging comments by the way, they always make me smile!

Lara from The Golden Seven said in the comments yesterday, “You’ve just about convinced me to come to Wellington on the next plane and sit at your front window and stare out of it all day.”

It made me think about how I really don’t stop and sit and admire the view as often as I should. Those times I took the photographs, my children were the ones who recognised the beauty and came to get me. And where was I? I sure wasn’t looking out of the window to notice the beauty that was unfolding right outside.

So, I have been thinking a lot this morning. About how there are things to be appreciated around us, but we may not be paying attention.

Do I take my blessings for granted?

How good am I at connecting with each child on a daily basis?

How well do I notice the world I’m living in and what we can learn from it, and what it has to offer?

Am I missing the beauty that is unfolding right in front of me? 

Am I there physically, but my mind is elsewhere?

Could I be more engaged?

Can I change my actions, to make a positive impact on my life and my family?

I let these thoughts jumble around my head during my discovery date, while I did some writing, planning, shopping and photography.

After pondering all morning, I really wanted to make more meaningful choices in my life.

After picking up my 3 year old from Playcentre, I decided we were going to have a picnic by the beach. We went home, I did the laundry, and got everything ready for the picnic and off we went to Oriental Parade.

It was looooovely.

After an early dinner, we all jumped on the tramp once we finished our chores. We even did a spot of cloud watching.

One of the kids wanted to go to ride their bikes at the school (something they have asked, but it always seemed to be at the “wrong time”) and I thought “yeah, let’s do that!”.

So this is my journey this week….to make my actions more consistent with how I ultimately want to live my life.

If you have any tips on how you have kept you and your family from falling into the trap of a bad version of a grounds hog day, let me know!

Discovery Date: Teaching myself how to crochet a beanie!

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My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was in Standard 4….so I was about 10 or 11 years old. She taught me how to make a square blanket. I would just go around and around and around, and would pick it up over the years and add whatever wool I could find.

So, I could crochet some stitches, but I had no idea they were called a special name, and how to start it off!

Now that we have wonderful technology like youtube and online tutorials, I thought I would attempt to teach myself how to crochet, and make a beanie!

1st problem: I didn’t know how to read a crochet pattern!

Solution: Google “how to read a crochet pattern” and came up with this site:

http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/learntoread.html

2nd problem: I had no clue what a slip stitch, or double stitch was.

Solution: On the same site as above, they had the abbreviations for the terminology used in the patterns, and a link to how to do the stitches.

3rd problem: I didn’t have a pattern.

Solution: I googled for a crochet beanie pattern.

This video was very good. I liked how I didn’t have to follow a written pattern and all the jargen, I just needed to copy what she did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoCRUObS0Tc

But then I encountered another problem…

4th problem: I only had one roll of yarn/wool…and it was running out fast with the pattern I was following…it also was looking kind of wonky. I think it was because the wool I was using was thicker.

Solution: Take it apart and find another pattern.

5th problem: I didn’t have a pattern.

Solution: I had a crochet book that I picked up for 50 cents at Spotlight. It had a beanie pattern in it. Even thought I would have to follow a pattern, I thought I would give it a go.

6th problem: The beanie didn’t look like the one in the picture! doh’! I re-did it, and then it was too big.

Solution: Take it apart and start over.

7th problem: I didn’t have a pattern.

Solution: I googled for a beginner’s beanie crochet pattern.

I came up with this:

http://www.get-hooked.net/free-patterns/peek-a-boo-flower-hat/

8th problem: As I was muddling through yet another pattern, I found that the beanie was getting a bit too big again.

Solution: But this time, I had a “weee” bit of experience up my sleeve, so I adjusted the pattern, and it worked!

OH HAPPY DAY!

And I finally got to use the crochet flowers I had done a while a go.

This is the video tutorial I followed for the crochet flowers:

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-crochet-flower-video-tutorial.html

Reality check: When did I find the time? This was all done while my youngest was at Playcentre for a couple of hours. When hubby came home from work I had a bit of time to myself, and then I worked on it some more in the evening. Phewwww!

My best buys this week!

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I love a good bargin. It makes me happy :)

I think the thing I love about it is the fact that the item is affordable enough to take home with me!

Here are some things that I am swooning over this week:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R Covey – I have been on the hunt for this book to read for the Simple Mom’s Book Club. I bought the book from trademe (similar to ebay). The seller was 5 mins drive away from me, so no postage necessary. $10!

Singleton Flower Brooch – This lovely brooch was made by Ms SewFunky. I have been wearing it the last couple of days. Makes me feel very pretty! $10 + $2.50 postage!

Modena Bowls – I spotted these at The Warehouse yesterday, and just loved the colours. They will not be making an appearance in the kitchen, they will be living in the study as part of my home decor. $8!

Yummy yummy fabric - I think I actually “gasped” when I found this in the fabric bin at our local op shop/thrift store. I’m officially in love with it. For one meter….$3!!!!

It was my discovery date today. So I went out to get inspired and find fabrics for some sewing projects. 30%-50% off the discounted price of the sale fabrics at Spotlight Wellington! At Spotlight Porirua they are selling some rolls for $1 a metre! Now I will be surfing the online tutorials to teach myself how to make something out of them! ;)

Discovery Date: Cruising Able Smith Street

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I gave my youngest daugther a hug and kiss good bye, as I dropped her off for her second drop off at Playcentre. What a big girl! What’s a childless girl to do in 2 1/2 hours…..laundry? pay some bills? baking? Oh! Maybe fit in a “discovery date“!

Today, I went to my first photography exhibition at Toi Poneke Gallery in Able Smith Street.

It must be great for the photographers to get their work showcased like this!

The exhibition is called ‘Locale’, and it is a group show of images created by Lynda Garrod, Shaun Matthews and Kirsty Woods. It is showing until 12th February.

Photograph by Kirsty Woods

Then I noticed this shop across the road:

Outside the sign said “One of everything”. I was intriged, so I went inside.

As I navigated my way to the back room, I found this!

The prices are a bit more expensive than an opportunity shop…but you can’t deny that this place probably has EVERYTHING! And it’s vintage baby! ;)

Oh my! Look what I found on the record shelf….Wham! Bananarama, Madonna, and Boy George!

These mugs look exactly like the ones my grandparents had!

 This is what I took home with me: 

Is it bad that I bought it and I didn’t know what I was going to put in it? I was thinking those big yarn/rope balls would look cool in it.

It nearly ended up as a fruit bowl, but then I got selfish and wanted to keep it in my room. So now it holds all my notebooks that are too pretty to stay hidden away in a drawer ;)  Half of the notebooks are from my friend Shelly. I get to remember her whenever I see them now.

At the shop, I was quite tempted to buy the old glass milk bottles. Remember how we used to get them delivered to our letterbox? Gosh that was so long ago! Remember the little tokens that you would buy from the dairy?!

Thanks for the memories David N White Gallery! 

Oh! Look what arrive in my letterbox today:

Kellie from “Mere Motherhood“ sent it to me all the way from America because I won a quiz she did on her blog. Look at her cuuuute personalised card! And check out the customs declaration form…she declared “yummy chocolate”! I like her! I like her a lot! hahaha! Thank you Kellie!

Q&A: Discovery Dates

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Discovery dates are where you have a chance to “discover” a bit more about yourself. During discovery dates, you allot a certain amount of time (usually a couple of hours) to do something just for you!  I think that each of us should place an importance on discovering what we love or don’t love. I also recognise that we are all at different stages:

“I have no idea what I like!” Been there! I bought myself a blank book. In it I would write down or stick in pictures of things that would make me smile, or get excited about. I would pay attention to my feelings when they would tell me “yeah, I like that” – then, in the book it would go. During my discovery dates I would either do something from my book that I became interested in, or I would test out the waters and try something completely new.

“I have a lot of things I like” Sometimes we know what we like, but we don’t carve out any time to do them. Perhaps you used to love to draw, but have stopped. Perhaps you would read, if you just had the time. Use the discovery date to follow these interests, and try and think about how you could extend that interest – be creative and think outside the box.

Other questions:

How often? Personally, I found that doing them once a week was best. Only because you get into the habit of putting aside time for yourself - which is really important. Having said that fortnightly or monthly is better than nothing. Just make sure that your aim is to do it weekly eventually. You are worth that!

Day or night? I have done them in the evenings when the little kids were in bed. I have gone out for a few hours on a Saturday. A couple of times I have done a babysitting swap with a friend during the day. Recently my DD2 has had a drop off at Playcentre, so I have committed to doing a discovery date during those few hours she is there. Whatever works with your family situation.

By myself? This is a time that you set aside to discovery what makes you feel happy inside. I wouldn’t recommend going with a friend or family member who drains your energy and focuses on themselves (it may even be a good idea not to tell them, because then it would be awkward to say you don’t want them to come..hehehe). On the other hand, I don’t think it would be a problem to be with someone who would add to your experience rather than detract from it.

I have two criteria for discovery dates:

They have to be completely self-fish

and

The thought of it makes you smile

Committing to doing discovery dates frequently is basically saying to yourself that you are worth spending time on ;)

Come back and share with me what you have been doing!

Valuing what we have: Day 5

Posted on by Mika
6

I have been amused this week at what mysterious objects that seem to randomly appear in the bathroom. Today it was 3 magnetix balls and our mysterious elf also played with the bath toys while they were at it.

I had a discovery date today :) Photos and details to come!

Oriental Parade, Wellington

Photo by Juggling Motherhood

CELEBRATIONS:

  • Taking pride in our home: Wiped down our door and some walls while the kids got ready for school.
  • Taking pride in our home: Washed the sheets and duvet cover from our bed.
  • Taking pride in our home/car: Just doing the usual routines and chores to keep the house tidy. Everyone pitching in means that we have more time for play. Today was a BEAUTIFUL day in Wellington! We went to Khandallah Park after school, so we had dinner a bit later, but we got everything done in the end.
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Photo by Juggling Motherhood

  • Enjoyed all the space that we have been keeping tidy over the week.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:

  • Organise our CDs.
  • Put away the washing.

How do we let go of what we don’t need and value what we have?

Valuing what we have: Day 1

Valuing what we have: Day 2

Valuing what we have: Day 3

Valuing what we have: Day 4

Valuing what we have: Day 6