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Packing for kids – with FREE printable and a giveaway!

Monday ~ Posted by Karen Schravemade

 

Thank you so much to EzPacking for providing product for this post. All opinions, bad jokes and packing faux-pas are 100% my own.

Packing and me have had issues for a long time now.

I procrastinate about it like crazy. It takes me forever. There’s too much to remember with three kids to pack for, and I always forget something.
And within ten minutes of arriving at our destination, someone needs to get something out of the suitcase and just like that all my neatly folded and segregated piles of kids’ clothing are in one tangled mess.

Today I am going to share something with you that has completed rocked my world. I can’t even begin to explain the awesomeness. PLEASE OBSERVE:

Yes, that is ACTUALLY MY SUITCASE.
I know. I’m shocked too. It looks so neat and orderly.
 
This is the suitcase of an organised person. 
I kind of can’t stop looking at it. It makes me feel like an actual grown-up. A very efficient grown-up at that. I feel like my kids should all be perfectly groomed and perfectly behaved to go along with the image of this perfect suitcase. Also I should probably start speaking in a British accent and saying things like “Spit spot! Run along now, children!” (Because *obviously* all truly organised people speak like Mary Poppins.)
But I digress.
Said suitcase contains five days’ worth of clothes for myself and three kids. (This is the modus operandi at our place – hubby likes to throw a few clothes in a duffel bag and keep his stuff separate.) I could’ve easily fitted in a week’s worth of outfits in the suitcase. Each child has their own little packing cube filled with clothes, and they all slot in together like Lego bricks.
Packing cubes, you ask? What is this magic?
They’re my new secret weapon. I used the complete bundle of packing organisers from EzPacking (U.S. company). When it arrived in the mail, this is what it looked like:
My nerdy organisation-loving heart leapt a little at the sight of these lovely packing cubes. And then I saw these:
I will admit it, I giggled. They just made me think instantly of Sheldon…

So I’m OCD, but I’m not that OCD. However, I shouldn’t mock. A couple of weeks ago my husband went on a business trip overseas. He actually asked me how to fold a T-shirt. As in, he wanted the step-by-step tutorial. I mean, this guy is smart. He can put together business deals like nobody’s business. So how on earth has he lived for 36 years on this sweet earth and still doesn’t know how to fold a T-shirt??
 
Clearly I am enabling this by doing all the laundry in our house. Note to self: slack off on the laundry, honey-cakes.
Moral of the story, clearly my husband would find this device useful. Also it would be entertaining to watch him use it.
Moving along. Here’s how I packed the perfect family suitcase.
First, I used the large cubes for my clothes. This cube was exactly the right size to fit two stacks of T-shirts. I packed five T-shirts, three singlets, two “good” blouses and a dress. I could have easily fitted in a few more outfits if needed.

In the second large cube, I packed five sets of shorts and skirts, and also a pair of jeans folded in half. Again, this was a loose fit – I could’ve fitted more if I wanted to.

When it comes to toiletries, one tip that really works for me is to keep a toiletry bag packed and ready to go at the back of the bathroom vanity. Just about everything comes in miniature these days, so I use the “travel” sizes of all my products, from contact lens solution to shampoo and conditioner.
I also have a separate bag for makeup, and of course no self-respecting woman can travel for more than twelve hours without her hair straightener. (Husband: Why do you need to take that thing?) *Hold me*
Onto the kids. For the boys I used one medium cube each. My five-year-old’s shorts just fitted in lengthwise without doubling them in half, together with a stack of five T-shirts beside, and plenty of room for jocks and socks.
My six-year-old’s shorts needed to be doubled over to fit, but there was still room for five pairs of shorts and five T-shirts. This was more snug, but still not a tight fit. I would have been able to fit in another couple of outfits without putting strain on the zipper. It’s amazing how much air there is in clothes and how much they compress. The packing cubes are very space-saving that way.
I ran out of medium sized cubes at this point, so for my daughter I used the two small cubes. This was great too. One for shorts and skirts – a perfect fit lengthwise for size 3 clothes – and one for T-shirts, undies and hair stuff.
The “extra small cube” was perfect for stashing the kids’ essential toiletries. All I usually pack for the kids is a travel-sized bottle of shampoo or bath-wash, the toothbrushes and toothpaste, a pair of nail scissors, and emergency medication in case of pain or fever.
The complete bundle also included these neat little packages:

The shoe bag – what a fantastic idea!! No more sand and dirt in my nice clean suitcase. The bags could easily fit five pairs of sandals/ ballet flats. When not in use, the bags fold up into a tiny little package with an elastic loop to keep them flat.

 

 

I thought this laundry bag was another really thoughtful touch. For such a small package, it unfolds into a capacious and strong bag for all those dirty clothes.

 

And finally, how clever is this??! It’s a teensy little flat pouch that can just slip down the side of the suitcase, barely taking up any room at all. But if you go a bit overboard with the shopping on your holiday and just can’t fit everything back in your suitcase (what is WITH the way luggage always expands on a trip, anyway?!)… you can unzip your secret pouch, and ta-da! you have an extra duffel bag at your fingertips.

 

So clever. It’s actually quite big, too. It would also be great for if you’re at the airport and about to be hit with excess baggage fees, and you need to quickly transfer some stuff out of your main suitcase and into a carry-on. (You can thank me for that tip when you save a wad of cash on your next trip.)
I love that once you reach your destination, unpacking is just a matter of pulling out an individual cube and placing it in the cupboard. Everyone gets their own cube – no more digging through an entire suitcase of muddled-up clothes in search of that one thing you just KNOW you put in there SOMEWHERE.

 

Here’s a video to show you how it all fits in together:

Right, so that’s the clothes and toiletries sorted in style. (Yes!!) The next step when packing for kids is to think entertainment. Toys can be bulky – but I have a few little tricks up my sleeve here.

Anything lightweight, small or flat is perfect to pack in a suitcase. Try to think of things that allow for extended creative play, rather than toys that they’ll play with once and then be bored.
These magnet books from Tiger Tribe are a great example. They’re thin and lightweight when folded, but they open up to make a nice flat surface to play magnets on. We have a street scene with cars and trucks, an underwater mermaid scene, and a world map for the eldest. These are also really handy to slip into a nappy (diaper) bag on the plane.
I always pack colouring books, sticker books, and some sort of activity book like a dot-to-dot or painting with water.
I keep these in a magazine holder at home, so it’s easy to just grab a quick selection and slip them into a plastic file folder. I always have a pencil case filled and ready to go in the cupboard (this is also handy to grab when rushing out the door to church or some appointment where the kids will need to pass time quietly.)
A4 plastic file folders are also great for puzzles, which otherwise are a nightmare to transport. One wooden child’s puzzle fits in neatly, and when closed, the lid stops the pieces from falling out and getting all muddled.

 

I love Usborne activity cards for the amount of entertainment they pack into a small deck of cards. These don’t take up much room at all. Our kids love the “Doodle cards” best – wipe-clean cards that come with a little dry-erase marker and funny, imaginative instructions.

Lego is always a winner, and it’s miniature sizing makes it perfect for travel (providing you’re willing to risk losing a piece in a hotel room here and there.) Minimise the risk by having an “only play at the table” rule. A sandwich keeper is the perfect size to store a small boxed set of Lego with instructions.

 

Our firm favourite are these Imaginets – magnetic shapes that can be arranged into an endless variety of creative shapes. The kids have gotten more entertainment mileage out of these than just about any other toy we own, and they’ve accompanied us on many family holidays.

 

If you’re travelling by car, it can also be fun to put together little toy kits to keep the kids entertained. Here are some ideas I came up with for different interests and age groups, using a divided lunchbox:

 

To help you get your packing mojo on, I’ve put together this handy printable checklist of everything you’ll need to pack for the whole family. Just tick and flick, and feel instantly organised. You can download it here.
If you want your suitcases to look THIS organised, don’t forget to check out EzPacking’s website and click on the SHOP tab. I used the complete bundle, but there’s also a cheaper starter bundle if you want to start small. Packing cubes are also available separately for a very reasonable price, so you can mix and match to suit your needs, and add to your collection over time.  I’m totally in love with this product!
That’s why it’s such great news that the good folks at EzPacking are giving away ONE COMPLETE BUNDLE this week to one lucky reader.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. My Aussie friends – I do sincerely apologise. You ARE able to order from EzPacking, but you’ll need to factor in about $50-$70 for shipping – if you’re interested, just contact them here for a personalised quote.
To my U.S. friends – good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Family holiday in Tasmania.
Let’s chat: Do you love packing or hate it? What tips and tricks would you add for packing with kids? And just for fun… what’s your dream holiday destination?
I link up at these parties!
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Categories: Featured, Home, Kids, Organise

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Lovely comments

  1. Emily Chirico says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    Wow! I can&#39t believe how much you managed to fit in one suitcase! These look really useful. Thanks for the giveaway.

  2. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    You&#39re so welcome Emily! Good luck! And yes, it is amazing how much you can fit in when it&#39s all compartmentalised like that. 🙂

  3. Katie says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    Dream vacation would definitely be to Hawaii, and this could help keep all of our stuff organized!

  4. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:52 am

    Hawaii would be amazing!!

  5. Monique Esterhuyse says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    Oh I love this post! What a wonderful way to
    travel. Unfortunately this product would be far too expensive to buy here South
    Africa, but I will certainly keep my eyes open for alternatives to pack this
    way. And I love that toiletry bag of yours! I absolutely hate packing, because
    it always seems like we want to take the whole house along, it takes forever
    and everybody makes fun of our baggage. On the upside, we are never caught
    without something we should have packed. Early in our marriage I started the mother
    of all packing lists in a Word table, and absolutely everything is on there. I
    expanded the list to include the children, even with notes about what is
    needed at what age and during pregnancy… and then just the other day our
    perfect track record came crashing down when we were halfway to the next town
    and I realized I didn&#39t pack underpants for the boys… we hadn&#39t travelled
    since they both completed their potty-training, and it wasn’t on the list! I
    even thought about them while packing, but thought, no, I&#39ll get to them later
    on the list. Not. I will certainly take a look at your packing list and see if I can improve my own. My expanded list is in dire need of some order and categorization. You have some great tips
    about the toys and entertainment, thank you! I try to keep toys going along to
    a minimum, as I find that my boys are usually much more interested in the new
    things at our destination than the toys we brought along. Even on the road I
    found that the sights on the way seem to keep them entertained – at least now
    that they are 3 and 5 – even for a five-hour journey. I throw in a few
    favourite storybooks, a playmat with roads on it and a few cars, and we are
    good to go. Dream holiday destination? Ha! Any accommodation that includes
    three meals a day and preferably laundry as well. And if it could be at the
    beach and have a few easy hiking trails and beautiful views, all the better!

  6. Tina says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    I love how organized your suitcase looks. We just got back from traveling for my brother&#39s wedding and I wish my suitcase looked like yours!!!

  7. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:52 am

    Believe me, Tina, this is a first for me as well! 😉

  8. Haley says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    The organization looks so wonderful! I usually use a large duffel suitcase and throw clothes for all three of us in it. Sometimes if I&#39m really organized, I&#39ll separate them by person in a backpack or other bag, but that doesn&#39t happen often.

    My dream vacation would probably be South Africa.

  9. Susan McIntosh says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Okay, I am so envious of your very organized suitcase! I would love to travel to Costa Rica with my family.

  10. HeatherC says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    My dream vacation would be to Thailand! It would be even dreamier to pack so organized;)

  11. Elise Jay says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    This suitcase is a DREAM!!! 🙂 I don&#39t have any children, but I would love for MY suitcase to be this organized.
    Dream vacation= Paris!

  12. Emily Chirico says

    Monday at 12:07 pm

    Wow! I can't believe how much you managed to fit in one suitcase! These look really useful. Thanks for the giveaway.

  13. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 12:15 pm

    You're so welcome Emily! Good luck! And yes, it is amazing how much you can fit in when it's all compartmentalised like that. 🙂

  14. Katie says

    Monday at 12:18 pm

    Dream vacation would definitely be to Hawaii, and this could help keep all of our stuff organized!

  15. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 12:22 pm

    Hawaii would be amazing!!

  16. Monique Esterhuyse says

    Monday at 12:29 pm

    Oh I love this post! What a wonderful way to
    travel. Unfortunately this product would be far too expensive to buy here South
    Africa, but I will certainly keep my eyes open for alternatives to pack this
    way. And I love that toiletry bag of yours! I absolutely hate packing, because
    it always seems like we want to take the whole house along, it takes forever
    and everybody makes fun of our baggage. On the upside, we are never caught
    without something we should have packed. Early in our marriage I started the mother
    of all packing lists in a Word table, and absolutely everything is on there. I
    expanded the list to include the children, even with notes about what is
    needed at what age and during pregnancy… and then just the other day our
    perfect track record came crashing down when we were halfway to the next town
    and I realized I didn't pack underpants for the boys… we hadn't travelled
    since they both completed their potty-training, and it wasn’t on the list! I
    even thought about them while packing, but thought, no, I'll get to them later
    on the list. Not. I will certainly take a look at your packing list and see if I can improve my own. My expanded list is in dire need of some order and categorization. You have some great tips
    about the toys and entertainment, thank you! I try to keep toys going along to
    a minimum, as I find that my boys are usually much more interested in the new
    things at our destination than the toys we brought along. Even on the road I
    found that the sights on the way seem to keep them entertained – at least now
    that they are 3 and 5 – even for a five-hour journey. I throw in a few
    favourite storybooks, a playmat with roads on it and a few cars, and we are
    good to go. Dream holiday destination? Ha! Any accommodation that includes
    three meals a day and preferably laundry as well. And if it could be at the
    beach and have a few easy hiking trails and beautiful views, all the better!

  17. Tina says

    Monday at 12:36 pm

    I love how organized your suitcase looks. We just got back from traveling for my brother's wedding and I wish my suitcase looked like yours!!!

  18. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 12:55 pm

    Believe me, Tina, this is a first for me as well! 😉

  19. Jennifer says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    Great ideas! I am so excited to use this! Thank you!

  20. Lucy says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    my dream vacation would be tahiti… just so i can stay in one of those bungalows over the water.

  21. Haley says

    Monday at 3:21 pm

    The organization looks so wonderful! I usually use a large duffel suitcase and throw clothes for all three of us in it. Sometimes if I'm really organized, I'll separate them by person in a backpack or other bag, but that doesn't happen often.

    My dream vacation would probably be South Africa.

  22. Susan McIntosh says

    Monday at 3:39 pm

    Okay, I am so envious of your very organized suitcase! I would love to travel to Costa Rica with my family.

  23. HeatherC says

    Monday at 3:42 pm

    My dream vacation would be to Thailand! It would be even dreamier to pack so organized;)

  24. Elise Jay says

    Monday at 3:54 pm

    This suitcase is a DREAM!!! 🙂 I don't have any children, but I would love for MY suitcase to be this organized.
    Dream vacation= Paris!

  25. Jennifer says

    Monday at 5:49 pm

    Great ideas! I am so excited to use this! Thank you!

  26. Lucy says

    Monday at 7:12 pm

    my dream vacation would be tahiti… just so i can stay in one of those bungalows over the water.

  27. Kimanh To says

    Monday at 10:53 am

    What size is your suitcase? That can&#39t possibly be the carry-on size is it? My dream vacation would be to Australia of course 🙂

  28. Kimanh To says

    Tuesday at 1:55 am

    What size is your suitcase? That can't possibly be the carry-on size is it? My dream vacation would be to Australia of course 🙂

  29. Ashley says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    We&#39re planning our first trip to Disney World and I kept looking for packing solutions. . . this is it!!! I&#39m so excited for a neat and organizied suitcase!!

  30. Leah says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    I would love to travel to Australia. My sister spent a semester abroad there and my parents went to visit her. The pictures they came back with were AMAZING.

  31. Ashley says

    Tuesday at 10:44 am

    We're planning our first trip to Disney World and I kept looking for packing solutions. . . this is it!!! I'm so excited for a neat and organizied suitcase!!

  32. Leah says

    Tuesday at 12:27 pm

    I would love to travel to Australia. My sister spent a semester abroad there and my parents went to visit her. The pictures they came back with were AMAZING.

  33. Monique says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    I live in South Africa, and I tend to agree! We&#39ve got so much beautiful scenery and peaceful spots that I would have to be really bored with all my money (not likely!) to consider a holiday elsewhere.

  34. Monique says

    Tuesday at 5:31 pm

    I live in South Africa, and I tend to agree! We've got so much beautiful scenery and peaceful spots that I would have to be really bored with all my money (not likely!) to consider a holiday elsewhere.

  35. Edra Chamberlin says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    I am ALL about making traveling with kids easier!!! My dream vacation would be somewhere on the East Coast with lots of sun. But for now Portland in a couple of weeks will do. We have not traveled a lot because I have a daughter with life threatening allergies. It makes leaving home a little more complicated, so organization helps me feel a little more in control so thank you for the great post and opportunity!

  36. Edra Chamberlin says

    Wednesday at 2:08 pm

    I am ALL about making traveling with kids easier!!! My dream vacation would be somewhere on the East Coast with lots of sun. But for now Portland in a couple of weeks will do. We have not traveled a lot because I have a daughter with life threatening allergies. It makes leaving home a little more complicated, so organization helps me feel a little more in control so thank you for the great post and opportunity!

  37. Craig P. Hurst says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    This is an organizational persons dream come true!

  38. Olivia Middendorf says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    I love this! I am crazy OCD when it comes to packing – This would have saved me so much trouble traveling over the Holidays with the family! My dream destination? Thailand!

  39. Olivia Middendorf says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Where did you get those divided lunch boxes?

  40. Shauna Rayl says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Thes would be PERFECT for Camping !

  41. Craig P. Hurst says

    Thursday at 12:48 pm

    This is an organizational persons dream come true!

  42. Olivia Middendorf says

    Thursday at 2:40 pm

    I love this! I am crazy OCD when it comes to packing – This would have saved me so much trouble traveling over the Holidays with the family! My dream destination? Thailand!

  43. Olivia Middendorf says

    Thursday at 3:50 pm

    Where did you get those divided lunch boxes?

  44. Shauna Rayl says

    Thursday at 4:03 pm

    Thes would be PERFECT for Camping !

  45. Kristin says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Love this! I&#39m planning a 10 day trip this summer, and to save on baggage fees, my husband, daughter and I will be sharing one suitcase. We managed to do it once before, but our suitcase was not nearly so organized. Germany at Christmastime is my dream vacation.

  46. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Awesome, Ashley! So glad this was helpful! xo

  47. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Australia is wonderful. 🙂 (I&#39m biased) 😉

  48. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    You&#39re so welcome Edra! Travelling with kids can be stressful, and sounds like your situation is way more stressful than most. It&#39s true that being well-planned and organised gives us a sense of control and helps everything flow more smoothly. Good luck with the giveaway! xo

  49. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Olivia, they are from Tupperware. 🙂 xo

  50. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Yes, so true Shauna! xo

  51. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    These are perfect for a shared suitcase for sure! Enjoy your trip! 🙂 xo

  52. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Sure is Craig! 🙂

  53. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Oooooh my husband and I actually did this in our former life B.C. (before children) – it was AMAZING!!! Good luck with the giveaway, Lucy! xo

  54. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    You&#39re welcome Jennifer!

  55. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Thank you Elise! Good luck with the giveaway, girl… and here&#39s to your dream trip to Paris! 🙂 xo

  56. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Kim, no, this is our jumbo family suitcase… LOL 🙂 It&#39s 28" long x 18" wide x 8" high. Come to Australia, you&#39ll love it! 😉 xo

  57. Michelle says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    I&#39d love to go to Hawaii!

  58. Kristin says

    Friday at 8:13 pm

    Love this! I'm planning a 10 day trip this summer, and to save on baggage fees, my husband, daughter and I will be sharing one suitcase. We managed to do it once before, but our suitcase was not nearly so organized. Germany at Christmastime is my dream vacation.

  59. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:39 pm

    Awesome, Ashley! So glad this was helpful! xo

  60. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:40 pm

    Australia is wonderful. 🙂 (I'm biased) 😉

  61. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:42 pm

    You're so welcome Edra! Travelling with kids can be stressful, and sounds like your situation is way more stressful than most. It's true that being well-planned and organised gives us a sense of control and helps everything flow more smoothly. Good luck with the giveaway! xo

  62. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:43 pm

    Olivia, they are from Tupperware. 🙂 xo

  63. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:44 pm

    Yes, so true Shauna! xo

  64. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:47 pm

    These are perfect for a shared suitcase for sure! Enjoy your trip! 🙂 xo

  65. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:47 pm

    Sure is Craig! 🙂

  66. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:49 pm

    Oooooh my husband and I actually did this in our former life B.C. (before children) – it was AMAZING!!! Good luck with the giveaway, Lucy! xo

  67. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 8:57 pm

    You're welcome Jennifer!

  68. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 9:01 pm

    Thank you Elise! Good luck with the giveaway, girl… and here's to your dream trip to Paris! 🙂 xo

  69. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 9:05 pm

    Kim, no, this is our jumbo family suitcase… LOL 🙂 It's 28" long x 18" wide x 8" high. Come to Australia, you'll love it! 😉 xo

  70. Michelle says

    Saturday at 12:03 am

    I'd love to go to Hawaii!

  71. Muriel says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    My dream vacation is anywhere warm with a beautiful beach. 🙂

  72. Muriel says

    Sunday at 1:15 am

    My dream vacation is anywhere warm with a beautiful beach. 🙂

  73. kandaceb says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    We&#39re going to Alaska this summer to see friends. That&#39ll be an amazing trip. Though I&#39m normally more into the beach, I can&#39t wait to explore with my family and our friends.

  74. Megan Peter says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    How neat!! (literally!) I&#39ve seen these before but you are by-far the most detailed post- love it! It gives me hope that maybe one day I can be that organized, too!

  75. kandaceb says

    Sunday at 5:29 am

    We're going to Alaska this summer to see friends. That'll be an amazing trip. Though I'm normally more into the beach, I can't wait to explore with my family and our friends.

  76. Megan Peter says

    Sunday at 5:53 am

    How neat!! (literally!) I've seen these before but you are by-far the most detailed post- love it! It gives me hope that maybe one day I can be that organized, too!

  77. mindy says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    my dream holiday is traveling the orient! these would be perfect for a long long holiday

  78. mindy says

    Sunday at 12:02 pm

    my dream holiday is traveling the orient! these would be perfect for a long long holiday

  79. Natasha Vandenberg says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    I&#39d love to take my kids to Spain and these individual pods would work great in a large backpack too!

  80. Natasha Vandenberg says

    Monday at 3:18 am

    I'd love to take my kids to Spain and these individual pods would work great in a large backpack too!

  81. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Thanks, Megan! 🙂

  82. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 12:31 pm

    Thanks, Megan! 🙂

  83. Monique says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Good choice, Haley! I&#39m a South African and I really have very little desire to go anywhere else. There is so much natural beauty, variety and truly breathtaking peaceful spots right here. And if you prefer diverse cultural experiences, we&#39ve got plenty of that as well!

  84. Monique says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Great post! I am pinning it for future reference and will keep my eyes open for a more affordable alternative here in South Africa (I&#39m being veeeery optimistic!). I hate packing, because it always seems like we want to take the whole house along, it takes forever and everybody makes fun of our baggage. On the upside, we are never caught without something we should have packed… until recently. Early in our marriage I started a giant packing list on my computer, and absolutely everything is on there. I expanded the list to include the children, in just as much detail… and then just the other day our perfect track record came crashing down when we were halfway to the next town and I realized I didn&#39t pack underpants for the boys. We hadn&#39t travelled since they both completed their potty-training, and it wasn&#39t on the list! With regard to toys, that is one thing that I keep to a minimum, as I find that my boys are usually much more interested in the new things at our destination than the toys we brought along. I throw in a few favourite storybooks, a playmat with roads on it and a few cars, and we are good to go.
    My dream destination would be at the seaside with a few easy hiking trails close by, and, very important, must include three meals a day and laundry services!

  85. Monique says

    Wednesday at 6:49 am

    Good choice, Haley! I'm a South African and I really have very little desire to go anywhere else. There is so much natural beauty, variety and truly breathtaking peaceful spots right here. And if you prefer diverse cultural experiences, we've got plenty of that as well!

  86. Monique says

    Wednesday at 7:33 am

    Great post! I am pinning it for future reference and will keep my eyes open for a more affordable alternative here in South Africa (I'm being veeeery optimistic!). I hate packing, because it always seems like we want to take the whole house along, it takes forever and everybody makes fun of our baggage. On the upside, we are never caught without something we should have packed… until recently. Early in our marriage I started a giant packing list on my computer, and absolutely everything is on there. I expanded the list to include the children, in just as much detail… and then just the other day our perfect track record came crashing down when we were halfway to the next town and I realized I didn't pack underpants for the boys. We hadn't travelled since they both completed their potty-training, and it wasn't on the list! With regard to toys, that is one thing that I keep to a minimum, as I find that my boys are usually much more interested in the new things at our destination than the toys we brought along. I throw in a few favourite storybooks, a playmat with roads on it and a few cars, and we are good to go.
    My dream destination would be at the seaside with a few easy hiking trails close by, and, very important, must include three meals a day and laundry services!

  87. Courtney says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    Love the puzzle storage. My girls love to do puzzles but we can&#39t take them anywhere because we always come home missing pieces. Where did you get the A4 file folder boxes? Here in US we don&#39t use A4 size much…

  88. Courtney says

    Thursday at 9:38 pm

    Love the puzzle storage. My girls love to do puzzles but we can't take them anywhere because we always come home missing pieces. Where did you get the A4 file folder boxes? Here in US we don't use A4 size much…

  89. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    LOL – I love that story about the missing underpants – that is too funny!! I&#39m sure I&#39ve had plenty of those moments over the years… my track record is definitely not squeaky clean. 😉 Also, your dream destination sounds AMAZING purely for the meals and laundry service. 🙂 Aaaaah…. bliss!! xo

  90. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:54 am

    Courtney, I bought them at Officeworks, which is an Australian store stocking stationery and office supplies. Maybe you could try Staples or somewhere similar? I didn&#39t realise A4 wasn&#39t a standard size in the U.S. Do you use foolscap instead? You learn something new every day! Good luck with your search hon! xo

  91. Courtney says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    Our standard paper size is 8 1/2" x 11". I&#39m sure Staples or Office Depot or even Amazon will have something similar. Thanks!!

  92. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 10:57 am

    LOL – I love that story about the missing underpants – that is too funny!! I'm sure I've had plenty of those moments over the years… my track record is definitely not squeaky clean. 😉 Also, your dream destination sounds AMAZING purely for the meals and laundry service. 🙂 Aaaaah…. bliss!! xo

  93. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 10:59 am

    Courtney, I bought them at Officeworks, which is an Australian store stocking stationery and office supplies. Maybe you could try Staples or somewhere similar? I didn't realise A4 wasn't a standard size in the U.S. Do you use foolscap instead? You learn something new every day! Good luck with your search hon! xo

  94. Courtney says

    Friday at 1:18 pm

    Our standard paper size is 8 1/2" x 11". I'm sure Staples or Office Depot or even Amazon will have something similar. Thanks!!

  95. Marcia at Organising Queen says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    I love all your ideas! I&#39m going to have to link to your post – I&#39ve got a travel post brewing 🙂

    A South African organising queen 🙂

  96. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    No worries! Hope you find what you&#39re after! 🙂 xo

  97. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 10:55 am

    Awesome, Marcia – thanks for the link love! xo

  98. Marcia at Organising Queen says

    Friday at 8:26 pm

    I love all your ideas! I'm going to have to link to your post – I've got a travel post brewing 🙂

    A South African organising queen 🙂

  99. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 11:10 pm

    No worries! Hope you find what you're after! 🙂 xo

  100. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 11:10 pm

    Awesome, Marcia – thanks for the link love! xo

  101. Ruth says

    Sunday at 12:11 am

    So sad about the US only giveaway, but just wanted to let you know that my husband recently got some similar packing cells from Aldi (Australia). Might have to snaffle them from him I think!! Thanks for all the great ideas. I too am a packing procrastinator so any inspiration is always welcome.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 12:18 pm

      Awesome, Ruth! That’s good to know! xo

A blog by

Karen Schravemade

welcome!

Hi friends! So glad you're here! I'm Karen, Aussie stay-home Mum to four littlies, former teacher of Creative Arts, agented writer and interior decorator. I'm on a journey to bring beauty to my home and enjoy a more creative life with my kids - I'd love for you to join us. (Curious? Read more here!)

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5 years ago, I was struggling with social media ad 5 years ago, I was struggling with social media addiction.⁠⠀
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My compulsion to scroll on my phone was making me deeply unhappy, but I couldn't seem to stop. ⁠⠀
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It feels incredibly vulnerable, but for the first time, I'm sharing my raw and honest story about how I became addicted to social media, and the exact steps I took to break free. ⁠⠀
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I've gone from wasting hours on a mindless distraction that only ever made me feel worse about myself, to falling in love with God's Word and finding true rest + peace in his presence.⁠⠀
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I'm a speaker at the 2020 Christian Women's Self Care Conference, and the topic of my session is "Stop the Scroll and Feed your Soul - how to break social media addiction and find rest in God's presence."⁠⠀
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There are 55+ speakers in total, speaking on a wide range of topics relating to self care. Registration is FREE, but only for a couple more days until conference starts on November 9th! ⁠⠀
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If you want to hold your seat, just tap the link in my bio and select "Self Care Conference", which will take you to the registration page.⁠⠀
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I hope you'll be blessed!⁠⠀
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Meanwhile, please tell me I'm not alone - has anyone else ever struggled with this?? Do share. ⁠⠀
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PS... You can read more of my story in my latest blog post! (Link in bio -> Visit the blog). ⁠⠀
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I also shared this super cute DIY phone box to help you interrupt the pattern of mindlessly picking up your phone!⁠⠀
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xo Karen⁠⠀
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#selfcare #christianwomen #christianlife #socialmediaaddiction #phoneaddiction #selfcaresistersociety
If there's one word to describe how many women hav If there's one word to describe how many women have been feeling this year... it would be "depleted."⁠⠀
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I mean, for real. Who would've guessed back at the start of this year that we'd be dealing with a global pandemic, homeschooling our kids, financial uncertainty, and a total lockdown on many of our most comforting routines?⁠⠀
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Ladies, it's time to refill those emptied-out tanks before this year is out. I'm so excited to share that I'll be speaking at the 2020 Christian Women's Self-Care Conference, alongside 55 other bloggers, authors and speakers. ⁠⠀
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It's totally online, and our aim is to bless you with help and encouragement for your 2020-wearied soul! ⁠⠀
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Even better, registration is FREE until the conference begins on November 7th, so make sure you hold your seat today! Just click the link in my bio and choose "SELF CARE CONFERENCE".⁠⠀
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Hope to see you there!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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P.S. Swipe - do you recognise one of those Day One speakers...? More on what I'll be speaking about, very soon! It's a goody!! 😉 😍⁠⠀
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#selfcare #selfcaresistersociety #2020⁠⠀
It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right now my heart is so heavy with the injustice in the world that I’m struggling to even find the words.

Knowing that I’m inherently complicit in that injustice because of my privilege is sobering. At times I’ve been silent when I should have spoken and at other times I've spoken when I should’ve shut up and listened to the only voices in this narrative that really matter - the voices of those who’ve experienced this sort of prejudice from inside their own skin.

Racial injustice has always grieved my heart, but there’s a difference between empathy and kindness. Having empathy is important, but it’s not enough. Kindness speaks and acts. And right now I don’t really know what to say but somehow I feel it’s important to say something anyway, however imperfectly. Because there is nothing as deafening as silence in the face of systemic suffering.

I don’t know a lot. But I do know that Jesus was always on the side of the oppressed and marginalised. And the Bible tells us that one day, the last will be first and the first will be last. To me that means that in God’s new restored kingdom, these corrupt systems of the world will be turned on their head. In that day, those who’ve benefited from a system of white supremacy (myself included) will be the least. Those who’ve been oppressed and mistreated in this life will be honoured and elevated with the nobility they deserve. What a day that will be!! 🙌

But it’s not enough to know that someday it will all be made right. I hope to see heaven come to earth. I hope to see more black leaders, politicians, policy makers, authors, artists, influencers, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, bank managers, lawyers, judges, scientists and professors. The system is unfairly stacked and our privilege is self-perpetuating. I pray for it all to be turned upside down within our lifetime.

In the (paraphrased) words of MLK, let’s not prefer a negative peace which is an absence of tension (aka passivity, complacency, complicity, silence), over a positive peace, which is the presence of justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. Sc We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. School closures will last at least five weeks. I will not lie, I was anxious about how I would cope. But we are slowly finding our rhythm and perhaps one day in the distant future I’ll even have time to start scheduling posts to Instagram again. For now, this is a random mid week check-in to say, how are you surviving, friends? I’m thinking of you! Wishing you an oasis of calm in the midst of everything, whether it means getting up half an hour earlier than the kids for a morning walk alone, or locking yourself in the bedroom at night with a good book while hubby puts the kids to bed. #doneboth #wewillsurvive 💗
Easter iso style - camping on our land! When so ma Easter iso style - camping on our land!
When so many are feeling hopeless right now, we are thankful for the hope Jesus brings. 💚🧡 Happy Easter, friends!
There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠ There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠
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I've felt led to share some hope and peace with you this week. That doesn't mean you need to put any extra pressure on yourself if you are struggling to tap into peacefulness right now.⁠
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I'm an Enneagram 4, so I am well accustomed to getting trapped inside my own feelings. For the feelers, the weight of the world's problems can sometimes feel intense and overwhelming.⁠
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I was on the beach the other day, praying for a "4" friend who is struggling with this exact thing. And all of a sudden, all of these butterflies started flying from the sand dunes toward the sea, and out over the waves.⁠
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It was a windy day and they were being buffeted around. But I was so intrigued that despite their fragility, they stayed on course, flying directly into that strong wind to get to where they were headed. It started with one, then two, then dozens upon dozens of them. None of them were blown into the water or whipped out of sight. They just flew straight on, above the waves.⁠
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And it made me think of the sensitive souls of this world. Our "butterflies", who bring so much beauty with their creativity, perception, and deep compassion for others. ⁠
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Our butterflies are being extra buffeted right now by the winds of change and pain. That doesn't make them weak. In fact they have within them a surprising strength, to stay the course and to fly above the waves.⁠
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The thing is, you don't have to change who you are to be strong. You don't have to be something you're not. Your sensitivity is not a weakness - it's designed into your DNA by God. With so many people hurting and afraid at the moment, we need your compassion more than ever.⁠
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If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to not be okay. Just trust that even if you feel buffeted by the winds, you are lifted by his grace above the waves, and you will not be drowned.⁠
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And even if you feel like you're flailing around out there, you never know, someone else might just be watching you, admiring your beauty and your grace. 🦋
I was reading a random little story the other day I was reading a random little story the other day from the book of Numbers, in the Bible. ⁠
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A king was scared of the Israelites and so he paid a prophet to curse them. Except every time they tried it, the guy spoke blessings instead. This is what he said:⁠
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"God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king." (Numbers 23:20-21)⁠
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Even the curses of the enemy will be turned into blessings for the people of God. ⁠
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He has given us an inheritance that cannot be shaken. ⁠
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💜 What blessing are you thankful for today? ⁠
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I'm thankful for the leadership of my local church, who continue to minister to peoples' needs both spiritual and physical. Our pastors have their own families and needs, yet they consistently look outward to care for their flock. ⁠
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Let me know yours below! Let's name as many BLESSINGS as we can!⁠
⁠
xo Karen
Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠ ⁠ For famil Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠
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For family and a home and a table to gather around with our loved ones.⁠
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Thank you that when so much else is changing, you remain the same.⁠
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Thank you that you are for us and not against us. That your heart is toward us. That in you is all we need, now and always.⁠
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We pray for those who are lonely and isolated and anxious and unwell. For those whose jobs and livelihoods are lost or threatened. Give us creative ways to reach out with kindness, that we can be salt and light in a dark world. ⁠
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Let kindness for others not feel like a drain on our limited resources, but a natural outflowing of your continuous, abundant supply. ⁠
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Shelves may be bare, but you always have more than enough.⁠
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Every blessing comes from your hand and we are grateful.⁠
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Amen
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind an “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27⁠
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There is truly nothing like God's peace.⁠
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The world can offer mindfulness and yoga and candles and calming diffused oils and self-help. Nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact they can be beautiful tools - I use all of them. ⁠
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But I can say from genuine experience that the peace God gives is not like the peace the world gives. It's on a whole new level. ⁠
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It's the peace that he gives when you're in the middle of a storm and the world is turning to crap all around you and you're at the very end of yourself and self-help has begun feeling like trying to drag yourself from a pit via a rope around your waist that you're tugging on with your own two hands. ⁠
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We can't always lift ourselves out of anxiety or fear. So drop the rope. Stop striving. And ask God for HIS peace. He has an abundant well of supply for you to draw from. ⁠
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Fear is trying to hold tight to control in a situation we can't control. ⁠
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Faith asks us to let go, to repent of our fearfulness and surrender it all to God.⁠
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How do you find this miracle of peace? In the letting go.⁠
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We were never meant to carry this burden anyway. ⁠
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How are you doing today? Let me know how I can pray for you. ⁠
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xo Karen
I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me th I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me that it's time to make a transition. Instead of being a person who looks for support from others in times of stress or uncertainty, he wants me to offer support TO others. ⁠
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I've often felt like I don't quite have it together. I'm sensitive, I feel things deeply, I tend to get trapped in my own head and in negative thought spirals.⁠
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But I felt like he was saying that I have something to offer, anyway. Just because I've always been a person who views myself as needy or weak does not mean God views me that way. He can see the strength that is in all of us and he delights in calling it forth. I love how when Gideon was hiding in fear in a winepress, God's angel greeted him by saying "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."⁠
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He was the furthest thing from a mighty warrior at that point. But God knew the battles he WOULD win in his future. He saw what did not yet exist and spoke about it as if it was already a reality. He saw Gideon's true identity and spoke directly to that buried and hidden place within him.⁠
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So. Maybe all I need is a shift in perspective. From looking inward at my own lack, to looking up at him. HE is the source of any hope and help I can offer. And if he wants me to share that, it would be my privilege to obey.⁠
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So let me know... is there anything you're particularly struggling with right now? If you're feeling anxious or burdened, I would love to support you in prayer. 🙏⁠
⁠
xo Karen
We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but I know many of my American friends are stuck at home right now. Either way - sounds like a good chance to do "one thing for the home."⠀
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If you're feeling anxious, it can really help to get out of your head for a little while and do something practical. We can't control anything in the outside world right now, but we CAN complete one concrete task to make our immediate environment feel calmer and function better. And sometimes just having that one little win is all we need to break us out of a negative thought-spiral and restore some equilibrium. ⠀
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If you're feeling a bit helpless and panicky, I hope this helps. It's one thing you CAN control. And doing something with your hands will give your mind a much-needed break. ⠀
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🌟THIS MONTH'S PRIZE: A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD! 🌟⠀
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Here's a reminder of how to play:⠀
⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
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I hope you join us! This will be fun!
I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux or stress my tendency is to withdraw and process. (I’ve learned this is very Enneagram 4 of me.) I also feel major reticence about adding to the current noise. I feel there are enough voices talking loudly all at once about the same thing and you don’t need one more.
So I give you instead a prayer for peace. If you are feeling anxious, let this be your exhale today. 💙
Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... 😉⁠
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What are you up to this weekend, friends?⁠
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xo Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⁠⠀
⁠⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythingandeverythinginitsplace
We are getting closer on the home build front... a We are getting closer on the home build front... after two years of sketching dozens upon dozens of floor layout ideas and ultimately trashing all of them, I finally have a plan I LOVE!! ⁠
⁠
It ended up being a highly collaborative effort between our architect and myself - he came up with a general concept and gave me external parameters to suit the contours of the block, and I then designed the internal layouts to fit. ⁠
⁠
Turns out that is exactly what I needed - some guidelines! Amazing how much better our creativity flourishes within constraints. It was way too open-ended before our architect came on board, and I was flailing around in all that freedom like a tadpole in the ocean. Within a day or two of having a blank footprint to work within, I actually had a decent plan. We've tweaked it a little since then, but it's virtually the same.⁠
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I love it when something you've struggled with for the longest time suddenly just clicks. Has this ever happened for you?⁠
⁠
Now we just need to draft it up properly and then see if we can actually afford to build it. Lol. ⁠
⁠
One step at a time... 😆Celebrating progress today!⁠
⁠
xo Karen⁠
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P.S. Let me know if you'd like to see a sneak peek of our plan in stories!!
So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on f So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on from yesterday's chat! This is just off the top of my head, so please take it with a grain of salt - there is SO MUCH more to each type than what I can sum up in a sentence.⁠
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Here are the 9 types:⁠
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1 - The Moral Perfectionist: self-critical, organised, driven by the desire to make things right and good⁠
2 - The Helper: relationally driven, people focussed, places others' needs ahead of their own⁠
3 - The Achiever: success driven and ambitious, gets things done, image conscious⁠
4 - The Romantic Individualist: creative, driven by the desire for uniqueness, feels things deeply⁠
5 - The Investigative Thinker: introverted and analytical,  detached from emotion⁠
6 - The Loyalist: community minded, a team player, driven by the need for security and anxiety about the future⁠
7 - The Entertaining Optimist: positive, energetic and playful, driven to squeeze as much fun out of life as possible⁠
8 - The Protective Challenger: a natural leader, confrontational, confident and determined⁠
9 - The Peaceful Mediator: conflict-avoidant, gentle and steady, driven to seek inner peace⁠
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I'm a 4 wing 5, married to an 8 wing 7. They do say opposites attract 😆⁠
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Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
ENNEAGRAM⁠ ⁠ Where are my fellow Enneagram fan ENNEAGRAM⁠
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Where are my fellow Enneagram fanatics??!⁠
⁠
I've only recently "discovered" the Enneagram, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a game changer. ⁠
⁠
If you're not familiar with it, it's a personality typing system.  I've always been interested in personality differences and human behaviour - that's probably the novelist in me. But none of the other systems I've come across have resonated with me as deeply as the Enneagram.⁠
⁠
It is so accurate, it's almost uncanny.⁠
⁠
Basically, there are 9 types, representing 9 different ways of looking at the world, each with different motivations, behaviour traits, strengths and flaws.⁠
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I'm an Enneagram 4. That's the "Romantic Individualist". It's an artistic temperament driven by creativity, love of beauty, a desire for uniqueness, introspection, and authenticity.⁠
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I guess it's no surprise that when I had to ask my friends and readers to sum up my strengths for an assignment I was given, the two words that came up most frequently were "creativity" and "honesty".⁠
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Enneagram 4's feel deeply and are very connected to our emotions. We'd  much rather have a meaningful conversation about deep feelings than make small talk about trivial things. ⁠
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Each type can pull a little more to one or other of the numbers beside them, giving a different flavour. I'm a wing 5 (the "Investigative Thinker") which means I tend to be less temperamental/ moody, and more steady, reserved and analytical. ⁠
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I'm also daydreamy, a big-picture thinker, and despise administrative details. My "fatal flaw" (each type has one) is comparison and envy. Ohhhhh yep, that certainly rings true. Because while we want to stand out and be special, which can be prideful, we also struggle hard with insecurity and feeling like we never quite measure up.⁠
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Yes, yes and YES.⁠
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If you haven't done the Enneagram test, do a search online - it's honestly so interesting and self-revealing.⁠
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If you know your type, what number are you? xo
So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I f So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I feel less like a whiner - if I get sick I usually shake it within a couple of days, so I was starting to feel irritated with myself for still being crook after three weeks!⁠
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Anyhow, could be worse, and I do feel like I'm starting to pick up again now. ⁠
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This buffet in our living room holds a changing arrangement of mostly-white vases, with a bit of blue glass and green foliage thrown in for good measure. ⁠
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Are you a chronic re-arranger, or do you prefer to leave things as-is? ⁠
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To be honest, I've always been a "get it exactly how I want it then leave it like that forever" type of girl, but I've been loosening up and playing around more with my décor this past year, and it struck me that my buffet has gone through several style shifts now. I actually like it a little bit better every time I make a change! ⁠
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Hope this new week will be an awesome one for you, friends!⁠
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xo Karen⁠
BLACK vs WHITE⁠ ⁠ Let's talk kitchens! Our hou BLACK vs WHITE⁠
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Let's talk kitchens! Our house build is on my mind, and even though we're only at the plan stage, I'm trying to nail down my ideas in a general creative direction. ⁠
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The last three kitchens I've designed have been all white, with accents of grey. I really want to use black in my next kitchen. I love the drama of it (as we already established, I like a bit of drama. Ha.) I keep veering back and forth between all black, or some combination of black and white. ⁠
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I'm interested to know... what would you choose? My guess is that white-on-white is still gonna be the most popular choice, and black will probably be controversial, but I could be wrong! ⁠
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So let me know - I'm keen to hear your opinion!⁠
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1. All white⁠
2. All black⁠
3. Black + white⁠
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🖤♡🖤♡🖤⁠
Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⠀
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You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⠀
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Here's how to play.⠀
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1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⠀
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2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
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3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.⠀
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4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⠀
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5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⠀
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Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⠀
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I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⠀
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I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⠀
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May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⠀
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Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⠀
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xo Karen⠀
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P.S. You can decorate, declutter or organise anything you like. No task is too small! Tackle a drawer, a shelf, or a storage tub. Do that niggly little job you've been meaning to get to. Hang that picture. Paint that stool. Sort through the kids clothes. We’ve all got that “one thing” - let us know yours! xo⠀
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#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythinga
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