Last Day of 2011 - Planning Ahead

Gosh!!! The last two months of the year always tend to get the better of me... before I know it, December hits and by the time Christmas comes, I'm more than ready to slack off and snooze into the new year. Groan. 

I always wonder, am I just really bad at making plans? Or do I just have too much going on in life to make plans? Sometimes, it's hard for me to remember what my life was like before my little ones came... definitely 

most probably a whole lot more organized... and even, comfortably and happily 'boring'?

What I do know is that, if you have at least one small person in your life that you're responsible for, plan-making always tends to be taken with a huge pinch of salt. Speaking from many past experiences of standing in front of my stove, thinking that it is way too late to cook anything for the kids, or thinking that today just hasn't gone the way that I thought it would have. (Not that it was a bad day...but just completely different!)
That is how I feel at this current stage of my life. 

....So I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!! 

A mere thank you wouldn't suffice... but please do know that if I could give you a big warm hug, I would. 

Thank you so so much for giving me the chance to share a bit of my life and loves with you. I love how I've been able to do what I love, am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and all the time that I've been able to spend with my loved ones this year. 

Whatever your plans are for next year, I know you'll do great! And please do continue to come and share in mine! 

On a very nostalgic and a little sad note, I saw this 'Year in Pictures' photo today and I would like to share it with you.
So many things happen each day of the year... it is so so easy to see something this disastrous on the news and then forget about it 6 months later. 

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, March 11, 2011
(source)

*Package Pretty* Simple Festive Wrap

Tea for Joy

I really like the idea of simple packaging with a tag or a pretty accessory like the ones above. 

With Christmas coming and the shops selling jumbo Christmas gift wrap rolls from crazy prices of $2 onwards, it is definitely hard not to just take the 'easy' way out and buy a huge roll!

But I really don't want to buy a jumbo roll, and be stuck with giving presents in the same Christmas gift wrap for the next few years... that is a terrible thought!

How to use washi tape Part 2 - Recycle old fridge magnets!

Ok, so here it is - I promised another washi tape tutorial tonight.
However, I cannot take any credit for this tutorial as I googled and found that the marvelous
Twirling Betty has done a superb tutorial on this a while back! She has such a creative

mind and has many spesh tutorials. 

So.... let's start... 

(I found the perfect oldest, worst looking fridge magnet on my fridge! I must have had it for years!!)

So there... I have less old, ugly fridge magnets and new pretty, cute washi tape magnets now!
Yippee! :) 

{How to use washi tape - DIY Pretty Notebook Cover!}

Today, I wanted to use my new washi tapes for something.
I really honestly couldn't think of anything that hadn't been done before.
I've seen people use washi tape for lots of things...there is even washi tape wallpaper nowadays, can you believe that?!

Well,  this led to that...and that led to this...!!

I managed to make a pretty notebook cover for myself! :) 

The main point is washi tape can be used for any decorative purposes really. 

It makes decorating a whole lot easier and quicker, because you just: 

1. tear/cut it, 

2. stick it 

and you have a pretty design stuck somewhere fun in seconds! 

So for those who wanted to see some pretty pictures, here they are...
If I can do this, seriously anyone can!
You don't have to buy a special notebook from an expensive shop. 

You can even use a simple, plain brown notebook and I actually think those are the best! 

What you need is lots of imagination and you'll surely come up with a gorgeous cover for yourself! 

And there... a pretty notebook cover to look at every morning. :)

Now, remember, you don't even have to make a notebook cover.
You can do a pretty handmade card too!
Or... even some wall decor with inspirational words included in your creation will look pretty stunning.

I hope this inspires you! :) x

Embellishments - from my personal stash

Washi Tape can be purchased in my little shop at $0.70/yard or $4.80 a roll - http://www.chibirun.com/product-list?keyword=washi+tape&Submit=Search