Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts

An update, a look back and a cheeky birthday

Well hello there my little blog! Long time no see.

It's been a bit of a quiet December here, so I thought I should post one more time for the year with a bit of an update and a reflection of the year that was. The end of a calendar year also marks the end of another year of blogging, that's been four years since I started Teacher Types (a very easy blogiversary date to remember) so it's time to get back into it and set some goals for 2018!

So 2017 for me was the year of the juggle. The spinning of the plates. Motherhood, part time teaching + extra relief days, and maintaining the blog, and I think I've managed to do it all! I actually had a really good year.

I wrote 85 posts in total, with January and February being the busiest months (I must have started the year more enthusiastically than I finished it lol), and here are my top 5...

Kid & Hub Opened in Adelaide!

We absolutely love Kid & Hub! They have had such a successful first year of business with their movers and makers classes a big hit for both of my kids and we love their new and improved play hub!

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What I've Been Reading This Month

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been a bit absent this month... I've still been active on Insta but not so much on Facebook or here on the blog. I'm trying to get back some motivation and finish off all of the things on my blog to do list by the end of the month!

In the mean time there are some articles and blog posts that I'd love to share with you all!


First of all I was over at Teach Starter this month for their regular Teacher Spotlight feature. Cassie asked me all sorts of questions about returning to work after having the kids, what my schedule is like, my favourite Teach Starter resources... and then she cleverly crafted a fantastic and comprehensive piece all about me! I would love for you to check it out.

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How I Got Started with TRIBE

Have you heard of TRIBE? If you're a blogger, influencer or a brand and haven't heard of it, or you'd like to know more about it and how to get started, please keep reading!

TRIBE is an app which connects brands with social media influencers. It's a way for people like me (sometimes referred to as a micro-influencer) with a reasonable size social media following to be paid to recommend brands they use and love. The example below was a post for Chux Superwipes which was right up my ally! They were looking for messy play activities with the Chux Superwipe being used to clean up afterwards - like it never happened!

Chux Superwipes Messy Play Campaign

Rewind to this time last year, and I first heard about TRIBE on The Project, and signed up immediately. Then was the painstaking climb to get to 3000 followers on Instagram to be able to get started. But I got there. And today I'm at 10.4k and growing by about 100 followers per week.

Instagram is my jam and I've been able to make it work for me.


8

Happy New Year & Happy Blogiversary Teacher Types

Surprise! I'm back!

What do you think?

Like my new look?

I've been bursting to show you all. And what a perfect day to do it! We say hello to 2017 and it's Teacher Types' 3rd blogiversary.

So we had Christmas and it was absolutely magical (but oh so very hot - at least I wasn't 38 weeks pregnant this time!).

On the 30th of December we celebrated the Little Man's first birthday! He had a very happy day hanging out at one of our favourite play cafes with hot chips for lunch. And yesterday our close family came over to celebrate with us. I've been doing 'photo a month' with him like I did with Miss M. (You'll notice that 6 months is missing - I took one just not on this rug, and I had to double up on a few to fill the grid). But I just love it! It shows so many little milestone from the year - the smiles, the dribble, the rolling over, finding his feet, clapping hands, the teeth and all of the smiles. (Rug from Ecoviva and Milestone cards from Turquoise Designs). 

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Lauren Recaps 2016

When I look back on 2016, I think about how many coffees I drank, how little sleep I got and how much of my kid free time I spent on the blog/social media...

Without a doubt, 2016 has been the best year for Teacher Types! 111 blog posts, (30 of which were product reviews), together with many opportunities that have come my way (incuding becoming a TRIBE influencer). I'm truly grateful and have loved all of it.

I didn't just write here though - I've been popping up all over the place! You may have seen me over at Adelady, Kids in Adelaide, Alphabet Street, Childhood 101, Kid MagazineFinlee and Me, Baby Hints & Tips, and the Parent Talk Australia Instagram account.

As the year draws to a close it's nice to look back on the highlights and best blog posts of 2016...and you might even come across a post that you missed! Or if you're a new follower you can catch up!



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Dear LUSH - Thank You For Making Me Feel Human Again

Ok, so before you say "What do Lush cosmetics have anything to do with early learning and parenting? Hold on Lauren you are not a beauty blogger no matter how many times you dress up and pretend to be!"... I couldn't not share and write about my awesome night out at the special sneak peak opening of the new Lush store in Rundle Mall.

L is for Lush

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The Liebster Award {but I'm changing it up a bit!}

It's been a while since my last Liebster Award (first one here and second one here) - so it was a lovely surprise when Amanda from Jelly Fish Sticks nominated me!!

The Liebster is just another way that bloggers can share the love (links = Google love) and introduce their readers to some new awesome blogs. Just like #followfriday on Instagram (which I also love and regularly participate in).

So here are my 10 random facts...


  1. I am obsessed with Greys Anatomy - when I knew (spoiler alert) they were going to kill off Dr McDreamy I actually boy cot the show (temporarily) and still can't bring myself to watch his last episode...
  2. I always have two coffees a day - the first a Nespresso at home, the second one when I'm out and about.
  3. I started my blog on the 1st of Jan 2014 - and I still think it was the BEST DAY to launch a blog. I've never missed a month without a blog post - and this year has been my busiest yet.
  4. I love being a teacher. And I love being a mum. I hope to continue being about to do both jobs to the best of my ability for years to come.
  5. I have 'time-xiety' (a word my husband invented) meaning I get anxious about being late! Even to the point where my nightmares usually involve me being late to school/work.
  6. I go to bed ridiculously early whenever I get the chance.
  7. I have a secret (not so secret) crush on Jim from The Office and Ted from HIMYM.
  8.  I'm a clumsy klutz. I regularly drop things and regularly trip over.
  9.  I've been a bridesmaid 3 times and a flower girl twice.
  10. I went on a Contiki tour to New Zealand during my single crazy days when I was 24 and had the time of my life! I even jumped out of a plane!
Yes that is me. No it is not a stock photo.
3

The Amazing Bloggers I've Met in Real Life

In celebration of my recent meet up with awesome Perth Instagram superstar Say Hello Jo + hilarious Adelaide writer and insta-bestie Eenie Meenie Miney Mum I thought I'd put together a post about the totally awesome bloggers I've met in real life...

...because bloggers are awesome! And so is the blogging world. You can make Internet friends everyday and feel like you actually know them. Are you reading this right now feeling like you know me even though you've never met me?

Anyway, when you meet a blogger friend in real life, you feel like you've already got so much to talk about - like you're just picking up from where you left off from a blog comment or an insta-chat. So when Jo from Say Hello Jo told me she was coming to Adelaide and wanted to meet for coffee, and perhaps even be her photo taker while she rocked some cool Adelaide street art walls - I of course said YES! WHEN? And invited the awesome Liv from Eenie Meenie Miney Mum along too.

Coffee meeting spot, Hey Jupiter on Ebenezer Place. 
Taken by random stranger who Jo told not to run off with her phone after giving him photography instructions.

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I'm Being Featured Somewhere Very Special Today!

Hi there!
As regular readers may know, I write all over the interwebs these days, not just here at Teacher Types. You can always find them listed on my I've Been Featured page - but they don't always get their own blog post.

Until today.

*Insert "woo" here


Today I'm like a "woo girl" from How I Met Your Mother (all time favourite 30 minute TV show amiright?)


Because... this cute little rainbow rice tea party is being featured along with five other fantabulous toddler activities over at...

FAT MUM SLIM!

See I told you I'd be as excited as a "woo girl". Can you almost hear me through your screen?

I'm so grateful for the opportunity from the ever so inspirational Chantelle to have my words and photographs over on her blog. Highlight of the 2016 blogging year!

I've learnt this year that if you put good things out there...good things will come back. Back yourself. Hustle. Be positive. Be authentic. And be unique.

So what are you waiting for? Go there! Go there NOW and celebrate like a "woo girl" with me.

Lauren xx
2

Lovely Laurens {Mini Interviews}

Hi I'm Lauren! (In case you're new, or you've followed me for a while but never actually knew my name LOL). There are a few other Laurens in amongst our awesome community of Aussie Parenting Bloggers, and one day when I was pondering blog post ideas, I thought of chatting with a few of them to create a mini interview post. And so that's where we are today!

Firstly is Lauren - The Thud. 


I adore Lauren for many reasons... mostly her sense of humour when it comes to all things parenting! Her boy 'The Thud' is a little younger than Miss M, and her daughter 'Pop' is only 2 weeks older than my Little Man, so we shared many of the same feels and struggles in our 2nd pregnancies. Lauren has just started podcasting and she and Jodie are a bucket of fun to tune in to. Oh and not to mention she won the Kidspot Voice of 2015!! If you love a good laugh, you'll love her blog.

Can you share a favourite or popular post from your blog?

With a newborn baby, I’m back in sleep deprived hell so this post is my life right now - Ten Enemies of the Sleeping Baby

What activities does Thud enjoy at the moment?

Thud is two and a half so he enjoys doing anything he shouldn’t be doing. Climbing to precarious heights, finding and deploying dangerous objects, wielding permanent markers... he’s a risk taker. He’s especially fond of his bike right now. He taught himself to ride it. I’m slightly terrified about what the future holds for us. 

Funny parenting story?

My life is one long, funny parenting story. Or tragedy, I can’t tell.  Right now, if you could watch what happens when we try to leave the house, you’d be in stitches. It’s like a Benny Hill skit, involving chases, bodily fluids and serious injuries. Every time I think we are finally ready to get in the car, someone shits themselves or someone disappears or someone is suddenly nude or someone bursts into tears (usually me).  And that’s before we get to the car and have the long-running argument over who is going to drive. I swear one day I’m going to hand him the keys and tell him to keep it below 60.

Favourite quote?

My most frequently repeated quote is “this too will pass” – said as I hide in the pantry and eat biscuits. 
But my favourite quote is “You wouldn’t worry about what others think of you if only you realised how seldom they do” – Eleanor Roosevelt. A great reminder to stop obsessing about yourself and just get on with shit.

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Lauren - Canberra Mummy


I first came across Lauren when she put the call out for bloggers to review her ebook OMG I'm Pregnant! (Click here to read mine). She's also a mother of two and writes with honesty and positivity about parenting.


Funny parenting moment?

(Since becoming a mother of two) these occur regularly when my baby daughter laughs at everything her older brother does. It is amazing to watch the two interact at such young ages, and the joy they bring to each other's lives.

What do you love about Canberra?

Canberra is awesome because it is one of the most family friendly places in Australia.  There are beautiful parks and lakes to walk around, lots of free family events held most weekends, and there is a real sisterhood of parenting that you can only find in smaller communities such as Canberra.

A popular post?

My most popular article I wrote at 5am in the morning after doing a night feed for my eldest. He was only a newborn at the time. So many of my friends warned me of the night time feeds, but you know what, I loved them. They were very special and private moments between bub and me. - Why I'm happy my baby doesn't sleep through the night.

Favourite quote?

My favourite quote is by Toni Morrison, "“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”
I took this quote literally and it is the reason why I created my blog. I wanted to write about parenting and share my wisdom with other mums. I also wanted to reframe negative view of parenting into positive ones, hence my article about enjoying night time feeds.

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Lauren - Life at number Five


Lauren is a stylish blogger, wife and mum who's always sharing her 'everyday style' over on Instagram. I followed her before she had her daughter Grace, and it's been lovely to see her grow over the past few months!


Tell us about your little Grace...

Oh, where to start! I think I could talk about her for hours, but I’ll try to restrain myself! Grace is just the most beautiful, happy, chilled out little baby. It’s such a joy to be her mum. She has crazy amounts of beautiful blonde hair, the most squishable marshmallow thighs and she is obsessed with sticking her tongue out! I’m very lucky that she’s a great little sleeper at night, we’re still working on her day sleeps though! She just makes life so enjoyable and makes me laugh every day.

Funny parenting moment?

There are so many! Grace is a seriously hilarious baby. One of the most recent ones was at mothers group when we had someone come talk to us about sleep and settling. Grace literally sat on the floor staring at the woman talking about sleep like the most attentive little student, it was super adorable. The best part was that when we came home from mothers group she had a 2.5 hour nap, which is super unusual for her, so clearly she was paying attention! 

A favourite/popular blog post?

My most popular post on the blog is '21 awesome uses for the Raskog cart from Ikea’ – people just love it! My personal favourite post would probably be Grace’s birth story [part 1 and part 2] for sentimental reasons. It’s nice to have a record of what happened, especially as my memories of the details are already fading a bit!

Favourite quote?

I’m so bad at picking favourites! I change my mind a lot about what my favourite quote is, but at the moment it’s a quote from Roald Dahl – "If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” I just think it’s such a good reminder that your thoughts and your outlook can have such a big impact. Especially important as a mum!! 

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Finally, Lauren - Create Bake Make


Cooking is not something I'm good at - that's why mums like me need awesome foodie bloggers to follow! Enter Lauren from Create Bake Make! Not only does she share great recipes, but the highs and sometimes heartbreaking lows about motherhood, babies and kids.


You have so many delicious recipes on your blog! Would you mind sharing one savoury and one sweet?

It's so hard to just choose two!  My Cheese and Bacon Cobb Loaf is one of my favourites and very popular, and it's easy to see why!  When it comes to sweet treats, my 4 Ingredient Maltesers and Mars Bar Fudge is another favourite too, it's pretty rich but soooo good!


How old are your boys and what activities do they love?

Our boys are 4 and almost 3 with baby number #3 due in July.  They really are stereotypical boys and love all things trucks, cars, trains and construction but also enjoy 'helping' me in the kitchen and having fun 'making' with paints, crayons and ALWAYS glitter!

How many coffees a day and how do you take it?

While I'm pregnant I stick to one decaf coffee a day but usually I'm a two - three a day girl.  I like to keep it simple, flat whites all the way except when it's hot I indulge in an iced latte - yum!

Favourite quote?

'Cake is the answer no matter the question'

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Thank you lovely Laurens!
Hope my readers have found a few new great blogs to follow...
xox
3

{Interview} Say Hello to Jo!

Jo has the most colourful, beautiful and inspiration Instagram feed and I absolutely adore her photographs. I don’t know how she does it! I first came across her via Fat Mum Slim as she makes a frequent appearance as one of the ‘fab 4’ in the photo a day challenge. And it was back in November of 2014 when she really caught my eye with her #handywallcandy theme for the entire month! (See what I mean here)

She cleverly built up her Instagram tribe (an amazing almost 16k followers!) before starting her blog Say Hello Jo. She’s worked with some fantastic brands (including Finlee and Me like me!) – with her Alphablock Book promotion.

Welcome Jo!
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1. Hello Jo! (how appropriate to start our chat LOL)… Would you mind sharing some of your favourite Instagram pics?


Of course!  It was hard to choose just four but so fun looking back to choose!

Grid created by @sayhellojo and used with permission

2. How exciting that you recently worked with Target!! Tell me did they approach you or did you approach them?? (asking for a friend – by ‘friend’ I mean myself)


So exciting huh!  They approached me just before Christmas last year asking if I wanted to work with them on an influencer campaign.  I love their stuff so naturally said yes.  I’ll be working with them every month showing how to get some cool colour pops into your home for next to nothing.  It combines three of my biggest loves:  colour, shopping and bargains!  It’s been a really great collaboration and I can’t wait to share what’s happening next.

3. So Mr O your darling boy starts kindy this year? How are you both feeling about this change?


Oh my goodness.  Let’s just say only one of us was ready {and it WASN’T me!}.  I took the day off work because I knew they’d be tears and I was right {again, ME guilty as charged}.  He’s been there a month and is just loving it.  I’ve got used to it too and love seeing the change in his confidence and his love of learning.  I’m hoping to start volunteering at the school soon, and am looking forward to that.

4. What kind of activities does Mr O enjoy? (Apart from wall rocking!)


He is the best model and loves exploring with me.  These days he is so fast I have to be quick to whip my phone out to get a pic before he skedaddles!

He is obsessed with fire engines, police cars and ambulances and wants to be a fireman when he grows up.  I think we have something like 20 fire engine related toys, books, dress up costumes and props floating around the house.  We always look for them on the road and the plus side is that I know where all the extinguishers and hydrants are at our local haunts.  “Look mum!” he will often say, pointing in the direction of his latest find, normally as I push the trolley around the supermarket!


5. So you’re from Perth? We are considering a family holiday over there sometime this year… Can you give me any tips of where to take the kidlets? (Miss will be 3 by then and Mr will probably 9 months?)


Perth is very family friendly and awesome for kids.  If you want to find colour for any wall rocking, I’ve shared my faves here:

In terms of areas, Fremantle, Leederville, 140 Perth and the Perth Cultural Centre are my faves; not just for photo opps but there are so many options and areas to explore plus fantastic cafes nearby, and most often, playgrounds too.   If it’s your first time here then you must visit Kings Park – it’s a massive, elevated park right on the city’s doorstep and has sweeping views across the river and to the hills.  Families are often here picnic-ing and there’s heaps of playground options to choose from too, if you don’t want to wander through the natural gardens.

The Perth Zoo is really good and for just $5 you can feed the giraffes behind the scenes from the main public areas {Have you ever been eye to eye with a giraffe}.  The kids need to be at least 4 so this is just one for Mum and Dads but the whole area is great for little ones and it has a massive playground inside.

6. How do you take your coffee?


REGULARY!   Ha!  I have a flat white {no sugar} everyday and always order it in a takeaway cup even if I’m dining in.  It’s my little quirk, I think it just tastes better like that, plus I like to collect cool cups… see…

Grid created by @sayhellojo and used with permission


7. Highlight of 2015?


Oh gosh!  Launching the blog was fun, holidaying with the fam to the Gold Coast was awesome {we particularly loved our trip to Dreamworld} , finding time to focus on me again after coming out of the “mum” phase has also been pretty good.

8. Where to next for Say Hello Jo?


I hope 2016 will be the time when I get to focus on the blog a little more.  I have so many ideas – time is just my issue, like everyone else I guess – but I want to make that a priority this year.

We also want to holiday somewhere so would love some inspo from your readers!

Until then, the reality is that my next stop will be kindy drop off or, if you’re reading this on a Saturday, think of me saying hello to the morning vortex!

9. Favourite quote?


When nothing goes right, go left!

10. Social media links ☺


Blog
Instagram
Facebook

Thanks so much for your time Jo! So pleased to have you on the blog…
I always get a takeaway cup too - so much easier when you have kids!

Thank YOU for having me!  So glad to have connected with you here!

0

About Being a Goal Rocker

This month I embarked on my first ever online course... Now you may be thinking that I'm crazy because I have a one month old and a toddler, but before you tell my I'm crazy, hear me out :)

The course is called 'Rock Your Goals' and is taught by life coach and writer Sarah Jensen. (You may remember this post when Sarah interviewed me and I shared our pic from the Adelaide Instagrammers meet up? Just to help you put a face to the name). Anyway, Sarah workshops the course in person (wish I had made it to this - if you have the opportunity GO!) as well as online which allowed me to go at my own pace. 2016 is my year to be BRAVE and put more effort and energy into my blog to see where I can take it! In two years I've built a pretty solid foundation and think that I have some great content - but where to next? This is where Rock Your Goals comes in...


Sarah guides her goal rocker tribe step by step through the process of identifying how we want to feel, what makes us feel that way, what our specific goals are and why, as well as some great strategies to achieve those goals - which obviously is what the course aims to do. Sarah's support is ongoing through the wonderful Facebook group and she's really encouraging and inspiring. In each lesson of the course you get a detailed email, audio and a workbook, plus beautiful quotes and social media images to use (I would quite often read the emails early in the morning rocking bubs in one arm with my phone in the other!)

Here are some key things I took away from the course - I feel that writing them here on my blog holds me accountable and hopefully in a years time I can look back and see how far I've come!


  • I was to feel enthusiastic, excited and positive about life. These are words I would have used to describe myself pre-children and I'd really like to get back there. My blog (and my job) helps me do this.
  • My main goal? To make Teacher Types work for me - and start earning a small income back from all the work and effort I put into it. This can happen in a variety of ways, and I've already begun reaching out to brands and seeking more guest posting opportunities.
  • I already have a great foundation, knowledge, something to say, a voice, and great connections established.
  • {Non blog goal} As a family we're also aiming for fun family holidays each year - thinking about the ages of our kids and destinations that would be most appropriate.

Also - I've just discovered podcasts (I think I'm 10 years too late LOL), but you can find Sarah over at iTunes as well chatting with other inspirational and motivated ladies. Here's the link!

Thank you so much Sarah! It's been a pleasure!

Click here to be a goal rocker too! (affiliate link)

Lauren xx
6

My {Second} Interview Catch Up Post

Bloggers are a lovely breed...and I'm now into my third year of blogging. Last year I've had the pleasure of interviewing 12 wonderful bloggers - and back in July I did a follow up of my first 6. You can read it here - along with links to the original interviews.

For the most recent 6 interviews I kept it local and interviewed fellow RADeladian bloggers. Here's a recap of what Kylie, Liv, Sarah, Nichole and Beth have been up to.

July - Kylie from Octavia and Vicky


Thank you to Lauren for inviting me back for an update. Pebble is now a BIG Year 1 student (second year of school) and Rocky is turning three in just over a month. THREE!? Where did THAT time go? 



Since my first interview I've had some pretty big changes in family and work. For a number of complicated work reasons I increased my work time from three days a week to four days a week. I have thrived on the work, I just love teaching and sinking my teeth into an extra day has been fabulous! At the same time we decided to move Pebble to my school, instead of her local school (they are only seven minutes drive apart!). It's kind of a long and complicated story... involving me teaching Pebble for the last term of her first year of school. Yep, I taught my own child! That was a bumpy road at first but in the end it was a real blessing and a very special time that I'll never forget. I'll go on to work four days again this year, teaching Reception, lucky me (yes, I really mean that!).
Pebble is READING and writing and doing gymnastics and swimming. She is still an awesome bundle of creative ideas, and loves to do things her own way. She's our rules girl, she loves routine and boundaries, but she also loves looking at things differently and plays and creates in her own individual way. 

Rocky has changed child care centres this year, from one that we very much adored to one that is more local, and also wonderful. We're so lucky to have awesome choice in our area. Being closer to home will make his transition to school a little smoother, when the time comes (we hope!). Rocky has really grown up to be boisterous, energetic and a little comedian. He loves to make us laugh. He's also throwing some ripper tantrums these days... but that's another story. At the end of the day he is super cuddly and loving and has big love for his family.

While Paul has gone back to work the three of us have been enjoying school holidays together, with only one more week left to soak up. We have spent LOTS of time with our huge family and awesome friends. As always we made a trip to the city, this time for a ride on the Popeye and a visit to the South Australian Museum. The Museum has changed quite a lot since I last went, or perhaps I just had more time to look around this time, now the kids are a bit older. The kids especially love all the drawers to pull open and examine specimens of one kind or another. One last thing we'll be squeezing in before the end of next week is a trip to the Adelaide Zoo. Always a winner!

With all this going on I'm afraid that blogging on Octavia and Vicky has really taken a back seat. I have been so reluctant to formally call an end to my blogging days in that space, but it has fizzled out to almost nothing now. It remains a wonderful part of my life that I feel so lucky to have enjoyed. Perhaps I will come back to it with fresh eyes, it may include more teaching posts than parenting posts. Or perhaps I'll never write again. I really should stop sitting on the fence and decide! For now I have this beautiful family and awesome job to keep me going. 

Thanks again, Lauren, I wish you all the very best on your blogging ventures!

August - Liv from Eenie Meenie Miney Mum


Liv recently wrote a fantastic insight into life with twins. A great read...

You've probably seen her memes popping up all over social media because they're so awesome. Here's four of her most popular...


And here's what Liv has to say...

Considering 2015 was the year eeniemeeniemineymum.com was born, it was a pretty big year! So many instances of nearly accidentally killing my children and/or publicly humiliating myself to share, so little time. No really, so. little. time. And so. many. instances. 

Although I have to say, as the festive season (along with every family birthday in basically my entire family because we all apparently only procreate in one single month of the year) drew nearer, and I discovered that I have an uncanny knack of making plans and then not wanting to actually do them when the time comes... my momentum stalled a bit. The faster my littlest baby learned to crawl (or, as is now the case, walk), the less able I was to smash out a blog because she was, you know, smashing all our stuff. Destroying the twins duplo masterpieces. Systematically pulling every book we own off their shelves. Etc etc. 

That said.. There is a shining beacon looming down upon us. My twins turned four at the very end of 2015. And you know what that means. 

KINDY. 

Two and a half beautiful days a week in which someone else is instructing the direction of their little minds and suggesting they not use their vegemite sandwich to wipe up the water they just spilled all over the bench top. 

Oh, kindy. How I plan to love thee with all the fervour of my highly caffeinated heart. Oh kindy, how I plan to wistfully smile at just the mere thought of you as I while away my hours sitting watching my single non-kindy age child in the playground, or eating double coated tim tams without having to hide in the cupboard to do so. 

So watch this space! 2016 could just be the best year for eenie meenie miney mum yet. Or maybe not. In any case, I'm planning on buying a Dyson stick vac. And if that's not exciting enough news, I don't know what is.


September - Sarah from Working Mums Collective


Well 2015 certainly flew by. It feels like only a few weeks ago that we were getting ready for our little man to start school and now he is getting excited about being in year 1 this year.

Last year was a big adjustment for us getting into the routine of all the school activities. Thanks to a facebook group started by one of the parents in the class we got through and were kept up to date with all the activities, excursions and other important school dates.

It was an bigger adjustment for me to get into the routine of working three days and being home two. After working full time for so long, it was hard to get into that routine.

This year will be another adjustment period for us as I will return to work full time and my husband will be doing more flexible work and will be responsible for the school drop offs and looking after our daughter a couple of days a week. From a work point of view I am looking forward to being back five days a week as I struggled to adjust to only being there three days and was doing a lot of work at home. But I will miss being there for two of the drop offs and pick-ups and will miss my time with Ashlee but it will be good for them to have more time with Dad. 

Who knows what the routine will be like the year after… only time will tell.

Things were a bit quieter with working mums collective this year but I have blog plans for 2016. In January I will launch the working mums collective magazine. This gives me an opportunity to combine my passion for design with my passion for supporting working mums and have some great contributors and articles to share for the launch issue. This will then be a quarterly online magazine for working mums. (Get your copy here!)



It was a busy year for me with design; marketing and social media clients and I have love connecting and supporting women in business to elevate their businesses to the next level. Many of who have achieved amazing things this year and it has been a pleasure to play some part in it. I will continue to do some graphic design work for bloggers and women in business in the evenings as I love being creative and bringing their dreams and visions to life.


October - Nichole from You Clever Monkey


Big news for Nichole over at You Clever Monkey is that she now has an online store where you can purchase her printables - such as visual timetable, desk mats, 2D shape challenge cards and much more. She also compiled a list of her top 10 posts from 2015 - here. There's some great stuff! And I always see You Clever Monkey pop up on Facebook sharing fantastic teaching resources (teacher friends you should definitely follow her). She was busy redecorated her children's bedrooms these school holidays and they look beautiful. Even the story books are arranged in rainbow order! I love it! Like all other Aussie teacher's, Nichole is busy preparing for the start of a new school year.


November - Beth from Almost Posh


We really enjoyed Christmas this year, as it was the first time Miss L had any kind of concept of what was going on (and the Father Christmas carrot was dangled a LOT for best behaviour during the lead-up! We kept gifts to a small handful but she certainly didn’t go without and has enjoyed playing with / using everything she received, including bathers and beach towels. Father Christmas also took her bottles away to give to the babies who don’t have any and now she’s got a non-spill cup of water to take to bed (which I’m super happy about). Our pre-childcare routine has improved out of sight lately; I think letting her choose her own outfit has been a big part of it. Next step: toilet training! Wish me luck!

Beth recently wrote about our fun RADelaide bloggers meet up here.

In December I interviewed Hayley from Adelady!


If you missed it you can read it here.
You can also catch up on what Hayley's been up to in her recent feature in Working Mums Collective magazine.

And I only just recently interviewed Angela from Finlee and Me.


Check it out here :)

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I'm looking for some feedback now - if you're a regular reader of Teacher Types, have you enjoyed reading these interviews? Have you found a great new blogger to follow because of one of my interviews? Is it something I should continue this year? Or maybe keep the general idea but with a different approach? Bloggers from elsewhere in the world? Bloggers from other genres with a specific focus eg healthy family recipes, maternal well being, fitness, fashion? OK too many questions - but would love to know your thoughts.

Lauren xx
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The Blogger Behind Finlee and Me {Welcome Angela}

I'm proud to be a brand rep for a fantastic Australian online kids/baby product store Finlee and Me. I genuinely believe that the products on offer are unique, high quality, educational, encourage imaginative play, and above all, aren't available in regular shops. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll see that I regularly share some of the products we were lucky enough to be gifted, and we even do the occasional giveaway!




Welcome Angela – and thanks so much for helping me out with an interview post while I’m busy settling into life with my 2 little cherubs!

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1. So I know you are from Canada, but when did you come to Australia?


I came to Australia in 1997 for my high school graduation trip; was only a short trip. Then I came back in 2002-2003 where I completed my Masters of Social Work. Then married my husband who is Austrlian in 2005 and we moved back in 2006 and have been here since.

2. What’s a highlight of living in Brisbane? Best kid friendly outing recommendation?


We love the community vibe in Brisbane. There are always a variety of kids activities from connecting with nature, going to a museum, having a picnic in the park; we’re truly blessed. In addition, we’re only an hour north or south from some of the finest beaches in Australia.


3. Tell us about Finlee and Chloe. What activities/toys are they loving at the moment?


Finlee and Chloe are currently in love with Bobo our Elf in the Shelf. Bobo has been with us now for the 3rd year running. He arrives on or around December 1st and the kids love him. They ask for him through out the year, tell me all the time how they miss him; he truly is part of our family. Finlee and Chloe are also into arts and crafts. From drawing, to painting to collecting leaves in the backyard to get creative.

4. How did you find Finlee’s first year of school?


Finlee had a great year. Everything is captured in a recent blog post here.

5. What can parents shopping online expect to find at Finlee and Me?


Our focus as Finlee and Me is simple… to create childhood memories through play. We source quality products from around the world that encourage children of all ages to play, connect with nature, nurture their imagination and through play create childhood memories.

6. Best selling product?


Magnatiles are such a fantastic education product - ideal for home or school. Beautiful colours, easy to use, these tiles connect along the edges and can be used to create fun 2D and 3D shapes.



7. What does a typical ‘day in the life of Angela, Finlee & Chloe’ look like?


A lot of people don’t know that I also work full time for the government in mental health. So Finlee is in school Monday-Friday, Chloe is in daycare Monday-Wednesday and then Dale is with Chloe on Thursday and I’m with her on Friday. I believe that quality time is more important then qanitity of time. Therefore, when we get the kids afterschool/daycare we try to ensure we’re off our phones and computers and focus on them. During the weekends, sometimes we’ll stay home and just be a family and regroup, while other times we’re off to birthday parties or different family activities.

8. What does 2016 have in store for Finlee and Me? Any big plans?


We have so many exciting plans for 2016!! We’ll be focusing on collaborating with some wonderful Australian, child-friendly/child focused businesses to bring our fans/followers/readers some exciting opportunities. In addition, we’ll be focusing on increasing our blog so that parents have a wonderful place to turn to when they need support, need a laugh or want to know they’re not alone. We’ll also be looking at sourcing some new product lines that will go great with our creating childhood memories through play.

9. Favourite quote to finish?



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You can find Finlee and Me here on social media
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My Turn to be Interviewed!

Last year I attended an awesome Adelaide Instagrammers meet up and met the gorgeous and inspirational life coach Sarah Jensen (here's her website). We hit it off and later in the year she asked me some interview questions for her Heart + Hustle series. 

Here we are at the insta-meet up.

I regularly interview other bloggers, so I thought it would be nice to share my answers to Sarah's questions - I always like getting to know the bloggers I follow :)

So read on if you'd like to get to know me better!

What nourishes you?


When I stop and think about answering this question lots of things come to mind. My family. My career. Good food. A good cup of coffee. Doing 'body balance' at the gym (well I used to and hope to again). Sunshine on a 25 degree day. Shopping. My blog. Rest.

What’s top of your bucket list?


I really look forward to a time when we can travel again when our children are older. There is so much of Australia and the rest of the world I have't seen. I can't wait to make memories as a family and have some wonderful holidays together. Hubby has always wanted to go to New Zealand, but I've already been. And I've never been to Europe but he has. So there'll be some compromises over the years I'm sure.

What song do you sing at the top of your lungs every time you hear it?


Ok all time favourite - "Summer Rain". This song takes me back to my early twenties when I'd stay out late with my girlfriends and dance until my feet hurt! The song I'm loving at the moment is "Shut Up and Dance" - I bought a new car recently and had this song cranking while I drove it home from the car yard!


What’s your top tip for superhero self-confidence?


This is a tricky question... I certainly wasn't a confident person in high school, but found my way during my years of University when I was studying Early Childhood Education, and again when I got my first teaching job (at the school were I still work today). I think it's important to remember that not everyone will like you - and it's impossible to keep everyone happy all the time (I'm a compulsive people pleaser and don't like to rock the boat so this was a hard one for me to realise).

I'm not one for lots of make up, hair extensions, fake eye lashes and fake tans... but I do enjoy the simple pleasures of a pedicure, massage, a new outfit, and nice earrings to feel good about myself.

How do you pull yourself out of your head and into your heart?


Another tricky one Sarah! I tend to be a bit of a worrier and get a bit anxious when things don't go right. I'm always trying to keep other's happy. I guess this is when I'm "in my head". I wrestle with decisions when it comes to what's best for my daughter and our family and worry about things that are way off in the future.
I know that I need to sometimes think of myself and remember that putting yourself first is not selfish - but sometimes necessary. I think it's also important to be present in the moment and appreciate the here and now, instead of worrying those distant future big decisions.

If you could pick one random act of kindness to pay forward and start a global movement, what would it be?


Cooking a meal for someone (in particular a mother with a new bub). I cannot tell you how much this helped when I had my daughter two years ago - it was better than any material gift. In those early weeks you are barely hanging on, but it's so important to eat nourishing food (especially if breastfeeding - the hunger is overwhelming) but it's difficult to cook for yourself. I made an effort to do this for other friends when they had their babies once I experienced how helpful it was. Soup, pasta, muffins, risotto are great options or meals that freeze and reheat well are a good way to go. And if your cooking a batch of soup yourself - it's easy to put some aside. So next time a friend of yours has a new bub - why not bring them a meal made with love instead of (or as well as) a baby gift?

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Later this month I'm so excited to start Sarah's 'Rock Your Goals' online course. What a way to start my year of blogging and get a good plan together. Read more about the course here

Thanks for interviewing me Sarah. Can't wait to rock my goals with your support and inspiration! xx
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Teacher Types 2nd Blogiversary


Happy New Year! 
I don't know how he knew, but our Little Man woke us up at about 11:54 last night, just in time to see in the new year and watch the fireworks on TV :) 

What a clever one!

I love that I stated my blog on the 1st of Jan, makes it easier to remember my Blogiversary. I've written so much in the past 2 years, and more surprisingly is that I've kept with it - even in a quiet month there's still been a post or two.

2015 was the year of collaboration and setting my blog up to make the move from 'hobby' to a more professional website. I own my own domain (meaning I'm a 'dot com' instead of a 'dot blogspot dot com'), I got a Facebook page, I made a media kit, I work with brands, I write for other websites and I have an ABN. I feel like such a grown up!

So what to expect in 2016?
- Writing about my newest parenting chapter, being a mother of two - including baby play ideas and activities to keep Miss M busy, happy and occupied.
- More great articles for Adelady & Childhood 101
- More awesome products to share from Finlee and Me
- Even though I won't be working (teaching) this year, I'll still include a few teaching ideas and resources here and there.
- Who knows what else? Got any suggestions for me?? What about a regular 'ask the teacher' post on Facebook? Would love to know your thoughts.

Over Jan & Feb I've got some wonderful bloggers lined up to write some feature articles for me so that I've still got regular content to share while I'm busy adjusting to my new routine. I have been shown time and time again that bloggers are always willing to go above and beyond to help each other and collaborate. So that's exciting!

Wishing you all the best for 2016.

"The year is yours. What will you do with it?"

Lauren x
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A Year of Teacher Types {2015}

We're getting close to Christmas and the end of 2015, and I was feeling all inspired by Jess from Essentially Jess with her end of year wrap up post and so I wanted to do the same. I wanted to share a snapshot of my best blogging and significant happenings from this year. Teacher Types is nearly 2 years old, and I'm so proud of how far I've come, and that I've been able to consistently stick to it. It brings so much to my life and I'm so excited to see what opportunities 2016 will bring!

Please enjoy a trip down memory lane with me :)
If you're a loyal reader (YOU ROCK!) and please let me know your favourite post of the year. If your a newish follower (THANK YOU!) and I hope you like reading some of my best posts from this year, there may be some you've missed.


January


We went on a mini family holiday to Melbourne to start our year, and overall it went pretty well (although we haven't been on a plane since, and we stressed out slightly when Miss M didn't have her day naps while we were there). But I shared a few highlights on the blog...as you do.

Melbourne Snapshot

January is the perfect time for 'Back to School' posts as parents, children and teachers are all preparing to return to school (some more enthusiastically than others). I wrote a back to school series covering all sorts of topics from separation anxiety, to giving kids a head start with reading.

February


February saw my most popular post of 2015 - Phonics Treasure Baskets and this activity was a big hit in my classroom as the children were learning their letters and beginning sounds. 


I also reviewed one of my favourite little Adelaide play cafes (well, it's way more than your regular play cafe)... Amalie's Play Space and have been back many times throughout the year. 

March


March was Miss M's 2nd Birthday and we celebrated with a party at Amalies. She was a bit overwhelmed with all the people there, had trouble sharing and cried when we all sang 'happy birthday'. All her guests had fun though!

I really liked this Maths post of 10 hands on way to learn numbers. Lots of great ideas here for classroom or home. 


April


In April I bought you a lovely series with the help of my online Mother's Group - "Stories from Real Mummies". There were stories about Ridiculous Reasons for TantrumsManaging Toddler BehaviourFunny things our two year olds say and Best activities for two year olds. I love that these stories, advice and quotes are directly from the mouths of mums who were/are living the 'terrible twos' here and now. Must do another series like this in 2016. 


May


In May I finally joined Facebook! Yay! Now I have 850 likers...(although Facebook can be very frustrating at times when 10 people out of those 850 see my content). 

I attempted the 'Blog every day in May' challenge and made it 27 days. Interestingly though - may saw my highest pageviews of the year. Two favourite posts of these 27 were How to make the perfect rainbow rice and Art Work made from toddler paintings.



May was also Mother's Day and my birthday. I shared a rather personal post here - There's a story behind this handbag.

June


I used up all my good ideas and content in May, so lost some mojo in June. But I guess these two weren't too bad and could do with a mentioned - Clever Craft ideas with CleverPatch and What's in a quiet box?


July


We were so thrilled to announce our pregnancy news in July, and it's not long to go now until I'll be making another exciting announcement of his arrival. Another highlight of July was when we went to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. It was absolutely magical and I would highly recommend it to all young children and their families. 

Image used with permission.

August


We ditched the dummy in August and (of course) I blogged about it. Miss M still loves this colour sorting activity that I shared. 


September


September was a quiet month with only 2 posts - both pretty good though if I do say so myself. These alphabet collages are a great idea to help children learn their letters. 


We enjoyed a family trip to Goolwa and Miss M was in her absolute element jumping on the jumping pillow at the caravan park. 

October


October was fun and a few special milestones were achieved during the school holidays. Miss M adjusted to a big girl bed and we decorated her 'rainbow' bedroom. We managed to master toilet training, and we still battle with daily getting dressed tantrums.


November


Another family trip happened in November, this time to Mount Gambier and it the road trip went really well compared to the same time in 2014. November was the exciting time when I teamed up with Finlee and Me to become a brand rep. I wrote about 15 of my favourite products you can find on their online store. 


December


To kick off December and get into the Christmas spirit I hosted a HUGE Christmas giveaway. It was a lot of work but totally worth it and I was so grateful for the 7 small business for their prizes and everyone who entered for their support. 

I only just recently shared our completed baby's nursery - and this certainly has been a highlight of the month. 


So I think that's where I'll sign off for now. The next time you hear from me I'll have some baby news to share :)

Thank you for following along this year. 
Have a wonderful Christmas and a joyful start to 2016!

Love Lauren & family xx
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December Round Up {Childhood 101 Guest Posts}

I have been so lucky and fortunate to have had the opportunity to write all year for such a brilliant Kids/Parenting Website - Childhood 101,  and I'm pleased to say that this collaboration is continuing in 2016! I thought it would nice for an end of year post to wrap up the 12 posts I've written over there... There's been quite a variety of posts, literacy, books, maths, sensory, things for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children... I asked Christie (editor of C101) how my stats were, and my most viewed post was Busy Bags for Toddlers.


So here they all are (in order of most recent)




















You can also find all the articles I've written elsewhere around the net at my "I've been featured" page.

I interviewed Christie from Childhood 101 in June this year - read it here
Thanks again for having my on the C101 team Christie! If you don't already follow Childhood 101 - you really should! FacebookInstagram
Lauren x
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