New Beginnings/Fresh Starts

Let me begin by wishing all of Crafty's readers a very Happy and prosperous New Year.

Can you seriously believe that it is 2014 already ? I must say that I for one am welcoming the New Year with open arms. Weeks ago I began to jot down all the things that happened to make 2013 what it was, I was determined to write a post recapping last year, but the more I thought about it, the more I just wanted to leave the past in the past and start from scratch. I do love new beginnings, fresh starts, the wonder of what lies before us.

                                       
 So here we are, January 1st 2014.......

Today I made it a priority to start the year off by spending quality time with my family. The ones that were not working their little butts off at double time and a half of course !


Sun, sand and surf, that was on our agenda, so off we went, and hit the beach.
There is no better way to clear out the cobwebs and ready yourself for the new journey that lays before you.



Of course Shadow being a huge part of our family also came along for a 'surf', he had the time of his life splashing in the waves and   running wild and free with the boys.

We walked along the beach taking in the view, chatting and wondering why we don't spend more time at the beach. It's time we slow down and enjoy life instead of watching it pass us by. We watched puppy and the boys dig in the sand and play in the ocean having the time of their lives.


And hold onto your hats everyone, but I even went for a run !
No kidding...


This year my aim is to continue blogging about my family antics, the ups and downs of raising my boys, sharing recipes and also to add more craft ideas. Hopefully that doesn't scare you away !



My goal (and I really hope this happens) is to post something each and everyday, whether it be a full blog post, a word, a quote or poem. Or even just a photo that means something to me or someone I love.
This year for me is all about sharing. Sharing love, sharing hope, sharing advice or even just a smile.

I have been lucky enough to have some amazing people stop by and read Crafty. The comments I have received have made me smile, laugh out loud and even cry.
I have truly been overwhelmed with the support you have given me with my little insignificant blog and I hope that this year I too will be able to do the same for you.

So please continue to walk with me, laugh at me or with me. Yell at me or whisper advice. I am open to it all.
Lets walk through 2014 together, supporting each other and most of all sharing what is in our hearts, for we all need someone to lean on, and who better then friends we love and trust....

A new beginning, a fresh start. Forget what is gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to the unknown journey that awaits you........

                                                                                                                   beck xx

Everything Was Red.....

I was going to write this post much earlier in the week, but I have only JUST recovered. Not from my trip away with my eldest two boys, but from everything that had to be done on my return home.

Six days of washing for six people and an entire house to tidy and clean, that the men folk who were left at home still insist was kept clean and tidy.......

                                                     
                                                         Yeah, 'man clean'

It was the first time ever that I had been away with just my two big boys, we had the best time EVER.
It all came about when son number one discovered that Taylor Swift was bringing her Red Tour to Brisbane. As we are big fans of hers we instantly wanted to attend, however being at the 'crunchy' end of the year, I decided that although I desperately wanted to go, financially it was not a wise move. So imagine how I reacted when my son purchased a ticket for me for as a combined birthday/Christmas present. I was utterly blown away, and yes, I cried {sooky la la} But not only did he purchase my ticket, but he also paid for his brother to go as an 18th birthday present. His generosity for us both will forever be remembered. To add to all this, son numbered two decided that he to would get in on the generosity and ended up paying for my part of the accommodation for my Christmas gift. I really do have the most wonderful, selfless, generous children. The time we spent together was one of the best times we have ever shared together and a time that I will cherish forever.

We flew on Friday, wow has it seriously been a week ! and stayed at the Mecure which had stunning views of the Brisbane River. And when in BrisVegas what else do you do besides party on at the hottest concert in town ?  Shop of course, and eat, drink and shop some more !
Armloads and armloads of shopping.......

The highlight of course was seeing Taylor. It was magical. And although there were some technical difficulties that caused the show to stop at one point, instead of leaving us wondering what on earth was going on, or relaying a message over the PA system, Taylor came onto the stage and talked to the audience the whole time. She was sweet, apologetic and funny. It was just one of those things that can happen and within about 15 minutes the problems had been dealt with and the concert resumed. The costumes were stunning, the stage show amazing. I have always been a fan, but after seeing the Red concert, Taylor is now high up on my list of performers that I would defiantly see again.

The weekend continued with much laughter, good food and of course more shopping :) we  took in a movie, taking the time to rest our tired sore feet and watch the new Hunger Games movie Catching Fire {our weekend did have a theme going on} ....  RED .... the movie was fantastic and really did do the book justice. However as usual it left us hanging on the edge of our seats desperately waiting for the next instalment.

The boys decided to spend a few hours (yes hours) checking out Time Zone, so I casually wondered the mall people watching. Boy you see some sights in the city ! and checking out all the beautiful Christmas displays.
Ahhh Christmas, my very favourite time of year. The city was dazzling with lights and decorations all adding to the holiday feel.

We certainly had the time of our lives and hopefully it wont be the last time that we get to share such a wonderful time together laughing, talking and bonding even more. My boys gave me the most amazing Christmas/birthday present that I could ever imagine. They are my world and the time we spent together was an amazing opportunity that I am glad we got to share, and one that I will forever carry in my heart.

Thank you boys, you light up my life xx

Linking up with the fabulous Grace for FYBF :)
Happy weekend everyone x

Snow Man Family Craft

When I saw these little guys on Pinterest I fell in love with them and just had to have some of my own. A gorgeous family of snowmen to welcome my family and friends at Christmas. 

I decided that I needed to make four, to represent my boys.

They were easy and inexpensive to make as I had all of the bits and pieces 

needed to whip them up in just a couple of hours.

I am really pleased with how they have turned out and I am 

sure that they will be around for many

Christmas's to come.

To make you will need :

*Pieces of wood

*Fabric for the head pieces

*String to tie the hats

*Material, ribbon or tinsel for the scarves

*White paint

*Buttons for the eyes, beads or orange paint for the nose

*Black glitter glue for the mouth and eyebrows

*A hot glue gun

I didn't have the wood cut into any specific lengths. I just made sure that they were all different sizes. I painted the wood roughly so that they had a worn look. 

Next cut rectangles out of the fabric, wrapped and glued them around the top creating a hat, tying with string to secure. 

The face was next. Using the glue gun, I fastened the button eyes and bead noses into place and then using the glitter glue, drew on the eyebrows and mouth.

Lastly I tied a scarf around each snowman using Christmas ribbon and tinsel pipe cleaners. 

Happy Snowman Making !

                                                           

A Birthday Letter

From day one you stole my heart. My tiny bundle of joy, a second son to bring love and happiness into our lives. A little boy to love, cherish and nurture.

It's eighteen years today since I held you in my arms for the very first time, and looked into those gorgeous blue eyes and promised always to love you, to be there for you, and forever and always protect you.

Remember that no matter what, you can always count on me. I will always be by your side.
Never doubt how much you mean to me, and how much you are loved.



You have grown up SO much. I cant believe how fast the years have gone. It seems like yesterday you were running around at knee height, and now I have to look up at you.

Forever my 'little' 'big' boy.....

Always the smallest at school, you would get very cranky when your teachers would move you to the front and make reference to your height.
So cranky that you once refused to line up and attend the school assembly unless the teacher would allow you to be last in the line instead of first.

Your determination is a strong part of your personality.


From day one you have been feisty, and have always been competitive. No matter what you are involved in, your determination to come first and not be left behind has been your number one aim.

You have grown up into a wonderful young man, one that any mother would be proud of. I am ever so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to be your mum, it is an Honor, and one that I will cherish for my entire life time.

You are a very caring person, always the first to lend a hand where ever it may be needed.

You are selfless, in a very selfish world.
You can brighten even the darkest of days.


Today as you celebrate your eighteenth birthday, I hope that the wish you make as you blow out your birthday candles comes true. You deserve nothing but happiness in your life.

So my birthday boy, may all your dreams come true, and that as you follow your life's path, you continue to do so with confidence  strength and that gorgeous smile.

The entire world is now at your feet, you are about to begin the next part of your life's journey, never loose sight of your dreams or your determination to succeed.

You are a light in my life that burns brighter each and every day.
Happy 18th birthday my sweet boy, enjoy life to the full xxxx


Linking up with Jess this first Tuesday in December with bells on my fingers and tinsel in my hair for another fun filled IBOT

My Christmas Wish List

Unless you have been living in the confines of a bubble, or wondering around with your eyes closed. There is absolutely no doubt that the Christmas Season is yet again upon us.

YES it's that time of year again.

The time of year when stress seems to triple, sleep is almost non existent. And the chubby guy at the North Pole is filling your letter box with copious amounts of pamphlets hinting that the only way to make everyone happy is to empty your bank account entirely.

It's exhausting, so much work goes into this one day and right up until the last minute you are in panic mode, wondering what it is that you may have forgotten.

Even so, it is my favorite time of the year.

This year, getting Christmas present ideas out of my boys has been like pulling teeth. DIFFICULT

I'm not sure about you (those of you with sons) but it seems the older boys get, the harder they are to buy for. 

Me on the other hand could write a list as long as my arm. However instead of pinning my list to the fridge, I am going to post it here, because in my home a list pinned to the fridge wouldn't get a look at as everyone is too busy looking inside the fridge trying to find something to fill their bellies.

                                 *Candles, I love them. A girl can never have too many

                                 *A gold necklace chain so that I can wear my favorite pendant again

                                 *More arm bling. I am newly obsessed with bracelets and bangles

                                 *A new sewing machine

                                 *And a fabulous Christmas surrounded by my family 

                  Do you have a Christmas wish list for 2013 ? And is it pinned to your fridge ?
           Linking up with Jess for the final November IBOT.........My where has this year gone ?

Chocolate Pudding Bar

This pudding bar dessert is a winner !
No seriously it actually is. Along with two other recipes, the Chocolate Pudding Bar was responsible for winning me a Fisher Paykel fridge back in 2004 with Super Food Ideas Magazine. Read about it all here.

By using a total of only 4 ingredients

There is no cooking involved. It is super easy to make, super delicious, and a hit with everyone.



Chocolate Pudding Bar
serves 6-8

2 packets of of malt biscuits
1 packet of fun size Crunchie bars, refrigerated
395g can sweetened condensed milk
600ml thickened cream


-Line a lamington pan with baking paper. Layer malt biscuits over the pan base, cutting to fit if  necessary so that the base is completely covered.
-With the crunchies still in their wrapper, use a rolling pin and crush the chocolate bars so that they  are broken into small pieces.
-Using an electric mixer, beat the sweetened condensed milk and the cream in a large bowl until  thick and pale. Stir through crushed crunchie bars.
-Spread mixture over the biscuits. Top with another layer of biscuits and freeze until firm. Cut into  squares and serve.

:Variation ... You could replace the Crunchie bars with other chocolate bars to change it up.

Don't Blink

I know I have said it many times before, but I am going to say it again anyway.

My how time flies....

 And it was never more evident to me then in the past week, when big things happened in our youngest sons lives.

As parents, we have already watched our eldest teens graduate high school with wonderful results and enter the next stage of their lives. And now the time has come to watch as teen number three begins the next part of his journey. 

Last week the time came to sit the interview and re-enrol him as a senior student for 2014.......

How can this be ? It seems that only yesterday we watched him take his first steps, and now it is almost time for him to begin one of the most important stages in life. 

As we sat listening to him answer questions and watching him interact with the interviewer in such a grown up way, I realised just how much he has grown and matured. 

It made me smile with joy at the confidant young man he has become and it made my heart sad as I came to the realisation that our boy was not our "little boy" anymore !

I am not ready.

I should not have blinked....

It seems that life is going by way to fast, and I for one feel as though I am fighting a loosing battle.

I want to keep my children small, just a little longer.

Teen number four, our youngest and my baby has achieved amazing success in his first year of high school. On Monday night we attended the Annual Awards Night to witness his success first hand, and watch as he received an Academic Merit Award.

I was so proud to see him up on stage in his formal uniform accepting this wonderful award, so proud that tears formed in my eyes as I realised that not only was my baby doing such an awesome job at his schooling, but that this was indeed my baby up there in front of that audience looking so grown up. A high school student, standing tall and proud. 

He is growing up way to fast. My baby is no longer my baby but a handsome, confidant young man.

I should not have blinked...

Life is racing ahead. I am trying to keep up, but all I want is for it to slow down.

I am not ready to let them all go.

I want to keep my children small, just a little longer.

It amazes me that as we grow older the years seem to pass by much more quickly. Its as though time is laughing at us, mocking us, poking fun at us.

Yesterday my sons were babes in arms, now they strong independent young men, making me ever so proud to be their mum even though I do wish that I could rewind time and keep them small and under my wing forever.

Its hard, an impossibility.

But try not to blink.....