Felicity Wilson

Polly Party

2012-01-27T17:26:00.003+10:00

Its finally time to start the Polly Party!

There are prizes, shop specials, inspiration posts, giveaways and spot challenges all weekend! What would a party be without a game or a spot challenge from me.
Hope you can make!

using more Websters!
A spot challenge coming up and it has to do with this card! check into Polly!

we are guessing how many buttons in the jar over at Polly!

I am planning to relax this weekend - its been a busy week. Sorry for lack of posts, creativity shares and visitng blogs.. but next week is looking a bit quieter for me!

Happy Friday evening!

PS I have noticed the reply option under the comments, so if anyone has questions I will be commenting there - be sure to check back for my reply!

Happy Australia Day

2012-01-26T09:16:00.001+10:00

I am smashing!

2012-01-25T13:11:00.001+10:00

I got a bit carried away with my 'smash' journal yesterday.
Its taken me a while to catch on to the this new trend. Perhaps fear held me back, but I am loving it. There is no right or wrong, no perfection required.. just cut, stick and pop a label there, bit journalling and done!
I love the format of these journals, its so easy to keep up to date and document every day life. I started out with one Blue smash book.. but thats changed.. dare I say I have about another 4 or so now!
I am hooked line and sinker!
I dont seem to have too much of a problem deciding what will be in my journals. Anything that really comes in my hand!

When I got more of my journals. I decided that I want to have one each for the boys. There are so many things these boys to that are hilarous. I know my Mum use to write down all the funny little things we did and pop them in a book and have wanted to do something similiar. Its so much fun to sit down and read those funny moments.

"Come quick, bags in the sky" on looking we found children flying kites!"
oh yep.. that was me at age 3

"I came looking for my purse and shopping toys - Mum pointed to my play keys -"dont be silly were walking not driving!"
Aged 4

"Please dont bounce that tennis ball inside said Mum. A few minutes later my brother was angry. "mum her tennis ball just landed i my leggo game" "felicity said Mum loudly" - "well you didnt say I couldnt throw it!!!"
I was nearly 13 years then!

But what gave me this thought was that Brett said to me a few weeks ago after he went back to work, if I could do one thing for him, that was to tell him each day a funny thing these boys did.
Sure I can, because they do a thousand things a day that cracks me up! So I have my camera always there ready to perhaps capture that funny little moment and the Smash book is there too, so now all Brett needs to do is pick up there journals.
I am wishing now I started this earlier, like years ago!

Anyone else hooked line and sinker on Smashing?

Happy Wednesday!

This weekend

2012-01-24T18:16:00.001+10:00

Polly! is having a Party this weekend.
A bit like a cybercrop with more. Prizes, shop specials, inspiration posts, giveaways and spot challenges.
There is also a lucky door prize being offered for someone that RSVP's on the forum
www.pollyscrap.com.au/forum

We really hope to see you there for a weekend sure to be full of fun!

so thankful

2012-01-23T15:35:00.001+10:00

Happy Monday :)

So last week, was a week of learning and adjusting to 'new' things! I am so thankful for those friends that helped me through, they helped me take little steps each day and for just simply being there. Those friends that understand we all make mistakes, we learn and that is really is ok to have 'off ' weeks!

This week I have started off with renewed energy and strength to face what I need to face and learn what I need to learn.

Over the weekend I was thinking about my friends, the ones that stand by you, that send you text message just to make sure your ok, the ones that make you laugh till your sides hurt and the ones that help you get back on your feet and help you re-focus!
I have so many friends out there, that I simply could not name them all.
There all so special to me in so many ways.
I feel so often I don't value my friendships I have. I feel that maybe I don't give as much as I should in a friendship... but regardless of all that..I would be lost without my buddies.

Honestly Friends, I want to reach and hug each one for you for all your comments the last few weeks, if only you knew how much I appreciated them and if could see my face each time I read them. Thank you just doesn't seem enough!

Progress: So I have been watching the jump start videos. Aren't they so helpful! So many new techniques and clever ideas. Anyways... on one of the videos it mentioned about an inspiration book, so I got out a notebook and away I went.
This took a whole 5 mins and I was ready to create!

More progress: Now my page begins!

Stamped with Tim Holtz mounted butterfly stamp. I just painted some teal paint onto the stamp and then pressed down.

close up: texture paste. Webster paper dress. Basic Grey Indie Bloom Paper.

close up: rolling paper again! Some hambly screen print overlay tucked in there too!

Well, I best get back to the jobs that need doing today. I wnat to get a few more crossed off my list!

6 finds on Saturday

2012-01-21T13:07:00.000+10:00

So... this week I came across Fox in flats.
Oh I am loving her blog!
The day I actually came across her blog was a day, I was feeling a little low, I guess finding it hard to just get the motivation and inspiration for the day and pehaps I didn't have the love for motherhood as I should have. I was feeling like a prisoner stuck inside my four walls, I felt restricted and just didn't feel like I could be a good mother and wife.
So she wrote about a dare.. wearing a scarf for 7 days straight all different ways!

Thats all it took was a little 'something' for me! I jumped in with two feet and put my wings on! Thats it, I did it! I took her up! I totally felt good within myself :)
Now isn't that what matters friends?

{Day 1}

I will post the other 6 piccies next week

Of course I have browsing styles, patterns and colours of scrafs! I have a draw full of scarfs!!!

1. I totally love this idea - might be perfect for my studio!

2. just love this outfit

3. those colours are fabo! Think I might have to try those colours in scrap page.

4. brights! love it :)

5. the mixture of patterns has got me!

6. I dunno - I just love it!

All my links and more ideas over here on my pinterest board
Do you think I should Dare myself and take inspiration from these and create a 'she' page?

Take just a few minutes and do something for you.
Go and put your hair up nice because you my friend, deserve it!

Happy weekend :))

she took one small step...

2012-01-20T17:20:00.002+10:00

So its been a tough week. Millions of tears shed but I stood tall like a solider and fought on!
I used that inner strength that I perhaps forget I had!
I have realised that all it takes is one small step at a time!

But I am discovering more each day how much more strength I have.
Perhaps its just a little bit of strength I have gained, but its helping me slowly step away from things I need to step away from and step toward those things that help me and encourage me.
One of the hardest things I face is realising and then accepting that for me to be better person, it means removing this from my life and adding this instead.
Its hard and I mean real hard!

Like when I open a bag of Jelly beans, I love sugarsugarsugar, I start with just one, and a minute later, just one more and another minute later another one... get the idea... Its a bad habit for me!
But when your stopping this habit there becomes a change. I simply dont like change. I have fears, I have doubts and new ways I have to find to deal with change. Then comes accepting and settling into that change. But change just doesnt happen, it requires strength and a lot of guts!
It all starts by taking one small step at a time!

So again, with all that in mind I went into my studio one night this week.

'She took one small step'

close up: texture paste butterflys. Coloured with wax crayon! Backgound lots of Glimmermist and Gesso!

close up: hambly screen print tape on my die cut and little peg.Then white washed with gesso!

close up: rolling paper! A new love!! tee hee.. using Crate paper -Paper heart collection

Happy Friday :))

Menu on a Tuesday

2012-01-17T09:26:00.002+10:00

Ok, so yesterday wasn't the best day for me.
Onward, upward, forward. Motherhood and life can be challenging but you know what.
You have to pick myself up off the ground!
Yesterday meant there is growth for me today!
So I am going to be thankful for the growth.

This week I have gone with a bit of ease. Simply because some of these things are already made in the freezer. Remember last week about the freezer door being open.
All the pre-made meals will be used up this week, so back to more effort next week.
I think I will enjoy the 'ease' of meals instead!

Monday: Vegetable Lasange
mixed toss salad

Tuesday: Rissoles
fried rice
stir fry vegies

Wednesday: Beef and black bean stir fry
Singapore Noodles

Thursday: Spice baked sausages
mash potato and pumpkin
corn cobs

Friday: Chicken and bacon pizza
using up left over roast chicken
Custard tart for dessert

Saturday: fresh fish
rice
homemade bread

Sunday: Pickled pork
mash potato
baked sweet potota
mixed steam vegies

Right oh, I think I might find myself in my studio a wee bit today, I want to document my little experience.
Art is my best therapy :)

Happy Tuesday :)

6 find on Saturday

2012-01-14T09:55:00.000+10:00

Wow.. what a wonderful week it has been!
Lots of playing cars, play-doh, creating pages, reading stories and cooking...I think we even squeezed in a PJ day!

One trend I seem to be noticing is bikes.... I think I am going to jump on the bandwagon too. I love looking at the vintage bikes, the colours and all the products that seem to be coming from CHA sneaks.
So I have been cutting out lots of bikes this week.

1. quote - I love that word!
2.art -I love all the shading. Time for the colour pencils to be dusted off!

2. Webster Sunday Picnic - so cant wait for th postman to deliver mine!

4. cotton bag - I so could add that to my bag collection

5.notebook - this reminds of my stamp that is in my stash!

6.art - I don;t know. I just love it for some reason!

oh I am loving bikes!
Think I might just forget about the floors being mopped and do them in a hour or so.
I have motivation and inspiration to create!

Happy weekend :))

Her hand in motion - backgrounds

2012-01-13T09:13:00.000+10:00

So as I mentioned on Saturday.. I was creating a page that was totally inspired by the picture with the arm chair and rug.
I just loved seeing the doily on the floor and then the shoes sitting over there in the corner.
As i was sitting there thinking about this concept I wanted to apply, I got creating with my background.
Now, all I decided was that I wanted to use was shades of teal and bright blue.
Then I grab all my sprays, mists,and inks in those colours.

Now I have a lot of sprays, mists & inks.But always room to add more to the collection!
Remember I am an orgainsed scrapper. I cant scrap in mess!
I have this folder and in that folder I have it divided into sections, by brands.
Then i have sprayed or inked a sample of each colour and then written the name of each colour.
So now that I had decided on what colours, all I had to do was refer to my folder and grab those products out.
Then I could start on my background.

As you will notice, how could you not.. haha.. but I love using white as my background.
I think its because white is so crisp, its bright, its pure... something so versatile.

anyways.. here is a little step by step.
I think I need a video camera!! its so hard photographing what I do! :(

Step 1 - Pour Gesso straight onto my page and then move it around the page with an old card.
I love using the Liquitex brand because it leaves a nice grainy affect on my page, which adds a little subtle texture to the background.

Step 2 - Spray randomanly Sea Glass Glimmer mist all around the page.
As you can see because spray the subtle texture in the Gesso becomes quiet visble.

Step 3 -Then grab some paper towel and start splodging the glimmermist.
Just removing the excess from what hasnt soak into the Gesso.

Step 4 - Then use a mask. mine is just a rubber doily - sprayed with a darker mist Trunk bay. Before removing the mask, I again dabbed off the excess with paper towel.

Leaving this little pattern :)

Step 5 - Then reapply your mask and started using a dabber in Pool colour again dabbing the excess.Now it didnt quiet turn out how I wanted it to be, so I dabbed most of it off, and ended up back at square one. haha. I probably didnt need to include this step, but I wanted to show to you, that somethings just dont work out how you think, so you just keep changing and run with that happens!

Step 6 - then came in with Shimmeringz baby breath also adding a little sparkle to my page.

Step 7 - I apply some texture paste lines to the background with an old card and then sprayed with Shimmerz vibez Jem B Bleu.

close up: the masked background sneaking through

close up: Prima birdhouse, resin flower from Polly! scraps

close up: manohouse creation flower, Prima and inspire lovely tag

close up: a lil something bird. Butterfly cut with MDF die using the cardstock resist.

Happy Friday :))

She let go

2012-01-11T07:34:00.000+10:00

So yesterday I was feeling fustrated.
Acutally I have been like that for a week or so now.
Just little things would annoy, then I start to feel incapable with a lot of mother and wife duties.
I would make big plans for my day, like spend as many hours as I could creating while I didnt need to attend to the boys, but then come that day I was so tired. So I did what need to be done around the house. There were always meals and baking. I never neglected anything around the house nor the boys - they always come first.
I was struggling to find motivation to create. I had all the inspiraton I need.. but come the opportunity, I just couldn't. So I would choose to read my book on the couch, but right beside was my sketch pad and pen.

I sat yesterday just thinking. Thinking about why I was fustrated, why it was affecting me not wanting to create nor face anyone. I just couldn't find my answer and no one would be able to find it for me.
But that next morning when I woke, I had my breeky, boys were sleeping. (I got up early, had enough sleep) and I decided to just create. I wanted to create something that remember me how I felt at the time.
I gave myself that little shove.
I feel so grateful now that I did this page. I am feeling positive with myself, kind and patient to 'she'.
'She' has let go of those little things...realising that little things do take up much energy.I dont have enough spare energy to be worrying.
At least that is what I am wanting to focus on today!
It was good to reflect and create!

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

'she has let go of doubts and fears'
Sorry this page is similar to others, but I am just trying to gain my confidence back

close up: twine/string mist and sat on texture paste. Prima flowers and Basic Grey little black dress embellishments
close up: Basic Grey mistable flower with chipboard butterfly found in my embellishment draw

close up: bandage and twine/string around my photo

"she is wonderful, kind,patient and loving lady".

PS - There is a little tutorial over here about my string/twine

I think I need to create something about my good qualities instead of dwelling on the negative things!

just something to share...

2012-01-10T09:54:00.000+10:00

Last month I was asked if I would create a canvas with some old wedding photos for my cousins mother.
I was shocked, totally suprised, pehaps excited mixed with total gratitude.
I was given free rein.
Admitley I was totally blown away by being asked to do this.
So I started out sketching a few ideas, writing a few thoughts down.. then I sneaked in some 'quiet me time'.. and got all excited as I created.
This is the first canvas I ever done, let alone for someone to give as gift.
Nervous but yet soooOooo excited.

close up: shimmerz and Prima = love

I just love how this turned out. Probably because there are colours I love to use and also because being my first try at a canvas it turned out perfectly!

anyways... I also created this page for The colour room last week.

close up: using Stacey idea from the shimmerz blog with the butterflys.

close up: basic grey papers and more prima.

close up: the butterflys are outline with crayon.

And I received another feature. oooh.. thank you TCR. I am still up skipping around the house!!!

So I am off... want to get some things crossed off my to do list.
Then I just might, might be able to find myself in my happy place tonight :))

Happy Tuesday :))

Monday Menu

2012-01-09T10:49:00.000+10:00

She asked" so how old are your boys?"
I said "um.. one and two - oh hold is that right"
yep.. it is. Piper turned one on Saturday!

using October Afternoon sidewalks

So, I took a little break from posting my Menu's.
Someone asked me this last week where I get my inspiration from for meals?
But you know, I couldn't really answer them. I don't spend time searching the internet for new recipes but there are times I come across something that looks tasty in magazines, people talking about how yum there food was, and I do what I do with most things.. write it down or stick in my journal.
But one thing I enjoy is going to the grocery shop.
I am weird, I know.. but sometimes that is where I get my inspiration. I see a new product or new meat line at the butchery's and just have to try it. I love pottering around in there, not only is it great in summer in the air-con and smelling the mango's as you walk in the door, but the boys love to help too. They find the mangoes that we need, the flour and sprinkles for the cake, pick the juice for the table...
Its so much fun to give them a little 'something' to find as we browse the isles.

anyways.. back to the Menu this week - nothing to hard on the menu this week.
Last week the freezer door was found open, so I spend most of that day cooking up all the meat.
Bonus is that all I have to do is put back in the oven.
Preparations have all ready been done.

Monday: Lasagna with fresh salad
Garlic bread

Tuesday: Sausages with onion and mushrooms
Mash potato
mixed green vegies

Wednesday: Honey soy chicken drumsticks
Fried rice

Thursday: sausage and potato pie
mixed vegies

Friday: tacho salad
fresh bread

Saturday: homemade pizza topped with left overs
Lemon meringue pie

Sunday: Roast chicken
Roast potato and sweet potato
Corn cobs

Happy new week :)

6 finds on Saturday

2012-01-07T17:03:00.000+10:00

So I've decided to start a new little something... maybe not every Saturday.. but most Saturdays... I am going to share with you a few things I come across.
Things I love, things that inspire me, things that get added to my wish list..
You all know I love putting things together and dreaming big dreams..oooh and cutting and pasting into journals!

My finds are simply things that I can perhaps add to my everyday life, my creativity, my house, my wardrobe.
Some things have lots of texture, lots of colour, different patterns, different styles.

It can also depend entirely what is going on in my life.. but this is something I do quiet a bit. Find bits and pieces.. print them out and stick them in my notebook.. or save them to various folders on the desktop.

So this week I seem to looking at fresh, crisp items. Maybe its because of a new year and new opportunities. I am also loving the mix of texture of all these items, the patterns and the colours. I have actually started a page with the inspiration being from the room photo - I will show you that page week with a little 'her hand in motion' to go with it!
so here are my finds!

1. Quote - It is just said beautifully.

2. Room- I love how you only see half the chair and then drawn to the little coloured tea cup! Cute :)

3. light - just look at that pattern

4. Tray - I love the mixture of items here!

5. book - upcycled vintage book

6. Parasol - thought my sister and mother who had these on their wedding day

Like what you see?

Have a fabulous weekend :)

a new month

2012-01-06T13:04:00.000+10:00

ok.. its day 6 of January which means there are new challenges.
Dare to scrap is a new challenge site which Kayla asked me if I would like to be on the Creative team. The concept of the site is try new things.. now remember back when I posted about my scrappy goals?
1. Overcome my fears and the can not's with an approach of just try and see where it takes you.

That is what I have done! This challenge was totally inspired by the talented most gorgeous sweet lady Leeann Pearce.

Keeping with the 'try and see what happens approach' I went with gesso on the old book paper, letting it dry and then rolling it and adding a bit of mod podge to hold it. It adds so much to your to page uh!

close up: hand made banner and a Manorhouse creation flower and Prima of course! All you will spy there some Hambly screen print too!

close up: hand made hot air balloons, gesso, then sprayed Shimmerz and inked with Tim Holtz distress ink.

The details of the challenge are here - I would love to see you particpate.

Also while on the topic.. have you seen Stuck!? 1st sketch? Its a sketch by lil ol me.. ok ok ok.. what was a thinking when I designed the sketch a few months back.. to be honest.. No bloomin idea now.. haha
Anyways...
I had fun with my page.. I flipped 90'c and look.

close up: more prima and few older embellishements I had lying in my basket.

close up: hand made banner and that gorgeous Prima heart and of course Shimmerz !

Well.. I am off to get the swimming bag pack.. we have been invited to a friends pool this afternoon. So I best finish off this laundry so I can go too!

Happy Friday :))

PS I have a new little something to share tomorrow - I am excited!

she took the leap and built her wings on the way down

2012-01-04T13:10:00.000+10:00

I know most of you know about the 'one little word' concept that Ali Edwards started back in 2007. Last year I got into it and even took her year long class - which she is doing again this year at Big Picture Classes.
I am jumping on the 'word' band wagon again.

I wanted a word that would inspire me, motivate me and remind me in my day to day living. So for quiet a few days, I have been taking notice of the things I have been looking at, writing done and pictures I have been cutting out. I kept coming back to this quote:

"I am always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time"

Then I knew.. she
I suprise myself, more times then I realise, and forget about me! I have learn from the past few months, how important is it look after me. Taking the time to be healthy, to be calm, to have a little 'me' time each day, to create the things I love.. because after all 'she' is the most important person and no one, I mean no one can look her for you!
I want to do things for me and remember its only me stopping myself.

So I create this little mini book last week to remind myself to look after 'she'.
I am going to need to be constantly remind!

I am going to stop comparing myself to my neighbor and realise I am her, that I cant change her, but what I can do is look after her.
Looking after 'she' will be worth it!

Happy Wednesday!

PS... look at my Facebook stats this morning :)

ok peeps: I am sitting here eating breakfast with tears in my eyes...check this out!

http://websterspages.ning.com/ The header at the top! I dont think anything bad could wrong today.. lol.. My day is made its only just after 6am... lol

colourful style boards

2012-01-03T10:50:00.000+10:00

Did you know Polly scraps has a forum?

I want to thank Kayla for having on board

Anyways... .Kayla asked me if I could set a monthly challenge. Who me?? right.... so what could I do that would help me and others.. you know.. that in itself was a pretty tough question for me. It took quiet some time, lots of notes and drawings.. but there was one thing that most of this notes had in common... and that was style and colour.

I love fiddling with colour. I cut bits out of magazines (never mind that I have subscription to Vogue living magazine just so I can cut pictures out!) and stick them my inspiration book, I pop my paint samples/sprays next the picture.. I stick in fibers that I have and punch out objects - all things that relate to my picture.. ok.. maybe I have to much time on my hands... but never mind the black circles under my eyes...

Then I realised I like to 'style' things. Maybe that's because I play 'house'- I move this and that around the house.. rearrange.. just because I find it fun.. perhaps a bit of interior design.
anyways, I love texture, the look and putting things together.

I love looking at Pinterest, Polyvore, Vogue living magazine, The Colour room... it becomes addictive.. I am warning you!!
So with all that in mind I decided to start a new monthly tradition at Polly!.
Felicity colourful style board.. original right!

Januarys colourful style board

Oh I want that dress!

GONE

close up: shimmerz enemalz - oh I love shimmerz paints

Happy Monday!

Sorry for blogging so much lately :(

twenty- 12

2012-01-02T09:47:00.000+10:00

I am hopeless at resolutions, they don't work, and I dont set them.
I do goals.
Something I can write down and then cross off grinning from ear to ear, inwardly saying "I did it"
A small victory fought and then won.
I wanted things on my list that would inspire me, motivate me, push me and remind me of why I have this hobby of creating, it being not 'just' scrap booking or art.... but saying I scrap book with true love and purpose.

I have become to realise that I have big dreams, wants and wishes for my creativity this year.
The best thing about those things is they evolve with time and effort.
I want to mount on wings and fly! I want to jump in with two feet and see where it takes me.
But I also want to have the expectation that not all the things I wish for, want, and dream of will happen.
But we need to try, we need to make the effort.. we need to do these things with honesty, love and sincerity.

1. Overcome my fears and the can not's with an approach of just try and see where it takes you.

2. Wonder and explore my abilities. Do a few things I haven't had much experience in and teach myself it is ok to try a little something that is a little different.

like this sticker chart I did for Brae using October afternoon sidewalks paper.

3.Create projects that have been on my 'fairyland' aka bucket list wish list. Maybe its because of fears and doubts.. but I want to turn those into accomplishments, to climb the mountain and then look from the top and see the product, but also making sure I take it all in.

{like my FB stats a few days ago }

ok peeps: I created a little mini last night and am quiet excited about it BUT it seems so different and in a way (round about way) not anything like the style of page or card I would do... SO... am I normal?? lol... Is it ok for mini to be different to the way of pages??'

4.Enjoy the simple little things that I take for granted and let that guide my creativity. Taking notice of what 'she' is pinning at Pinterest, perhaps noticing what images and colours 'she' is cutting out of magazines and make those things count.

5. I want to welcome growth and with that change. To realise I am a capable woman. I guess last year I learn and saw a lot of people being judgmental and perhaps a little dishonest with themselves. But you know what we forget, we all have strengths and weakness. There will always be obstacles to overcome and brick walls to break down .. but doesn't that mean there is growth and change, because those things you faced with are things that you never imagined. I want to embrace this growth. I want to be happy for the person next to me, good and bad people, accept winning and defeat graciously and remember that we are human beings.

So I snuck into my studio and created this page with all those things in mind.

OUT FOR PUBLICATION

using Websters Western romance.

close up: totally inspired by Stacey at Shimmerz with the texture paste butterflies

close up: Tried to get the affect of banner with the clothes ;)

close up: watercolour pencil to outline the 'she'

'She designed a life she loved'
I have my word for 2012 and will share with you in the coming days. ;)

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T07:33:00.000+10:00

{A little collection of my favorite projects for 2011}

The last day of twenty - 11!
Its been a year of good and bad memories, love and sadness, joy and sorrow. There have been hard experiences and cheers of victory.
All in all its been a year of learning and coping.
But two words I could use to summarize:
'love and attitude' - that's what helped me through.
After all my one little word for this year was attitude!
2 words that dont normally go together - but for me they do.

I have learn that sometimes you need to walk away from things that are bad and walk towards the good things that are going to fill you with love. Its those things that have helped me be who I am today. It has been tough for me at times adjusting to a family of 4, battling with exhaustion for months, giving birth to a baby while your home is being flood, having a husband that worked lots of weekends and big hours, a year of staying home and one little holiday/break... but with the right attitude and heart full of love, all those things have made me stronger.
I still today, would not change a thing.
Twenty-11 you were kind to me - I {heart} you!

{a collection of photos that summarize my year.}

Jan - Piper was born / Feb - Interaction between the two boys / Mar - playing in the park / Apr - Piper warming our hearts / May - wet weather playing / Jun - Mummy first time with just Piper while Brae is at Grandmas -/ Jul - Brae turns 2 / Aug - Brae learns to ride his bike / Sept - both boys love playing together outside / Oct - Daddys birthday / Nov - first holiday for the year at the beach / Dec - Piper first Christmas

Cant wait for twenty - 12!
PS I have notebook and pen beside.. scribbling done some scrappy goals -want to know?

family

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000+10:00

This morning, I am sitting listening to the birds sing.
Yes just the birds, not even the hum of a car in the distance.
So many times I find myself complaining " oh to have a bit of silence for a few seconds"
but you know,
its weird listening to just the birds.

Everyone is sleeping and I am up early.
Not because I cant sleep, just because I went to the bed with the birds and knew if I woke early, I would get a chance to get a few things crossed off my list so then i can enjoy my day with my family.

I am also appreciating the clean and tidy house, but in the same instance I am sitting here realising that the noise, the messiness, the crazy things all my boys do - big and small. - I would miss. There part of me now. Our crazy happy family. But do I appreciate my family and am I grateful for my family. Some days I think about how nice it would be to have everything just 'so' to have furiture that wasnt chipped, to have clean dining chairs and windows and mirrors without smudges. But really as imperfect as it might seem - I love it! Having those things make my family special, its what we can call our family.

Being this time of the year where most people have spend time with there families and friends, I still sat and thought about those people who didn't have any family left, those in sorrow, those families who have soldiers as Daddy's who are fighting for our country, doctors and nurses...
On Christmas day we drove past the hospital and there out the front where some nurses having a break and Brett passed the comment.. "those people dont get much of break uh" - so true.. do I appriecate the medical stuff that are there always to take our calls.. then to talk with Brett brother who is a fire figther and to hear that they had some call outs.. no rest for them either.. actually.. Brett brother was here with us, I was about to serve lunch and his buzzer went off. There he was willing to just drop everything and go and help. He did not mention one word, despite to just about eat.. isnt that something we need to appriecate.... their efforts, their works for us!

There is a reason behind thinking about this again this morning. I have been editing and looking through my family photos. I set myself the task at the beginning of the year to take one family photo a month for 2011. When I set that goal, in all honesty thought I wouldn't get them 'all'. I have expect to forget, people to not co-operate or simply loose interest.
But somehow I did it.

I want to appriecate and value my family just as they are!

Happy Wednesday! :)

photos

2011-12-27T12:35:00.000+10:00

The best place for me today is inside by the air-condition.
a storm early this morning and heading for 38'c with another storm on the way.
Today is a no brushing hair, no shopping, no getting dressed and no fuss!
So I thought I would sit here and play catch up!

This is my Daily December for 2011. I decided that I wanted the photos to do the talking. it was hard but less embellishments and less journalling.

Using crate paper Peppermint - oh I love that range and also a bit of Basic Grey black dress.

Well.. I think its perfect conditions for crafting today.

wonderful holidays!

2011-12-26T10:00:00.000+10:00

Did you survive the day?
I think I need a long winters nap!
The weeks leading up to Christmas just go so fast because of the work committments and preparations.
Maybe next year I might plan and schedule a bit better!

Now to clean up!
We have more family coming over shortly.
More eating, more gifts, more laughter... then it might be time to put my feet up!

Hope you all have a wonderful wonderful holiday!

tis' the season...

2011-12-22T20:39:00.000+10:00

Tis' the season to be rushed!
Last minute baking, wrapping, crafting..
I did however create a page last night!
but I will show you next week :)

Today we cleaned the house from top to toe.
...with a bit of jingle bells,
lots of laughing and hide an' seek,
.... run rudoplh run,
Brae is vacuuming
...Santa coming
Piper with the dust mit
...dashing through the snow
mopping the floors
Made the day somewhat fun!
Oh some days..
I wish I was a kid again!

I had some good friends pop in.
Oh it was lovely to sit and eat sugarsugarsuagar...
homemade christmas cookies!

So after a productive day we are all settling in for a very new and glorious morn!
sleeping in tomorrow morning.
Oh, its the most wonderful time of the year!

Happy Happy Holidays!

its a silent night

... craft time for Mummy

Rudolph biccies

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000+10:00

Can you believe its only 4 days till Christmas day?Its going fast! . well.. my to -do list just seems to get bigger and bigger!
I keep finding things I want to create, bake or do with my boys!

Brae and I planned to do some fun baking. I think its a bit of a holiday favorite - Rudolph biccies.
There pretty easy to make and pretty tastey.

Ingredients

100g butter
200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
250ml (1 cup) honey
2 eggs, lightly whisked
600g (4 cups) plain flour
150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
1 tbs ground ginger
1 tbs ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Method

Place the butter, sugar and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
Combine the butter mixture and egg in a large bowl. Sift the combined flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and bicarbonate of soda over the butter mixture. Stir until well combined. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Shape into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour to rest.
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Divide the dough into 2 even portions. Roll out 1 portion on a lightly floured surface until 5mm thick. Use a 12.5cm-long Christmas tree-shaped cutter to cut trees from the dough. Place on the lined trays. Bake for 5 minutes or until golden. Set aside on the trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Make up some chocolate icing. Then turn your gingerbreads upside down so the legs become antels, put 2 marshmellows as eyes and raspberry for a nose.

Have a Merry Tuesday :)

All snug in that room...

2011-12-19T10:07:00.000+10:00

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen...

Going from one place to the next,
dashing here trying to find that little something for the next door neighbor to say thank you for all their care and looking out for us,
onto the grocery shop, only to find that everyone is there.
Then into the kitchen to finish off those Rudolph biccies. now that we have more marshmallows.
Its a bit like calling Santa's reindeer's as he prepares to deliver those presents.
come on Comet and Cupid, Donder and Blitzen...

Here I am with less than a week before the kids faces are filled with excitement,
and my hips most likely to be twice or three times as big from all those sweets that just cant be left on the table lonely -
getting buried in my studio and snowed under with deadlines.
scrambling for air only to realise that you are less than half way through.
Now to remember a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, with a little old driver, so lively and quick, will be here very soon with a sleigh full of toys.
So its best that I give myself a nod and point with my finger,
that its time to get to work with creativity.
Because soon a creature wont stir and the stockings will be hung,
then it will be time to nestle into bed.
To listen for the twinkling on the roof tops and the prancing of hoofs
will remind me thats why I bured myself in my studio that week or so ago.

With success so far and little inspirationf rom The Colour Room platte #88 to jump start me.

But before you go
the winner of the 'I am her' book

Oie said...

I'd love to read the book 'I am her'. It made for such interesting reading on your blog. My Christmas indulgence this year (which I snack on after 'lights out!!) is peppermint Chocolate

And the winner of the Amy tangarine mini book

Kylie Smith said...

Oooh, i make these yummy mini puddings that i just can't stop eating!!! They are so good - Christmas pudding mixed with chockie :D Sooo good with a cuppa!!!

Please email me your address.

So away I fly to the room down the hall,
to nestle myself in for a few hours or so!

Happy Monday!

a sweet little package

2011-12-15T08:44:00.002+10:00

Hello and Happy Thursday.

I have been a little crafty this week with a few more Christmas projects crossed off the list!
At one point over the weekend, I cleaned out my kitchen drawers. It was well over due but very rewarding. I found some small paper bags, set them aside on the bench, with a do not touch sign.
Got my notebook and started drawing and writing notes.
A kept going back to the same idea.
Re-decorating.
Being the festive season there will be unexpected gatherings and inviations.
There is plenty of baking and sweet treats in this house,
I put idea one and idea two together and you get a small hand package gift to give.

using Polly Christmas kit - Crate paper peppermint range & shimmerz paintz

Don't we all love a little something.
It kinda gives a whole new meaning to giving.
A package full of love!

just one page

2011-12-14T13:37:00.000+10:00

Ok, so yesterday I should been folding those 3 baskets of washing, but I really wanted to have a go at this sketch. I spent much of the afternoon working on this page. Spraying lots of shimmerz paintz, re-colouring some prima flowers - just so they matched my page and editing a few November photos. I'm excited that I got to use the sketch.

Oh I love how this came together.
Bit self praise is ok uh?

close up: prima flowers sprayed with Shimmerz

close up: a lil somethin flower. manor house creation flower, hambly and prima bird house {cute much!}

close up: a lil somethin banner that I added too - Prima paper sprayed in shimmerz.

Tomorrow I have a Christmas share{s} planned. That is once we have made our reindeer biccies!

cheeky {mini} cheesecakes!

2011-12-12T12:39:00.001+10:00

Happy Monday!
My menu is not exciting this week. Just using up lots of Roast Beef in salads and pies.
But on the weekend Brae & I spent a little time in the kitchen and colouring-in.
So I thought I would share this quick and easy dessert.

We changed the lemon butter on top to M & M's -decorated by Brae!

Cheekymini cheesecakes

1 packet butternut cookies

500g cream cheese

Icing sugar

½ vanilla essences

1tsp lemon juice

1 cup lemon butter

Method

1. Putindividual butternut cookies over each cup cake holder in a cupcake tray andbake on 150’c for about 10mins or until the cookies are soft.

2. Remove thetray from the oven and mould each cookie to the shape of each cupcake holder bypressing them in. Allow to cool.

3. Allow thecream cheese to soften out of the fridge then place it in a bowl and stir it inwith the lemon juice and vanilla essence.

4. Graduallyadd the icing sugar until you are satisfied with the sweetness. Put in as muchor as little as you like.

5. Scoop themixture into your cookie bases.

6. Add a dollopof lemon butter on top. Place in the fridge to cool, and then indulge.

a giveaway or {two}

2011-12-09T14:00:00.001+10:00

I am naughty!
I know I shouldn't be eating them.. but there just so yummy..
oh my Christmas sweet tooth weakness!

I am pretty excited today.
A couple reasons because its Friday and means the weekend is around the corner and one more sleep closer till Christmas.
Another reason is I have a winner to announce from this post.

Dolly Bsaid...

Thats because you have a fabulous Blog! And my to do list...... My husbands favourite saying to me is..... "YOU have no time management!" so nope my to do list remains just that "to do" :(

Cheers
Mary

Dont husbands say the grandest things - maybe they could be a bit more subtle.. but I really hope that you get just one little task completed.

Email me your address (its under the contact me tab at the top) and I will pop a little something into the mail :)

Now I have this book to giveaway.

A while ago I received my own copy in the mail and it has been such a help and strength to me. I honestly think every woman should have a read. It turns so many those 'down' days into positive days.

" see every difficultly as a challenge,

a stepping stone

and never be defeated by anything or anyone"

If you want a copy for yourself just go here to Conpendium.

Also I have the Amy Tangerine Mini Book to giveaway.

Leave a comment telling me what your Christmas sweet tooth weakness OR how much you really want this!

I will leave this open till Friday 16th December 2011 11.59pm

Good Luck

Happy Friday!!

I am jumping around what about you!

feeling appriecative...

2011-12-08T13:46:00.001+10:00

ok
A while ago, feels like months ago, in fact about 2 weeks ago I mention on my blog that I wanted to tell a little story about my birthday. Now its no 'flash' story, nothing about gifts but something that really filled my heart with love that day.

Often I get thoughts that birthdays should be filled with heaps of gifts and getting waited on for that 24 hours. You know, we all dream about having breakfast in bed, doing no laundry or cooking meals,.. well, perhaps it might be different for you, but for me.. I always wanted these sort of things.
I am one those that never talks about my birthday coming up, not even to my husband, sometimes I would prefer that the day would pass without anyone remembering simply because I give myself expecations, a little like what I just wrote and then find myself dissappointed because nothing happened that day that I had expected. But this year I realised that Brae was old enough to understand what birthdays meant. He wanted to join in the excitement, wants to help make cake and sing happy birthday. He wanted to help open Mummys present and dance around the hosue like loonies.
So I blogged a simply message, which required you to read between the lines. and we talk with Brae about Mummy birthday being soon and bought a small gift for him to wrap for me.

ok.. I really didnt want a gift and found it hard to think of something because my children I am sure wont remember Mummy's new pefume he gave me, but I have a feeling he will remember dancing around the house like a looney!

Now I should also point out here, that around my birthday time, it is busy time, my friends and family are generally away, (brett family where away and mine are 1600km away) so I do get left on the wayside. Sometimes I sit and think of what it would be like to have my friends over for a coffee and a laugh.. but you know my friends.. I learn this year that the 'small' things count and having no expectations means a whole lot more.

I didn't get any meals cooked, I made my cake with Brae, only because I knew Brett would not have been confident cooking a cake, although I am sure Brae could showed exactly what goes into the cake, tee hee.. We do way too much cooking! Right at this minute we have, rum balls, peppermint slice, cupcakes with blue icing, Anzac biccies, little chocolate rolls, marshmallow cones with sprinkles.. and then Brett told me this morning as he is packing his lunch for work.. I think I might have to feed Ruff (our dog) some this! um.. NO.. how about you take some to work or give to the neighbors.. tee hee

ok.. side track now.. now one small thing Brett did for me was peg my washing out. I didnt ask, I didnt expect it and just a small action for me spoke so loud to me. Ok pegging the washing out you think 'what the'.. how could that mean anything.. well friends.. to me.. it did! It meant I could still sit on the lounge and watch my boys play.. it meant I didnt need to get up.. isnt that something.. to just sit a bit longer than what you normally would?

A couple days before I left, I had a friend pop over with there animals for us to look after while they went away and she told me to have a Happy birthday.. jaw was wide open.. how did she know.. well.. you see this friend of mine.. I made some cupcakes for her way back at the beginning of the year for her birthday and she thought it was so special that she had to find out my birthday... oh she is sweet.. so on my birthday she had arranged some flowers to be delivered.. need less to say when there was a knock at the door.. I assumed it was the boys mucking around and didn't answer for a weee bit.. uh opps.. wasnt expecting that one.. it made me cry! To know that she was going to be away and look what she did! but how do I thank her.. words are not enough. THEN.. a few hours later another knock.. again.. assumed it was Brett being a clown.. because I had previously said to him.. did you tell her I was 30 or something.. no I wasnt 30.. so when another bunch of flowers arrived from another friend.. I was gob smacked.. this never happens.. I was sure Brett had told her I was 30... but in the end he hadn't.. my first dear friend had told her friend.. (which she also was away too).. now friends.. I wont forget my day! But I feel so unappriecative and undeserving of what they did.
But you know what.. I believe in this saying now "good things come to those who wait"

I still will not expect anything each birthday, because now my birthday is a day to share with my little family.. just doing silly fun things.. maybe next year we will stand on the veranda and sing top note... tee hee. I dont know.. but that would be gift in its self.. I dont want a fancy tea out, a big flash car or nice watch.. well.. if you gave them too, I would take them and be thankful still.... and there is nothing wrong with that for a gift.. but all I am saying is.. dont put expecatiation on your day, well, if you do, make it's small because I am sure then, you will appriecate even more, like the washing getting pegged out for you!

So today, I am appreciating the smallest of smallest things.

I will just also share this page I did for The colour room this week!
Think I went over board with the sprays and clustering :(

I made those baubles by cutting them out of cardstock, gesso and some texture paste.

Happy Thursday! :)

coming from the office!

2011-12-07T15:01:00.001+10:00

My plan for today was to get all my paper work up date. You know send in bank statements, gather recipets and so forth.. well.. I am nearly done.

I have been sitting here listening to this, just to take away the silence as my boys nap and because its a bit of fun christmas song too!

One thing I have noticed, is I have 160 followers.
Seriously, I feel emotional, I have that many people that stop by.
THANK YOU friends.
You truly are amazing in more ways than you realise. I just dont know how to put it into words.
If I could just reach out and squeeze you tight!

How is your day faring?
Have you crossed things off your to-do list?
Leave me a comment about your day by 11.59pm tonight and I will draw a random winner.
After all its a month of giving right?

Best finish up this office work!

Happy Wednesday.

ps.. I have been playing a giveaway too.. should have it up by the weekend. ;)

a quick hello

2011-12-05T09:45:00.001+10:00

Good Morning! :)

What couldnt better than starting the week with some rain! It was a perfect weekend for creating and making rum balls! Just wanted to share the little tutorial I posted over here at Polly! scrap kits. Also be sure to pop here at Scrap for help.

I have a step by step to share tomorrow.

Happy Monday :)

Weekend Christmas edition

2011-12-03T17:09:00.001+10:00

Its starting to really feel like December!
The tree has been put up and its all decorated. Brae and I even went today to get just a 'couple' more decorations and a Santa hat for Piper.
Oh I am loving it already.
I have waited so long just to see and experience for myself the fun the children have.
I am starting to understand even more now how much the children love it and how much it is really about them and family time.

It's nice to have a 'few' gifts under the tree,
but right now,
I am sure going to remember the grin Brae had when he saw all the Christmas decorations today!
Sometimes actions speak louder than any gift could give!

I will admit though,
its hard for him to understand and even to explain to him that its all about family and fun.

While the boys had their nap,
I grab a little box and decorated it,
popped a little something in it and sat the box with Christmas mouse.
Brae woke and saw this sitting at his table.
"me Mum"
"yes, look what mouse has done while you slept!"
oh the magic has begun.

We have started our own little family tradition for each year.
Each night Mouse will leave a little note or perhaps a little 'something' leading up to Christmas.
My version of an advent calendar, i guess!
After all it is about the children uh?

Just a sneak of our Christmas photoshoot from today!

About to pop tea on and then we are going for ride around the streets to see if there are any Christmas lights up.
another magic moment!

Enjoy your weekend!

Ps I have been scrapping to share soon - something Christmas.

She's making a list...

2011-12-01T09:17:00.001+10:00

This is the time of the year excitement and aniticaption builds.
Its a fun type of year wrapping a gift or two,
putting the Christmas tree up
and explaining to little men what Christmas is.

Well.. today is the day.
Christmas is the offical day in the Wilson house where the Christmas cheer starts.
We bought our very first little white christmas tree and nothing beats the little grin when he relises its a pretty tree in the box that can load with pretty baubles!

I have never been one to 'get' into Christmas,
maybe because I couldnt see the need for Brett & I to go to much trouble decorating,
but now with the little boys,
its so much fun and I am going to enjoy everyday single moment!

I have started a list of crafty things to complete and with so much inspiration over at the Aussie Scrap source blog, would I not want to create and restore items?

Firstly - To kick off this season,
I was lucky enough to play with Polly! scrap kits Christmas kit.

check out the blog post here.

Secondly - Because its the season of excitement,
I was honured to be featured over the Crafters workshop template blog with these pages.

Thank you Jamie :)

Thirdly - I am going to give it my best shot and play with Ali E daily December and Maggie Holmes Daily December photography.

Cover of my Daily December.

Thats my excitement for today.
Enjoy your day and remember, just smile and enjoy everyday because thats what it is all about, right.
Laughter, love, memories, cooking and general fun!

Happy Thursday! :)

24/7

2011-11-30T06:09:00.001+10:00

Dear Twenty-four seven,

I seem to be having a problem and it feels unresolveable!
I am hoping you can understand me and maybe even help me.
There doesnt seem to be enough ticks with the second hand,
and I fear that the numbers on you are missing..

Let me explain.
I looked at the you and it said 6.00
I walked away so briefly to attend to the other matters in the house,
maybe bit washing and bit of playing Doctors,
I sat to be creative - oh I longed to hide in my studio a wee bit more,
then proceed to orgainsed meals for my family,
and upon request play with my littlest ones.
The sun was going to bed and I looked at the clock and it said 11.15!
I am not quiet sure,
but I fear that we missed perhaps 8 or 9.
Do I send my clock back to you?
It seems to be happening reguarly.
Everyday.

Oh please... all I am asking is for my clock to work probably.
I just want to do a little more playing, bit more creative, putting my feet with latte, sharing in the dripply grins and hugging my husband a bit more.
I long to spend more time being in touch with my friends, chatting on the phone, searching the world wide web,
but you see... missing those numbers is becoming quiet an issue.

Please fix this problem immmediatley.

Regards
The lady with pink flowers in her garden.

Monday Menu

2011-11-28T12:36:00.001+10:00

It was a beautiful weekend :)

Thank you to all those who left birthday wishes. I am probably still recovering from pink cupcakes, but oh it was great to have a bit of 'girlie' goodness around the house. Makes a big change to blue! tee hee
I do have a little story I want to tell about my day - but I might leave that for another post later in the week.

So I have planned out my menu this morning. Anyone else planning menus this week? I am also thinking I should try a new recipe a week maybe on a Friday? I seem to do 'similar' things each week, time to be a bit creative in the kitchen!

Monday: Sausges with mushroom and onion
mash potato
baked pumpkin chippies

Tuesday: Mint lamb chops
potato bake
mixed steam vegies

Wednesday: Beef and black bean stir fry (if I can find my recipe)
rice
bread rolls

Thursday: Brocilli and cauliflower Canelloni pasta
Sundreied tomato & parmensen sauce
Foaccai bread

Friday: still deciding.

Saturday: Chicken pizzaRoast pumpkin and honey salad

Sunday: Apricot chicken
mash potato & Pumpkin
corn cobs

I spend a wee bit of time creating on the weekend.

Now I am off to put the kettle on and play some more because in my hot little hands I have the Polly! scrap Christmas kit! Oh I am SooOoo excited to be playing with this.

Happy new week :)

twenty-nine

2011-11-26T11:30:00.000+10:00

Its going to be a good year!

Friday finds

2011-11-25T15:41:00.001+10:00

If you follow me on facebook you would seen stats updates like this:

if you sit still you'll get dusted, moved or go in a bag for life line or the tip!

I have been spending this last week reorgainsing the house. I have re-arranged the rooms around and cleaned my studio.
I now have boxes and boxes to sell on e-bay or locally.
Not to mention a few bags to donate to the homeless.

But what I did find was a cointainer full of ribbons, lace and doilies.
It was like I was in a second hand shop - and it even made me think about my Grandma who possibly owned something like that.
I didnt care much when I was younger about pre-loved things - they always smelt funny to me! tee hee
but now - I love anything pre-loved.
There seems to be endless ideas to change or alter pre-loved items.

Anyway - after opening this container of laces - in whites, creams, blacks, greens, yellows and discovering meters and meters all bound up - I feel like a child on Christmas morning.
I tried to show Brett and explain my excitment - but he didnt seem 'struck'!
So I am going to start a list of items I can do with these finds - feel free to leave any ideas.

source
The weekend is almost here!

a conversation like this...

2011-11-24T14:32:00.001+10:00

A little conversation with a friend:

Friend: you look nice in that blue outfit today

Me: thank you!

Friend: oh.. and look at your boys in bright blue - a very blue family today

Me: I know - I really should wear pink more often

Friend: Pink;s a good choice

Me: Really? Like on me?

Friend: why not? After all you are a girl, stand out from all that blue your surround by

Me: giggle - does that mean I should give myself permission to dress a bit more girlie...

So from that little conversation - I realised I wanted to document about it being ok to put some lip gloss on, put my hair nicely and wear a pretty top.
After all - its a blue world in this house!

after that conversation I also came up with my colour scheme and 'pretty' girile-ish page!

close up: inspire lovely flowers, prima flower, leave vine - (oh I love them) and frame

close up: martha steward layed butterfly punch, paint dabbers and sprays, inspire lovely twine.

close up: inspire lovely tag and basic grey brad ( I am in love with brad again!)

I will be back tomorrow with another post ;)

Monday Menu

2011-11-21T10:25:00.001+10:00

It feel like a long time ago since I posted my menu.
Oh how I am loving grocery shopping at the moment - all those summer fruits slowly sneaking into the fruit shop.
Necatrines, peach, apricot.. oh I love the smell of these stones fruits.
Now, to work out a few ways to incoprate them into salads for meals!

Now my Menu:

Monday - meatballs in an italin tomato sauce
rice
bake at home bread rolls

Tuesday -
Roast Turkey
roast potato & pumpkin
corn cobs

Wednesday -
Beef stir fry with a black bean sauce and big thick noodles
garlic bread

Thursday -
Chicken schintzel drizzled in gravy
mash potota
mixed steam vegies

Friday -
homemade beef burgers
Pavola topped with peach and nectarine

Saturday -
birthday tea - not sure what to do yet :)

Sunday -
Lamb chops with mint & rosemary sauce
mash pototo
baked sweet potato
mixed green vegies

Now.. the exciting part .. the winner from this post her is:

Linda said...

Beautiful work Flis...I really love how you mist with different colours & it all blends together so perfectly :)

I think the handmade embellisment is the green bookpaper flower?

Enjoy the rest of your week! xx

Congrats! :) Email me your addy Linda and I will pop something in the mail for you. (email is under the contact me tab)

Well, I think its time for a bit more photo editing :)

Have a great week my dear friends!

Happy Monday :)

Photo Friday

2011-11-18T09:29:00.001+10:00

I am feeling a little lazy today! I think after getting back from holidays with all the 'busy-ness' that comes with that, I think I could safely say 'I have done alot this week and earnt the laziness'.
So I decided to sit here, while the boys are playing in the sand pit and edit and few holiday photos.

I loved watching these two little brothers become even closer together. Maybe its because there both growing, but there already sharing such a special bond that I cry a few tears to see this!

Well, I am hoping to get back into a bit of craft today and over the weekend. I think Mr Routine has found us again!

Happy Friday! :)

hellooo

2011-11-15T12:49:00.001+10:00

You know your home when you:
1. you see two little boys grin from ear to ear when they spy all their toys
2. when you reverse the car in the garage and decide to use the boot of the car to sort the washing. To save energy in carting it all inside or is it called laziness!
3. when you look for some morning tea and realise there is nothing. The poor dog would never get his bone
4. knock knock - all your mail from the kind hearted nieghbour
5. turn the PC on and discover 105 emails!
6. get all excited unpacking your shopping. new shoes, clothes, birthday presents...
7. when the camera times out from uploading 500 plus photos!
8. reality check - getting up at 5am!

Thank you to you lovely readers for your kind wishes for our holiday - it was.. um.. I am going to say magical! even if you all did get sick and out of action for 3 days! But I will leave the storys and h ighlights for another post.

I just wanted to pop by today, whilst ignoring that huge ironing pile for a wee second and its coffee time too - but I have a few little bits of exciting scrappy news to share.
First one being I am guest designer over at Skissedilla. I am still pinching myself that I am part of this super amazing team for the month. In all honesty, I hadn't even found this site till I got the email and WOW - there is some inspiration over there.

My first page for the sketch

my little giveaway on offer over there too.

close up: new prima flowers - oh I am love with these, scrapware chippie fence gesso, OA sidewalk range. prima pearls under the vine

close up: melissa frances resin corner, martha steward butterfly punch with crayon outline, bandage under the photo

This weeks page

close up: crate paper sticker, more prima and october afternoon sidewalks papers

I am hoping to get back to 'normality' with my regular posts.

Happy Tuesday!

beach bound....

2011-10-28T15:43:00.002+10:00

October family photo

1. beach bag
2. hats
3. Havianna thongs
4. Vogue living magazine
5. notepad and pen
6. maxi skirts
7. basic tee's
8. bucket and spade
9. toileters
10. sunglasses
11. pretty mustard coloured scarf
12. watch
13. cream flower for the hair
14. camera
15. handbag

I dont know how most of you pack for your trip - but if it wasnt for a list, it probably would be something I wouldnt look forward too.

I think I am orgainsed.
Tomorrow makes the first day of our little holiday to the beach.
Don't worry - I am not that orgainsed when it comes to unpacking - bit of procrastinator really.

I will leave you with this page I created using lots of websters.
All about Brae hat stage. He can't go without one!

I will see you all when I am back online in the middle of November.
Its going to be perfect no phones, internet or hussle or bussle.
just a teeny bit excited!
Don't miss me too much.tee hee

Happy fun days ahead lovelies - may the sun shine on you all :)

You & Me

2011-10-22T11:10:00.002+10:00

Thank you for all the wishes for Brett birthday. He had a wonderful day and read all your messages. I watched over his shoulder as his grin got bigger and bigger!

Just wanted to pop by quickly today and share a page.
Misting, misting and more misting!

my deepest apologises about the colour - when I resized the page I lost all my colour :( when I get a chance I will replace this page. sorry folks :(

linking up with this challenge blog too ;)

I wanted to document about the stage my boys are at the moment.
Where one goes the other goes
what one does the other does
what one eats the other wants
I think you get the picture.
I just loving these boys become best friends and close brothers.

close up: prima, and more websters Romance papers. That bracket is gesso and then crayon to colour it in.

close up: a lil something tissue paper flower and the alphas I have outlined with pencil.

Have a great weekend my lovelies :D

Happy Birthday Brett!

2011-10-21T08:03:00.003+10:00

Dear Brett,

I guess you would have never have guessed what I would blog about today uh! After all, you probably are my biggest reader! I know you check my blog everyday, just to see what has been on my mind or what I have created. I know you support and encourage me in many ways (probably ways that you wouldn't know!) Even if it means you picking out all the grammar mistakes, spelling errors, or asking why I said that and not said it this way... I still appreciate and am thankful that you take interest in what I say and do!

So I thought today it would be super fun to get some cyper wishes -so when you come home from work today and check my blog you will see all these wishes from people all over the world!Please leave a little birthday wish in the comments today! Pretty please with a cherry on top!

Thank you so much for everything you do for me - and may today be filled with extra love and little surprises!
In Brae words 'Hap Dad'

We love you lots and lots.

xx
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The card that I made using lots of websters romance papers.

Those boots and the hat where perfect for Brett card - considering he wears a big black hat to work and wears those 'cowboy' boots everywhere - hes country kid through and through!

We are off to make a ginger sponge cake with all the cream of course - that's what Daddy would like and he has order Roast lamb and the trimmings for tea.

Happy Friday :D

little things

2011-10-13T12:42:00.002+10:00

How easy is it to sit on the merry-go-round and forget about all those 'little' things?
I have been just 'pondering' the last few days about what makes me smile at home.I started making a list - oh yes another one

Happiness is a cup of coffee and homemade sponge cake.

Happiness is sitting on the veranda watching two little boys giggle and play on the grass

Happiness is watching Brae grow and learn. Learning that to brushing your teeth with wee bit of toothpaste suffices. not a whole tube of toothpaste is required! Yep sparkling teeth now!

Happiness is opening your inbox to an email from a dear friend. One that listens and tries to understand. Then you find she has attached the most beautiful bouquet of flowers to the email that you print the photo out and stick it on the fridge - so that everytime you walk past you cant help but smile and be thankful that you have her in your life.

Happiness is watching Piper try to take his off, who then realises he is clever!

Happiness is laughing with Brett about the silliest things - those small miniature things that no one would understand!

Happiness is hearing a knock at the door. Knowing that its the postie with a pizza box full of new October Afternoon and more Prima!

Ok.. you read that and think my life might be roses - but we have our ups and we have our downs - I just choose to dwell on the ups because as its said "happiness is choice"!

Tell me something that makes you happy today - and because I want share a bit of happiness with you... I will draw a random winner from all those that leave me a comment and send you this.

I will leave this open till Friday 14th October 11.59pm

Happy Thursday! :D

PS I aplogise for not having any scrapping to share - but keep popping back I have a page nearly finished! I hope I dont disappoint you :(

we love you

2011-10-11T13:26:00.001+10:00

I dont know what's up,
but I feel like I am on a merry-go-round at the moment.
You know riding on those pretty pink horses - up and down, up and down, up and down
smiling at all the people,
maybe catching a glimpsie of rabbit...
... or is that from Mary Poppins??

I think the problem is that I havent surfaced much lately,
because I have been preoccupied with so many other things.
Noticing after a wee bit,
that its time to fix that.
To not let the busy-ness of life sweep me away,
but instead, focus, wait and be paitent.

It doesnt help that we have 2 weeks till our first family holiday at the beach,
a birthday to celebrate in this house.a to do list that must be completed.
I think its time Mummy put her feet up and had a foot massage
If only, if only... cough cough.. I have a birthday soon or maybe Mr Claus might read my letter!

anyway, despite lifes merry-go-round, I created!
Its funny how when I look at my page I can tell whats been on my mind.
I see 'lots on the page' meaning lots on Mummy's mind.
I see colours similar to Mr Clause - Mummy is thinking about that all ready!
I see a photo I love - because they really do feel my day with so much love and affection.
I see an areoplane which must mean we have been playing with 'Jeremy the jet' from Thomas
I guess you want see what I mean?

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

close up: pink paislee mistable flower which I decided to leave raw, an old kaiser flower, more frames, Basic grey paper, my minds eye hot air balloon stamp

close up: gesso the Crate paper areoplane and then went over it with pencil, colouring in flowers with crayon and creating a frame from the crate paper boarder stickers. a chip chop shop love heart pin

Yep a busy page - odd colour scheme for me ...
Maybe I should ask for the merry-go-round to stop for my birthday or perhaps to be taught how to use 'odd' colour schemes.
Either way - I was in my happy place and I think I might just go back there!

eight months

2011-10-03T13:09:00.001+10:00

I feel so thankful that I had a chance to cut-and-paste on the weekend.

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

a just because page. Background has some happy tape strip which was gesso and misted.

close up: using mistables to create that little banner, a lil something butterfly and doilie inked

(REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION)

close up: inspire lovely flowers, chippie framed gesso and painted

(REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION)

close up: bandge destressed, a frame which I cut the scallops off to make it square, hambly transparency.

There is so much inspiration floating around on the www - so I think I might put that inspiration to good use!

Happy Monday :)

10 things I love

2011-10-01T09:59:00.001+10:00

Wahoo.. Its the weekend!
Heres to a lazy fun filled weekend!

1. My navy and tan bag.
2. tea cup that holds just the right amount.
3. "I am Her" book
4. notebooks. I have about 8 on the go. Each notebook is a different topic and all with lists. Yep - true notebook girl.
5.Maxi skirts
6. New black thongs. Perfect to wear everywhere.
7. Coffee cake I just made for morning tea.
8. mustard colour purse
9. blue belt
10. shop called 'Secret Girl stuff'

Who is she?

2011-09-29T15:09:00.001+10:00

"She is a daughter, She is best friend. She is a pocketful of light. She is a spark of something good, getting brighter; a dream grown larger; the right thing at the right time.

She is a dancer, a singer, a thinker, a truth-teller. A connoisseur of all things this wide world has to offer. Her spirit is the first thing people notice. Her mind always had a mind of its own. Her heart, though it has sometimes been hurt, bears a strong resemblance to a daffodil: it always flowers again.

So She wakes with anticipation. She finds new hills to climb. And everyone agrees that the very fact of here in the world means there is still so much good to come.

Who is She? She is me. She is you"

that is quoted from the "I am her" book - you purchase it here.

I have been pondering 'she' for a few days now. I guess I keep realising more and more each day how much we need to look after ourselves. How much we can get taken with others and soon forget to feed ourselves, excerise, taking 10 mins to do something for you - even if that is sitting in the couch and starting into space.
I am not saying neglect others and your family - no! - all I am trying to say is 'She' is an important person.

anyways.. I was reading this post at beckys blog - some you may have already seen it.
But it was a strong message for me.

I have decided that next month I am going to start to document about me.
Look at the positives.
Look at the things I enjoy.
the things I want to do,
how I want to live everyday with happiness,
accept the nice things people say about me,
my goals and dreams.
the struggles and experiences of day to day life as a mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend.

I am going to ask for forgiveness already because I might refer the "I am her" book a little.

{Number 1} -Taking lots of self potraits. yes it will be challenging, but I am up for it

{Number 2} - documenting my thoughts and scrapping with my emotions. I am thinking of the normal 12 x 12 pages I do, simply because that is ME and if I tried to create any other way - I think it would defeat my purpose, right?

So I guess - I am also asking if you would like to join me. There are no rules, no guidelines at all.
I will be posting my page and then a bit of 'insider information' of how I got to that page and few of my thoughts.

Anyways... The paint is most likely dry, so I best stop procrastinating!

I will leave you with this - again from the " I am her" book

"She doesn't do well at standing still. She plans big, she rolls up her sleeves, she has faith in her own momentum. She knows that change doesn't happen all at once, but she welcomes it, she prepares for it, she gives it fertile ground.....

I am her"

W i n n e r - winner

2011-09-27T09:37:00.001+10:00

Firstly - I want to say a big THANKYOU to all those that visited and left comments which were quiet lovely and enourgaing whilest I had the giveaway. I loved reading about everyones colour and why you would be that colour - he really made me smile.

Secondly - The winner of the Alla Prima 6 x 6 Paper stack is...

Kate said...: I would be a yellow or a red so people could turn to me for warmth and comfort :)

I love that top kit! great colours, and the frame on your page rocks flis! xo
September 23, 2011 10:55 AM

Congrats Kate! (PS I love your blog and whoa loving all the paint you use!)

and the winner of the Printery Prima 6 x 6 paper stack is...

Toni Cartwright said...: WOW what such a stunning layout here you have created!!! so loving those colours and all those layers of embellies!!!
Loving your blog and work
I am now a dedicated Follower of yours

TONI
XOOXOXO

Congrats Toni Cartwright! (PS I have just discovered your blog. Your a scrapper from the heart!)

Thirdly - I would like to share with you my page for last weeks palette #76 at the colour room. My colours ended up a paler than I planned for. I know, I know, there is no pattern paper, its all mists/sprays, inks, masks, embellishements. Thats one reason why I love playing - it takes me places I never dream of!

close up: inspire lovely embellishments and a feather tucked in there.

close up: scrapware chipbnoard frame, gesso and painted, a lil something banner.

close up: stufio calico alphas which I changed the colour of with wax crayons.

close up: that little tag. pink flower and butterflys are from inpsire lovley

Fourthly - a little sneak at a page I started last night. Lets see where this page takes me!

inperfection of the masking :(

Oh i love creating :)

Question of the day

2011-09-23T10:03:00.001+10:00

If you had to be a colour for the day, what colour would it be?
Of course I choose to be pink - no partial reason, just loving Pink today :)
Leave me your colour in the comments by Monday 26th Sept 11.59pm and I will draw 2 random winners to receive one of these.

and of course a scrap page to whet the appetite.

Close up: my last chipboard bike from scrapware, a lil something butterfly and banner, crafters workshop templates, mists and gesso

Close up: using up old prima, melissa frances frame, twine and doilie from the chip chop shop.

Hi-de-ho - boys are having their morning naps, Mummy is going to play with some paint and then we are making colourful gingerbread men :)

Happy Friday! x

SHE

2011-09-21T12:50:00.000+10:00

She loved her early morning walk with the boys. The chance to appriecate nature more and the opportunity to feel good for the rest of the day.

She is currently enjoying the quietness and feeling so thankful for a little time out to recharge the batterys.

She has been feeling anxious and worried, but cant pin point as to why she is feeling that way.

She is so thankful for her friends (readers) that encourage her and help her to keep chasing those rainbows.

She is going to keep remembering "she believed she could so she did"

She is wanting to be more trustworthy and honest in all that she does. always room for improvement

She is loving her husband more and more and it feels stronger today than other day and doesnt know why.

She wants to keep holding her chin up and looking ahead forgetting about what has happened in the past.

She is going to keep being herself and she wont be influenced.

I AM HER!

linking up with this post.

happy Wednesday :))

menu and some scrapping

2011-09-19T13:35:00.000+10:00

You know.. I have decided I am not going to apolgise for what I said in my last post. Sometimes I feel like I am posting and then go on about how I feed bad and how I will do better.. but you know.. That little lesson the other day has made me stronger, more appreciative of 'tough' days. It has created more love for my family and my scrapping. It has made me realise that these little moments help us through another moment later on. I am realising that little moment has already been great teacher to me.
That really - that 'little' moment is such a small part in life. But yet those small parts help us with the big parts in life.

Its a new week. I am going to take deep breaths, hold my head high and simply relish every moment - big and small - good and bad.

So why do I instead on beating myself up for the things I post??

Onto my menu for the week
Monday:
bacon & egg pie
Fried rice
bread rolls

Tuesday:
sausages with onion and gravy
mash potato
steam vegies

Wednesday:
Tandorri meatballs
rice
garlic bread

Thursday:
bacon chops
mash potato
pumpkin salad

Friday:
homemade mini pizzas
herb bread
(and a dessert - just not sure which one yet)

Saturday:
fresh prawns
rice

Sunday:
Hawani chicken
roast potato and pumpkin
corn cob

keeping true to my promise a scrap page. Totally created 'because' I wanted to scrap.

{too cute} - Piper at 7 months

close up: martha steward punches, twine from inspire lovely

close up: a lil something flower, prima, gesso, sprays

I am excited.. I have another 'because' page waiting to be finished on my desk.
oh and

Happy Monday!

Happy and sad

2011-09-17T08:02:00.000+10:00

Happy because the weekend is here
Sad because I know the weekend will go to quick.

Happy that Brett is home today. a weekend off for him and a sleep in!
Sad that he doesnt get to spend many weekends at home

Happy because we are planning something as a fmaily to do today!
Sad because it means not a lot of craft time but I would put family time over craft time any day

happy the sun is out so lots of bike riding will be had
Sad means no rain so I need to water my plants.

Happy that I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend
Sad that there are so many out there who cant be a mother.

Happy that I have a new day to do better at being 'who' I am.
Sad that I keep trying to be someone I am not.

Happy that I have a scrap page to share with you all next week

Sad because I didn't make the Basic Grey team. yes I send in application and wasn't going to tell anyone, but I am not going to let my pride say "that I cant tell anyone"

Happy that I create pages that I love even if its not recognized by 'big' name people
Sad that I feel I need to be 'reconginsed' for my scrapping

Happy with my growth as a scrapper.
sad that I would even consider myself to be 'good enough' for a manufacture

Happy that I am going to make a coffee and re-focus on why I scrap and that being recongnised is not the bee all and end to craft.
Sad that I even thought about wanting to be recongnised .

Happy that the kettle is boiled - coffee time
Sad that I have no chai latte left!

yep, those Happy things out weigh the sad things!
Time to dwell on the 'happiness' and change my {at-ti-tude}
Enjoy your weekend - keep smiling, cause I will be! :)

Afternoon tea

2011-09-15T15:21:00.000+10:00

I am just sitting here waiting for the boys wake from their afternoon sleep. We have been busy making a start some spring cleaning, some craft has been done, lots of kicking the ball around the backyard and some baking.

Ginger sponge cake

Cake:
• 4 eggs, separated
• 2/3 cup caster (super fine) sugar
• 2/3 cup plain flour
• 1/3 cup cornflour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinamonCream:
• 300ml carton thickened cream
• 2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 4 tablespoons golden syrup/treacle/honey (i used golden syrup)

Instructions

1. Grease two deep, 20cm round cake pans/8″ square. Line bases with baking paper/parchment paper an all sides
2. Whisk egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until firm peaks form.
3. Change to beater blade and with motor operating, gradually add sugar, beating well until sugar is dissolved. Add yolks, beat until mixture is thick and fluffy.
3. Sift combined flour, cornflour, baking powder, cinamon and ginger over egg mixture. dont add all the dry ingrediants at once, do it in 2 or 3 batches.
4. Using a metal spoon, gently fold into flour mixture-not to overmix. Divide mixture among prepared pans.
5. Cook at 160C for about 15 minutes or until sponges come away from sides of pans. Turn onto wire racks to cool.
6. Place cream, ginger and golden syrup in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until firm peaks form.
7. To serve, spread cream over one sponge layer, place top cake layer and spread remaining cream.

Guess what we are having for afternoon tea? Whats one of your favorite things to have this spring?

we love you

2011-09-14T08:47:00.001+10:00

I am so thankful I have had time to scrapbook this week!
Just been playing around with the Digi Kit at The colour room and another opportunity to try hybrid again.
Playing catch ups with Piper album.Sorry if you start to see lots of Piper photos!

totally inspired by Stacey photo she did of her son.

close up: Scrapware chipboard pram, mists and sprays, prima masks, Digi kit, Bo Bunny papers.

close up: feather, Digi kit, using up some Prima so I can use my new Prima!

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement on my latest posts.

Happy Wednesday :)

Monday Menu 12/9

2011-09-12T10:15:00.000+10:00

A perfect weekend :)

We rode our bikes, chased balloons, played with Ruff, made banana and Passionfruit bread, planted some pretty flowers all with a perfect blue sky above!

I have planned out my menu this week. Anyone else planning a menu? Let me know if you are.

Monday:
Apricot chicken
Fried Rice
bread rolls

Tuesday:
tasty chops
baked potato and pumpkin
steam carrot and cabbage

Wednesday:
chicken with Sundried Tomota, fetta cheese and olives
Pasta
garlic bread

Thursday:
steak with Satay Sauce
mash potato
corn cobs

Friday:
Fresh fish
rice
strawberry salad

Saturday:
mince hamburgers
homemade wedges
homemade Rocky road & vanillia ice cream

Sunday:
corn meat
roast potato & sweet potato
steam vegies

Satay sauce never goes a stray in this house. Poor Ruff even misses out. Brae generally puts his hand up to lick the saucepan while Daddy sits there convincing Brae that it should be Daddy job to lick the spoon!

Satay Sauce:
2 tablespoons Crunchy Peanut butter
1/3 Cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 chilli powder
1 glove garlic crushed
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup coconut cream

Put all the ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer and stir for about 10 mins or until thick.
pour over your chicken or steak.

I didnt get to spend as much time creating as I wanted to on the weekend - but I did create lots of memories! So I think I will finish off Mondays house work and enjoy some morning tea in the sun!

Have a lovely week :)

something new!

2011-09-09T10:06:00.001+10:00

Thank you to each and everyone of you for taking part in my survey.
So many times I felt like I was doubling up - between Facebook, flickr and a blog.

My blog is a place to drop in and see my creative, ideas, tutorials, some inspiration and a few tip and tricks about my domestic duties around the house! I apologise for lots of re-arranging of posts, but I am all sorted now!

You will now find my 30 day photo challenge & my family photo a month over on
http://www.flickr.com/
or facebook.
Now I should be able to keep up with it all!

I am going to be working a few scrapbook pages this weekend and maybe a step by step - but I am getting easliy distracted.

Happy Friday :)

just wondering

2011-09-07T13:54:00.004+10:00

Ok... maybe being in bed the last three days as been bad thing!
I have been doing a lot of thinking.
is that bad?

Can you do this survey for me?
Its quick, I promise.

New palette

2011-09-05T15:37:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the new palette 74 for this week at The colour room? Initially this palette was a tough for me. I started off with a desk full of embellishments and inks, sprays and mists and then it just fell together easily enough.

Brae is becoming very protective of Piper. Always making sure it isnt into something he shouldnt be, picking up bits of paper or small things that Piper shouldn't have. Just like having another Mummy really. You can just see how much the boys love and adore each other, however, we are learning to share!

close up: lil bow from Inpsire lovley, hessian and some twine

close up: lil something flower, crayon outlining and The crafters workshop template

close up: chipboard car from October afternoon. Gesso and then water colour pencil

If you up for a bit fun with colour, then join me!
Thanks for stopping by :)

sping' wish list'

2011-08-30T13:26:00.000+10:00

Just a small post today.

I have started my list. Crazy really! There are so many things I would love to do this spring, so I have started a long list.

1. Purchase Photoshop Elements or photoshop light room and learn how to use it.
2. Take the boys a picnic to the dam.
3. do a step by step on how I create. yes I have been reading your emails :)
4. create a mini album or two
5. keep planning my new scrap room
6. plan a super dupa high tea
7. maybe host a little mini teddy bears picnic with the boys
8. build some sand castles
9. work out my spring warbrobe
10. play the piano and flute more
11. have a family holiday away from the hussle and bussle
12. eat lots of fresh paw paws from the tree
13. hop up early and take in the morning sun with hot cup of chai tea
14. make iced tea and berry smoothies

The list is under way!

I have been playing again,its addictive!

casual by felicityw featuring applique shirts

What is on your Spring list this year?

coming to you...

2011-08-26T10:17:00.000+10:00

Good morning :)
This post is bought to you from my studio.

The colour room palette #73

layout:bit of prima, crate paper and studio calico

close up: stamping with faber castell pens, neocolor wax crayons, fussy cutting

Close up: crate paper chippie car, chipboard gesso then neocolor wx crayon over the top, prima flower.a lil somethin flower clip

Perfect day for a picnic with a packet tiny teddies and more craft.

Happy weekend! :)

Stuck?! sketches blog hop

2011-08-25T10:33:00.003+10:00

If you have arrived here because you are hopping along with the Stuck?! Sketches blog hop, welcome! One lucky winner from those hopping will receive a We’re Savvy kit from Scrapbook Savvy! Who wouldn’t want to win this gorgeous kit?

For your chance to win, leave a comment and collect the words from each blog on the hop. The words are just a list, they do not form a sentence, so no being tricky and skipping any of the blogs. Once you have finished, email the list of words to stucksketches@optusnet.com.au along with your name and location by midnight Sunday August 28th.

If you've just discovered the hop, you can get started HERE.

And, here is the full list just in case you get lost...

Celeste

Chantelle

Charmane

Felicity <<< you are here

So, your next stop on the hop is Helen

Don't forget to write down your word, before you go – SKETCHES

Speaking of birthdays...

HaPpY bIrThDaY to my Dad for today!

Happy Blog hopping :))

menu on a Tuesday

2011-08-23T17:31:00.001+10:00

enu by felicityw on Polyvore.com

My menu on a Tuesday afternoon!
Maybe thats because I have been busy cleaning, doing laundry, with a bit of craft thrown in.. oh how the days fly by

Menu - 22/8

Monday: Apricot chicken
Rice
Vanilla ice cream with freshly picked passionfruits

Tuesday: Potato and sausage pie
sweet potato chips
corn cobs

Wednesday: Beef with shell pasta and a white/tomato sauce drizzled over the top.
garlic bread

Thursday: Satay chicken kebabs
home made wedges
broccoli and carrot steamed

Friday: pumpkin, chicken and rocket rolls
Pavlova with fresh berries

Saturday: tea out

Sunday: Roast lamb with all the trimmings

We dont eat a lot of sausages. Simply because I look at them at the butchery shop and can never think of anything 'creativity' to do with them. But since finding this recipe, it puts a whole new perspective on 'sausages'. It is such an easy dish and oh so yum.

Sausage and Potato pie
1kg potatos
2 medium onions
1kg sausages
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons curry powder
400g can apples
1 tablespoon butter
freshly grounded black pepper
1/2 cup milk
1/2 - 1 cup grated cheese

Peel and cook potatoes. When cooked mash with butter, milk and pepper.

Cut peeled onion into wedges. Sprinkle about half the onion into a roasting pan or a large shallow baking dish. Cut sausages into bite size pieces. Then coat with brown sugar, flour and curry powder that has been mixed together. Spread sausages over onion then top with remaining onion. Spread can apples on top of this then cover with mashed potato. Sprinkle with grated cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an 1 hour at about 180'c.

What do you do with sausages?

weekend = Happy

2011-08-20T11:13:00.001+10:00

Its the weekend <...... said in my exciting high pitch voice.
I am happy to say that we got through the week - that it weekend actually came around rather quickly.
The weekend agenda:

1. crafting
2. baking a Ginger sponge cake - the chooks are laying to many eggs!
3. laundry
4. lots of playing with the boys

If you get a chance, there is another sketch up at Stuck?! sketches

close up: I turned the sketch upside down and used a doilie and transparency instead of the square paper as the background.

close up: kaiser craft flower, chip chop shop filmo button, ink, paints and sprays

close up: a lil something flower

I'm off to tackle some that to-do list. Want knock over that laundry, cake is baking and should be nearly done - ah the fun things lift on my list!:))
Hope you have a lovely weekend!

the opportunity

2011-08-19T12:04:00.001+10:00

Ok..
Wind back to this post.
I got an email from The colour room. I think some of you guessed correctly!
So of course I responded to the email, with excitement - maybe I rambled on a bit , a bit like now.
But I said YES
RDA for the next 4 palettes.
I feel so humbled to be given this opportunity.

My first RDA page.

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

Close up: using the crafters workshop template and faber castel pens

close up: a lil something fabric, and crayons for outlining

I feel more excited to see my page alongside some waaaaay talented people there.
but yet it makes me feel undeserving.
But I am going to 'embrace' this opportunity in my creativity!

Happy Friday!

a bit this...

2011-08-15T11:59:00.002+10:00

This weekend I made a bit more of an effort to take the camera with me around the house/outside. It did help with the wish-the-weekend-wasnt over bit!

In a nutshell=

He rode his bike

we made a really fun layer jelly with sprinkles for dessert on Saturday night

Spend time in the glorious rays of sunshine

played trains

spend some time been lazy

Now onto this weeks menu

Monday's Menu by felicityw on Polyvore.com

Monday: Chicken sausages
mash potato
broccoli and cauliflower bake

Tuesday: herb rissoles
rice
stir fry vegies

Wednesday: Spaghetti bol
garlic bread

Thursday: rosemary and mint lamb chops
with baked potato
mash pumpkin

Friday: Steak with mushroom gravy
homemade wedges
bake at home rolls

Saturday: all day breakfast

Sunday: Roast chicken
bake potato and pumpkin
steam vegies

Happy start to a good week! :)

sweet cuddles

2011-08-11T14:06:00.001+10:00

I have a layout to share!

This weeks palette I was a little hesitant, because the pink got me again!
remember what I said here - my inital thoughts.

apologises for the photo - but I gave up trying to get a better photo after the 7th time!

Close up: a lil something flower, the doilie with gesso, then mist, outlined with crayon

Close up: used crayons to outline and colour the centre of the flower, stamping with ink and outline with faber castell pens.

A little different for me - oodles outlining, but thats just where the page took me!

Happy Thursday my friends!
x

Menu: 08/08

2011-08-08T19:03:00.002+10:00

It's been a while without posting my weekly menu!
My Mondays are generally filed with cleaning and laundry that by the time I realise I haven't posted my menu its Tuesday or even Wednesday!

Monday:
Chicken wrapped in spinach and baon
rice
stir fry capsicum, carrot, mushroom and Chinese broccoli
garlic bread

Tuesday:
Pork Loin chops with apple sauce
mash potato
corn cobs

Wednesday:
Mini roast lamb with rosemary and hint
roast potato and sweet potato
Garden salad

Thursday:
Chicken schnitzel
mini roast potatoes with herb and garlic butter
bread rolls

Friday:
tomato and onion sausages
fried rice
Lemon coconut cake with vanilla ice cream

Saturday:

Sunday:
Roast pork
baked potato and pumpkin
steam peas and carrot

I havent thought of anything for Saturday night yet. I want something super easy and simply...my mind is at a full stop!

Now its time for a night of creative!

Night! :))

Right now

2011-07-26T09:26:00.000+10:00

Right now I am laughing at:
1. Piper getting hold of Brae water colour pencils. A bit of dribble mixed with the pencils makes ones face look glamorous!
2. Brae grabbing a plastic bag from the kitchen, HE put two cars in there and trudged outside. Daddy and Mummy peeking from the window keen to know what HE was upto!
Uh huh!
Little copy cat!
Mummy had just come home from the grocery shop. She had lots of plastic bags in the boot of her car. HE had to put HIS 'shopping' in his car!
3. Brett believes its time we start to buy BIG bags oats! We all eat oats for breakfast and Mummy feels like she is f o r e v e r buying boxes of oats.
Google{d} kilo bags of oats and the first page is full of horse feed places!
4. Told that Piper looks like a sitting buddha!

5. Brae unwraps his birthday present. A water pistol!
then proceeds to hold it upto my ear - he is doing what the doctors do - look in your ear!

6. editing photos and come across this face!

t.w.o

2011-07-25T09:51:00.001+10:00

{Just a hand full of photos from his TWO YEAR OLD photo shoot!}

Its been an early morning.
crinkle of wrapping paper,
lots of "wows",
the noise of laughter.
Perfect!

Happy Birthday Brae!
Special hugs and love
Daddy, Mum and little brother Piper
xxxx

Menu time

2011-07-18T17:21:00.001+10:00

I am loving this time of the night.
The armour from the kitchen,
splashing noises from the bathroom,
the tingle of the bucket full of fresh vegies for tea

source

Our menu this week:
monday: Satay chicken stir fry
rice

Tuesday: Chicken with spinch and Fetta wrapped in bacon
Baked potatos
steam vegies

Wednesday: 'tasty' chops with mixed vegies in the slower cooker
garlic bread

Thursday: meatloaf
mash potato and pumkin
corn

Friday: All day brekky
missed out on having that last week - as my kind husband cooked tea for me

Saturday: homemade pizza using up left overs
garlic bread

Sunday: Corn meat and the trimmings

this little man is lying here chatting and giggling away to me.

My heart felts again...

Happy Monday night!

please come home!

2011-07-15T09:39:00.002+10:00

Who knew that things could just magical disappear?
poof...
never to be seen,
.... for a v e r y l o n g time!
Especially when it involves 'certain' things like
a kite.
Who knew that calling in a search party to look for
the said kite - that has been sitting on your desk for a while now,
knowing that while your creating and humming away to yourself,
you could still n o t put even your little pinky on it!
Who knew that in the wake of the searching you start to get distracted,
and you find said things like photos that you printed out yonks ago.

That long lost kite is still somewhere out there,
in a very good hiding place.
I think your winning kite!

Oh kite where art thou?
I n e e d you...
Please please please come out from hiding
I promise to be kind and gentle and to put you a place where all can see and love you!

PS if you happen to see the kite in your travels, please gentley direct it back my way.

Piper Eric

2011-07-13T15:47:00.001+10:00

my floors are dirty
toys are from end of the house to the other
clothes line full of washing
dishes to put away
yes
never ending uh
so...
I i g n o r e d all that household stuff for just a wee bit so that I could finish this page off

I was seriously inspired by Stacey doing a page on her newborn son.

I have wanted to document Piper birth for a while now,
especially being born in the middle of the flood!
hence the umberlla on the page.
I ended up typing up his story and pasting it to the back of my page.
Can you believe he is 6 months old?

Off to put the kettle on!
Enjoy your afternoon.
x

Photo{s} of the week

2011-07-08T13:13:00.000+10:00

enjoy your weekend :))

6 months in review

2011-07-04T13:26:00.001+10:00

I thought it would be fun to go through the last six months for 2011 and look at the 'highlights'.

If you want to play along, you can create a collage using Picnik or big huge labs

Have a good week!

wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T14:12:00.001+10:00

Dear self

2011-06-27T15:46:00.001+10:00

Please stop doubting yourself
please stop being fustrated at the boys
please stop feeling tired
please stop thinking you can't scrap
please stop and think that there are friends out there
please stop and appriecate what you have
please stop and realise that scrapping is for enjoyment
please dont put your scrap supplies out for the garbage truck
please dont put pressure on yourself that is un-neccesary
please dont worry about all the mess
please remember that you have a husband that loves you and 2 little boys that look up to
please dont beat your self up for only getting one challenge done so far this month
please remember there are 3 more days till the end of the month
please stop comparing yourself to others
please dont doubt your ability to create
please take each day as it comes and stop worrying about tomorrow
please stop and appriecate everything you have
but
most importantly
go and make a coffee, stop the tears and go. cuddle your boys and remember scrapping is not the bee all and end all - make memories instead :))

Lv your inner self x

weekend in review

2011-06-27T13:41:00.000+10:00

ONE working husband
plus
TWO little boys
plus
ONE close friend visting for the weekend
plus
TWO girls enjoying girlie time
=

happy Monday :))
x

just a question

2011-06-16T09:49:00.000+10:00

source

Help me out here.

I am wanting to say thankyou to everyone who leaves comments on my blog, but find it difficult at the moment to get around to everyone - eventually I will get there.
I still want to have a tidy house, (yes, I am one those that has to the dishes soon as everyone has eaten) meals on the table, time with the boys, being creative, blogging...
but
how do you do it?

I have it set up so that I get your comments emailed to me and I have been replying to the email,
but I dont think those emails have reached your inbox?

I am struggling to find a balance as to how to say thanks and response to questions and so on.

Can you share with me how you do it?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T09:27:00.000+10:00

a lazy long weekend!

2011-06-13T10:20:00.005+10:00

I have just done my cleaning, vacuuming, mopping, dusting and laundry and pop my pajamas back on - because it felt like a good idea!
lite my candle - I have lavender and rose burning right now. I think orange and lemon might be my next purchase, just to add a bit of sweetness.
I am devoting the rest of the day to creativity- scrap a page, started at little mini album with lots paints, inks and sprays - messy goodness to perfection!
maybe a bit of sewing
But you will have to wait till reveal time!

my menu for the week.

Monday - Apricot chicken
rice
bake at home bread rolls

Tuesday - Rissoles
   potato bake in the slow cooker
   corn cobs!

Wednesday - Italian tomato lamb casserole
   Garlic bread

Thursday - Steak with mushroom gravy
                  home made wedges
                 dessert - crepes with mixed berry and yogurt

Friday - eating out!

Saturday - homemade pizza using left overs
                 blueberry self serving pudding

Sunday - Roast lamb and the trimmings!

What do you think my inspiration is for this weeks menu is?
I am going to draw a random winner next Monday, leave me a comment :))

Enjoy your Monday!

Note to self:

2011-06-07T09:03:00.003+10:00

6 months into 2011 and I have to admit I am not fulfilling a goal a made 6 months ago.
I quote myself:

I always find it hard scrapping about me.
weather its a photo of me and Brett or Me and Brae.
Its hard compose yourself for the camera, and
hard to document about yourself, without sounding harsh or shallow

2011 is keeping it real on the pages about myself, taking those diffcult composed photos.

I have done about 2 pages about me,
I know I can do more,
Time to act!

Get Picky challenge is to scrap about yourself.
I create this page.

those 2 flowers you can see are from Handmade Halo Scrapbooking and fashion accessories.

I printed out the quote and stuck in down as my background
yes, that is how much I love that quote!

Journalling reads:

note to self:
Life equals the sum of all our choices
always always always
follow your heart
always always always

I spy a few more challenges to do with youself-woman.
3 points for me so far
1 point for each page about me
how many points can I get?

Monday's Menu

2011-05-30T09:22:00.002+10:00

This week I have drawn inspiration from my slow cooker for my menu.Remember last week post about helping me out, well, I got lots of emails with new recipes and I am trying out 2 this week :)

source

Menu 30/5

Monday - Corn meat in the slow cooker
(didnt get around to having this yesterday)
with mash potato, pumpkin and steam vegies

Tuesday - Lamb shanks and rice

Wednesday - Chicken pesto with wedges
(recipe from my sister that she email last week)

Thursday - Shephards pie with the left over corn meat
steam vegies
Garlic Bread

Friday - homemade Beer battered fish and chips

Ceci said..Hi Flis, I do weekly menu planning too. How about beer battered fish and chips? The chips are the same as making wedges and the fish is so easy, just whip up a batter...whisk one egg with 375ml of beer, then sift over the top of that 1 and a quarter cups of self raising flour, dip the fish fillets in then fry them for a couple of minutes each side. Or spaghetti bolognaise? :D: May 25, 2011 10:26 AM

Saturday - Pumpkin and bacon soup in the slow cooker
bake at home bread rolls

Sunday - Roast chicken and the trimmings
Before I go,
May family photo - I have even order this one on a canvas, should be here this week :)

Happy a good day:)

mandrins...

2011-05-28T17:18:00.000+10:00

I am just sitting here waiting for dinner to finish cooking.
Tacho's, coming right up.

While I am waiting,
just a quick sneak at what the boys and I got up today!

It was perfect weather for a bit of camera fun.
a bit of creativity
a bit housework
What did you do today?

Menu time

2011-05-23T10:19:00.000+10:00

A glorious end to the weekend.

It was such a lovely warm sunny weekend that I spend a far bit time outside. It remind me of needing to put a picnic on the to do. Its perfect picnic weather really!

I am thinking I should try a new recipe each week. Anyone got one for to try? I need something for Thursday night.

Monday: Pork chops with gherkin and bacon in the oven
mash potato & steam vegies

Tuesday: marinate lamb chops - my wonderful husband made me up a marinate and froze them in cubes, so all I ahve to do is add the cubes when I cook. He is a sweet gentlemen really :)
baked potato and pumpkin
steam vegies

Wednesday: homemade satay chicken and rice

Thursday:

Friday: homemade chicken and corn soup with potato wedges

Saturday: tacho's

Sunday: Cornmeat in the slow cooker
baked potato & pumpkin
steam vegies

I need to finish editing some photos. I am going to finish off my scrapbook page I started and work one another one to two pages.
New inspiration is always good uh!

Have a good week :)

the weekend edition

2011-05-21T14:49:00.000+10:00

Don't you love that feeling of accomplishment.
I have had such a productive day.

So far today:
2 loads of washing
2 dishwasher cycles
baked 1 Dutch honey loaf
cooked up meatballs and pumpkin/fetta mini pies
took Brae to see his Daddy at work today - morning tea with all the workmen too - little boys dream

started a scrapbook page
jotted down ideas and stuck down all my colour combos in my notebook
vaccummed and mopped the floors
cleaned the bathroom
play lego with the boys - only for a short time, but it was fun
& blogged over at the stuff 2 scrap

I think that is it so far.
My little boys are napping - a long nap :)
love when they sleep, it means Mummy can sit and it means they will have lots of engery for more playing this afternoon & when they wake their Daddy should be home from work!

Since it is just a glorious day
we will be out planting these 'pretties' later.

Happy-Happy Saturday!

come back!

2011-05-11T09:48:00.001+10:00

The last 2 weeks I have been less creativity then what I want to be.
I still have the urge to scrap, but then nothing comes.

Yesterday I was speaking with friend
and she said try something different.
which made me think about
"what do you do when your creativity is blocked?"

I think we all get asked that question,
but this time,
i didnt answer with sketches, or searching the world wide web, or scraplifting or walk away from your desk and come back later - kinda answers.
Last night I wanted to just do 'something'
so I did.
I created some little tags practicing the She Art techniques
You know what?
it felt GREAT!
I was being creativity :)

sometimes when I cant be creativity
its generally because I have lost the love and the fun in the creativity process.
I sat then and created a list, with a hot milo in the other hand, of a few things that can be made quickly,
even when the boys are sleeping.

1. random tags - using a small technique

2. sewing a few fabrics together (they will one day become a quilt!)
3. create a card
4. paint a small canvas (maybe even collage the background with old notepaper or sewing paper.)
5. redocorate the cover of a notebook
6. make a fabric doll
7. cutting out random pictures of magazines and sticking them in a book (future colour combos to use)
8. create a quick 'she girl'

If your feeling a wee bit sharing today,
tell me "what you do when your creating less but wanting to create more?"

Thankyou

2011-05-09T13:07:00.000+10:00

Dear Brae and Piper,

Please get Daddy to help you read this.

You are the boys that made yesterday, Mothers Day, possible for me.
You taught me appriecate the small things.
I will be honest and say I did have a few expectations and yes, I was sad to start with because what I expected didnt happen.

We began a normal day at 6.30am - my first expectation was a sleep in.
But there is the first the small thing you taught me - that I could be a Mummy and wake up to your chatting and giggling.
It made me think about all the Mummys that would be sitting beside there children in hospital, Mummys who would be visiting there childrens graves and other mothers who are searching for there missing children.

I cooked you roast lamb with all the trimmings and we sat as a family to eat it. - another expectation to have a meal cooked. Brae you took your bowl to the sink for me when you had finished your lunch.
The small thing you taught me -is your helpfulness that I feel I miss each time.

We then went to Grandmas for tea. Grandma took you outside to her rose garden and you came back with a rose for Mummy.
Now that put a tear in my eye.
Such a small thing filled such a big heart!

I love you with all my heart - it was the best mothers day ever!

Special Love Mummy xx

4.15pm

2011-05-06T16:18:00.000+10:00

overwhelmed with fear
overwhelmed with creativity
overwhelmed with motherhood
overwhelmed with joy
overwhelmed with do to lists
overwhelmed with emotion
overwhelmed with what this week has bought

Please please p l e a s e,
weekend be kind...
I need it!

Its early

2011-04-06T07:18:00.000+10:00

I am sitting here typing
listening to my fingers hit the keyboard
the sound of the kettle boiling
and a helicopter in the distance.

both my little boys are snoozing.
I am enjoying this little morning time in silence

I forget
or maybe i dont realise
what life is like in silence.
trying to think back to what life was like with just Brett and I.
Its hard - really hard to think back then
Nearly 2 years since it was just Brett and I

what fun we have had with our little boys
the happiness that each boy brings to us.
6.30pm last night Brett came home from work
the start of some big days for Brett -
to see Brae's face light up when Daddy opened the front door
the sun had gone to bed
Brae was in settling for bed
but nothing, nothing would beat that smile and hug Daddy received
Daddy " makes the day so worth while when you come home to this"
I agree.
then to 'plonk' yourself like this - waiting to tell Daddy all about the tractor

the love what these boys bring into my life
11.35am yesterday in the kitchen preparing lunch
sneak around the corner of the kitchen to see what the chatter was all about

now that is brothers love

Dear Brae & Piper

I love you to bits.

sometimes I might struggle to show you my love,

but your smiles, you laughs, your nature,

your silliness, your naughtness..

I LOVE you to lots.

Love Mummy xx

eats for the week

2011-04-04T10:10:00.001+10:00

I am planning out my menu for the week.
Anyone else menu plan?
Run into any bumps in planning?

I cooked up a big roast Turkey.
Now I have left overs to use all week.
I am feeling stuck with ideas on how I can use this Turkey up.

Menu is looking somehting like this:

Monday - corn meat (left over from last week),
rice
stir fry veg

Tuesday - turkey and vegie pie
homemade wedges

Wednesday - Roast turkey
potato bake
marple syrup salad

Thursday -Turkey and vegetable pasta bake (lots white sauce)
bread rolls

Friday - our for tea with friends
dessert: pavola with fresh berries

Saturday - homemade pizza with Turkey
garlic bread

Sunday -Roast lamb and the trimmings

Anyone improve on my Turkey creations?

Monday list

2011-03-21T10:06:00.001+10:00

Please tell me I am not the only one who has a Monday list.

5.30am alarms are sounding... the mobile rings, the boys are chatting.. had I really slept 8hours!!
6am time to feed the littlest biggest man
6.30am cleaned up split milk.. ~~oh where is a cat when you need it~~
~~7am Mummy sits to take in the morning sun~~
7.01am "mummmmmmmm" - ~~ok the thought was there~~
7.30am first load washing pegged out
8am one filithy muddy boy to the bath
8.30am start folding those clothes on the lounge that have had a second rinse from the rain/storm last night only to find out there not 'quiet' dry.
9am knock knock.. fresh produce for Mummy.. Beans and Tomatoes for lunch by the looks, even if the tomatoes are green.. sigh...
9.30am commence editing and uploading photos from the photo shoot
10am revisit list and work out what to cross off, but first make a HOT coffee and sent the boys to 'rest'.

That's my morning so far...
Mondays..
say no more...

oh, I finished all my commitments on the weekend :))

Sneak

now to think about a page while i am dustingmoppingironingfolding...
that a positive uh?

Monday
Spicy baked sausages
mash potato
corn and green vegies

Tuesday
Honey soy beef stir fry
rice
bread rolls

Wednesday
tomato and onion rissoles
stir fry vegies
rice

Thursday
Curry Satay chicken sausages
homemade wedges
green vegies

Friday
meal out at a friends
pavola with cream and mixed berries

Saturday
homemade pizza
garlic bread

Sunday
corn meat with white sauce and homemade mustard sauce
roast potato and pumpkin
corn and green vegies

This week is a bit of a 'no fuss' menu, something that i can prepare during the day and then just cook when its close to eating time.
There will also be a few left overs for lunches.
I love making stir frys and you might see a few these pop up here and there,
its a dish that everyone does differently.

Honey soy stir fry
diced beef
handful almonds
chopped carrot
chopped zucchini
corn kernels
chopped brocilli
diced onion
diced capsicum
chopped mushrooms
dash sesame seeds
sauce is just the honey and soy sauce mixed together in equal amounts

I am curious as to what you add or what sauce you like?

right now at 5.15pm

2011-02-26T17:15:00.001+10:00

Right now - I just want to cry. I just want my old self back.
not asking much uh?

Right now - I cant seem to scrap anything. I am self doubting and feel like putting all my scrap supplies out Monday morning for the garbage truck. I cant come up with anything different or inspiring. I keep looking at so many gorgeous creations and dreaming of maybe creating something wonderful.

Right now - I have a baby who wont go back to sleep and is crying in his bed.

Right now - 2 my big boys are over swimming with there cousin. Mummy and Piper really wanted to go, but Mummy needs to get things in order at home and cook tea. Some things a mother just has to miss out on.

Right now - I have washing on. Brett work clothes, really why cant I have that cleaning fairy.

Right now - I am tired. Mummy would love a nap.

Right now - Mummy is exhausted. To much walking/jogging today.
But I really had to go.
Brae was awake at 5am. If I didnt go, I wouldn't have got my happy endorphins.

Right now - I have rissoles defrosting for tea. Hamburgers it is. Mummy is really not in the mood for cooking.

Right now - I have a coffee in hand hoping that Mummy can have 5 mins to herself to re-focus on life, get the right attitude and think that it really is not as bad as you feel.

Best Monday

2011-02-22T09:41:00.001+10:00

Yesterday,
my Monday started with my little human alarm clock.
Normally I am one to ignore that alarm clock,
instead lying there trying to negotaiting how long I can put off getting out of bed and what excuse I can come up with.

Yes, I got up at 5.30am with a *smile*
Why?
because my monday was going to involue lots of 'playing'

Yesterday after everything was crossed off my 'to do' list
I then played with my collection of papers.

{Sneak 1}

{Sneak 2}

Usually my Mondays are so full of washingironingmoppingdusting
and the computer,
sigh
But this time,
I actually sat on the floor and played
Realising again how fun it is to play.

we built a tunnel for the green car
we drove around the strawberry patch
we check on the cows

then we made our way to the bike
we made a trailer
and carted many things around the house in it.

We laughed and giggled
we smiled and we chatted.

I would not go as far yet,
and say that I love Mondays
But if every Monday was like this I would consider a change of heart.

Looks like I am need to make a bridge for the car now.
um.. how do that?

Today I am

2011-02-18T14:03:00.001+10:00

I am feeling unmotivated.
I know we are entitled to one 'those' days every now and then,
but right now,
I feel like I am having more of 'those' days then what I would like to have.
I've been battling the tiredness this week, but with the weekend ahead,
I am hoping to get the much needed rest and recovery time.

I am going to give myself a little 'toot' because at Stuck?! sketches my little intro was posted.
I know I am bit late 'tooting' myself,
but I am not generally one to say so.
I guess that's my nature,
but what I do want to do show is my page.

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

I am nearly done with all my scrappy commitments. I set aside this week to get on top of them and I can nearly give myself that little reward of competing some challenges.
Today I have fallen in love with the colour room palette.

I am now the owner of a 'new' Valco matrix stroller.
I have been without a stroller for 6 l o n g weeks and finally the insurance claim is processed.

What you think of the colour?

I am having a giggle.
Brett offered to read Brae a story in the lounge room and then do some quiet time with him before his sleep.
Brett had finished reading the "little red caboose" -Brae favourite story,
and quiet time had been for 20 minutes.
With a little investigation, I find Brae sitting next to Daddy, quietly,
while Daddy is sound asleep.
So I whipped Brae quietly off to bed, without disturbing Daddy.
"oops, I went to sleep" Said Daddy.
*giggle*

I am off to make a coffee and sit at my scrap desk. I need to unleash and get 'lost' in my world of creative, it makes all those little nigglely things feel so unimportant.
The therapy of scrapping is a wonderful joyous thing.

Happy weekend readers :))

Five Fave Friday

2011-02-11T14:07:00.000+10:00

Since its CHA time, it means lots of new products and release but also it means me getting a
l i t t l e poorer.

This week its all about my five 'must - haves'

1. Glimmermist - Its not something I would have thought I would w a n t, but the more I scribble it off my notepad, the more I am saying 'no I want use', the more it keeps changing to ' i will use it' and making it back on my notepad

maybe I am drawn to the bright colours or maybe because i really want to play with this technique, aiming to get more on the page, than my desk and maybe not needing to go through hum-den dozens of cardstock, all because the affect isn't right. I know I want ever be able to apply like this lady does, but as I was told this morning' practice the technique and you will get better'

2. Studio Calico - out of the new releases from Studio Calico, my favourite would have to be state fair. It is bright and colourful and it will be perfect to scrap all those 'fun' photos of my boys.

3. Hamby screen prints - I always think of Hambly as the transparency screens. I will admit that sometimes I feel a tad overwhelmed with the screens, but you know, I have no excuse with these gorgeous Hambly tapes. Not only do they have there transparency design but there are new designs there!

4. Jenni Bowlin Studios - always been a fan of her products and lines, but look at the silhottees

I still have no idea what I will do them, but I am liking this idea from here
but all I know is I n e e d them!!

5. Prima - the colours and design here of the vines are incredible.

There you have my fav five which will contribute to the economy and to my downfall economy.
Any one else like any those above?