Taking Stock - February 2016


Welcome to my second 'Taking Stock' for 2016. In case you missed it, here's January.
Full credit to Pip from Meet Me At Mike, who is the mastermind behind it all. This is something I have done since I started blogging and will continue 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 our lives. I am going to dedicate the last Sunday of every month to a Taking Stock post, instead of a 'Currently' post.

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


Making: Te Reo Māori resources for teachers and students. I shared it with some teachers and the response was amazing.

Cooking: during the week and my partner cooks on the weekend. We have been doing this for almost a month now and it's great. Oh and Miss B cooks on Tuesdays. 

Drinking: water!


Reading: lots of books with Master M! He loves to read, which is so awesome. 

Wanting: to start the KonMari method on my kids stuff, however I only want to do it once, so I will take my time and finish with MY stuff before moving on to theirs. 

Looking: forward to an amazing year at PlayCentre. I have recently put my name forward to be the President of our centre. Eek! 

Playing: games with the kids. I love my kids. 
Wishing: I had more time to sort, purge and organise the photos on my laptop. It's on my to-do list next month, so please wish me luck. 

Enjoying: a date night with my partner earlier this month. We even left our phones at home - it was awesome.  

Liking: and appreciating EVERYONE who has taken the time to subscribe to my blog! You are all amazing. Thank you! If you would like to receive an email and/or newsletter from me each week, there is a sign up form in the sidebar or below. 

Wondering: how Miss B is going at Intermediate School. She seems to be settling in really well. I am so proud of her. 

Loving: the difference the KonMari method is making to my home & life. I dropped off 5 boxes and 2 big bags of stuff to our local op-shop. They were very thankful. Feels great! 

Considering: having a set bedtime...well that lasted about a week *sorry Robyn*...being sick the other week really knocked me back, so now I am playing catch up. Will try again next month! Such a great idea.

Buying: ALL of this for $21! SCORE! Guess the theme for my son's 2nd birthday! FUN TIMES!

Watching: Home and Away - I was very excited when Brax came back. Lots of drama in the Bay! - Do you watch it? If you live in Australia, no spoilers please. 

Hoping: to start my 'bed at 10:30' habit again, I fell off the wagon recently and want to get back on. I felt much better after having a good night sleep.

Marvelling: at all the Summer pics my friends and family are sharing on social media. Have you had a lovely Summer? What was your highlight?

Needing: a break - this month and the next (March) are going to be crazy busy...I plan on having a blog break during the school holidays (April), will keep you posted about that in the coming weeks.

Questioning: when I am going to transition our son in to a big boy bed...I'm in no rush, and he sleeps really well in the cot so I think I will be wait a little bit longer. I have however set up the bed in his room for my nephew who will be staying with us next weekend for a week. 

Following: some new blogs, who have linked up with our new Friday Favourites link party - Read more about it here. If you are a blogger, be sure sure to come back next Friday 8pm (NZ time) and link up your favourite, best or most recent blog post! More the merrier, I say.

Noticing: a lot of people using the new reaction buttons on Facebook - what do you think of them? Do you Like them? Love them? or prefer the old LIKE and Comment system?

Knowing: everything is going to be okay. (Anxiety sometimes gets the better of me...I need to remember to breathe)

Thinking: too much!

Admiring: this photo. I was 40 weeks pregnant with my son, I never thought I would go 9 days over. Were your children early? on time? or late? 


Sorting: through my Stationery this past week - what a mammoth task that was.

Getting: ready for kids birthdays and my niece and nephew, who are visiting from Australia, They are staying with us for almost a week, so I have spent the weekend setting up and making beds in the kids bedrooms. Feeling super organised!

Bookmarking: & pinning lots of birthday ideas.

Coveting: nice weather next weekend for my kids birthday.

Giggling: at these two! Sibling love! They crack me up. 


Feeling: emotional...next weekend it's the kids birthdays...I always get reflective in the week leading up to their birthdays, so please forgive me if I am a bit quiet on the blog or on Social Media.

Snacking: on a Cadbury Creme Egg! YUM! Have you tried the Creme Egg McFlurry? I really WANT one! This week, maybe!

Helping: children and teachers become more confident when speaking Te Reo Māori at school and home. They are really enjoying my programme and the feedback has been very positive.

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Now it's YOUR turn...
Tell me, what's happening in YOUR world? How was February for you? 
Choose three words from the list and 'take stock' in the comments below. 

Until next time, have a wonderful week/month ahead!
Charlene

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Friday Favourites: Sharing the Blog Love 4



Happy Friday!
Welcome to our fourth 'Friday Favourites' - a weekly link up party. Linky parties are a great opportunity for bloggers to get together and have a 'party', sharing their favourite, best or most recent posts from their blogs. Whether you are a blogger or a reader, it's the perfect place where you can make new friends, read some new blogs, and share the blog love. I am excited to be collaborating with some of my favourite bloggers - Lisa (Lisasaurus), Jodine (Misses Mac), and Maria (Happy Mum, Happy Child) - each blogger bringing something new and fun to the party!

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who has linked up with us so far - You are all amazing.  And if you are new to our link up party - WELCOME - If you like what you see and read, please share the blog love by: commenting, subscribing, following bloggers on Social Media, and sharing your favourites on Facebook, Twitter, and/or pinning to Pinterest. Be sure to come back each week and link up with us every Friday night 8pm (NZ time)...we would love to 'party' with you.

It's Friday so... "Let's get the party started!"

To kick things off, here are some of my favourite reads from the week...Enjoy!

1.  I loved THIS post by CJ at 30 Days of Smiles - "You're more resilient than you think" - Such a great message.

2.  I may not be in a classroom full time, however I am not ready to quit teaching, just yet. Teachers Thriving shared 10 Options to consider before you quit Teaching, including what I am currently doing - specialised teaching, and I love it!

3. Last week my co-host Maria from Happy Mum, Happy Child shared her experience about being at a photoshoot for a magazine! (This was also the most-clicked post)

4.  Lisa (from Lisasaurus) gets personal and shares her feelings about Forgiveness & Addiction. This is a powerful post and a must read.

5. If you have an iPhone, and you want to take better photos - Ever So Britty shares her 10 tips with us. How cool is that? Thanks Brittney. 

and recently on Teacher by trade, Mother by nature...I tackled one of my addictions this week - STATIONERY! I KonMari'd the lot! For more details and before & after photos, check out my post HERE
Now it's your turn...
Link up your Favourite, Best or Most Recent post from the past week or of all time, it's totally up to you. And if you get a chance, pop around and share the blog love with the other awesome linkers. The 'Friday Favourites' party kicks off every Friday night at 8pm (NZ time) and the link up will close on Sunday night at 8pm. 

You can link up here or over on Lisa's blog (Lisasaurus), Jodine's blog (Misses Mac), or Maria's blog (Happy Mum, Happy Child). Where ever you link up, it will show in all 4 places, how cool is that? A link back to us on your post is appreciated. You can grab our button below.

Please note: 
  • Any Giveaways will be removed
  • Link up a blog post, not your blog URL.
  • Share the blog love: Comment on at least 1-2 other blogs.  

Have a fabulous weekend, and I hope you enjoy reading some amazing blogs, I know I will!
Charlene






Teacher by trade, Mother by nature



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1

My KonMari Journey: Household Equipment - Stationery


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.

Today I am sharing - Household Equipment: Stationery
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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 8


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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Friday Favourites: Sharing The Blog Love #3

Happy Friday!
Welcome to our third 'Friday Favourites' - a weekly link up party. Linky parties are a great opportunity for bloggers to get together and have a 'party', sharing their favourite, best or most recent posts from their blogs. Whether you are a blogger or a reader, it's the perfect place where you can make new friends, read some new blogs, and share the blog love. I am excited to be collaborating with some of my favourite bloggers - Lisa (Lisasaurus), Jodine (Misses Mac), and Maria (Happy Mum, Happy Child) - each blogger bringing something new and fun to the party!

A massive thank you to all of the bloggers who linked up last week - You are all amazing. If you like what you see and read, please share the blog love by: subscribing to blogs, following bloggers on Social Media, and sharing your favourites on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. And be sure to come back each week and link up with us every Friday night 8pm (NZ time)...we would love to 'party' with you.

It's Friday so... "Let's get the party started!"

To kick things off, here are some of my favourite reads from the week...Enjoy!

1.  One of my popular posts this week happens to be my son's First Birthday - A Little Golden Book theme. It's hard to believe we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday in only a few weeks! Time sure does fly.

2. Katrina from Outie NZ had me laughing out loud with her post "Who is the worst flatmate? A tough call but it's toddlers"

3. I have been drooling over the oh-so delicious Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing that is on Mummy Do It's blog - A guest post by Kiwi Mummy Lydia from Always Made With Love. And now my daughter wants one for her upcoming 11th Birthday, so I might be getting my bake-on in the next couple of weeks.

4. The Baby View shared 10 Creative Uses for Baby Wipes . I love baby wipes and there are so many uses for them, other than the obvious. Check out the list...can you add any more?

5. I have only just 'met' Kylie Haack, and I love her blog already. A new Mum sharing her thoughts on Pregnancy, Motherhood and extra tidbits of her life. Her post I can't believe I'm actually pregnant brought me to tears, because it made me think of the moment I found out I was pregnant. 

and recently on Teacher by trade, Mother by nature...I shared: My KonMari Journey: KOMONO - Valuables & Electronics and I had the lovely Claire from Girl on A Mission share her Bone-Shaped Cheesy Stick recipe on the blog this morning. I might actually make some this weekend, using different shapes - fun! Can't wait. 
Now it's your turn...
Link up your Favourite, Best or Most Recent post from the past week or of all time, it's totally up to you. And if you get a chance, pop around and share the blog love with the other awesome linkers. The 'Friday Favourites' party kicks off every Friday night at 8pm (NZ time) and the link up will close on Sunday night at 8pm. 

You can link up here or over on Lisa's blog (Lisasaurus), Jodine's blog (Misses Mac), or Maria's blog (Happy Mum, Happy Child). Where ever you link up, it will show in all 4 places, how cool is that? A link back to us on your post is appreciated. You can grab our button below.
Please note: Any Giveaways will be removed. 


What is your favourite party theme? 
Are you a fan of the Red Velvet Cake? If not, what's your favourite? 
Do you keep a packet of wipes in your car? Handbag? 
How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?
What are your plans for the weekend? 

Have a fabulous weekend, and I hope you enjoy reading some amazing blogs, I know I will!
Charlene
Teacher by trade, Mother by nature



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3

Bone-Shaped CHEESY Sticks - Guest Post (#ToddlerFunFriday)


Today I have the lovely Claire from Girl on a Mission sharing a quick and easy cheesy stick recipe and to add a bit of fun, she is using a bone-shaped cookie cutter...Enjoy!

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Do you have a toddler in your home who is obsessed with Pirates, Dinosaurs or Paw Patrol? If yes, then they will love these super cute bone-shaped cheesy sticks, and best of all, your toddler can help you make them. These sticks would also make a great 'trick or treat' snack for kids at Halloween, so be sure to PIN IT for later. 

Let's get started...

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My KonMari Journey: KOMONO - Valuables and Electronics


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.

If you are new to my blog, Welcome! In case you missed it, be sure to read my Introduction and Getting Started post, so you know what the KonMari Method is all about and the reasons why I am doing it.

Also in this series: 
26

Sunday Share: Currently: #inthepicture (Week 7)



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...

Enjoying: a date night with my partner! Thanks to my parents who looked after the kids for a few hours and to our awesome Real Estate Agents for giving us the Gift Voucher! (Free Dinner - even better)

Cleaning: the fridge - it looked like a crime scene!

Loving: my new job and school! Teachers and students enthusiastic about learning Te Reo Māori - warms my heart.

Turning: a spare desk tray I had into an awesome jewellery organiser! #KMARTHACK

Finding: our very first butterfly in our Butterfly garden! Welcome to the world! They are so pretty!

Celebrating: TWO birthdays today! A 5th & 1st Birthday Celebration - Pirate & Princess theme! We had a great time! How amazing is this cake my friend made. She's a clever cookie!

Sharing the love:  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you all!

INSPIRING: OTHERS, MANY THANKS TO BRON!

I was inspired by Bron from Maxabella Loves when she shared THIS post back in February 2015 - encouraging mothers all around the world to get 'in the picture' with their kids - stepping out from behind the camera and getting in front of it. This is exactly what I have done - I have been sharing my photos for a whole year now on or around the 10th of each month. It really is a great reminder to us all. You can see all of my previous #inthepicture posts HERE.

This is ME #inthepicture - with my kids...February 2015 - February 2016. Will you join in this year? 

 FEBRUARY 2015

MARCH 2015

APRIL 2015

MAY 2015

JUNE 2015

JULY 2015

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015

 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

*******
How was your week?
 What have you been cleaning? celebrating? enjoying? finding? 
Have you been getting #inthepicture with your kids! 

Have a wonderful week, my friends.
Charlene

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4

Friday Favourites: Sharing the Blog Love #2

Happy Friday!
Welcome to our second 'Friday Favourites' - a weekly link up party. Linky parties are a great opportunity for bloggers to get together and have a 'party', sharing their favourite, best or most recent posts from their blogs. Whether you are a blogger or a reader, it's the perfect place where you can make new friends, read some new blogs, and share the blog love. I am excited to be collaborating with some of my favourite bloggers - Lisa (Lisasaurus), Jodine (Misses Mac), and Maria (Happy Mum, Happy Child) - each blogger bringing something new and fun to the party!

We had a great turn out last week, with 32 links shared. Thank you to every one who linked up and to those who stopped by and read our posts! THANK YOU - You are all amazing.

It's Friday so "Let's get the party started!"

6

My KonMari Journey: KOMONO ITEMS 1 - Skincare products, Make-up and Accessories


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.

If you are new to my blog, Welcome! In case you missed it, be sure to read my Introduction and Getting Started post, so you know what the KonMari Method is all about and the reasons why I am doing it. To date, I have completed the first category - Clothes - you can read about it and see my before & after photos HERE, followed closely by the second category - Books and then Paper, which proved to be a massive task for me. I shared an update 2 days later.
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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 6


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!

*Please note: Week 5 - Taking Stock

Here's what I've been Currently up to...
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Friday Favourites: Sharing The Blog Love #1

Happy Friday!
Welcome to our first 'Friday Favourites' - a weekly link up party. Linky parties are a great opportunity for bloggers to get together and have a 'party', sharing their favourite or best posts from their blogs. Whether you are a blogger or a reader, it's the perfect place where you can make new friends, read some new blogs, and share the blog love. I am excited to be collaborating with some of my favourite bloggers - Lisa (Lisasaurus), Jodine (Misses Mac), and Maria (Happy Mum, Happy Child) - each blogger bringing something new and fun to the party!

5

My KonMari Journey: KOMONO ITEMS 1 - CDs and DVDs


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.

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