Infinite

Vodafone contacted me about 2 weeks ago and asked me to be part of a blog challenge.  They are launching amazing new phone plans called Infinite - so the challenge is to post a blog answering the question 'What would you like to have infinite of?' It seemed like such an easy question - we were driving along so Rob and I discussed it and tried to come up with just the right angle.  The first thing that I thought was time - I want infinite time - who doesn't want infinite time??  I kept trying to think of something quirkier, funnier, edgier. Then this week the posts started popping up on other blogs and they were great - I read each of them thinking I wish I wrote that (maybe what I should be saying is infinite blog post inspiration!!)

But after all that wishing and thinking and pondering it's still time I want in infinite quantity.  Not in the way that I want to live forever - that's just weird and a bit self important.  I want infinite time in each day.  Can you imagine?  All the other things I considered when the question was posed would become possible.

With infinite time would come patience - If there is no hurry what is there to be impatient about.  As I stood in that maddeningly long and slow post office queue instead of looking at my watch and tapping my feet while muttering 'I don't have all day'.  I could enjoy the moment to myself, I could people watch to my heart's content. I literally would have all day.

With infinite time in each day I could take better care of myself - there would always be time left for that much needed exercise or meditation.

With infinite time I would never feel guilt at a day passed without finishing my to do list because tomorrow would be full of more endless hours of time.  I could take a whole day to myself and know that the growing list of jobs could easily be finished tomorrow.

Infinite time would surely mean an end to money worries - much easier to fit a part time job into a day with infinite hours.

I'd never run out of time to put a gourmet dinner on the table, Noah and I could do arts and craft every day, Christmas shopping would be a breeze.

What do you think? Do we need infinite time or do we just need to enjoy the time we have better?  Make time for ourselves, not worry about money, put our kids first over the growing pile of laundry?  I've written about it before but it never hurts to have a reminder that we only have the time we have and we sure as hell better make the most of it - because it flies by.

Dining Table Display and FREE Subway Art Printable

Have you noticed that around the web Subway Art type signs have become the 'art de jour'.  I couldn't resist getting involved but I noticed that it was mostly clever mummy bloggers from the northern hemisphere that were creating them so the wording did not suit a summer Christmas.

In came the gorgeous Jessica at Craftily Ever After.  I contacted her and explained my situation - ie hot beach days not snowflakes and wood fires and for $5 she re-jigged (I'm positive that's not a word but hey) it for us folks down under.  She was also very generous and said I could share it with you all with no strings attached.  I do think it would be nice to follow her blog (and mine) though just to spread the love.  Anyhow if you would like a copy of this print for yourself just leave a comment with your email and I'll forward you the file.  I've displayed mine in a $15 frame from IKEA and it looks pretty awesome even if I do say so myself.

Just so you know (not to make you jealous you understand but just for information purposes!!!) I am off to Bali for the weekend with my sister sans husband and child.  The point being that I will send the file when I return after the weekend.  A bit last minute for this Christmas but you'll be all ready for next year.

Party Planning

About 6 weeks ago I got this idea in my head that I wanted to host a kids Christmas party and I wanted it to be over the top.  I knew I couldn't afford to host it because by the time I invited all my closest peeps it would be a guest list of 20 mums and their kids.  So I sent an email and asked if anyone was into the idea and would they be prepared to  put money towards funding it.  I was surprised and excited that everyone came back with a resounding yes.

So yesterday 16 mums, 19 toddlers and 6 babies came along and it was wonderful.  As with any party planning not everything happened exactly as planned but everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and despite the numbers it was actually quite relaxing.  Santa came and gave all the kids a pressie and we ate yummy treats till some of the kids nearly burst.

Christmas Cards

The cards are done.  The last stragglers are going in the post today. The final total was 64 - is that ridiculous?

I love sending Christmas cards - we hardly receive any these days but I still love to make the time for them.  Sometimes it's the only contact we have throughout the year with more distant family and friends.  I even do the much ridiculed 'family letter' but I know my older relatives love getting that little insight into our year - let's face it they're not really the blog reading types.

In saying that I must say each year I forget what a mammoth effort it is - it takes so much longer than I think it will.

The last 2 years I've done my own photos of Noah for the front but this year I thought we'd send a picture of all 3 of us and I'm really happy with how it worked out.  I just sent the photos off to this little Etsy shop and voila 24 hours later I had a card all ready to print at Big W at only 10cents each. (Having the card designed cost $15)  I have been doing that for all our invitations lately and would definitely do it for a baby announcement if we are lucky enough in the new year :) So easy and really cost effective plus beautiful.

P.S. The free Christmas printable is coming - I promise.

Little Hands

I hate messy windows and mirrors.  I usually walk around every day with those windex wipes attacking any fingerprints I see but how can I be mad at this adorable little hand??  It does beg the question 'what was he doing on the bathroom counter' though.

O Christmas Tree

Going to the farm and choosing our tree is becoming such a fun family tradition and I definitely look forward to doing it every year from now on. The smell of a real tree is hard to beat and it looks great too.