Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hooked
I am loving crochet. I am not good at it, and I am yet to move beyond the granny square... ut there is plenty of time for that. I wanted to work with something not so woolly and thick as the DK I bought for my first efforts (that blanket is coming along beautifully though there is still a way to go) so I bought some 100% mercerized cotton. It is super slippery but I love the look. I am going to make a throw for our new bedroom out of these colours. I am loving the "antiquey" look it has about it! Stay tuned, but but don't hold your breath...I won't get back to this until my little list of WIP's for the remainder of 2012 are done and dusted. With a 3 day crafty weekend coming up next month, I know I will make a substantial dent in that list! Bring it on girls!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Successes and Failures
I feel on the reno front we are finally winning. The builder is aiming to have the house finished for Christmas (garage, pool, front and back yard will follow in 2012 and be finished by mid year).
Yesterday was an insanely hectic day. At 7am, my phone pinged with a text message. The builder had the baths sitting on his truck and wanted me to inspect them before they struggled with the weight of them into the upstairs section. And then it didn't stop the entire day. By 3pm I had a splitting headache. I had negotiated with a number of suppliers on prices and ordered taps, toilets, the remaining appliances and basins. I did walk throughs with the electricians and plumbers. I talked with the builder about staircases, balustrading, moving doorways, placements of fittings in bathrooms. I watched the 6.5 metres of sliding doors go in as well as being delighted to see some windows were installed. The kitchen guy came to measure up and finalise everything. At 3.30pm I took beers out to the boys and told them they were not to call me, text me or ask me any more questions as I was over it for the day. I then met up with a neighbour and her kids over at the park to take some time out. I am really loving this process and feel proud of the success I have had with project managing it, and what I have learnt but yesterday was full on...
With all of this going on, my dear husband away for 2 weeks, us being away plus it being school holiday my 12wbt has totally fallen off the radar. I have not exercised in a week, too many treats (the break out on my face is a dead giveaway) and I feel like a hefferlump! I am trying so hard not to beat myself up and be realistic about the situation but I really am a routine girl at the end of the day, and if that routine is thrown out - then all the wheels fall off! I have a 10km run coming up on 6th November that I need to train for , this afternoon I will head out to pound the pavement for a few k's just to get back into the groove and then I need to knuckle down and do some training for it. A couple of weeks ago I went to a run clinic and that was super interesting. I have scheduled an appointment with the running guru Kaz of Mind Body Motion Fitness to delve deeper into my running and how I can improve it to do a ...wait for it.. half marathon next year. I was hoping for May but it looks like we will be in Ireland and Malta for a few weeks around that time so I will be aiming for September ...how can I fail when I have a whole year to plan and train! Next year I am hoping to join a run club somewhere near by to train with others.
So, the plan of attack is tomorrow afternoon to take my few hours to schedule and shop, smash at least 1000 cals, remeasure and weigh myself and to jump right back on the wagon and start again. You see, what would make me a real failure is if I don't start again and just carry on the way I have the past week or so. I am looking forward to my routine and feeling fabulous again! I still have 8 weeks to make a real difference!
Happy weekend everyone x
Yesterday was an insanely hectic day. At 7am, my phone pinged with a text message. The builder had the baths sitting on his truck and wanted me to inspect them before they struggled with the weight of them into the upstairs section. And then it didn't stop the entire day. By 3pm I had a splitting headache. I had negotiated with a number of suppliers on prices and ordered taps, toilets, the remaining appliances and basins. I did walk throughs with the electricians and plumbers. I talked with the builder about staircases, balustrading, moving doorways, placements of fittings in bathrooms. I watched the 6.5 metres of sliding doors go in as well as being delighted to see some windows were installed. The kitchen guy came to measure up and finalise everything. At 3.30pm I took beers out to the boys and told them they were not to call me, text me or ask me any more questions as I was over it for the day. I then met up with a neighbour and her kids over at the park to take some time out. I am really loving this process and feel proud of the success I have had with project managing it, and what I have learnt but yesterday was full on...
With all of this going on, my dear husband away for 2 weeks, us being away plus it being school holiday my 12wbt has totally fallen off the radar. I have not exercised in a week, too many treats (the break out on my face is a dead giveaway) and I feel like a hefferlump! I am trying so hard not to beat myself up and be realistic about the situation but I really am a routine girl at the end of the day, and if that routine is thrown out - then all the wheels fall off! I have a 10km run coming up on 6th November that I need to train for , this afternoon I will head out to pound the pavement for a few k's just to get back into the groove and then I need to knuckle down and do some training for it. A couple of weeks ago I went to a run clinic and that was super interesting. I have scheduled an appointment with the running guru Kaz of Mind Body Motion Fitness to delve deeper into my running and how I can improve it to do a ...wait for it.. half marathon next year. I was hoping for May but it looks like we will be in Ireland and Malta for a few weeks around that time so I will be aiming for September ...how can I fail when I have a whole year to plan and train! Next year I am hoping to join a run club somewhere near by to train with others.
So, the plan of attack is tomorrow afternoon to take my few hours to schedule and shop, smash at least 1000 cals, remeasure and weigh myself and to jump right back on the wagon and start again. You see, what would make me a real failure is if I don't start again and just carry on the way I have the past week or so. I am looking forward to my routine and feeling fabulous again! I still have 8 weeks to make a real difference!
Happy weekend everyone x
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Embroidery Love
Yesterday I finished 3 of the 7 Prints Charming embroideries on my to do list. These will be made into little "lavender puff thingys" for teachers etc and teamed with hand cream for Christmas gifts. Need to be on the ball this year and not leaving it all to the last minute!
I love the design, colour and texture that these are once they are stitched up. So many possibilities and fun to do!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Depression
This is a difficult post to write, I know I will not articulate it well, and I also wondered whether I should even write it.
Recently we were hit hard by depression. A dear friends dad committed suicide due to this terrible terrible illness. An act that six months ago would have been totally out of character and something we would have all believed an act he would never even consider let alone actually do. We had known this wonderful man for many years because of our friends and were very fond of him. I had no idea of the dark hole he was living in post a heart attack some months ago that triggered the depression. The immense sadness my friend and her family will live with forever breaks my heart. Last night we talked alot about it, there were many tears, lots of hugs and a few laughs.
If you think you might be feeling more down than you should, if it is hard to get out of bed in the morning, if you want to sleep the day away, if there is any negative change in your behaviour or you suspect anyone you know is suffering in any way from depression, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, ask questions, don't stop asking questions, talk about it, be honest, let's break the stigma and help these people.
A loss such as my friends dad brings a grief that is beyond imagination, something that can never be fully recovered from. It is an unnecessary end to a life worth living.
Information can be found and donations made at Beyond Blue
Recently we were hit hard by depression. A dear friends dad committed suicide due to this terrible terrible illness. An act that six months ago would have been totally out of character and something we would have all believed an act he would never even consider let alone actually do. We had known this wonderful man for many years because of our friends and were very fond of him. I had no idea of the dark hole he was living in post a heart attack some months ago that triggered the depression. The immense sadness my friend and her family will live with forever breaks my heart. Last night we talked alot about it, there were many tears, lots of hugs and a few laughs.
If you think you might be feeling more down than you should, if it is hard to get out of bed in the morning, if you want to sleep the day away, if there is any negative change in your behaviour or you suspect anyone you know is suffering in any way from depression, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, ask questions, don't stop asking questions, talk about it, be honest, let's break the stigma and help these people.
A loss such as my friends dad brings a grief that is beyond imagination, something that can never be fully recovered from. It is an unnecessary end to a life worth living.
Information can be found and donations made at Beyond Blue
A Finished Quilt
I love the colours of this strip quilt. Emma, as per usual, did a stirling job jazzing it up with the actual quilting and you can read about it here.
This quilt is destined for the UK. A very special family friend, recently moved home after 20 odd years living down under. We miss her very much but know she has fond memories of the times she spent with us and will sometimes think of them as she snuggles under this lap quilt on those very cold English winter nights!
I had hoped to gift it before she flew back in late August and Emma's turn around time on the quilting was super quick but the reno got in the way that week and the binding just didn't make it on in time!
Feels so good to get something finished! Today will be spent doing laundry, some pretty embroidery on my Prints Charming decorations, the label on this quilt and a trip to the PO to send it off and if there is no rain, a visit to Vespa at our favourite car wash. I just love school holidays and how the days are dictated by us, and not the school bell!
This quilt is destined for the UK. A very special family friend, recently moved home after 20 odd years living down under. We miss her very much but know she has fond memories of the times she spent with us and will sometimes think of them as she snuggles under this lap quilt on those very cold English winter nights!
I had hoped to gift it before she flew back in late August and Emma's turn around time on the quilting was super quick but the reno got in the way that week and the binding just didn't make it on in time!
Feels so good to get something finished! Today will be spent doing laundry, some pretty embroidery on my Prints Charming decorations, the label on this quilt and a trip to the PO to send it off and if there is no rain, a visit to Vespa at our favourite car wash. I just love school holidays and how the days are dictated by us, and not the school bell!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Fabulous finds
For years there have been a number of "housey" things that I have dreamt of owning.
The Gladstone Bag that recently came to live with us was one of those items. On the way home from my parents place last week I dropped in here. Usually a bad move as I rarely come out empty handed. It is months since I visited. My brother in law lives just around the corner and I have to show considerable restraint when ever we are visiting them as I get the urge to run around the corner to take a peek at this wonderful emporium of antique, old and vintage yumminess!
On this last visit, I was "fortunate" enough to become the proud owner of the following;
1. Gladstone Bag
2. Cast iron and brass Kitchen Scales circa 1900
3. Bakelite phone circa 1940's
Fancy that, all 3 hankered after items in one fell swoop!
As we are very limited with storage space at the moment the store was kind enough to store them for us until we are at lock up stage (hopefully only another couple of weeks) but I did manage to take a happy snap of the phone before they packed it up, I was not quick enough with the scales!
The Gladstone Bag that recently came to live with us was one of those items. On the way home from my parents place last week I dropped in here. Usually a bad move as I rarely come out empty handed. It is months since I visited. My brother in law lives just around the corner and I have to show considerable restraint when ever we are visiting them as I get the urge to run around the corner to take a peek at this wonderful emporium of antique, old and vintage yumminess!
On this last visit, I was "fortunate" enough to become the proud owner of the following;
1. Gladstone Bag
2. Cast iron and brass Kitchen Scales circa 1900
3. Bakelite phone circa 1940's
Fancy that, all 3 hankered after items in one fell swoop!
As we are very limited with storage space at the moment the store was kind enough to store them for us until we are at lock up stage (hopefully only another couple of weeks) but I did manage to take a happy snap of the phone before they packed it up, I was not quick enough with the scales!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Decisions, decisions!
My head is full of paint colours, tiles, caesar stone, marble, window locks, internal doors, appliances, tap ware, lights, sinks and toilets.
We had a pretty definite idea of what we wanted when we embarked on this renovation, but within that there are SO MANY choices. Phwoar, it makes for a hectic life right now. Busy, but fun!
There are little piles of folders, catalogues and samples on top of our filing cabinet. As things are chosen and ordered, samples are returned to suppliers or filed and then we move onto the next thing. The list at one stage seemed endless and I wondered how on earth would I ever choose anything, but we are getting down to the business end of things and we are happy with what we have chosen so far! This week I will finalise the new appliances, tiles, taps and toots and then all that needs to be done is choose carpet, outdoor pavers, waterline tiles and finish for the pool, a new letterbox and determine floor board stain. The tiles need to go back to the supplier as the builder has all required info. The man of the house is insisting on a new tv and surround sound system, but I am staying well out of that one, he can take care of that!
Thankfully, said man of the house and I are totally on the same page when it comes to finishes and decoration of this house, so he has really only gotten involved if I am unsure of something or it is a budget issue (well to be fair he does have an accountancy background!). We are still sitting within budget 8 months in so I have been able to get all of my first preferences to date....we will see how this goes as we get further along towards the end!
See you tomorrow xxx
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Blogtoberfest
Wow, is it that time again?? Tinniegirl hosts blogtoberfest annually and I am in total denial that it us actually the 2nd day of October! Where is this year going?
So what is blogtoberfest all about? Basically it is a challenge to blog every single day for the month of October. I am a bit slow off the mark, and am starting on Day 2! I will make up for it somewhere along the way! In 2010, I managed 16 posts and in 2009 I think I was an unofficial participant and managed a measly 4 posts. My effort for 2011 will be greater than previous years, of that you can be assured.
You see, I am going to get involved this year so that it motivates me to get moving on some of my WIP's that I committed to completing before the year is out. It also gives me an excuse to take some time out to surf blogs, something I rarely do any more.
To kick it all off I am going to share with you a recent purchase, here is my Gladstone Bag I purchased just a few days ago to stash my wool in, I have wanted one of these fab bags for sometime but wondered what I would do with it. A new yarn obsession seemed to be the perfect excuse to finally make the purchase, and I found one in the very first antique store I looked in! It needs a good scrub up with some boot polish and it will be as good as new. (I will save for another day to tell you about the bakelite 1940's phone in as new condition that I also bought)..
Remember my dramas with learning to crochet? Well check me out. I am loving how this granny blanket is coming together!! I will just keep going on it until I run out of the wool! A few balls to go yet! I find it easier and easier as time goes on, it is far from perfect but it will be made with love by me for my lovely little family to snuggle under on the wintery evenings on the lounge! I have to say I am loving crochet, it is portable and easier to pull out than all the quilty bits and bobs...(well until the girls bedroom becomes my sewing room anyway!!!!)
See you tomorrow x
So what is blogtoberfest all about? Basically it is a challenge to blog every single day for the month of October. I am a bit slow off the mark, and am starting on Day 2! I will make up for it somewhere along the way! In 2010, I managed 16 posts and in 2009 I think I was an unofficial participant and managed a measly 4 posts. My effort for 2011 will be greater than previous years, of that you can be assured.
You see, I am going to get involved this year so that it motivates me to get moving on some of my WIP's that I committed to completing before the year is out. It also gives me an excuse to take some time out to surf blogs, something I rarely do any more.
To kick it all off I am going to share with you a recent purchase, here is my Gladstone Bag I purchased just a few days ago to stash my wool in, I have wanted one of these fab bags for sometime but wondered what I would do with it. A new yarn obsession seemed to be the perfect excuse to finally make the purchase, and I found one in the very first antique store I looked in! It needs a good scrub up with some boot polish and it will be as good as new. (I will save for another day to tell you about the bakelite 1940's phone in as new condition that I also bought)..
Remember my dramas with learning to crochet? Well check me out. I am loving how this granny blanket is coming together!! I will just keep going on it until I run out of the wool! A few balls to go yet! I find it easier and easier as time goes on, it is far from perfect but it will be made with love by me for my lovely little family to snuggle under on the wintery evenings on the lounge! I have to say I am loving crochet, it is portable and easier to pull out than all the quilty bits and bobs...(well until the girls bedroom becomes my sewing room anyway!!!!)
See you tomorrow x
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