Excitement!

Received this gorgeous cardi?/top from a friend. I have borrowed it on numerous occasions to wear to parties etc and it was no secret how much I loved it. Gorgeous, lovely person that she is, she decided that I would get so much more wear out of it than she would and gifted it to me!!! Yay me! (and yay her!!).

Anyway, here it is.....the pic doesn't capture how sparkly and gorgeous it is. Wore it to a party on Christmas Eve and got so many comments - I feel pretty, oh so pretty! LOL


Sorry about the really tragic pose too.....

Merry Christmas!

Well I'm going to be awol for a little while, so I just wanted to get in and wish you all a Merry Christmas!!

Got the parents-in-law with us for a few days, which means my voice at least will get a rest (read: I won't get a word in edgewise with the mother-in-law!! LOL) It will be full on, but fun. S is getting into the Christmas spirit, (and the presents!) and I think this year will be an absolute blast. Lots of precious memories!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and get very spoiled with lots of lovely presents!!

Eat, drink and be happy!

Did I mention I love Christmas?

I really, really do - it's my favourite time of year. I love these......(I make them every year)....


And this - too adorable!!

Kudos to our local cafe!!!

Popped into our local cafe after taking little S to an orthopaedic appointment at the hospital. We were in there for 3 hours and as part of that she had to have an x-ray of her hips and I had to pin her down (screaming - her not me....I was trying not to cry!).

It wasn't the most pleasant experience and she will have to have further tests, so I thought I'd do something nice for both of us and take us to lunch at the cafe. I ordered the ricotta and vegetable stack and it was very, very good and asked to see the 'Children's Menu' for S.

Now, this is a topic close to my heart - both hubby and I are foodies and do not feed her chicken nuggets, deep fried anything and assorted other food paraphenalia that is considered fun for children...so I must say I was dreading it. I chose the 'Kids Lunchbox' which sounded ok.

Ok? Did I say ok? Flippin' fantastic more like it!!!! I wish I'd taken a picture of it. Simple, edible food presented in an imaginative way, in a cute retro Bananas and Pajamas lunchbox. A ham and cheese sandwich (on grain bread +1 point for that!!), segments of orange, some grapes, a little juice box and a cute little retro melamine tumbler with just a few little chips in (the flat ones that don't have so much fat in them.....and they seemed more baked than deep fried to +1 point for that).

All in all I was terrifically impressed, and S actually ate almost all of it which is a darn sight better than she has been doing all week - so kudos, kudos, kudos to Urban Cafe in Tauranga!!! You rock!

It's official - I'm an accessories junkie.....

But these two I couldn't resist!!

This gorgeous blue and turqouise paisley scarf - so silky and the colours are just beautiful.....


And this really funky little necklace - just the right length and the beads aren't too big. It's kind of plastic covered in silky thread so they actually look like they are made of silk....hard to describe really, but very cool I think!


These plus a mini Donkey (from Shrek) for little S for the princely and obscenely outrageous (LOL) sum of 60c.....yes, you read it right 60 cents!!! Apparently we discovered this new haunt on Sale Day! Yay us!!!

I might go back and have another look there though - looked like some really unusual treasures might be found with a little time and rummaging!! They even had some boxes of records (vinyls) outside for free - with a cursory glance I saw some amazing covers and my creative juices were starting to itch with some ideas......watch this space.....

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.....

Well not really, but I am thoroughly swept up in the Christmas spirit!! Check out the Snow Day site (top left hand corner) to make your own snowflake and put a message out there in the internetiverse (yes that's a real word....in my world!)....LOL

I love Christmas - the trees, the carols, the wonderment of children....I guess I just never really grew up. This year we are having a big ol family Christmas with both sets of parents present (mine and hubbies) and our daughter is old enough to know what's going on and is loving every minute of it too.

Shopping is almost all done....now for the really fun part - the wrapping - yay!!

A while back I mentioned the huge tiger print scarf that I was going to turn into a halter top.....well I did. I'm not 100% sold on it, it didn't turn out as good as I thought it would - I hate when things look better in my head than on my body.....but it was nice and cool as it was really muggy here on the weekend. What do you think? and be honest!! (My hubby hates it! He reckons the pointy bit at the bottom says "open for business"....lol!) I was wearing it with 3/4 pants, but you can't see that because I'm a shortarse and 3/4 really means 9/10!!

And here's one of my gorgeous daughter and I, just because I can!!

Making a list....

I saw this on Simone's blog and thought I'd take up the challenge! I think I've done pretty well....there are certainly some things there I'd like to do - like #4, #5, #41 and #56!

Copy the list and highlight all the things you have done.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo.
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains. (I’d say climbed Uluru, but the Aboriginal custodians would prefer you didn’t.)
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bushwalking. 40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job. (well redundant)
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Not technically a thrifting but.....

This top I borrowed from a friend a while ago and I love it!! I am on the hunt for something like this. It's a gorgeous, dreamy peachy lace wrap top and it is lovely for dressing up the boring jeans and singlet outfits I unfortunately spend most of my life in!! I should have taken a photo of it when I was wearing a white singlet because it looked much better, but oh well!

I'll let you know (with pictorial evidence of course!) if I find something like this in my travels.....

Awwww....thanks!

The lovely Chantelle awarded me this lovely little award....and I'm touched! I'll try and follow the rules, but I know that I don't know at least seven other bloggers......oops! So I'll do my best instead....I give this award wholeheartedly and with great delight to:

Kylie at Cool according to Kylie: a great friend and a truly interesting blogger - so creative and amazing!

Sarah at forevayoung vintage: a fossicker and finder of treasures and a very helpful blogger too!

Kathryn at tikiboo: Amazing designs for little girls and boys and a thoroughly lovely person to boot!

Andrea at cat of impossible colour: Dresses like a true lady and always inspires me with her quirky finds and inimitable style.....not to mention the fact that she's writing a book!! (or two!)

So what you have to do now is:

1. Put the award up on your blog

2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3. Nominate at least seven other blogs

4. Add links to these blogs on your blog

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog

I am never eating chicken again.....

Well, not for a few months at least!!

Hubby and I had a chicken salad on Wednesday night and thankfully due to molars cutting little S refused to eat it and had yoghurt and pears instead (lucky child!).

I could go into the heinous details, but the short and decidedly less gross version of the story is that both of us were sick as dogs and tag teaming the bathroom all night and got up in the morning like zombies. I couldn't stop crying and begged my Mum to take bubba for the day so we could try and get some sleep. Food poisoning is an evil I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy and I'm still feeling distinctly fragile today. Fortunately it is gloriously sunny here, so little S is happy to play outside with water and sand so I can lie on a lounger and....well, lounge!

I do have some new posts to do which I was planning to do yesterday, but will probably leave to next week if that's alright with you all....

Tag I'm It!

I was tagged by Kylie, so here goes.....

Six random things about me:

• I was adopted, at 18 months old. I have never met my birth mother or father and know very little about them, but plan one day to find out more....
  


• I always thought I would be a vet when I grew up, but a fear of needles and blood put paid to that!!
  


• My favourite time of year is Christmas....it is safe to say I am obsessed with it!!
  


• I had a bad experience with choking on a fishbone when I was nearly 2 years old and to this day struggle to eat fish....I just prefer not to, but I can if I need to be polite!
  


• I have owned 2 cats (a black one called Smookins and a Ginger one imaginatively named Ginger) and 4 dogs (twin Yorkies called Baci and Bijou, an Aussie Terrier called Dolce, and an Aussie Terrier called Murray)
  


• I come from a long line of gardeners, but definitely missed out on this talent - I have actually killed a cacti.....I thought they were supposed to be indestructible!! I have, however, one indoor plant that has miraculously survived my ministrations.....a cyclamen and it flowers regularly and everything!!
  

Six random things I like:

• Vegemite - love the stuff....take it with me if I travel overseas.
  


• Polka dots!
  


• Writing novels in my head.....usually romantic comedy a la Bridget Jones' Diary
  


• Scrapbooking paper....I am a hopeless hoarder, seeing as I hardly ever get time to actually do anything with it!!
  


• The feeling of sand beneath my toes....
  


• Bling! I like sparkles, sequins, things that shine.....must have been a magpie in a former life!!
  

Six random things I don't like:

• Coins in my pocket.....that annoying little clinking sound....
  


• People that ride bikes with their helmets hanging on the handle bars.....oh this really drives me nuts!!!
  


• Litterers......especially just centimeters from a rubbish bin - respect the planet people!!!
  


• People who think that because you have a child, it's an open invitation to make comment on you, your child, your body, your finances.....what the?
  


• Seeing a movie I've been waiting to see for ages because it's been all hyped up, and then being bitterly disappointed.....
  


• Clothing store mirrors that make you look better than you are so you are tricked into buying clothes that actually look hideous and you don't realise until you get home.....
  

So there you go. A few random things about me. I'm not sure how many people I'm supposed to tag, but I'm definitely tagging the following people anyway:

Chantelle
Sarah
Joanne

Accessories week....

First of all - two belts, I love belts and these two were gems!! (50c each by the way - score!!).

And then, the cute little polka dot scarf ($1), light, not too long, not too short, just perfect! Actually the ladies in my local (haha....not like I've been doing this long) oppy pointed it out to me - they know I like sparkles, cherries and polka dots - am I that predictable? LOL....bless 'em.

I also picked up a HUGE black and white tiger print silk scarf, that I'm going to turn into a halter top.....let's see how that goes ($3).


Belt 1 - a vintage rainbow woven belt - I had one like this when I was a kid, not sure how I'm going to get away with wearing it now, but I was feeling kinda nostalgic, so into the wardrobe it goes.....



Belt 2.....the sparkles....I'm such a sucker for all things sparkly - I'm sure I was a magpie in a former life!
Are there any things that you are always on the look out for or do you just go shopping and see what takes your fancy?

Thanks and hooray!

First of all, thanks to Sarah for the tip on using a tripod - I think these photos are a lot better! I'll get better as time goes on. I think it would be great to take photos outside - natural light is always better, but today it is pouring with rain.....sorry for the slightly drunk looking Chrissy Hynde-esque photos, but I am REALLY tired and I need a haircut!!

However, hooray! I have found some primo finds this week:

Item 1: An amazing knit/crochet top. I love the weight of it, it hangs so beautifully and will be very versatile - wear with a singlet underneath in this changeable weather, and then will look really cool over a merino in winter!! Please excuse the photo - my black bra is in the wash and you can see the turquoise one - oops!!$4.99

Closeup of pattern/texture:



Item 2: This skirt I fell in love with immediately - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sequins in the daytime and this one I plan to wear with a black singlet (probably a bit more dressy than this one) on Christmas Day - great party wear!! $6.99

Closeup of the fabric and sequin detail - gorgeous!!


Item 3: This skirt is something I've been looking for for ages, a nice, pristine white skirt, good length and gorgeous flower cutout detail and at $3 it was a steal!!

Closeup of the amazingly detailed edging:



So all in all - a great week - have a great one yourself!!

Finally something worth thrifting!!

The last week or so has been dismal pickings....just nothing inspiring....but today - 2 finds!

1) A gorgeous satin top with a little frill hem and lovely pintucking detail.....I can't resist satin in the daytime!! $2.50...(Still can't for the life of me figure out how to self-time AND look happy!)



and

2) Lovely knit top with softly frilled sleeves and a lovely gold thread throughout....covers my love of soft and feminine and sparkly all in one! $1.50. I'm sorry for the in the mirror photo, the self-timer was giving me the irrits!! This is paired with a cool pair of highwaist vintage jeans a friend thrifted and gave to me!

Being nice to ME!

Inspired by a friend's post....this week is all about being kind to myself. She pointed out that how you dress affects how you feel. So, my resolution is no more slopping around in my trackpants with scruffy hair and an old top on. Today I am wearing my nice jeans, my new fave cherry necklace and my gorgeous sparkly fitted cardigan. (Sorry about the photo.....I'm still learning about the self-timer feature on my camera!! I'm actually happy - honestly!!)


I've also done my nails (in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month). And you know what? I DO feel better about myself! Thanks Chantelle!!


What little things do you do to treat yourself? What makes you feel good about yourself?

Feeling the lurve.....

I got a lovely little surprise in my mail today!! A sew it yourself doll kit that I had been eyeing up a few weeks ago....sent by my much loved and appreciated BFF Kylie!! Comes with all you need to make that uber cute doll on the cover, including the gorgeous vintage inspired fabrics!

Thanks so much for caring babe! (Now to wangle some alone time to actually do some sewing....that will be the challenge....lol...).

Now, for you all to enjoy - how cute is this?

Owies....

Didn't manage to do any op shop trawling this week, due to being laid up at home after surgery on Tuesday. Ever realised how hard it is to relax with a bored toddler in the house? Hopefully I'll be back to tip-top shape soon - I hate being an invalid!!

Meme

What are the last three things you purchased?
That gorgeous cherry necklace, some pipe cleaners for craft with my daughter and groceries....boring really!

What are the last three songs you downloaded?
I don' t really download music....I'm a bit ancient....

What are the last three places you visited?
Melbourne (my fave city of all!), Auckland, Mt Maunganui

What are your three favourite movies?
Cinema Paradiso, Casablanca, The Notebook

What are your three favourite possessions?
My vanilla lipgloss, my suede chucks and my necklace mannequin.

What three things can you not live without?
My family, loose leaf tea, baths.

What would be your three wishes?
Endless love, peace and prosperity for all.

What three things haven't you done yet?
Fly in a hot air balloon, swim with dolphins, learn to play the guitar.

What are your three favourite dishes?
Chocolate fudge brownie...mmmm...., thai green chicken curry, lemon tart (yes I have a sweet tooth!)

Which three celebrities would you most like to hang out with?
Gwen Stefani - how does she manage to juggle everything and still look so cool!, Robin Williams, the Dalai Lama - I think he's hilarious!

Name three things that freak you out?
Spiders, the thought of being buried alive, horror movies

Name three unusual things you are good at.
Reading really fast, writing with both hands (not at the same time though, I'm not a freak!!), getting toddlers to eat veges!

Which three things are you coveting?
This dress, this necklace and this gorgeous Trelise Cooper number!!.

Aha! A breakthrough....

Bit of background......My dear hubby has this very strange phobia about preloved/vintage, okay, I'm just going to say it....'second hand' clothes. Which is a problem for me, because it is also combined with his almost fanatical, bordering on Scottish, tightness with money, so I can't buy new stuff because it's too expensive and I can't buy old stuff because it is 'used' and therefore in his mind somehow tainted....argh! Rock and hard place anyone?

Recently, having been tremendously inspired by an old friend Skye and a new friend Andrea....I have decided to do a bit of sneaky thrifting, under the guise of gathering dressup hats, handbags and assorted other bits and bobs for my little princess who is an accessorising guru already at 2.

Today...Day 1 and I think a wonderful find....I love summer and one thing I love about summer is cherries, and I found this gorgeous little cherry necklace....not sure about the necklace part, I think I'll find a little chain to hang it on, but isn't it cute? And it was only $3!

Wordle.....

Discovered this super cool website - you put in a random (or specific) bunch of text and then press "go" and it makes a word collage for you!

See example here

Then you can press "randomize" and it selects different layouts, colours and fonts! How cool!

Sunshine = bliss!

I've decided that the weather definitely affects my mood. Last week - rain = grumpy me and stir crazy child, weekend - sunshine = happy me and happy child = wonderful weekend!!

Oh how I love summer - best season of all, I hang out for all the goodness that summer brings - bare legs, floaty fashions, watermelon, icecream by the beach, and just that divine sunkissed feeling that makes you feel blissful and relaxed.

Productive weekend

Well, I got my spring cleaning mojo on this weekend and actually DID some spring cleaning!! Also weeded the garden and sanded and painted the old dolls cot my Dad made me when I was a little tacker, to get it all ready for my little princess! She loves putting her dolls to 'ni-nighs'....so cute!

After a week of parties and dinners though, I think this week will be a restful week. Of course, that is heavily influenced by the fact that Spring came and went on the weekend - it's persisting down today!!

Oh well....good things don't always last....

Cake making....and eating!!

It's my daughter's 2nd birthday today and yesterday we made her cake (chocolate of course!!) and today I iced it. Both have been wonderfully calming activities strangely enough.

S is just getting to the stage where she is able to participate in 'helping' Mummy and it is so much fun!!

Now off to get ready for the party tonight!!

Well today I am full of the joys of spring!! The sun is shining, my daughter is in an angelic mood, and we've just come indoors from sitting on the deck eating icecream - what could be more perfect!

And then I see there is a package at the front door - hazaa! A package I have been waiting for - this divine vintage top I saw on the internet. Fantastic price, friendly trader, super quick service and.....oh so absolutely gorgeous - from its lace trim to its picot fabric, to its gorgeous almost glowing orb buttons. It is absolutely perfect!!!.........for someone so very much smaller than me :( It was advertised as a size 12, which I am, but there is no way on God's green earth that the twins are ever going to fit into that top and my supremely wonderful day has been every so slightly sullied....now my brain is working to figure out how I can wear it anyway, or alter it.....

Anyway, here it is so you can admire it too!
And a close up of those gorgeous orb like buttons.....

Alright....I'm trying to think of a theme.....

For my blog - I'm not sure I should do a fashion one because my wardrobe is currently limited and boring!!

S's wardrobe would be far more interesting.....maybe I should take a photo of my lunch every day? I'll keep thinking....

I'm just over this blah weather and wishing for some sunshine!!

Should I or shouldn't I?

Saw this divine dress today, gorgeous leaf green floral print - empire line, linen blend. Just what I've been looking for: trans-seasonal (could wear it as is in summer, with a merino and knee high boots right now!), some colour for my wardrobe, something pretty to wear to S's 2nd birthday party. Cons: doesn't quite fit across the boobs and is just a little baggy across the small of my back.....it was on sale for $69 reduced from $499 and I totally love the fabric.....not sure if I should buy it and hope that the weight I lose in between now and the 2nd of September will make it fit just perfectly or if I would be wasting my money.....I think I'll sit on the idea until Wednesday - if it's still there then I'll decide.

Awww...my baby is growing up!

Yesterday she got her first bank statement....and opened the envelope all by herself!! Today we went and put the money into said account. It had to be a family occasion, but I did stop myself from taking the camera - wouldn't that have been naf!!



Today we went to the park in the pouring rain - there were no queues for the play equipment and thus, no tantrums - thank God for raingear is all I can say!!

Loving all the new spring fashions out too - will be nice to inject some colour into my wardrobe - I wouldn't bother to show you what I'm wearing today - all black and grey!!

Today's musing.....why is it that the new fashions come out almost a full season ahead of when they are required? And for that matter, why the heck is there Christmas decorations being put up in September??? Well they were last year, probably see them next week.....LOL

52 As a 1930s wife, I am Average Take the test!

Missed a day....not that anyone will notice!!

Missed a day because we hosted an emergency coffee group here - chaos with five 2 year olds in a postage stamp sized lounge room, but on the plus side, my lemon syrup cake (with cream!!) was absolutely divine.....should have taken a photo of it for you....oh well!

Musing of the day.....why is it that we classify food as 'bad' and 'good'? I am trying to redefine my relationship with food to set a better example for my daughter, after reading a fantastic book "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters" by Courtney Martin - a must read for all women!!

New to blogging....

Alrighty then, here we go. I'm new to this blogging lark, so be gentle!

This will be a place for my general musings and silliness.....

Today I am wondering why it is that escalators are called escalators, even though they go up AND down....hmmmm

Also noticed on my bathroom scales "If you have any questions, please phone...." I have a question - how come I'm not losing any weight just by standing on your scales every morning - riddle me this!!