magic monday // blogtober day nineteen

“If you’ve got tomorrow off, maybe we can go for a drive for some practice.”

We were sitting around the dinner table last night, going through our usual Sunday night week-ahead review. Who’s working when, what committees have meetings this week, which kids will be away for what meals. Just a quick run through the calendar so that everyone has at least a passing acquaintance with what’s going on in the house, and I have half a chance at cooking the right amount of food each night. Today was the one clear day, and a good chance to get our newest driver behind the wheel and racking up those practice hours. I thought maybe 45 minutes before lunch to take a break from school work.

Miss 16 had other ideas, and somehow I fell for her argument and found myself on the road just before 10am, headed for what counts as the “big smoke” in the bush – our nearest town with both a Spotlight AND Kmart. I wandered pretty aimlessly in Spotlight, with not a lot of “need” (or even “want”) on my list. I was tempted by the pretty glass seed beads, and the latest 90s craft craze revival – decoupage**. Both stayed behind, though I do have a bit of plan for something I could use the beads for. I ummed and ahhed over a mini tool box**. I helped Beetle find a some tools, and Butterfly with choosing some felt.

Then I found the clearance table.

I do normally check it out most visits, but don’t often find much. This time though, was a bonanza. With Cricut now two cycles in “smart material” machines, the table was loaded with regular vinyl, including colours I use a lot. I grabbed three rolls at half price – one each of black glitter and silver glitter, and one of the copper (technically rose gold) that I use to label all my craft room boxes, and my pantry containers. I was super tempted by the half price 24″ mats, but managed to remind myself that I have a mixed pack of 24″ and that I have used them maybe three times in total. I do NOT need more. In the end, I decided I did need the toolbox, but didn’t need the clearance stamps so I popped them back. On a whim on the way out, I also grabbed a “make a molecule” kit** that I think will be fun for some crafty science as we start to wrap up our school year.

Then, over to Kmart. I kept reminding the children that Christmas was still over two months away and I was NOT buying them any christmas decor. Not the cute cushion. Not the Christmas tree iced coffee cup. Then we rounded the corner into the craft section and I started loading my basket with kits ready for advent. “Hey mum, there’s still more than two months until Christmas.”

Having teenagers is so fun.

Shops done, we grabbed some donuts and Red Rooster and turned a wheel for home. It has been a busy + fun day, and while my first instinct when they tried it on was to say no, we need to stay home, we need to do school, we need to not burn through diesel just for funsies, I’m so glad I embraced spontaneity and agreed. They thought they got one over me, I got a lovely day with my two littlest kiddos that are rapidly growing out of both little, and kiddo. Monday’s chores can be Tuesday’s problems. Today was for fun.

**I am a Spotlight affiliate, which means if you click this link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only ever affiliate link to products and places I genuinely use and love. Thank you for supporting my blog!