Blissfully Unique

Bits'A'Bliss

2012-02-07T00:33:00.000+10:00

Well ... it's been a long time in coming, but I can now tell you that I am officially the owner of a lil business called ~ Bits'A'Bliss.
The website is still in the design process. I am busy painting and creating and getting ready to hold my first market stall... more details on that to come :)
It will be mostly an online business and I'll be selling repurposed furniture and homewares and lots of crafted goodies... but I'd like to have a market stall once a month and see how it goes.
We're based in Burpengary ... just north of Brisbane. So once the website is up and running and I'm sure of the date of my first market stall, I'll let you know!

It'S BeeN 6 MonthS SinCe I pOstEd ... EeK :)

2011-11-02T22:59:00.001+10:00

Well... I can't believe I haven't touched my blog for 6 months. Life has truly gotten in the way, which I don't think is a bad thing. It's nice to be busy, but I love the blogworld and I always catch up on what others have posted... but then come to that point, where I just don't know what to write on my own blog. I'd love to get personal, with photos of our family and what we do...but that's way too scary. Tho that's what I love about Denise's blog. But I can do it in another way...take a part of my life that I feel confortable enough sharing...and tell all :)
That part is my decor/crafting/creating processes and all that is related. Of course, photos are a must. Well... that's the good news... I'm starting a whole new venture very shortly and blogging will be an integral part of it. Stay tuned for more to come...meanwhile... enjoy some pics of our home.

OUR DRINKS CABINET CORNER

WE'VE JUST SWAPPED A NORMAL DINING TABLE WITH A BAR TABLE AND STOOLS FOR OUR EATING AREA. WILL BE PAINTING THE BAR TABLE WHITE, OF COURSE!

OUR LIL CUPBOARD ON THE BENCH FILLED WITH MY PRETTIES. MADE THE PAPER BUNTING LAST NIGHT TO ADD A BIT OF FUN.

A CORNER OF OUR BEDROOM... THIS HAS ENDED UP BEING THE CAT'S CHAIR...oops... HER MAJESTY'S CHAIR!

A LIL NOOK IN OUR MEDICINE CABINET THAT HOLDS MY ALLADDINS LAMP...make a wish!

THE MEDICINE CABINET AND FRAMED WALL CORNER...A WORK IN PROGRESS.

THANX FOR DROPPING BY!

Delightful Notice Boards!

2011-03-14T22:43:00.002+10:00

I was able to spend some time over the past holidays with each of my nieces ( including an adopted one ;) ).
While we were together we spent some time creating things and one of those was this noticeboard. I got each of the girls to choose their own colour scheme... we used a biscuit tray and together we followed the instructions from this blog... Tia came up with the idea that we could use the back of the tray ( which is hollow) to make a pocket and store any treasures in there!
Here are the final gorgeous results :
Jasmin's Notice Board

Lauren's Notice Board

Tia's Notice Board

A close up of one of the rose magnets

The girls and I had so much fun making these... and I just wish I had taken more pics of the roses... cos they just got prettier and prettier.

xXx

Storage Idea

2011-02-27T11:37:00.001+10:00

How's this for a great storage idea?!
This clever lady, 'Ruth' has come up with a very versatile idea. I reckon every mum would have this type of problem...what do you do with the school bags every arvo, without tripping over them?
Enjoy!
Xx

The Flood Crisis

2011-01-15T00:23:00.002+10:00

My heart aches at each new story of loss and tragedy.We are ok, but those down the end of our street were evacuated for a night...we're the fortunate ones.
The rain keeps falling in other areas tho and now those down south are in danger as well.

Like so many, I also want to help... Linda passed on this information to me to help with some 'baked' relief . This blogger has found a way to help the SES volunteers right now with Baked Relief...if you feel like doing some baking, go to her blog and you will find the drop off sites... http://digella.blogspot.com/

Also this article in the brisbane times ... gives phone numbers and information on how to join up and help with the clean up effort under way.

Here is another site that gives information for helping with the big cleanup, daily, from Saturday 15th January as well as other info and helplines.

See you soon
xX

2011

2011-01-01T18:42:00.000+10:00

Well ~I am now 40 and it's a new year of promises and adventures!
I was thinking about what I want from this year and came up with these 3 things...
#The one thing I would like to do new is to 'finish the things I start'
#The one thing I would like to change are my 'eating and sleeping habits'
# The one thing I would like to stop is 'wasting time'
At a first impression these things may seem quite ordinary... but they resonate on a deeper level with me and I'm ready to DO THEM instead of continuing to procrastinate.
How do I plan to fulfill these goals ? ...
I have some wonderful projects and a course that needs finishing...
I am working at making my diet at least %70 raw healthy food and going to bed at a reasonable time at least 2 nights out of 7 :)
And I am going to start saying no to things that waste my time and make me feel overwhelmed.
It's a start and the beginning of a whole new decade in my life.
'THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRY AND TRIUMPH IS A LITTLE UMPH'
What about you?

The Little Red Scales!

2010-12-11T22:34:00.001+10:00

Did you ever wonder what I did with those scales?
Well... they now hold two little bluebirds on top of our apple green shelves ... in our kitchen.
Here's a peek ...

And a little more of the shelves ...

Very soon, I'll reveal our whole kitchen....... oneday .....when I've finished painting it ... it won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen :)

Nest of Tables

2010-12-11T22:24:00.000+10:00

So here is one of my latest garagesale bargains.
I love the colourful and quirky and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these beauties just waiting for me :)

They go perfectly with the eclectic boho feel of our lounge area... and who doesn't need a side table to rest that cuppa on :)
I also found this little treasure ...

And I finally found a gorgeous silver tray to put on our footstool ... voila!... another sidetable OR a place to put your feet up :)

Now that we have so many side tables ... I'm seriously thinking about getting rid of our large coffee table ... it takes up a lot of room and our lounge area is rather small. The only thing we use our coffee table for is putting our feet on and once again, because it's a nice flat, available surface... it collects 'junk'.
Do the flat surfaces in your home become a dumping ground for 'stuff' ???

MAKEOVER on CHAIRS

2010-12-11T21:44:00.001+10:00

Hello Again!
I've finally recovered some chairs I bought off ebay. I was going to paint them white and as you will see, I decided to just paint the little carving in the top white instead. I recovered the seats in red polkadot material and am hoping it gives our quirky little home an edge. Our eating area is primarily white/apple green and red ... and since I ran out of material and need to recover another three chairs, I won't be posting the dining area just yet. Tho I can't wait to show you what it looks like when it's all put together.
But I do have some photos of what I've done so far. They're not the greatest of photos, but you'll get the idea anyway. O... and I just undid three screws to take off the seat area and then used a good old staple gun to secure the material over top of the existing material. Screwed the seat back on and Voila! Sooooo easy!
BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER I PAINTED THE LITTLE CARVED AREA WHITE

THE FINAL RESULT

My Attempts at some Art ...

2010-11-15T15:15:00.000+10:00

I have now got a lovely craft room to work in ... finally!
Pics to come soon ( after I find somewhere for my sewing stuff :) )

Meanwhile, I now have space to create .... and create I did.
I cannot draw and I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination.... let alone a painter. But I do love the quirky and the enchanting and thought I would play... yes... just play.
So this is what I ended up with ... it was fun and time just flew!

A LIL OWL

A QUIRKY TREE ( OCTOPUS TREE ??? )

A SWIRLY WINDSWEPT TREE

WHAT A HOOT !!!

2010-11-02T17:27:00.000+10:00

It's no secret that I love owls ... why you ask?
I truly don't know ... maybe it's their big owlish eyes?
Is it because they're nocturnal?
Are they really wise?
Do they exude an aura of mystery?
Or could it be just because they're so darn cute :)
Whatever the reason, I can't help it. Maybe it's the same reasons I love cats and cows ... they have a wonderful curiosity that makes me laugh.
I've collected a few owls over the past months ... here's a peek!

A letter Holder

A Card

Love the ornate carvings in this owl statue

A Tealight

A money box

A magnet

Hoo R U?

Well...well...well...I've just noticed a sticker attached to the front of this one still :)

Isn't this picture gorgeous?... you can buy it from Arian Armstrong on Etsy ... here ...

GARAGE SALE TREASURES

2010-10-23T12:44:00.003+10:00

Garage sales... I love 'em!

You tumble out of bed and try to leave as early as is humanly possible, for those of us who are not early risers :) You've got change in your pocket ... a cold drink in your drink holder... music drifting through the speakers and a whole morning of 'treasure hunting' to yourself. Aaahhh the possibilities .... what will I find this time?

Our little town is soft... and slow... and silent in the morning light. I was on my own this time ... giving me space to dream and to ponder on things. I take my time and always have a coffee along the way.
The people are friendly and you smile at the other 'bargain hunters' who you inevitably seem to follow or be followed by, along the way .... with that inner knowing, that they too want to find themselves a 'treasure'.
Older ones love a lil chat and others sit shyly in their folding chairs, not sure whether to leave you be or to offer assistance... a friendly hello is spoken and the awkward moment is no more.
Breakfast smells waft through the cracks of the doors ... some folk are bleary eyed ...while others are cheery and bright. As the morning wears on, the town wakes up... traffic gets busier and people get louder ...joking and laughing. You meet children playing 'shop' and letting mum know they're hungry ...then the car is full......... and it's time for that coffee.

These are my treasures I found today ... all bought for the grand price of $25.00

2 old scales in RED!
A hammock
A shelf for hubby's new study
A pot plant holder
An ornate mirror~ to add to my collection :)
Old silver spoons~such intricate designs on a couple
An iron paper holder
A glass decanter

Hope you enjoyed my wanderings as much as I did!

I'M BACK !!!

2010-10-10T12:19:00.000+10:00

HeLLoO!!!

Well, it has certanly been a loooong break between posts. We have moved house and gone on holidays and I've pretty much been crook the whole time ... BUT ... on the positive side I'm well and truly on the mend and can't wait to achieve some long awaited goals :)

I'm working on taking before photos, BEFORE I actually DO the projects :)

See You Soon!!!

My Work Area Today

2010-06-17T20:58:00.001+10:00

Today I've finally gotten out my paint and brushes and made an area under the verandah to start the makeover process.
This is where the 'magic' happens ... with clothes on the washing line and all :)
Do you remember the hall table I bought... well... after I gave it a scrub, I couldn't get myself to paint over the gorgeous bluish green paint with white...so I've decided to change the knobs to some lovely glass ones I scored from the demolition yard and live with it for a while to see if it really needs that paint job.

I bought 2 swivel stools from a garage sale and gave them their first undercoat today... yes... they're going WHITE!
Those ornate frames also got an undercoat today.

A friend of mine has bought 2 gorgeous pot hangers and we were going to paint them white as well .... but after some thought we've decided to give them a coat of 'fire engine red' ... on the dark background the red should make a bold statement and since she has that colour throughout her home, it will echo the colours she already has.

So ... today I have pictures of my work area ... we all love to see eachothers work areas,dont we?
Tomorrow, I will have some great before and after shots.

This post is just a tease :)
O... and yes... that is an empty wine glass on the work table .... (bailey's actually) ... can't help mixing work with pleasure :)

PROJECTS

2010-05-29T22:52:00.001+10:00

Lots of projects on the go at the moment... plenty of befores and afters.
I'm taking photos galore and can't wait to share them with you.

I will also have some new decor home pics cos we are moving!!!

Can't wait to 'fluff n stuff', when we get into our 'new' place. It has loads of potential!

You want a taste of what's to come?..... Hmmm...thought you might. OK...just a snippet :)

Here is a gorgeous hall table I have just bought off ebay. Even tho I love the blue, it just won't match our home.(This photo is deceptive, because the colour is a lot darker than this, still unusual tho).So of course... it'll be getting a coat of white and some lovely crystal knobs.

What do you think?

The Mad Hatters Tea Party 2 ...

2010-05-01T22:09:00.001+10:00

SO... I thought it only fair, that since the girls had gone to so much trouble with their costumes.... that I show them ALL. The other collage cut two of them out :)
We have : The Mad Hatter...The Red Queen ... Alice and The White Rabbit.

Then there is the cheshire cat... ( or a very happy fish)... the white glove that the white rabbit left behind :)
A place for the mums to sit afterwards and my creations ... the 'card guards' ( made from white/red and black card board and paint) and the crazy teapot... which originally looked like this...

THE MAD HATTERS TEAPARTY

2010-04-30T22:55:00.001+10:00

I had a Mad Hatters Teaparty for my nieces this weekend past.
O ... how much fun it was preparing it for them... all the old characters were hiding amongst the props. The dormouse... the white rabbit ... the cheshire cat... the mad hatter ( MOI)
Games were played and food was eaten .... the girls came dressed as characters out of the book ... ' Alice in Wonderland' ... stories were told and gifts were opened.
Enjoy the collage of photos ... I've just learned how to do it on Picasa 3 .... SO EASY!!!
xXx

I'VE LEARNED ...

2010-04-30T19:42:00.000+10:00

YAY!... I've learned how to make my pictures bigger on blogger... thanks to this wonderful post by Nicole...Madsen Madness .
Hope it may help some of you out there as well :)

FIRST MILESTONE REACHED!!!

2010-04-30T19:23:00.001+10:00

I'm so excited to report that I have sent away my first assignment. I'm doing a Professional Interior Design Course with the Sydney Academy of Design and for the past 2 months I've been trying to get this assignment put together (to my standard ) ...needless to say, it's taken FOREVER!!!
At this rate ... I'll take two years to finish the course!

Here are the two pictures I believe had good design.
I am in love with these rooms are divine!

This room has the most gorgeous textiles and how can you go wrong with white and wood :)
It has a shabby bohemian look to it, as well as an understated opulence.... luuuurve it!

And this gorgeous room .... ooooh... it belongs to the very talented Lyn Gardner. Here is a write up of it here at Villa Anna's blog

I just love the unique use of this space. The cool white colour scheme and the flow of the furniture, such as the bench seat legs that echo the claw bath feet. Timeless...

TANGALOOMA!!!

2010-04-17T12:19:00.000+10:00

Well.... we've had a lovely weekend away at Tangalooma (on Moreton Island) and you wouldn't believe it, I forgot my camera!!!
So there are no photos to prove what an absolutely amazing weekend we had... but it truly was.
The weather was gorgeous... we fed the dolphins ( up close,they are much bigger than I thought) ... Jordan went on a quad biking tour and we walked to the wrecks and checked them out. The boat ride over went smoothly and because everything was so well organised, the weekend turned out to be really relaxing... which I wasn't expecting.
I was so impressed with the all round friendly service and the clean room too... thumbs up there !!!
We had a dinner (work conference) to go to saturday night and it was filled with yummy food and a few laughs.
If you want to see some photos... here is the link to the website and the photos on here are EXACTLY what you see when you're over there.
Yes... the sea was that clear and blue!!!
http://www.tangalooma.com/

Dayboro ... Mt Mee ...

2010-04-03T21:42:00.002+10:00

A few weeks ago, I had a weekend stay up at Mt Mee with my Ma ... and what a lovely time we had. We stayed at a place that had Llama's... it was called dayboro cottages... and their llamas were such comical looking creatures and rather affectionate :)

And we saw one spit at another ( like camels) ... it was more like a spray really, but he looked quite ashamed, as tho he'ld been put in his place.

Here are a couple of photos ...

Have a hilariously funny day!!!

Interior Design Course

2010-03-08T12:33:00.000+10:00

So...this year, I started a professional design course, via correspondence, through The Interior Design Academy in Sydney http://www.theinteriordesignacademy.com/index.asp?apg=home and just loving it.
My first assignment is to find 2 examples of a badly designed room and 2 examples of a well designed room that I love. This sounds so easy, but is sooooo difficult.
For instance, sometimes the decor is horrendous, but the actual design of the room is ok... or vice versa.
Of course, when it comes to design styles I love... there are just way to many to have to be limited in choosing only TWO!
So needless to say, I haven't finished my very first assignment yet... and am biting at the bit to start the second tutorial.
What was my 'word' for this year ?... patience....patience...patience

Home...

2010-03-03T21:13:00.000+10:00

I'm in the lovely position of being able to spend quite a lot of time at home ... due to home~schooling and not having to work outside the home.

This gives me freedom to create and to potter when I feel the need ... and today has been one of those days. It's wet and clammy outside, but inside we've been dry and cool ... and I've been able to reclaim my 'workshop' (craftroom) from the mess that it was in.

One thing I've noticed is, that, empty flat surfaces attract 'things' ... piles that we don't know where to put, go onto that spare spot...piles of things that we need to get rid of, are placed on that other clear spot and before we know it... VOILA! ... I can't even see my craft table!

Then there is the procrastinator in me, that says..'I'll clear it all away TOMORROW'... HA!... believe me...a lot of tomorrows have passed :)

But ... today was a day of tidying...sorting ... fixing and admiring.

Now I need to USE it!

First goal is to spray these ...

with this...

I am hoping for a lovely medley of white ornate frames to be hung on the wall with pretty paper or material tucked in behind the glass, instead of pictures. Can't wait to show you the finished project!

Luv

I'VE CHANGED MY TEMPLATE

2010-02-23T22:34:00.004+10:00

Well... I've changed my template and have found that the wording is not where I want it to be. So I'll be fiddling with this for a little while to get it right. At least our little miss is keeping me company :) and talking about 'Miss'...

I've been browsing the net for some lovely art and I'm in love with Miss Kris's artworks... her pictures are so french and fresh!
The way she gets her ideas is so inspiring and her blog is gorgeous! Have a peek and enjoy!

Our Butcher's Block

2010-02-20T00:07:00.009+10:00

One Friday night, while watching some of my favourite shows... I put together a butcher's block (kitchen trolley?) bought from Ikea. I've always loved the look of an island bench ... or just more bench space!
So here is the finished product... it's true luurve :)
Tho I'm seriously thinking of painting the bottom part of it white...

3 MAY 2010 :~
JUST A CATCH UP ON HOW THIS WORKS IN OUR VERY SMALL KITCHEN. IT ADDS EXTRA BENCH SPACE, BOTH ON TOP AND UNDERNEATH.I STILL HAVEN'T PAINTED IT :)... AND THERE HAVE BEEN THE OCCASIONS WHERE WE'VE JUST MOVED IT OVER TO ONE SIDE, IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN THE KITCHEN.
SO ALL IN ALL, IT WAS A GREAT BUY AND I'M REALLY HAPPY WITH IT :)

I'm Slack!

2010-02-19T23:48:00.006+10:00

It's been such a long time since I've written anything in my blog... why?... cos I don't know what to write.
Life has been full with the beginning of homeschooling and new goals.
Do you remember that lovely craft room I made to use on a regular basis?... well I have used it once...YES!!!...once... the motivation has vanished.
Projects are unfinished.
O...and the light has blown and the ceiling has a leak...could they be connected?...hmmm...the real estate agent sent someone out to fix it and sadly he missed the leak completely...what can I say?
My creative side is starting to get impatient with my procrastinating... it's time toooo .... go have a coffee :)

"DON'T BELIEVE ALL YOU THINK"

2010-01-29T18:33:00.007+10:00

I found this quote today ... and it made me think about negative thinking. How detrimental it is to our wellbeing and to those who love us. Perhaps our background, our upbringing, our experiences in life or purely what we have taken into our own mind via the media or books etc ... because of these things, we may have an image of ourselves that is not correct... or an image of others that is not correct. Recognizing that thinking is the first step and then changing that thought pattern is the next step, in seeing ourselves and people in a different light ... in a positive way.
It could also apply to the limits we set ourselves because we don't believe we can achieve certain goals.
What could you do if you 'didn't believe all you thought' ???

O...and as for the picture above... isn't that the coolest... I wonder how they did it???

HOMESCHOOLING 3

2010-01-27T12:51:00.007+10:00

SOOo ... it's been a while since I've put up a homeschooling post. It's a HUGE part of our life and I guess because we've had school holidays and before school holidays began we took off to Melbourne for a week ... all the learning has taken a 'natural learning' approach...so I haven't bothered blogging about it even tho the learning has never ended.

ANYHOO!... this year is the beginning of YEAR 9 for Jordan. And I've heard of a different way to look at teaching this year...it's a partnership ... I'm a facilitator for his education. He's come of an age where he needs to take control of his own learning. To anyone that has children in high school, this is probably no surprise, but being a homeschooling parent, where you've been the 'teacher' for years, and having the need to take a step away and see where this approach will lead ... is difficult for 'me'.
I am learning as well and there are some things that I just don't have the answers to ( lots of things actually :) )... so instead of me going to my resources and finding the answers for him ...he will now use those resources himself.

I also got this book from the library on 'study skills' .. how many times have we been told to study a subject and yet have never really been shown the skills to do it?...so that will be something read and discussed.

Also Financial matters ... this year he'll be included in the running of our household as regards bills/shopping/savings/budgeting/holidays etc... this will be a chance for him to understand what all that maths means in a real life situation.
As a young person, I wasn't allowed to know anything about the financial side of our household...back then it was considered very private and none of our business. That thinking has changed over the years and the benefits from teaching our young ones these life skills ,may prevent them from making the same mistakes we did.

This year we will also be concentrating on Music Theory...something I'm not looking forward to, because he hates it. He loves the guitar and can play using tabs... but cannot read music. That skill is one I have used many times in my life and if you're a musician, I think it is truly necessary.
Once again tho, I'll be looking forward to seeing how he embraces it and what support channels he will access to learn the harder bits.

I also think it is sooo important to teach our young lads to cook healthy food for themselves and friends. So, he will be having regular cooking lessons from MOI and be cooking us dinner once a week ( that part is the selfish bit on my part :) )... we have a multicultural month in this area once a year and there are cooking lessons at the different libraries... so that will be another avenue to explore.

Hope some of these ideas and musings help any of you homeschoolers out there.

SCHEDULING LIFE

2010-01-12T12:40:00.015+10:00

I received an email from a friend which gave me a really good giggle... you see, she wanted me to do a post on how to put more time in your day. I giggle because this is the never-ending eternal question we all address each and every day.

But... there may be a solution.
I recently purchased my 2010 diary... an A4, flexible cover, week to view diary planner...shown above...I like the flexible cover, cos it has pockets on the inside front and back covers, that I can keep notes etc. in and I always have a 'post it' notepad stuck on the inside too.
I buy one a year and it is my faithful friend, otherwise I would forget appointments and doublebook. I keep it on my kitchen table, always open and ready to be written in or read.
Each day, has each hour of the day ( except your sleeping times) written on the side.

A dear friend taught me how to use this wonderful tool to actually get the most out of my week...let me share :)

FIRST make sure you have a 'week at a glance', diary planner ... .

THEN ... in a vacant area of the page ( the top margin is good) write some titles such as: FINANCIAL / APPOINTMENTS / PEOPLE / ERRANDS / HOMESCHOOLING etc... and leave a space underneath each title.
NOW... under each title, write down what needs to be done in that week... for instance under financial, there may be bills that need to be paid.... under errands, there may be parcels to be posted...under people, write down one or two that you want to visit during the week... got the idea?
THEN ... immediately slot those priorities in a timeslot in your week.
That is the beginning of using your diary planner in a useful way.
What I have noticed, is that there is plenty of time in a day... but... it's up to us to manage it wisely.

USE YOUR TIME WISELY...

Are you an early riser?....if so, can you achieve anything during those hours in the morning before the rest of the household wake up?
Are you a late nighter? ... again, can you use that time wisely?
What about the time you spend waiting in life ... driving the car? ... waiting for kids to get out of school? ... etc ... can you have articles or books to read, or study to do, or letters to write, or phone calls to make, or cd's to listen to during that period of waiting?
When scheduling your time, it is necessary to be flexible. Are you too high an achiever? In that case, then you'll get disappointed, because we can't do everything... we just can't. We need to set priorities and put them first and then the other things can be fit in around them.
Everyones circumstances and priorities are different and there is no 'plan that fits all'.
But... I do know that keeping a diary planner at hand is a great tool and does work at helping to get 'most' things done.

KEEP YOUR LIFE SIMPLE!

PS:.... Ok ... thought I would add that the concept of this whole idea is GOALS AND ROLES ... not... TO DO LISTS. This is an important part of that 'shift in thinking' you need, to achieve what you want to get done during the week.
I guess another way to see it is that we all wear many hats and have plenty of things we 'should do' ... but the important thing, is to look at the outcomes we really want to achieve by the end of the week...the month ... the year.
PRIORITIZE.
See the BIG picture.
If our little goals do not help us move towards our big goals (at this point in time)...than ... unless it's absolutely necessary...LET GO of it!!!

A NEW YEAR AND NEW GOALS!

2010-01-10T11:59:00.003+10:00

Well... last year I achieved so many things and had a really wonderful time. Many lessons learned and many new adventures were experienced.
This year I have so many goals and can't wait to get going... the start of anything is always the hardest for me, and then the momentum gets going and all is good :)

I have chosen a word this year to keep me focused on what I want to acccompish ...PATIENCE. It was terribly hard for me to actually choose just one ('balance' came a very quick second)... but ... 'patience' jumped out at me one day and and I just knew what that word would mean for me this year. It means patience in teaching my lad... it means being patient with my goals ... it means taking deep breaths and just waiting for things to pass ... it means realising that everything takes time ... there are no quick fixes. So... it will take a little time to drum it into my brain, but drum it in, I WILL!

I have changed our decor again and have almost finished a long awaited project... so hang in there and I will post new photos SOON!

Just getting over a horrible cold that has left me with a chesty cough...I HATE being unwell!

Our Office/Library

2010-01-01T18:55:00.004+10:00

So... all of my craft room was jammed in with the computer/office/library room...and now we have an office all on it's own.

This is what you see as you walk in the door...

This is the white bookcase we use for storage...
Then as you scan the room from left to right, this is how you'll see it... the futon is great for a 3rd bedroom when the need arises...

And my beloved books...

Again...it's not finished and as we rent, everything needs to be removable. Otherwise I would paint!!!

My Creative Space

2010-01-01T18:40:00.005+10:00

So... I've been busy making our garage into a craft and sewing room for moi!
It will be a work in progress, but I just had to post these pics, cos this is how it looks now.
Enjoy!
This divides the rest of the garage from my craft room...

A closeup of my inspiration board... always adding and taking away from this~

This is my sewing area where I can sew and leave my project, ready for another day...

This here is my desk and actual creating space ... plenty of things surround me to give me inspiration...

Love the colour of this small bookcase, this is how I got it as a freebie from a garage sale...it now houses my ribbons,beads and other goodies...and the 2nd pic is a metal strip I put on the side with the magnetic containers I got from Ikea.

More storage for magazines and scrapbooking stuff and beading etc...

I love using everyday items for other things that what they were meant to be... here we have a cake stand which I've filled with stamps and tape and other things within easy reach...

Gorgeous Door!

2010-01-01T18:37:00.003+10:00

While in Melbourne, we saw this gorgeous door. The ironwork on it is so beautiful and I love the red too :)

Colour Change in Lounge...

2010-01-01T15:25:00.003+10:00

I thought I would try the 3 colours of red/white and blue in our lounge. It was nice, but not me. It lasted a week...tho I did take some phtos before changing it again. I didn't put anything on the walls tho and feel that it lets this whole space down. Nevertheless... this is a place for posting both my disasters and my triumphs...so enjoy!

A New Path and Finding Balance...

2009-11-06T10:33:00.007+10:00

Well... I'm very excited...I will be starting a new professional interior design course in January.It's a correspondence course and so I feel I'll be able to balance it with Jordan's homeschooling and my other commitments.

Balance is something I am working hard at achieving in my life. It eludes me on a regular basis and I only recognize I need it, when I'm feeling so overwhelmed, that I can't concentrate on anything.
I am back to writing my lists and keeping a weekly diary of events... I stopped doing it for a couple of months to see if I could be more 'spontaneous' ... well I was definitely more spontaneous, but to the detriment of the more important things in my life.
So I face the fact, that I am a list girl and if I want to accomplish all I can, then I need to have a good schedule and yet, be a little flexible too. It's always worked for me in the past, I don't really know why I tried to change :)

I have always loved interior design and originally that was what this site was going to be all about... soooo...since I'm going to be doing this course, I'll be blogging more about interiors again and I hope that there will be some things that make you swoon as well :)

Luv

Musings

2009-10-23T00:37:00.002+10:00

" Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."-Mother Teresa

Isn't this a beautful creed to live by?

People have so many worries in life that you can see it etched onto their faces. Some put on a brave face and others just can't ... those of us who have an optimistic nature, have the ability to lift someone's heart by a kind word or gesture...or by just listening.
In my life I have learned that I can't 'fix' things ... people's lives are there own. Advice is often unwelcome, the only thing to do is to listen and care and soothe. Be yourself. Laugh together and cry together.Share the joys of life. Enjoy the time spent together and don't beat yourself up for the things you can't 'fix' for them.
Be loving.

One Inch Tall ... a Poem

2009-10-23T00:25:00.003+10:00

I'm not sure where I actually got this poem from ... but it got my imagination going and gave me a giggle... so it may do the same for you :)
Enjoy!

One Inch Tall

If you were only one inch tall, you'd ride a worm to school.
The teardrop of a crying ant would be your swimming pool.
A crumb of cake would be a feast
And last you seven days at least,
A flea would be a frightening beast
If you were one inch tall.

If you were only one inch tall, you'd walk beneath the door,
And it would take about a month to get down to the store.
A bit of fluff would be your bed,
You'd swing upon a spider's thread,
And wear a thimble on your head
If you were one inch tall.

You'd surf across the kitchen sink upon a stick of gum.
You couldn't hug your mama, you'd just have to hug her thumb.
You'd run from people's feet in fright,
To move a pen would take all night,
(This poem took fourteen years to write--
'Cause I'm just one inch tall).

Shel Silverstein

The Scary Tree

2009-10-23T00:13:00.002+10:00

Isn't this one of the most amazing natural trees you've ever seen?!!!
From a certain angle it looks like a face ... we found it on our walk at Currimundi.

Currimundi

2009-10-23T00:06:00.005+10:00

Yesterday I spent the day with my sister, at her home... she lives close to the ocean and this is the view only a minutes drive from her place...the water was the most amazing colour.

A Tea Room in Woodford

2009-10-22T22:43:00.009+10:00

Hubby is on a 2 week home holiday and we took his Ma to a lovely place in Woodford called 'Storeybrook Cottages'.
They have a lovely verandah to enjoy a devonshire tea and a quaint little shop with plenty of jewellry and other gorgeous items for gifts and your home.

They encourage you to wander through the garden paths ...

Finding little nooks to sit and soak in the beauty...

Archways to explore ...

Herb gardens to tantalize the senses ...

A Gazebo to have that second coffee :)

Quirky things placed throughout the garden ...

A glimpse into yesteryear...

Gorgeous art... just love the buxom one :)

This eclectic cabinet in the loo ...

A real feast for the eyes... it was a lovely morning and one of my favourite places to go for something a little different.

CAMPING...

2009-10-08T21:07:00.004+10:00

I love to go camping ...
I love the quiet... the getting back to basics... the slowness...the feel of living so close to nature.
When I come home... I realise how little we really need to get by... I notice the clutter and I notice the hurriedness of life.
Things to do...places to be ... responsibilities to shoulder.
My softness ... my calmness... my slowness from being away, lasts for a day or two and then I start to speed up, get tired and feel overwhelmed.
We're going camping very soon...what can I take away from this trip to help me feel the postive effects for longer?

Srawberries!

2009-10-03T09:45:00.004+10:00

So, it's the end of the strawberry season and now the farms are letting you pick as many as you like for a bargain price. My sis and the kids (including my lad) picked loads of them and she kindly gave us a huge bowl of them. Sweet and ripe and delish! That evening I saved half for eating fresh and the other half was made into strawberry syrup for our icecream.
That bowl was full and this is what is left:)
Yummmm!

Another TeaParty!

2009-09-30T22:35:00.005+10:00

I held a teaparty for my nieces today ... lots of games and food and pressies. I have a ball with the preparations, even tho I always run out of time. I used the paper lanterns that we made and the big round paper lanterns that you can buy. Plenty of tulle and balloons and butterfies. All the pretty crockery and tablecloths make the whole experience 'real'. Some questions printed on card and tucked under their teapcups made for some 'interesting' conversation :)
I took a fair few photos, but had my camera on the wrong setting and so most of them turned out badly...grrrr... but these are the ones that were salvaged, just to give you an idea of the setup.

The end of the teaparty and the food is nearly gone ...

Now what happens when everyone disappears ....hmmmm.....

Yeh ... don't go looking annoyed ... you should be looking waaaay guilty...tch...tch...tch!

Homeschooling 2

2009-09-26T21:42:00.005+10:00

I have really neglected my homeschooling posts.
Of course, it's not that we aren't homeschooling... I suppose it's just that life is happening. The bookwork is rather tedious and we get it over with, so we can get on to more fun things :)
Homeschooling is not really school at home.For one ~ you don't have a classroom of children all vying for your attention, nor do you have to quieten them down. You're the one that is teaching 'your' own child or children, which means that you understand their moods and you can read their body language better than anyone else could ever do. Those things are just as important in teaching as is the subject that is being taught.

I have a goal...to stop waffling.
For instance - my lad grasps things quickly and is ready to move on. At times... I belabour the point, going over it til it's done to death. It may be because I think it's important, or because I think he doesn't quite understand the whole concept.
What I have learned, is that it is ok for him not to get it ALL at that moment in time...learning is like a great big puzzle and slowly, slowly all the pieces come together to form the big picture.
So saying what needs to be said, and then stopping and moving on, when I can see that he has 'got it' ... will make learning a whole lot more enjoyable.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.

Chinese Proverb

SWEENEY'S RESERVE at PETRIE...

2009-09-23T17:05:00.005+10:00

Well... by now, you will know that I have a thing about BIG trees. I love them...don't know why...but I just do.
Today at Sweeney's Reserve ... a park in Petrie...I took these photos.Just before the dust haze hit.
There is a blanket of leaves on the ground and the sound of the 'wishing trees' saying 'wisha,wisha,wisha' above our heads, makes you expect that Enid Blyton's characters will just appear from nowhere.
It is my 'Enchanted Wood' ... I was raised on her stories and they always come to mind whenever I need to 'escape'.

Who says adults are grown up??? :)

DUST...DUST AND MORE DUST !!!

2009-09-23T15:54:00.003+10:00

The dust was unbelievable today!
These pictures haven't been played around with at all...at midday this was the actual colour of our day!!!
We were at Bullocky's Rest at North Pine Dam. The strange blue sheen that was reflected off the water was also reflected off the cars windscreens as we drove by...awesome!!!
Visiblility was so poor and you could taste the dust in the air.
What an experience!

GERBERAS

2009-09-23T08:12:00.001+10:00

These are such happy flowers. It's the only way to describe how they make me feel... THANKU!

A New Saucer for my Morning Cuppas

2009-09-23T08:08:00.002+10:00

Don't you love it?
I'm using this everyday and hopefully it doesn't break anytime soon. When I was at Old Petrie Town, I found some gorgeous plates tucked away at the back of one of the stores... what a score!!!

LANTERNS

2009-09-23T07:54:00.009+10:00

Do you remember these lanterns we made as kids at school?
Well... we used scrapbooking paper and my niece helped me make these for a little girls teaparty we're having next week. Aren't they reminiscent of a bygone era? Maybe it's the colours or just the plain old nostalgia that's associated with these gorgeous lanterns...I just love them :)
What nostalgic craft did you make at school?

Eumundi Markets

2009-09-19T12:40:00.004+10:00

This gorgeous little town wakes up on a wednesday and saturday, and is covered in stalls. Just when you think you've seen them all, a little lane will take you to a new row of them. Coffee shops galore, musicians and delicious marketfood fare are on every corner. Huge old trees provide plenty of shade throughout the main market area, and I just love the whole atmosphere.
Now, some of you may know that I love my jewellry...unusual, eclectic, gypsyish pieces that catch my eye, are my favourites. These are the ones I bought at Eumundi ... the brown and green pendants are waiting to be put on a sheer organza ribbon or black tubing. I love big rings ... and these were so cheap!!!
I forgot my camera... otherwise there would be many more photos :(

Oma's Favourite Tree

2009-09-14T11:44:00.003+10:00

This beautiful tree sits in my grandmothers back garden. She loves the way it has it's 'arms' wrapped around her 'children'.
It's a mock orange tree and is more than 10 years old.
I love how it's gnarled trunk looks almost magical...let alone the incredible waft of perfumed flowers you get when stepping into her garden.

CONSCIOUSLY FEMALE ...

2009-09-14T11:30:00.003+10:00

I am loving this new read of mine. I picked up this book ages ago and it has been sitting on our bookshelf for months. Holistic health has always been an interest of mine and this book is amazing!
If we are in tune with our cycles and rhythms, than we'll be able to lead a healthier and more productive life.
This book helps you explore your own personal history and takes note of all the facts, to give you an overall view of your wellbeing.
Admittedly, I'm only halfway through and have much more to learn, but what I've learned so far, has already helped me change my lifestyle.
For anyone out there who wants to take control of their own health ... than this is the book for you.

Hand Picked Flowers

2009-09-06T20:37:00.005+10:00

I have this thing about flowers from my man. Don't get me wrong,I love a bunch of flowers as much as any girl... but what I love even more...is a bunch of handpicked ones...I know, I know ... very odd:)...but for me, it shows that extra thought and effort has gone into the whole affair.
Hard to please?... maybe :)
But... this morning I woke up to these on our kitchen table ...

...lovingly handpicked from our garden and put into a pretty vase.
How Lovely!

Organza Cushion Project

2009-09-06T20:13:00.002+10:00

Well... I've spent the afternoon making this cushion. I first saw it at a decor store and fell in love with it, but I wasn't prepared to pay the price they were asking.
So I bought the organza ribbon and I already had the material and the cushion stuffing at home... some cutting, pinning, sewing, a bit of tweaking and VOILA!
I made the round cushion( to go inside) separately, so the cushion cover can be handwashed.
The cushion cover is 3 circles, a bit bigger than the size I cut the cushion. I've also made it a pillowslip kind of back... like an envelope, to slip the cushion in and out evenly.

Then I sewed a gathering strip on the organza ribbon and gathered it softly...then pinned and sewed it in a twirl pattern on the top circle of material.
With the other two circles I folded one circle to almost a half circle, hemmed and sewed it across (I really should have taken photos as I did this, to show you what I mean).
The other circle I layed and folded it a quarter of the way over and hemmed and sewed it across.
Then I layed all right sides together and sewed the cushion cover together.
These explanations are rather confusing. So please ask any questions you like and I will try to make it less so :)
Actually I will be making another of these cushions, so I will take step by step photos.
It took a while to figure out exactly how I was going to put it together and next time I will make the inside cushion bigger.
I've never seen round cushion inserts, if anyone has, please let me know!

COPYWRITE HELP???

2009-09-05T20:08:00.003+10:00

If anyone is reading this and can help me, than please do.
Being a new blogger, I am wanting to show decorating ideas on my blog that I just love.
I understand that you can get free photos from a number of free blog photo sites...and that you can ask permission of another blogger to use their pictures in your blog.
But what about books and magazines...would a few of your favourite pictures posted on your blog be out of order?
Wouldn't you being giving a free plug for the book or magazine?
I have some glorious pics I want to use, but am stumped as to what is legal here in australia?
The research I've done has just confused me more!
So does anyone have any answers please?

Happy Anniversary !!!

2009-09-05T15:57:00.005+10:00

Here is a photo of my man and me, hamming it up for the camera.
We've been married 17 years today ... and it doesn't feel like it one single bit. Time has flown by and we are happier than we've ever been.
Communication ... respect ... and allowing eachother space to grow as individuals... have definitely contributed to our success.
Happy Anniversary Honey!!!
xxx

Clontarf

2009-09-05T15:44:00.003+10:00

During the week, we met with the homeschooling group for a fishing excursion, put on by 'SUNFISH', over at Clontarf. While Jordan took the classes, I took photos,read my book and drank coffee. It was pure bliss.... a perfect day.
Here is what I was looking at all day :)

Our 'Newish' Decor ...

2009-09-03T18:19:00.004+10:00

I have been promising some pictures of our new decor and have finally made true on my promise.
It is a more open space since we took away the dividing screen and the other rather noticable difference is our huge table. I've gotten quite used to it now and love it, tho it does take up a bit more room.
The first pic is taken from one end of the room and the next is taken from the other end of the room. Than you get a couple of side views and a view of two side tables that I pushed together, covered with a cloth and added some frames and candle sticks etc...

STORAGE...or ORGANIZED CHAOS ... whichever you prefer :)

2009-09-03T15:20:00.006+10:00

Storage is the bane of my life. Because my interests are many and my home is small, I am always looking for new storage ideas. I have some great books that I have gotten out of the library to help me along the way, and the most useful ideas are the simplest really.
Everything must have a place.
Here are the ideas that I have found the best:

#Pretty boxes and baskets are the best things to store items out of the way.
#Shelves and Bookcases lined up against the wall, that hold all those books, boxes and baskets, keep everything in easy reach.
#Underbed storage is good for things you don't need to get to often.
#Furniture that has the ability to be used for storage is invaluable eg: coffeetables with a drawers...tables with drawers and a rack underneath...ottomans that double as a storage box etc
#Use the wallspace!
#Use door hooks, there's plenty of space behind a door.

These are only a few that I can think of ... here are pictures of my computer,craft,library,office and sewing room...( yes, it's all one room) It is a tiny room and I have tried my best to give you an honest look at it, in all it's messy glory:)

As you walk in the door on your left, you will see this ...

As you look around the room from left to right you will see the rest ...

So there you have it ... I'm always learning and trying to find beautiful ways to hide and conceal my bits and bobs. So if you have any ideas, then I would love to hear them!!!

A Tea Party!

2009-09-01T23:13:00.003+10:00

I had a teaparty for a few friends this week and since the weather has been glorious, we were going to have it in the garden. I woke up in the morning, and the weather had turned wet and cold ... so plans were changed and I had it inside.

I made a lovely shabby chic banner to hang around the table outside, and since I had gone to the trouble of sewing it, I just had to use it and hung it up inside instead!

Napkin rings were bought from spotlight....gorgeous apple green pearl ones, so shabby chic!

Food was abundant and so bad for the waistline, but DELISH!
Conversation just oozed and every topic was covered from books to births and good living.
Everyone lingered til midafternoon ... until the outside world beckoned and goodbyes were said.
What are your favourite topics to talk about over a cuppa?

A Place In My Garden

2009-09-01T23:00:00.002+10:00

When it comes to gardening, I fail miserably. If I bring home a new plant, hubby says I've brought home another 'victim'.It's not that I don't love and appreciate a beautiful garden... it's just not a priority of mine. I have also come to learn that a garden needs constant maintenance... something that I forget.
But this little spot in my garden is my prized area, because it is like a little room surrounded by greenery and the most beautiful smells of orange blossoms and night jasmin. I enjoy having my cuppa here ... I linger and enjoy the aromas and birdsong. It's a place to contemplate life and to soak up some sun and rest in the shade, depending on the time of day.
It needs very little attention and looks after itself to a large degree ... perfect for my 'black thumb'.
Do you have a lovely little spot in your garden?

Pebbles...

2009-08-28T19:18:00.002+10:00

I'm so in love with this gorgeous cat. She just loves to be with us, no matter where we are. If I go into the computer room, she will eventually follow me in, and then proceed to tap me very lightly on the leg, until I pick her up....or...she will find a little possy to sleep near me.
In this picture she looks a little droopy from sleep and a tad annoyed...could it be cos she hates having her photo taken ? :)

"Every Exit Is An Entry To Somewhere Else"

2009-08-28T14:39:00.004+10:00

I first saw these words in one of Rachel Ashwells books and I think that having a positive outlook on life is one of the things that makes for a happy person.
This picture is of one of the glass door knobs on my coffee table drawer.
I love glass knobs ... they give that sparkle and bling to a home. I suppose that's why I love the chandeliers too ... BbbbLING!!!

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying... I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmach

2009-08-27T15:07:00.004+10:00

I don't know where I first saw that quote above. But it still has the power to touch me deeply.
I suppose it is about never giving up, having hope and keep trying til you get it. Some of the smallest things in life take courage.
We tend to think of the big things in life, when we think courageous... but it can be simply letting go ... saying no and speaking up that require courage on a daily basis.
And when we fall, as we must ... it's getting up and trying again that can take the most courage.
If we have done any of those things, and we all have... than we are courageous.

Collector of fine china ...

2009-08-25T22:06:00.005+10:00

I can't help it ... I love the feel of drinking out of pretty fine bone china ... not the terribly thin fragile little teacups with tiny handles, just the finer-lipped cups...and then eating from the most exquisitely pretty plates.
I tend to buy those really white fine-bone china teacups from target or those kitchen shops ... and I collect beautiful patterned china plates and teasaucers from 2ndhand shops and garage sales ... and they are always well priced.Then I pair them together, mix and match and VOILA! .. a beautiful table in no time :)

I use them everyday ... why not?... who knows what will happen tomorrow and of what use is something, that is so gorgeous, but you hardly use it?
When people come for coffee, it is always lovely to make them feel special ... the kettle is always on!

My blog is slowly evolving...

2009-08-25T21:50:00.004+10:00

Well... I'm hoping that some of you are enjoying your coffee while having a browse...mmmmm, I luuurve my coffee :)
It's been a couple of weeks now and I am starting to get the feel of how to blog.
I want gorgeous pictures, but my photographing skills aren't the best and I've been doing research about where to get free blog pictures from... and what is legal or not... there is certainly some redtape out there. Personally, I am happy for anyone to use my pictures for private use, as long as they give my blog a mention.
So ... I'm hoping over time that my photography skills will get better and that I will find more beautiful pictures of things I love.
I am a very visual person and can foresee in my mind what a room or a project will look like, but I also love to have visual cues to guide me. I guess that is what this blog is ... a visual wonderland of what is achievable.
Thankyou for visiting !!!
xxx

Journals ...

2009-08-25T14:46:00.004+10:00

Who keeps a journal?
I love the whole idea of writing and putting my thoughts down on paper ... but I never do it for long... I don't know why ... tho I do keep a diary of sorts ... an appointment and schedule book. Something I need to have onhand almost always, otherwise I double book myself constantly. Here is where I am daily viewing and writing in mine ...

I love 'anything books' ... have you heard of them?
It's an idea from Meggs Blog ... here is an excerpt from her post...

"For a long time, she flew only when she thought no one else was watching." - Brian Andreas
I spent a few minutes with myself this morning. I have a series of books that I call my "Anything Books." They are hard-backed, lined notebooks in different colours and I have been filling them with anything for 18 years. They are filled with quotes, cards, poems, photographs, anything that I thought was something that I wanted to keep safe."

and I luuurve the whole concept. I've bought the journals and I've been keeping the bits and pieces to go in...for a long while now :) ... now I've got to start pasting and writing... YES I WILL!!!

Sheds

2009-08-25T13:24:00.003+10:00

These are pics of sheds that I have found ... aren't they gorgeously nostalgic?
I love the creepers that have trailed all across and made it become like part of the landscape.

I would love one of these in my back yard ...

Bird Cages as Decor

2009-08-25T12:49:00.003+10:00

I have this one hanging in our bedroom, but I used to have one in my kitchen with a candle inside. I'm not one for having birds in cages, but I love the look of a cage .. some are so ornamental, that they just have to be used somewhere in the home. I've seen them with a pretty teacup and saucer inside and I suppose it really is up to you what you decide to put in it. There is one I have seen on teresa mcfaydens blog that is pure art and also quite practical... filled with gorgeous pink envelopes and on the envelopes she wrote her favourite make believe whimsical places to send them to .. and the envelopes then came out of the cage door and over the wall in an arch... she used it to cover a small basement window... very clever.
What would you do with a birdcage in your home...other than putting a bird in it :) ???

Nightlights

2009-08-25T12:37:00.002+10:00

I bought this light at a shabby chic store and just love the glow at night in my kitchen. I do find it gets quite hot tho, so I would only put it on when I am up and around. You can get them in heaps of other designs, so keep your eyes open and you may find one you love.

Cupcakes

2009-08-23T16:16:00.002+10:00

Aren't these cupcakes gorgeous?????
My cousins daughter made them ... Nigella Lawson watch out!

CREATIVE HOMES

2009-08-23T11:36:00.002+10:00

Here is another of my books that inspire me ... 'Creative Homes'.
A look into the real homes of australia's style makers. There will be at least one interior that is sure to inspire you as well.
My favourite is ... Lyn Gardener... who wanted a feminine home with soft, beautiful, faded fabrics... just gorgeous.

2009-08-22T23:27:00.002+10:00

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." - John Burroughs

Another 'real' home ...

2009-08-22T18:40:00.018+10:00

My sister has kindly said I can show some pics of her home ... her style is very beachy surf chic with shabby chic thrown in...suits her to a tee!
So here is the same loungeroom that has been changed around a bit...in the second picture,she took away the rug, added a throw to the lounge and added a second lounge and extra things on the wall.

Here's her new dining room area... we spent some time sanding and painting the whitewashed tabletop together and learned some important things in the process :)

This was a little sitting area she had nearer the kitchen ... the hutch has now found a home there, but I had to show how lovely some throws and cushions can make an area...and also another little 'nook' in the corner of her lounge area.

Here is one of her bedroom ...

And a couple of my favourite pictures in her home ...

And my lil niece's room ... so cute!

Our Wine Bar...

2009-08-21T23:46:00.002+10:00

Who loves a good glass of wine? ... I do!
I'm not a dry wine lover tho... it's gotta be sweet or mellow. A good Merlot or a nice Cabernet Savignon, goes down nicely with food. But I love a chilled sweet white ...a dessert wine ... mmmmmmmmm .... 'Lindemans Porphery' is delish (for those that want to try it).
So we needed somewhere to house these wines and VOILA! ... I looked long and hard for this beauty.I had seen them around and knew what I wanted ... I found this one at a garage sale for $30... and we were able to fit it in the car!!!
What's your favourite wine?

Gluten Intolerant

2009-08-21T23:33:00.002+10:00

I am gluten intolerant... not coeliac ... just intolerant. Which means that I feel much healthier if I don't eat gluten, but I can get away with a little now and then.
A friend let me borrow this recipe book and I ended up buying myself one. It is one of the best recipe books I have, when it comes to food allergies. The recipes are tasty and it's real food. At the beginning it speaks about food allergies and intolerances and gives some solid information on them, before going into the recipes. Anyone else sensitive to gluten?

Clocks

2009-08-21T20:13:00.003+10:00

I love clocks.... they are like pieces of practical wall art.
Nowadays, you can find one to suit any decor and they are not expensive. These are the ones that I have around my home ... they instantly add another decorating element to your home.

WALL ART

2009-08-20T23:30:00.003+10:00

Anything can become your wall art... these are pics of recent things that are on my walls ... but I will post other things I have had up in the past. Again, it is all up to your imagination. Enjoy the peek and G'Night!

Romancing The Ordinary

2009-08-20T23:07:00.002+10:00

Here is another book by Sarah Ban Breathnach ... it is called... 'Romancing The Ordinary' and once again it is finding beauty and meaning in the ordinary things of life. I enjoyed this book, probably not as much as 'Simple Abundance' ... because it made me feel a little too self absorbed and self indulgant... and yet it had a pull.It was from this book that I learned of the movie... ' Enchanted April' ...sigh ... just beautiful. Don't we all want to escape for a while, disappear and not have to tend to or worry about anyone else but ourselves? I have. Sometimes it all gets too much and you need to recharge the batteries and step back, well, this book shows you how to take care of yourself. How to recharge a bit every day... yes...reading this is definitely worth your time.

Texture...

2009-08-20T23:01:00.002+10:00

Remember how important texture is to a room ?
Well, here is an example with one of my cushions ... soft, unusual and full of texture, begging to be touched. I luuurve it :)

A Tea Party ...

2009-08-20T22:12:00.004+10:00

Teaparties!!!!
I love going to them and I love having them ... they are such fun to put together.
It's such a feminine thing to do and the chatter is always interesting, whether it's with 6 year olds or 12 or 40 or 60 year olds!
The elements to a good tea party is that 'everything that is eaten, must be able to be put into the mouth with one bite'... which means food and cakes are bitesize and adorable. Of course you need tea ... ordinary or herbal or for the childrens tea party, they wanted cold drinks.
A layer or more of pretty tablecloths or sheets or sarongs or scarves or shawls, all make lovely table coverings.
Use all your gorgeous crockery and little spoonrests and napkins. Don't forget some pretty spoons and a couple of dainty milk jugs.
Having one of those tiered plate holders always looks high tea-ish too.
There are plenty of table decoration ideas on the net... make it as simple or as elaborate as you're feeling up to.
Don't forget the mood music ... french cafe music is nice...O .. or Tony O'connor ... love his lilting tunes.
These are pics from a year or so ago, when I gave a teaparty for my nieces ( I guess it's coming up to that time again,eh girls? :) )
I wish I had taken more pics of the finer features of the setting ... again it's a green and pink theme and I had butterflies and pink balloons everywhere.
Anyone else love tea parties?

My Redone 'Nook' ...

2009-08-20T21:55:00.003+10:00

So... I promised you pics of our new decor, and I have one of my newly furnished nook. The chair swallows you up and we have a new lamp ( from Ikea) ... also found this lovely hanging glass vase, mine has a fake flower in it, but it still looks beautiful. It is a bay window and the sun shines in of a winters morning and warms your back ... aah, bliss :)

A Notice Board ... A Reminder Board ... White Board

2009-08-20T08:23:00.006+10:00

Here's a great idea for a notice board that I got years ago.
The two above are ones I have in my own home ... and they get regular use.
Take a picture frame ... leave it plain wood or paint it whatever colour suits your decor... take out the existing picture and place a piece of paper ... in the blue one I crumpled it all up first and then placed it behind the glass and the purple one is a piece of material that I loved instead.
Put the glass back in and hang!
Yes ... it's that easy!
Now buy yourself some whiteboard pens and a duster and VOILA! ... you have your own white board that suits your own decor.
Your imagination can go wild ... behind the glass, you can put photos,pressed flowers,favourite pictures... what ever your heart desires.
Tho I have found, that if the pictures behind the glass are too busy or too bright, it is harder to read your scribblings.

What would you put behind the glass?

Some favourite books...

2009-08-20T07:45:00.005+10:00

Books ... Books... Books ... I love em!
Give me a good book and a cup of coffee and I am one happy, happy girl!
I love reading mostly non-fiction, cos I love to learn new things.
Home decorating, self help, cooking, natural health, herbalism and decluttering, are just some of the genres I enjoy.
Decorating magazines such as Real Living,Real Simple and Home Beautiful fill our bookcases.
There is always something to pick up and enjoy ... libraries are one of my favourite places to be. I love the smell of new books too ... I can't describe it, but it is something I used to do when I was young, open a book and give it a good sniff. The memories of carefree times still come flooding back when I get a book that smells just right ... O... that does sound weird ... but even sadder, it's true!

So here is another of my favourite books ...
Where Women Create ... it's a book full of the workspaces of creative women ... where they put together their wonderful ideas and how they organize their bits and pieces. A book full of the most inspiring pictures ... I have heard that there is a regular magazine out,that goes by the same name and is just as beautiful and inspiring... I haven't seen it here in Australia though.

What are your favourite non-fiction books?

O YAY!... I've just found the website to the magazine by the same name... where women create... ENJOY!
xxx

Lists...Lists...Lists...

2009-08-20T07:29:00.004+10:00

To Do Lists ...
I love lists ... they are usually the first step to helping me get organised and put things in perspective.
I find I go through times when I don't use them as much as I used to ... and these are usually times when I am coasting in life with a routine. When things are up and down and not going as smoothly, I tend to revert back to the good old lists.
You can have lists for so many things .... a to do list for household chores ... a to do list for errands ... a shopping list... a list of short term and long term goals ... a weekly or monthly menu list... a list for lists!!!!!!!!!!

The important thing is to be flexible and try not to put to much on your 'to do' list at any one time ... be reasonable at what your own expectations are.
There is no doubt that there is a very satisfying feeling of accomplishment when you get to cross off things on your lists.They can be wonderful time management tools, but you don't want them to take over your life.

What lists do you make?

The Blog...

2009-08-19T23:59:00.003+10:00

This blog is a work in progress ... and along the way I am learning some pretty amazing things. I would like to thank thecutestblogontheblock for the beautiful background. They are amazing and it's all FREE!
Also I would like to thank shabbyblogs for their side buttons and they also have some wonderful backgrounds ... all free too!

I will be working hard at taking some good photos now to post ... so stay tuned :)
and WELCOME!!!

xxx

Simplify....Simplify...Simplify

2009-08-17T11:12:00.008+10:00

When it comes to decorating ... you may have heard of the less is more rule?
In some cases this is true, but it depends on your own decorating tastes. Some people love clutter, others don't. Finding a balance can be rewardingly aesthetic on the eye tho.
How to do this ... I'm one for a bit of clutter... I think it makes a house look warm and inviting ... not something off a showroom floor.
But, at the same time, I like my clutter to be contained to areas...this makes it easier to clean and dust and also gives that feeling of airy space.

I've decluttered lately, to a huge extent. We have a small home and pretty much you walk in the door and see the lot...
I used to have dividing screens up, because I loved them and still do, but I took them down and have stashed them for another time and place.( the pics are the same divider, just different material in the middle section to match the decor at the time:) Taking them down opened up the whole living/dining area and gave the room a feeling of spaciousness. (I still haven't taken photos of our new decor...stay tuned tho!)

I've limited the clutter to the tops of the entertainment unit and bookcase.
I've taken things off the wall to counteract the extra things I added to our side tables.

Clutter can take over your life... it's not just a decorators issue, it's also a personal one. How many hobbies can one person have at any one time? How many collections can one person have without it taking over their life? How much room do you have to store these treasures and how much time do you want to spend on these pursuits?

It's about priorities ... I'm a person that is attracted to so many different ideas and projects, that,before I know it, I am spending time that I don't have on things that are not really my priorities.
So write a list to find out what you love in your home, what you want in your life, what is practical in your home, what you can afford and what time you have to put towards your endeavours.
What are your priorities?

Mirrors

2009-08-16T21:31:00.002+10:00

Mirrors are another easy way to add a bit of glamour to your decor. They come in so many wonderful colours, shapes and sizes, that you are bound to find one that you love.
Place them so they make good use of the light in the room ... or so they open up a room by giving hte illusion of space.
You can group a few similar ones together or you can just have a huge one that covers a wall. You can add one to your favourite nook, or even put one near the front door, purely for practical reasons.
You can have ones with ornate frames/grecian ones/plain ones or modern metal framed ones.
If you have one in a frame you can add photos in the corners as an extra touch ... or decorate it with ribbons and flowers ... again ... let your imagination run wild!

Chandeliers and Candelabras

2009-08-16T19:43:00.004+10:00

I love both chandeliers and candelabras ... they give that chic look to a room. I tend to go for candelabras because we rent and they don't require any wiring ... and you know everyone always looks good in candle light :)
To be honest, I don't tend to light the candelabra inside as much as the one outside, but when I do, it gives an ambience that is soft, relaxing and romantic.
Not only are they chic, but, they also give a home a bit of glamour. They match most decors and as long as they are high enough so hubby doesn't bang his head, the menfolk don't mind to much either!
Outside, I use them all the time ... they give a magical glow to the night and are great for parties.
You can add strings of pearls and beads to make it suit any decor or party theme or just change the colour of the candles!
The candelabra pics above are the one and the same canelabra, I just added a couple of subtle changes to suit my decor at the time.
I once wired butterflies to mine for a girls teaparty, and they loved them.
So ... the only limit is your imagination ... enjoy some chic glamour in your life and hang some chandeliers!

Bargains and Budgets

2009-08-15T19:56:00.008+10:00

Everyone loves a bargain and everyone is on a budget... so this is a post about both!
Here in Australia we are very fortunate to have plenty of 2ndhand shops, garage sales,markets,ebay, council kerbside pickups and $2 shops around. Because of this, we can pretty much get what we want, at a good price, if we are willing to put in the hard work of finding it. Bargain finds do require some effort in the search, but that's half the fun ... and often we find other 'bargains' we weren't counting on.
When I am in need of something for the home, I start putting away $10 or $20 a week while I am on the lookout for it. Usually by the time I find it, I have enough money to buy it then and there.
Saving for something ( no matter how small) also gives you extra apreciation for what you have, don't you think?
The table above was a $20 secondhand find from a recycling centre and of course I had to paint it white and shabby it up ( or is that down ) a bit ... it is now awaiting castors to be put on the bottom and it will be our 'new' outdoor table.
When you have a theme that you are redecorating in, whether it be shabby chic/african or asian influences, you'll be amazed at how you just 'see' things everywhere, that would be perfect for your home.
In the past I have carried one of those little business card holders...and then put my fabric swatches and wall colours and patterns in it, just so that if I did happen to come across a bargain, I wouldn't have to second guess the colours.
Secondhand items have a history ...a story ... they have a charming, timeworn quality that I just love.
I have 'feathered our nest' with many 2ndhand items over the years ... we have saved heaps of money and the result is a well-lived in and cosy home with character to boot!

Our Lil Pebbles

2009-08-12T19:36:00.003+10:00

May I introduce you to the other member of our family... our little lady ... 'PEBBLES'.
She is so very soft to touch and has the most amazing possum~like tail that we have ever seen. She loves being around people and if she is left alone in a room, than we she will come and follow us.
I love cats ... and I have this vision of me in my gorgeous green herb garden wearing a lovely floppy hat with my cats around me .... yes ... it is rather quirky!

A Nook...

2009-08-12T17:44:00.002+10:00

So here are pics of a little nook. I love 'nooks' in homes ... they add character to a home...don't you think?
This lamp I bought as a 'normal' lamp for $20 and I copied an idea I had seen in a homewares store (that lamp cost over a $100 ). I used the lamp shade wire thingy, by taking off the shade and covering the wire shade that was left with chickenwire. SO now you are looking at a chickenwire lampshade. I then bought a heap of fake flowers from the $2 store and took off the actual flowerhead and the little backing on it and proceeded to put them in place all over the chickenwire... so now I have my gorgeous lamp which only ended up costing me $40 and a bit of work...VOILA!
Even tho this little nook has changed decor a number of times,and is not tucked away anywhere you would think a 'nook' should be, it still remains one of my favourite places to curl up and read.

My Vision Board

2009-08-11T20:25:00.008+10:00

For those of you who do not know what a vision board is... to me, it is this... it is a way to visualise your goals and keep your focus on what is really important to you. A year ago I did two ... one for my lifestyle choices and one for my family life.
Above is the one I did for my family goals ...have a peek (just click on it) and it will help you understand how it is put together.
Megg describes it well on her blog about how to do it and she has inspired me to do it again.
I have lots of magazines that I've been collecting, so that one soft, slow day I can enjoy creating an artwork that will visualize the whisperings of my heart :)

One of my favourite books ...

2009-08-11T19:35:00.004+10:00

There are some books that are written just for you ... don't you think?
I just love 'SIMPLE ABUNDANCE' by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
When I am feeling like some inspiration or if I am feeling low in confidence or if I need to calm my inner voice ... it is this book that speaks volumes to me. With all books there are things that you agree with and there are things you don't... this is one of those books. But it is the overall positive vibe that teaches you how to be grateful for all the little things in life.
I first read this book when I was 28 and going through a transition period in my life... and it has been my favourite ever since.
This is a book that requires you to do something ... you cannot read it and not change.
If you are inclined to have a read, I hope it will have the same effect on you as it did on me.
Kindest Wishes
Min

Homeschooling 1

2009-08-11T19:12:00.001+10:00

I feel I should write a seperate post on our homeschooling journey. I've been thinking how I can make it easier to follow and have decided to put numbers after the title 'homeschooling'. That way, it'll be a subject all it's own. I've been homeschooling our 13 YO lad for 8 years now and have found the journey rewarding,frustrating,exhilarating,anxious and wonderful! It's been a rollercoaster now and then, but mostly it has been something that I have loved doing.

We decided to homeschool because of the amount of children in the classes and the amount of time the teacher had to spend in just getting her students quiet and orderly and actually doing something. Don't get me wrong, she was a wonderful grade 1 teacher, but I often helped out in class ( as most mums do) and I had this AHA! moment ... ' If I was to teach him myself, we could get it done in a couple of hours ... not the 6 hours he's away'. And so begun lots of research and fortunately I had cousins that were also homeschooling. So I asked loads of questions and at Easter Break we told the teacher and headmistress, he wouldn't be coming back, because we were going to homeschool him. The response was nothing but supportive and congratulatory and the rest is HISTORY! I will be aiming most of my posts to the high school homeschooling years, because that is where we are at in our life. We have a rather eclectic way of homeschooling and I will be posting lots of sites that I find helpful ( over on the right hand side ).
So I welcome you to my new blog and I hope you find something useful!
Kindest Wishes Marina

What makes a house a home?

2009-08-11T17:25:00.002+10:00

Books ... games ... musical instruments ...comfortable throws and big 'swallow you up' lounges. These are just some of the things that make a home cosy. I've always wanted a home that is interesting ... with things to keep you occupied (if you don't feel like watching tv or just vegging out).
There is usually one room that is the hub of the house and that is mostly the kitchen... tho in our home at the moment, the kitchen is a seperate room from the dining/lounge room and I would call the dining/lounge room the 'hub'of the house.
You see, in the end, it's the people that make a house a home.

2009-08-11T00:20:00.000+10:00

"The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything." -- Edward Phelps

All the same room!

2009-08-10T23:46:00.002+10:00

All these pics below are stylings of the same room. I have recently redone the room again in browns and greens, but we have bought a HUGE new table and so I've removed a few things in the room to open it all up. Once I take some photos I'll also post them.
I've been going through a less is more phase ... enjoying the space, more than the clutter.
I keep all of my cushions,throws,candles and nicnacs ... so that at a whim I can change our rooms again :)
Enjoy!!!

The Green n Brown Loungeroom

2009-08-10T23:45:00.002+10:00

The pink n blue loungeroom

2009-08-10T23:42:00.002+10:00