Our travels

Well the last month has been one of travels that is for sure.  So nice to spend time together as a family as we have taken little drives and walks south, long drives and ferry trips North topped off by a quick trip East over the hill.

With the painting all finished, well on the outside at least, Facebook posted scheduled and the dog into the kennels we headed off to the North Island to visit friends and family.  It was great to be able to take a whole 2 weeks to really enjoy the journey up and the time with everyone. For the most part the weather was absolutely lovely!  Now I have to admit that before we left I was filled with a little anxiety about returning back to our old stomping ground, which really made me realised that I am not that great with change obviously.  I'm all good to adapt once the change has occurred however the lead up to the change stresses me s*%#less.   I didn't have to be stressed though as it was like I had never left and so fantastic to just 'pick' up where we left off.  If anything it was a little too familiar and I had to keep reminding myself that we weren't living there any more and so had to make an effort to catch up in a limited time ;)  Herself in particular loved seeing her old kindy friends (her golden haired teacher included) and family.  Thanks to everyone that took time to fit us in and organize things for us we really appreciated it and sorry to those we didn't get time to see.

Getting a turn in the driving seat while on the Ferry to Wellington.

In between all the visiting the kids were entertaining their flat travellers and writing journals about their travels.  The Flat Traveller is based on a book 'Flat Stanley' in which a boy who has been flatten by a notice board one night travels by post to see his friend as it is cheaper for his parents.  Herself had one from a wee girl in Georgia, USA (Princess B) and Himself Jnr made his own to bring (Naughty Bird).  They both created fantastic journals for their travels, writing in what we did each day, collecting pamphlets and tickets along with photos and souvenirs.  Even while a bit under the weather with coughs and snotty noses they still managed to draw pictures in and create little sentences about our holiday.  Now that we are back and the travellers have gone back home too we are trying to get back into routine which is easier said than done ;)  The holiday mode is still prevailing though we are enjoying the comforts of home and knowing where everything is.

Working on their Flat Traveller journals in Kapiti

Aside from her flat traveller herself has been busy with Brownies.  She loves going and especially loves working towards the badges that they have.  Since we missed some of the key parts of getting her biscuit badge due to our holiday she has been busy making advertising posters for biscuits, baking up a storm with biscuits and selling to everyone we know!  I'm a bit blown away by how much she is aware of advertising already especially when she told me that the price has to be the smallest writing on the poster so that they will want to buy the biscuits.  Amazing how much they take in from shopping we me and us talking about products, posters and advertising that we have seen.  All those times I answered questioned while shopping I had no idea that it would be remembered and used so well ;)  Many thanks to everyone that helped her sell her 3 boxes (49 packets of varying kinds).  She also had to help the group sell door to door which she thoroughly loved - I think it was getting to see in other people's house that was her favourite part ;) 

Working on a project for her biscuit badge.

Himself Jnr is forever busy with Lego!!  After 2 weeks on holiday and me not writing in my journal once about Lego, the first minute home he was back into it.  I have to say though that the stories he tells, the things he creates from his imagination and the booklets along with all the offshoots of movies, problem solving, negotiations with herself and drawings leaves me more that happy to leave him to it while I listen, watch and smile.  He has just begun Keas (baby Scouts as we call it) and absolutely loves it.  The leader is the same one as herself's Brownies so it is quite an easy transition for him despite not knowing any of the other kids.  Strange to think that my youngest is now independent enough to join a group without me having to be there.

Himself happy to be reunited with his mate.

Himself Snr is busy with work, though he hasn't been back to the office for 3 weeks due to training, and also with study.  He has begun a Diploma in Business Administration which is keeping him busy in the evenings along with the odd 4 day weekend away.  In between he has managed to fit in a little gardening, with the help of herself,  which has seen us eating lovely fresh beetroot, peas, cucumbers, potatoes, garlic, strawberries, lettuce, silverbeet, herbs and tomatoes.  Just before we headed off on holiday he decided to clear all tomatoes out and, not being one to waste, made his first ever relish from them which has nearly all gone as it is so delicious. 

The remaining few jars of yummy homemade man's relish.

St Patrick's Day, or Irish day as herself likes to call it,  tomorrow so we will be getting into our flexi-learning week with some Irish music and yummy flapjacks ;)  At the moment, aside from Lego and Sylvanians, that is knitting is the flavour of the month.  The kids got some great French knitting kits while we were away so that have been really enjoying creating 'sleeping bags' for toys and sacks.  I've loved it too as I have finally learnt how to do it!!  It has only taken me 36 years since I first saw someone doing French knitting, and feel in love with the ideas of it and the cute 'needles', to learn so feeling very pleased with myself.  I'm also enjoying knitting socks for the family after finding an easy 2 needle patterns so I'm all set for days inside while the winds build up outside.

Hope this finds you all safe and sound without too many weather battles behind you.

Arohanui
Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz

And into the New Year we go!

Yep we are heading into yet another year of flexi-learning, another year of living on the coast and another year of growth.  It is already half way through Jan and herself will be 7 next week!  I can't believe how fast time flies sometimes and yet at other times it seems slow as ;)

We had a lovely, quiet Christmas at home this year.  Just the 4 of us plus the dog eating yummy cake, pavlova and roast.  The weather cleared enough for a bit of bike ride, that is until the kids collided and the littlest got a handle bar in the face! Good to get out even if it meant a few tears though and they breed them tough here so by the time we ventured home it was all good  ;)

Themselves having a Christmas bike ride.

The following day (Boxing Day) we got up bright and early to drive North to begin our first tramp with the kids.  For some reason I thought I had read that the hike into the hut at Lake Daniells was only 1.5 hours .........ummm WRONG!  When we arrived we were greeted by a few bites by the local wildlife (sand-flies) and a sign saying that the hut was 8.4 km away or 3 hours walking - whooopppps ;)  The kids did a magnificent job of the walk, carrying in their little backpacks, listening to Himself's stories, watching robins following us and checking out all the traps for rats or stoats.  By stopping every 40 mins or so for a wee break to rest weary feet we steadily made our way towards the hut, enjoying the sunshine and nature along the way.

Us at the hut at Lake Daniells.

After 3 hours (very accurate sign there I'd say) we arrived at the Lake and our tired duo suddenly found all the energy that seemed to be waning a mere 30 mins earlier ;)  Think it may have had something to do with a delayed boost from scroggin goodies and so they ran around till their hearts were content, splashing in the Lake, climbing trees and investigating wherever they could.  We were lucky to have a bunkroom all to ourselves, which is apparently rare on this popular walk, which meant it felt more like a holiday cabin than a DOC hut.  We stayed only the one night which was enough for us to know that we will be planning our next trip into a hut soon ;)

Hmmmm??!!....... Someone pushing their sister into the Lake!

Since the New Year we have been staying close to home.  Liam has be painting when he isn't at work, I've been improving my knitting skills and working on the biz and the kids have been at swimming lessons.  It is amazing that within 30 mins with the local swim instructor their skills have improved more than a year of mucking around with me!!  It is great to see how confident they are becoming in the water and how proud the both are of themselves.  It also shows me that sometimes I just need to get someone else to teach them things ;) 

The first swimming lesson for himself.

Hope this finds you all settling into 2014, happy, healthy and smiling.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

Thank you for all the support.

Well December was a big month for us in lots of ways.  I'm feeling really good about how things are going on all sorts of levels and I realise that I am actually living my dream job and life already ;)  It has blown me away just how easy things have been since I have made a determined effort to make things happen!! 

Thanks to all the great weather we have had we got out and about lots more than usual too.

Before I left it to the Universe a bit too much I think......... as one of my favourite quotes goes 'Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action' Benjamin Disraeli.  So without further ado here are a few notes of thanks to everyone that has been there and helped me through the last month of 2013.

Thanks to introvertsintroduction for the lovely pic seen here ;)

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

A big THANK YOU to all of the amazing, lovely and wonderful people who have supported me last month:  Himself - my super supportive husband, themselves - my gorgeous kids, my family, The Amazing Biz and Life Academy, EVERYONE THAT HELPED ME TO GET TO 100 LIKES BEFORE 2014,  the dog who is always willing to run with me ;), Unschooling camp, Margaret Lynch, Carol Look, Jennifer Beck, Rachel Sumner, Ruth Mitchener, EFT, Bach Flower Remedies - been working those babies, Branston Intermediate, all my amazing friends, Stafford Kennels, Hokitika SPCA, My Mum, all the people who gave me testimonials to put on my website, YouTube for making it so easy to make and create vids, everyone who purchased my goodies and help me have my first profit EVER, Hokitika Library, Tim Ferris, E-junkie, life hack and everyone else who has been there and everything else I've forgotten which helped me see out 2013 on such a high.

Hope 2014 brings you everything you dream of and much, much more

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone

Thought that Christmas Eve would be as good a time as any to write our final update for the year!  We had planned to be off tramping (hiking) tomorrow after a big Christmas breakfast however the plans have changed as the rain has begun to pour down. Now it will be a leisurely day at home, after having made a quick banana cake which the kids decorated Christmas style and a pavlova for dessert.  The tramping can wait until next week over New Years.

Our quickly made Christmas Cake as decorated by themselves.

Liam is still threatening to cancel Christmas - nothing much changes there ;)  This year however the kids, with an additional year of wisdom behind them, have told him that he will need to stay in his room with just water and a book if he is cancelling it and they will open his presents!!  Still not sure who was more serious or excited.

December has seen us travelling quite a bit.  To start the month off we enjoyed our first un-schoolers camp over the hill in Staveley.  It was great to be with other families that although on a different journey still had much in common with us.  The kids loved running around with all the others, climbing trees and going on bush walks.  Only stayed the one night however it was enough for us to know that we would be back again to mix, talk and share with like-minded families.  Think it was great too that Dads were there as often it is the Mama's always getting together and giving information out second-hand ;)

Daniel up yet another tree!  He wanted to climb every one that he could on camp.

After this we headed over to Christchurch for an unveiling of a Kiwirail statue.  It is the 150 year anniversary so a special installation statue was created for all to see at Ferrymead.  Great to get free entry for the event and then get to look around, ride on the trains, sample sherbet and play olden day games.  I hadn't been there for years and years so really lovely to revisit some memories.  Then the following weekend proved to be our only at home for the whole month!  The kids and Liam got out into the garden to check over everything that is growing.  It has been great getting all our own salad bits along with peas and the odd early strawberry.  Still waiting for the tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers and beetroot to mature so we can continue our feasting.

Seeing what is coming up in our new front garden veggie beds.

The middle of the month saw us back in Christchurch for a send off to Branston Intermediate (the school I used to teach at which is a casualty of the Christchurch School closures).  It was great to have a night out with friends, even made it past mid-night, and the kids loved being with Nan without parents to turn off the T.V.  You can tell I don't go out much these days though as by Sunday night I was in bed by 7pm!!  Before both kids were even asleep.  Further in our travel feast of December - last weekend we were up in Westport to catch up with friends and family.  The kids were in heaven going out to so many cafes in one weekend and of course getting to watch T.V. again in our holiday accommodation.  Great to be able to go away with the dog too and we (the dog and I that is) had a good long run around the lighthouse track which was my extra treat in a month of holidays!!

During our weeks at home Jasmine has been busy at Art Club creating and making.  She enjoyed all the art however she tells me that she can't wait to get back to Pippins because they have lots of different cool things ;)  Next year she will be stepping up to Brownies which she is looking forward to although I'm not sure if she realises that it will be more work than at Pippins - oh well ignorance it bliss at times ;) 

Liam has been giving the kids lots of Star Wars stories for bedtime lately and it has inspired a whole heap of stories, drawings, Lego play and craft!  The best activity to come out of all the story telling would have to be when the kids made their own C3PO and R2D2 after Liam showed them a YouTube clip of both the robots.  It was amazing to see them go ahead and make what they had visualised in their minds and just make it without any assistance - well apart from handing them cello tape that is ;)

The robot friends.  Herself even managed to create R2D2's wheels with bottle caps!

It certainly has been a busy month for us and yet more adventures to come.  Been so great spending every weekend together having fun and being out and about, think that January may have to be our rest month before we head up North for a holiday in Feb. 

Hope this finds you all warm, merry and ready for a relaxing Christmas and New Year.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

For all you Business Women out there

Just  a few months ago I was wading through procrastination over tasks I had begun, feeling sorry for myself, struggling to know which way my business was going and if I even had a business.  I had dreams of helping people in a natural, holistic way and yet I just couldn't seem to get everything lined up to actually make it happen and make money at the same time.  I began to search the internet for inspiration, trying to see if I was 'doing the right thing' or if I should completely change what I was doing. 

While searching I found a women in Australia, Leonie Dawson, who caught my eye.  What she had to say was pretty amazing and inspiring.  I was intrigued by what she had to say so I had a good look at her site, I looked at the products and then wasn't sure.  I told myself it wasn't really for me.  I wasn't an artist like her so definitely not for me and left it at that. Her site did stick with me though and I looked again a month later then still procrastinated over the whole idea, after all I probably won't find it that useful for the money spent so why take the risk?

Within another month however a dear friend, who had a friend who was using Leonie's products,  told me all about this amazing women Leonie Dawson and her FABULOUS Academy (This and others are Affiliate Links where if you buy through my link then I get to a wee reward from Leonie) who had a year long membership which allowed you to access all her goodies (now this one is completely FREE so go over an check her out.  Go on!! I'll wait right here till you click and look at the new tab full of Leonie's FREE Goodies.  Did I say they were FREE!!!! )  along with amazing courses on business and a network of other like-minded women in business.  

It was the hearing if from someone that was actually in the The Amazing Life and Biz Academy (Affiliate Link) themselves that made all the difference for me so I thought I would let you all know about it on here.  That way you can hear first hand how GREAT it really is and you won't miss out on any of the fantastic, empowering and transforming products she has.  You'll be able to get into it without wasting time like I did ;)  I feel that any money I spent on joining this Biz Academy was so worth it and the money has been repaid with all the knowledge, know how, inspiration and support I'm getting.  Now most of you know me and I don't rave about things unless they really are GOOD!!  and this is GREAT ;)


The membership is for a whole year of goodies, resources, community, business connections, freebies (Affiliate Link)  and INSPIRATION GALORE.  It has had me excited and ready to move forward in my business ever since I signed up.  It amazes me how much my confidence has grown in this short time and I am finally starting to achieve all those dreams I have.  Her courses are easy and fun to read while being packed with inspiration and information on how to move ahead with your business.  It is all from her experience of creating a 3/4 million dollar business and it filled with lots of links, videos and support along the way. 

I downloaded her freebie  Biz & Blog Star Workshop   (You know these are all Affiliate links now - right? however this one is free if you sign up to her e-zine.  It is a great wee book with loads of tips for online marketing to move you ahead) which I read and re-read.  With a bit of confidence gained through trying out suggestions from the Biz & Blog Star Workshop   (Affiliate Link)  I began with the Business Goddess E-Course (Affiliate Link) which connected me with loads of lovely ladies all working at growing their businesses and within the Business Goddess (Affiliate Link) course is also a Magic Money making kit freebie which helps you to outline your goals concerning wealth and how to go about getting it. 

Leonie's  'Create Your Amazing Year Biz edition Workbook' (Affiliate Link again ;)) is a real jewel in the crown for me though as it helped outline where my business was and where I wanted it to be.  This is something I had been avoiding as I was a bit scared to face the hard, cold facts.  Actually though once I did the  'Create Your Amazing Year Biz edition Workbook' (Affiliate Link)  I realised that it was half as bad as I thought and inspired my to get my 'A into G'.  The transformation has been wonderful and I finally feel like I am moving forward with my business.

I have loved every part of  The Amazing Life and Biz Academy (Affiliate Link) and benefitted immensely through Leonie's inspirational and up-lifting business advice.  It is like having a mentor at your side 24/7 and literally at your fingertips.  I really feel that I have got my money back and more in the 2 months I've been a member.  Every time I have a worry, question or concern I can connect with thousands of like minded business women online and receive help.  Now what could be better than that!!  Go on give it a go ;)

 

 

Arohanui
Yossarian

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

 

Wow.... has it really been that long?

I can't believe that it has been almost 7 weeks since I have posted about us on here.  I have done the biz stuff that is true just not our flexi-learning journey update.  So much to tell ...... so little space to do it in!  Long line of photos to follow ;)

Since Oct we have been white-baiting, playing on the beach, on holiday in Picton, catching up with friends and family, fishing, making crafts, down the park, riding bikes, celebrating International pirate day, Jasmine became 'Reading Star of the Month' at the local library, celebrating Jack o Lantern night, going to Art Club, selling crafts, making booklets on just about everything, exploring the West Coast, celebrating Diwali, getting ready to celebrate Hanukkah and dressing up as Smurfs. Phew!!!

The kids checking out our biggest whitebait haul and the last.

Us on a walk at Karaka Point while on holiday in Picton

The kids with their costumes ready for Halloween story-time at the library.

The Jack o Lanterns.  We tend to focus on this as it is an Irish tradition.

Us on a walk in Nelson's Creek, West Coast

Drawing Diwali pictures for Lakshmi to come bring us wealth - still have our fingers crossed for that one!

The 'Reading Star of the Month'

Trying to sell our wares before we were rained off due to unusual West Coast weather ;)

Jasmine and Himself at 'Take a kid Fishing' down at Hokitika River.  Daniel is waiting in the rocks for his turn.



Papa Smurf as face-painted by his sister!  The kids have become fascinated with my old Smurfs, some vending machine ones they got in Oz & stories Himself is telling them from a miss-spent youth watching T.V.

Liam is still loving his job, the kids are loving their freedom and I am still loving our flexi-learning journey and so glad to have this time with the kids.  Some days are just down right MENTAL though most are filled with laugher, fun and learning so that makes up for the others and convinces me we are still on the right garden path.

Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and content

Arohanui
Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz

TNT - The Necessary Three

Recently I heard a talk by a woman (Star Munroe) saying that her life transforming action, and the thing she got all of her clients to do was something called the Magic 3. This tool, in her own words, had moved her from destructive to dazzling. 

I have encountered this tool before, and you may have too, only under a different name such as Most Important Three or Most Important Tasks (MIT) and I'm sure there are loads more names for this self-help technique.  In fact I've even made up my own The Necessary Three (TNT) TNT because this tool is dynamite when used. ;)  Essentially though you make a list of 3 things that are small and achievable which you commit to completing every day. The two key ingredients are achievable tasks and commitment to do them everyday.

The funny thing is that back in June I made a decision, after feeling that I was just floating through life at the whim of any passing breeze, that I would make sure I did at least 3 things each day; exercise for at least 10 minutes, tap on negative emotions or limiting beliefs and write positive things about the day in a diary.  At the same time I made three priorities for Home-educating our kids as I was feeling that things weren't flowing as well as they were.  Each week day I would read, write and do some maths with them; everything else was a bonus.  I hadn't even put the two together - the decision and the tool.

I made the commitment and moved from day to day.  Some days it was easy to do all 3 things for both me and home-education while others days it was a struggle to do even one.  On my struggle days I did give myself and the kids a break by choosing to only focus on my 3 however before long I'd realise I missed having that structure and would soon be back on the wagon to do my 3 and the home-educating 3.  I didn't always have control of the reins but they were in hand at least and we were going in the right direction.

I could feel the rhythm of up and down days however it wasn't until I heard about the Magic 3 that my epiphany happened. The days when I felt good and things flowed more positively were actually the days I did my 3 tasks and the 3 for home-educating.  By completing those 6 little things (each of which was no more than 20 minutes - except for reading which the kids would have me do all day if they could!) I had a huge feeling of achievement that set me up to actually want to do more. Even if I didn't do more I still felt really good because I had completed my tasks for the day.

TNT (The Necessary Three) is such a simple method, so effective for transformation and best of all completely FREE ;). It only takes 21 days to form a habit so beyond that the commitment part is just a daily task like brushing your teeth or checking the mail. The tasks themselves can be whatever you want as long as they are easily achievable each day and you commit to achieving them.  It could be waking by a certain time, meditating, exercising for a set time, having breakfast, tapping, drinking a set amount of water, going to bed at a certain time .......... and the list goes on. 

By making the 3 tasks small to start with they will be easier to commit to and therefore easier to achieve.  When you achieve them each day you will then have a renewed belief in yourself and positive feelings will flow. You can always change the 3 tasks or add to them later when you are ready.  The focus is about taking action, action which will make you feel good, action which will move you towards your goals and action which will move you to Becoming Healthy.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz