Next job, to handquilt Jack's Quilt!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Mason's Life Journey Quilt
Last night, I finally finished my adorable nephew Mason's throw quilt. It was quilted by the amazing Emma of Sampaquita Quilts and she blogged about it here. Now I need to order some new printable labels and make a label and gift it to him next week!
Next job, to handquilt Jack's Quilt!
Next job, to handquilt Jack's Quilt!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Spoilt
We love books in this house, adore them, can't get enough of them. So imagine the selfish delight I felt when my sister recently started as the EA to the MD of a rather large and well known publishing house - of course totally delighted for her as she is loving the job but even more excited for me when she brings me home bags of books for my bookcase! Last night, it was these....
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Can't Wait to Read My New Purchase...
but I think it will determine that I definitely won't get to 50 books in 2010!
Monday, October 18, 2010
It's a Girls Prerogative...
And what would a trip to Melbourne be without a shoe purchase or few....
A Clucky Good Time.
My brother in law, John, is marrying the lovely Sinead in December. On Friday 20 of us ventured down to Melbourne for her Hens party!
I got an early flight down on Friday morning with my sister and a friend. We left a gorgeous summer day at 9am and Melbourne greeted us with wind, rain and a very chilly day. Brrrr!!! It was cold!
A day of shopping, followed by a day at The Caulfield Cup and an evening of partying, followed by a Sunday morning of a very chilled out brunch to recover and a wander around the lovely lanes of Melbourne city.
We were delighted that, although very brisk, we had mostly fine weather for the races.
We arrived back to another gorgeous afternoon in Sydney and headed to a barbie at my other brother in laws - a lovely time to cap off a fabulous weekend!
I got an early flight down on Friday morning with my sister and a friend. We left a gorgeous summer day at 9am and Melbourne greeted us with wind, rain and a very chilly day. Brrrr!!! It was cold!
A day of shopping, followed by a day at The Caulfield Cup and an evening of partying, followed by a Sunday morning of a very chilled out brunch to recover and a wander around the lovely lanes of Melbourne city.
We were delighted that, although very brisk, we had mostly fine weather for the races.
We arrived back to another gorgeous afternoon in Sydney and headed to a barbie at my other brother in laws - a lovely time to cap off a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A Frustrating Process
When we were finally given approval from council we thought it would be a fairly short and easy process to commence the actual build. Turns out I was wrong! We now wonder will we ever go from this...
to this..
At the moment it just doesn't feel like it!
We were hoping to have the demolition and excavation done this month so that the retaining walls in the back garden could be built when we were away in December.
We have a meeting with the builder on Tuesday so hoping for some positive news!
to this..
At the moment it just doesn't feel like it!
We were hoping to have the demolition and excavation done this month so that the retaining walls in the back garden could be built when we were away in December.
We have a meeting with the builder on Tuesday so hoping for some positive news!
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Grand Entrance..
well...not really as grand as the photo below... but when I was in Adelaide my girlfriend and I did the "Cooks tour" of homes similiar to what she is about to build. I fell in love with this set of doors on one of those homes and although we haven't been able to find EXACTLY the same doors they are very similiar and we love them. So...this is what we have decided on for our new front entrance doors.
Someday there will be a post that has something to do with fabric and quilting or creativity...I promise!
Someday there will be a post that has something to do with fabric and quilting or creativity...I promise!
Thinking LOTS!!
My head is full of what else I need to to get the house ready for the renovation - we are about 95% of the way there..just lots of tying up of loose ends, so to speak.
That is the boring part of it - but the fun part is starting to think of what we are going to use for fittings. I have finally gotten my head out of the magazines and started to actually look in shops and online.
We had always thought we would put a 10 year kitchen to make do until we could afford what we REALLY wanted but after seeing the pictured kitchen at the Harvey Norman Renovation Centre and then talking to the builder, we think we will be able to afford it now! He seems to think his kitchen guy can come up with this and stay within our budget. Very excited!
This is the style but going for white cabinetry, either a dark olivey/khaki (it's called Mangrove) or a chocolate colour (called Mink) Caesar Stone benchtop and HOPEFULLY a black AGA. The floors will be timber, finished in Black Japan.
So tell me, what do you think???
That is the boring part of it - but the fun part is starting to think of what we are going to use for fittings. I have finally gotten my head out of the magazines and started to actually look in shops and online.
We had always thought we would put a 10 year kitchen to make do until we could afford what we REALLY wanted but after seeing the pictured kitchen at the Harvey Norman Renovation Centre and then talking to the builder, we think we will be able to afford it now! He seems to think his kitchen guy can come up with this and stay within our budget. Very excited!
This is the style but going for white cabinetry, either a dark olivey/khaki (it's called Mangrove) or a chocolate colour (called Mink) Caesar Stone benchtop and HOPEFULLY a black AGA. The floors will be timber, finished in Black Japan.
So tell me, what do you think???
Friday, October 8, 2010
A Fit and Healthy Life
For a few years I have followed the FYM way of life. I love the whole concept of it and it truly works but I found it hard to be consistent working out at home. I know that it is a true lifestyle choice but I fell off the bandwagon and had trouble getting back on for awhile there.
So I decided to get a trainer and for the past 6 or so weeks I have been working out with Amanda of Metamorphis Fitness I join in on the boot camp at 6am a couple of times a week if I am able to (depending on my husbands travel and work commitments)and then do a one on one session with her once a week. I love working out with the other girls and it really pushes me to do better. When we were sick I really missed it, she is such a task master but we have a lot of fun at the same time. I will continue with Amanda until we go away and then return to Holly Rigsby and FYM. This is a whole lot more doable in the long term.
Exercise seems to do a lot more for me mentally than it does physically as I am getting older and the difference in my approach to life, in general, is amazing if I am not exercising. I am really working hard on nutrition now that we are back from holidays ..as I know that when we go away at Christmas to the cold of Ireland it is going to be hard to exercise over there!!
So I decided to get a trainer and for the past 6 or so weeks I have been working out with Amanda of Metamorphis Fitness I join in on the boot camp at 6am a couple of times a week if I am able to (depending on my husbands travel and work commitments)and then do a one on one session with her once a week. I love working out with the other girls and it really pushes me to do better. When we were sick I really missed it, she is such a task master but we have a lot of fun at the same time. I will continue with Amanda until we go away and then return to Holly Rigsby and FYM. This is a whole lot more doable in the long term.
Exercise seems to do a lot more for me mentally than it does physically as I am getting older and the difference in my approach to life, in general, is amazing if I am not exercising. I am really working hard on nutrition now that we are back from holidays ..as I know that when we go away at Christmas to the cold of Ireland it is going to be hard to exercise over there!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cinderella
This morning we went here to see ...
Cinderella
written by Helen Martin
with music and lyrics by David Cashman
Directed by Will Edwards
A timeless story - with a new twist. In a dusty outback town Cinderella sweeps and sweeps while her silly sisters squabble. Purry Cat and her fairy godmother are her only friends. The guest of honour at the local ball is a royal Prince looking for the woman of his dreams - someone he can have a good conversation with! With a little bit of magic involving mice, pumpkins, members of the audience - and a lost shoe - both Cinderella and the Prince find their hearts' desires.
It was a really enjoyable production, the cast were very talented and the lead had the most incredible singing voice. The kids enjoyed it just as much as the mums!!!
We then had lunch with the friends we went with, a gander around the National Trust Shop where I picked up some great pink gardening gloves for the girls and also a wander into the Crewel Gobelin - a fabulous needlework shop. I picked up a lovely Irish sampler to do for my beloved to give him sometime in the next how ever many years. I mean it did take me 3 years to complete the last one.
Now onto sorting out the girls bedroom - packing up, sorting clothes, tidying. What a fun afternoon (?)
Cinderella
written by Helen Martin
with music and lyrics by David Cashman
Directed by Will Edwards
A timeless story - with a new twist. In a dusty outback town Cinderella sweeps and sweeps while her silly sisters squabble. Purry Cat and her fairy godmother are her only friends. The guest of honour at the local ball is a royal Prince looking for the woman of his dreams - someone he can have a good conversation with! With a little bit of magic involving mice, pumpkins, members of the audience - and a lost shoe - both Cinderella and the Prince find their hearts' desires.
It was a really enjoyable production, the cast were very talented and the lead had the most incredible singing voice. The kids enjoyed it just as much as the mums!!!
We then had lunch with the friends we went with, a gander around the National Trust Shop where I picked up some great pink gardening gloves for the girls and also a wander into the Crewel Gobelin - a fabulous needlework shop. I picked up a lovely Irish sampler to do for my beloved to give him sometime in the next how ever many years. I mean it did take me 3 years to complete the last one.
Now onto sorting out the girls bedroom - packing up, sorting clothes, tidying. What a fun afternoon (?)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I Wish....for one of these in Black...
...but I really don't think the budget will stretch that far...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Quilting WIP's
These are the 2 quilts that I need to finish ASAP - my goal is for the middle of the month.
Mason's "Life's Journey" Quilt that I actually started sewing the binding down on when we were away, and Jack's Quilt needs to be hand quilted and bound....and both need to be labelled of course. The awesome Emma quilted Mason's quilt for me, take a look at the great photos on her blog here. She is a very clever and talented quilter! I can only dream of having her capabilities!!
OK, that is 5 posts to catch up with the Blogfest! Let's see how the rest of the month goes!
Mason's "Life's Journey" Quilt that I actually started sewing the binding down on when we were away, and Jack's Quilt needs to be hand quilted and bound....and both need to be labelled of course. The awesome Emma quilted Mason's quilt for me, take a look at the great photos on her blog here. She is a very clever and talented quilter! I can only dream of having her capabilities!!
OK, that is 5 posts to catch up with the Blogfest! Let's see how the rest of the month goes!
From the Mouth of The 3 Year Old...
...this morning....
"I've decided that I want another sister as well as Zoe, so tomorrow I am going to go to the museum and get one called Asherlee"
"I've decided that I want another sister as well as Zoe, so tomorrow I am going to go to the museum and get one called Asherlee"
Books! Glorious Books!
I finished Major Pettigrews Last Stand whilst way, and really enjoyed it.
I also started and finished "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho.. An easy read with lots of great life messages, more specifically about following your life dreams.
And I jumped on the Twilight bandwagon, albeit months - possibly years - after everyone else, and finished that too...and suprisingly I really loved it and have just started New Moon.
I even got to read a couple of trashy mags whilst we were away - New Idea, Who and Womens Weekly.
Ah, the joys of holidays!!
My sister has an electronic book, of the Sony kind. We bought one for my dad for Fathers Day. Moving with the times and all that I know I should take an interest in these things. I mean lets face it, by the time my girls are in Uni (should they choose that path), maybe even high school, potentially their study books etc will be all downloadable onto one of these devices. I know I know, it is so much easier for their backs to carry a little tiny thing around rather than a whole load of ridiculously heavy books BUT!!! And to me it is a big BUT!!! I hope that the good old trusty paper back (or hard back if you so please) has it's place forever. Nothing beats the musty old smell of a library book. Nothing beats the flick of pages. Perusing the front and back covers of a back, wondering if it worth reading. Flopping down on the couch (or the pool bed if you are lucky enough to be in Fiji or somewhere lovely) opening the book, pulling out the book mark, flicking the pages and eventually the last turn of the final page... The touch, the texture, the sight, the smell of a real book - this is what will more than likely keep me forever away from all these new fandangle e-books. Sorry to say but they just ain't for me!
I also started and finished "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho.. An easy read with lots of great life messages, more specifically about following your life dreams.
And I jumped on the Twilight bandwagon, albeit months - possibly years - after everyone else, and finished that too...and suprisingly I really loved it and have just started New Moon.
I even got to read a couple of trashy mags whilst we were away - New Idea, Who and Womens Weekly.
Ah, the joys of holidays!!
My sister has an electronic book, of the Sony kind. We bought one for my dad for Fathers Day. Moving with the times and all that I know I should take an interest in these things. I mean lets face it, by the time my girls are in Uni (should they choose that path), maybe even high school, potentially their study books etc will be all downloadable onto one of these devices. I know I know, it is so much easier for their backs to carry a little tiny thing around rather than a whole load of ridiculously heavy books BUT!!! And to me it is a big BUT!!! I hope that the good old trusty paper back (or hard back if you so please) has it's place forever. Nothing beats the musty old smell of a library book. Nothing beats the flick of pages. Perusing the front and back covers of a back, wondering if it worth reading. Flopping down on the couch (or the pool bed if you are lucky enough to be in Fiji or somewhere lovely) opening the book, pulling out the book mark, flicking the pages and eventually the last turn of the final page... The touch, the texture, the sight, the smell of a real book - this is what will more than likely keep me forever away from all these new fandangle e-books. Sorry to say but they just ain't for me!
Friends...
are the family you choose!
I am blessed to have so many really wonderful friends. Without their love and support, life would be duller and laughs would be fewer.
This is one special mate who I met when I was 11. Like all friendships we have had our ups and downs but we always come out on top and have shared so much over the past 25 years that I think I would truly be lost without her!
There are probably hundreds of these immature and silly photos through the years - we don't get away with them as much as when we were 12...but we try!!
Between us we have 4 special princesses who adore each other as well. It is so special that the friendship lives on in our next generation!
We have just spent a really fun time hanging out in Fiji all together, along with some more of her family and other friends.
I am blessed to have so many really wonderful friends. Without their love and support, life would be duller and laughs would be fewer.
This is one special mate who I met when I was 11. Like all friendships we have had our ups and downs but we always come out on top and have shared so much over the past 25 years that I think I would truly be lost without her!
There are probably hundreds of these immature and silly photos through the years - we don't get away with them as much as when we were 12...but we try!!
Between us we have 4 special princesses who adore each other as well. It is so special that the friendship lives on in our next generation!
We have just spent a really fun time hanging out in Fiji all together, along with some more of her family and other friends.
Blogtoberfest
I am already behind in the game because on the 1st October when all the fun began I was in Fiji staying here...
Having lots of fun family time in the pool...
Drinking a few too many of these....
Seeing a beautiful one of these every day....
Playing 9 holes of this...
Listening to lots of this...
Waking up to this every morning...
And did I mention how much I loved hanging out with my beautiful family?
Other wonderful experiences included finishing 3 whole books, a hot stone massage, a boat trip, not to mention the fact that I was also there with my oldest friend and her family - what a wonderful holiday with many fabulous memories!
So it is now the 5th October, and I know I will miss a couple of days as I am going to Melbourne on the 15th for 3 days (a hens do) but with school holidays, renos starting, some planned sewing and lots of book reading I am sure I can get in on the act for most of the month.
Hope you enjoy x
Having lots of fun family time in the pool...
Drinking a few too many of these....
Seeing a beautiful one of these every day....
Playing 9 holes of this...
Listening to lots of this...
Waking up to this every morning...
And did I mention how much I loved hanging out with my beautiful family?
Other wonderful experiences included finishing 3 whole books, a hot stone massage, a boat trip, not to mention the fact that I was also there with my oldest friend and her family - what a wonderful holiday with many fabulous memories!
So it is now the 5th October, and I know I will miss a couple of days as I am going to Melbourne on the 15th for 3 days (a hens do) but with school holidays, renos starting, some planned sewing and lots of book reading I am sure I can get in on the act for most of the month.
Hope you enjoy x
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