The VERY hard to buy for guide

really hard to buy for

I have very nearly finished my Christmas shopping. I think I’m on track to have everything wrapped before school is out (yay me!) But there are a few presents that are still eluding me. It’s the people that are always hard to buy for. I reckon there’s a few of them on everyone’s Christmas list. Those that have all they need, buy what they want immediately and/or don’t have many hobbies or interests.

Here’s my guide to buying for them… Read more

Advent Calendar Ideas (that don’t cost a lot)

advent calendar ideas

My son is desperate for a Lego advent calendar. At $39, I can’t do it. But by the time I waver I’m sure it will be sold out.

There seems to be a trend towards increasingly expensive advent calendars. For both kids and adults. If you’d been quick enough, you could have bought a $499 Diptyque advent calendar. This trend has caused me to reflect on the whole advent calendar tradition. I love the idea of a countdown to Christmas. I also think there are plenty of ways to do it, without breaking the bank or losing a sense of wonder.

Advent calendars date back to the mid 1900s with one of the first ideas being the advent wreath. Lighting a candle each evening as Christmas approaches. I still think that’s a beautiful idea.

Here are some other advent calendar ideas. (That don’t cost the earth) …   Read more

Christmas Traditions – My Plan

christmas traditions

It’s getting busy isn’t it? I know my calendar is filling up quickly. And while parties and get-togethers are lots of fun, I want to make sure we have room for all the traditions that my family and I have come to love over the Christmas period.

Here’s a list of what we do over the festive period — it might help you plan your own traditions and decide when to do them. I also have a helpful printable to manage ALL the things at this time of year.  Read more

Frocktober: The power of a dress

 

the power of a dress

It’s the month of October. A month that asks us to be aware. It hosts Frocktober, and the hope that we can find an early detection test for Ovarian cancer. It’s also the awareness month for women’s cancers in general. Mental health awareness week is in October. We are called to be aware and accepting (mostly accepting) of those with one extra chromosome — Downs Syndrome. It’s also the month that hosts Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. Through personal experience, my friends and family, all of these causes hit home for me. All of them are close to my heart. All of them touch on the importance of celebrating and protecting life.
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Farmstay and a time machine

Last week I travelled back in time. The boys and I stayed in a white-washed farm cottage perched on a wide creek. Chickens roamed at our feet. Cattle regarded us with disinterest and the mothers of newborn calfs eyed us warily. Friendly horses came near and nuzzled at our sides, hoping for carrots.

cottage at farmstay

We seemed a million miles away from noise, from bustle, from stress and from reliable internet connection. The kids had nothing to do but run and play and explore. We had nothing to do but sit and talk, read and unwind. Read more

10 fun holiday craft ideas PLUS a holiday calendar

10 fun things to make these holidays

One of the things I love about school holidays is the chance to make things with my kids. I am a big fan of craft, sewing and generally getting creative. And even though I have boys, I am not going to let any gender stereo-types ruin our crafty days. So here’s our bucket list of holiday craft to make over the September break. You might find something fun to do with your kids too …  Read more