gday beautiful

Time to Chill Out

2011-12-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

After a full on lead up and all the excitement of Christmas day it is great to just take it easy on Boxing day and take time to do nothing. Mine started with a 2km swim in the fabulous Hervey Bay followed by breakfast on the grass, then a visit to the Wetside with the kids, home for a bite of lunch and tiny little nap...... so far so good.

Give cheer, get cheer!!

2011-12-20T03:51:00.000-08:00

With most of my Christmas shopping in the bag, so to speak. I am feeling pretty happy with the presents I've made and bought for my friends and family. I especially like to pass on a little cheer where it's not expected and it gives me a buzz to make someone feel a bit special. I believe it truly is better to give than to recieve, I just hope everybody likes their pressies. We are lucky enough to be sharing our Christmas with our nearest and dearest over the next week and I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas with yours too!
Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.

Please, please like me!!!

2011-12-05T18:41:00.001-08:00

Pandanus Homeware and Gifts is now on Facebook, get over there and like us.....do it NOW!!!!
Don't make me beg, pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaase.

6 weeks 5 kilos

2011-11-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

Image: etsy

Since starting this sugar free adventure I have found you really can live quite contentedly without the sweet stuff. No honey, no fruit but lots of other rich delicious foods that make giving up sugar much sweeter. Full cream milk, cheese, my homemade mayonaise ( I'm addicted) is awesome with chicken, on toast under my eggs and I whizz up coleslaw in 8 seconds in the Thermomix for my lunch then add a tin of tuna in oil and half an avocado, so scrumptious.

Sarah is right when she says that people will be negative about it and everybody says " I don't eat much sugar" but sooooo much is hidden that most people don't know what they're eating most of the time.

I hope in the process I haven't become too painful to live with. It really hasn't cramped my style as all and I urge everyone to get on it, don't wait.

Christmas Rush

2011-11-16T02:47:00.000-08:00

With only 5 and a half weeks till Christmas the smart people are heading into Pandanus to do their shopping in comfort before the madness begins. Had another big day today with lot of special pieces heading to lucky people.
Good news our new website will be up and running within the week for those who can't make it into the store, very exciting!!

Where'd my little boy go?

2011-11-08T03:56:00.000-08:00

In the blink of an eye this chubby little boy has gone from innocent baby to gangly 18 year old. It's been a joy (most of the time) to be his mum!! It feels good to have gotten him adulthood fully intact and well adjusted, schools over, job for next year secured, not a bad effort if I do say so myself.
We can give ourselves a pat on the back, two down two to go.

Halfway there.....

2011-11-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Week 5 of my 8 week sugar free challenge starts tomorrow. I can't believe how easy it's been, still have the old addiction of bread and butter but one hurdle at a time.

Progress Report.....

2011-10-17T04:56:00.001-07:00

Just in case anyone actually reads this and was thinking of quitting sugar I can highly recommend it, I've lost 3kg in a week and feel great. It's wonderful to be free of that old task master....only 7 weeks to go.
Click on the link in the post below to buy Sarah Wilson's book!

My New Project, Me

2011-10-04T21:15:00.001-07:00

I purchase this ebook recently and have decided to give it a go. I started yesterday and am embracing all the other goodies I should be eating instead of empty calories taken up by sugar.
My hope is that I'll start to see an improvement in my energy levels and trim down, I now work out 5 days a week and am still weighing more than I'd like. If I had to work out enough to burn the calories I need to I'd have to retire from work to fit it in.
Wish me luck people......here goes!!!
Click on the photo to go to Sarah's site and buy the book!

Gotta love

2011-10-04T18:16:00.001-07:00

Creating Order out of Chaos

2011-09-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Lately things have gotten a little overwhelming round these parts and it was time to create some calm in the form of decluttering, mountains of folding, bookwork and a few fresh blooms thrown in to sweeten the deal. Now after months of chaos I can take a deep breath, sit down with a cup of tee and a freshly baked anzac biscuit and admire my neat kitchen cupboards and draws, clean fridge, clear benches and enjoy for a brief moment before it all starts piling up again.

Garden Inspiration

2011-08-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

For ages now I've been plotting my new vegetable garden, I'm making do at the moment with a few herbs and things in pots but while in Childers on the weekend for the Festival of Cultures I spotted this patch in a backyard, firing my enthusiasm. I'll be stalking the tip shop for likely candidates for garden edging, old sleepers and the like.

What's happened to FF?

2011-07-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

As one of FF's avid readers, I'm beginning to worry about her. It's now been 12 days since her last post, a very sad one about baby James, and then nothing. If anyone knows her please pass on to her how much we all miss the colour and humour she injects into our day.
Hoping all is well in the FF camp......

5 Months to Christmas......

2011-07-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's all down hill from here, winter is waning here in sunny Qld. Spring will fly by and next thing you'll know we'll be doing the Christmas window at the shop.
Before August arrives I'd like to say Happy Birthday to a sweet young girl turning 14 today, it has been a big month for birthdays in our family with no less than 6 celebrations. The ages of birthday people run like so, 9,9,11,30ish, 68 and 14, hope I haven't forgotten anyone.
It's so great to see these babies, it seems like yesterday, turning into lovely young people, wouldn't miss that for the world!!

Get Hooking!

2011-07-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

No, the economic climate hasn't been that cruel to us.
I mean crochet hooking, I've been rampant with the crochet hook this winter and with the cold weather set to continue it looks like I could get a few more projects completed. First there was the cot cover which I started last year, then the baby rug I helped my daughter make, then my pouf cover, whilst my eldest daughter awaits her granny square rug I have on the go, throw in a beanie or two for good measure and a bit of knitting and it's quite a bounty I should have by the time spring rolls 'round.

Weekend Bliss

2011-06-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Just spent the weekend at Noosa, after a freezing start to the weekend, which was no good for anything but shopping, it fined up to beautiful winter days. Ran into some friends in Hastings Street. Had dinner at the Thomas Corner Eatery, a highlight, don't miss it if you're ever at Noosaville.

Sweet Sixteen

2011-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned sixteen yesterday so it was pizza and all the family we could muster. Thanks to our fab hosts at Paolo's Pizza Bar for the great service and awesome pizzas.....and most of all for the washing up.
Thanks to all the time I waste reading blogs I got inspired to make the much blogged rainbow cake and couldn't be happier with how it worked out.

Domestic Goddess

2011-05-29T04:25:00.000-07:00

What is it about the cooler weather that makes me want to cook up a storm? Friday it was Beef Rogan Josh, Curry Chicken Pie and Pecan Pie, I made my own pastry using Maggie Beer's sour cream pastry recipe. The butter content alone is enough to give one a heart attack. Here's me in my Tassie apron, thank K and G it's getting well used.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-05-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

The temperature round these parts has been dropping to single figures overnight
making for very difficult starts in the morning.
However, once your feet hit the floor
and you reach the beach to be greeted by a scene like this it don't seem quite so bad.

A Girl Can Dream

2011-05-17T03:23:00.001-07:00

Baddow House Maryborough, QLD.
The stuff MY dreams are made of.
The outside was beautiful the inside 'to die for'.
Loved it all!!

Oh The Glamour

2011-04-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the view from my front door over the Easter school holidays just 6 steps and my feet were in the water or on my 'private' jetty. With no hairdryer or electricity some might find it a tad uncomfortable but it's my idea of heaven. Nothing to do all day but ski (no more that absolutely necessary for me) eat, knit (I taught my 13 year old son to knit and he's busy teaching everyone who'll let him), read, chat and relax. Now it's back to reality and catching up on work, washing, housework etc...

It's not ALL white!

2011-04-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of a bedroom I've been helping decorate lately. My only reader will know whose it is, nice basket just begging for a white throw don't you think? It's on it's way, don't tell R!!

AUTUMN AT LAST

2011-04-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, we thought it would never come, it's been such a long hot summer. But sure enough in the last week or so there's a lovely chill in the air and it's definitely cardigan time, at least for an hour or two in the morning.

The cool nights are perfect for spooning and the days just ideal for gardening, cooking and getting lots done that the hot weather makes too exhausting.
The light is all soft and golden so I'm loving the camera at the moment too.
Here's a few images I've taken from the past week.

TGIF

2011-04-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

The weekend is here again..........hoping the weather holds so I get a little more time to garden, read, crochet, cook etc. etc..........may yours be all you hope for too.

Happy Birthday

2011-03-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

Today is the birthday of two of my fave people, by my calculations both numbers are divisible by 11, that's got to be good luck of some kind. Sending good vibrations to you both, hope it's a beautiful day.

Figgin' Good Pav!!

2011-03-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

I trotted out an old pavlova recipe I hadn't made for ages, it takes 3 cups of sugar so probably a good thing. Nice crunchy crust but I think I'll use a little less sugar next time and see what
happens.

Happy Birthday

2011-02-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

via point click home

It's my big girl's birthday today (kinda). Next year she gets a real birthday, anyhow she's 19 this year and went off to her first day of uni this morning. It's her first birthday since moving out a few weeks ago. I spent the weekend cleaning and rearranging her old room.
We'll be able to leave the door open without scaring people now.
We miss her, really we do. Just don't miss the floordrobe.

My feet hurt already............

2011-02-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Janet Hill Studio

it's Sydney trade fair time again and time to head off to the NSW capital. As always I'll be fine once I get there but packing is a pain when your feet are the first thing you dress. Different shoes every day and flat is the order of the weekend. I should wear a pedometer and see how many kms we actually walk, it would be up there. By the end of the 5th day you start to covet those trudging along in 'crocs' but no we will not be partaking of those.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

to all who celebrate this day of love and romance.

Why is it?

2011-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

WHAT WOULD A NERD WEAR

STYLE UNDERDOG

KENDI EVERYDAY

Why is it we always crave what we can't have? I have been obsessed lately with following a couple of 'new to me' blogs. The girls in these pictures look so comfortable and put together. No sweat in sight. In the past few weeks it has been too hot to get dressed here, and putting foundation on your face is pointless as it slides off as fast as you apply it. Closed in shoes make you hot just looking at them and one layer is more than enough, I dream of needing a cardi. So until Autumn hits I will have to make do with just looking at all the cute outfits and throw on the least sweat inducing outfit I can find.

23 years and still smiling!

2011-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Back in '88 at the ripe old ages of 23 and 18 me and my mr. got hitched, 23 years ago yesterday. Wow, how time flies.............half our lifetimes ago, unbelievable. We have managed to pack a bit into the time but there's still so much we want to do. For the past 19 years we've been busy raising our family, renovating a few houses to suit as we grew.
I think I may have got the better end of the deal at times, he's a hard worker, great and caring father, patient unselfish husband, hopefully in a few years my girls will be as lucky as I have been in finding a husband who really is my rock. (put the violin away) I'm sure whoever is lucky enough to marry one of my boys will be a lucky girl if they're as good a bloke as their dad.
We have lots of fun though he tries his best to come across to the rest of the world as a big fat grump.
So as we move into the next 23 years of wedded bliss, fingers crossed it will be as much fun as the first 2 decades.
Even if it does include a caravan and a trip around Oz!

Pass the tissues..............

2011-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not an openly emotional type, but next week may test my tear resistance.

My eldest is 'flying the nest' and moving to the big smoke. It seems like yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital.
I'm trying to look on the bright side and think of all the advantages of having a base in Brisbane, but I will miss her.

Even her messy room and attitude.
On the upside, also, I will be able to pass on a few old bits and pieces from home, making room for some new stuff.
Always a silver lining.................

F N Q

2011-02-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hold onto your hats people, Queensland is about to cop it yet again. Only a couple of weeks since the floods in the south east, the far north is about to be battered by a big-ass cyclone, cyclone Yasi, they should rename her 'Big Yasi' the likes of which no-one has seen since 1918. With a much bigger population and a huge 500km diameter this beast of a cyclone will no doubt bring with it much misery and loss of property, we can only hope and pray that they escape with no loss of human life.
The thought of going through an event like that in the dead of night is absolutely terrifying and my thoughts are with everyone in her path.

Australia Day

2011-01-25T03:44:00.000-08:00

It's Australia day already, time to drag out the cricket bat, bbq, head to the beach or the backyard.....enjoy!!!

Veges, the new black!

2011-01-23T18:00:00.001-08:00

Image via, Oh Joy!

Forget babies, move over all you fashion must haves, you are all soooo YESTERDAY!!!
Anyone who's anyone knows growing your own vegetables and herbs is the hottest new thing.
I even know a brown thumb who recently planted a passionfruit vine underplanted with lettuce, parsley and tomatoes.
So catch up Posh, Kate etc your bumps may be pretty exciting but unlike veges and black they aren't slimming, and they do nothing to help you sleep better.
Get growing everybody!!!

The battle continues...

2011-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

with help from Dr Oz, if he's good enough Oprah hes good enough for me. Last week went very well but this week has been less than perfect in the diet stakes, but back on the wagon and the salads and off the white stuff I go. With a goal waist measurement of 32inches to get to I'd best hang in there.

What a difference a week makes........

2011-01-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Last week we were all nervously awaiting flood peak in Brisbane and trying to understand what happened in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. This week the mood is much more positive with everyone pitching in and helping each other clean up and rebuild. Although our hearts go out to those whose loved ones are still missing.

Personally we weren't effected by flood waters but sat waiting of news of a friend undergoing a major operation, this week he is recovering well and has had very good results so we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

On selfish note I have found the perfect nail polish for time poor people like myself for whom the act of painting my nails and waiting for them to dry takes longer than some paint jobs last. It's Sally Hansen Insta-dri and it really does dry instantly. I bought Expresso and a coral colour which I gave my sister for Christmas. So far it seems to be lasting pretty well for me and I'm no hand model, cooking, dishes etc sans gloves.

Lastly, today is the birthday of a little cutie pie, 3 today.
Happy birthday sweetheart!!

Meanwhile my internet painfully slow so now photos for now.

Blog Crush

2011-01-15T04:09:00.000-08:00

I have been wasting a lot of time on the blogosphere in the past week, unable to concentrate on work, with the rolling coverage of the floods in the background. While I was busy doing nothing I stumbled across advanced style, check it out. These old girls are an inspiration, life is short so throw on an extra bangle or ten and get that outrageous hair-do, what have you got to lose.

Broken Hearts

2011-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

So much misery has rained down on sunny Queensland in the last month,
watching the footage of families being rescued including little babies and the elderly just makes you want to reach out and give them a warm hug.
Your heart breaks for those who have lost their homes and you can't even imagine
the pain of those who have lost loved ones.
Today we are very grateful that the flood in Brisbane peaked
lower that first predicted sparing so many that otherwise would have been flooded.
I'm so glad my loved ones in Brissy are high and dry,
after a very nervous wait!
It will be a very long road to recovery.

No Floods Here

2011-01-11T03:50:00.000-08:00

Hervey Bay has so far missed out on any major flooding and we are all thanking our lucky stars.

However you may not recognize us next time we meet due to our low carb, dairy free diets.
Thousands of people have been out panic buying up trolley loads of bread and milk leaving the rest of us to wither away, which most of us could do with a bit of just quietly. I'll be using the shortage of white food to help kick start my diet. Gotta look on the bright side.

Meanwhile here's a photo I took on the 3rd of this month of the Brisbane river at a normal level, scary stuff all this water. I'll be thinking of the flood victims wherever you are.
Stay safe xx

Give Thanks and Pray

2011-01-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks that we are not in the midst of the nightmare that is the flooding, happening all around us (in sunny QLD), and pray for the poor darlings that are........

PItter Patter

2011-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

The twins are here, one of each. 'Our Mary' really is perfect, how could we ask for anything better. Four is the perfect number of kids, in my humble opinion, my kids would disagree. (They all wish they were only children so wouldn't have to share.) I'm sure they'll feel differently as they get older and have kids of their own.

I can't wait to see the little bundles of joy. Wasn't the joy written all over Fred's face, he looked so proud.
They were also born on the 8th, as far as I can work out, so share their birthday with my friend G.
What a lovely pressie.......

Happy Birthday

2011-01-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

I would like to take the opportunity wish my dear friend G, and only reader, a fabulous birthday, may it be a beautiful day followed by a great year!! Hip Hip Hooray.....etc, etc.
via abbey goes....

Waiting....

2011-01-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

via royalcorrespo9ndent.com

I know I'm not the only one on the edge of my seat waiting for news of Mary's twins safe arrival. Have you seen the photos from the Vogue shoot? Google them NOW!!! Stunning..........as one would expect.

New Year!!

2011-01-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

No time like the present to start working on those resolutions!
This year I plan to improve my power to weight ratio (constant battle, this one never ends), declutter, take more photos, spend more time with people I love, be grateful for all my blessings and have more fun.......if that's possible!!

Love to all at Christmas

2010-12-22T02:47:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a happy, safe Christmas filled with joy, family, love and too much of a good thing! The rain in our beautiful state is playing havoc with everyone's plans for Christmas this year but where ever you are and whoever you are with make the most of it!!

Blue Beauties

2010-12-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

A lovely friend surprised me last night with a huge bunch of these gorgeous hydrangeas. Aren't they divine? I thought they deserved their own photo shoot, so instead of getting ready for work on time that's what I did, they contrasted beautifully with the lovely Sir Walter.

Red sky at night.................

2010-12-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

Lovely sunset at Gatakers Bay, the other night.
Photo by me

Faux Fuchsia Inspiration

2010-12-07T03:21:00.000-08:00

Every day something on a blog inspires me, today it was FF's turn. Since there's little to no chance of me buying the Prada ballet flats from her post last week, that I was covetting, I thought the next best thing was paint my toenails with Revlon Coral Me Wild. I have worn it quite a bit and also bought some sandals in a stunning coral recently so 'great minds really do think alike'.
I really do hope our paths never cross because the state of my manicure would surely make her hair curl, though I'm sure she's carry that off well too!

Feeling Festive

2010-11-28T02:14:00.000-08:00

It's less than a month till Christmas and our tree is up just in time to beat the busiest time of the year at the shop. My youngest went all out and decorated the tree while I was away for the weekend, such a sweetie at the moment he must want a good present. We are stocked to the hilt at Pandanus and looking forward to a fabulous few weeks of 'silly season shoppers'. Just a few (pretty ordinary) photos of our Christmas display.

Save the Zebra

2010-11-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

I'm doing my bit, saved a zebra by snapping up a bargain rug at Dimmeys this afternoon. Not sure how many acrylics died to make it but it looks OK to me (for now). I think it gives my 'nanna' room a bit of a lift, what do you think?

It'll be all WHITE.........

2010-11-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

via vt interiors

via life in the fun lane

lately I've been helping a friend with decisions on finishes for her renovated ensuite and bedroom. My friend is very easy to please as long as it's white, white and white! I'm on the lookout for a nice simple headboard that would be easy for an obliging carpenter to whip up for us. Any ideas? Or better still, one we could buy ready to roll.

In the swim.....

2010-10-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

it's that time of year when I break out the 'speedos' and goggles and take the plunge. Tomorrow morning I'll be doing my best to swim a km or so at the beach, what a way to start the day. Combined with a salad or two I should have less chance of people thinking whales season has been extended this year.

Channelling India

2010-10-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Pic via celebrity digs

Recently we've been spending much time deliberating what to do with our front yard, after discussion with my personal garden guru I have decided to go with her idea of turf right up to our front verandah and around the beautiful big coconut palms we were lucky enough to have inherited from the previous owner. I'm sure it will look stunning and so 'Island Style' that on arrival at my front door one will expect India Hicks to answer.........I hope my guest won't be too disappointed when they find me at home instead.

WANTED

2010-10-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Help.... there is a rock melon thief on the loose in Hervey Bay...............she took a rockmelon from behind the counter in my shop yesterday. How crazy, just confirmed that we really are surrounded by idiots.

I wonder if she thought about the poor staff member who would be longing for that melon mid afternoon and searching high and low for it. If she took it by mistake, I think that might be even sadder. How can you not notice that you've picked up a sizable fruit from a shop that doesn't sell food. I hope she enjoyed it and didn't get a lump of it lodged in her throat, not!!
Ha, Ha!!

Watching Whales

2010-09-13T04:16:00.001-07:00

It's been a bumper season for whales in Hervey Bay this year, so we thought we'd better go and say hi to them yesterday.
Followed by a picnic lunch on Fraser Island, bliss!!

Time to get dirty!

2010-09-08T22:30:00.001-07:00

Going to get out into the garden this weekend, hopefully the weather will stay fine as I have plenty to do.

So 'Glad' It's Spring

2010-09-06T03:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the colours of these gorgeous blooms my sister picked up for me at the markets last Thursday. They're enough to bring a smile to my face every time I look at them in my favourite vase.

Spring........ time for some colour

2010-08-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one ready for an injection of colour into the world, after a grey winter? The shop is full of colour at the moment making it a joy to come to work. I especially love the Walnut ballet flats that arrived yesterday, so fun!

Buried Alive

2010-08-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

That's me, I'm up to my neck in all the new stock arriving at the shop. Gorgeous new handbags and aluminium decorator pieces, baby gifts you name it I have been busy unpacking it.

Congratulations

2010-08-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

To the sweetest granny in the whole world on the birth of your second grandson! Well done to mum and dad too! Oh and to Grandpa too!

image via. sarahq

Busy shop days.........

2010-08-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

last Friday we had an outdoor broadcast on the radio, the shop was abuzz with lots of people. We gave away delicious cupcakes to celebrate out 6th birthday and Neopolitan style pizza from Paolos next door. We have lots of new lines coming in at the moment so it's very exciting to come to work and wait for the next delivery.

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho it off to the big smoke I go.....

2010-08-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

Melbourne here I come, only a few short days in the fabulous Victorian capital. Just hope the weather is not (too) cold. People were swimming here yesterday so the cold will be a shock to my system but always a fun trip even if this time there's no time allocated for personal shopping!! Hopefully I'll be back with lots of cool goodies for the shop and not too many extra kg on my waistline.

I've lost it......

2010-07-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

blog browsing the other day and I saw the simplest water feature. It looked like a very large piece of concrete water pipe with water only just trickling over the edge. I stupidly didn't save a picture of it and so ever since I have been searching blogsville to find it again. If anyone knows the one I mean please let me know where you saw it, it was all mossy and gorgeous.

Cheeky Monkeys......

2010-07-21T17:22:00.001-07:00

Not Missing Much

2010-06-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to all of you lucky enough to be away at the moment whether in Australia or
'abroad'....I just want you to know you are not missing much.

The weather is boring 12 - 21 degrees most days and pretty fine.

I have to work every day for the school holidays so am not free for lunch.

The water at the beach is only warm enough to swim if you're from Victoria or Tasmania.

It also appears that the grey nomads here are not much more cheerful than the ones in WA,(you know who you are, Happyil) all hanging on to every cent GFC making life difficult for the poor darlings. It could be worse, you could all be out working.

So if you're fortunate to be going anywhere at the moment............

ENJOY IT WHILE IT LASTS!!!

For my absent friends.

2010-06-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of sunset photos I took recently.........not quite WA but not too shabby!!

It's time.

2010-04-04T06:03:00.002-07:00

After a busy start to the year we are taking off tomorrow for a relaxing week of camping, I know some of you cringe at the sound of camping for any amount of time , I love it.

No house work, no driving (once you arrive) and happy tired kids of all ages at the end of the day all around the campfire sharing their triumphs and bragging about their epic 'stacks' from their skis or wakeboards. Fun, fun, fun!!!

pic. me

Fun in the sun!

2010-04-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

Before and After

2010-04-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

My old chairs are back from the upholsterer and I'm very happy with the results. I also had a daggy sofa bed covered in green velvet. I will one day replace it with something more stylish but need the extra bed for weekends when we often have extra guests.

Left. Before

Left.After

I did it!

2010-03-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to upload photos but now I think I have fixed the problem. Here goes.......it worked.

I absolutely adore this low couch with the mismatched covers, perfect for someone like me who has trouble committing to one fabric.

I have however committed to a couple of fabrics and currently have a sofa bed and 2 chairs at the upholsterer being recovered. They should be back in a couple of days.
Image via from the left bank

Trying Again

2010-02-23T13:16:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a while but I have tried and tried to post but everytime I browse for a photo my computer freezes, so here goes.

February 365 Project

2010-02-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

February has started, but I have stumbled out of the blocks with a few dud photos and also seem to be 2 short already for the month. I will improve my game!!

29, 30, 31

2010-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

At last the first month is over, only 11 to go in my 365 project!

Back to School.....a little late!

2010-01-30T00:18:00.001-08:00

Don't they always look so ready and willing when it's time for the obligatory back to school photo, puffy eyes all 'round?

28/365

27/365

2010-01-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

Rubbish I know but it is a photo so it counts. I will be taking another using the tripod just for comparison. I was being lazy and thought I could hand hold it but obviously not.

23, 24, 25, 26 The Open Road

2010-01-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Or should I say goat track.

A grand long weekend was had by all. Hope yours was fun too!

Farewell Old Friend

2010-01-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

Excuse the photo, it could have been my misty eyes that caused such a shocker of a photo as I said good-bye to my faithful old wheels on Friday. We have had such a good relationship, she has never let me down and was always willing to carry whatever I could load into her, last week I picked up a lounge suite at the recycle shop at the tip, just for old times sake, and she was more than willing, I'll miss her. 22/365

Long Weekend

2010-01-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Australia Day to all and I hope you all have a great weekend, I know I will. We are going camping and as far as I have found that's as relaxed as I get. Every other thing I do tends to involve shopping or driving but not camping, nothing to do but swim, eat, read, eat, ski, eat, take photos, eat, drink a little, eat..................I'll be working hard to burn the calories when I get home but it'll be worth it.

20 and 21/365

2010-01-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

Up to 21 already where's the year going, not noticing any improvement yet. Just basically snapping at anything I can.

18 and 19/365

2010-01-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

Not very attractive photos today just a couple I took of a couple of chairs I'm revamping and the fabric I'm using.

We're waiting...

2010-01-17T02:52:00.000-08:00

for the next installment. I for one can't wait for the photos of you 'boot-scooting' in Tamworth. Get on with it!!

16,17/365

2010-01-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

14 and 15

2010-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Before back breaking rocks installed!

Catch Up Photos

2010-01-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

11, 12, 13....

Help Wanted

2010-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Position Vacant

This position would suit a middle aged couple,
approx. 4 hours weekly plus special family occasions,
duties include cob making, dip making,
Hot Cross bun heating once annually,
sense of humour definite advantage.
Initial contract would be 9 months with a view
becoming permanent, apply in writing via
this blog.

Just kidding even though there'll be a definite vacancy on Friday nights at our house our dear friends who are ditching us for a 9 month trip would be large shoes to fill. Maybe I could arrange some 'temps' I wonder how many Fridays till they return.

9,10

2010-01-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

9/365

10/365

7, 8

2010-01-08T14:48:00.001-08:00

These are some photos of a cake I made for me friend who is off on a 'round Oz' trip, it was her birthday and farewell for her and her husband. To follow their travels have a look at her blog I made for the trip www.dullmomentnever.blogspot.com 8/365

7

7/365

Random Shots

2010-01-05T22:35:00.001-08:00

6/365

5/365

More Greenery

2010-01-04T00:13:00.000-08:00

4/365

I am enjoying all the new growth in the garden since the rain we've been having.

My passionfruit vine looking good after a very rough trot from builders and lack of rain.

1,2,3....

2010-01-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

3/365

2/365

1/365

out of the 365 photos I'll be posting for my photo a day project this year. Hopefully they'll improve my photography skills and won't bore too many people. Today we have a bit of a rural theme happening.

What a Year 2009!

2009-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

2009 was jam packed with renovations, 'big' birthdays, a trip to Paris, a high school graduation and so much more........I'm looking forward to a very dull year in 2010 with just some gardening and housekeeping with the odd short trip away thrown in.

'twas 2 nights before Christmas....

2009-12-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

I can't take credit for the gingerbread house, it was made by my sister-in-law and my brother.

and all through the house not a creature was stirring.........I'm finished stirring, and beating and melting and chopping and wrapping. Now I'm just waiting for the last of the cakes in the oven. We're spending Christmas in Brisbane with family and tomorrow night we'll be taking in the sights of Brisbane atop the Storey bridge. We're doing the twilight climb, it should be a beautiful sight watching the sunset then the lights of the city coming on. Also a great way to burn a few Christmas calories.

Thinking of You

2009-12-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish Amanda from Swish and Swanky and her family all the best for the festive season, I know they've had a rough time lately. I hope all the health issues are improving and that 2010 is a much better year for their family.

I'm sure we all miss her posts and hope she finds time to come back to blogland.

Merry Christmas Amanda!!

A Time For Giving....

2009-12-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

blood that is, I am off to the blood bank today! I give every 3 months, they always make you feel so appreciated and especially at this time of year when they need every drop they can get. I urge everyone to give a little of their time (and blood) if they want to feel good about themselves, it'll give you a little boost and may just save a life.

Help Me Santa

2009-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

What am I going to buy for my faithful staff member this Christmas, I had the perfect gift in mind but it was unavailable so it's back to the drawing board. I have a whole shop of full of gorgeous things that I can't use as she spends all her working hours looking at them. If anybody has any ideas I'd be thrilled to hear them.

Happy Birthday Craggles

2009-12-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

My brother celebrates his birthday today, he and his wife also take posession of their new house today. I can't wait to see what they do with the Queenslander they have purchased.

Good Day Sunshine

2009-12-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

I'm doing it tough for a few days, I must endure a short stay at Noosa, poor me. Today we spent a couple hours and a few bucks at Eumundi Markets and made a start on the Christmas shopping. Tomorrow I hope to really get most of the shopping done and hopefully that will put me in the holiday mood, I can't believe it's so close. Then as soon as I get home it'll be up with the tree and lots of festive touches.

Send it down Hughie

2009-11-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

It is raining at last here, so at least we'll have green grass for Christmas.

Mixed Up.....

2009-11-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

This is a pic of our shop display of the Kitchenaid appliances.