Teacher by trade, Mother by nature: Be Yourself

TAKING STOCK - MARCH 2018

Be Yourself, Blogging, Taking Stock March 31, 2018

[ T A K I N G S T O C K - M A R C H ]

Welcome to another 'Taking Stock' post for 2018. If you are new to Teacher by trade, Mother by nature (WELCOME) you can read all of my 'Taking Stock' posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this series, so be sure to check out her blog and grab a copy of the list, if you would like to share on your blog or social media. This is something I have been doing since I started blogging and will continue to do this year, hopefully with no 'breaks'! In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life.

Here's what's been happening in the month of MARCH...

Making:

a family photo book using the Project Life - I DID IT! It should arrive next week (fingers crossed), can't wait to share it with you.

Cooking:

good ol' mince on toast - it took me back to my childhood!

Drinking:
a cup of tea (for one) in my gorgeous teapot

Reading:

Miss B's Progress Report for Term 1 - really positive - she's off to a great start at High School. Mama so proud.

Wanting:

to paint the towel cupboard...it's my least favourite area in our home

Looking:

forward to following everyone's journey in Project 14 - Round 7, as well as my own.

Playing:

volleyball with the kids at Camp. So much fun! (later, not so much...I'm not a teenager anymore) HA!

Deciding:

to rearrange a few things in my Office...I'm kinda loving it...

Wishing:

you all a HOPPY EASTER!

Enjoying:

our new roof - we chose Grey Friars for the colour...it looks so good.

Waiting:

for my photo books to arrive - 1 x Project Life Family photo book and 2 x 12x12 Family Photos (our professional photos) - I'm so excited!!

Liking:

the colours of Autumn

Wondering:
when I'm going to start my new KonMari series...about Organisation...I suppose I'm still fine-tuning areas of my home. Watch this space!

Loving:

the kids birthday parties! We had a fantastic time and the kids loved their parties. SUCCESS! You can read about M's Paw Patrol Party HERE.

Pondering:

what we are going to do for my son's 5th birthday! Going BIG? or a small gathering..hmmm

Buying:
Easter treats for the kids - they get some winter pjs, a chocolate egg/treat and we read an Easter book 'We're going on an Easter Hunt' as a family. Easter Egg Hunt on Monday with the in-laws. What are your family traditions at Easter?

Watching:
The Best of Me on Netflix - helloooo James Marsden

Next watch:
Me Before You on Netflix. Do you have any Netflix recommendations?

Organising:
M's bedroom - gave it a Paw Patrol makeover and recently rearranged a couple of things. He loves it.

Hoping:
I get my Teacher Registration Renewal card before it expires - I had to order another Birth Certificate.

Marvelling:

at everyone's Easter baking...drool

Needing:
to wash our cushion covers and net curtains

Questioning:
what isn't working in our home? What can I (we) do, to make it work?

Smelling:
Hot Cross Buns - delicious!

Wearing:
my dressing gown...we've had some chilly mornings lately

Worrying:
about Miss B, who had another Asthma attack and took a 8 days to recover :(

Noticing:
there are only 8 days left of the school term (this includes a 3 day week - due to Easter Monday & Easter Tuesday - for education sectors only)

Thinking:
about surprising my Nana for her birthday, with my Mum and kids. (Great opportunity for us to get a 4 generation photo)

Admiring:
Stan Walker, who recently shared his battle with Cancer.

Sorting:
through our Easter decorations and culling what we don't use/need anymore

Getting:

our down-lights changed to LED in the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom. It's made such a difference. Oh and we got a ceiling fan installed in the bathroom earlier this week too. It's all GO GO GO.

Disliking:
ASTHMA #asthmasucks

Feeling:
excited about catching up on my family memory keeping - getting my photos into the hands of my family. April - I am going to try and get 2015 photo book done. Wish me luck!

Snacking:
on Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs - thankfully it only happens once a year

Hearing:

the Steam Train come into Whangarei was pretty cool!

Now it's YOUR turn...choose a few words from the list above and TAKE STOCK of what's been happening in your life...

Charlene x

TAKING STOCK - February 2018

Be Yourself, Taking Stock February 28, 2018

[ T A K I N G S T O C K - F E B R U A R Y ]

Welcome to my second 'Taking Stock' post for 2018. (I originally posted this on my Facebook page because I was having a few technical issues with my blog....but all fixed now...so here it is :)

If you are new to Teacher by trade, Mother by nature (WELCOME) you can read all of my 'Taking Stock' posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this series, so be sure to check out her blog. This is something I have been doing since I started blogging and will continue to do this year, hopefully with no 'breaks'! In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life.

Here's what's been happening in the month of FEBRUARY...

Making: plans for my kid's birthdays
Cooking: Lasagne & salad for dinner
Drinking: a cup of tea
Reading: and filling out application forms
Wanting: a holiday! To pack a suitcase and just go somewhere!
Looking: forward to a new month
Playing: Maori games with my students
Deciding: on what colour our new roof will be...oh the choices
Enjoying: watching my daughter settle into high school
Waiting: to hear when we can get our home insulated
Liking: routines and systems - it makes a huge difference to my day-to-day life - I thrive when I have a routine
Loving: my new work/blog planner - a Happy Planner from the amazing Tania (Tidying with Tania)
Pondering: if I should dye my hair - back to Bitter Sweet Chocolate
Considering: a change
Buying: party decorations and presents for the kids birthdays (M is turning 4 and B is turning 13 eek!)
Watching: MAFS (Married at First Sight - Australia)
Next watch: Grey's Anatomy (returns on Friday - ONDEMAND)
Hoping: to print a family year book next month - it's one of my goals!
Marvelling: at our new deck curtains at Playcentre
Needing: to win Lotto (a girl can dream right?)
Questioning: so many things...
Wearing: jandals on rainy day
Following: Love Ultimately - really enjoying their podcasts
Noticing: both kids have had a growth spurt
Knowing: how I'm going to set up the house for the kids birthday parties (map also drawn hehe)
Thinking: about my friends and family

Admiring: teachers!
Sorting: through photos (digital)
Getting: my teacher registration renewed
Bookmarking: Paw Patrol party ideas
Snacking: on the grazing table I recently made for our Cluster Meeting
Disliking: double ear infections, high fevers and asthma
Opening: happy mail from Lime & Mortar - I'm in love with the Bloom Mystery Lime Mail bundle

Feeling: run down...the past couple of weeks have been
really hard...fingers crossed next month is better

Now it's YOUR turn...choose a few words from the list above and TAKE STOCK of what's been happening in your life...

x Charlene

Taking Stock - January 2018

Be Yourself, Blogging, Taking Stock January 28, 2018

Welcome to my first 'Taking Stock' post for 2018. If you are new to Teacher by trade, Mother by nature (WELCOME) you can read all of my 'Taking Stock' posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this series, so be sure to check out her blog. This is something I have been doing since I started blogging and will continue to do this year, hopefully with no 'breaks'! In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life.

Here's what's been happening in the month of JANUARY...
Making: play dough for Master M
Cooking: dinner - Lasagne, Chicken Burgers and Bacon & Egg pie were on the menu this week
Drinking: lots of water
Reading: Spark Joy (again) - by Marie Kondo

Next read: I would love to read Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver - waiting for it to hit the shelves in NZ
Wanting: to get photo books printed this year - I'm on a mission!
Looking: forward to getting back into routine - work, playcentre and blogging - using my LBD planner to keep me organised

Playing: 10 pin bowling with M at home

Deciding: how much money I need to save each month for my England/Paris trip with my daughter
Wishing: all January babies a very Happy Birthday! Hope you have/had a wonderful day x
Enjoying: catching up and connecting with friends and family
Waiting: for quotes for our roof

Liking: a day spent at the beach with my family
Wondering: what to have for dinner this week...
Loving: Figgy & Co's Cleaning Paste - I deep cleaned our dining room chairs and they look brand new again (including under the padded seat) - Highly Recommend.

Buying: a new uniform, stationery, laptop and school bag for Miss B, who is off to High School this year.
Watching: Jane the Virgin on Netflix - I just finished watching all three seasons.
Next watch: Looking for recommendations...what are you watching? I definitely will be watching Season 4 of Jane the Virgin later in the year.
Hoping: my daughter has a great first week at High School

Needing: a fan on in my son's room - it's so hot and he keeps getting nose bleeds

Smelling: French Pear - in my home and in my car - it's my favourite scent

Wearing: my pjs on a lazy Sunday afternoon
Following: Peter Walsh's #31Days2GetOrganized challenge - I'm sharing my journey on my facebook page.
Noticing: my kids are getting taller...my 12 year old niece is even taller than me
Thinking: about what to get my daughter for her 13th birthday! Any suggestions welcome x
Sorting: out the playroom after 2 x Coffee Group catch ups last week - Order has been restored!

Getting: organised for my kid's birthdays (coming up in March)
Bookmarking: ideas for Master M's birthday party
Disliking: the humidity and apparently it's only going to get worse
Giggling: at the kid's facial expressions when we were taking selfies yesterday
Feeling: a little anxious about returning to work and my daughter starting High School next week.
Snacking: Sour Cream & Chives Potato chips

Celebrating: Master M's toilet training - he's been a trooper through it all. So proud of him

If you're not already following me on Social Media...you can find me on Facebook and Instagram.

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Now it's YOUR turn...

I'd love for you to tell me, what's been happening in YOUR world? How was JANUARY for you?
Choose three (or more) words from the list and 'take stock' in the comments below.

Read previous Sunday Share: Currently & Taking Stock posts

Have a wonderful week

Charlene

ONE WORD 2018 - CONNECT

Be Yourself, Blogging, One Word January 1, 2018

Hello 2018!

Today is the first blank page in your 365 page book, so make it a good one.

For me, I'm kicking it off with my ONE WORD, and as you can see above, the word I have chosen for 2018 is CONNECT.

If you have been following me for a while, you will know I don't do resolutions, because I never seem to accomplish them, well I actually forget about them after a couple of months and don't think about them until the 30th/31st of December, when it's a bit late. That being said...I am going to give 'monthly goals' a go with my LBD planner. Keep scrolling to see my goals for January.

ONE WORD is becoming more popular because people find having a focus word, for the year ahead, helps them become more accountable for their behaviour and actions. It can be any word you like, something that you want to achieve throughout the year, whether it be 'play', 'simplify', 'encourage', 'believe' - choose a word that will work for YOU!

Last year (2017), I chose 'BALANCE' - finding balance in life, my home, work, playcentre and most importantly, with my family. This is definitely ongoing for me - I have systems and strategies in place now and I don't feel as overwhelmed as I used to. In 2016 my 'One Word' was ENJOY - enjoy the little things, enjoy my home, enjoy my family, with my motto being 'Keep It Simple' and in 2015, I also chose the motto - Make it Happen.

ONE WORD for 2018 - CONNECT

What is this going to look like for me?

For the past couple of years, I have put a lot my energy into my home, especially with the KonMari method and decluttering etc, and now I feel I can move into the next phase, which is organisation. I want to organise my home and finally get the 'click' moment in each space - thus making me connect with my home - I will be sharing all of this with you, so watch this space.

This year I also want to connect more with myself (self care, mind, body and soul), - I want to make ME a priority, right up there with my family, friends and my relationship. Connecting with work and playcentre are also on my list too. I want to connect with YOU, my readers, my followers, continue to share my journey, and hopefully inspire you along the way.

I mentioned above I am giving 'monthly goals' a go. I will be using my LBD 'Flourish' planner and the LBD community to help me stay accountable. My goals were written with my one word -CONNECT- in mind, and I will continue to do this each month for the rest of the year.

That's all from me...I am excited about the year ahead, I believe CONNECT is the perfect word for me at this moment in my life and I can't wait to share my journey with you.

What is your ONE WORD for 2018?

Taking Stock - December 2017

Be Yourself, Blogging, Taking Stock December 29, 2017

Welcome to my last 'Taking Stock' post for 2017. Can you believe we are only days away from saying goodbye to 2017 and saying hello to 2018? If you are new to Teacher by trade, Mother by nature (WELCOME) you can read all of my 'Taking Stock' posts HERE and get to know ME HERE. (I am planning on updating this page too, so watch this space). Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this series, so be sure to check out her blog. This is something I have been doing since I started blogging and will continue to do next year - I love looking back at previous months. In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life.

Here's what's been happening in the month of DECEMBER...

Making: memories with my family this Christmas
Cooking: Lasagne (my favourite)
Drinking: a cup of tea
Reading: the amazing blogs who collaborated in this years '12 Days of Christmas - Kiwi Mummy Bloggers - Blog Collaboration'. I was Day 2, and you can see all of the bloggers involved at the bottom of my post.

Looking: forward to Miss Freddy's Back Up Bootcamp - have you registered?
Playing: with the kids toys they got for Christmas - M is obsessed with his Rubbish truck
Deciding: what my ONE WORD is going to be for 2018 - stay tuned...all will be revealed on January 1st.
Wanting: to be at the beach EVERY DAY, especially if it looks like this! Stunning.

Wishing: you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year
Enjoying: our impromptu trips to the beach and park
Organising: my gift wrapping station - this makes me so happy, knowing everything I need to wrap gifts is in ONE place.

Buying: Christmas presents for the kids - we went with the WANT/NEED/WEAR/READ system and it worked a treat, especially with these gorgeous and FREE gift tags from First Milestone.

Hoping: Miss B stays out of hospital next year...we ended up back in there for 4 nights a couple of weeks before Christmas - it was REALLY HARD!

Marvelling: at everyone's gorgeous Christmas trees...next year we might upgrade to a bigger, more 'fuller' tree
Needing: to upgrade our fridge, so we waited for the Boxing Day Sales and I am so glad we did. Our new fridge is amazing! It's a BEAST - 407L. The original price was $1999, on sale for $1499 and we snapped it up for $697! WOWSA! right? What a Bargain!!

Noticing: when I have clean and clutter free home, I feel 100 times better. It's been a hard month for me, mentally and emotionally - however I have systems and strategies in place to help me get through it.

Creating: this What's for Dinner? menu planner. I printed it, laminated it and stuck in our kitchen cupboard, so my family knows what we are having for dinner.

Celebrating: finishing my Course 3 for Playcentre! It's only taken me over a year to complete! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted! Can't wait to go back in the year.
Opening: presents on Christmas morning and seeing the kids faces light up - precious
Feeling: emotional - my daughter is off to high school next year. She's growing up way to fast. I am so proud of her.

And lastly, I am Loving: my office space. When it's like this (clean and tidy) - it's my favourite room in our home.

If you're not already following me on Social Media...you can find me on Facebook and Instagram.

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Now it's YOUR turn...

I'd love for you to tell me, what's been happening in YOUR world? How was December for you? How was your Christmas? Any plans for the new year?
Choose three (or more) words from the list and 'take stock' in the comments below.

Read previous Sunday Share: Currently & Taking Stock posts

Have a wonderful week

Charlene

TAKING STOCK - MARCH 2017

Be Yourself, Blogging, Taking Stock March 31, 2017

Welcome to the another 'Taking Stock' post for 2017. If you are new to Teacher by trade, Mother by nature (WELCOME) you can read all of my 'Taking Stock' posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this series, so be sure to check out her blog. This is something I have been doing since I started blogging and will continue to do this year - I love looking back at previous months. In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life.

Here's what's been happening in the month of MARCH..

Making: over the kids bedrooms for their birthdays.

Reading: my latest 'KonMari With Kids' post - KIDS ARTWORK. How do you organise your kids artwork?

Needing: some new items for my 'Winter Wardrobe'. This is my second season of Project 333. The first went really well, so I am going to continue...I would love to add blush pink and more earthy tones to my wardrobe. For more information about Project 333, check out Be More With Less.

Enjoying: watching my son have fun at Playcentre. His confidence has grown so much in the past 6 months. I love it.

Looking: forward to printing my Project Life. This year I am going to do weekly spreads, and planning to do monthly catch ups of previous years, using the Project Life App.
Do you use Project Life to document your life?

Getting: #inthepicture with my kids. They are my world.

Wishing: my living room would look like this ALL THE TIME. That being said, it doesn't actually take long to tidy up at the end of the day.

Buying: some marble vinyl from KMart and covered my Year Planner. I love a good #kmarthack. It matches Miss B's new stationery set she got for her birthday.

Loving: my new hair! I bit the bullet and chopped about 25cm off! It feels so much lighter now.

Playing & Sorting: the toys in the playroom with my son on a Friday afternoon.

Admiring: our family photos. I finally updated the photo wall and it looks great. Love our family.

Feeling: heartbroken after losing a family member. She made a huge impact in my life and many others. I will miss her immensely. I captured this photo on the way to her funeral. Nature is truly a beautiful thing.