Read, reading, next {investment effect}

Source: imgfave.tumblr.com via Paige on Pinterest

What do you do when you start reading a book and it's a bit of a flop? Or not as good as you hoped...?  How much time do you invest before deciding if you'll finish it or toss it for something else?  I don't often not finish a book I start.  But then at the same time, what's the point when for me, reading is enjoyment and a bit of selfish me time that quite literally I don't have to waste...so a dull book, no thanks!

I did leave a book unread last week.  I may go back to it - I may not. I hadn't invested that much into it, and I wasn't getting any exciting vibes and it didn't help that two independent sources gave me rather realistic views that it didn't get any more exciting or gripping or that thrill that makes you want to pick it up and read it.  May be it didn't help that I started reading this, after claiming my previous book as my read of the year....it had big boots to fill!  So it's back on the shelf... but here are some books I have read, am currently reading and are on my list....

Read ....

Overseas by Beatriz Williams.  Oh my!  A lovely, sweet, beautifully written storey of romance, history and with a twist of time travel thrown in for good measure it was a delight to read and at time I found myself still reading at 2am (sign of good book yes?)...so this book at the moment has been my read of the year. 

Reading....

Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald.  A great classic.  I cannot recall how many times I've started this book but not finished it. Not because I ddin't like it, but once I think I lost it...then I forgot whilst on away for the weekend and another book took it's place each time.  Finally I'm determined to finish it.  The movie has been made!  Leo as the Great Gastby himself...so I'm intrigued to see this novel transition to the big screeen and I'm loving all the snippets we are getting of the costumes that made that era so enviable!  Can't wait..

Next....

Last letter from my lover..Jojo Moyes.  I've read a book already by this author and that's one of the reasons why this is on my list.  Set back in the 1960's two lovers write letters to one another...and then they are found in 2008 by a journalist and she embarks on a mission to find out whether or not they lived happily ever after. 

What's on your list and do you suffer from the Investment effect?  How much do you invest in a book before you decide to go on or leave it for another? 

my creative space {market prep}

With a market on next week I've been spending quite a bit of time adding to my pile of stock....just a few bits and bobs here and there.  It's nice to add new things, but it's also nice to keep the regular stuff up to date and fresh.  These little booties are the result of too many off cuts of fabric and the need to provide for those with feet small enough to fit into them.  I just need to finish off the boys booties but these girls ones are looking rather colourful for the start of Spring!

Then there will be usual preparation that goes with all markets...the table, props, a float and this time some assistance in organising as it's to raise money for our local kindergarten.  I'll be joined by some friends that craft as well, so if your free on Wednesday night the 12th of September come and visit from 6.30 - 9.30 at The Neighbourhood Facility in Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale South.

How do you prepare for an upcoming market?  Slow and steady or full steam ahead on those last few days before hand?

Join in a whole online market full of creative types at Village Voices

Snap it {Shiny}

Of all the things I love about my house, it's the morning sun shining in.  I know it really isn't much to with my house per say, maybe it's the position of it but getting a glimpse of sun rays shining through the living room and kitchen windows and over the neighbours big tree is a great way to start the day.

Taken on Instagram a few days a go when the sun was shining oh so bright and people were smiling and cheerful!  Do you think the sunshine makes people happier?

Play along here

flying high

As the sun shines, the flower buds glitter, the warm freeze sweeps across my face blowing my hair in every direction.  Yes. Spring is here.  Finally.  It's time to throw open the windows and doors, adorn tables full of blooms and hang washing on the line (knowing it will dry!).

A collection of a few aprons made for a special customer.  My grandmother is heading back to her home country of Italy for a short visit.  She requested my help of making her sisters and other relatives some special Australian gifts. So I hunted out some aboriginal fabric at GJ's and  we spent the day together sewing, cutting and ironing, chatting, eating and laughing.  We made twelve of these gorgeous aprons and later on with the left over fabric I made her some key fobs which will be good for extra friends she finds along on her travels.

You may remember the last time I made so many aprons en masse - it seems like the perfect gift for an Italian Nonna!  And I could not resist hanging a few up on such a beautiful day to watch them flap about in the breeze....

And to my Nonna....travel safe and have fun!

xx

a night at the movies {treasury}

Movie Night

• 
  Abandoned Movie Theater 8x10 Photo
  

  KimmyBlanks

  $19.81 AUD
• 
  STAR WARS Inspired Art Print Movie Poster Series - 12 x 18 Minimalist,...
  

  CONCEPCIONSTUDIOS

  $59.44 AUD
• 
  BLANK BOOK Journal - Handbook for the Recently Deceased - BEETLEJUICE ...
  

  n3do

  $29.67 AUD
• 
  Blue popcorn kernels - 1.5 lb bag, recipe, popcorn cones bags - recipe...
  

  dellcovespices

  $9.91 AUD
• 
  A3 Boys Movie Quote Print
  

  MiraNarnie

  $19.81 AUD
• 
  Gourmet popcorn seasonings - spice kit gift for movie / TV lovers - 8 ...
  

  dellcovespices

  $21.75 AUD
• 
  PULP FICTION - 1994 - movie from Quentin Tarantino - artistic movie po...
  

  tarlotoys

  $12.43 AUD
• 
  The Shining All Work and No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy T Shirt (Stanle...
  

  StrangeLoveTees

  $15.84 AUD
• 
  Jaws Poster Made from Movie Lines
  

  Logophiles

  Sold
• 
  Aliens Movie Travel Poster Print 11X17"
  

  Pixology

  $19.81 AUD
• 
  Antique Movie Reel Canisters (2) w/ 1 Movie Reel - From "Goofy...
  

  ExceedinglyWellRead

  $97.09 AUD
• 
  Antique Gold Steampunk Movie Buff Cuff Links
  

  MetalsAndTime

  $24.27 AUD
• 
  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 11x17 Movie Poster
  

  adamrabalais

  $19.81 AUD
• 
  Alfred Hitchcock Cuff Links Silhouette The Birds Horror Movie on White...
  

  MonaLina

  $26.73 AUD
• 
  iPad, Kindle, Nook, Kobo Cover - Movie Monsters, Made to Order
  

  gothicreations

  $23.78 AUD
• 
  Vintage Movie Projector 8mm, Bell and Howell - 1960s
  

  NeOld

  $24.77 AUD

My Boys Movie Quote Print in a Treasury!  I think this has only every happened once, and I missed it, but this time I thought I would share it, as to be honest....I'm quite chuffed!  So excuse me whilst I just have a little moment of self congratulation. 

Prints available here (Etsy) and here (Made It)

Do you love a good treasury?  Do you make 'em or peruse them?  Colour code or theme them?  

xx

snap it {new}

A new experience for my kids.

Snow. 

First time for both of them. 

Excited. Bewildered. Cold.

There was tobogganing, snow fights, snowman building

And a hot chocolate at the end of it. 

Join in. 

my creative space {wrapped up}

In a vain attempt to add some Spring in my world, some colour in my life and de-winter myself early...I decided to throw all other projects to the side and whip up some colourful scarves.

A quick impromptu trip had me loaded up with some bright fabric and on a cold wintery raining weekend I hummed quietly whilst imagining that the sun was shining, the birds chirping and the breeze warm on my arms.  That was not the case, but I was determined to rid myself of all feelings Winter!

The first...a floral number!  A metre of fabric cut in half and then sewn to make it double the length.....frayed edges that took a tedious time but fine when copious amounts of tea were at hand and could even be achieved whilst playing Monopoly with the kids.

The second a funky bright scarf...the roll came in a 147cm length so I only bought half a metre but even that was too much.....I took a 25cm piece, sewing right sides at the longest length to make tube.  Turn right side out ironing the seam in the middle.  It was still too short for my liking so a panel of yellow added to each end gives me the flexibility of lopping it around my neck, if I choose to do so!

So two new scarves which the total cost came in at a mammoth $10.50

Yes, i know big spender that I am! 

Well, feast your eyes on more creativity at Kidspot! 

Tuesday delights

baking

painting

creating

listening

wearing

admiring

nature

sunshine

happy days to you

xx

I'm grateful for {a splash of colour}

Source: newyorksweethearts.tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

It's official!  I'm over winter.  Over. It!  There I said it!  I know there are not many days to go....(14 more sleeps) till Spring is here....but I would just like a little bit of sunshine and less freezing icy chill!

I'm noticing all the blossoms getting in early and giving me a lovely colour of pink and white as I walk to school....The magnolia's in their gorgeous hues of pinks and purples are ever so delightful, my snazzy purple nail polish my daughter insisted I needed or my bright coral lipstick....man I'll do anything for colour these days! Even the amount of full bright yellow lemons on so many front yard trees is enough to make this yellow crazy mumma jump the fence and bag me a bundle (but I don't of course).

So this week, I'm grateful for colour....because in amoungst the rain, wind and washing all the black clothes that is the Melbourne uniform I am appreciating colour even more.  The flowers, the gold cushions I made, my girl dressing in her brightest outfit or the stack of stunning colourful fabrics waiting for some much needed attention.  I love colour.  I tend to embrace it more...add more colour to my home, my wardrobe, my life.

Colour is good, colour is happy and life would be so dull without it!

What are you grateful for?

Join at Kidspot and now the fun continues on Instagram!  Add #52weeksofgrateful to your snaps and join in twice as much fun!