Taking Stock - November 2017

Hi there! Can you believe it's been three months since I last wrote a blog post and six months since I wrote one for Taking Stock? That's insane...I've taken 'breaks' before but not this long, and I have missed it so much. I've missed connecting with YOU...my readers.

Welcome to the second to last '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 (well some of the year oops) - 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 NOVEMBER...
Making: memories with my family, including getting our family photos taken by Simply Beached Photography.
Cooking: a family favourite - Mediterranean Meatballs. So good.
Drinking: lots of water! The weather is starting to warm up so my intake of water is increasing every day.
Reading: catalogues/current mailers for Christmas present ideas.
Wanting: this year to pause...just for a moment.
Looking: forward to seeing the rest of our family photos. I am obsessed with the sneak peek.
Playing: rugby, soccer and cricket out the backyard with the kids.
Deciding: what colour decor / decorations to use this year...stay tuned...all will be revealed soon!

Enjoying: listening to music on my Bluetooth speaker I got for my birthday...currently listening to P!nk's new album - Beautiful Trauma.
Pondering: how to spend our Summer holidays - I feel like a family road trip is on the cards again.



Celebrating: my birthday on Tuesday (28th November), I had a fantastic day - I had my school sing my happy birthday in English and Maori, followed by our family photos being taken and a yummy dinner and Pavlova for dessert.

Watching: Sisters on Netflix. Such a funny movie. 
Hoping: to finish my Project Life albums...I've been a bit slack lately. I must get back into it.
Needing: new clothes for Summer, my current clothes are not sparking any joy! Time to go shopping. Out with the old...in with the new.
Questioning: why my daughter ended up in hospital twice this year with Asthma. We were doing so well. #asthmasucks
Smelling: my new Fox & Ivy French Pear room spray - it's so good. I ordered a French Pear car diffuser from SoyDelightsNZ too. Can you tell I love French Pear? (I have an Ecoya French Pear candle too)
Wearing: pyjama pants - I bought a few new ones this month.
Buying: Christmas presents - we are keeping it simple this year - WANT/NEED/WEAR and READ.



Following: Sarah at Keeping Up With Joneses  (I recently gave Sarah's blog a makeover and new logo). I have just started following Beth at OrganisingWithB  - her LBD planner is #plannergoals
Noticing: it's hard to get back into blogging after having such a long break...fingers crossed I get my mojo back! I have missed connecting with you all.
Thinking: about my nephew and his family who have lost someone very special xx Fly High xx
Admiring: Leanne from Organising The Four of Us & Leanne Baker Daily. She is Ah-Mazing! 

Sorting: decades of my parents photos...from the 50's to now. It was a massive job, but oh-so rewarding.



Loving: my 2018 Leanne Baker Daily Planner. I chose Flourish and it is absolutely gorgeous.
Feeling: excited about going to P!nk's Beautiful Trauma Concert Tour next year! eek! I can't believe it's been 10 years since she last came to New Zealand.
Getting: ready for our 12 Days of Christmas - Kiwi Mummy Blogger - Blog Collaboration...it starts Friday 1st December over on my blogging gal-pal Claire's blog - My Other Name is Mum. Would love for you to join us! #KMB12DaysofChristmas

If you're not already following me on Social Media...you can find me on Facebook and Instagram. You can see all my photos from the past several months and catch up on what I've been up to!

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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 November 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

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Hello 2017: ONE WORD

Happy New Year!

For the past few years I have stopped writing New Year resolutions because at the start of the year I had good intentions and came up with some really awesome goals for myself, however by mid-year I had completely forgotten about them and then on the 31st December I would gtt into a panic because I haven't achieved anything and it's not a good way to head into a new year.

So I decided to join many others around the world, including Bron from Maxabella Loves to come up with ONE WORD that will be your focus word for the year ahead. (I am loving Bron's word this year...you can read about it HERE) 

In 2016 my 'One Word' was ENJOY - enjoy the little things, enjoy my home, enjoy my family etc...and that is exactly what I did, I enjoyed 2016. Twenty-Sixteen was also a year for me to KEEP LIFE SIMPLE - that was my motto, especially as I was working through the KonMari method - if you missed my journey, you can read all about it HERE.

This journey of mine - to 'keep life simple' - has helped me in so many ways. It has helped with my anxiety and depression, I no longer feel bogged down by 'stuff', thanks to clearing out the clutter and I am slowly taking more time out for myself and my family.

That being said, my ONE WORD for 2017 is...B A L A N C E.

I actually had 2017 narrowed down to two words S I M P L I F Y & B A L A N C E, but the more I thought about it, and with a lot happening this year...'Balance' is what I need most. I will continue to simplify my home & keep life simple...however having the right 'balance' is going to take some time.

My ONE WORD is actually inspired by the lovely Leanne from Organising the Four of Us and her 'Project 14 & Project 14 2.0'. Since completing both projects, and recently KonMari'ing my home...I am on a new path to live a more productive life, and find the right 'balance' for my family, home, work, Playcentre, and life (including self care). I have systems and routines in place at home, and picked up a few tricks and tips to get through the more complicated aspects of my life, so 2017 is going to be the year I put all of that into practice, and find the right 'balance' for me. 

My year in a nutshell will include: working 2-3 days a week (one of which is a new teaching position and an incredible opportunity), my role as President at Playcentre, being a Mum of a two (soon to be 12 year old daughter & soon to be 3 year old son), Blogging (something I am very passionate about), making time for myself, friends, family and my partner (we will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in April). I also want to keep my home clean and organised - something I have worked hard to maintain over the past few years.

As you can see, my ONE WORD - B A L A N C E is the perfect word for me to have in 2017. 

What is your ONE WORD going to be for 2017?

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Taking Stock - December 2016

Welcome to the last 'Taking Stock' post for 2016. In case you missed any, you can read all of my Taking Stock posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this, so be sure to check out her blog. This is something I have done 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...

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TAKING STOCK - NOVEMBER 2016

Welcome to another 'Taking Stock' for 2016. In case you missed any, you can read all of my Taking Stock posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this, so be sure to check out her blog and share the blog love. This is something I have done since I started blogging and will continue to do, this year. You can read my previous Taking Stock posts HERE. In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life. I am dedicating the last Tuesday of every month to a Taking Stock post and linking up with the #IBOT team. 

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

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Taking Stock - August 2016

Welcome to another 'Taking Stock' for 2016. In case you missed any, you can read all of my Taking Stock posts HERE. Pip from Meet Me At Mike is the mastermind behind this, so be sure to check out her blog and share the blog love. This is something I have done since I started blogging and will continue to do, this year. You can read my previous Taking Stock posts HERE. In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in your life. I am dedicating the last Tuesday of every month to a Taking Stock post and linking up with the #IBOT team. 

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

Making: my bed every morning not only makes me feel good...it's a great way to kick off the day.

Drinking: tea, water, and only a little bit of Coke. 

Reading: all about PROJECT LIFE - it's my new obsession. If you don't know what Project Life is...check out Becky Higgins' website, and be prepared...it's addictive. I bought these super cute journal cards from The Warehouse on clearance last week. I can't wait to get started.

Wanting: to buy all the pretty 'Project Life' supplies...but I need to make a plan first.

Looking: at these beautiful flowers. One of our Playcentre members surprised me with this gorgeous pot of flowers today (Tex Mex pelargoniums) to say 'thank you' for all the hard work I have been doing behind the scenes as President of our centre...awww. It was such a thoughtful thing to do and I feel truly blessed to have such an amazing Playcentre team to work with xxx Totally made my day!

Deciding: what curtains we should buy for the lounge....
BEFORE...


AFTER...
Simple, modern and a little bit elegant - they are perfect and best of all they were on sale. winning

Wishing: my two of my friends all the best for the upcoming birth of their baby girls. Can't wait for baby cuddles.

Enjoying: a clean & organised home. Last month I felt overwhelmed with everything and my home was suffering, so I have been working my way through the 20 Day Challenge and getting back into my routines again. I am in the last week of the challenge and my home is feeling and looking so much better, and so am I. 

Feeling: proud of myself for breastfeeding my son for 2 years and 5 months...At the beginning of the month I co-organised & took part in my 3rd Big Latch On event. We had 79 bubs latch on and 30+ local businesses sponsor us - it was a great event.

Helping: Daddy blow out his candles! I love this photo. Earlier this month, we celebrated my partner's birthday...we had friends over for dinner and finished the night with CAKE - you know it's not your birthday until you have cake. Master M loved blowing out the candles.

Waiting: for the jug to boil...so I can enjoy a hot cup of tea after cleaning my kitchen top to bottom! The surfaces on top of the cupboards were gross. Many thanks to a reader's tip - I now have paper towels on top, so all I have to do is take them off and replace them every 6 months (if not more!). PS How cute is the Dishwasher Dirty/Clean sign? It's from The Organised Housewife Shop

Loving: my new car. This week I shared how I keep our car clean and organised. You can read about it HERE.



Buying & Wearing: this new brown leather bag and teal & black top for our DATE NIGHT - well it was my partner's work do last Saturday...We were kid free, so it's a date night nonetheless. Dinner & Drinks were paid for too - whoop whoop. 

Admiring: this Snap Chat filter before going out on a DATE NIGHT. It's a favourite for a lot of snappers. 

Sorting: out my apps on my iPhone. I recently completed the #5daystominimalism challenge with Lavendaire and Naturally Thrifty Mom, and one of the tasks was to declutter your 'digital device'. I absolutely LOVE how it looks now. I only have two screens - the home screen is clear, and everything I need is organised in folders. SPARK JOY. It was a fantastic challenge - I highly recommend it. Be sure to check out their videos over on YouTube. 

Watching: my favourite YouTuber, Janine from A Young Mum - she's an inspiration, and I am super jealous that she is going to be a KonMari Consultant - she recently went to New York and met with Japanese organising guru and author of 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up & Spark Joy', Marie Kondo! *squeal*.  Check out Janine's channel - she will inspire you, I promise.

Hoping: Miss B keeps her new desk tidy and organised like this (hmmm) - She loves it!

Needing: to find a balance between HOME, LIFE and WORK (and PLAYCENTRE)...I am joining Leanne from Organising the Four of Us and many others in PROJECT 14 next week - I can't wait. 

Getting: #inthepicture with my family. Messy hair, no make up and I was actually wearing my pyjama pants...but I still took a moment to get IN THE PICTURE with my kids and my partner, on his birthday. I actually really love this photo.

Bookmarking: anything to do with Project Life.

Hearing: my son snoring on the couch, bless him. I've been home with two sick kids quite a bit this month, so when they are resting or napping...so am I.



Giggling: at all the stories and journals from my high school/pre-kid years...I konmari'd my Written Keepsakes - check it out HERE. Coming Soon to the blog is my Keepsakes/Momentos and Photos - all part of the Sentimental category of my KonMari journey. Watch this space.

Trying: to hold back the tears as I said farewell to my Toyota Caldina. x

Loving: the colour MINT - my office supplies are mint and now my bed is mint! I bought this gorgeous comforter set from Spotlight for only $50 (down from $130). I'm in LOVE. It's such a pretty colour. 

I am...
Embracing: life, love & positivity!

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Now it's YOUR turn...

Tell me, what's been happening in YOUR world? How was AUGUST 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


Until next time, I hope the next month treats you well!
Charlene

Linking up at these parties. Friday Favourites


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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 14

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Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature. If there is anything you would like to see or read more of on Sunday Share, let me know.

If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share* posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Here's what I've been Currently up to...

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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 12

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Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature. If there is anything you would like to see or read more of on Sunday Share, let me know.

If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share* posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Here's what I've been Currently up to...

Reading: my fave parenting magazine, OHbaby, with my son. He likes pointing to all the babies.

Admiring: the view from the school I work at. We live in such a beautiful place. Truly blessed. Aoteraoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud.

Making: up an Easter Craft Box for my kids. They are going to love getting their 'craft on'!

Eating: Hot Cross Buns! What is your favourite? Traditional? Fruitless? Chocolate? and I even heard there was a Mocha one!

Organising: our Playcentre photos! This is going to make things so much easier when we go to print our photos. I wish my own photos were this organised, at the moment they are organised by Year and by Month.

Loving: the backdrop of this Playcentre I visited earlier in the week. It is absolutely stunning! I am really enjoying visiting a different Playcentre each week to get some inspiration for our own centre. Speaking of which, we had five new families visit this week - which is amazing! We are slowly but surely growing our little community.

 

Now it's YOUR turn! 

Tell me what you have been up too - what have I missed? 

What are you currently reading? 

Do you do any Easter crafts with your children? 

Are you a fan of Hot Cross Buns? What is your favourite? 

How do you organise your photos? 

Are you a PlayCentre parent? or have you ever attended PlayCentre? 

Until next time, have a wonderful week!

Charlene

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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 11

Hi all, I am BACK! Woohoo! Slowly getting back into my blogging routine - I have so much to share with you all. I wish I could share it all at once...but there isn't enough time in the day and I have other commitments I need to think about, so watch this space or simply Subscribe to my blog (Each post or Weekly Newsletter) - sign up forms are below, and don't miss a post.

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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 10

Hi there!
First of all, I have to apologise for the lateness of my 'Sunday Share' post. With all the birthday planning, organising and celebrating this past week/weekend, I didn't get a chance to click PUBLISH on my Sunday Share post, until now - because I wanted to include a few birthday photos (of Master M). So, today I am sharing a 'Mid-Week' Currently post, however I am only sharing photos up until Sunday 6th March...and on Sunday (13th March), I will share photos from this 'current' week (hope that makes sense).

I hope you are all well, and have had a fabulous week/weekend with loved ones...and that you are having an amazing day today!

Chat soon,
Charlene

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Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature. If there is anything you would like to see or read more of on Sunday Share, let me know.

If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share* posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Here's what I've been Currently up to...

Cleaning: my kitchen (in fact, I spent my only child-free day cleaning my WHOLE house - from top to bottom!


Making: a photo display, showing monthly photos of Master M (from 13 months - 24 months). I did the same for his first birthday too.

Sorting: through this CHAOS!! I KonMari'd my Stationery. See the full details and more photos HERE.

& Coming Soon to the blog - CRAFT SUPPLIES (Watch this space)

Enjoying: a bit of gardening with Master M - getting a house & yard all nice and ready for our visitors.

Building: a play kitchen for Master M's birthday. It took me two hours - feeling pretty proud of myself actually!

Receiving: a 'Birthday' Certificate from Playcentre was pretty cool! - A great way to kick-start the birthday weekend!

And finally...
CELEBRATING: Master M's 2nd Birthday! (I will be sharing photos of his 'Construction' Party soon - so watch this space.). Happy Birthday Master M!



- His presents were all wrapped up in some of the 'construction' themed decorations I bought a few weeks back! He LOVED waking up to this! And then there were a few little pressies in the cupboards of the play kitchen.

- Fast asleep...the last photo of him as a '1 year old' (tear)

- gave my followers a sneak peek of the party favours I made.

- THE CAKE -  This was a HUGE hit! Master M absolutely LOVED it! Like I said above, I will be sharing more photos of his 'Construction' Party soon on the blog. 

Now it's YOUR turn! 

Tell me what you have been up too - what have I missed? 

Have you celebrated any birthdays this week? 

Do you bake birthday cakes or buy them (and then decorate them?)

What do you enjoy doing the most? 

Until next time, have a wonderful week!

Charlene

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