Personality: Heads and Tails
I know my image above looks nothing like coins, but hey, I tried. I often use the double-sided-coin analogy to communicate personality traits to my children. You see, I love my children for their uniqueness, and seek to allow them to grow into all God wants them to be. I want them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their personality and how they can shine. Every personality trait has a positive side (heads) and a negative side (tails).
For example, if you are an organised genius (great quality, ie. heads), you may also be a bit of a control freak (not so great quality, ie. tails). Or, if you are laid-back, easy-going person (great quality) you may be disorganised and messy (not so great quality). Personally, I’m passionate and driven (great quality) but this means I can also be forgetful of what’s going on around me, or thoughtless as my Mum used to say (not so great quality).
I was raised in this manner; that is, I was forced to acknowledge my faults along with celebrating my assets. In this process there was no attack to my person in any way; I always felt loved and incredibly special. It’s a beauitful thing when someone sees all the good in you and knows all the bad, and loves you regardless.
My children are incredibly special and I love them for who they are and all the positive I can see in them. It really makes me cry to think of it. I seek to help my children discover the strengths in their personality, and also the down side, so they can strive, with God’s strength, to allow the positive to outshine the negative.
Be A Fun Mum Related Links
You Are Sooooo Beautiful Book Review
External Links
Home: Country Retro
As I walk into Josh and Bonnie’s kitchen, there’s an overwhelming sense this kitchen was meant to be shared. Josh and Bonnie have been living in, and renovating, their riverfront 1930 Queensland workers cottage for the past 6 years.
Josh is passionate about design and incorporates this passion into many projects around the home. As well as working full-time as a process technician for BP, he is running as a Federal candidate for Family First in the next election in the district of Blair.
Bonnie is German LOTE (Language Other Than English) teacher. She recently won an all-inclusive scholarship trip to Germany as part of a Endeavour Language Teaching Fellowship initiative.
Together, they seek to raise their three children with the best of both worlds. A country living, complete with horse, dogs and cattle on a 12 acre property and yet only 40 minutes from Brisbane city.
Over a cup of Nespresso coffee, I chatted to Josh and Bonnie about renovations, design and kitchens.
Josh
What was your thinking behind the kitchen: We live in a 1930′s worker’s cottage so I wanted the design to fit. It’s Country with a modern edge. There’s an eclectic element too. If I find something related to the era or matching in colour, like the tins on the window sill, I collect them to feature in the kitchen.
What advice would you give someone designing a kitchen:
* Make sure you can put the stuff you need in the place you need them; that is, create a little spot for everything. I have little box drawers next to the stove for foil, plastic bags tea towels and other odds and sods, a few odd shelves make for useful storage or display items too.
* Make cupboards easy to get into; that is, try to eliminate difficult corner cupboards with clever design or purpose built accessories to make it work better.
Where do you get your inspiration from: This is really hard to put into words; I’ve never had to before! You see, I love observing design; everywhere I go, I analyse design and store it in my head so I have a feel for putting things together. For example, I knew from experience that red bench tops and black kicks were not unusual in older houses and I’ve brought that into this kitchen.
How do you find the colour balance: A good system to work from is 60/30/10 — it’s a common formula that decorator centres will recommend. That is 60% dominant colour (often but not necessarily neutral), 30% intermediate colour and 10% highlight colour. It’s a good idea to start with a colour you like an,d work from there. Again a decorator centre will help you with combinations or you can look online. Plascon is one of numerous websites with helpful advice. Don’t be afraid of colour. Be bold! Then add flavour to your design through accessories.
Don’t be afraid of colour. Be bold! Then add flavour to your design through accessories.
What does a kitchen mean to you: Food, it’s all about food. Food is the centerpiece of hospitality in any culture around the world; therefore, I wanted the kitchen to be inviting, bright and user friendly so people would feel comfortable.
What do you like most about the kitchen: It works. We took our time planning while living in the house and so there is nothing that we regret about the kitchen.
Simple tips for families wanting to improve their kitchen without a total renovation:
* An empty wall or corner can be useful shelf space
* It’s easy to turn cupboards to draws. If you can’t get matching materials, pick a contrasting colour that you like (be bold!) and tie it in with accessories to blend. You can use paint, curtains or even colorful appliances to set it off.
* Some things can’t be done by half measures. Sometimes it worth going to whole way; and you’ll never look back. It depends on the situation but some kitchens get beyond a quick fix.
* Be careful of major hardware chains for accessories like handles or hinges and the like. If you have the time, go to a kitchen hardware specialist. The only negative is it can be hard to browse so it’s a good idea to have an idea of what you want. Take a sample or find a picture online. You can get really funky handles now and this can be one way to brighten an older kitchen.
* If your kitchen is a thoroughfare, close off one end and put in a bench or a tall cupboard to create extra space. I’ve suggested this for some friends’ kitchens and they are really happy with the outcome
Bonnie
How would you define your kitchen: Retro Country
You’ve been living in a half renovated home for some time now. How have you survived? I think it takes a particular sort of person to live in a renovated house. The real answer is that I’m still surviving, rather than survived {breaks into song “I will survive”}. I make a choice not to stress, although sometimes I struggle with the lack of storage and space. To compensate for this, I have a room, I call a junk room, where I put everything. The other thing is I only clean the rooms that are organised and complete. The others I choose to leave alone.
What is your advice about designing a kitchen: Draws and more draws, and more draws.
Did you or Josh pick the colour of the kitchen: I often joke about this: you see, Josh independently designed the kitchen and then he calls it MY kitchen {laughing}. But I do really appreciate his design skills and ability; I trust him. Also, Josh can see things before they are done; I don’t have that same vision. Originally, when Josh told me he wanted to do a red and green kitchen, I sarcastically said, “Great, a Christmas tree.” But I trusted Josh, and I’m glad I did. Josh has taught me to take risks with colour. Personally, I designed the colours behind the stove and I always wanted a tea cup shelf.
What’s your favourite part of kitchen: My pantry (or ‘pansion’ as Bonnie’s friend Karen calls it due to sheer size). My mum said it was the best pantry in the world. She passed away four years ago, so I guess that is part of the reason I love it too. It’s large, so I go in there to talk on phone. The children never seem to find me there. It’s good for smooching too {winks}.
How often to you entertain guests: At least 5 or 6 times a month.
What does the kitchen mean to you: It means the same to me as it means to Josh. Our front door opens into the kitchen and I like that because we love sharing what we have. It’s hard to put into words, all that is in my heart about my kitchen.
It’s hard to put into words, all that is in my heart about my kitchen.
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Josh is available to answer any questions you have. Simply leave a comment below and return back in a day to find your answer.
External Links:
The Fun Funnel: Book Giveaway
I’m always on the look out for interesting children’s picture books. The Fun Funnel brings together a book and DVD, creating an interactive story in a pop-out-of-the-page way.
Read it… Watch it… Show it… Share it…
A message from the author, Robbie Cameron:
“I have self produced and published “The Fun Funnel”. A children’s picture book that comes with an animated version of itself on DVD. It is a unique concept and has been very well received from all kids, and also special needs children. When book and screen are used at the same time it is both fun and educational. At www.dvdstorytime.com you can see how it works and also read some very heartfelt testimonials.”
“A favourite story is a lifelong gift to the imagination. Characters that live in our memories, shared from one generation to the next. Words and pictures that educate and entertain. Now the delights of story time have a new dimension. DVD Storytime brings books to life; animated action, toe-tapping music and unforgettable characters. First in the series is The Fun Funnel, a heart-warming tale of a grumpy old man who finally succumbs to happiness when for the first time in his life he discovers fun. Children can follow the animated story on the screen, seeing and hearing the words and pictures come to life from the very book they have in their hands. It’s a great learning tool and entertainment for the whole family. Developed for children aged three to seven, it has proven to have profound effects with children starting to read, slow readers, and a wide variety of special needs kids (Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and Down Syndrome). The overwhelming response from parents say it engages children like nothing else ever has.”
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Oh behalf of The House of Vinter and The Gold Coast Grapevine, I’d like to offer one reader a copy of The Fun Funnel (RRP $29.95).
To enter, subscribe to The Gold Coast Grapevine and leave a comment below saying you’ve done so.
The competition is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only.
Valid from Monday 28 June to Friday 2 July 2010.
I will draw the winner by random number at 7pm on the closing date.
The winner will be notified via email and a ost update link on the Be A Fun Mum Facebook Page.
8.33 pm 2.7.10 Congratulations Virginia!
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Other Be A Fun Mum book reviews:
You Are Sooooo Beautiful by Leanne Powers
Monster Maddie by Susan Stephenson
Relevant Post:
My Style 26.6.10: Casual Elegance
Every Mum needs an outfit like this. Firstly, and most importantly, the jersey material doesn’t need ironing. Secondly, it’s so comfortable, you could sleep in it (minus the belt). Thirdly, it’s an outfit that carries you from day-time shopping to a night-time outing.
Jersey Dress: Harris Scarfe $20
Belt: Fashion Fair
Long Cardigan: Fashion Fair
Boots: Half price from Mika Boutique on Main Street Caloundra.
Earrings: Purchased on the way to Maleny for $6
What I love most: Outfit doesn’t need ironing
Tip: If you wear large earrings, don’t wear a necklace
Bronze / Brown Simple Make-up Tutorial
I went for a bronzed / brown look with this outfit. Here is a simple, yet effective make up tutorial.
Foundation: Liselle Mineral Makeup – Bliss
Cheeks: MAC Bronzing Powder (refined golden)
Eyes: Bourjois 05 Brun Irreel
Lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (Ginger Rose)
Brows: Mirenesse Brow Lift and Shape Mascara
Brushes
Foundation: Liselle Foundation Brush
Bronzer: MAC 187SE
Eye Shadow: MAC 275SE
Eye Line: MAC 212SE
More video tutorials here.
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Previous My Style post: My Style 22.6.10
Related post: The Yummy Mummy Epidemic
Theme It: Bathroom
Water: it’s a wonderful thing.
1. Alex Bath Flutes $23.99 / 2. Alex Musical Island $39.95
3. Your Cheeky Monkey Facecloths $10.00 / 4. Your Cheeky Monkey Mum Bath Set $15.00
5. Goat Milk Soap for Babies $5.00 / 6. Goat Milk Soap for Mums $5.00
7. Boon LadyBug Pod Bath Toy & Storage $59.95 / 8. Boon Bath Toys $29.95
9. Lades Rose Shower Cap $22.95 / 10. Girls Pink Shower Cap $22.95
11. Ladies Wild Cat Shower Cap $22.95 / 12. Girls Carnival Shower Cap $22.95
13. Mens Spiderweb Shower Cup $22.95 / 14. Mens Classic Black Shower Cap $22.95
15. Make Straw Boats ALMOST FREE / 16. Milk Carton Boat ALMOST FREE
17. White Spa Waffle Weave Bath Robe $29.95 / 18. Aspen Fleece Bath Gowns White and Brown $49.95
19. Lillholmen Accessory Stand $19.95 20.Lillholmen Jewel Box $29.95 21. Lillholmen Jar $14.99
22. Lillholmen Soap Dispenser $24.99 23. Lillholmen Tissue Paper box $24.95
For a complete list of Lillholmen accessories click here.
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Other Theme It posts:
* Retro
* Vintage
A Pile of Straws
Straws + Sticky-tape + Children = Easy Creative Fun
Tip: Straw boats make great bath toys.
Be A Fun Mum related posts:
Come and join the Childhood101 We Play Link-up.
The Anxious Child: Red Brain, Green Brain
One of the advantages of parenting special needs children is the opportunity I’ve had to learn parenting strategies I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve learnt so many wonderful parenting skills to use with all four of my children.
The paraphrased conversation I had with my Developmental Specialist Pediatrician went something like this:
DSP: Developmental Specialist Pediatrician FM:FunMum (ie. me)
DSP: Intelligent parents often attack problems in an intelligent logical way. So if a child is anxious and stressed about an issue, you immediately attack the problem with gusto.
FM: Yes, that sounds like me (especially the intelligent part, right?)
DSP: Although problems need to be addressed, when a child is anxious or upset, the world around them seems bleak. Issues that usually may not bother the child seem larger than life when they are agitated.
FM: {light bulb moment}
DSP: At the first point of call, forget the issue. Focus on the emotions first. Once the emotion has been dealt with, and the child is in a calmer state, then talk about the issue. This may be the next hour or the next day.
I learnt that sometimes intelligent parenting is not all that smart.
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This conversation leads me to the Red Brain, Green Brain scenario. Visually it looks like this:
Red Brain, Green Brain, is an easy way to explain anxiety to a child. When the child is anxious, it’s like their brain is red and everything they see is red; that is, grim, yuk, sad and the like. In a recent Planning with Kids post, the author cited Louise Porter in relation when a child has lost control over their emotions.
“When someone is drowning that is not the time to give swimming lessons.”
On the other hand, when the child is calm and happy (aka Green Brain), their mind is clear and they are able to make decisions with clarity of thought.
My daughter, Flossie (8), is an anxious child. Together, we’ve formulated a tool box for her to use when she is overcome with anxiety. This is what she came up with. I was fascinated in the colours and tools she chose.
Scenario 1
This is how used to attack my daughter’s anxiety.
At the times when Flossie was overcome with anxiety, she would spill out issues from a second ago to a year ago, many of which were so trivial, it’s a wonder she even remembered them. Then, I tried to help her work it through it all. It was an exhausting exercise, usually ending up with her in hysterics and me pulling my hair out.
Scenario 2
I’ve learnt, or I should say am learning, to address anxiety this way:
Obviously, the pretty picture above is the blueprint of how I try approach things. In reality, it’s often difficult for Flossie to let go of anxiety; however, acknowledging how she feels, holding her close and telling her how sorry I am that she is feeling anxious has proven to be edifying for us both. We then talk about the issue when she is feeling better.
I too, am an anxious person, and when I think about it, I’ve developed strategies to manage my anxiety from having a cup of tea (really tea almost solves all my problems) to talking about it with someone I trust.
Try this
When your young child (2-4 years) is upset, instead of asking “What’s wrong” say “Are you feeling sad?” Don’t be surprised if the child calms down right away. Then you can say “What happened?” or “Why are you sad?”
What the experts have to say
The Child Developmental Network: Anxiety
Raising Children Network: Anxiety and Fears
Focus on the Family: Childhood fears
Happy Child: How to Help Your Anxious Child
I find these verses comforting Luke12:22-26
Relevant Be A Fun Mum Posts
Help Me! Special Needs Children
Note: I’m sharing personally, what I’ve learnt in my journey of mothering children with special needs and anxiety. If you are worried about your child, visit your Doctor.
Family Holiday: Go and Make Memories
I fondly remember my childhood family holidays. My Dad asked a grown-up-me this question recently: “Do you remember us taking you to ________?” I couldn’t remember, and I could tell my Dad was a little disappointed. Then I said, “Dad, it doesn’t matter that I can’t remember every single place we visited, what matters is you and Mum created memories of an overwhelmingly happy childhood.”
Holidays are about creating memories of an overwhelmingly happy childhood.
Holiday Bag
On our big annual family holiday, I pack a special holiday bag of goodies for each of my children. This doesn’t have to be expensive. Typically I include these things:
* Colouring/activity book
* Small toy
* Lollies
* New Book
* Green Shopping Bag
Don’t forget to take a family treat too, like a board game. The Book Chook put it this way: “I can’t resist activities that give kids opportunities for learning and socializing, wrapped up in a package of fun.”
Holiday Box
My sister Sharron, who is the most organised person I know, suggested a dedicated holiday box. The idea of the box is it’s already packed and ready to take with you on holidays. From matches to paper towel and BBQ utensils to paper plates, it’s all there.
Notes: When you come home from holidays, replenish the box so it’s ready for next time. I used a take-away container to hold the pegs.
Printable Packing Lists
Note: Consider organising The Car Box too, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the holiday.
Go and make memories.
For more free downloads visit here.
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Be A Fun Mum Link:
External Links:
Planning with Kids: Preparing for the school holidays and 10 Essential Items For The Family Car Trip
Parenting Australia: Happy Holiday Plan
Hear Mum Roar: School Holiday Fun – Slime
Childhood 101: Creating Memories: Holidays
My Style: 22.6.10: Introduction
Glamour. Many people comment on my style and say I often look glamours (don’t look at me now peoples). Style comes effortless to me. I find pleasure in dressing nice but I don’t place a lot of value on material things; balance is important. I’m an all or nothing person; either I’m dressing up a storm or wearing a 10-year-old jumper and jeans.
My Style. My Style is a new series I’ll be doing here at Be A Fun Mum. My Style is about making the most of your wardrobe without spending a fortune. It’s about finding the balance between dressing nicely and being obsessed with fashion. My Style is about finding your own style.
Self-conscious. After my first two pregnancies, I wore my jeans out of hospital; however, during my last two pregnancies, I gained extra weight that I’m still trying to shake. I don’t like my body, and I’m not comfortable with how I look. In saying that, I don’t feel pressure to be thin — I’m totally over that. I’ve come to terms with my body shape; I’ll never be petite; I’m strong. What I do need to do is focus on being healthy. I’m working on it.
Memories. I remember Mum visiting my school, and I always felt so proud of her. I felt proud because she always made an effort to dress beautifully and all my friends would comment, “Your Mum is so beautiful.” I felt proud because she was so kind and all my friends would say, “Your Mum is so nice.” I too want my children to be proud of me.
This is My Style. I love dressing up. I love dressing down. I often wear the same outfit two days running and hope I don’t meet anyone who notices. My style is elegant with dash of edge. It’s pretty meets spunky. It’s simple with a variety of texture. I’m often consertative but am prepared to take risks. I love finding vintage and handmade style pieces. I don’t have a lot of clothes, I just know how to make the most of my wardrobe. My Style says me.
Black Skivvy: Eizbuy
Sleeveless Cardie: Vintage Primrose
Black pants: Target hand-me-downs
Red Boots: Half price from a little store on Main Street Caloundra.
Rose Ring: Equip
Red Watch: Gift from a friend
Felt Brooch: Handmade item from the Goombundgee Art Gallery.
[Goombundgee is a gorgeous country town. Put it on your places to visit list.]
Hat: Myer (purchased 2 years ago)
What I love most: The boots. Would have to be the red boots.
Related post: The Yummy Mummy Epidemic
External Blog Link: Styling You
Theme It: Coffee & Tea
Coffee & Tea. I’m a huge fan. Coffee in the mornings and tea, anytime. I loved browing relevant products for this theme. I especially love the Eco Cups. (Note to self: have to get some of these). And can someone invite me to a High Tea so I can buy the About A Girl Dress with pink accessories?
1. Eco Cups $10.95 / 2. Tea Lovers Eco Cup $15.00 / 3. Eco Cups – White $12.95
4. Kajsa Coffee Necklace $20 / 5. Tea Party Necklace $74.95 & Tea Party Earrings $54.95
6. Green Tea Party Set (made from milk bottles) $48
7. Coffee Picnic Set $89 /8. Tea for Me Lotus Tea Pot and Cup $49.95
9. Toy Tea Set With Case (crockery) $94.95 / 10. Time for Tea Tea Towel $29.95
11. Ava’s Tea Party Print by Belle & Boo $150
12. Vintage Tea Tray $.29.95 / 13. Personalised Coffee Table Book (40 pages) $500
14. About A Girl Mint Wallflower Dress $44.90
15. Versailles Pink Heels $97.97 / 16. Pink Sunglasses $17.95 / 17. Pink Leather Ring $3.95
{your next High Tea outfit}
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