Project 365 Thu 31 Dec 09

VINTAGE THINGIES THURSDAY: New Year's Eve
What could be more fitting for New Year's Eve than for it to be vintage day. Sometimes things are just meant to be.

So with great pleasure I share my beautiful 1940s pine kitchen table, stained by the passage of who knows how many meals and experiences ... and hopefully the scene of many more to come.


I love this table ... my favourite vintage piece in my home.

PS Hop on over to ColoradoLady for more things vintage.

Project 365 Thu 31 Dec 09

NEIL: He’s here!
After such a short wait ... Neil has arrived! And in so much shorter wait than a nine month gestation and so much easier than raising them to 26! LOL

And he’s such a nice guy he’s definitely another adult child on my list to adopt.

We were late leaving home to collect him from the airport ... we didn’t leave home until his plane had landed and it’s around an hour to the airport. Add to that not explicitly telling Neil I’d pick him up ... well, it could have ended in tears!

I wondered for a while whether he’d be at the airport when we arrived but since I was sure he didn’t have the address to make his own way to us I was pretty sure he’d be there. A very organised day is all I can say.

But we arrived in good time and there he was, practically the last person in the airport lounge and looking very sad and tired. Poor baby … he looked like the last kid to be picked up from school ... after school camp! LOL

In the end we had the quietest of New Year’s Eve. Horace and I had no plans this year to see in the New Year ... and I know Neil, who’s never travelled overseas before, had no idea of the impact of travelling forwards in time ... he ended sleeping from around 4 in the afternoon and not waking up until 5 minutes after midnight.

Not quite what the party animal intended ... but sometimes it happens.

Happy New Year to everybody … I’m planning for 2010 to be my best year ever.


And a few fireworks to see the new year in.

Project 365 Tue 29 Dec 2009

GOOD THINGS
I wish I could remember where and when I read this but I came across the best idea I'm going to try for 2010 ... to note something good every day.

I know some days will be harder than others ... and I'm generally an even tempered person.

And just to get off on the right foot ... an image to start off with.


The joy of a little rain in a dry lake: Lake Wendouree 27 July 2008.

Project 365 Wed 30 Dec 09

WHAT'S HOT AND WHAT'S NOT
Time again for What's Hot and What's Not ... brought to my blogging world by Claire at Loobylu.

I've loved the months I've been doing this, and instead of What's Hot and What's Not for the week that's past it seems timely to concentrate on what's been good and bad for the year that's quickly coming to a close:

What's been Hot.
The big overseas trip. We finally made our big trip overseas and had the best time ... so much so that I'm quietly working towards doing the same thing in August 2010.


I couldn't think of a beter photo for this post ... but a symbol of freedom.

Wini's trip overseas. Wini ostensibly followed a boy to Canada and even though that didn't work out she's staying and things seems to be working out well for her. She has a good job, a safe place to stay and she's planning to apply for residency come July and study. Great news in my book.

Family. We've connected so much more with family this year--Horace's and mine--and I feel so much closer with everybody ... including Wini despite her being so far away.

Project 365. Starting was difficult but it's turned out to be the best year. My photography has improved, and I've taken photos most days of the year ... 307 out of 365. Not a bad outcome ... and I never had to ask myself whether I'd do it again. The answer is yes.

Craft. My crafting experience has exploded and widened ... especially once I found the amazing Australian crafters who blog regularly. I've loved the inspiration I've got from them ... and how much I've done: knitting, cross stitch, photography, painting. I've loved every minute of that.

And what's Not.
House in disarray. There is still so much to be done ... walls to be painted, carpet to be replace, kitchen to be revamped. We've started the painting but we haven't got very far: a few walls have been washed and prepared and Clarissa and I've tried out and chosen the colours we want ... but it's nowhere near enough.

My job. I have to try harder to spur myself to change jobs. It's the one part of my life I'm really disappointed with ... it drives my crazy that I'm stuck in a rut of my own making but I just can't seem to push myself to change it ... a new year's resolution there maybe?

Project 365 Tue 29 Dec 2009

RUBY TUESDAY: Red nail polish and remover
It’s getting ever closer to New Year’s Day and Neil’s visit, and we’re so busy doing stuff I hardly know what to post for Ruby Tuesday.

So without any thought and certainly without anything like careful consideration … I’d like to share Clarissa’s red nail polish and reddish nail polish remover.


The nail polish and remover ... shortly to be joined, I'm led to believe, by a red lipstick.

Rather festive really considering it’s New Year’s Eve in a couple of days.

Project 365 Sun 27 Dec 09

OF BIRTHDAYS AND RENOVATIONS
One of the reasons I wanted to return to Ballarat was for Jason’s birthday … and to get his computer set up for him.

I feel bad that didn't happen.

And after Clarissa made the effort to bring it down on Christmas Day and it's sitting at my mother's house until I can get the operating system sorted ... XP of course!

And it's Jason's birthday today. Happy birthday little brother, there's a little something extra in the computer stuff for you for your birthday. We love you.


The birthday boy at Carol's birthday dinner a few day's ago.

Instead I'm spring cleaning for Neil's visit, Clarissa and I've been playing with paint pots and plaster and sandpaper ... and I haven't been able to resist starting the Diana Gabaldon book. I just couldn't help myself.


Four of the paint pots.

The painting's been fun ... epsecially for Clarissa who can't make up her mind which pink to choose.

At first she was going with something bold and striking ... what else but red.

But she's drawn back from that after some strategic internet searching, which suits me fine because I really want a much lighter approach. If that sounds stark and you haven't seen it done before, check out the blog decor8. I love all the ideas I get from that site.

Everything's so light and fresh ... that's what I really hope to get out of what we're doing.

Clarissa's choice for bedroom of the year ... drum roll please ... is now something like this beautiful bedroom in pink and white from decorpad. It's a fantastic site I'm going to be visiting more often too.


The pink on the walls is so pretty ... I love it too.

And I've been working on the hallway walls for my testing ... they're currently a gentle cream colour which looks almost white ... I can see it from here and it looks so restful.

It feels really nice knowingmy first choice is what I'm going to go with.

Project 365 Fri 25 Dec 2009

CHRISTMAS DAY 2009
This year we had Christmas Day at Carol's, instead of Mum's, because she had more room and because I think Mum feels overwhelmed by organising the day.

But that doesn't mean Mum doesn't do as much to get the day organised ... because she's boiling corned beef and roasting potatoes and making the pavlova and goodness knows what else for the day.

It was a nice peaceful day ... although we didn't get to see Jason and Tamika this year because Jason was working on Christmas Day and couldn't get away before Horace, Clarissa and I left. His job is a whole other story ... which I'll leave for another day.


The tree and the huge amount of presents underneath it.


Mum opening her presents ... she must have won the prize for the most amount of presents.

We met Debbie's new boyfriend Pete. It's been quite a Christmas for meeting new people ... with Debbie's new boyfriend and then Clinton, Vanessa's new boyfriend arriving later. But it's so nice to see Debbie happy and Pete seems really quiet and Debbie so comfortable and happy with him.


Debbie ... and hiding behind her is Pete.


Horace opening his only present ... we're still to go shopping for a turntable for his records.


Mark was the winner of the most amount of presents on a theme ... fishing!


Carol won the prize for the largest present I've ever seen ... a garden seat in a frame.


And lastly Clarissa and Vanessa together ... they looks so happy and relaxed ... just like the day.

Merry Christmas everybody ... and I hope everybody had a wonderful day.

Project 365 Thu 24 Dec 09

VINTAGE THINGIES THURSDAY: A Vintage Christmas Wish
This may seem a little off topic but I'm going to be a little cheeky and offer my sister Carol as my Christmas wish! LOL

Thanks Suzanne over at Colorado Lady for hosting this so close to Christmas and I promise to stay more on topic next year.

I had to post about my little sister because it's her birthday today and she's turning forty something ...that surely must pass for vintage?


Carol opening one of her presents.

My sister's life has been one of ups and downs ... and mostly undeserved downs.

She wasn't blessed with a wonderful married life ... but now she and her new partner are making a real go of it, she has a new job, a new house ... and life seems to be going really well for her.

Last night we went out to dinner for her birthday and had a great meal and get together ... complete with presents and a steak and lobster meal for her new partner.


Mark's dinner .. can you believe this meal?

And we got to meet her daughter Vanessa's new boyfriend for the first time ... what torture for him meeting 8 of us for the first time. But he seemed really nice and it looked pretty obvious that he thinks Vanessa's pretty special.


Vanessa and her new beau Clinton.

It's so wonderful things seem to be going so well for her ... and my Christmas wish is many more years of the same for her.

Project 365 Wed 23 Dec 009

What's Hot and What's Not
It's Wednesday and time for What's Hot and What's Not. Wednesday is a happy blogging day ... especially at this time of the year. There's just way too much to be thankful for.

And if you want to play ... ease on down the road and visit Claire over at Loobylu. I know she'd love to see you.

What's Hot:

Food. There's way too much good food around ... today alone I've eaten every single meal out. I can see a New Year's Resolution looming already ... mmm, wonder which one?


My lunch at the Indonesian restaurant Es Teler in Swanston Street Melbourne ... cheap and good; the best combination.

Christmas shopping done. So good to have it all behind me with time to get out there and relax and catch up with people. I'm loving that and I'm planning on making the most of it.

Leaving work early. It has been the best week at work and I got to leave work before 4pm tonight to travel to Ballarat and meet up with Mum. Absolutely brilliant.

What's Not:

Christmas only comes once a year. Enough said!

Project 365 Tue 22 Dec 09

RUBY TUESDAY: Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree ...
I've been thinking about how close it is to Christmas ... only three days to go ... and no post about the Christmas tree or the decorations.

So it has to be fate or kismet ... or something ... when I saw that it's Ruby Tuesday at Work of the Poet.

The trick with Ruby Tuesday is to post a picture of something red taken by you ... which is no difficulty whatsoever given my fondness for red and constant taking of photos ... and my Christmas tree is full of the colour red (and a little green and gold for variety!) LOL

My favourite red decoration is this glitter metal Noel sign ... it always sits front and centre on the tree where I can see it.


This is absolutely my favourite ... and not just because it's red.

And even if it's not red ... I'm going to sneak in this pretty gold and glass cherub I got last year.


I fell in love with this cherub as soon as I saw it ... and I've just realised you can see me taking its portrait in the gold decoration. LOL

And this year's addition ... a gold metal star.


This star is so sweet ... I love getting something new every year.

Don't you love Christmas tree decorations?

Project 365 Sat 19 Dec 09

MY PLACE & YOURS: The "Me" Wardrobe
This week Sandra at Sandra Eterovic's theme is the "Me" Wardrobe ... that special something you feel comfortable in, and wouldn't be without. Nice angle Sandra.

PS Don’t forget if you want to play to go over to Meet Me at Mike’s to sign up and check out other people's take on the theme. Go on … you know you want to. LOL

Back in October I did a post about my favourite outfit ... because it's so absolutely me: the denim jacket I wear with every outfit, a t-shirt (which is part of every outfit I wear) and my pretty brown and blue Esprit skirt.


I still wear this every week but it's been replaced as my favourite.

But I can't wear the same skirt all the time and now my favourite is a silk Jag skirt in purple and grey ... and next month? Who knows.


Some of my collection ... all pretty simple but well loved.

My favourite work wear, simple to dress up or dress down. Worn every day with Mary Janes.

Love each and every one of them.

Project 365 Sun 20 Dec 09

SUNDAY STASH: Cross stitch hearts
Despite Sunday Stash at ¼ of an inch being on summer break until late January I thought I’d continue the fun and share something creative—and non-Christmas related—that’s really exciting me at the moment.

My latest cross stitch project.


The colours of the cross stitch looks brighter than the paper in the paper but not in real life.

This came about because of a walk last Sunday to the storage unit to pick up a few Christmas items to take to work with me.

But while I was there it was like Christmas as I dug through boxes to see what was inside, until I hit the cross stitch box and then I was mesmerised.

Mesmerised by the threads and this item; a set of hearts in squares in various colours that should have been made into a cushion a long time ago.


Back in the day I loved cross stitch in patterns that more closely resembled tapestry, and this is one of the patterns I devised.

Since that’s not happened in the last five years it’s obviously not going to happen anytime soon … but it got me thinking about Tamika’s Christmas present and something I could make for her birthday in May that would ‘go’ with her picture.

And a cushion with the heart pattern in the colours in the picture with a pink cord around the edge sounds really cute … and achievable.

Project 365 Fri 18 Dec 09

ARCHIVE FRIDAY: Christmas 1990
I love looking back at old photos and mulling over the memories … thanks Melissa at Emjies Treasures for giving me the incentive to get more of my old negatives scanned.

This week I scanned some negatives from 1990 to share … it was such a brilliant period in our lives when the girls were little.

This particular year my mum, Horace, the kids and I went out to Kirks Reservoir (just outside Ballarat) on Boxing Day for a wander around.

There’s plenty to see there: water storage in the dam, a playground for the kids and a small but very pretty garden.


It’s so green and lush, and at Christmas time too … those were the days.

This photo is of Mum and Wini on the expanse of grass in the middle of the garden. The two of them are so quiet and peaceful together ... which is the personality of both of them to a tee … and that’s what she was like most of the time.

Such great memories.

Project 365 Thu 17 Dec 09

VINTAGE THINGIES THURSDAY: Chinese plate
Colorado Lady is hosting a fun meme; Vintage Thingies Thursday.

Check out Suzanne's blog for her luscious collection of vintage Christmas goodies ... and for all the others (like me) playing this week.

For my first contribution I thought I'd show my favourite plate in the cupboard.


Isn't this gorgeous?

Now, I know it's not Christmassy ... but I don't really have anything vintage and Christmassy.

This plate really stands out in my kitchen where everything is either blue, white or cream. No colours for me generally ... no sirree Bob! LOL

But many years ago this caught my eye and I just had to have it.

And why not because it's absolutely gorgeous.

Unfortunately the chips to the gold border were already there ... but they don't detract from the sentimental value the plate has for me.

And the thing is I still love it as much as when I bought it.

Project 365 Wed 16 Dec 09

WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT?
It's Wednesday again and time for What's Hot and What's Not ... brought to the world by Claire at Loobylu.

PS Claire is still to put up the joining thingie ... I assume we're still playing this week! LOL
Updated Thu 17 Dec 09: Claire is playing and we're on. Hooray! LOL

What’s hot?

Christmas mail. I finally mailed Wini’s stuff to her today. I got to the post office yesterday only to be told they don’t accept what I put inside … you’ll just have to put up with the crypticness now that the Christmas present has become a birthday present to be offered up in March when Wini visits. So I raced around last night at 6pm to get a replacement gift (which ended up as gifts) and the present was rewrapped and mailed at lunchtime today. Hooray!


Wini's gift before I tried to mail it yesterday ... taken just before I went to the post office.

Flashing Christmas lights. There’s a really cute set above my desk at work … and I’m loving them. Not very carbon footprint aware of me is it?

Work Christmas parties. I’m going to the bare minimum this year and on Friday I’m sloping off early to enjoy the extra time with Horace. Awwwwwwwwwww! Oh, and to the framer’s to organise Tamika’s frame. LOL

7Gypsies. I seriously love 7Gypsies—Debbie Crouse and Paula Cheney are the bomb. It started out with me looking for a punch for the Advent Calendar project they have on their blog ... and they went to the local Michaels to take a photo of the Martha Stewart punch for me because they didn’t have the packaging. What service, what amazing people. If I wasn’t already a 7Gypsies fan already I would be now … wow!

And who wouldn't want to make this calendar ... isn't it amazing? I can't wait to get the bits and pieces of stuff and have it ready for December next year. And if you're interested as well the instructions are on the 7Gypsies blog.


This is so gorgeous I can't wait to see it sitting behind the Christmas display next year.

PS You can also buy a kit with most of the stuff to make the Advent Calendar on etsy. I'm off to get mine now.

What’s not?

Postage from the US. I wanted to order some stuff from the 7 Gypsies Etsy site but it’s USD$60 for a 3lb box. Looks like it’s going to be shipped to Wini and then she can seamail the goodies to me. Patience is a virtue they say … wonder if I can order a little patience for Christmas?

Christmas cards. The sending that is … not the getting! LOL I am so seriously behind this year and I’m still tossing up whether I can be bothered.

The weather. It’s seriously hot outside … with fire warnings in place again. Summer in Australia sure is a scary place to be.

Project 365 Tue 15 Dec 09

TRISH HUNTER FINDS
This post is brought to you by the store Trish Hunter Finds ... a funky retro vintage site selling retro clothing, bags and stuff.

I don't think it's any surprise I love a retro clothing blog or store ... Trish Hunter Finds is one of the many blogs I read and, I'm excited to add, is located in Melbourne. I love knowing I live in the same city as the people in so many of the blogs I read. (It's like seeing a place you've visited in a movie ... know what I mean?)

Check out Trish's website and all the fabo stuff she has ... and enter the great competition she's hosting for the amazing Love Vintage book.


The cover alone is gorgeous ... I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

I have been drooling over this book for ages ... ever since I saw it on Nicole's Jenkins' blog Circa Vintage Clothing. And guess what ... it's written by Nicole, another Melbournite in inner city Fitzroy. Her shop is on my must visit list for my week off during January.

Too much fun.

Project 365 Mon 14 Dec 09

BEST OF BLOG 2009
The last few months has been pretty easy for blog posts … there are so many great memes around I’ve hardly had to be spontaneous and think for myself.

But blogging land is shutting down for the silly season—a little like TV between rating periods—and I’m back to doing things the old fashioned way … you know, thinking of something meaningful to say.

That is, until I remembered Gwen Bell’s Best of 2009 Blog Challenge … saved after all. LOL Thanks Gwen.

December 6 Workshop or conference. I joined the Jane Austen Society of Melbourne and it's been brilliant. The demographic is all a bit older than me but I learn so much about the period and her influences ... I'm so glad I joined.

December 7 Blog find of the year. I can't limit myself to one blog when there are so many out there ... all falling into the crafting genre. I love seeing the passion and enthusiasm so many talented women put into what they're making. I love their dedication and I feel so inspired after seeing the things they make. My list of things to make isn’t getting any shorter.

December 9 Challenge. Knitting socks ... believe it or not. I was amazed to find out how many people knit socks and I so have to make a pair for myself ... note that I'm yet to actually make some even though I have enough wool already to make four pairs! LOL

December 10 Album of the year. I love Laura Izibor's album called Let the Truth be Told. Listening to it right now!

Check this album if you get the chance … hardly a day goes by I don’t listen to it.

December 11 The best place. My best place will always be my bedroom. I'd live in there and never come out ... well, almost, if I had the choice.

December 13 What's the best change you made to the place you live? Too easy ... tidying stuff, organising stuff and best of all ... moving stuff out the front door and off to better homes.

December 14 Rush. Wow ... the plane trip to Los Angeles. It was long and tiring and felt as though it would never end ... but the awful stress ball in the pit of my stomach rolled away because we were doing it; we were actually leaving the country. Absolute bliss!


And what could be more fitting that the view from the plane somwhere around LA ... it was meant to be! LOL

Project 365 Sun 13 Dec 09

SUNDAY STASH: Painting stuff
It's Sunday again and time to play Sunday Stash.

For me, it's getting way too close to Christmas now for crafting ... there's too much to do with the shopping and the planning and the everything to be doing much by way of crafting projects.

So for this week I thought I'd put out there the one thing I wish I was doing ... even though it's more a home DIY project than a craft.


All ready to go ... all I need is some time.

I am itching to paint the white tatty chest of drawers that sits in our lounge ... well, white.

It looks so dowdy and dull it wouldn't even qualify as shabby chic even with some serious distressing.

Roll on the Christmas break and some sunny weather.

Lots more Sunday Stash goodness over at 1/4 of an inch . Check them out.

Project 365 Sat 12 Dec 09

MY PLACE AND YOURS: Five minutes peace
The themes for My Place and Yours just keep getting better with Pilgrim at Draw! Pilgrim the theme queen this week.

Her contribution: 'just five minutes peace' and what does it all mean: "where do you retreat to for that sanity-regaining break? i am interested in what or where in your home your sanctuary is?"

No thinking for me this week ... my bed is the obvious place.


My bed in my favourite linen ... and one of the many books I've read this year. I'm currently rereading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series so I can read her latest novel in order.

And why ... it's where I go to make lists, read a book, grab a cup of tea and watch a movie, do a little knitting, some crafting or maybe a chat and cuddle with Horace! LOL

I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be.

PS Thanks Pip at Meet Me at Mike's for organising this every week. You do a fantastic job.

Project 365 Fri 11 Dec 09

ARCHIVE FRIDAY: Collingwood Children's Farm 1987
It's Archive Friday again (thanks Melissa and Emjie's Treasures) and this week I was going to put a photo of my girls at Christmas time ... it's the right time of the year after all.

But that photo isn't scanned as yet (and another thing on my never ending list of things to do) and it seems as thought something else is meant to be.

Now, Horace and I spent the evening over at the Convent in Abbotsford, wandering around the craft stalls there and having dinner at Lentil as Anything.

A lovely evening topped off by a leisurely stroll through Collingwood Children's Farm and along the Yarra ... which brings me neatly to my photo of Wini and I at Collingwood Children's Farm in January 1987 (you see ... it was meant to be).

When I met Horace he lived in Abbotsford, a short walk from the Farm, and actually had an allotment at the Farm. He loves growing things, and I spent many a Sunday there sleeping on the hard ground (which was no hardship to me because I can sleep anywhere) while he pottered around the Farm.

Later, when we lived in East Brunswick, we still travelled regularly to the Farm a couple of times a year for get togethers with friends; usually birthday parties for Anna and Demos' daughters and always around Christmas time.


Wini and I captured chatting with Vicki.

And what's so gorgeous about this photo, apart from a very young me in my all time favourite enamelled blue earrings ... but Wini in the sweetest hand knitted matinee jacket and bonnet knitted by my Mum.

Mum was a champion knitter ... so talented she could knit anything and it was only when she got to the point she felt she couldn't see well enough to knit that she stopped. A bad day for knitting.