{life behind the purple door}

4 slice toaster

2012-02-10T13:35:00.001+10:00

4 slice toaster, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

such a little thing has had such an impact on our lives!

thursday three | procrastination, or not?

2012-02-09T16:25:00.000+10:00

Linking up with Lisa for Thursday Three.

As I sit at the computer in the semi-gloom of a cloudy afternoon, I am reminded that I need to go to the hardware store and buy a new light fighting. For the light above my desk. It's not necessarily something I've procrastinated about, but I do need to do it today.

This is what my teacup looks like in the morning heading out for the school run. I need a cup cozy. I've made them before, it's very easy. I have all the materials. And my sewing machine is on the kitchen table. But I still don't have one.

I also haven't finalised the program for this term (or next) for joey scouts or cub scouts. I know exactly what I want to do, but I can't seem to find the time to sit down and finish writing. This in turn makes planning each week's program difficult.

And just before Christmas I started Karen Grunberg's class "Reclaiming My Time" at BPC, but I haven't been back and looked at the last week of class materials, or reassessed the progress I had made before Christmas.

{Just writing and acknowledging that I've been putting these things off has allowed me to slot them into my schedule over the next week. I'll share my progress}

Have you procrastinated about anything this week?

5 years old

2012-02-09T13:38:00.001+10:00

5 years old, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

Caiden loves the candles on his cake - sometimes we light them agan and again!

words on wednesday

2012-02-08T16:29:00.002+10:00

As I sit cutting out tissue paper hearts, I contemplate my day.

I didn't get the glitter explosion cleaned up, but I did take Riley to the park.

I didn't get on the treadmill, but I did enjoy eating my lunch without rushing.

I didn't wash the dishes, but I did wash three loads of clothes.

I didn't get my grocery list and menu planned, but I did get paperwork for scouts tonight ready.

A productive day.

What didn't you do today?

north pole tv

2012-02-08T13:24:00.001+10:00

north pole tv, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

another Christmas photo scrapped - Nat watching a video from Santa

treats

2012-02-07T14:59:00.001+10:00

treats, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

created in ten minutes, after deciding I had to keep going!

annual photos

2012-02-06T14:14:00.001+10:00

annual photos, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

Another Santa Hat photo in the album!

And Sew We Craft | contact cards

2012-02-06T10:00:00.000+10:00

I'm posting at And Sew We Craft today - check out what I made for my contact cards! Click the picture to be taken there.

colour story | sunshiny bright

2012-02-05T10:00:00.000+10:00

Yellow has never been my favourite colour. In fact, I remember a time when I said it was most least-liked colour. But lately, it seems to be making it's way onto my radar. Julie is sharing a Month of Sunrays, and Melissa often pins yellow, so today I thought I'd share some yellow that makes me smile.

Source: wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

Yellow seems to go best with another colour

Source: makeit-loveit.com via Cate on Pinterest

I think this is now on my "next project" list

Source: joyshope.com via Cate on Pinterest

Done in love.

Source: avdeeezyk.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

Just a little splash of red.

Source: whisk-kid.com via Cate on Pinterest

Lemon. Biscuits.

Source: rufflesandbows.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

Wise words.

What colour has been inspiring you lately?

Linking up to Tina Gray Dot Me for Piquing My Pinterest

busted

2012-02-05T09:00:00.001+10:00

busted, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

I've been wanting to scrap these photos for ages - first time, but not the last time, he drank from the bottle

it's bubbles mum

2012-02-04T14:26:00.001+10:00

it's bubbles mum, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

Riley loves the bucket of water when we're camping - if you can't find him, that's where he'll be.

never too big

2012-02-03T13:49:00.001+10:00

never too big, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

another layout inspired by Melissa Stinson. current favourite photo.

WDYT | contact card ideas

2012-02-03T11:39:00.002+10:00

I'm heading off to a blogger's meet and greet on Sunday. I'm not really interested in building my blog from a PR/making money angle, but I do want to meet some of the other bloggers that I have connected with (mostly through facebook and reading their blogs). So I decided last week that I really need a contact card (which I think sounds a lot less formal than "business card"), and because my front door is my logo (and most businesses use cartoon logos, rather than photos), I decided to make my own.

That's where your help comes in. I've printed two different options, and now I see them in my hands, I'm not sure which one I like best.

Option one has all the information in one place, on the front, and will be backed on red cardstock (to create a red border around the photo) that will be left blank.

Option two has just the name of the blog on the front, with the details below printed on red cardstock attached to the back.

What do you think?

The postman came today

2012-02-02T22:33:00.000+10:00

Thank you, Ruth!

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Watts
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1935

break time

2012-02-02T11:58:00.001+10:00

break time, originally uploaded by purplecrazymum.

layout 1 for kayout-a-day. super simple and cute photo of my favourite dip (and a little tipple)

do | OLW 2012 blog hop

2012-02-02T02:00:00.000+10:00

I decided to sign up for the OLW blog hop this year, to give myself some accountability to actually complete the monthly projects. Unfortunately, I've already stumbled in the first month. If you're taking the class at BPC, details are available in the forum.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for stopping by! If you've landed here from Jan's blog, then you're on the right path. I'll include a full list of participants at the end of this post.

I'm really loving the yellow and grey colour combination at the moment.

I forgot to print this, it's on my list for tomorrow.

Definition - to perform, to execute, to accomplish, to put forth, to be the cause of

Thesaurus - accomplish, achieve, act, arrange, be responsible for, bring about, cause, close, complete, conclude, cook, create, determine, discharge, do one's thing, effect, end, engage in, execute, finish, fix, fulfill, get ready, get with it, go for it, look after, make, make ready, move, operate, organise, perform, prepare, produce, pull off, see to, succeed, take care of business, take on, transact, undertake, wind up, work, wrap up.

I chose this word because - I feel as if I never finish anything, always promising myself I will DO something, but never following through. I want to change that, for me, for the kids, for our family, for our household.

With this word I invite - organsiation, remembering, finishing, calm from chaos, clarity, friendship, honour, loyalty, caring.

Quotation - The difference between who you are, and who you want to be is what you do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, Stephanie's blog at Scrapworthy Lives

Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com

Sharyn www.lavieenchic.com

Jill http://jillconyers.com

Lynn www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Jenn www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Carmen http://www.carmenpaulsorthner.com

Marilee http://rose-brier.blogspot.com

Kristina http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/

Cindy C http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com

Kelly http://mindingmynest.com

Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Amanda http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Cindy http://seriousplay.typepad.com

Brooke www.everysnapshot.com

Naomi www.poeticaperture.com

Melissa http://www.smudgetime.com

Karen http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com

Melissa S http://blog.mshanhun.com

Devon http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com

Donna http://holimess.blogspot.com/

Dawn sunshineandcreativity.com

Katrina www.katrinasimeck.com

Sam http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com

Monica http://scrapinspired.com

Kimberlee http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com

Missus W http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

Kaylea http://www.myscrappylife.com

Nikki Www.inkyart.com.au

Erin http://erinsparkes.typepad.com/optimstic-fascination/

Jo www.curlyscrapbooker.blogspot.com

Coley http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html

Beth www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com

Veronica www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Jamie http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com/

Monica B http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/

Lisa http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

Rebekah http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Jan http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

Cate you are here

Stephanie www.scrapworthylives.com

Orange Gearle http://orangegearle.blogspot.com

Tere http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Junelle http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/

Ruth http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Becky www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com

month in numbers | January

2012-02-01T15:28:00.000+10:00

I love reading Julie's posts every month. I just decided today, right this very second, I need to do my own post to share our January. I have exactly 23 minutes to write it.

2 - number of children who started school in January

5 - number of days he said "no homework tonight"

2 - number of times I cried over this girl

1 - number of train trips in January

17 - number of times I didn't use the treadmill

1 - number of trips to the duck pond

(too many ducks to count)

What did your January look like in numbers?

sunday scrap | 3 to share

2012-01-29T15:00:00.000+10:00

I went to a crop at Bella Paperie (my LSS) last night. I've found that I'm really productive when I limit my supplies, as I've shared in my LOAD212 post. In five hours I can create 3 layouts. I'm excited to see how many I can create at a retreat!

{inspired by this layout}

turns out I loved this photo so much, I've scrapped it twice.

{inspired by this layout from an elle's studio sketch}

Have you scrapped this past week?

LOAD212 | I'm playing again - blog hop

2012-01-28T02:00:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the Layout-A-Day 212 blog hop! If you found your way here from Katrina's blog, then you're on the right path! I'll provide the next stop and a full list of participants at the end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in January 2011, after months of not scrapping, I randomly decided to take the plunge and join in Lain Ehmann's Layout-A-Day challenge.

It's almost February again, and I've decided to have another go at layout-a-day.

I took up an offer last year to join ScrapHappy, layout-a-day is included in the cost, all I needed to do this year was sign up for the 212 email list. Then I started making notes.

I've started keeping my printed photos in a photo album, which I guess is my version of Stacey Julian's storage binders. I'm using the sticky notes to write stories related to the photos and sticking them in the album.

Having photos printed, ready to go, really helped me keep up last year. The topic for layout-a-day this round is Past Perfect. I don't have many ~~any~~ photos older than about six years (and I'm not really inspired to scrap those yet), so I'll decide each day if I can use the prompts.

The first thing on my list is products to try, or techniques to use. Last year I wrote "inking" and remembered to do it on every layout.

I've owned Glimmermists since they were first released, but have only ever used them once or twice. I randomly purchased the Mister Huey's mists from a friend on facebook one day. I want to try to use the mists at least once a week. I also have some Balzer Designs stencils to help.

Washi tape is another on-trend product I have lots of, but haven't used to it's full potential.

My goal is at least once a week.

Handmade crochet flowers and handmade buttons are more on-trend products that keep jumping into my shopping cart. I have used some buttons, but no flowers. I'd like to use them on at least one layout each week.

Paper is a pretty important part of the whole process. Last year I stuck with one paper collection, which made creating every day a little bit easier. Country Drive from Echo Park was a random-at-the-LSS-crop purchase that needs to be used.

Time & Seasons was another random-LSS-crop purchase that I really want to use.

Inspiration is also a really important part of my scrapping. I've printed a selection of layouts from my pinterest boards, and ones that have caught my eye at two peas in a bucket, as well as gathering a pile of magazines to keep near by.

I've also written down some classes I've never finished, just in case I don't have enough to keep me going. I actually have a vague idea in the back of my mind that once I'm on a role of creating every day, I'll keep creating past February. It's only a vague idea, but it's an idea that I'm open to.

Now, I know it sounds like I've got lots of stuff going on here, but given that my days (and nights) are busier than they were a year ago, I need to at least think about all my options for creating, even if I don't do it all.

Have you ever created a layout a day, or joined in with the challenge?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is the full list of participants in the LOAD212 blog hop. Your next stop is Gayle at Lilypad Lane.

{ETA - updated links to direct blog posts}

Pam

Cate {you are here}

piquing my pinterest | bake to school

2012-01-22T16:08:00.000+10:00

Linking up to Tina Gray Dot Me for Piquing my Pinterest

I've been in get-ready-to-send-my-little-girl-to-school mode all week, and spent lots of ~~denial~~ time browsing pinterest for simple, freezable goodies.

Source: lemondropsfoodie.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

Lemon blueberry loaf

Source: closetcooking.com via Cate on Pinterest

Choc chip sour cream banana bread

Source: closetcooking.com via Cate on Pinterest

Chocolate zucchini bread

Source: bakingbites.com via Cate on Pinterest

Whole wheat banana nut muffins

Source: unegaminedanslacuisine.com via Cate on Pinterest

Chocolate pistachio bars

I hope I can keep the bake-to-school momentum going once we're in a routine!

What have you been browsing pinterest for this week?

thursday three | laugh out loud

2012-01-19T13:52:00.000+10:00

linking up with Lisa for Thursday three

I wasn't sure if I was going to join in this week - it's been a rough day. Then I saw a post that made me laugh, and I knew I had to share.

Source: pregnantchicken.squarespace.com via Cate on Pinterest

You have to check out the whole post, it really will make you laugh out loud!

Source: pleated-jeans.com via Silvia on Pinterest

I've only seen a couple of episodes of The Big Bang Theory, but I can't help laugh out loud when I do.

we love our duck callers around here.

I think that's one I'll have to make a video of and share soon.

words on wednesday

2012-01-18T15:00:00.000+10:00

inspired by this post

back to school | routines

2012-01-17T15:00:00.000+10:00

I want Natalie to start her school journey with some good routines in place. Currently, on daycare days she does the things that need to be done, but the rest of the week we have little or no routine (or a slower than normal routine.) I think she will be surprised at how tiring the days are, and having a routine will help her keep calm.

The kids get up at 7am, and leave for school at 8-810am (first bell is 8.15am, but they only have to walk around the block, less than 5 minutes, to get to school, so leaving time is flexible-ish). Some days, it can take 30 minutes to eat breakfast and pack lunches, other days it can be completed in ten minutes. It depends on the child and the attitude on waking.

I've changed our afternoon routine from previous years. In previous years, the kids have had to complete homework and chores before afternoon tea, this year, we're trying afternoon tea before everything else.

Do you have a morning or afternoon routine, or do you make it up each day?

back to school | baking

2012-01-16T15:00:00.000+10:00

We're in back-to-school mode here - next Monday, January 23rd, sees Chloe starting year 9 (which is equivalent to freshman, I think), Douglas moves into grade 5, and Natalie begins her schooling journey in prep.

We've purchased her first pair of school shoes. And a new lunch box. And she's decided to use Chloe's old drink bottle. (Chloe has left us to live with her father again.)

And I've been baking, trying new recipes and filling the freezer. These orange cranberry muffins recieved mixed reviews from the kids - Riley liked them, Douglas threw his in the bin, Natalie ate the top half before disposing of hers. I think they're fantastic warmed up with a cup of tea.

These apple sultana muffins will definately be made again. Just the right amount of cinnamon to make these absolutely awesome warmed up, and they freeze well for lunch boxes.

I also had a go at making muesli bars. The kids have yet to try them, but they smelled pretty yummy.

Do you have any favourite freezer lunch box recipes?

thursday three | 3 things in 2012

2012-01-12T17:56:00.003+10:00

Lisa at Life As We Know It Blog has started a new weekly linky. This week she asks "what three things are you looking forward to in 2012?"

Thing one

Last October, bookings opened for the Scrapbook Savvy Retreat. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing with Steve, we decided that he could manage for a weekend in September without me (even if it is the weekend of our 6th wedding anniversary.) So I booked, paid my deposit, and started planning to head off to my very first scrapbooking retreat.

Then my local scrapbook shop became a butterfly, closing down and re-opening in a new location with a new name and a new idea - a scrapbooking retreat. Well, I love scrapping with this bunch of ladies! So a bit more to-ing and fro-ing with Steve, and I booked, paid my deposit, and convinced a friend to come with me to my very first scrapbooking retreat in April!

Thing two

Steve is turning fifty this year. Yes, for those playing along at home, that makes him older than me. He's always wanted to go on a cruise. So we started looking at cruise options within Australia (I've always thought if you were going to spend the money, then go big and head overseas, but when we saw how big, I changed my mind.)

We're looking at this cruise from Brisbane to Cairns. With a stop in Airlie Beach (hello family). And we're already planning our shore trip in Cairns. We want to go on the sky rail. I'm already planning the pages and/or mini album.

Thing three

This year is my twenty year high school reunion. I went to school in Victoria, which will mean a weekend away (maybe I can convince a grandma to come stay for a weekend and have a child free visit to Melbourne with Steve?). I've never made it to previous reunions, but always said twenty was a must.

What three things are you looking forward to in 2012?

scouts | how did I get here?

2012-01-10T15:00:00.000+10:00

I wrote this post last November, but never published it. Here's the story of my parent-to-leader scouts journey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I promised a story, so here it is.

I called my mum this morning and asked "why didn't we do extra-curricular activities when we were kids?" Once we got past the "your school was too far from home" response to our high school years, we established that I was really asking "why didn't we do stuff like scouts or girl guides?" Her response? "You never asked, so we never offered, and we were too busy building our business up."

So, how did I go from no background in scouting to being a leader? In one sentence, there was no one else. The long story is that Douglas has been going to scouts for the last three years. Earlier this year the Joey scouts leader moved away with her family, so the Cubs leader has been working on her own. (our pack and mob have been grouped together for the last five years, so the leaders had been leading together anyway).

At the start of the year, the Cubs leader went to visit her partner in Holland (they've maintained a long-distance relationship for seven years!) and came home with a ring! And that was when she decided to resign from scouts and focus on her new family. That's where I come in. I'd sort-of been hanging around, sharing the occassional craft with the kids, having a voice on the parent committee, selling chocolates for fundraising, and starting to get involved in life again (having babies keeps you busy with other stuff!) I put my hand up and said "hey, I don't have anything else to do with my life {ha ha}, I'll become a Joey scout and Cub scout leader"

Then the long process of paperwork starts - there's a system in Queensland called a "blue card" that every person who works with children must go through. Basically, it's a police check to see if you've ever done one of a number of nasty things to children. Because I'd had a blue card before, the paperwork only took three months to go through!

I was invested as a leader in September. I've been leading the kids by myself for the last couple of months. I've still got lots of training to do, and I'm making lots of changes to how our group runs, so it works better for the kids and for me. Those map-reading and compass-reading sessions in primary school have come in handy for my training, and I'm flexing muscles that haven't been used much in the last few years. And I'm having fun.

2012 | intentions, not resolutions

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000+10:00

I've been trying for, well, just about a week now to write a post about ~~resolutions~~ intentions. I make intentions to do things, rather than resolutions, as I find intentions to be more goal-related, whereas resolutions can fail. I got the idea from Karen Grunberg several years ago (although I don't seem to have ever linked to the post, and can't find it when searching her blog.)

Source: handmadezwonull.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

I can't seem to figure out what things I intend to do in 2012. I'm currently taking part in a photo-a-day challenge, set by Chantelle over at Fat Mum Slim. I just noticed that she's planning to host a challenge each month. I may or may not play along again, but this month I will create a blurb instagram photo book at the end.

Source: facebook.com via Cate on Pinterest

In February, I'll complete layout-a-day again. I'm already printing photos, and putting paper aside, and gather thoughts, and ideas, and enjoying the process.

Source: elembee.com via Cate on Pinterest

Year long projects include Move More Eat Well, One Little Word, and Take Twelve. I couldn't pass up the challenge set by Ella Publishing. I love that the book comes with prompts each month, and sketches for layouts. And digital templates are available. Which I may or may not have purchased, even though my digital scrapping skills are somewhat, um, lacking.

Source: dallasclayton.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm a contributing writer for a new Australian craft blog called And Sew We Craft. That means I have to write blog posts. Regularly. And craft. Regularly. Stay tuned.

Source: runningandbeautifulabs.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

But I can't figure out clearly what my intentions for this year are. Ride bikes. Laugh more. Go fishing. Bake more. Grow something. Play. Read. Sing. Date nights.

Do you have intentions (or resolutions) to guide your 2012?

wellness | veggies in the backyard

2012-01-08T21:04:00.001+10:00

Back in 2010, I intended to build a veggie patch. I've never been a gardener, often killing pots of herbs on my kitchen window sill (in fact, whenever I buy them, Steve asks "how long will the experiment last this time?")

But, in the time of healthier living, a pile of timber was quickly turned into a veggie patch.

Steve has been composting grass clippings, so we filled the bottom half with them.

Wetting the cardboard meant watering the kids, too.

This is where we are so far. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil, marigolds and a "tea mix" of peppermint, lemon balm, chammomile and {something I can't quite remember, but smelled awesome}. Next weekend we'll top up the soil, and start planting.

Do you have a veggie patch?

wellness | MMEW January

2012-01-03T20:27:00.000+10:00

I shared last week that I joined Weight Watchers for the first time ever. And that I was taking Cathy Zielske's class at BPC. Spending Sunday ~~washing loads of clothes~~ recovering from camping, I forgot about class starting until late, and didn't download and print anything until Monday.

There was a pre-class task, to photograph your shoes, and write out your intention for the year.

You also had to photograph yourself, and share five things you do well.

January's tasks included sharing your story of how you got to here.

{The spot on the right is for a photo of me, where I'm at now. I've taken the photo, but need to print it}

And to share your numbers (which haven't changed in a year), and choose one thing to focus on this month. My one things is to eat one serve of fruit each day. (lucky for me, grapes are in season!)

I think I'm going to be able to make it work this month.

{did you know pavlova with cream, banana and passionfruit is only 6 ProPoints?}

camping | first adventure of 2012

2012-01-02T13:51:00.000+10:00

Evere since we had our first camping adventure in 2010, we've decided that we love it. We didn't manage to go as often as we wanted to in 2011, but in 2012 we are already making plans for regular adventures.

Because we've been camping before I didn't take too many photos, because I just wanted to enjoy the trip.

Although I did have to take photos of Steve fixing the kitchen - we discovered that the pipe between the element at the top, and the gas bottle connection had a blockage, at 4pm, just when everyone was whinging that they were hungry. And we didn't have any tools. Or the spare hotplate that we usually carry.

Like most little kids, Riley is just as happy with a bucket of water as the latest gadgets.

Even camping.

A teenager in the making.

Natalie enjoyed exploring.

Some friends joined us for our second night (NYE). They have kids about Chloe and Douglas' age.

Douglas found a cicada, drying out after shedding it's skin.

And we had some sparkler fun. The kids were in the wrong order (it says 2102), and a little over-enthusiastic (while it took me four packets of sparklers to remember to change the setting to Aperture!), but I love it!

And I woke up to this view on New Year's Day, which reminds me why I've never been enthusiastic about camping before. But we were packing up to go home after a fun couple of days, so I got over the scare pretty quickly. And we're planning to go back to the same spot again, because it was great for the kids, and quiet - only three other tents at the site we were at for NYE.

How was your New Year's Eve?

2012 | happy new year

2011-12-31T15:00:00.000+10:00

Christmas 2011 wrap up

2011-12-28T22:20:00.000+10:00

We're slowly getting back into our regular daily routine. It's always slightly out-of-kilter having Steve home with no daily routine, but the kids are enjoying playing with their toys, getting ready for a New Years Eve camping adventure.

She was so excited to come downstairs and see a pile of presents under the tree - especially the stockings that each of the kids decorated, stuffed full.

But she was a bit confused that Santa drank all his milk, but didn't eat all his cookies that Mum made. When dad explained that he probably ate one biscuit at everyone's house, so was saving room for all the others, she thought that was ok.

We had our customary buttermilk hotcakes with blueberry syrup. And croissants with ham and cheese for the fussy ones. And bowls of cereal for the little ones. Devoured by everyone.

Last year was a free-for-all with presents - six kids grabbing presents, ripping them open and moving on to the next one. This year we asked the kids to take turns selecting a present from under the tree, unwrapping, showing everyone, then moving on to the next person. It made the morning move a little slower, and gave everyone the chance to see and appreciate each gift.

The stillest she was all morning. (is that a word?)

I was in fits of laughter when I opened this parcel - firstly, a parcel with brown paper and string is an inside family joke between my mum and I, and secondly, she reads my blog to get present information! That's the second time it's worked, maybe I should start directing Steve here?

Inside was a beautiful pair of earrings from Epheriell.

The best present of all was the new trampoline. (this was before we put the net up) The kids have been outside on it every day, without arguements, and Riley has even been brave enough to hope up and try it out!

And I remembered to take a family photo. Looking at this reminds me why I'm starting this journey (and that I need a haircut and a new tripod)

Then we moved on to preparing food, sharing gifts with my brother and niece and nephew, eating, playing, some drinking, then friends dropping in for dinner, before crawling in to bed, tired and happy with a new book.

Hope you're having a fantastic holiday season!

wellness | the first thing

2011-12-27T21:49:00.001+10:00

About an hour ago I did something pretty dramatic. I jumped on the scales again.

Source: m.moneysavingmom.com via Cate on Pinterest

My whole wellness journey this year has been virtually non-existant. It's part of the reason that the word DO kept jumping out at me every time I thought about OLW.

It's only a little bit less than the last time I put myself out there. I signed up for Cathy Zielske's Move More, Eat Well class at BPC in November, and today I signed up for Weight Watchers.

This week is going to be about wrapping my head around everything, and jumping on the treadmill. And figuring out how to make it work for our family. And committing to myself to reach for my first goal - losing 5% (by my birthday in March - giving myself plenty of space, but maybe too much room to fail)

Do you have a wellness goal for 2012?

100 days to Christmas | merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T15:00:00.000+10:00

While I'm listening to kids bickering, thinking of the mountain of presents to wrap, ignoring the pile of dishes and wondering why I do this to myself every.single.year. pinterest is already sharing ideas for next year.

Source: lifeasmom.com via Cate on Pinterest

I love Christmas baking. I'm thinking it's time to start exploring Christmas cakes and puddings, not just biscuits.

Source: homemade.tipjunkie.com via Cate on Pinterest

We've never had a table centrepiece. I think next year, the kids will be big enough to make something special for our table.

Source: dollarstorecrafts.com via Cate on Pinterest

Perfect little teacher gifts for the kids to make.

(although the little seed pots I bought were well received)

Source: sayyestohoboken.com via Cate on Pinterest

We don't have any glass ornaments, but packing like this would be perfect for the precious kid ornaments to keep glitter in place.

Source: yummymummykitchen.com via Cate on Pinterest

I didn't make gifts for my fellow playgroup mums this year, but food in jars would be something Riley and I can do together next year.

100 days to Christmas | I thought I'd be ready

2011-12-22T22:23:00.002+10:00

I have really enjoyed creating these posts since September 16th. But they didn't work to keep me organised or get me prepared for Christmas.

Source: keep-calm-and.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

I think like everything in my life, I made it too complicated.

Source: mufninc.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

And when I got overwhelmed, I did strange things, like sew gifts

that were never on my list to start off with.

Source: ishareprintables.com via Cate on Pinterest

But I'm making plans for 2012.

I have a fantastic diary that is getting used already.

I'm trying not to over-commit myself, because busy women can juggle more balls,

but Cate just buries her head in the sand and does nothing.

Source: ironaccents.com via Cate on Pinterest

2012 is the year of DOing, and I'll be doing this again.

I wanted to take a moment before the busy weekend to say thank you to everyone who has commented and read my posts since September.

100 days to Christmas | finished with time to spare

2011-12-21T20:37:00.000+10:00

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: James M
Flash: Off
Film: Pistil

100 days to Christmas | you're doing what?

2011-12-20T22:17:00.000+10:00

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: James M
Flash: Off
Film: Pistil

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-12-18T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | apple cider snickerdoodles

2011-12-17T19:21:00.003+10:00

Snickerdoodles are such a favourite around here that when the recipe appeared in my inbox from the Food Network, I just knew I had to make them!

I think I need to try these again, I over-reduced the apple cider, so there isn't a big apple zing, but the kids do like them.

100 days to Christmas | making magical memories

2011-12-16T20:20:00.000+10:00

linking up with Kate at Puddles and Gumboots for making magical memories

I had a crazy idea last weekend with the scouts - I decided that we'd make a gingerbread house. At least, that was the plan until I realised how many kids were present. We ended up making the dough together, then I cut stars and baked them for our parents morning tea. But it gave me the idea to try baking and icing gingerbread with the kids at home. (yeah, I know, I've been told.)

I used the Queen Royal Icing (I found that it needed more water than the instructions to get a spreadable consistency for the kids), and let them loose.

Riley enjoyed licking the icing off the biscuits, more than decorating them.

Douglas took a lot of time and care with his.

Chloe spent too much time worry about everyone else.

Natalie and Caiden had a ball.

Lana made the most, but didn't really like them.

Next week, we might try some ornaments.

Do you decorate cookies at Christmas time?

SMSS | what was in the parcel?

2011-12-13T15:00:00.000+10:00

My Social Media Secret Santa parcel arrived last Thrsday, just as I was heading out to lunch with Steve, so I only had a quick chance to photograph it.

Inside was a 2012 diary from kikki k, and all my fears about finding the perfect diary have been squashed - this one is spot on! Space to write about each of my interests in the one place (I've already set up blog, scouts and me columns, as well as 100 days to Christmas), pages for all the extra important bits (books to read, websites to visit, an address book). Just perfect.

There was also some gift bags (which I'm going to use for the kids for Christmas day), a beautiful pen (which is awesome to write with), some sticky tabs and a book of stickers. The right mix of little bits and bobs and useful stuff. Thank you, Secret Santa.

100 days to Christmas | choc peppermint cookies

2011-12-12T17:41:00.000+10:00

I had a super-busy weekend with my scouts, leading an end-of-year sleepover.

I knew as soon as I saw this pin floating around pinterest it was going to be on my must-bake his-weekend list. My most favourite flavour combination is chocolate and peppermint, and the recipe was so easy to whip up!

Virtual cookie exchange time! Blog about your favourite cookie recipe, then link up here!

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000+10:00

Social media secret Santa

2011-12-08T21:55:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | reindeer noses

2011-12-07T20:24:00.000+10:00

So, want to know how I did it?

I purchased my bags from Pack It In via their ebay shop, and the bag toppers were a free printable from Pigeon Baby. Print, red glitter on the nose, 8 malteasers and 1 jaffa, and the bag is sealed. This pile was well recieved by Chloe and Douglas' friends, next I need to make some up for Natalie and Riley's daycare friends.

Do you make class gifts or teacher gifts?

I've been busy today

2011-12-06T21:59:00.000+10:00

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Lucas AB2
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1935

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-12-04T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | lemon pecan shortbread

2011-12-03T15:00:00.000+10:00

These biscuits were a lovely buttery lemon change from all the chocolate we've been having lately.

100 days to Christmas | not-to-do list

2011-11-29T13:01:00.000+10:00

You would have thought that writing these posts would have kept me better organised, right? Wrong. I seem to write a blog post like this one, with big lists of gunnas*, and then wander through my days wondering what to do and whether I should start soon.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Cate on Pinterest

Pinterest fuels the obsession. Ten minutes on pinterest can add mountains to my list. Like this reindeer that Shimelle pinned. I immediately asked Steve how he would feel about having it hang on the wall. And I was serious - although I can't decide if this is a serious decoration or just something tongue-in-cheek, but it's not going on my wall this year.

Source: flickr.com via Cate on Pinterest

I loved doing linocuts in high school art class. And I've wanted to have a go at it again for years. I have the tools, but no lino (although I followed the link and found an Australian source). Not this year.

Source: ellieinspired.com via Cate on Pinterest

This is just all kinds of marvellous, and I'm not sure why I ever pinned it thinking I could do something similar. I did, however, buy a sleigh kit for the kids to assemble and decorate when school finishes.

Source: justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com via Cate on Pinterest

Every year, I put some sort of sugared/spiced nuts on my list. And every year I'm horrified by the price of nuts. Buying small quantities from the supermarket is ridiculous, but buying large quantities can almost feel wasteful when I know chances are we won't eat them all. I'm still torn about this one, so it's near the bottom of my list for now.

Source: lowescreativeideasonswipe.wordpress.com via Cate on Pinterest

I don't really like big centrepieces on the table. Maybe this would look great on the food table, but it's at the very bottom of my list (I've had the makings for two tiered stands for about three months. Sitting beside my work table. Waiting.)

Have you got anything on your not-to-do list?

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-11-27T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | spice cookies

2011-11-26T15:00:00.000+10:00

I have missed my Christmas baking over the last couple of weeks.

I haven't made spice cookies since I last blogged about them. They are still one of our most favourite cookies ever - I baked a batch today, and there about five left in the box. Looks like I'll be whipping up another batch tomorrow.

If you love Christmas baking as much as me, join me on Saturday December 10th for a virtual cookie exchange! I'll include a linky in my usual cookie post, and invite you to share a cookie recipe on your blog and link back here. I'll put the post up at 3pm AEST (there is no daylight savings time in Queensland, which is GMT +10)

Will you be joining in the cookie exchange?

100 days to Christmas | the birthday card club

2011-11-25T20:30:00.000+10:00

I've been working on my cards on and off this week.

I say on and off, because I decided that I wasn't interested in creating any of the cards from this post. Instead I took inspiration from somewhere else (which I'll share when the cards are done and well on their way to new homes), so had to buy a new stamp.

But while I was working on this pile of cards (the most labour-instensive card of my Christmas-card-making career), I had a thought. I go to a lot of trouble every year to send Christmas cards to friends and family around the world, but in our house birthdays are more important, and I never remember them!

So, I thought, why not start a birthday card club for 2012? And I'm inviting you to join me. My thought is to send a card (handmade or store-bought, your choice, no guilt) to everyone on the list in time for their birthday. For example, if ten people sign up, then nine people will send cards to each birthday recipient.

If you think the idea of getting cards from all over the world celebrating your birthday sounds like fun, please email purplecrazymum{at}gmail.com with your postal address and birth date (year is optional). This will be an international swap, please only join in if you are willing to post overseas. Sign ups will close on Christmas Day, and I'll email the birthday card list for January-June by New Years Day so those cards can start swapping.

Are birthday cards as much fun to recieve as Christmas cards?

100 days to Christmas | the music we play

2011-11-24T20:58:00.000+10:00

There's some things that follow us from childhood to adulthood to parenthood. The music we listen to seems to be one of those things (and I think the books we read are also influenced by childhood, but that's a whole other post)

This Disney album is one of those things that has followed me through my entire life. Christmas isn't complete without it. In fact, I "lost" my copy of it a couple of years ago (turns out it wasn't lost, merely shoved into a box out of the way), and pestered my mum until she hunted through my sister's in-storage boxes until she found it and sent it to me (and now I need to hunt it out and return it to my sister.)

Remember when you copied vinyl LPs on to tape? Well, this album was at the end of the Disney album above. I have been searching for it for a number of years, and just two weeks ago one of my friends found it on ebay! I snapped it up, and can't wait to play it for my kids!(just need to get it off the vinyl and onto a cd/mp3)

What album from your childhood still gets played each year?

one little word | do

2011-11-21T12:11:00.000+10:00

I know it's still a few weeks until the start of the new year. And I know DO was Lee's word in 2011. But I'm not taking her journey, I'm taking mine.

Because, despite all my promises to myself that I'm going to DO something, I have yet to follow through on just about everything this year. I think the last thing that I actually completed for.my.self. was layout-a-day in February.

My journey to wellness has not been successful, because I have let myself get away with every excuse. Even when I kicked my bloggy butt, I still let myself down!

In 2012 I am making a committment to myself to DO the things I set out to do. Between now and January 1st, I need to work out what areas I need to focus on, and come up with some clear ideas to help me achieve the result of DOing.

Will you have one word guiding your 2012?

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-11-20T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | to-do this week

2011-11-18T19:28:00.001+10:00

My house has been swamped with a rotten bug this week - and we have visitors who succumbed,as well! Now I'm trying to put my Christmas hat back on!

Source: favecrafts.com via Cate on Pinterest

there's pots to paint

Source: s151.photobucket.com via Cate on Pinterest

and pinecones, too

Source: leafytreetopspot.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

tshirts to decorate

Source: craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

nativities to make

Source: a-personaltouch.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

and cute class gifts

Source: keep-calm-and.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

all while remembering to keep calm

How's your list looking this week?

100 days to Christmas | social media secret santa

2011-11-15T13:58:00.000+10:00

I'm taking part in the Social Media Secret Santa over at Fat Mum Slim, and for the life of me, I can't remember what I wrote down that I wanted for Christmas.

Each year, gifts for me are usually things that I buy. I know, I made that stand earlier this year, but it didn't even last until Mothers Day. I got a foot spa (which is still in the box, never used), and I bought it myself.

That's why I love joining in with secret santas (or kris kringles, depending on your country of origin). Because then I get at least one gift that I haven't bought myself. And who doesn't love getting gifts in the mail?!

So, I thought it would be fun to put together a list with a few items on it, because I know that at some stage my assigned partner will be checking out my blog, and trying to find out more about me. And if they don't, my family will, so there's another chance I won't have to buy my own gifts!

Organisation is not my strong point any more. Once upon a time, I planned out my day down to the last fifteen minutes, but my little kids have other ideas, and I have spent the last five years in a frazzled mess of forgetting to pay bills on time, promising to do stuff with the kids and forgetting, not returning forms to school on time (which is particularly hard when you get three days notice and they require payment for something). I made a half-arsed attempt to change that this year, but I wasn't successful. I've been eyeing an OTi organiser since they first came out three years ago, and this year they introduced purple, so I think this will be making it's way into my handbag, even if Santa doesn't bring it! (and there's a discount code over at The Organised Housewife, valid until this Friday)

Making a card organiser (and filling it with cards) is something that has been on my list for a few years now. In fact, I have the box (well, several different boxes, because I couldn't decide which one would be better), but it's never made it off the shelf to be filled with cards. This box from Kikki-K is ready to go.

Something totally special for me that no one else gets any benefit from? Earrings. Funky earrings, even. And you can't get much funkier (in Australia) than Epheriell.

What totally-just-for-you item is on your Christmas wishlist?

ooh! that's pinteresting | the liked but not repinned edition

2011-11-13T18:00:00.000+10:00

linking up to Tina Gray's ooh! that's pinteresting

(any excuse to share my love of pinterest)

Source: thegirlwhokeepsdreaming.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: americancrafts.typepad.com via Shimelle on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Petra on Pinterest

Source: imperfecthomemaking.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: 9gag.com via Kim on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Carol on Pinterest

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-11-13T15:00:00.000+10:00

sunday scrap | product samples for bella paperie

2011-11-13T10:00:00.000+10:00

On Riley's first day at daycare, I took myself out of the house on some errands and ended up at my local scrapbook shop, where I was asked to create some samples with the new Basic Grey Picadilly line.

{inspired by this sketch}

{inspired by the October sketch challenge at scrapbook savvy}

{inspired by this layout from Shimelle}

Four layouts in a week is the most I've created since layout-a-day in February! Feels good!

meanwhile, in other news | 11 project

2011-11-11T18:00:00.000+10:00

Playing along with Beverly's 11/11/11 project.

Eleven personal photos (taken by you, or with you in them)

learning to use hipstamatic

playing at the park

bacon and eggs for breakfast

a shark at Seaworld

new haircut, no hair dye

back when she used to be good because she wasn't bored

back when he wasn't almost-ten entering the tweenage years

first taste of chocolate-for-breakfast

welcome to thirteen

still going strong

five years

Eleven things you want to (need to, have to) finish before year's end

handmade gifts
reading living artfully
explore and pretty paper party
{this blog post - I've been writing it for five days now}
the 100 days to Christmas blog series - lots of ideas for developing a better series for next year, but struggling this year
a couple of layouts from the last crop I went to - they just need journalling, but I keep getting distracted and start new layouts
the HUGE pile of magazines on my coffee table - it's the Christmas magazine season, and while I haven't bought every single one this year, I do have a pile of my regular reads and some special Christmas editions
the books from this year's bookclub list that I haven't read
setting up school albums and hanging files for all the kids - Natalie starts school next year, and I'd like the system in place to start the year off, not be chasing my tale like I am with the big kids
there's a couple of things around the house that need doing - sorting my craft room so it is usable, and doesn't just become a junk depository; cleaning out our courtyard so we have a nice, undercover area for play and bbqs in the heat of summer; cleaning out the front room before our visitors arrive - tomorrow!
{this blog post - it's been three hours today}

Eleven things you've read/seen/experienced in 2011

{experienced crappy Melbourne weather}

Source: Uploaded by user via Cate on Pinterest

{saw pinterest became part of every day}

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Cate on Pinterest

{read amazing quotes}

{experienced an old friend in a new way}

Source: letsdishrecipes.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

{experienced the awesomeness that is this recipe}

{experienced a slow return of mojo}

always thoughtful reading from Karen Grunberg
I haven't read much from CraftyPod this year, but this post made total sense to me
I keep reading this post from Shimelle, and returning to the podcasts I linked to in this post. But more importantly, I think I need to get rid of a lot of white noise (I can feel another blog post coming on)
I haven't had the experience of better wellness this year. Maybe I made it too complicated, or maybe my heart wasn't really in it, or maybe I just made excuses.

{experienced them}

meanwhile, in other news | 10 things

2011-11-10T18:00:00.000+10:00

linking up to Shimelle's 10 things

Part of the reason that I'm finding myself being able to almost-keep-up with posting every day is because I spend chunks of time writing and scheduling blog posts. I keep having ideas for new posts while I'm doing that, but I haven't got good about writing those ideas down, so I thought today I'd share a list of the ideas that are rumbling around in my head in the hopes that I can clarify and actually write the posts!

1 - I'm thinking about starting a monthly linky party called "see it, pin it, make it" I pin so much stuff with the best of intentions and inspiration, now I need to make myself DO something.

2 - my one little word for 2012 is already rasing it's head, so I'm working on a post to explain how I came to it, and what I hope it will mean for my 2012

3 - sunday scrapping is going to become a weekly feature. In 2010 I called it 53 Mondays and shared my creating, in 2012 I want Sundays to be specifically for scrapping. I need to flex those muscles again.

4 - I have signed up for Reclaiming My Time and Move More Eat Well 2012. Karen inspires me with her words and ability to fit so much in to her day, and I'm hoping that working alongside Cathy for a year will give me a boost of motivation that I haven't had this year. Expect at least one post on each class before Christmas.

5 - scouting has suddenly become a big part of my life. I want to share how it came about, and what my plans are for remembering this time in my life.

6 - I love Lee's thoughtful and thought-provoking posts, and I'm really enjoying her new series, hello Monday. I think it's a great way to celebrate the start of each week.

7 - more Christmas posts. At the moment I'm thinking about the music we play, the movies we watch, and just recently the books we read at Christmas time. There's also more baking, photo ideas, and I'd love to have some Christmas giveaways, but I'm still thinking about that. (my shy-even-online-self can't quite bring myself to email anybody and ask if I can give away something, although I'd love to giveaway a JYC class and 12 Days of Christmas from BPC)

8 - Douglas has his very first double digit birthday fast approaching. His big brothers are coming for a visit, so there's bound to be a birthday and brothers post.

9 - Beverly came up with a great idea for 11/11/11, so I've been busy putting my post together.

10 - one last list of 10 things for 2011

100 days to Christmas | Christmas classes

2011-11-09T15:00:00.000+10:00

I might be thinking about taking these classes, or just sharing them because I think they're pretty cool and worth looking at.

{12 days to Christmas}

Who doesn't love BPC classes? But the thing I love most about a class like this is getting so many different perspectives on the same time of year or idea. I love Karen Grunberg's style, and Elizabeth Dillow, Stacey Julian, May Flaum, Amy Tan are all swoon-worthy.

{Holiday Templates}

I took this class last year. But our Christmas season was so wet that hardly any photos exist, so I never really created anything. But the freebies alone are worth it! A little piece of me is thinking about signing up just for the freebies.

{Get Organised for the Holidays}

I love the sound of this class - and Aby has been running a series on her blog this month called "get your home ready for the holidays"

{Journal Your Christmas 2011}

I haven't finished a journal yet, but I love reading the prompts, talking about it with the family, and seeing what everyone else creates.

There is also a super-awesome online crop this weekend to help you get a jump-start on creating for Christmas.

{Holiday Card Boot Camp}

This class is already running - I won a place from Lain at Layout-A-Day, but I'm still waiting to hear from the class teacher.

Have I missed any classes (besides December Daily)? Will you be taking any of these classes this year?

100 days to Christmas | Jesse Tree advent

2011-11-08T15:00:00.000+10:00

Today's guest post is from Melissa, who blogs over at Remember to Breathe.

When I was growing up we always had a chocolate filled adventcalendar. You know the ones ... cardboard doors that you open to reveal acompound chocolate treat. There were four of us kids which meant every fourthday it was our turn to open up the door and gobble the treat. When I had kidsof my own I wanted to restart the Christmas countdown. The first year we had anadvent calendar I found a fun one which had stickers that you stuck on abackground until finally by Christmas you had a full nativity scene. Followingthat we had a few lazy years of supermarket advent calendars until I pulled theplug because the majority of them were Bart Simpson or Barbie themed.

Finally, a few years ago, I stumbled across the Jesse Tree concept,which explores in broad brush strokes the story from creation to Jesus using apassage from the bible each day along with a decoration to hang on a tree thatrepresents the story. It was just what we were looking for. To halt thegrumbling I added in a pick from a lolly bowl while we were all discussing thestories. My first Jesse Tree consisted of a branch from the garden in a gingerpot and paper decorations printed from the computer.

The next year, inspired by all the cute advent calendars on the web,I decided to make our own. Now for me to complete a craft project, it needs tobe easy and quick and I had seen the perfect idea ... socks on a string. Byhappy coincidence target was having a sale on socks and my local store hadmultipacks of red, white and green socks. Add some string, some wooden pegsfrom the Reject shop and we had a calendar. I decided to fancy it up a bit and used my hot glue gun to stick on somestars I cut out of red felt but that is entirely optional. Use a texta to writethe numbers 1-24 on the pegs and hang it up and your done. Inside the socks Iput a lolly for each member of the family and the bible verses for each day. Iloved it then and now four years later I still love it and can’t wait until wepull it out again.

Last year our kidschurch put out a list of readings for the JesseTree (the first time they’ve done that) and so we followed them but didn’t makeor hang any ornaments because we moved in December and hanging the socks wasabout all I could manage.

This year I will be pulling out my trusty row of socks, I just haveto work out where we will hang them in the new house. We will also be followingThe Jesse Tree Advent Celebration which is available as a free download on AnnVoskamp’s Blog: A Holy Experience. So as you can see our advent traditions areevolving year by year. The socks are definitely here to stay and I wouldrecommend them as very easy and just a fun, bright and cheery addition to theChristmas season.

Do you count down to Christmas? Are your family traditions settledor are you still trying to find the things that your kids will remember whenthey’re grown?

100 days to Christmas | 48 days

2011-11-07T15:00:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I wish it snowed in Australia for Christmas.

Source: polyvore.com via Katie on Pinterest

Snow feels like a definitive line between almost-Christmas and Christmas time. It's hard to get enthusiastic about Christmas only being 48 days away (and despite all these blog posts, I really don't have a clear idea about what I'm doing, making, seeing).

But school holidays are our definitive line. The kids finish school on December 8th this year (school oficially finishes December 9th, but our school prefers children not to go in on clean-up day) And I already have a mental image of a summer project in my mind.

45 days of summer is going to be an activity-a-day thing for the kids. In the lead up to Christmas it will include watching Christmas movies, creating, decorating; after Christmas it will include summer-holiday-type activities, running under the sprinkler, exploring new places, preparing for a new school year.

I've learnt from 100 days to Christmas that I need to have a better calendar, and a better to-do list, and include myself on the list. I'm hoping to document each day through photos, and eventually blog posts and scrapbook pages.

Would you change the Christmas weather if you could?

PS - I won a seat in Holiday Card Bootcamp from Lain at Layout A Day - I'm still scarred by the upside-down-embossing incident!

story telling sunday | the Christmas basket

2011-11-06T18:00:00.000+10:00

Linking up with Sian's Story Telling Sunday.

It's looking worse for wear. One of the candy canes has come off (been pulled off?) The paint is flaking.

I rescued it from the rubbish box today, thrown there when we were emptying the front room of three years worth of needs-to-be-somewhere-but-doesn't-have-a-home-junk, ready for visitors in a week, and Nat moving in to her very-own-room in two weeks.

It came filled with screwed up paper and a nest of shredded cellophane, holding the very first gift of toiletries given to an eleven-year-old-girl. In fact, I think it was an eleven-year-old-girl's very first gift of Body Shop toiletries, dewberry, I think.

The basket has moved to eleventy-billion houses, sat on eleventy-billion tables, housed trinkets and important stuff and dust. And today, it's going to my craft desk, to spend the rest of it's life, holding the most important stuff of it's twenty-something-year life span - memories.

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-11-06T15:00:00.000+10:00

meanwhile, in other news | busy doing stuff

2011-11-05T22:36:00.001+10:00

I'm not quite sure what I've been doing this week, but I haven't done any baking.

This small boy started daycare this week. He cried. And mum cried. But he had a good first day.

I scrapped last weekend at a crop at my LSS - based on this sketch of the week from Shimelle

Douglas took the rubbish out on Friday morning, and came in with some company.

My computer is slowly filling up with photos like this.

Have your days been filled with busy-ness?

100 days to Christmas | Which paper?

2011-11-02T20:03:00.000+10:00

Here's some paper that may or may not be making it's way into my stash.

{American Crafts - Holly Day}

{Crate Paper - Peppermint}

{Echo Park Paper Company - Holly Jolly}

{Echo Park Paper Company - Season's Greetings}

{Webster's Pages - A Botanical Christmas}

Source: thescrapreview.com via Cate on Pinterest

{3 Bugs in a Rug - Deck the Halls}

Source: thescrapreview.com via Cate on Pinterest

{Imaginisce - Santa's Little Helper}

Have you decided which paper you'll be using this year?

{I've decided on Crate Paper for my Christmas album, but haven't decided what to use for my Christmas cards}

100 days to Christmas | ten favourite movies

2011-11-01T15:00:00.000+10:00

Today I have a guest post from Alison. She's sharing her favourite movies, and trying not to watch them before it's time!

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I LOVE Christmas! I love everything about it......the sparkly lights, the Christmas trees,the ornaments, the smells, the music.....I could go on, but today I'm going to share with you my favourite Christmas films (movies).

I have to explain that, in our house Christmas starts mid-November...not that the tree and decorations go up at that point.....but the Christmas CDs and DVDs are certainly out and being played. To me, there's nothing like sitting down with a cup of coffee (with the smell of a Yankee Candle burning in the background) and watching a feel-good Christmas movie!

In preparation for writing this post, I pulled out my box of Christmas DVDs and then had to force myself

a) not to start watching them AND

b)choosing my favourites!!

Cate suggested I might want to do a post on 'grown-up' movies and then one on 'childrens' ones....but for me, my favourites are a mix!

So here are my TOP TEN CHRISTMAS 'MUST SEE'S (in no particular order!)

1. THE GRINCH.....who couldn't help but fall in love with Cindy Lou Who and the Christmassy Whoville- certainly the Grinch couldn't!

2. THE PREACHER'S WIFE....the remake of the old 'classic' THE BISHOP'S WIFE. This one stars Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington and, although I like the original, it's the music in this version that makes it extra special...especially the song 'WHO WOULD IMAGINE A KING'- it has become one of my favourite Christmas songs!

3. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL......there are lots of good versions of the Dickens book, but for us this is SO good- great humour and music...and I STILL cry at the end!

4. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.....I have the original, but the remake is the one I watch most often. I love Richard Attenborough as Santa and Mara Wilson as Susan, the daughter....and yes, I cry at the end of this too!

5. THE POLAR EXPRESS......the actual story is just so wonderful, as is the animation (though the North Pole and Father Christmas are not what were ever in my imagination!).....and, yet again I love the songs in it...the theme tune (BELIEVE), sung by Josh Groban is spine-tingling and has become another favourite of mine!....and yes, you guessed it- I cry at the end!

6. ELF.....what's not to love about Will Ferrell's portrayal of the human, brought up at the North Pole as an elf who goes off to NYC to find his father!

7. HOME ALONE......a bit of a cheat here, as I've included the second one (LOST IN NEW YORK) too! As children, my two just loved watching Kevin ward off the 'baddies' and living it up in the Plaza Hotel in NY. Me?...I just wanted their house for that staricase!

8. WHITE CHRISTMAS....what can I say? A classic...in fact probably the first Christmas movie I ever saw....it was on on Christmas Day in the UK for years...it still should be, as far as I'm concerned!

9. THE SANTA CLAUS....I love how the North Pole is portrayed in this - just as it has always been in my mind!

10. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE'.....you didn't think I could miss THIS one out, did you? A real weepie, but wonderful reminder of the part we all play in so many lives.....and, of course I CRY!!

Well, now you know my favourites.....I wonder if yours are among them? I would love to know ...and if there are any I don't have and should add to my collection!

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My name is Alison McInnes....born and brought up in Scotland, but living for the past three and a half years in rural Spain. Married to my first love, and mum to Kirsty (22 and studying in Barcelona) and Stuart, who sadly died seventeen years ago.

I've always kept photograph albums, and discovered 'scrapbooking' in 2003. I was totally hooked!...what's not to love...all that pretty paper and embellishments PLUS preserving all these memories for future generations (not to mention myself, when I'm old and doddery!). I started blogging early this year at www.alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.com and love the blog community- there is so much support and friendship out there!

Thank you for sharing your favourite movies, Alison!

100 days to Christmas | numbers in October

2011-10-31T19:32:00.000+10:00

linking up to Julie's Month in Numbers

Number of blog posts about Christmas in October - 18

Number of photos taken in Melbourne - 400 on iPhone, 300 on camera

Number of times the big girl has been cranky - too many to count

Number of online scrapbooking classes started/finished/attending - 5

Number of airplane trips in October - 2

Number of layouts created - 6

Number of days until Christmas - 55

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-10-30T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | craisin shortbread

2011-10-29T15:00:00.000+10:00

I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that all my cookie photos are starting to look the same, so I figured it was time to try some other recipes.

This is a Martha Stewart recipe - dried cranberry shortbread hearts - in Australia, dried cranberrys are also known as craisins. I love shortbread, but I think the kids haven't quite aquired the taste for tart cranberries. But this is another on the must-make-next-year-list.

Do you love shortbread? Traditional or flavoured?

pretty paper party | collector, sorter, packer?

2011-10-29T10:00:00.000+10:00

I always sign up for Shimelle's classes as soon as they are announced, usually before I even know what they'll be about!

This time, it seems to be just the right topic to actually get me shuffling paper! Granted, I was only shuffling paper to figure out what sort of ~~paper hoarder~~ scrapbooker I am, but I have a nice clean desk, ready to pack away for a crop tonight.

The very first thing I figured out while shuffling paper (actually, I knew it already, but I didn't want to own up to it) is that I do.not.keep.paper.scraps. At all. Which ties in to my collection packer status - buying every paper in a range, because I will love every paper in the range. As you can see above with the new American Crafts Amy Tangerine line (which my LSS does not carry. I keep ~~nagging~~ asking, and now that AC owns Crate Paper and Studio Calico it might just happen!)

Today I discovered an unopened collection package of Echo Park's Country Drive. I also have every paper from the Summer Days range. And random papers from Happy Days, Little Girl and Little Boy. And a couple of releases from 3 Bugs in a Rug (still one of my favourites).

These are the only four sheets of paper from the Little Girl range. The stripes and spots still make my heart happy, even if I had ~~forgotten~~ put them aside to use on a special project.

And this is my current paper. I'm going to have to rethink this, because it's standing.on.my.desk. But for now, I know what's there. Down the bottom are kits I've purchased from Scrapbook Savvy. I've really enjoyed using kits lately, not having to think about what papers go with what embellishments, and just creating. Then up from the kits is my kraft and white cardstock (doodlebug lilly white). Then it's a few sheets from Echo Park's Holly Jolly, AC Amy Tangerine, EP Little Girl, EP For The Record, Crate Paper Random, Authentique {something - I didn't write anything down, just going from memory}, Crate Paper Peppermint, EP Happy Days, EP Summer Days, EP Little Boy, October Afternoon {something that I thought was cute for a page about ME}, the something I can't remember, and a pile of EP Walk in the Park for my Ali Edwards One Little Word album. At the very top is a couple of racks of coloured cardstock, which I haven't used for a few years on a regular basis, but every now and then I decide to pull out a sheet..

Phew, that's a lot of paper! And a HUGE amount of Echo Park paper! The empty box beside the rack is so I can start collecting scraps of paper. Because it makes sense to keep the smaller pieces in a box, rather than on a rack. And it's more likely to get used than dropped down the back of the desk.

And finally, I picked out a few papers that made me smile. I've never really liked yellow for scrapping, but fr some reason, I seem to have a lot of it around lately. And those big floral prints are super-awesome. I also have lots of blue, but star-polka-dots really are cool... in fact, that's probably one piece of paper I'll have to buy another sheet of.

Which manufacturer do you have the most paper from?

meanwhile, in other news | things I know

2011-10-28T13:43:00.001+10:00

I have completely lost track of my 100 Days to Christmas project. I'll be back on track for November, but it might be a bit sketchy between now and then.

These were not the best shoe choice for Melbourne's wet weather.

Squeezing twenty years into five hours at the zoo wasn't possible.

But our little ones did okay.

{Emma took hold of Riley's hand, saying "let's hold hands"}

My mum grew up in this house. My grandma has lived here for almost 60 years.

But this might have been the last time I visit her there.

I took lots of photos, of the roses, the shed, grandad's greenhouse, the photos on the wall inside.

Class started almost two weeks ago, but this is one that I want to dive into today!
{I'm clearing my desk, printing the handouts, and cloing the door when Steve gets home!}

linking up to Yay for Home! Things I know

nice to be home

2011-10-26T19:47:00.001+10:00

I love going away, but coming home is always so much better!

This advertisment greeted us as we headed towards the baggage claim area at the airport.

Melbourne turned on her usual weather for the week - two days of high temperatures, and freezing cold, rain, wind for the other days - and the hot days were not consecutive!

100 days to Christmas | printables

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000+10:00

Today we're packing up and getting ready to head home tomorrow. Here are some cute printables I've found.

Source: 1plus1plus1equals1.com via Cate on Pinterest

Source: confessionsofahomeschooler.com via Cate on Pinterest

Source: babalisme.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

Source: familycrafts.about.com via Cate on Pinterest

Source: raggedyscrappin.com via Cate on Pinterest

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-10-23T15:00:00.000+10:00

100 days to Christmas | magic cookie bars

2011-10-22T15:00:00.000+10:00

While I'm celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday with a family party, Melissa is here with another guest post for her family's favourite cookie recipe.
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One of my favoriteholiday activities is baking, and many years ago I discovered an Eagle BrandSweetened Condensed Milk recipe that has become a favorite with my family. It’sa fairly simple recipe as long as you don’t skip the “press down firmly withfork” direction (which enables the sweetened condensed milk to perform its“magic” and hold everything together). The recipe calls for 1 cup of choppednuts – I always use pecans!

My favorite memoryinvolving these cookies bars occurred about eleven years ago after a family BBQ.I was helping Mama clean up the kitchen while most of the family was stillrelaxing out in the back yard. There was one Magic Cookie Bar left in the bowl,so I leaned out the back door and asked if anyone wanted the last one. LuckilyI had a firm grip on the bowl because several family members ran to get to thebowl first and grab that final cookie! As they fought over that last one, weall started laughing and I knew then that I would be making these Magic CookieBars every year for the holidays and other family get-togethers.

You can find therecipes for a few of our other family favorites on my blog here.

What are yourfamily’s favorite recipes? Do you remember when and how they became favorites?

Thanks again for another great post, Melissa - I think I'm going give this one a try when we get home!

100 days to Christmas | thoughts I'm thinking

2011-10-20T20:00:00.000+10:00

While I'm away without my computer I am still thinking about Christmas.

Source: craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking about nativity scenes (we don't have one), and explaining the real meaning of Christmas to the kids.

Source: bakelab.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking about truffles, and gingerbread, and yummy Christmas goodies.

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking about how I'd like to set the table for the day.

Source: littlepumpkingrace.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking about new Christmas traditions, Elf on the Shelf, and things for the kids.

Source: younghouselove.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking about other ways to bring Christmas into the house.

Source: smallfineprint.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm thinking this is the closest we will get to a snowman at Christmas time.

I'll be back tomorrow

2011-10-19T20:10:00.000+10:00

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Tejas
Flash: Off
Film: DreamCanvas

100 days to Christmas | sunday quotable

2011-10-16T15:00:00.000+10:00

meanwhile, in other news

2011-10-16T10:00:00.000+10:00

I was invested as a Joey Scout Leader at the start of September.

I've set up a facebook page for my blog.
Now if you want to keep your profile personal, you can still see my blog.
{but I'd still love you to be friends with me!}
Click the picture above, or on the right hand side to be taken there.

The postman finally brought this book to me

I tried to make a padded bag for my instax.
I forgot to allow for seams (and all the padding)
back to the drawing board.

Riley has learnt how to work the "mamra" on our iGadets.
There are lots of photos like this on each of them.

Ignore the super-unflattering photo, and check out the funky bike.
Notice the trailer on the back - all the elements for mum-bike-rides-with-small-children
{I had forgotten how much fun it is to ride a bike, and how many muscles you use!}