My notebook reshuffle – simplifying my notetaking system

My notebook reshuffle – simplifying my notetaking system

Most people will tell you that I am a very organised person. Part of this involves writing things down. But sometimes the process of organising can take up more time than its worth especially when you start breaking down your notes into too many separate compartments and notebooks. Having read "How to Get Things Done" by David Allen many years back - at the time I understood the value of having a centralised master To Do List that was tiered by priority, time available, context and energy available and then next action steps…Read more …
My Favourite Shopping Bags – Envirosax

My Favourite Shopping Bags – Envirosax

I stumbled upon the Envirosax reusable bags when I was rolling around endlessly in a shopping centre 5 or 6 years ago when my baby would only sleep longer than 40 minutes if she was in a place with lots of ambient sound. There was  lovely window display with the bags and beautiful prints.  The price wasn't super cheap but I was sold on the prints and the quality and its claim to hold up to 18kg and was water resistant. In small ways I was becoming more environmentally conscious and was already…Read more …
Design Show and Tell – The Creative Laser Identity

Design Show and Tell – The Creative Laser Identity

For most of my professional life, I have worked in a design studio environment with other designers and creatives. The shape of my days changed when I had a baby.  I now have 3 really lovely kids and when I am asked what I do these days, I say I'm a stay at home mum AND a designer.  While taking care of my family takes up a massive amount of energy and space in my day, I haven't been able to resolve that, that is all I do. My priority is to give…Read more …
Why I like to swim.

Why I like to swim.

Swimming is my zen. I learned to swim at the age of 27.  There is nothing inherently wrong about that but it can be unusual when you grew up in Australia. My parents were working 6 days and nights a week when I was in Primary School so I always missed having my consent form signed to take part in lessons. So why do I like to swim?  Before I could swim, I was terrified of any depth over my shoulders.  I once nearly drowned in a friends backyard pool and yes it…Read more …
Travel Packing like a Pro for a Family of Five

Travel Packing like a Pro for a Family of Five

This post comes from a family dynamic of 2 adults and 3 young kids and packing for a 8 day road trip. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled a bit prior to having children.  I never really mastered the art of traveling light but I never had to pay for excess baggage fees either. Once you have had kids though, you'll never travel light again. Ironically the more kids you have, the more you need to learn ways to manage your luggage and packing because even if you have luggage allowance for 5 airfares -…Read more …
10 things I do to stay organised with kids

10 things I do to stay organised with kids

I have 3 kids.  A 6, 3.5 and 2 year old. It took me a number of years before I really settled in the role of “mum” Where I got into the groove of dinner, laundry, class pick up, drop off and packed lunches. I’ve slowly moved away from the nappy bag and sometimes I like to live dangerously by leaving the house with just my wallet, phone, keys, kids and water bottles.  Ok so I have the security of my Go Box in the car.  Its just a plastic tub with a…Read more …
My wall of clean

My wall of clean

Enjo...enjo enjo enjo....a cleaning we will go.... Recently, I got sucked into vortex of Enjo.  Enjo is this company that makes these products with revolutionary cleaning fibres that clean without chemicals.  Just like with Tupperware, it's sold mainly through home demos.  The premise being that after you see it in action, you will love it enough to spend a considerable amount of money on these products. Needless to say, I converted after the Enjo demo lady dampened this green fuzzy glove with water and proceed to remove ALL the sticky oil residue off…Read more …
Welcome to debbieness

Welcome to debbieness

So it begins. It's been a long time coming.  A space where I can put all my various projects, share information, reviews and rants at leisure. I'm into all sorts of things.  A LOT of things. Books, music, learning something new like a recipe, an instrument, an exercise, a lifehack.  I'm a graphic designer, currently a stay at home mum who freelances and also recently started up a home business called The Creative Laser.  I'm a bit obsessed with organising, living well and nice stationery.  I'm the person who will carry her own…Read more …