Mira Narnie

dress a day {13-19}

2012-02-22T10:33:00.005+11:00

day 14

I'm still here....and still wearing dresses - day in day out! Ok - I admit dresses are not practical for everything.. Like last weekend we had a great "fix it" day at home whereby we just potted around at home and got things done. I painted the front door. Something I've wanted to do for 7 years, and finally got around to it. That was not the occasion for a dress, but luckily we went out with friends to a local mexican restaurant for margaritas and nacho's.

I also discovered sadly that I don't quite fit into one dress anymore. But as my friend rightly pointed out....your body is not the same after kids!

Here is my week in dresses....

Day 15

day 16

day 17

day 18

day 19

Wearing:

Dress 14 - sweater dress from local boutique

Dress 15 - zip up black dress purchased with a voucher from a small country boutique

Dress 16 - I have no idea where or when this one arrived in my possession!

Dress 17 - maxi dress from local store

Dress 18 - on shoulder floral dress from Target

Dress 19 - Marcs by Marc Jacobs (sadly a little tight on the hips - thinking of chopping it and making it into a skirt!) I haven't worn it since 2007 when I actually got below my pre-pregnancy weight.

I'm on the home stretch now....

13 {winner!}

2012-02-13T21:14:00.003+11:00

Source: flickr.com via Kit on Pinterest

Chosen at random was....Number 13....

Tania at Ivy Nest

Congrats - you win a little giveaway Key Fob from me.

I'll be in touch

xx

A dress a day {7-12}

2012-02-13T09:35:00.002+11:00

Dress 7

I'm still going - I'm not even half way really! It has really astounded me just doing this challenge just how many dresses I have. My friend told her mother-in-law about my challenge, and during school pick up the other day, I was helping said MIL find the right class room when she said "so, I take it this is dress 9?" So no excuses. It is giving me a good distraction whilst I also face the challenge of being a school mum for the first time.... and a Kinder mum for the second time. It has been a week of nerves....for all of us!

And yes, I missed dress 8 (I took a sickie as I had an ear infection) and thought trackies were a much better option!

Here's a run down on my week that was in dresses.....

Dress 9

Dress 10

Dress 11

Dress 12

Wearing;
Dress 7 - Ladakh bought in a country boutique with patent belt from Dotti
Dress 9 - striped maxi t-shirt dress from Dorothy Perkins, scarf from Cotton On, Sandals bought in Italy.
Dress 10 - Dress from Dotti with socks from sportsgirl and shoes from Myer
Dress 11 - Made by my with a pink cardi and patent belt from dotti
Dress 12 - Kmart polka dot dress

Don't forget to enter my little flash giveaway! It's below. I'll draw a winner tonight!
xx

My creative space {it's oh so handy}

2012-02-09T13:49:00.000+11:00

With a stash of bright coloured fabric it's been on my list to get to making more key fobs. So with my little helper in tow to watch me cut, iron, sew and finish them off, she couldn't resist but pick out a few of her favourites. I even replaced my own key fob, that had seen better days which also got me thinking....

A little flash giveaway!

Would you like an Oh So Handy Key Fob to keep your keys handy and your hands free??

I can't tell you enough how practical these little fobs are at ensuring your not searching the depths of your bag whilst at a busy car park and the kids are roaming. Or even if you want to go for a walk and leave your bag at home, you can slip your keys over your wrist and not worry. They are the perfect mix of practicality and fashion accessory!

So leave me a comment if you would like to enter and I'll draw a random winner on Monday 13th February. Open to all!

And don't forget to pop on over this creative hub too!

xx

a dress a day....1 - 6

2012-02-06T14:51:00.000+11:00

Day one

Ok...so for the last six days I've been keeping up with my challenge of wearing one (of my 29) dresses a day for the month of February. So, given this has been the first week, it's been pretty easy. No dress can be repeated, but then again I've had the majority to pick from....so I am yet to feel challenged.

Although I must say some forward planning is essential. It has made me look at the weather and also think about what I'll be doing each day.

Here is a little re-cap of how I've "dressed" for the past six days....

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

I've only managed iPhone photos which I try and do on instagram....so apologies for the crappy pictures. But rest assured I've told enough people IRL to keep this challenge honest. Dresses 1 and 5 are ones I hardly wear, but really should wear more often, and I love wearing the maxi (dress 2 which is was made by me) that I should make more (yes...because I really need more dresses!)

The next week will see me challenged with picking dresses that suit working, school and kinder days and well as the weekend helping family move house! Eek

Wearing;

1 - Sportsgirl dress

2. Maxi dress - made by me

3. ASOS dress

4. French Connection with leopard scarf around the waist, Sportsgirl bag

5. Silk dress from a little boutique somewhere ??

6. Brown Sugar dress, worn with leggings from Sussan and singlet from Cotton On.

the greatest love story....

2012-02-03T15:36:00.000+11:00

Source: weheartit.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: shoutabovethestars.tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: efurma2.tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Brenda on Pinterest

But when the movie ends and the credits roll....

the greatest love still goes on.

Happy wonderful 11 years of marriage to my beautiful, amazing and inspiring partner in life - my husband .

What's your favourite love story? Be it fictional or real?

xx

my creative space {seriously i surprised myself}

2012-02-02T13:42:00.000+11:00

I'm just going to say, that right from the start I doubted myself with this project. I was astounded that within only a mere few moments one afternoon I had cut up all the required triangles....all one hundred and sixty of them...to make the top of this quilt.

I was then even more surprised when the kids had so much fun helping me work out a bit of a random pattern and watched with eager eyes and I pinned it all together. Even more surprising was the speed at which I all one hundred and sixty triangles were sewn together, to make eighty delightful squares, which then turned into eight equally delightful rows. Amazing I tell you.

So amazing that the next day I high-tailed it to my favourite fabric shop ever (GJ's discount Fabrics) and splashed out in celebration with this gorgeous backing fabric and the splurge of all splurges, some ready made binding! Ok not so much a splurge but a definite time saver.

A project that for sure I would have estimated would take me years, only took a week....A WEEK! seriously, I didn't even pick up another craft in between. This for me, is a first!

At the moment it sits on the end of my bed....but no doubt I will drag it to the lounge when the cooler weather comes around.

And make sure you get around this creative hub and marvel at all the wonder that you will find.

Have you surprised yourself with a crafty project??
Is it a sign I am gaining crafty maturity do you think? By sticking at one project at a time before leaping to the next??

snap it {happy}

2012-02-01T08:47:00.000+11:00

I've blogged this picture before....but when I discovered that today's first Snap It was the theme of Happy, there was no other choice. Taken whilst on Christmas holidays with the kids, each time I look at this photo I just smile in delight of a great moment captured forever. I've had it developed and framed and it's hung right near our front door, so I can glance at it each time I enter the home. I'm not sure if its the wide smile, the little dimple, her brown eyes or that gorgeous floppy hat, but this picture certainly feels "happy" to me. Can't wait to check out all of your happy photo's.

Join in

29 Dresses

2012-01-30T13:58:00.000+11:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Brenda on Pinterest

No this is not a post advertising the squeal to the romantic comedy that was 27 Dresses.

This is infact a post about the number of dresses I have in my possession.

It's fair to say, I have a lot. But it's an accumaltive thing, and some are very much loved favourites that have served me many many summers. And I like dresses. I have hardly any jeans or pants and when I shop I know I gravitate first to the dresses, then perhaps skirts.

But when I did a bit of a re-arrange and clean up of my wardrobe I thought I better count just how many dresses I actually have.

29.

Do they all get worn? No is the simple answer. I have my favourites....and my not so favourites.

Time to do something about this. So considering we have one month left of Summer and there are 29 days of February, starting Wednesday and for all of February I am going to wear all my dresses. No dress shall be repeated and if it is not dress weather, then I will have to be creative. It'll help me decide which dresses shall stay, which will go and which of them need a little alteration. I'll take pictures, mostly on instragram though as I'll struggle to get the tripod out each day.....but....

A dress a day.

Can I do it?
Do you have something in excess in your wardrobe?? Shoes? Bags? Scarves?
Share your wardrobe obsessions please!!!

in breaking news.....

2012-01-23T07:39:00.000+11:00

I joined Instagram and started a new quilt. User name 'miranarnie' quilt inspiration from here.

I'm not sure which will take up more of my time.

xx

52 weeks of grateful {patience}

2012-01-21T10:02:00.002+11:00

Source: esther-fromthesticks.blogspot.com via Brenda on Pinterest

There are a lot of virtues and skills required to be a mother. Some more important than others.

One I hold as one of the most essential is that of Patience.

Patience is something I thought I had in abundance prior to children, but I soon learnt that it is something I will never take for granted. Some days I wonder what happened to my patience. I get annoyed at myself, and then loose even more patience. Days when breakfast is spilt on the floor, children don't want to wear a jumper and the temperature outside is in single digits and no matter how many times I insist on the no running inside rule, it gets broken at least five hundred and eighty times a day. The constant "where is my..." infiltrating my mind along with the "I cant find...", the "I'm hungry..." and the "But why..." all of these are sent to test but one virtue.

Patience. Times when you tie up a shoelace for the tenth time in 5 minutes, or find yourself sprawled on your tummy legs flaying about trying to reach that essential piece of lego. Or heaven forbid you cut the sandwiches into triangles and not squares. And don't even think about having privacy in the bathroom anymore. Yes, it's those moments I rely heavily on Patience.

Today I'm grateful for patience. For when I can rally enough of it, it helps make my days easier, enjoyable and even lovely. It makes me a better person and helping me take a deep breath and ride the motherhood wave.

What are you grateful for today?

Join the new home here.
Thanks Maxabella
xx

2012 {The list}

2012-01-20T08:36:00.000+11:00

Source: tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

So Hello 2012.

How are you?

Young and fresh I see. full of promise and hope. I did say that I would work on a list of wishes for 2012. Somehow if you write it down it seems more real. And then if you publish it in a public forum, well then you really are putting yourself out there.

Well, some things I'd to see done this year are:

Make my sewing room delightful

Enrol in a photography course
Make some dress ups for the kids

Enjoy the wonderment of my son starting school

Marvel in one-on-one time with my daughter
Take the family on more picnics

Bake

Collect old family recipes and make a book

Get fit
Organise the filing cabinet
Have a girls weekend

Be challenged

Sew

Open my online store again
Do a budget (hah - unlikely as I've never suceeded at this one!)

Go on dates with hubby

Learn something new (belly dancing would be fun)

Plan a holiday (I'm thinking just a lovely few days in Sydney would be nice)

Write letters

Have you got a 2012 list?
What's on yours?

{berry picking}

2012-01-18T16:34:00.000+11:00

During the holidays we took the kids berry picking. I kinda knew they would love it. And love it they did. Especially my daughter who I paid an "all you can eat" entry for too. She got that little pink sticker with pride and ate her way through raspberries, bramble berries and blueberries. I had fun snapping some adorable pictures of what was a beautiful Summer Day.

We bought enough to enjoy for dessert with ice-cream and to make some raspberry muffins. A small batch made it into the freezer too. And today, a friend dropped off a lovely bowl full of red-currents. Oh the sweet-sour goodness. I'm eyeing off this recipe.

Do you love berry picking?

What's your favourite berry and what do you do with them??

{le petit prince)

2012-01-16T13:33:00.001+11:00

I'd been hoarding a little bundle of fabric for a few years now. Look it's even up there...on my blog header. See I told you - ages! Every now and again I would get the little bundle out of my craft cupboard, caress them (Ok I know you crafters out there are nodding with agreement) and then I would carefully place them back un-cut in the fabric closet. Just wondering....what will become of you?

Alas, the time came. A wee little Prince was born and without hesitation or procrastication this little bundle of fabric was washed, dried, measured and snipped, sewn and bound.

All for a quilt for one little precious baby.

It was also by chance that I had this little french story on linen. I pulled it out, half way through the quilt thinking I could cut it up and use it amoungst the other colours, but when I opened it up fully and took in just the beauty of the entire peice, I knew it just had to left as is. Luckily mother of said gorgeous Prince relieved my anxiety as I had no idea what the story was about and after completion was a bit concerned that it might not be baby appropriate. Thank goodness it was....

My last quilt (which I made for my own daughter) took over 2 years.
This quilt took two days - sometimes you just don't argue with creative motivation.
And a little baby giraffe rattle to match.

So do you have a special fabric stash?
Are you afraid to make the chop?
do share...

xx

a little more about blurb

2012-01-15T20:31:00.000+11:00

A little while ago, I posted up a bit of a favourite website list that I frequent when the needs to do a bit of online shopping. One of those sites that got a lot of your attention and other's of the non-blogging variety was Blurb. Now this is not a sponsored post, but it could be.

I've loved the photo book I made through Blurb. Photos of of our family holiday in Italy. I took heaps of memorable photos and was very reluctant to just develop a stack and put in your old run of the milll album. When I stumbled across Blurb, I knew it was exactly what I needed. And it was quite a simple process. I know there are many other services claiming to provide photo books and the like, and I have used others, but this was far supreme.

Firstly, you download the software package enabling you to work on your project offline whenever you want. You have heaps of templates to choose from. Some pages you can fill with photos, or add text if you like. When your done, you simply upload it onto your account online and then purchase it. Simple. You can even make your book public for others to purchase. Think of the possibilities. I'm collating some family recipes together with photos to make into a family cookbook of recipes not currently recorded.

Our professional book filled with memories is something we grab and look at nearly everyday. So for those that were curious, take a look over at Blurb. You wont be disappointed.

The sound of summer....

2012-01-13T13:55:00.003+11:00

Does your music likes change with the season?

I love it when a really good bop-y song comes along, espeically in Summer when the warm weather and a good song are just a perfect match to make you smile.

This song we discovered on our European Summer back in August. The sound of sunshine by Michael Franti freaturing Italian singer Lorenzo Govenotti.

Some of the other songs were loving have a good kareoke moment to are;

An oldie but a goodie - Summer Rain - Belinda Carlile

A new one I just can't help but sing along to - you don't know your beautiful - One Direction

And this classic - Brown eyed girl - Van Morrison

What songs scream Summer to you?

What are you listening to right now?

I do hope the warm weather returns to Melbourne soon.

you know you had a good holiday when....

2012-01-09T21:21:00.000+11:00

1. You didn't leave enough time to sign off from your blog wishing all your fellow bloggers a Merry Christmas (sorry guys!)
2. You sang Christmas carrols whilst cooking Christmas ham and making Christmas ice-cream pudding
3. Santa visited (yes, both my children were good ones) and Christmas Day was a cracker!
4. You read 3 books in 14 days (pure bliss)
5. You took the kids bike riding in the park every night after dinner and played frisbee with hubby
6. You giggled with your kids when they beat you at every possible game (bingo, hungry catapillar, go fish and snakes and ladders!)
7. Watched Sleepless in Seattle and still cried
8. Went on a date with hubby
9. Enjoyed time with my girls (one of which is mine, the other two - my neices)
10. Went berry picking
11. Didn't blog or think of blogging or even have internet connection to check on any blogs.

But, now I'm back and here I am for 2012. No grand entrance, but just to say I'll be hopefully popping around to visit you all to see how you have brought in the new year. Any wishes, resolutions or plans? Well I can't wait to find out. As for me, well I joined in with Maxabella's one word for 2012 which was a great way to keep the resolutions simple.

I still have a more practical 2012 list. You know what I want to acheive and all that. So will get onto that and get back to you.

happy 2012
xx

my word for 2012

2012-01-09T21:19:00.000+11:00

Source: couragehopestrength.tumblr.com via caliemoran* on Pinterest

Hello...welcome to 2012.

I wasn't going to return to blogging tonight, but I couldn't resist Maxabella's One Word for 2012! I can't wait to see what One Word you all choose.

For me, I've got a lot of hope weighing on 2012 being a good year. My son starts school for starters. I think every mother with a school aged child can verify how nerve racking that alone can be - for both parent and child. I remember vividly turning up to mothers group with my 10 week old babe rapped and the smell of his sweet baby breath. We sat and stared at each other. That was 2006. We laughed that in 2012 they would be starting school. We laughed as we just could not imagine that day.

Well it's coming fast.

So what's my word for 2012.

Moment

Be in the moment

live in the moment

Be grateful for each moment

appreciate challenging moments

savour triumphant moments

moments to learn from

moments to laugh

moments to just be

my word for 2012

what's yours?

share and join here

my type of Christmas shopping

2011-12-13T08:51:00.000+11:00

Source: camillestyles.com via Brenda on Pinterest

In my world, when I go Christmas shopping, it is peaceful, quiet and all is well.

There is nothing overpriced. And I find everything I'm looking for.

I don't have to fight for a car park, or even pay for said car park and really, I can shop in my tracksuit because I don't care.

There is no havoc, no snotty salesperson to have ones eyes rolled at. Nope. None. Of. That.

And my kids....well they are peaceful for the whole journey.

So. Where do I go?

Here are my favourite destinations....

Fishpond - for books, movies and dvd packs (free shipping!)
OO.com - for pretty much everything
Kikki K - oh surely everyone is just as in love with stationary as me....
Little shop of - delightful handmade goodies by Melbourne crafters (me included!)
Rudy and the dodo - delightful stuff for little people
Ebay - no explanation really
Asos - well, that might be for me!
Blurb - Oh just made a holiday photo book for the MIL - I'm so going to be the favourite now!
And of course, Etsy and Made It for more handmade and vintage goodness....

Have you embraced online shopping?

Love it or Loathe it? If you haven't guessed I love it.....

And if you love it, which sites do you love?

....do share and happy Christmas Shopping!

xx

From rust bucket to shiny new {yes, another DIY}

2011-12-12T08:04:00.001+11:00

I'm pretty sure I imaged these chairs into existence. It's not often I go thrifted and think to myself "gee I really do want a pair of fold up chairs...comfy...bright in colour perhaps, and only needing a but of tlc."

Wham! They appeared before I could even finish this sentence in my head. And at the stellar price of $8 a pop....these little babies took no time to shine like new. I quickly stashed them at my folks little hobby farm - perfect spot for a bit of DIY when sanding rust and spray paint was involved.

I then moved them to my father-in-laws shed....where he kindly finished them off by giving the seats the clean of their life....nothing a bit of metho and some elbow grease!

Not a speck of rust in sight!!!

Take a seat why don't you??

So from rust bucket to sparkly new....

the only cost was the rust proof aluminum spray can for $14!

Ever found just what you were looking for whilst thrifting?

Do share...

the class gift (all for under $10)

2011-12-09T01:30:00.000+11:00

I did a little "uh oh" when my son kept getting little Christmas cards and candy canes in his allocated Kinder pocket.

The dreaded "class room gift" was fast approaching.

I'm not one for dishing out the confectionary. My son started munching away on his his Candy Cane and announced that it tasted like toothpaste. I agree. Hmm.... my mind started thinking.....

So, without wanting to break the bank....and knowing I had 26 little kids to manufacture something for...we came up with a little Reindeer Magic Food. A fun little crafty activity for the kids to prepare (with adult supervision with the glitter!!!)

Simple little mixture of oats, glittler and sequins and a cute little rhyme to go with it. All in a little clear bag ready to scatter on the grass Christmas Eve. And if you're like me and have some of this stuff lying around at home, it shouldn't cost too much either. I just needed to purchase the bottle of glitter and print off the poem and bag label (which my son wrote the recipients name on) and I was done.

Do you do Classroom Christmas Gifts?

Whats your approach?

xx

My creative space - Down on the farm

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000+11:00

This project has been along time coming. So long in fact that I've decided my kids aren't getting it until Christmas. It will be my Christmas present to them. Santa doesn't get all the glory.

And now that it's finished, I'm glad I let it take a while....because it meant that it grew, and evolved and I changed my plans a few times and have come up with a gift for children that is not only fun, but practical and has a functional element.

You see, I'd been wanting to make a little farm mat for some time.

I also wanted to make one of those snazzy toy mats/bags that just hang up on a hook when your done.

So I combined those two projects.

I used felt for the actual farm mat. Added some rather random-ish items that kind of look like a barn, a lake, a house, and a flower patch with some scraps and roughly sewing them on. The little barn roof even opens up!

The matt is backed with some lovely bright fabric (which I could also use that way facing up as a little picnic blanket...) and with some rope threaded through the many button holes....

The farm animals and farm machinery are proudly brought to you by IKEA. They were just too good an opportunity not to snap them up, and they love their new hand made environment. I'm pretty sure I did hear a conversation between the Mr Goat and Mrs Pig that they were so glad not to have to put together a flat packed barn!!! Yes those allen key's are a so difficult with hooves and trotters!

It makes this mat a cinch to pack up.

Now before you pack up and go - head over to a load full of creativity....

xx

wordless wednesday (boys will be boys)

2011-11-30T09:49:00.001+11:00

playing along here....

DIY overload

2011-11-26T20:25:00.001+11:00

There has been an awful lot of DIYing going on at my house.

It seemed to all come to a head at once. That, and the fact that we could no longer get into the small back shed, so it was now or never. Just look at my backyard!

This photo was taken a few weeks ago, when everthing got pulled out...I donned my work gear, floral scarf wrapped around my head and set to work. I sanded, and filled, painted and scraped. I traded visits to Spotlight for Bunnings and I felt like a warrior in the process. I enjoy this fixer-up-ering journey. I love watching items that were, perhaps destined for the rubbish heap or no longer wanted, brought to new life.

My kids watched eagerly too - and with a paintbrush in their hand, I quickly set them with a bucket of water to "paint the fence" (genuis dad!). I hope I am teaching them the value of "make do and mend" and that new is not always necessary.

Here is the latest finished item. A salvaged narrow ladder that I collected during hard rubbish. All she needed was a sand, stain and a little colour.

Do love fixing stuff up? does it hang around in your shed or garage though? Or are you great at fixing it up as soon as you bring it home....

xx

the rain in spain......

2011-11-26T19:17:00.001+11:00

Do your kids make up words? Or try really really hard to pronounce words and still don't quite get there.

Well, lately I've been catching myself out using my kids words instead of the Proper English.

Oh dear. Not a good teacher am I?

I play along, as their little language can be so damn cute, funny and entertaining that sometimes I think I prefer their words to proper English. That, and it makes them laugh.

Take my son - inventor of new words, and lately when it's "time to go" I find myself yelling out "let's gok" as that is what he made up! But it doesn't stop there.....

When it's time for "breakfast" - it so much cuter when my daughter asks for "bwekfrast"
Which is then followed up by a request for a "bay-chee" rather than the usual "baby cino"
There is "drunkfood" instead of "junkfood", which i think is just hilarious
or "wallpaper" vs "toilet paper" (but, it is on the wall mummy!)
Even the italian word for cheese "formagio" has been hijacked and re-arranged into "bobbagino" - dont even ask!
The "tee-pee" has been renamed the "tee-pit" as I can't be bothered correcting that one....
then there is "spell" for "smell"
and my favourite at the moment would be my daughters name for the humble "tracksuit"....."suit-jacks"

Do you correct your children's pronunciations? What cute words have they come up with??

Or do you play along like I do?

Hmmm.... time to get into action and find my inner Mr Higgins......

"The rain in spain falls mainly on the plane" (REPEAT!)

{red velvet cupcakes}

2011-11-22T14:39:00.001+11:00

I was looking for a nice cupcake recipe to whip up to take to a function that required a "bring a plate" scenario. Then I remembered that I had stashed this red velvet cupcake into my "must make" section a while back and thought it a good opportunity to test it out. At first, I was a bit apprehensive about using a whole bottle of red food colouring, but low and behold I still took the plunge and made these vibrant red velvet beauties.

here is what you need....

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

50ml bottle red food coloring

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 17o degrees Celsius. Line two 12-cup muffin tins or silicone pans with cupcake liners or I did a mixture of normal and mini size muffins.

2. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside. In a smaller bowl, mix food coloring and cocoa powder to form a thin paste without lumps and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla and the red cocoa paste, scraping down the bowl with a spatula as you go. Add one third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat well, then beat in half of the buttermilk. Beat in another third of flour mixture, then second half of buttermilk. End with the last third of the flour mixture, beat until well combined, making sure to scrape down the bowl with a spatula.

4. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda. Be careful as it will fizz so don't do it in a shallow bowl. Add vinegar mixture to the cake batter and stir well to combine. Fill cupcake cups with cake batter until they are a little under 3/4 full.

Place muffin tins in your preheated oven. Bake the normal size muffins for 20 minutes and if you do the mini muffins, for 10 minutes. The cupcakes are done when you are able to pat the tops and the cake springs back up. If it sinks down they are not yet complete. Or you can insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake in the center of the tin and if it comes out clean they are done!

5. Cool the cupcakes in their tins on a wire rack for 10 minutes then remove and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

50g butter
200g Cream Cheese
1 Cup icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

To make - beat the butter and the cream cheese together until nice and smooth, then slowly add the vanilla extract and lastly your icing sugar. You can always add more or less icing sugar depending on our sweet or thick you would like you frosting. Spread on with a flat knife, or if you're real fancy, use a piping bag.

Enjoy
xx

my creative space....{a little quilted notebook}

2011-11-15T15:24:00.001+11:00

Inspiration finally struck, as I had been pondering for a while what to make as a gift for a dear friend.

This quilted notebook emerged, peice by peice and luckily turned out, just as I'd hoped. With inspiration from this very clever crafter, I set out to achieve something a little different...

It was such a fun project, and great to hone those quilting skills...even if the stitching is a little wonky (it all adds character!)

And when you open her up, she really comes alive. Bright chevron fabric, with everything a note-taker needs..... a spot for a notebook, pen, and pocket for any other imperative bits of paper or even business cards?

I can imagine this little quilted notebook, being pride and place next the phone to jot down those all important messages, or perhaps just relaxing by the kitchen bench, waiting for the milk to be low, so it can be added to the shopping list.

And a little bit of fabric scrap utilisation! You wont care which way she is facing!

For more crafty delights to fill any notebook

click this way!

at the movies.....

2011-11-15T15:15:00.001+11:00

It was hubby's birthday a few days ago! Happy Birthday to you my gorgeous man.

As you know I love the idea of giving a handmade gift.....so I pondered.

Until an idea struck when we got together with a group of close childhood friends. You see, there is always, always part of the conversation where they throw in a movie line, have a guess, and then chuckle with laughter.

It usually prompts more movie lines and before you know they are reciting the whole God Father to each other doing their best Marlon Brando!

So, I put together a bit of a collection

of hubby's all time favourite movie quotes, and framed it.

Can you recognise any quotes? Most, are from your typical action/mafia/thriller movies. I did have to ask for a bit help, not being so familiar with this genre. You'll find a bit of The Godfather, Wogboy, Top Gun, Scarface and Rocky. Needless to say, he loved it!

I had so much fun making it, that my mind started racing.....

So I did a girly version too. All my favourite flicks. The Notebook, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, When Harry met Sally, Pride and Prejiduce, Princess Bride and Titanic.

Side by side, they make a lovely pair.

And to steal a quote directly from my children

"I love you infinite days" my sweet husband

Do you have a favourite movie quote?

Do share?

A tutorial in the bag....

2011-11-13T20:31:00.001+11:00

Hi there....see those little drawsting bags up there...well I show you how to make them over at Emma's gorgeous blog Frog, Goose and Bear.

Click over and check out the lovely series she is doing all about handmade gifts for girls....

Nothing is sweeter than a little gift made by hand and this little tutorial is great for beginners.

thanks for having me Emma

I'm grateful for....{a little imagination}

2011-11-11T23:56:00.001+11:00

Source: care2.com via Claudia on Pinterest

Ahhhhh....i could not sigh more deeply that the end of the week is here. It's been a long grueling week, and I'm totally up for some fun weekend action.

Today I'm grateful for....

1. Great outcomes - After weeks of recruitment, interviewing and discussing late into the night - it finally ended. I was over the moon yesterday when our favourite applicant accepted the Teachers job at my kids Kinder. The enormous amount of responsibility I felt along with my other parent helpers was getting overwhelming but I'm so relieved to have a great outcome. I love our community run kinder, and I'm a little excited as the new teacher has a little touch of Mary Poppins about her!

2. Challenges - I'm usually, mostly, or even sometimes up for a challenge. I think they are good for the soul, and make us stronger. I've learnt things I never thought I would need to know going through this whole recruitment process that I have a deeper appreciation of what amazing, special people Early Childhood Teachers are.

3. Sense of community - It's wonderful when you work towards an outcome or the greater good of your local community. Even though I live in a city, I appreciate and am grateful for those that look in their own backyard first and make that a better place.

Happy grateful to all of you! If you are grateful, stop by with this lovely lady and share with us!

xx

wordless wednesday {show me the gap!}

2011-11-09T09:15:00.000+11:00

playing along at faith hope and a whole lotta love

the old fashion pinterest

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000+11:00

Before Pinterest there was this.

Good old fashion scrap books. I had heaps of scrapbooks when I was a kid. I would cut out inspirational pictures, fashion shots, favourite celebrities and diliegently paste them in my books. I would even attempt at drawing some designs (although not very good).....but at least it gave me the creativity I needed and help me realise my love for sewing and craft.

When a lovely lady gifted these to me for my birthday this year, I fell in love with scrap booking, doodling, and note-taking all again. And who wouldn't? Three gorgeous art books, all covered in the most beautiful fabrics....

...and with perfectly embroidered titles on them, I can ensure that all of my dreams, inspiration and ideas are safely recorded and never far away should I need reminding.

Now, I'm off for a cuppa and some old fashion pinning

xx

so five minutes ago....

2011-11-07T09:45:00.000+11:00

Source: flickr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

I'm just wondering when did we go from replacing items to up-grading them?

Ok, so I'm considered gen Y and really should happy for the whole updgrading phenomenon, but you know what, I'm really not all that good at it. Especially when it comes to technology and appliances.

I realised this when I finally upgraded my washing machine, even though my old one was still chugging along....slowly, and annoyingly, but it still worked and I felt insanely guilty at buying a replacement before it's predecessor had runs it's course. As I was talking with the salesman, he nearly fell over when I explained that my old washing machine was the manual turn style dial. I was equally dumbfounded when I was then informed that they haven't made manual washing machines for ages. Oh dear. Now my new washer looks as though it's fit to take me to the moon!

But, I'm like this in many areas. I waited till my hairdryer literally fizzled out and didn't work, and that morning I drove to the shops (sopping wet hair) and snapped up a new one. My kettle lid refused to open one day, and for the next year I just stuck the nozzle under the tap to fill it up. Now my newbie kettle is so whisper quiet I forget I've turned it on! Our television blew up before we even thought of getting a fancy pants flat screen....you see where I'm going with this....

Maybe it's because things just don't last like they should so I tend to squeeze as much as I can out of them. I mean, you buy a computer and you need to get it upgraded or buy a new one the minute you've walked out the door because something better has come along. Appliances barely make their guarantee period before they show signs of waning. You wont see our kids taking the old fridge to their first flat when they move out - oh no...we'll be lining up with them to purchase yet another one.

So when did we go from up-grading instead of repairing? And with so many appliances these days, which ones do we really need. There seems to be something for everything. We work harder to buy these items to make our life easier, but does it really...because we're so busy working to buy the next one? hmmmm?

Do you replace or up-grade?
Do you have an old appliance that you love to bits and hate to think you might have to replace it?
Do share....

xx

Fancy Pants in full colour

2011-11-06T14:15:00.000+11:00

I'm back into the Fancy Pants regime....it's been a while and for a moment there I'd forgotten what it was all about - I mean look at that sombre face up there!!!

But I'm anything but sombre - this dress for instance is just made to make you feel happy. And not just because of it's brightness and all. No, not just that.

And not just because it's super comfy... which it is mind you...stretch t-shirt like top, a little elastic in the waist and gorgeous cotton/sateen skirt with a split at the back for easy strolling.

And it's not because of the price I paid for it either - which I might add was something ridiculous...I mean this little beauty set me back under $20! Yes, that's right!

So the reason then??? Well, besides all of those I already mentioned, I'm going to love wearing this new maxi dress because I made it myself. I eyed off a similar style for some ludicrous price and realised that simply is was a t-shirt top attached to some panels of fabric for the skirt....so a quick trip to Spotlight and a rummage for a t-shirt that I chopped under the bust and hey-presto!

A Maxi Dress! I'm sticking to my vow of not buying (or making) anything black/grey or even beige. This has been in an attempt to add some fun and colour into my wardrobe.

I'm loving the big bold colours of this dress, the print and mixing it up with even more colours with added accessories. Nothing screams summer more than bright colours!

Do you have a favourite summer colour??

Joining in with my dear Fancy Pants-er Kymmie

Wearing;

Dress - made by me

Belt - Sussan

Shoes - Myer

yellow bangle - Diva

Blue necklace - 50c at a garage sale

red bag - Sussan

I'm grateful for {the right attitude}

2011-11-04T23:56:00.000+11:00

I'm hoping that today I get to enjoy the sunshine, play with the kids and get some much needed crafty projects ticked off the list. A plan for a good day. But first, I need to be grateful, because it's been a bit hectic around here. We've done some travelling and both hubby and I have been ships in the night no really kicking back and doing quality time stuff due to working, attending meeting, volunteering, and general stuff that life throws at you....

So, joining in with the ever so happy Bron from Maxabella Loves....

I'm grateful for...

1. The right attitude - because really, the right one can get you going, moving forward and see you through to the end. The wrong one can just make one hellava mess even messer. I'm really grateful that most of the time, my attitude is what can get me through....

2. Volunteers - when I signed up last year as President of the Kinder Committee I least expected to be recruiting for a new Kinder Teacher. I've been thrown in head first with HR, advertising, resume reading, and the like, so ...I love my little gang of volunteers that are sticking with me to the end!

3. Priorities - when life gets busy, and things have to get shifted - it's time to rearrange those priorities. Take care of your loved ones and yourself so you can all take care of the rest.

Grateful for something??? Join in here....

xx

wordless wednesday (a girl on a swing)

2011-11-02T13:53:00.001+11:00

playing along here....

what was your first????

2011-10-28T09:30:00.000+11:00

Source: society6.com via Micah on Pinterest

During a great catch up with friends, discussion swayed from one hilarious topic to another....

and then....just like that. silence fell.

I'd asked a question that broke all the little conversations going around the table. How was I to know it was going to have such a profound effect....So what was it that I asked??

What was your first music single that you bought? Or was gifted?

Ohhhh it has us all thinking back many many years....for some, it was a cass-single, others of the younger variety, remembered their first CD Single and later their first full CD album. They joy of saving that money, heading down the music store, and then rushing home to hit repeat on the CD player to hear it over, and over, and over.

So, to break the ice, I admitted my purchases first.

My first CD single was "Where do you go" by No Mercy and it came in the little cardboard pocket. It cost $9.50.

My first Cassette was Tina Arena followed very closely by Micheal Bolton (oh yes, Michael Bolton! The shame!)

Others shared their purchases and it included....Roachford, Michael Jackson, Daryll Braithwaite (yes, the horses song!), Madonna and REM.

So....what was your first music purchase....single, album, vinyl?

Do you remember that moment?

xx

my creative space {another one saved}

2011-10-27T14:07:00.001+11:00

On a recent trip to the Country to visit the folks, I chanced the opportunity to go to a fav thrift store, and struck it lucky with this delightful little timber side table.

I could not resist. And for the stellar price of a tenner....my little DIY gene was in full swing.

This little table, once a few peices of timber I would say has been hand-crafted. It also looks as though it's been painted several times. Bright orange being one such choice long ago...

So, yes, with those curves it was just crying out for more than just plain paint. I armed myself with some lovely delux gift wrap, mod podge and a brush and got to it.

I painted the majority of the table in grey, which is the same paint I used to paint the bottom of these chairs. I left the top, and the draw and the bottom shelf plain as I wanted to cover them in the gift wrap.

I added the gift wrap to the top and the drawer using mod podge as both a glue and a top coat. I didn't have enough paper to cover the bottom shelf, so instead used a little yellow paint that I had coincidentally bought some time ago, and it matched perfectly.

And here she is....in all her newly updated DIY glory!
A new drawer knob from provincial living, and it was all done!

I love how it has turned out. Yellow and grew are just a match made in colour heaven. I'm also glad I just painted the bottom shelf plain yellow as I think more paper would have been a bit too much. I

couldn't resist doing a little styling with my newest (old) saved bit of furniture.

And for much much more inspirational projects click this way...

sour cherry cake

2011-10-26T10:58:00.003+11:00

I know I know....where have I been? A bit absent...I admit! Unfortunately, why is it, when life gets a little busier it's the blogging that suffers. But I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, and by way of redeeming myself, here is a little sweetener! This cake was made to take to a dear friends lunch. She cooked an amazing slow cooked lamb shoulder (oh my!) and this was our dessert. We both have a penchant for the sour taste of lemons, and with the morello cherries, this cake is great if you enjoy your sweets not too sweet.

Here is what you need....

720g jar morello pitted cherries (although I think my jar was 690g)
125g butter
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind (I added more!)
165g (¾ cup) caster sugar
2 eggs
150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
75g (½ cup) plain flour
½ cup sour cream
60ml (¼ cup) milk

How to make it -

1. Grease a 20cm baba* or ring pan, sprinkle with flour, shake out excess flour.
2. Drain cherries well then place on absorbent paper to drain further. Combine butter, rind and sugar in a small bowl, beat with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beat until combined. Transfer mixture to large bowl, stir in sifted flours and combined sour cream and milk.
4. Spread half of mixture into prepared pan, scatter cherries evenly over top and carefully spread remaining mixture over cherries.
5. Bake at 160°C for about 1 hour 10 minutes or until cooked. Stand for 10 minutes before turning onto wire rack to cool. If desired, dust cold cake with sifted icing sugar.

Serves 8.

Recipe hint: For a smooth exterior on cakes, chill tin before greasing. Butter or margarine will form a more even coating and adhere better.

* Mine was a little bigger, but I used it anyway...it just meant that it was a little flatter...but you could easily use a normal cake tin...just check the cake regularly as mine only took about 40 minutes.

I'll be blog hopping soon to see what been happening in your world.

How do you manage blogging when life gets busy? Is it one of the first things that goes to the bottom of the priority list?

xx

Wordless Wednesday (Colour POP holiday wrap up)

2011-10-12T09:27:00.000+11:00

linking up here...

I'm grateful for....{bicycles}

2011-10-08T15:11:00.002+11:00

Hey, it's that time of the week....time to be stand still and be grateful. Bron's back too. Whoo hoo! Bron, we missed you, but I think we all had a bit of fun with the touring gratefuls too.

So today I'm grateful for...

1. Bicycles - My kids love them, I love them, and there is just something special about watching your kids ride around, feeling the air hit their face and be free.

2. Crafting in numbers - well, it's no surprise I love to craft, but crafting in a group, or even with just one other crafty soul just makes it even the more enjoyable. I ventured out to a little crafty get together this week with my special tailored bag in tow and its fabulous to be surrounding by so many other crafty types.

3. Breakfast out - It's not often we go out for breakfast...but the other morning I was particularly feeling like some poached eggs and instead of making them at home...the kids and I went off to a local cafe (kid friendly recommended) and enjoyed kiddy pancakes and eggs florentine for me! It felt super luxurious...

Please join in the fun!
xx

my creative space {a portable solution}

2011-10-06T13:05:00.001+11:00

I would consider myself an opportunistic person. I seem to find a way of multi-tasking, and prepare for an opportunity to sneak in some "me time" when the chance arises. I'm the one who brings a book to the doctors waiting room, and loves to do a spot of craft whilst out and about.

Which brings me to my dilemma. The portable craft!

You see, since blogging and my keen interest to learn more crafts, I tag along to a few crafty groups, and I'm always taking a craft along with me when we hit the road for day trips or travelling back to the country to visit family. But the day of cramming a craft in my hand bag came to a dramatic realisation when the other day.....I packed a craft in a plastic bag. Oh the Horror!

So when I spotted this little beauty-case at a country thrift store for the bargin price of 50 cents, I snapped it up, with a purpose in mind.

I lined the lid, sewing on some cute little pockets. A felt strip for keeping pins and needles handy. A ribbon to tie up my measuring tape and a handy little slip for a pen or marker.

I covered a small yoghurt container in matching fabric just using craft spray glue, and found bits and pieces like a little rectangle wicker basket for storing handy bits and bobs.

I filled it with various goodies....scissors, threads, tape, pins, fabric, notebook, clips, buttons, pen, fabric marker and more.

This Blue Crafty Bag, is now ready for portable craft adventures.

And for even more craft adventures please visit this amazing place!

How to survive IKEA

2011-10-04T21:30:00.000+11:00

Ok, so from the title it's pretty obvious that yes, infact I did manage to get to IKEA. And whilst this girl is a pretty esteemed and experience shopper, for some reason IKEA has me quaking in my boots (perhaps could be that claustraphobic fear!!)

I think I can count on one hand how many times I've actually been to IKEA and the very first time, was unplanned, an accident and reminescent of that episode of Kath and Kim. I got lost, I got overwhelmed, I didn't follow the arrows, I didn't buy a thing (although I loved heaps)...I was just, not prepared.

So, I'm no expert, but here are my tips if you plan a trip to IKEA...

1. Research - get your catalogue, go online and make a list of what you want. IKEA website have an online shopping list that you can add items too and when you print it, it will tell you where you need to find them in the self-serve warehouse...so no stressing out if you can't find it in the showroom!

2. Go when it's quiet - I took advice from a lovely blogger that mentioned Mondays are very quiet at IKEA. Hubby was reluctant to come with me, so he knocked off work a little bit earlier for to me to make the trip alone. I took out the car seats, emptied the boot and laid the seats down flat already. It was bliss....me and the five other shoppers were able to breeze about the place with ease!

3. Get yourself ready - I wore sneakers, a bag I could fling across my body filled with water, pen, paper, my shopping list, measuring tape, a snack and phone (for taking pictures of course!). Also, measurements of any required space in your home you need to fill with IKEA goods. No good getting home and spending hours (or days!) putting together the EXPIDET, only to find that it's 5cm too big!

4. Take your time - Stand back and look at how they set things up. Even if it is just a $9 lamp. It will be no good to you if it's not going to work in your space at home. Sit in the chairs or the sofa, even if it is just to look at that $25 picture frame on the opposite wall. You'll soon realise if you love it, or need it.

5. Use the staff - can't find something. ASK. Can't lift something? ASK.

6. It's not all about the big stuff - Sometimes you'll love the item that cost the least the most....IKEA offer some great quirky items, and seriously silly prices!

and have fun
xx

Today I'm grateful for.....{conquering fears}

2011-09-30T21:36:00.001+10:00

Howdy folks?? how are we all today? I hope your all well....

Wasn't Bron's little post today cute...a little sad, but cute and so understanding....

This Grateful Link Up is a huge and fun and gives us a great chance to pop on over to new and old blogs and Bron, I'm just forever grateful that you came up with this smashing idea!

Ok, so what am I grateful for...

1. Conquering fears - I admit I have a few, but one is a fear of confined spaces. I don't like them. I panic, I squirm and squeal and head for the nearest exit. But whilst in Italy, I got a chance to venture up a narrow, dark and yes, confined stair case of an old castle. I did it. I survived. I wont say my fear is conquered...not in the least....but I didn't high tail it out of there and that's the key!

2. Proof - And I got this photo after all of that! The photo above is from the lookout of said castle. Now each time I look at this photo, I don't just see the stunning beach, sand, people and buildings. I remember what it took to get that shot.

3. Colours - you know, Brons post the other day really struck a cord with me. I'm making a really conscious effort to inject a bit of colour into my world. I painted some chairs blue, I have plans for a fire-engine red door and I've sworn off buying anything black/grey or beige for my wardrobe. All in the name of colour.

Do you have any fears that you've conquered?

Do you have a favourite bright colour that makes you smile?

Today we are linking up with the delightfully bright Jody from Lemon Rhodes (Oh Jody! My favourite colour is lemon!)

So come and join the fun !

city gone country....

2011-09-26T21:15:00.001+10:00

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

Yep....I've gone back to the country for a few days with the kids over the holidays. It's always a strange kinda feeling, heading into the old country town that you grew up. Each time I come home something has changed, and somethings will always stay the same.

We took the kids to a new park today and I ran into a school friend of mine (each of us now married with two kids). We chat, we hug, we laugh and all whilst pushing our babes on swings and dealing with tumbles and tears.

I walk down the main street (yeah, the only street)....stop every few paces to those that recognise me....and me thinking...who are you again? But I nod politely and engage in small talk.....

I'm a country girl I think. But then again, I'm also very city. Can you be both?

I love our little life in Melbourne, but really I have to question whether I just fake it....as I rarely leave my own postcode. I love hitting the highway and heading into open fields, and food and wine trails that have me salivating for fresh and tasty produce.....farmers that sell their wine in their own backyard..

...hmmm country or city. Which am I?

What are you and how do you know???

xx

I'm grateful for...{a good catch up}

2011-09-23T21:15:00.000+10:00

Source: google.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Wow - Grateful Day already!!! How did that happen....where did the week go? Are you back yet Bron?? We miss you! Anyway...I'm not complaining...I love a good excuse to shout out some gratefuls and here are mine for this week.

Today I'm Grateful For...

1. A catch up - this weekend hubby and I are heading out and catching up with some old friends. As the planning was taking place, more and more friends became aware so our smallish group just became a whole lot bigger. It's so nice to look forward to catching up with a great group of friends, to celebrate...well, friendship!

2. School holidays - I'm a mother with smallish children, so I haven't yet got tired of school holidays, so to me, I love that we can make plans, go to new places, meet up with friends and have no routine to bother us!

3. Projects - I love a good project....something to sink my teeth into, be a craft, diy, decorating, or planning a bit of a re-vamp....I'm a busy little bee and I think I always have to have something on the go.

What about you? Grateful? We're linking up with Sonia at Lioness Lady....so if you have something to say.... Share it here!

xx

budget or blowout?

2011-09-23T15:25:00.001+10:00

b or b by MiraNarnie featuring gold sunglasses

You know I love a bit of fashion talk and a little while ago I gave you the challenge to pick the designer from the down right bargin outfits. Flash your mind back here. Which set did you pick as the splurge outfit?

Well, it was the set on the left that was the complete blowout .

b or b by MiraNarnie featuring black suede boots

Moving on. New set now. One set has items under $50, the other over $1000!

Which is the budget and which is the blowout?

Top or bottom?

I made this set on Polyvore so long ago, that even I forgot which was which!!!

xx

DIY - road side find... {before & after}

2011-09-20T14:11:00.000+10:00

I love a good DIY project...and these lovely wooden chairs I found whilst walking around our neighbourhood a good six months ago during hard rubbish. I was actually going to leave them, as I was walking with the two kids and it began to rain....We decided to cut out walk short, and I saw these beauties. But, it was raining, and I had a little one that didn't want to walk any further.... So i reluctantly left them...

So we walked back home...and my son said "mum, lets just drive back and get the chairs..."

"Oh terrific idea!" I said!

And so these chairs have sat idle in the shed waiting for a re-vamp.

They are sturdy and only one little spoke needs some attention, but otherwise I knew a lick of paint would see them sparkle again.

I set off to Bunnings, for some spak-filla, some paint and brushes. I sanded, and wiped, I brushed and spent the weekend with the sun on my back and paint brush in hand watching these chairs that were destined for the scrap heap get a second chance....

And here they are.....In all their painted glory!

I struggled to decide on a colour, and then wandered around the "miss-tints" shelf at Bunnings. Its a shelf of varying paint cans all incorrectly tinted and so, drastically reduced. Seeing as I am not familiar with the whole DIY furniture re-vamp, I also wanted this to be a minimal cost exercise....

So when I spotted this gorgeous blue - 2L for $20 I grabbed it as well as a small 500ml pot of grey/beige for $4, which I painted the bottom of the legs, just for contrast.

And here is my own little stylist taking some snaps of the new blue chairs....

Have you had a road-side find re-vamp?

I think I'm looking forward to the next hard-rubbish!!!

fancy pants {street style}

2011-09-18T16:18:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I'm not going to lie, this Fancy Pants outfit is from the archives, as currently the only fashion statement I'm making involves surrounding myself around a box of Kleenex, chamomile tea and cozy little slippers with love hearts on them. They go perfectly well with the watery eyes, headache and red running nose!

So, instead of missing out on linking up with one of my fav & fashionable bloggers, I thought I would pull this one out of the archives, because, well, it was a memorable night.

After a lovely dinner out with some smashing friends (sans kids - for all of us!), we talked well into the night and just prior to all heading off home (and a little weary) there was an impromptu fashion shoot in the middle of the street! Yes, my friends were aware of my Fancy Pants posts...and couldn't resist!

I can't say that it was the most comfortable of experiences....you know usually my Fancy Pants shoots are all done in the privacy of my own home...with no one to giggle at me but the kids!

But this night, we were all giggling!!!

wearing;

White Coat - ASOS

red dress - Dotti

Black tights - Coles

Shoes - Siren

Cuff - birthday pressie

lipstick - Revlon - Ravish me Red

Joining up with Kymmie here!

I'm grateful for...{a little kiss kiss}

2011-09-16T20:00:00.044+10:00

Source: dailymail.co.uk via Brenda on Pinterest

Welcome welcome, to all that have come over from our delightful Maxabella Loves as I play host to this week's Grateful Link up. Grateful Day has become part of my weekly routine...what about you? I often think during the week, when something happens, or I have a moment and I often say to myself "gee, I'm grateful for that..." And this linky is a fabulous way of sharing it....

So what are you Grateful for this week??

Today, I'm grateful for...

1. Kisses - they come in many forms. The pash from your loved one, the cheek kisses, the air kisses from friends and family, kisses planted on top of heads and those delightful little sloppy ones from children. My daughter learnt to make that cute little "mshaw mshaw" noise, and now, her kisses are just that little more frequent!

2. Spring Time - yes, it's here (well, it was and then it went and now I think it's here again)....but you get my drift. That lovely feeling of slightly warmer weather, longer sunshine-y days, more outside playing, washing actually drying on the line (the same day you put it out!), and spring cleaning! Yep, I'm slowly making my way through each and every cupboard, nook, and cranny and tidying up this house and getting ready for awesome weather!

3. Ikea Catalogue - I know pretty naff! But since it arrived in my letterbox last week, I've been reading it like a novel, pouring over all those gorgeous done-up rooms that have me marvelling at how efficient and amazing it all looks. I've even made list (or should i say wish list!). The problem is, actually getting the courage to go there (cue music from Jaws). It's a daunting place. If only I could buy online!

Now you've come all this way, please play along with me today and link up! Bron and I will be so excited if you do.....

Add your Grateful post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is one about being grateful, not just a random), and pretty-please add a link back to the list. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine...

Rose's upside down pear & almond cake

2011-09-13T08:07:00.000+10:00

You know I love to bake....and I'm slowly getting back into baking since being on holidays and NOT baking a thing.....I don't even think I had withdrawals....what with all the eating I was doing to keep me busy....

....anyway, when I had friends and family coming around last weekend my mind was thinking of which cake to bake and I remembered a gorgeous cake my friend Rose had made for me a while back when I went to visit. I loved it so much, I insisted I have a copy of the recipe....

...now about 6 months later, I finally got to making it myself and blogging the recipe so you all can make it...and it's unbelievably easy for such a show stopping cake!

Ingredients
1 tbs brown sugar
200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
3 large eggs, lightly whisked
200g almond meal
2 tbs self-raising flour
2 tbs blanched almonds
1 large pear, skin on
custard, cream or ice-cream to serve.

What to do...
1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees
2. Line a 23cm round springform cake tine with baking paper and sprinkle the brown sugar over the base.
3. Beat the soft butter and sugar until pale (you can use beaters or a kitchen aid). Then add the eggs, one at a time until all incorporated.
4. Stir in the almond meal and flour and set the bowl aside.
5. Cut the pear lengthways into 1cm thick slices and leave the stalk attached. Arrange the pears over the brown sugar and spinkly the blanched almonds in the gap.
6. Spoon the cake mixture ever so gentley over the pears and then spread with a spatula making sure your not dislodging your beautifully arranged pears.
7. bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes and set aside for 15minutes before turning upside down on a plate.

Serve warm or cold with custard, cream or ice-cream or if you are wicked all three!

There is something a bit retro about an upside cake, dont you think?? goes perfect with my thrifted tablecloth I scored for $1!

Thankyou Rose for sharing this delicious recipe with me!

xx

I do fancy the end of winter....

2011-09-11T13:25:00.001+10:00

I know....I got off so lightly this year in the "suffering the Melbourne winter" by absconding to Italy for a whole month.....we've all come back a darker shade (my daughter mostly!!)

And it's been nice getting back into the swing of things. Things like the Kinder drop off/pick up, the grocery shopping, chatting with friends, going out with some girlfriends, baking, cooking, blogging and...
snapping some Fancy Pants shots.

But Kymmie - here I am. I'm glad to be back, sharing our fashions loves. And if you came past yesterday you'd have read that I'm loving getting a little extra wear out of my winter boots.

So here they are....I love these boots, they just pull straight on and for something a little different I pulled on some over the knee socks that have a cute little velvet bow so that they could peek out over the top of my boots.....

Do have a favourite winter item that just helps you smile during the freeze??

Wearing:
jeans - Gripp
Boots - Tony Bianco
Long black singlet - Sussan
Shirt - Tally Ho
Cardi - Portmans
Earings - Diva
Over the knee socks - Target

Join in the fun of getting fancy with Kymmie here....

xx

I'm grateful for...{fairies}

2011-09-10T16:33:00.000+10:00

Source: camillaengman.blogspot.com via Jonahliza on Pinterest

Oh I'm so excited to be joining up with my fashionista friend Kymmie who is delightfully hosting Grateful day on behalf of Maxabella (whom we miss heaps!)

So, today I'm grateful for...

1. Fairies - well to be specific the Dummy Fairy, who I came last week and took all my daughters dummies to give to other little babies who needed them. The Dummy Fairy left a small little present (jar of glitter, some Lark Daisy Lane swap cards and a little money). This softened the blow of dealing without those much loved dummies, and to my surprise, my daughter hasn't looked back.

2. Winter boots - seriously I don't think there is a winter item I love more than winter boots.....I've come back from a European Summer to the bitter cold of Melbourne weather. But in the gloom, there is the silver lining of being able to wear my boots just that little bit longer....

3. Photos - they help explain memories and are nice way to reflect on times past.

what are you Grateful for today....Please pop by our host for this week and join in.

xx

Italia Part 3 - {una vespa in miei pantaloni}

2011-09-08T13:22:00.001+10:00

There has to be "one" experience that you never ever forget whilst on holidays. And yes, i will never forget those magical beaches, or the delicious food, our lovely family or amazing walks along cobblestone roads in towns with amazing building and churches.

But alas, here is my little story that perhaps will be memorable for some time....

It all happened when I was trying to be domestic and was doing some washing of clothes which were then diligently hung out on the balcony to dry. I then packed them back into our suitcase ready.

Festival Day (Ferra Augosta) arrived and it was time to get ready to go out for the night festival. It was getting fresh, so I got changed into my newly cleaned jeans.....I walked into the hallway and was having a joke with hubby about how my jeans were feeling a little tighter that usual!!!

I bent down to fix them up a little around my ankles....

"owww - what is that!" I say... "I think there is, like a pin or something sharp, just here in my jeans...owwww it's really hurting."

I put my hand in the inside of my right knee were the pain is coming from and feel....

.......... something moving!

This is cue for me to start screaming hysterically down the hallway.........

"There is something in my pants!!!!!" I scream!

At this point my mind can't quite fathom what in fact has decided to invade my jeans....my minds starts to race...I'm on the floor, kicking and screaming, and trying so desperately to get my jeans off....I start thinking of lengthy stays in hospital, doctors shaking their head, about my leg possibly being amputated and diseases and.....then, i get my jeans past down my knees....hubby doing the best to contain my hysteria!

"Oh it looks like a scorpion!" he says....

Cue even more hysteria from me!

"Oh no, wait, i think it's a wasp....he decided as it flys past his head towards the front door....and kills it with my shoe.

I lay of the floor for some time before i dare look at my leg, and when i do, it seems that the wasp was just as scared as me, as i was of him (or her) and decidedly stung me several times.

Unfortunately it doesn't end there....Oh no, a trip to the village hospital, an injection of cortisone and a few little sobs of relief later and only then was I ready to join everyone at the festival!

These are the snaps from many a night festival we got to experience.

The title of this post translates to "there's a wasp in my pants"

Any unforgettable travel stories???
Please share!
xx

Italia Part 2 - build a bridge {and get over it}

2011-09-07T09:05:00.000+10:00

Italy is like a living contradiction when it comes to it's buildings, infrastructure and roads. I mean...I'll try and explain it the best I can and if you've been there and experienced the life and travelling yourself you may know what I'm talking about but the Italians are a funny bunch.

They tend not to care, are a little bashful and nonchalant about how things work.

Take the roads for example. Organised chaos is one way to explain it, but strangely enough - it works. They drive and park pretty much as they please. They angle park in-between other cars or park on the side-walk - and no one cares. In Melbourne it would turn us all into road-raging lunatics.

They stop in a narrow strip of road because they've seen their friend or relative and stop for a chat. Who cares that there are five other cars behind them....

They over-take around blind corners, speed and yes, my kids sat on my knee in the back seat on occasion - because that's what you do.

Then there's the buildings, and yes, these buildings have been standing for centuries even before our little baby faced Australia was discovered. I get that they are dripping in so much history, that they just don't really care (or is it that they just stop noticing??)

Take this little quaint derelict building near my hubby's Nonnas house....gorgeous or what! And if we had a building like that here in Australia we'd be erecting a fence, slapping a heritage listing on it quick smart and charging people $15 just to take a look. I got to touch it, walk around it, AND, when I stuck my camera in the window and blindly snapped away - what did I find?

Bread still in the old oven! What.... did someone just walk out and forget that they were baking??? There goes those nonchalant Italians again!

But amoungst all the pot holes in the road and the untidy parts of town is beauty....just natural, quaint, raw beauty. And I loved it....

And they can building some amazing bridges. Yes, the ones that care more about living hard than working hard, somehow effortlessly come up with the goods.

Like I said.....contradiction at every turn!

Italia Part 1 - Food

2011-09-06T10:02:00.000+10:00

Its kind of hard not to think of food when one mentions Italy... and we sure did consume a lot of it whilst there....From the brioche, cornetti's, gelato, pizza, pasta, antipasto, cured meat, cheeses, olives, bread and biscotti it was hard to make a choice sometimes!! Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), our cousin owns not one but two pasticeria's and it was a morning ritual to head to his bar for a Calabrian Breakfast. Sometimes I'd get a brioche and iced coffee, other times I would get a gelato filled croissant with an espresso....One thing is for sure. It was always delicious. Here are some snaps of the amazing food that I remembered to capture, when I wasn't busy stuffing myself silly!

xx

I'm grateful for family adventures....

2011-09-03T10:28:00.000+10:00

Yep, more travel photos, as I join with with Maxabella via Beetle Shack for today's Gratefuls...

Because of course I'm grateful for...

Family Adventures!! Travelling with kids is not for the faint hearted. It takes organisation plus, it takes a whole bucket load of patience and more, and it also means going with the flow and allowing your guard down (and breaking routine frequently) so that you can indulge in the spirit that is adventure and holiday fun. And that's exactly what we did. We adapted to the way of life of the Italians, and my kids did super well. We had fun, and enjoyed everything together as a family. And we were never in bed before midnight! We soaked up all that this holiday had to offer and more...

The memories we created will be with us forever and a joy to reflect on in years to come.

What are you Grateful for? Join in!

Arrivederci Italia

2011-09-02T19:48:00.002+10:00

Yes, were home! Wow - words cannot really express just what an adventure we had. Here a few random shots....I'm not going to bore you with my whole collection of snaps...but I may share a few little stories next week....

To fill you in a few details though here's a little snapshot in words

- weather - perfect!

- food - sublime

- plane trip - long (and exhausting!)

- family - oh just adorable!

- the kids - they did really well (with a few moments of hysteria thrown in for good measure)

- budget - stuck to (phew!)

- how many gelatos? - I stopped counting after the first week! Eeek!

- disasters? - Just one.....will tell you that story next week (now looking back, quite funny ;-))

And yes, it's nice to be home....there is no place like home (Dorothy was right!). The jet lag has, well, lagged around but slowly slowly we are getting back into the swing of things. I'm looking forward to visiting all my favourite blogs and seeing what you have been up to.....but now I'm off to have some ice-cream and home-made caramel sauce (not mine!)

Ciao from italia!!!!!

2011-08-14T18:45:00.001+10:00

Just a quick hello to blog land.... We've been in Italy now for two weeks and are having a blast. I've tried blogging before but had some difficulty and still can't upload any pictures....but believe me, the sights are amazing. Anyone know how to add pics from an iPad, let me know.....

It,s festival time here so lots to do and the weather is spectaluar. Kids are adapting to the Italian way of life too.....

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to share soon...

Ciao ciao
Xx

I'm grateful for....{ciao ciao}

2011-07-29T19:54:00.000+10:00

Source: sterlingstyle.net via a s h l e e on Pinterest

Yes, joining in with Maxabella Loves as I have every reason to be Grateful!

Today I'm Grateful For....

1. Overseas Travel....depending on when you read this post - me and my little family will be taking off on the beginning of our overseas adventure.

2. My pocket Italian translation book -So che inizialmente sarà la mia bibbia, ma I' la m. che spera di guadagnare la fiducia per lasciarla è e per comunicare appena il colloquio!

3. reunions and new family - during our travels, we will be reunited with family already known, but will get to meet others for the first time.

Join here

English translation for number 2

"I know that initially it will be my bible, but I'm hoping to gain the confidence to just leave it be and talk the talk!"

house quirks

2011-07-26T16:38:00.000+10:00

Source: goodmorningandgoodnight.com via Cindy on Pinterest

I've realised lately my house has quirks - many of them!

You see, in my preparation for heading off on our overseas travels, one of my tasks includes doing some much needed preparation for the house-sitter. Yes, that includes cleaning the fridge, mopping behind the washing machine, getting the cobwebs in the far corner of the hall and so and so on.

Then I began to think "Oh i must tell her about the door that doesn't shut quite right" or "the kettle lid is broken" or "I tend to keep my towels over here - not in that cupboard", "that light switch is broken", "the floor boards over there are loose (don't worry about that!)" and "that room has a lean - so drop anything, and it will roll to that corner over there" etc etc etc...

So as my mental list got bigger - i began to write it all down....all of it.

Gee my house as quirks. It's the way I know and no other, but to someone who doesn't live here, how would they know all this stuff. It's like the manual to my home.

If you had to write all your little house quirks down, what would be on it?

Any cringe-worthy?

Like all the bedrooms in my house have broken lights! Yep, we just survive on lamps!

Imagine if I lived in the house above - now wouldn't that be an adventure??

xx

{and the winners!}

2011-07-24T19:21:00.001+10:00

Source: delaneygates.typepad.com via Connie on Pinterest

Ok, so my birthday has come and gone....

And the Giveaways on my blog have ended....

So the exciting part of finding out who each of the prizes were going to....

I used a very technical system - a vintage bingo set!

So it's time to reveal the winners

The Bakers Delight Giveaway - $5 voucher coming to these winners

1 - Lioness Lady

7. Lou

9. Frog goose & bear

13. Eco MILF

14. Kymmie

The doMore $150 voucher goes to comment 9;

Kymmie

Hubby got the draw the winner for the $100 Myer voucher which is number 43;

The Provincial Homemaker

And the pack of crafty goodness goes to comment 8;

Emma @ Frog, goose and Bear

Congratulations to all of you! And two multiple winners!!

And thanks to all of you who stopped by to enter....

I'll be in touch with the lucky entrants to discuss getting your loot to you!

Don't miss out {giveaway reminder!}

2011-07-23T20:07:00.000+10:00

(beach of Capo Vaticano, Italy - where we will be staying very very soon!)

My four giveaway's end tomorrow at Midday, so if you haven't already, enter away, and if you have entered but want more chances, just spread the word (twitter, facebook, or blog) for more entries. Because - you have to be in it - to win it!

You'll find

Bakers Delight Giveaway here,

$150 doMore voucher here and

$100 myer gift card giveaway here.

And the crafty goody bag here

Good luck

my creative space {when more, is, more!}

2011-07-20T22:45:00.000+10:00

Nothing is going on here in the singular! phew, now that I see all the multiples lying around my house, I can understand why I've felt "in production".....

You see, I crafted (no pun intended) a little idea to make some gifts to bring with us overseas.....And when I thought about our lovely ladies in their stunning Italian village....I thought to food, which made me think of cooking....which of course.....make me think of aprons. These eight aprons, are now safely packed ready for their italian food adventure!

And for the younger, girls in the family......a little drawstring bag....with little sleeve for a pen or pencil.

Perfect for glasses, a notebook, camera or change. I made eight, but only needed five, but already the other three have been allocated to some special recipients.....I'm kicking myself i didn't make nine so I could keep one myself!

And then, well, I couldn't stand looking at my bowl overflowing with lemons, that I just had to make some Lemon Butter!

Yesterday was my Nonna's 81st Birthday, so the kids and I made some hummingbird cupcakes with cream cheese frosting to take over for morning tea......yum!!!

I finished off some adorable snack mats for the kids.....and no I don't have three kids.....but again, this extra one will have a new home soon! See I just can't help myself, I'm always making MORE!

They have a plastic covering, so just wipe clean. My kids LOVE them! No need for a plate, just sit the snack on the mat and they love sitting a cup on the circle....

My inspiration for these came from here (I changed the wording though)

Actually the only thing singular in my creative space, is this one pair of baby booties I made....but then again, there are two of them.....

More is more, when it comes to craft and you can find so much more in this creative hub...

Speaking of more....check out all 4 of my giveaways!

You'll find
Bakers Delight Giveaway here,
$150 doMore voucher here and
$100 myer gift card giveaway here.
And the crafty goody bag here

wordless wednesday {my brown-eyed girl}

2011-07-20T13:41:00.001+10:00

(join in)

easing into it.....

2011-07-19T16:00:00.000+10:00

I'm easing slowly back into routine here....

With a son who has four days of Kinder, Mondays are our full day together, so it was like getting a little extra day of holidays....

....plus, I'm not getting to used to the routine.....we head off on our overseas trip very, very soon! So I think my brain is quite happy to stay in holiday mode...although the packing has me a little baffled.....

So, whilst I pack, I'm enjoying just sipping tea from this glorious op-shop find last week....with my new found favourite tea - Lady Grey!

What's your favourite tea?
What are your travel tips with kids?

ps - Don't forget about my giveaways....four of them!

You'll find
Bakers Delight Giveaway here,
doMore voucher here and
$100 myer gift card giveaway here.
And the crafty goody bag here

Giveaway Part 4 {Crafty goodness}

2011-07-18T09:37:00.000+10:00

Source: google.de via Sabrina on Pinterest

It's no secret I love craft. I don't remember ever not loving craft. I think if you love something so innately, you will do it no matter what comes your way in life. I've crafted ever since I can remember. It may have started re-fashioning old thrifted beads, or making dolls clothes with scraps, but each step I was learning, creative, using my imagination and get lost in the world of craft.

For the last installment of my Bloggy Birthday Giveaway is of course is a prize pack of crafty goodness....

From the Mira Narnie range....

An Elephant Mobile and some funky wall art
An Oh So Handy Key Fob
6 handmade fabric and paper sewn bunting cards and
A fabric brooch
Total value - $80

Bec at Little Shop of...

has contributed a pair of her gorgeous Tea Party earrings (in the winners choice of Red, White or Black) valued at $12!

And

Steph from Mon Petit Poppet also has added to this crafty extravaganza by adding this addorable shirred top in your choice of size 0, 1 or 2. Valued at $30.

One lucky person will win the lot... What a great prize pack! Keep some for yourself, gift some to others - there is something for everyone! Total value over $130!!!!

To enter,

- be a follower if you are not already
- open to everyone!
- just leave a comment below

For extra entries, spread the word on twitter, facebook or your blog and you'll get one entry per shout! Just come back and let me know....

Now, this finalises my four days of Birthday Bloggy Giveaways! Be sure to check out my other three fabulous giveaways too.

You'll find
Bakers Delight Giveaway here,
doMore voucher here and
$100 myer gift card giveaway here.

All four giveaways will close on Sunday 24th of July at noon - and the winners will be announced! Good Luck!

xx

Giveaway Part 3 {Fancy a $100 Myer gift card?}

2011-07-17T17:05:00.001+10:00

You know I love fashion right? right? And if you frequent here on a Sunday, you can usually catch me linking up with Ms Fancy Pants herself in our quest to make an effort with Fashion at least once a week!

yeah well, I was a little stuck as to how I'd tie in my love of fashion in my Bloggy Birthday Giveaway Extraveganza....

Pondering out loud can sometimes have benefits... Sponsered by my lovely husbands business, he is providing one lucky ready with a $100 Myer Gift Card.

Yep! $100 bucks, just like that! What would spend it on? Shoes, coat, jeans, fancy bra!

Whatever. You. Like!

Ok - how to enter...

simple....

Tell me your favourite colour you love to wear and why? And I will not accept "Black coz it makes me look skinny"! I'm loving wearing navy, and grey at the moment. So wintery and not the traditional Melbourne Black!

Please follow my blog if you don't already and ensure that I have a way of contacting you!
Australian Residents Only! Comment away!

For extra entries, just spread the word (twitter, facebook, blog about it - shout it out in the middle of the street - anything really! Just come back and let me know - one entry for each extra!)

ps - last giveaway tomorrow - so be sure to come back and if you haven't already, go here and here for my other great giveaways!

Giveaway Part 2 {Do More}

2011-07-16T08:25:00.002+10:00

Do you like to learn new things?

Are you itching for some quality "me time" and let your hair down?

Want to have fun? Learn? A Challenge? Just something you've always wanted to do?

Well.....step this way...

The team at do More is giving one lucky reader a voucher for their fabulous online course site. This website is full of courses, (on-line, by distance, classes, one-off's) you name it, they have it....doMore is Australia's Education Marketplace connecting people who love to learn with people who live to teach.

As the name suggests, doMore is about living life to the fullest, and the community exists for people who quite literally want to doMore with their life! For those who are inspired to learn, doMore offers a world of courses and teachers in everything from Guitar and Cooking lessons to Accounting and Management courses that can be found online and in your local community. It's a place where students can search, compare, read and submit real reviews, make direct enquiries, enroll in courses and manage it all in one place!

Up for grabs is a $150 voucher for any doMore course....

Wow! I've been doing some searching, and well, if you live in Melbourne, what about some Belly Dancing?
For those in Sydney - check out the yoga classes
Brisbine folks I've got you all sorted with great guitar lessons
Adeliade angels, what about some wine tasting?
and those in Perth, I think you will enjoy some crafty courses

and there are heaps more.... All you have to do to be in the running to win this great giveaway prize, it pop over to the doMore webite, find a course that appeals to you....come back here, and in the comment box let me know what you found. Of course, if you win, you wont have to do that course....just go have a look!

Please follow my blog if you don't already and ensure I have a way of contacting you if you win.

For extra entries, mention this giveaway via twitter, facebook or on your blog and let me know you've done so (one comment for each)....

*the nitty gritty -
- not transferrable for cash
- you can pick a course for more that $150 and add in the rest yourself.
- Australian Residents only
- i'll give you the details to discuss directly with the folk at doMore.

Don't forget to pop back here for more in the next few days, and yesterdays giveaway too!

Giveaway Pt 1 {Foodie Friday}

2011-07-15T09:30:00.000+10:00

Ok, so here it is....the begining to my bloggy birthday party and we are kicking it off, with a foodie theme.

Here at Mira Narnie Land, we love our food, I love cooking (and more importantly eating) and I love sharing recipes and great products.

My friends at Bakers Delight approached me to try some of their new ready made pizza bases, and without a doubt I jumped at the chance!!! I love Bakers Delight - you try walking past their stores and not stopping for some tasty scones, loaves, crusty bread or my kids favourite, the cheesymite scroll!

So the other night, we had a "pizza night" and got all the yummy ingredients out on the bench (took all of five minutes). These pizza bases are par-cooked, so if you like, you can roll them out a little thinner, add your topping and then bake in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes......

what could be easier mid-week?

Here are our creations. I made some lovely home-made pizza base sauce....so the kids added, ham, mushroom cheese and olives.

Hubby and I had procuttio, cheese, mushrooms, asparagus and caramlised onions.

Yum yum!

Now the giveaway part! I've got 5 x $5 vouchers to give away! Also, if you make your own pizza using the Bakers Delight Pizza Bases, you can enter on their Facebook page, and possibly win $5000!

Entry is simple:

1. Follow my blog (if you don't alreay)
2. Leave me a comment...

That's it....

ps - Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of my Bloggy Birthday Giveaway!

my creative space.....{giveaway planning}

2011-07-14T13:45:00.000+10:00

Yep, you heard right.....I'm planning a giveaway!

To celebrate my up-coming notable birthday.....the birthday with an "0" on the end, I thought what a better way, than to have a bloggy party, invite all my wonderful bloggy friends and have loads of fun.

And give too!

So over the next few days, there will be a great selection of giveaway treats for you!

Make sure you come past, each day as their will be a giveaway post for the next 4 days. You can enter one or all, take your pick! Here's a hint of whats on offer...

It's a Foodie Friday

Saturday will be about Fun

Sunday - get all Fancy with Fashion....
Monday - Crafty goodness

Let the Party Begin!

One of these little birdy or elephant mobile will be in the giveaway!

For more creative spaces click this way...

Wordless Wednesday {empty lake}

2011-07-13T09:13:00.000+10:00

for more snaps head this way...

three ohhhhhhh

2011-07-12T14:21:00.000+10:00

Source: flickr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Oh dear! It's nearly here....

yep, these are the last few days of my beloved 20's.

I've loved being 20 something. Infact, I still feel 24 at least! I know I should embrace turning 30, but it seems like such a leap - like suddenly I'm grown up.

Do you get strange about milestone birthdays. I didn't think I would.

But it's given a great idea - and I'll be celebrating in style with a great giveaway on my blog, so stay tuned.

In the meantime...If you are, ahem, 30-something. Tell me something amazing about being in your 30's!

(image - of marilyn blowing out the candles on her 30th Birthday!)

a little fancy 80's revival

2011-07-10T17:44:00.001+10:00

On my recent trip back home I helped my mum do some much needed culling of her wardrobe so I could make some donations to the local op-shops (and not just clear out their stock!). Oh I had heaps of fun, sorting through bits and peices for her. Gosh shoulder pads were such the rage in the 80's!! I think its easier to be ruthless with clothes that aren't your own. Although we've kept a few real vintage peices even Kath and Kim would be impressed with.

I remember giving my mum a hard time with some of her outfit choices when I was young. She would pick me up from primary school and I'd say "Oh mum, that jacket is all wrong on you, what are you thinking?" Need less to say, I mostly accompainied her shopping to as to be the honest voice of reason!

But one of my finds in my own mum's wardrobe was this gorgeous leather 80's belt. The gold leaf clasp is just divine and something you'd even see in the stores now.

It's tricky though, wearing a vintage peice . I think, the key is to wear it with clothes that compliment but that are of todays era. Too much vintage and well, you tend to look vintage too.

Worn today with some cozy denim jeggings, on oversized grey jumper and little pixie boots.

Joining in with the gorgeous Kymmie who I get the chance to catch up with in real life this week! yay!

Wearing;

Jeggings - Sussan

Jumper - Sportsgirl

Belt - mum's vintage

boots - Payless shoes

Earrings - Diva

I'm grateful for..... (nostalgia)

2011-07-09T17:30:00.000+10:00

Joining in with the beautiful minded Maxabella Loves, on this day to be Grateful.

Today I'm grateful for....

1. Heading home - I took the kids up to the country town where my mum and dad live, and I spent a lot of my childhood. It's a small country town that is very sleepy during the winter months.

2. Nostalgia - The return home meant re-living some memories that I enjoyed as a kid. Above is a picture of the dodgem cars that are at a very small and almost vintage entertainment park. The kids had an awesome time, just like I remember spending waaaaayyyyy to many hours doing the exact same thing when I was small.

3. Country Op shops - Whilst my kids were entertained by grandma, I got the hit the country op shops. Why are they so much better than city ones?

Happy Grateful day - Join here.

xx

Oh Nigella! Doughnut French Toast

2011-07-08T09:07:00.000+10:00

Craving something sweet, I reached for none other than my new friend Nigella Express. Oh Nigella! Where have you been all my life. This is my first Nigella Cookbook. Yes. I am a Nigella virgin!

But it wont be for long. I have my eye on Domestic Goddess and Feast. But lets get back to the sweets.

It was mid Sunday morning, and I had gone on my morning jog on the treddy, put two loads of washing on, entertained the kids and done and general tidying up. So, my tummy was rumbling, and whilst I know I undid all my good work exercising, these were well worth it.

Doughnut French toast!!

Here is what you need.

2 eggs

4 teaspoons of vanilla extract

60 mls of milk

4 slices of bread. I think I just used the last four slices of day old sourdough bread.

25g butter

50g caster sugar.

1. Beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla in a wide shallow bowl.

2. soak the break halves in the eggy mixture till it coats.

3. heat the butter in a fry pan and fry the egg-soaked break until golden and scorched in bits on both sides (about 4 minutes a side on medium heat)

4. put the sugar on a plate and then dip your cooked break in until coated like a sugared doughnut.

These are for the sweet tooth but i happened to enjoy them with just a squeeze of lemon ontop.

put the kettle on, sit and marvel at a job well done!

Thanks Nigella

wordless wednesday {bis-nonna love}

2011-07-06T07:14:00.001+10:00

join here

i ♥, u ♥, we all ♥ - Maxabella L♥ves

2011-07-05T15:26:00.000+10:00

HELLLLLOOOOOOOO BLOGLAND!

well, have you heard?

Maxabella Loves is having one HUGE giveway to celebrate her epic achievement of 1000 followers. This acheivement in itself it awesome, and an inspiration to just how fantastically powerful blogs can be.

I remember when Maxabella Loves was a newby, a little fresh up-start blog, and *ahem* had fewer followers than me!

Hhahahahahah! How weird does that sound now. Look at her now! All popular and, well, amazing. But that's not to say it was easy. I reckon it takes a special someone to have an amazing blog. To make us want to come back, time and time again, day in day out. To make us laugh, cry, wonder, ponder, think and decide. To write critical words to get the message across, as if, she's sitting in our lounge room with us (kids running havoc of course), and just having a chat.

You may remember the celebration when Maxabella Loves hit 500 (yes little MiraNarnie was apart of that) - So of course, the natural progression when one hits 1000 has to be something just slightly more momentous!

So, whilst I'd love to just talk madly about Bronwyn, lets get back to the point at hand.

Bronwyn has totally outdone herself here and is offering one lucky winner an amazing Party Outfit from a selection of gorgeous fashionistas (Leona Edmiston, Shoes of Prey and Elk).

wow! Amazing right.

So click on the button below. Get commenting. Enter. Enter. Enter Enter.

Congrats Bron on hitting the mark!
xx

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