Tag: life

2018 · life · Uncategorized

Need to rest, but so busy!

JustBindy1 Comment

Hey friends,

So it’s Monday, which means new blog post day… Except it’s 6:45pm at night and I do not have some amazing new post to share.
To be honest I’ve been in survival mode a little lately, I have a lot to do and I love being busy and doing things, but then coupled with a few sleepless nights my body crashed. My doctor said I burnt myself out 110% and my body was crashing- big time… I’m meant to be resting, rest doesn’t really happen when you are a mum of 2 small children and a wife to a shift worker. So I just try and get what I need to do and make sure in the evening I am taking some time out.
Over the weekend we had our first working bee for the kindy and I feel it was so successful, we got a lot done and it was a beautiful and social get together. I really love being actively involved in LuLu’s kindy. How involved are you at kindy/school?
I am the “plus one” person for the executive committee and I am also on the fundraising and tech committee. Trent is the maintenance officer for 2018, a role that suits him well. He is a builder by trade and loves helping out where he can. On Saturday he ran his first working bee and I’m quiet proud of him!

On Sunday we had a busy day, the lawns had to be mowed, then groceries – all before church! Then church, lunch at church and then out to a small local town to see LuLu’s artwork in the show! And what a surprise for her, when we got out there it had a ribbon on it! I’m not sure what the ribbon means, but we will get them back to kindy shortly and find out! She was so excited and we are very proud of her!

Today Trent was back at work, it was my first Monday flying solo to do kindy drop off & pick up and also gymnastics. So just the 2 kids and I, and I have survived, kids are asleep and house is tidy! Trent just walked in the door, so I best go serve him some dinner and then get back to resting!

Have a lovely week guys, I will be back on Friday with another easter haul, if you haven’t already seen my latest video click HERE.

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2017 · life · positivity · reflection · Sunday series · truth

Sunday series on a Friday… {Contentment}

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Hey friends,

Let’s talk contentment… Being content., happy where you are, at peace with what you’ve got – you know the deal.
I shared the other night on insta-stories that I found tremendous peace with where I am currently at with my little blog. In this “online world” every single thing is numbers, it matters greatly how many views, followers, likes, shares, etc – everything, every single number matters and you know what… I’m kind of a bit done with having it be that way. I am sick of watching my numbers go up and down. And wondering what I am doing wrong or right. Bottom line is, I am me – I put out the content I feel I need to and what I want to share. Like me or don’t like me, that’s fine.
I said in that post that I am aware I’m a small fish in a big pond & I’m fine with that, that suits me fine – I’m like 5ft/5ft 1 – being little suits me.
That very next morning I woke up to an inner voice trying to tell me, I’m small because I’m not worthy to be anything else… You know the voice, that voice that comes into your mind and undermines your positive thoughts, the voice that tries to drown out the quiet and loving voice we should all be listening for – you know the one, the voice that means nothing good.
And I let it eat at me, it got me down briefly.
And then I realised my worthiness, my contentment & joy isn’t found in that negative voice – it’s found in the one that’s whispering to me, reminding me about the Mums I have encouraged, the positive messages I get weekly, the beautiful connections I’ve made, reminding me of what I have achieved in my “online career” and assuring me what I put out there is useful and needed in this world of many voices. My voice maybe small, but my message matters.
I think this can be compared to so many scenarios in our everyday life, we feel content and then a voice of doubt creeps in, we compare, we lose that joy and secure feeling and suddenly we aren’t happy, we are envious and we are negative.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13
“I am not saying this because I am need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
That is spot on, Jesus is the one who gave me my contentment and it wasn’t His voice trying to fill my mind with doubt. But that of the enemy.
I pray you remember this when a negative voice tries to drown out your positive and content thoughts.

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I’m so content with my 2 little loves.

I hope this post encouraged you today friends…
Each of our lives and paths are different, but we are all where we are meant to be and still slowly moving to where we are intended to be, all part of a greater plan. We can either be content and at peace with that or be miserable. I chose the joy, each and every darn time, because I want a joy filled life. Even if my current place isn’t the ideal in my mind or the times life is a bit chaotic or hard, I don’t control the end game – that’s out of my hands, but I have faith.
So yes, I will keep striving for more, working and aiming higher – but that doesn’t mean I am not content with where I am. I am grateful for my little platform and I’m thankful you are here to read my post.
Thank you.
Are you feeling content with where you are at?
What are you working towards currently?

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2017 · christmas · video · youtube

Meeting Santa’s Reindeer. {Vlogmas day 4}

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Hey friends,

So, so far I have uploaded for 4 days consecutively, woo hoo go me… Going into vlogmas I was a little worried how I would go, but that being said the month is still young and I will congratulate myself properly on boxing day.
Anyway, on Saturday our local shopping centre hosted Santa’s arrival complete with a reindeer to meet!
Naturally we were there eagerly waiting to see Santa and his sweet friend and I vlogged that day – well, the best I could, on my own with 2 small children…
To check out our vlog from that day, please click HERE.
And a few snaps of the star of the show, “Radar” the red deer…

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I hope you all have had a lovely weekend.
I hope you enjoyed our first “daily vlog” for Vlogmas… If you have any video requests please let me know in the comments. 
If you have missed some of the vlogmas videos so far you can watch
DAY 1,
DAY 2 &
DAY 3 –
by clicking on them. Or check out my youtube channel HERE.
Have a lovely day
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2017 · christmas · video · vlogmas · youtube

VLOGMAS Day 1.

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Hey friends,
So after much deliberation and then asking my instagram followers I have decided to do VLOGMAS this year…
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Vlogmas for those that don’t know is one video per day between the 1st of December until the 25th.
To check out my first video please click HERE.

If you have any suggestions for videos you would like to see during vlogmas please comment below or connect with me on social media!
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Have a great weekend!
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2017 · christmas · tips

5 tips to stay sane with THE ELF ON THE SHELF! 

JustBindy1 Comment

Hi friends…
It’s the 27th of November… Despite that being both of my brother’s birthday, it is also 3 days until DECEMBER!!
Meaning, if you have an Elf on the Shelf – his arrival is coming up rather quickly…
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For today’s post I have 5 tips to make your elf’s visit pleasant rather than stressful…

  1. Make a plan, but don’t be too strict. I set out a monthly plan so I have inspiration and a general idea of what will happen – but I know I can easily swap days around, I also leave a few days blank so I can see how our month is going and add in plans we come up with later on. I even coordinated a few days with my best friend, so our kids can have Christmas themed play dates on certain days that the elf will announce. Having a plan is my top tip or even just 25-30 rough ideas of how to stage it, or just make a Pinterest board of elf ideas you love & wish to recreate. Basically, just have some ideas going into December with what you want to do. (Also have a plan for nights that you can’t be stuffed doing much with it, or a plan in case you forget to move it!)
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  2. Don’t go overboard, do not set unrealistic expectations or plan too big… December is a busy and big month for everyone – add in planing and setting up an extra visitor every night can be a lot of work. Keep it simple.
  3. Use what you have, don’t feel the need to buy all new props for the elf. Raid your kids toys. Our Generation, Lego, Barbie, basically any toys are great for elf accessories and props – even your Christmas decor!
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  4. Have fun, with it. Don’t view it as a chore – encourage your husband to even think up a few stunts for the elf so you can set it up together. Don’t over think it, like I said in point 2, just keep it simple and just have fun. Remember why you are doing it, it’s meant to bring happiness not stress…
  5. Your family, your rules… Everyone does the elf on the shelf differently, some people let the kids touch the elf, some don’t… Sometimes the elf comes earlier than December 1st & others only visit for 12 days before Christmas. Some elves just do funny antics, some bring little gifts or treats and some announce daily activities or do a combination of all! Every elf is unique – do what works for you and your family. There is no set rules, the elf & it’s antics can be as simple or as extravagant as you want… Don’t compare your elf to others. Comparison is the thief of joy, even with elves!
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Do you do Elf on the Shelf? What is your top tip for staying sane while staging your festive little friend?
Let me know below or on my social media…
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Keep an eye on my social media, I will share a photo of our elf Kringle’s new house this week!
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2017 · christmas · video

Christmas decor haul {VLOG}

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Hi friends,

I cannot believe in 1month & 1 day we will be celebrating Christmas! Our elf on the shelf plans are coming together and my house is starting to feel very Christmassy… (If you like I can share some of our elf plans in the next blog post on Monday! In my last blog post HERE I shared our 2017 festive bucket list!)

I went shopping with my best friend the other week & purchased a few (a lot) of new Christmas items… So of course, I thought I would film a haul video to share with you all!
Click HERE to check out the video! I have purchased some extra Christmas things since filming this video, so make sure you keep an eye on my instagram, because I will share those over there!
Now on the topic of videos, I’m considering doing vlogmas… Maybe? Thoughts? (Vlogmas for those that don’t know, is 1 video everyday between 1-25th December…) 

Let me know what your favourite item from the haul was in the comments below, or catch up with me on my social media! (I would love to see your latest Christmas decor finds too!)
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(I have a competition running to win a December Domestic Goddess box, to enter check out THIS POST!)
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2017 · domestic engineering · giveaway · housewife · housework · youtube

Domestic Goddess box {GIVEAWAY}

JustBindy2 Comments

Hey friends,
Today I would love to show you all a brand new subscription box service that one of my favourite bloggers & dear friends, Anne from Domesblissity has created…
The “Domestic Goddess” subscription box…  For more info please read HERE.
This box is full of hand selected items by Anne that are targeted for a certain theme each month, the month of November is “doing the dishes”…  Each box also includes special & indulgent products for the “domestic goddess” of the home!
To check out my unboxing video please click HERE.

If you would like to purchase a box or subscribe for a monthly parcel please click HERE and you can use the coupon code of ‘SUBSCRIBE5’ for $5 off your first box!
I also have a December 2017/Christmas subscription box to give away! So if you would like to enter please head on over to my Facebook & Instagram, find the image and make sure you enter!
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Good luck friends!
Please check out Anne on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE & her blog HERE.
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2017 · life

Life update. {Video/house tour}

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Hey friends,
Yesterday I asked on Insta stories if you would prefer to read a random blog post or for me to share a bit of personal life update/video… The life update won, so here we go…
Many of you would have clued onto this by now, but we have moved.
We sold our house last month, moved towns and are currently renting (argh…) but it’s short term & I keep focusing on the end goal… Mid next year, we will be moving into our newly built home and I cannot wait. We are in the final stages currently of finalising the plan.
Now, I never thought I would build a house and the only reason I am confident to build is because Trent is a builder and can explain everything so well to me, even if he has to actually measure out every room and show me that way, because I don’t understand a plan… Sorry Trent. But he is great & he has come up with some great adjustments to the original plan to make the home more functional for us… We are also building with a great local company who have been really easy & wonderful to work with.
The only thing we are stuck on is if I should use his old work bench as my kitchen island… I really want an old rustic kitchen island & I love his work bench, it came with our first home and is an old rail way workshop bench… I keep asking if I can put it in the house, so far I haven’t been able to convince him… What do you think?

So if you would like to check out the video (which also includes a very real/chaotic house tour) click HERE.
So that explains why my site has been a little slow lately, life has just been pure chaos!
Now this move to many of you may seem spur of the moment but it isn’t, we’ve been quietly planning this move all year. Moving has been on the cards for us since last year & earlier this year we put our house up for sale, unfortunately we listed with an agent who didn’t have our best interest at heart and also in a slow market, but thankfully we found a new agent and a buyer & now here we are. We have been looking at properties all year,   we went to inspect so many places I have lost count, we were tossing up between buying a farm or a small town block, and we decided to go ahead with a rural residential block in a really nice area of a small town we’ve grown to love. A small farm maybe on the cards for our next house move when the kids are older, but for now with very small children it wasn’t very realistic for us.
I know our house we moved from was lovely and very big & many of you have questioned why we moved, but it wasn’t the perfect long term house for us, it did serve us well for the time we needed it and we miss the pool & the house purely for sentimental reasons… One major flaw with that home was no linen closet!! WHAT THE? The people who designed the house clearly have no linen, unlike me! And that was 1 of many countless things that weren’t functional in that home, but knowing those flaws have benefited us greatly in designing our new home…
We are very happy to have the house sold and my stress levels are so much lower & living in a new & more positive area for us personally has been incredible. Many of you know the last 2 years have been very hard on me personally, that was also a factor in this move – moving somewhere kind & that wasn’t tarnished by “he said, she said” nonsense & full of people who meddle & cause trouble. I love the Toowoomba/Highfields/Meringandan area but it became a place we no longer felt good in.
So that’s where we are at… We are thankful that life is slowly calming down now and we are settling into a new rhythm for our everyday.
If you have any questions please comment below or on my social media. Or please give me some advice for designing/building a house!!!
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2017 · honesty · motherhood · mothering · positivity · real · youtube

Mum TAG video | Seek the joy.

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Hi friends,
Happy Friday! Today’s video is one I filmed a few weeks ago, a “Mum Tag” – if you would like to watch it click HERE… (It’s a bit of a long one so maybe go get a cuppa or a drink & a snack!)
I apologise for being a little scatter brained in the video – my brain has been chaos lately & filming with kids is a bit of a challenge!

I just want to touch on the subject that I went off on a bit of tangent with at the end and make my point clear, in the video it got a little rambly & I was distracted so I didn’t make my point exactly, so lets talk about…
Looking for the joy daily….
I’ve been criticised in the past online for being “too positive” or not promoting the real side of motherhood… I am real, I speak my own truth and what I put online is my life – it isn’t staged or fake – I am me. I like things a certain way, I do clean too much & 98% of the time I absolutely love being a Mumma & a wife, I truly do feel it’s what I’m here to do… The other 2% of the time is usually when I am in a zombie state and can barely make myself a cup of tea I am so tired or sick and feel like I am failing – those days can suck…. Those days, they aren’t so wonderful – but they are there… Just like every Mumma in this world, I struggle some days too. But I’m not about to start trashing my kids & husband online and being crass & classless just for likes and comments, I am not going to focus on the negativity. I do motherhood my way –  just like I blog my own way, I relish in the good days and note down why they were so wonderful and on the hard days when I feel like I’ve failed or like my life is off course, I search for 1 tiny good thing to hold onto and focus on. 1 thing that shined during that gloomy day. I scrape through the remains of the day, searching for something that shone. Then I hold on to it, treasure it and toss the rest away.
I focus on the sparkle. I refuse to dwell on what goes wrong. 10 years from now I will have no desire at all to read how hard my life was. Because I am not hard done by, my life is what I make of it. I chose this life & it is up to me to make the most of it.
My life 10 years ago as a 19 year old was hard, I know that, to be honest it was one of the most dreadful times of my life & I wish I could forget it, I didn’t document every single day where I struggled or the awful things that happened. I just know it – to be honest I wish I could erase the awful parts from my memory. Life is hard, every season brings new highs & lows – at the end of my life I want to have my brain trained so I am replaying my highlight reel, I am remembering the good, what went right, all the magic in the small monotonous  everyday moments… That’s what I want to remember. I don’t want to be dwelling on the negativity & what went wrong.
I am not saying lie or pretend everything is perfect – no one’s life is perfect. I am just sharing with you what works for me to maintain my sanity.
In my life I have a lot that isn’t perfect and a lot that really hurts, I have countless reasons to throw my hands in the air and declare life is too hard, but I refuse to sit around and be miserable about it. I find the more I dwell on something the worse it is. I don’t give negative moments too much attention or thought, I find negativity explodes with attention. “What you feed will grow” 
I want the positivity to grow, so that’s what I chose to focus on & highlight.
Doing project 365 (1 photo everyday for 1 year) I feel truly helps me, everyday I am training my mind to look for the good, the magic moments. The everyday sparkle & be thankful. My brain is so conditioned now to seek the joy & focus on that, that most days I don’t even need to think hard or try to find something. Of course there are days when it’s not so glorious – but that is life. There are highs & lows…
So friends, I encourage you if you are having a rough day, search for one thing that is awesome about your day. Or if you are searching for something to do to document your everyday during 2018 (yes, because 2018 is now just under 2 months away!) I highly recommend doing Project 365 – do it your own way, write about and document what matters to you… I started a new Instagram account at the start of 2017 to document ours, and at the end of this year (or lets be honest, somewhere probably around February 2018) – I will make 2 photo books for the kids and they will have that forever.
I hope this post has encouraged you a little. Motherhood can be rough, I get it. But try focusing on what went right instead of what went wrong at the end of today.

Have a wonderful weekend,
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If you would like to check out my Project 365, it is @Tbltscott on Instagram. Feel free to send a follow request – I will be accepting a few blog followers! I am very cautious about how much personal info/photos of my kids I share publicly online, so I will be selective with who I approve – but I have some absolutely amazingly supportive & beautiful blog followers and would love you guys to share in our everyday. Please don’t be offended if I don’t accept you, it probably is because I don’t recognise your username. Sorry.

2017 · life · motherhood · mothering · Uncategorized

Time out…

JustBindyLeave a comment

Hi friends…
Sorry for the silence, I took a week off, sometimes you need to do that.
Life is busy, like whirlwind full on nonstop busy! And I found I was spreading myself between one to many commitments and I couldn’t do any of them 100% and that just isn’t good for anyone and I was burning myself out, so I took a week off.
My main focus is always my family and everything comes 2nd to them – this week was a big one for our little family and I needed to focus 110% on that, (that will be discussed soon enough.)
But for now can I just say I am tired, like beyond tired. It has been an incredibly busy week, but it’s all slowing down – a few more days of fairly constant chaos and hopefully I’ll have more time to dive back into ModernWifeLife31.

For today’s blog post I just wanted to give some encouragement to any Mummas who maybe feeling worn out or like you have over committed. My advice is work out what is top priority to you. Your family, perhaps you work – so obviously that’s important, your health & general well being should be in your top 3 and whatever else that works for you – mentally make note of your top 3 important areas of life. Focus on them, if you are feeling spread to thin start saying no, drop some of the outside commitments. Our mental, emotional and general health are so important and if we are burning ourselves out, that will benefit no one. We will just exhaust and break ourselves. We must take care of ourselves in order to care for others. Remember this! This is crucial. Running ourselves into the ground so we are totally burnt out is no good, we need to stay strong and well so we can care for those we love… (Because honestly, being sick as a mum sucks and we don’t need that!) 
So say no, decline an invite, don’t volunteer for that extra project, ask for help, put something on hold, let something go for a short time – do whatever works for you to lessen the load on you.
If you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or just need to reset, check out this blog post full of great tips HERE.

We can’t do it all, we try to – I know… But sometimes something has to give before we give out completely. I’m sorry my little blog was the thing that needed to give – I promise I will be back in full force soon, but for now I am just taking a little break – life is chaos & my brain & body is just a bit tired.
If you have emailed or messaged me, I am working on replies – sorry I haven’t been as speedy as normal!
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Chat soon,
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