Market Fun......

So it appears that not only do I love a challenge, but it seems I love to challenge myself!
As if I haven't got enough to do this close to Christmas, I've thrown in a blog now too and if that's not enough to keep my mind busy......I thought I'd host a 'backyard market'  this sunday to top it all off!

Although my time is not really my own right now, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was having fun!

Getting stuck into the garden in preparation has given Pip and I the surge we needed to finally give our renovated home the final push to make it complete.....only taken about six years! We've been clearing, planting, using fun tools like the drop saw and nail gun, and I have to say it's looking good (although if the damn bush mice would get out of our veggie patch so it could thrive again, I'd be a lot happier........any suggestions?)
I've been crafting (details on what later) conversing with MANY local craftsman in our area and walking the streets delivering flyers........with the help of three little munchkins! It's been pretty time consuming, but with all the support behind the day, we're so hopeful it will be worth while!

Why a backyard market I hear you say........Well its been on my mind for a while, figuring out how I can  encourage people to think local. Help people become aware of how many talented craftsman we have in our area (even I've been surprised!) and just think about alternative gift ideas this Christmas that doesn't  involve plastic/mass produced goods, that to be honest usually come from other countries.

Then I stumbled upon this post by Frog, Goose and Bear that described a market she attended which sounded similar to what I had in my mind, so this gave me the courage to know I can do it............
So we have a nice range of craft stalls being held. We'll have a potter, two different types of jewellery, a wood turner, hand bags, kids clothes, beautiful foods perfect for xmas indulgence, handicrafts by a teenager up the road, local honey and me with my.......array of crafts (not really sure what category I go under hehe).There is even going to be a sausage sizzle thanks to the skills of Pip!!
There has been a lot more interest in stall holders but I think with the date I've set being the first weekend in December, people start getting busy, so many couldn't join this time round. Note: late November appears a better time if you thinking of holding your own.

Have to say I'm feeling a little nervous right now, just thinking of the chance of rain and thinking we could have these beautiful crafts out and ready for viewing, but nobody will come! Only time will tell I guess........so watch this space!

Meet My Family!

We are an average Sydney suburban based family, living the dream of owning our own home (well the bank really) having a dog, fish, chooks and 3 kids!  Unfortunately this really isn't our dream though.........We aspire to get out of the rat race, be alot more self sufficient, have acres of space around us where the kids can explore, camp, ride their motor bikes and fish all in their own back yard.  I know we will get there one day, but for now we are grateful to settle doing all these things on our 980sqm block instead!!

So who do we have.......

Pip - my husband of 12 years now and an amazing person. He's someone that gets on with everyone, but is shy to jump in there in the first place. He's incredibly hard working (to the point of sacrifice) he cherishes his kids and loves to enjoy a good 'ride' on his motorbike! He's funny, very dry witted and of course tall dark and handsome! If I could use just one word to describe him it would be dedicated.

Bib - Shes our first born girl, and is now 6....where did that time go! She is the nurturer of our kids.....the little mother hubbard! You can almost tell what she's going to be like as an adult already! At school she did a speech on how she wants to be a nurse when she grows up, and I'd say that really sums her up..... .. She's funny, clever and a really good person to have around you.(except when shes having a 'taurus moment'!) She's full of a beautiful energy and I truly believe she's an old sole.

Stooge - He on the other hand, well he has definitely not been here before and therefore feels the need to learn things the hard way every time! He is 4 right now and an ever source of energy!! When he's up he's up to get busy and when he's down he's crashed. He is a very caring boy who loves 'helping others' .....even little bugs he's found stuck on their backs hehe.  He's very self confident and doesn't care at all what people think or say about him  (hence the array of dress ups we wear to school every day......more about that another time!). He's forever thinking and creating and has an energy that outdoes anyone!

Rouge - she's our littlest one who gets smothered by the older two, but has no trouble in standing up for herself. She is VERY strong willed and knows exactly how to get what she wants, when she wants. (usually this involves a very loud scream!) She appears little and innocent, and then she gets going! She has a cheeky little grin that melts everyone she tries it on and looks different to the older 2 (hence 'rouge') so is just so special in her own right.

Me - um, well.....I'm the 2nd of 5 children (first girl born though!) and according to my little sister "am a little bit out there". I'm frugal, thrifty and trying my hardest to raise 3 children who are conscious of others, tread lightly on earth and know the value of self worth. (3 of the best qualities in a person I believe......but more on that later too)
I love good company, music of any kind, good food and a nice wine. I love exploring and getting out and about, spending time with my family. I love all things crafty and I'm the kind of person that sees something and says 'pppfffttt I'm not paying that.....I'll make it myself!" So there is always some sort of building, creating, sewing or general DIY project going on in our house. 
Luckily for me I have a patient husband and eager kids who want to get in and help too.
My favourite sound in the world is children's laughter, my favourite smell is the fangipani  and my favourite flower is the hibiscus.

We have a big lab who is 3 1/2 called Duke, ( I love, Pip hates)  2 chickens (rainbow girl and water boy.....guess whos is who!) and too many fish to count and name (Pip love, I hate!) And that's pretty much it..........until we make it out of the rat race anyway!!

It's Time!!

Ok.....so I've put off blogging for so long I'm just going to jump in the deep end!!!!

I have some seasoned blogging friends who have suggested I get blogging in the past, and it's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but there just wasn't enough hours in the day (or so I thought). Raising three busy little people can take alot of the focus away from ourselves and I know I've found myself in the last six years just drifting away and getting completely focused on them.......forgetting what it is I like and love........but this year has thrown me some drastic reminders that we're here for a good time and not a long time.

So what am I waiting for? Now is as good a time as a any ........

So here in my blog, my aim is to write about stuff I like (am a good talker so it really could be anything!) share things I love (food, creating, upcycling, where do I stop!) and generally bring out the good and greatful me again :)

This is also my chance to perhaps allow my kids an insight into my world when they a little and become more insightful into them as they grow older. It's a journey I'm excited to be taking, and I do hope you travel along with me.............

Claudia x