5 crazy mad things I'm going to do in the next 7 days

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have a pedicure. As you can imagine, my feet are sore. I'd like someone to rub them and give them some pampering, just for a little while. And a splash of colour wouldn't go astray.

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sew at least 1 fabric basket. Because I'd like somewhere to store nappies on my change table that looks a little nicer than in the packet.

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sew at least one baby nightgown. Because I suddenly remembered freaking out at 2am in hospital when Riley was crying and I couldn't remember how to put a onesie on.

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make tissue paper pom poms (and baby shower gifts). Because handmade gifts and decorations are awesome.

drink lots of hot tea. Because soon I'll be so busy I'll forget the cup is full, and I hate reheating tea!

can I borrow that idea?

Wednesday passed in a blur... of something... and my kid-free Thursday is close to doing the same! When I'm hanging in limbo, waiting for the next chunk of time to arrive, but I don't have quite enough time to actually start something before moving on, I like to zone out in front of pinterest. Some of my boards are stuffed so full they probably need thinning out and repinning to better explain them, but I do enjoy wandering through the pins to find something to inspire less pinterest, more do.

Source: artchoo.com via Cate on Pinterest

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I signed up for Kidding Around 3 at BPC last week. (yep, I know, 2012 was supposed to be the year of no classes. I remind myself of that every time I see a class that has me so inspired I madly rush out to sign up.) But this is purely selfless - I did it for the kids. I'll set them all up with journals for our summer holidays (in December), and set aside time each week to work on them.

But I know that our craft supplies are sorely lacking at home. So when I saw this link, with such a comprehensive list, it gave me a starting point to start collecting things for a craft trolley for school holidays (who knows, I might even be able to pull it off for our next holidays in June?!)

Source: lollychops.com via Cate on Pinterest

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I bought a big shot at the start of the year. And I recently purchased some butterfly dies. And these butterflies keep catching my eye, so I've got a plan.

Source: bakingbites.com via Cate on Pinterest

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I have some bananas going nice and black in the fridge (have you ever frozen bananas? I didn't realise just how mushy they get when defrosted!), so when I get through next week's cakes tall fundraiser for scouts, this will be my very first baking-for-us cake to bake. Because it's banana. And chocolate.

What ideas are you borrowing this week?

do | less pinterest, more do

I've really enjoyed translating ideas from pinterest into tangible objects this past week. But I'm going to have to come up with a system for keeping track of the things I do and the pins I used, because my memory isn't as good as I think it is.

Most of my focus for the last week has been getting ready for Natalie's birthday party yesterday.

 {teacup biscuits}

{party popcorn}

{rainbow cake}

Have you been inspired by pinterest to create this week? Share your post below.

can I borrow that idea? | slow cooker recipes

I've had a slow cooker since Steve and I met, but I had only used it once until recently (when I tried this recipe). I cooked a recipe out of the book that came with the cooker, and really didn't like it. In fact, we put half in the freezer, and many months later fed it to the dog, cause we really didn't know what it was (I didn't label it) But now that some of my week is insane with programming/running/meetings for scouts, I had to try something to make my evening-meal-making time easier.

Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Cate on Pinterest

We love pork, it's our most-often cooked roast, so trying a new take on it is welcome.

Source: thelittlekitchen.net via Cate on Pinterest

After pork, chicken is next favourite. So mixing up the plan and having a roast mid-week is a great idea.

Source: whiskandaprayer.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

I've been over-cooking the macaroni recently, which results in soggy mac & cheese, so a new recipe to try might revive my recent love of this cheesy dish.

Source: momswithcrockpots.com via Cate on Pinterest

Potatoes, bacon, cheese, does anything get better than that?

Source: momswithcrockpots.com via Cate on Pinterest

Peach cobbler. We don't eat many desserts, but I can see this one becoming well-cooked during winter, although I'll have to be careful - I'm the only one who likes peaches!

What ideas have you been borrowing this week?

words on wedneday | survey says

Thank you to everyone who answered my survey last week! I figured out, with much muttering-under-breath, how to create charts in Excel and make them purple!

It seems that most readers of this blog are scrapbookers, bloggers or crafters, with 12% family (hi mum!), and 13% other (all of the above)

43% of readers found the blog through one of Shimelle's classes, reading for longer than one year. (Chances are the class in question is Blogging for Scrapbookers, first run in 2009, as that's when most of us "met") Although 14% of readers found the blog through a forum (which I haven't been an active part of since 2009), and 29% followed links from other blogs.

{this was hard to understand in shades of purple}

Overwhelmingly, 21% of readers come here to scrapbooking layouts, which I haven't been doing many of lately. Tutorials, photos and can I borrow that idea? are popular posts, as were some of the 100 days to Christmas posts. And nobody likes reading the memes from other blogs (like Piquing my Pinterest - which is okay with me if you like can I borrow that idea? instead!)

 The only change that was suggested was som consistency, something I'm working on so I can post 100 posts for 100 days to Christmas this year. I also need to follow through on the committments I make to myself, I've missed some pretty great guest post opportunities in the last couple of months by not following through.

This was the most random fact that was shared. Because of the way I wrote the survey I have no idea who it's from (although thanks to survey monkey I just clicked a link and found out who it is, but I won't out you!)

Have you ever surveyed you blog readers?

piquing my pinterest | only 57 days

until Easter!

I know, it's not even Valentine's day yet, but when something caught my eye on pinterest I had to do a search.

Source: singforyoursupperblog.com via Cate on Pinterest

Doesn't this bunny bait just make you want to search pinterest for other awesome ideas?

Source: google.com via Cate on Pinterest

This centrepiece is pretty spectacular, right up my alley.

Source: sweetpaul.typepad.com via Cate on Pinterest

We usually use the long weekend of Easter to get a project finished, but Sunday is always set aside to enjoy the day. I could enjoy the day with a table set like this.

Source: blog.silhouetteamerica.com via Cate on Pinterest

I love this colour combination, but can think of others that would be just as spectacular.

Source: ateacheratheart.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

A simple craft for playgroup

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Cate on Pinterest

Paper or fabric would be beautiful.

Will you be crafting this Easter?

Linking up to TGDM for Piquing My Pinterest

can I borrow that idea?

There's this little boy I know who is turning TWO in just a few days. He has these parents who have grand plans, because he is OBSSESSED with playing with mum's oven and pots and pans every night when mum is cooking.

Source: google.com via Cate on Pinterest

this is the one we have our heart set on making.

from scratch.

from our own plans.

Source: flickr.com via Cate on Pinterest

although this could be easier for us to do.

Source: flickr.com via Cate on Pinterest

but we have a cupboard that we could convert, save ourselves some heartache.

Source: flickr.com via Cate on Pinterest

and the colours of this one definately scream "boy!

I haven't even thought about colour, but I know I don't want pink or white

did you know that kitchen accessories are all girl-related?

but Douglas asked for kitchen stuff for his 6th birthday,

and Riley is OBSSESSED with my pots and pans

Do your kids love playing in the kitchen?

can I borrow that idea?

the printables edition

Source: sweetlyscrappedart.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

I think these would look pretty great in a mini album, or use them when travelling for the kids to write their thoughts down.

Source: perideaudesigns.com via Cate on Pinterest

When I remember to use it, I love this printable! It has really helped me keep all my notes in one place and brainstorm ideas.

Source: creativityprompt.com via Cate on Pinterest

I've been reading Creativity Prompt for years. I love this printable, perfect for Learn Something New Every Day, or 30 Days of Lists.

Source: valentinaramos.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

And this one is included for the cute factor.

can I borrow that idea?

Source: marthastewart.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm just starting to explore twine, this will keep it neat

Source: savvyhousekeeping.com via Cate on Pinterest

This will be handy for keeping bags tidy when camping

Source: google.com via Cate on Pinterest

I have tins, I just need the centre-pole-bit

Source: livingandlearningnow.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

Nat starts school next year, think I'll make this to help her start reading.

What ideas are you borrowing this week?

can I borrow that idea?

layouts I love via pinterest

{source via pinterest}

I love the topic of this page, and the rainbow of colours!

(I liked this one so much, I pinned it twice)

{source via pinterest}

The red and blue work so well together, and that sad doggy face makes me smile!

{source via pinterest}

The colours make me so happy, and the topic is pretty cool!

What layouts are inspiring you at the moment? {please share a link}

can I borrow that idea?

{source via pinterest}

{the list edition}

• do you write to-do lists, or to-be lists?
• what things do you have to do today?
• a sweet weekly menu list
• how to start a journal
• a list for life
• the simplest list of all

{if you need an invite to pinterest, leave me your email, I have five to send}
{do you know if facebook is the only way you can sign in to pinterest?}

can I borrow that idea? + giveaway winner

Easter/school holiday edition

{source via one pretty thing}

great for Easter, or party favours.

(and super cute santa sleighs, too)

{source via one pretty thing}

I can see these jars filled with lots of eggs

{source via one pretty thing}

this would kill two birds with one stone - 

a trip to the park to find the pinecones, 

then time to make the bunnies

and the winner of the TRON: Legacy DVD was catbiscuit.

I've been in touch and organised your prize, happy watching!

can I borrow that idea?

the healthy eating edition

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I follow vegie smugglers on facebook, and the second I saw this post, I raced to the shops nd bought the ingredients. I've made it twice now, once without the swede (which I preferred), and once with. Riley and Natalie love it, Douglas eats it, Steve and I go back for seconds. I served it with garlic bread, which was awesome!

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This is on our menu for Sunday morning breakfast at home.

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These look amazing, and healthy, and low-GI, and I'll have a go at them next week.

Hope the kids like them, too!