Sunday, 25 October 2020

Harvest Day 🌿

“The harvest of the earth is here! God, the very God we worship, keeps us satisfied at his banquet of blessings.”
‭Psalms‬ ‭67:6‬ 

From seeds I grew my own spinach (so proud of me) which today Justine was excited to pull up and use in Aunty’s kitchen. 

After picking Justine up today, I was excited to share that the spinach I’d grown was ready to be picked! So we headed down the Avenue of Honor to a cute little local fruit shop called The Fruits of Life where Justine picked out her own favourite fruits to put with the spinach she’d pick fresh at Aunty’s house to make her own smoothie. She picked out pineapple, mango, strawberries , bananas and watermelon. 





Once she got out the car, went to see the kids and cat, we grabbed a container from the kitchen for her to harvest the spinach. 






She was so excited and did a great job washing and cutting the easier fruit while I cut the harder stuff to make smoothies for us all!




The smoothies come out delicious and we portioned and froze the remaining fruit for future smoothies!


Justine took the remaining spinach home so I’m looking forward to hearing what she did with it when I see her again next fortnight. 



Love you gorgeous girl, see you soon! 
Read More

Saturday, 24 October 2020

OKAMI Ballarat

Last night the kids and I had dinner at a Japanese (all-you-can-eat) restaurant called OKAMI in Ballarat. This was a brand new experience for us all having never eaten Japanese food before. I love how the kids embraced the adventure trying new foods they'd had never otherwise of tried. We counted to three and tried prawn dumplings for the first time, we each also tried sushini. Some things Jie liked and Nevaeh didn't like and some things Nevaeh liked and I didn't like. Using chopsticks was pretty fun too although by the end of the night the kids reverted back to a fork. The whole experience was quite different. We sat down with a menu and then a waitress came to our table four times to take our order. The orders came fresh one after the other and we experienced an array of different flavors. If you're thinking of something to do with the family I highly recommend this place! 

We will definitely be visiting again!














 




Check out their Menu here..
and/or make a booking here..

Read More

Sunday, 18 October 2020

How to Create an Advent Calendar



Step 1 
Using the list from the previous post found here.. pick out 23 activities taking into consideration your budget, weather and what you think your family would enjoy doing together throughout December. Write them down or type them up to print.  

Step 2
Look for an advent calendar which fits your family! For little kids try a door advent calendar. For larger families use loot bags hung either on the tree or on a tree branch. You could also use cardboard favor boxes or create your own baubles. Anything you can stick a number on and something little inside of. The possibilities are endless! 

Step 3
Print out the month of December 2020 and start filling in what days you want to do things. Keep in mind things like extracurricular activities, after school activities and or weekend commitments which may prevent carrying out an activity on those busier days of the week. Also consider your pay days and what might work budget wise for that week. On days you might struggle money wise perhaps consider a random acts of kindness activity. 

Step 4
Think of the types of goodies you want the kids to find each morning when they wake up to a new task. Some people choose to have just the task itself but some other ideas may include a bible verse, a small piece of chocolate, a hard boiled lolly, a family photo, a prayer request, a new ornament for the tree, a candy cane to give to someone that day, a small craft, different scented bath bombs, gift cards etc. Also consider the amount of kids and the budget.
 
Step 5
Again when planning your activities for the month leave room for new things. As December rolls around you’ll need to swap and change the activities at times to make time for school Christmas concerts, community Christmas events etc. but keep a few solid as these will become your family’s traditions.

Step 6
Everything should be done and ready for the kids to open their first advent on December 1st. Number the days and Embrace each and every advent activity with love as you do them with your family throughout the month. The kids will feed off of your energy so get excited, love on them and laugh with them. This advent calendar will have you guys together this Christmas and maybe have your friends and family involved in different things. 

If you have any other questions please ask and guys, if you are choosing to do an advent calendar this year please share it with me! I’d love to see and follow you and your family’s fun! 

Read More

100 Christmas Advent Activity Ideas

For anyone planning to do a family advent calendar this year for their family, now is the perfect time to get it started and it’s not as hard as you may think!
 
I’ve made a list of 100 things you and your family could do as you count down the days until Christmas! 

No matter where you are in the world there is something for everyone! 



  1. Christmas Treasure Hunt
  2. FaceTime a family member
  3. Write letters to Santa
  4. Look up how other people celebrate Christmas in other parts of the world on YouTube 
  5. Learn to say merry Christmas in 3 other languages 
  6. Create a gingerbread house 
  7. Buy a snow globe 
  8. Put Christmas lights in the front yard
  9. Invite your neighbours around for a bbq 
  10. Handmade Christmas cards 
  11. Bake cookies for your neighbours 
  12. Wear Santa hats all day 
  13. Give out candy canes at sports club
  14. Create a red, green and white meal 
  15. Wear Christmas socks to school 
  16. Ride in a horse and carriage 
  17. Have a whipped cream fight
  18. Popcorn prayers before bed 
  19. FaceTime your aunts and uncles 
  20. Camp under the Christmas tree
  21. Christmas carol Kareoke 
  22. Help out at the local soup kitchen 
  23. Volunteer to read your fave Christmas book to kids at the library 
  24. Do a family Christmas tiktok 
  25. Donate old toys 
  26. Donate food 
  27. Donate blood 
  28. Go Christmas light looking in your town 
  29. Kris Kringle/secret Santa with another family 
  30. Learn to play a Christmas song on an instrument 
  31. Pay for someone else’s meal 
  32. Buy flowers for a homeless person 
  33. Call a friend and sing your conversation to the tune of a Christmas song
  34. Create Christmas bookmarks for people at the library 
  35. Donate clothes 
  36. Sponser an animal 
  37. Sponser a child 
  38. Decorate and ride your bikes around town 
  39. Sleep under the Christmas tree 
  40. Build a snowman 
  41. Build a snowman with LEGO 
  42. Decorate your Christmas tree 
  43. Buy a real tree 
  44. Create a Christmas playlist 
  45. Create your own Christmas song 
  46. Paint your finger nails in festive colors 
  47. Decorate your car 
  48. Leave merry Christmas notes in books for others to find 
  49. Leave a Christmas stocking filled with treats on a strangers door 
  50. Shout all the kids at the skate park lunch 
  51. Host a Christmas movie night 
  52. Go to carols by candlelight 
  53. Go to church on Christmas Day 
  54. Go to the zoo 
  55. Play backyard cricket 
  56. Go skiing 
  57. Go skating 
  58. Worship as a family 
  59. Write an appreciation letter to someone you’ve been encouraged by 
  60. Visit a family members grave and leave a wreath 
  61. Visit your grandparents 
  62. Host a Christmas movie trivia night 
  63. Have a Christmas movie marathon 
  64. Bake a Christmas cake 
  65. Make jam 
  66. Wear matching Christmas pyjamas 
  67. Go swimming 
  68. Buy some new Christmas books 
  69. Family dinner somewhere fancy 
  70. Family photos on front of the Christmas tree
  71. Give away a free ticket 
  72. Bless someone else 
  73. Eat breakfast for dinner 
  74. Create Christmas pancakes 
  75. Create Christmas hot chocolates 
  76. Write Christmas cards 
  77. Make string popcorn for the Christmas tree
  78. Have some fun with elf on the shelf 
  79. Spoil your pets 
  80. Decorate your letterbox or wheelie bins 
  81. Have a silent disco at the park 
  82. Write to a relative 
  83. Create and cook a 5 star menu and meal 
  84. Create a Christmas bubble bath 
  85. Pamper yourself 
  86. Make a meal for a needy friend 
  87. Christmas photo shoot with pets included 
  88. Family weekend get away 
  89. Host a bingo night online with Christmas themed gifts 
  90. Christmas water fight 
  91. Recreate old Christmas photos 
  92. Christmas slumber party 
  93. Create a bird feeder 
  94. Lookup YouTube funny Christmas videos 
  95. Host a dress up Christmas party 
  96. Write Christmas messages in chalk in your neighbourhood 
  97. Decorate the dog house 
  98. Picnic at the beach 
  99. Travel to the snow 
  100. Road trip to that friend/family member you never see
If you guys have any more, please comment below!
 
Also comment any questions you may have regarding these ideas but most are pretty self explanatory! 

Good luck and God Bless 🌿



Read More

Monday, 5 October 2020

200 Questions Answered

1: Are you ready for 200 questions? 
Sure, as ready as I’ll ever be!

2: Was your last relationship a mistake? 
No, not a mistake, it did hurt though!

3: Do you miss your last relationship? 
Not at all. I know what I deserve and it’s more than anything I thought I had in our relationship.

4: Who did you last say "i love you" to? 
My daughter before I went to bed.

5: Do you regret it? 
Never, I love telling her I love her!

6: Have you ever been depressed? 
I never knew what depression was until my Dad got diagnosed with cancer!

7: Are you a positive person? 
I try to be, I used to be.. I’m not sure anymore.

8: Are you insecure? 
I can be, I never used to be. I have changed a lot over the years.

9: What is your relationship status? 
Seperated.

10: How do you want to die? 
In my sleep of old age 

11: What did you last eat? 
Chicken Parmigiana 

12: Have you played any sports? 
Netball, touch footy and soccer

13: Do you bite your nails? 
Not since I was a child 

14: When was your last physical fight? 
Too long ago to remember now.

15: Do you have an attitude
Not these days. 

16: Do you like someone? 
I’m not sure yet, I’m taking things slow.

17: What is your real name? 
Melissa Anne Fletcher

18: Have you ever read a book? 
Quite a few now.

19: Are you gonna get high later? 
No! My days of getting high are over.

20: Do you hate anyone at the moment? 
I don’t hate anyone, more so don’t respect certain people. 

21: Do you miss someone? 
I miss my family every single day and wish things were different. If I could go back in time I’d have just loved them more had I have known I’d be now doing life without them. 

22: Twirl or cut your spaghetti? 
A bit of both!

23: Do you tan a lot? 
Not a lot but I do tan.

24: Have any pets?
A pure bred Labrador named Maximus (or Max) and a well loved cat named Altius.

25: How exactly are you feeling?
I’m feeling okay, excited for Christmas and looking forward for some new adventures.

26: Ever eaten food in a car while someone else or you are driving? 
Yeah I have but I can’t remember the last time I did.
 
27: Ever made out in a bathroom? 
In the shower if that counts? but not in a public bathroom.

28: Would you take any of your exes back? 
No, and good luck to whoever will put up with them.

29: Are you scared of spiders? 
No, they’re all my friends! 

30: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? 
Yes, to tell the people I love and care about just that. And to hug and hold them for just a little bit longer before I’d go.

31: Do you regret anything from your past? 
I have lived with the choices I’ve made and made peace with it all now. I don’t regret a single thing. 

32: What are your plans for this weekend? 
To see my niece and put a big smile upon her face. To love on her and have her know that she has has an Aunty who will always be here for her.

33: Do you want to have kids? 
I have a son, Jiedyn, aged 14yo and a daughter, Nevaeh, aged 11yo.

34: Did you ever kiss someone whose name starts with an M? 
Michael, Matthew, Matthew and Mark in that order.

35: Do you type fast? 
Not as fast as some people.

36: Do you have piercings? 
Yes, ears x5

37: Want anymore? 
Yes more in my ears 

38: Can you spell well? 
Yes I can

39: Do you miss anyone from your past?.. 
I miss my friends in Coffs Harbour and Brisbane. I miss my Nana. 

40: What are you craving right now? 
Nothing, I’m quite content 

41: Ever been to a bonfire party? 
Yes, of course, and had a few of my own over the years.

42: Ever had a silly band? 
Never

43: Have you ever been on a horse? 
Quite a few times.

44: Kissed someone in a pickup truck? 
Nope. Both my exes never had their licenses.

45: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? 
Yes and it hurts to know I had to to that to them. But it was for the best.

46: Have you ever been cheated on? 
Yes, in my last 3 relationships

47: Have you ever made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? 
Not that I can remember.

48: Are you thinking of someone right now? 
I’m so focussed on these questions I can’t think of much else.

49: Would you live with someone without marrying them? 
Not sure, I know what God would prefer me do.

50: What should you be doing? 
Sleeping 

51: What’s irritating you right now? 
Not being able to see my Dad

52: Have you ever liked someone so much that it hurts? 
I don’t think so

53: Does somebody love you? 
My kids. My Dad. My Dog. God. My true friends. Some of my family.

54: What is your favorite color? 
Navy or Aqua..
55: Have you ever changed clothes in a car? 
Yes, while camping

56: Milk chocolate or white chocolate? 
Either or neither, I don’t eat chocolate very often.

57: Do you have trust issues? No. I had this conversation to a friend a few months ago. I trust. Regardless of if I think they could or would cheat on mr. I trust. Because at the end of the day, I know I am faithful and they know I am a good woman so they would have to then live with the guilt and it would hurt  and eat them more to know what they’re doing behind my back. I would believe in them until they gave me reason not to. And If they tell me than obviously they care about me enough to make it work. If I found out through someone else it would be over.

58: Best friends name? 
Kelvene

59: 2nd best friends name?
Tracy

60: 3rd best friends name? 
Nat

61: Longest relationship? 
5 years.

62: Do you believe your most recent ex thinks about you? 
If he can go a year without seeing his own daughter I doubt he’s thinking about me.

63: Who was the last person you cried in front of? 
My counsellor.

64: Do you give out second chances too easily?
One chance, and one chance only.
 
65: Is it easier to forgive or forget? 
Forget .. but forgiveness is the right thing to do.

66: Is this year the best year of your life? 
Not yet.. but it’s not over yet so it still could be!

67: What was your childhood nickname? 
Missy Mousey. I still love when my Dad calls me that.

68: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? Yes, while skinny dipping at a friends pool..

69: Favorite food? 
Pesto pasta!

70: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? 
Strongly agree

71: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
 Plugged my phone charger into my phone.

72: Did you have dream last night? 
A few 

73: What is bothering you? 
Not being able to sleep.

74: Have you ever been out of state?
 I have lived in three states in Australia.

75: Do you play the Wii? 
No, I gave out wii away! I play Xbox every now and then.

76: Are you listening to music right now? 
Nope.

77: Do you like Chinese food? 
Some.. But I can cook it better than what I can buy it, for a lot cheaper too.

78: Who are you texting right now?
Hahaha, it’s 3.30am and I just received a text from my “friend” who can’t sleep either.

79: Are you afraid of the dark? 
No.

80: Is cheating ever okay? 
Never.

81: Are you mean?
 I can be. People say I used to be mean, I try not to be mean. My kids think I'm mean hahaha 

82: Can you keep white shoes clean? 
No

83: What year has been your best? 
Not sure. Maybe 2019. I checked a lot of things off my bucket list and just enjoyed life!

84: Do you believe in true love?
 I don't know. I want to.

85: Favorite weather? 
Warm weather.

86: Do you like the snow? 
Yes, as long as I can visit and leave when I'm ready.

87: Does it snow a lot where you live? 
No.

88: Do you like the outdoors? 
I do. I love wide open spaces.

89: Are you currently bored? 
No
90: Do you want to get married?
 I'm married and it not all it’s cracked up to be

91: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? 
No. I dont like it. 

92: Are you hungry? 
No.

93: Have you ever made out for more than a half hour straight? 
No, ewe..

94: What makes you happy? 
Life.

95: Would you change your name? 
No.

96: Ever been to Alaska? 
Nope.

97: Ever been to Hawaii? 
No.

98: Do you watch the news?
 I record it and watch it when I want to

99: Do you love MTV? 
Not particularly 

100: Do you like subway?
 I do like subway. Terriakki Chicken with lettuce, cheese and onion. 

101: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? 
Yes, she doesn’t live here.

102: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? 
Laugh 

103: Do you talk like your friends? 
Yes

104: Why did you decide to do this quiz?
 I saw a few questions I'd have never answered before..

105: Have you ever seen someone you knew and purposely avoided them? 
Yes. I do it all the time.
 
106: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? 
It's pretty hard not to be myself.. 

107: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? 
 Jie

108: Do you feel good? 
I feel good

109: Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? 
Rachy

110: Favorite lyrics right now? 
Something's happening
Happening to me
My friends say I'm acting peculiarly
C'mon baby
We better make a start
You better make it soon before you break my heart
Oh I
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

111: Can you count to one million? 
Yes.. do you have all day?

112: Ever bought condoms? 
Yes.. for myself and for my friends.

113: Ever gotten pregnant? 
Yes.. twice hahaha 

114: Ever failed a class? 
Yes.. math & science.

115: Ever kissed a boy? 
Yes.

116: Ever kissed a girl? 
Yes.. when I was 13 while playing spin the bottle in a paddock 

117: Ever used a little paper bag for lunch?
 Yes. I dont think I ever owned a lunchbox.

118: Have you ever had a job?
 Yes.. a few.

119: Have you ever slipped on ice? 
Haha, yep! 

120: Have you ever missed the bus? 
Plenty of times.

121: Have you left the house without money? 
Not very often now-a-days. Everything costs money.

122: Did you ever bully someone on the internet?
No.

123: Did you ever textsexed someone? 
No.

124: Have you ever had sex in public? 
Yes.. but not in front of the public.

125: Did you ever played on a sports team? 
Yes, Catani..

126: Have you ever smoked weed? 
For 5 years. On my 21st and 31st

127: Have you ever smoked cigarettes? 
For 7 years.

128: Have you ever smoked a cigar? 
maybe twice.

129: Have you ever drank alcohol? 
Wine and vodka mostly

130: Have you ever watched “The Breakfast Club”? Honestly no..

131: Have you ever been overweight? 
Currently obese.

132: Ever had an eating disorder? 
No.

133: Ever been to a wedding? 
Yes, my aunties and my own.

134: Ever been in a wedding? 
My own.

135: Have you ever made fun of someone for being fat?
 Myself and others

136: Have you ever been on the computer for 5 hours straight?
 I have.

137: Have you ever watched TV for 5 hours straight?
 Two nights ago which is probably why I’m wide awake

138: Ever been late for work? 
Yes

139: Ever been late for school? 
Yes.

140: Ever kissed in the rain? 
Yes.. not as romantic as tv though!

141: Did you ever showered with someone else?
Yes. My husband and my kids.

142: Did you ever fail a driver’s test? 
No.

143: Have you ever run a mile in less than 10 minutes? Nope, who does that?

144: Ever been outside my home country?
 No, but I hope to one day 

145: Ever been on a road trip longer than 5 hours?
 Yes.

146: Have you ever gotten your heart broken
Yes and it hurts.

147: Ever had a credit card?
 No and never want one.

148: Ever been to a professional sports game?
Plenty of times..

149: Have you ever broken a bone? 
Yes, my nose bone.

150: Have you ever been unhappy about your weight?
 Yes.

151: Have you ever won a trophy in your life?
Yes.

152: Have you ever cut yourself for no reason?
 No.

153: Have you had an STD? 
No, never.

154: Ever got engaged? 
Yes, 2012

155: Have you ever been on a diet? 
Yes, the Keto diet.. It made me sick

156: Have you ever been on TV? 
Yes. Studio audience for burgos catch phrase and also BTN.

157: Ever rode in a taxi? 
Every week sometimes twice a week for 12 years

158: Ever been to prom? 
Nope.

159: Ever played a drinking game? 
Yes.

160: Ever stayed up for 24 hours or more?
 Yes, the joys of having kids.

161: Ever been to a concert? 
Yes, Missy Elliot, J-Wess and Britney Spears. RNB FRIDAYS two years in a row front row! Also went to Sonfest.

162: Ever had a three-some? 
No, and never willingly will.

163: Have you ever had a crush on someone of the same sex?  
No. I do perve on good looking girls though..

164: Have you ever been in a car accident?
 Yes.. Not a severe one thank goodness.

165: Ever had braces? 
No..

166: Did you ever learn another language?
French, Italian & Indonesian

167: Ever killed an animal? 
No

168: Ever been to a Japanese steakhouse?
 No?

169: Do you wear make-up? 
not often.

170: Did you ever talked to someone via webcam?
 Yes, just last week.

171: Did you ever have wisdom teeth taken out? 
Nope..

172: Have you ever lived with someone with a different race than yourself? 
Yes.

173: Did you ever sneak out of your parents house? 
Many times..

174: Have you ever bought porn? 
I haven't.

175: Ever had a virus on your computer? 
Yes.

176: Ever dyed your hair? 
Three times

177: What was the last thing you brought?
 Chicken Parmi for dinner

178: Have you ever graduated from college? 
Community college as an adult

179: Did you ever wear someone else’s clothes?
 I did.

180: Ever rode in an ambulance? 
Yes, for an asthma attack.

181: Ever rode in a helicopter? 
Yes, when I was 11 at my Dad's Christmas breakup party.

182: Ever caught the stove on fire? 
No.

183: Ever got in a verbal fight? 
Yeah, who hasn't?

184: Ever meet someone famous? 
Yes. Ian Thorp, Michael Klim, Matthew Richardson, Matthew Knights, Missy Elliot, J-Wess, Robert Dipierdomenico, Dave Hughes, Ryan Fitzgerald, Kim Clijsters, Michael Beaven, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Sam Childers, Nick Vujicic etc. 

185: Have you ever been on vacation? 
Yes. 

186: Ever been on an airplane? 
Yes!!

187: Ever been on a boat?
 Yes. A Boat, glass bottom boat, a few ferries, a few paddle boats, my kayak etc.

188: Ever broken something expensive? 
No.

189: Did you ever have surgery in your life time?
Yes on my nose.

190: Did you ever kiss someone before you were 14?
 Yes. 3 boys..

191: Ever beat a video game? 
Crash Bandicoot, GTA, Mario and Alex the kid on the Sega.

192: Ever got in a fist fight? 
Of course.

193: Did you ever find something valuable on the ground? 
No, I found $50 once.

194: Did you ever stalk someone on facebook/ MySpace? 
Yes.. That's how I got back in contact with my besty and also how I found my cousins whom my uncle hadn't seen or heard from in over 10 years. Now they have been united and he now enjoys time with his grandchildren.

195: Have you ever prank called someone? 
Many of times.

196: What are your top 3 favorite colors? 
Navy, aqua and teal blue..

197: What is your number 1 favorite sport? 
To play - Netball/To watch - AFL

198: What’s your favorite singer/rapper? 
Missy Higgins.

199: What is your number 1 favorite animal? and why? 
Gorillas. They’re interesting. Fascinating.

200: Did you think this looked like fun to do?
Yeah. I learned a lot about myself and how much I’ve changed over the years.
Read More

© 2023 A LOT OF LITTLE BITS OF LOVE, AllRightsReserved

Blogging from Bacchus Marsh, Australia