… has involved a lot of “getting nowhere fast”, running around and general busyness.
I have had some freelance work to get done ~ urgently. (like invites for a client’s Christmas party pictured here)
And with a swirling list of this and that forming a tornado inside my head, I took the opportunity this morning to spend some time at the local library. (the pest man came to spray so the house was off limits for at least two hours).
First up, I had forgotten how GREAT the library was. I had forgotten, for instance, they have a wall of magazines to sit and peruse. I plan to schedule a little quiet time at the library more often.
I took the time at the library to write lists ~ of everything. Work, house, children, blog, to do, to make, to cook. Then I prioritised some of the lists. And I felt much better.
So here in the creative space, back home, is my diary, my lists, favourite pens, and a “prototype” for a download I was working on. At the back is some reading that I would really like to get stuck in to, including some new magazines. Might have to put that on the list.
Which brings me to the other part of my creative space ~ a little giveaway.
One of those magazines is the Christmas issue of Inside Out, which I picked up at the newsagent today, to perhaps thumb through at the library if the occasion arose. Except, I got home to discover the same issue in my mailbox. Huh.
So I am giving away my extra copy ~ new condition, $8.95 value plus postage. Click here to see some snaps from the issue. It’s divine.
Mr random.org will pick a winner on Monday morning. Just leave a comment here and if you are so inclined, tell us one of your favourite things about Christmas or perhaps a favourite Christmas tradition. (and yes, I will ship internationally).
More creativity going on over at Kirsty’s
Hello! I'm Kellie and here I collect inspiration ~ beautiful photos, words on creativity, lovely printables and handmade items. I love autumn, cameras, and of course, the colour lime.
Ooooh, how lovely! That happens to me a lot–receiving the issue in the mail right after you purchase it. (I kind of thought I was the only person to ever do that. I’m glad to find out I’m not!)
Favorite tradition for Christmas? Advent calendars. Even though I had them as a child, and my children always have them, and they are so simple–they never fail to delight!
xoxo.
I’d love to get a copy, it looks like a great magazine.
My favorite tradition is one my mom started when we were kids, she’d give us each out own ornament on Christmas Eve. I’m doing it with my kids now too, I hope one day our tree will just be full of those ornaments. One day they’ll get to take them home to their own families.
The library is great! I am also blown away every time I go there. With a little child I don’t get much quiet time, it’s more putting back things as he tornados through the kids section. I love the variety and quality of things they have…..I also like how each one is a little different!
We always did the same thing at Christmas time as kids. Mum (control freak discouraged us from decorating….she is a lovely woman really). We left food out for santa, and a pillow cases at the end of our bed for santa to fill with presents.
I am not a control freak (wish I was a bit more) and I am giving my son a bauble each year to decorate and then hang on the tree. The first one (1 year old) has his hand print! He is into scribbles now, so looking forward to this year!
You reminded me of what a nice silent place a library can be! I should go more often. And it seems like you got a whole lot done in there!
I love foreign publications so I’m crossing my fingers and hoping Mr Random likes me
One of the the traditions we look forward to the most is the elaborate Christmas breakfast we have which consists of at least 23 different things.
Wow, I just posted about my favourite things about Christmas and Christmas traditions – such as the Mario Kart tournament on Christmas Day and more (too much to write here). Check it out at http://yumchocolatecupcakes.blogspot.com
I love those pens…they are my favourites too.
I love libraries and bookshops as well!
And i definatly need lists, I cannot live without!!
The library is such a good place to go and it can be a little haven away from the world (and the pest control man). You have reminded me to go and start a new list so I don’t feel overwhelmed..thanks x
ps I love magazines!
the magasine looks amasing and i so envy you for chrismas – we celebrate Hanukka around the same time – but chrismas allways relates to me as the gathering of family and decorating the tree…
I just think the photos your upload of your space are always so beautiful.
That is such a good idea – getting away from home to organise your thoughts! I think I need to make a trip to the library too
I get my Inside Out delivered too, so don’t enter me in the giveaway, but it is a great idea to share the love! (I’ve done that before too!) K
Beautiful post!! It sounds like a busy life at the moment but so organized in the same breath…I think I need some library time!
Kellie, you’ve certainly inspired me to break free from the chaos of my home and visit the library. If I pay my overdue fines, I might even be able to borrow something! lol! Your wave of organisation is very inspiring too. Hope those lists prove ultra-useful.
As for my fav. thing about Christmas, it would have to be decorating our home with our beloved Christmas treasures – many handmade. It always makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I always pop on some Christmas carols to get me in the spirit while I decorate.
Lists are good. I need more lists. Then I could list all my lists on a list, or is that just going overboard ? My favourite thing about Christmas has to be putting up the tree and seeing the delight on the kids faces, fairy lights, I’m just a sucker for them
Isn’t amazing how therapeutic writing lists can be. Even better if they can be written in the peace and quiet of library.
I would love to be in the running for your giveaway – Inside Out is a great mag. My favourite Christmas tradition is defintiely decorating the tree!
glad you found some peace and magazine fun at the library ~ lists at least clear your head!
re fav thing about christmas ~ presents first thing in the morning {after coffee of course}
I love the library too but never get there enough. It always surprises me how many great books, cds, dvds, mags, etc that you can browse and borrow for free….! Great when I’m going through a ‘phase’ like slow cooking or knitting or gardening… Loving the paper art in the mag too. Fav thing about christmas? Has to be lazing around with the kids while they discover their new toys and play in the wrapping paper.
We pull out our garlic on Christmas day. Our library is too small and busy to provide much solice.
The library IS great isn’t it?! I forget too until I manage to get there on my own – It’s just awful with the Punk, something about the quiet & all the aisles makes her CRAZY & she won’t quit running around, squealing & pulling things out…!!
My fave thing about xmas is our own little family tradition – we go out to lunch on Christmas day somewhere fancy shmancy. I LOVE getting dressed up & not having to cook or clean or anything, and the food is always devine & it just makes the whole day so increadibly special…. ah… you’ve got me counting down the days!!
We are not having Christmas over here, but I remember as a child growing at the States how much fun it was all around =0)
Can’t wait to buy my copy of Inside Out! It is a beautiful mag. Nesting ideas galore
I was only looking at this mag and stopped myself from picking it up because I’ve bought so many in the last week…
I’m not sure I have a christmas tradition yet…ahh maybe…my kids wake up at a ridiculous hour to see Santa’s goodies…that’s a tradition that I love…
Tam xo
the library is such a great place! i love it. and lists, i love lists.
one of my favourite family christmas traditions is from when we were kids – my mum, sisters and i would always make christmas chocolates to give out to friends and family. these days i have adapted it a little and make decorated gingerbreads (the christmas chocolate molds having disappeared over time)
I’m right with you on the like making – it just clears your mind and then you can, hopefully, start getting on with the things!!
My favourite, recent, Christmas tradition is putting our the mince pie and carrot for Father Christmas and Rudolf – of course only since children have been on the scene. I had a huge laugh a couple of years ago when my then 3 year old very carefully plaved the items on the hearth where we had a fire lit and shouted up the chimney “Don’t burn your bum Santa!”. x
I love a good list writing session, often before I go to bed at night (helps me go off to sleep)
Lists and libraries and a giveaway….a great combination
I used to LOVE the library – thanks for reminding me! But I have to admit it’s not so enjoyable with two small boys in loud-destruct-everything mode. Plus I keep getting fines for forgetting to renew things (even when they really couldn’t make it any easier). Must get back there alone some time…
As for a favourite Christmas tradition, it would have to be seeing so many of my family and friends over the space of a few short days – we really make an effort to see as many people as possible at Christmas and I love it in spite of a fair bit of uncomfortable traipsing around in the heat.
Oh, how nice! A great giveaway. Family and good food. Nothing beats it for a better Christmas.
)
Hi
I have been meaning to post a comment to you all week. I love reading your blog. I subscribed only a few weeks or so ago and it inspires me so much. Thank you for all the work you put into, I don’t know how you fit it in your day.
The Inside out issue looks great. I love all the crafts that go with Christmas, and this issue looks like it has some lovely things to make. My daughter gets so excited about Christmas too, which is lovely. She has a Rudolf Chalkboard that she has a countdown of sleeps on it. Very cute. Thank you again.
Thanks for reminding me about the library. I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t actually been to my local one, but I will – a wall of mags would be right up my alley!!
Library’s are forgotten treasure troves aren’t they? My 11yo has suddenly discovered reading and is making regular visits there to get the next book in whatever series she is reading at the time. It’s great to see her loving them too.
A great creative ‘head space’ today.
My favourite thing about Christmas? Decorating the tree. I just love doing it so much. The only problem is that I am a tree decorating control freak. I let the kids help me and then when they’ve gone to bed I ‘adjust’ things so they look just right. Is that bad?
Oh yeah, I love the library!
And my fav chrissy tradition, is putting out cake and carrots for Santa and the reindeer As a kid I can remember how excited I was to find the few crumbs left. And now I am enjoying the wide eyes of my own children. Sweet!
oh kellie, i know exactly what you mean about ideas spinning around your head. lately i feel like that from the minute i wake up. maybe i’ll plan a soothing excursion to the library. your pics are lovely. favorite christmas tradition is christmas itself-all of oit and then the intense relief when it is over
you photos are just amazing! I am such a sucker for christmassy magazines!