GATHERING MY THOUGHTS

Say a little prayer....

2011-11-03T09:26:00.000+11:00

Hi all....

I have a bit of a favour to ask you all....I was wondering if you may, if you have the time, spare a thought , make a wish or say a little prayer for my brother, Mark...

He was involved in a horrible accident on his way to work on Tuesday morning when he was hit by a car that was trying to make a turn and beat the oncoming traffic.... The other driver was turning against the lights and ploughed into the the side of my brother at quite a speed...

Unfortunately Mark was on his motorbike at the time...

The impact saw Mark's leg all but severed below the knee...

To date he has faced one lengthy surgery to try to repair the leg..and is set to face many more...including the loss of 2-3 toes on his left foot due to unrepairable damage from being thrown from his bike from the impact...

We are now hoping, praying and crossing everything that the surgery is successful and he is able to keep his leg...and this is what I hope you will share in your thoughts...

He has quite a battle ahead of him but we are so glad that he is alive as it could have ended a lot differently...

So please say a little prayer on his behalf ...if you are not religious please keep him close to your heart or wish him well...

....and please all of you that drive any sort of vehicle, whether it be a car, bike, truck...whatever....please drive safely and remember that one decision made in haste to save a little time can change a life in a matter of seconds...

Till next time....

Barrows and blooms....

2011-10-29T19:04:00.000+11:00

For months I have been reading everyone's posts and looking at pictures of their beautiful gardens.....loving them all...and drooling.....but too embarrassed to share pictures of mine as it was in dire need of a serious "spruce up".

Some years ago we had a beautiful neat garden (even held our wedding reception in our back yard!), however a large extension to the back of our house saw most of the manicured gardens removed and the venture into our own business seemed to swallow up what little time we had available, leaving us with no time to resurrect it.

This lack of time has seen our gardens (well...what was left of them) sadly neglected. I have for a long while wanted to get stuck into it, although as my hubby is always tied up with work it means little steps at a time as I would be doing most of it myself.

Finally I found myself in the position with a little time to get started on it but unfortunately I hit another snag....money has been tight over the past 12-18 months and my dream of making over my garden has always had to be put on the back-burner...making way for bills and other necessities....boring I know, but a part of everyday life I guess!!!...lol.

Well... I am pleased to say that I have finally been able to have a little splurge and have carried out a mini makeover of one of our front garden beds....woohoo!

So now I can join the gardening band wagon (or should I say barrow...lol)...

So....here are my before and after pics.....

Before......

What can I say...hideous!....

After....

A "bang up job" ...even if I do say so myself

As I said before...baby steps (and baby plants) but one has to start somewhere and although it looks a little plain at the moment I am sure I will be rightly pleased once the little dears establish themselves a bit more. (ooh and I still have to remove the dead clingy vine from the brick wall)

This is the first of my planned makeovers outdoors.

Next stop on the garden train is the garden that runs right across the other side of the front of the house. It is about 5 times longer than this bed (about 25-30 metres) and will require some serious digging. I plan to replicate the plants on that side...but that will be a job for another day.

Can I let you all in on a li'l secret???...I haven't done much of anything physical for a long time and my garden adventure today has left my back feelin' a bit "namby-pamby".

So...I am off to lay down in front of the movin' picture machine....probably fall asleep and dream of my new garden.....it's awful pretty ...don't ya think??

Til next time....

Ahhh...the romance of roses...

2011-10-22T21:38:00.000+11:00

What would your hubby say if your boyfriend gave you flowers???......

Well.... mine thought it was real sweet...

(considering my boyfriend is only three years old....lol)

These flowers were presented to me by my little mate Archie who comes to visit me with his mum in the shop that I work at. He is very very cute and most charming and presented them with a "hello darlin'....these are for you!"....(way too cute!)

He is a little blonde hair, blue eyed cutie and inspires to be "Fireman Sam" when he gets older...

He has been known to shout an "I love you Chris" from the car window as they leave and there are always plenty of hugs and kisses blown during his visits....

Who said romance is dead....lol.....

Now how could a hubby ever be jealous of a boyfriend like that!!!....obviously he couldn't...but it couldn't hurt to take a few pointers.....(just sayin'.....lol)

'Til next time....

Photos, photos and more photos...

2011-10-17T18:38:00.001+11:00

Well hello all of you out there in "blogland"....high time I updated mine with another post isn't it???

Well here it is.....(hope it is worth the wait...lol)

There is nothing I like more than a day out with a like-minded friend... hitting the antique stores... and that is precisely what I did yesterday with my friend Karen.

Like my blog posts ...IT HAS BEEN A WHILE!!!...as a matter of fact over three months since our last day out!!....on the 2nd July.

How do I possibly remember the date I hear you ask?...easy-peasy....this was the date on the lay-by docket for a lay-by that I placed on our last day out and had totally forgotten about collecting...until yesterday!

Not like me at all I know.....but we have had a series of issues over the last few months...two of which were being without my car for an extended period and the serious lack of spending money...lol...so days out have been non-existant and the furthest thing from my mind.

Anyways....enough of the "who-hah"....
What was my layby you ask???? ...and was it still there after all that time???

Well the lovely shopkeeper was kind enough to have kept it aside for me and I eagerly paid the balance and collected it amid profuse apologies. As you will see it is quite "special" and I seriously don't know HOW I could have forgotten about this little beauty!!!!

Okay....well here it is.....

An antique photo album dated 19th May 1900

full of photo's!!!!

Yup....aah-huh you heard (oops....read) me correctly!!!!

What a find...and for not a bad price too... if I do say so mee-self!

The cover is very ornate and decorated...

The back is old worn velvet...

The first page is inscribed...

Burrumbuttock NSW

(quaint name isnt it?)

I had no idea where Burrumbuttock is...so I googled it (as one does when wanting to find something out) and this is what I learned...

"Burrumbuttock is a small village 32 kilometres north west of Albury onthe Albury-Urana Road.

The early settlement began in 1839 at the "Burrumbuttock Station" which was at that time 30,000 acres on both sides of an unfenced track stretching from Jindera Gap towards Walbundrie.

The present town has a number of buildings including a General Store and Post Office, Primary School, Farmers Inn Hotel established in 1880 and the Holy Cross Lutheran Church dedicated in 1877. It has a population of 150 people.

The Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre is a 4 ha area featuring a large dam constructed in 1902 by Chinese labourers. The wetlands, bush and landscape are linked by walking tracks and showcase a great diversity of native plants and associated wildlife. The Centre has received international recognition".

Very interesting......
Here are a few shots of the photos in the album...

Some of the pages are also very decorative...all embossed and coloured with different floral patterns

From what I can see I think the lady in these photos is Bertha "H" who along with her husband presented the album to their sister...

A large family...9 kids!

And finally....on the last page

It would seem that sadly Bertha "H" died in July, 1902 at only 39 years of age... only two years after presenting her sister with the album.

It appears that her sister popped her rememberance card into the back of the very album that I am sure she would have cherished so dearly....

What a piece of history!!!.....

I have been collecting old photos for a little while now with the vision of somehow using them in my crafting (copying not destroying...so dont freak out...lol)

I have also been lucky enough to have been given some from a dear friend for birthdays/christmas etc....and I thought I would share a few of them with you also..

This one (given by my friend) bears an uncanny resemblance to my dear mum when she was younger. I showed it to my younger brother and he totally agreed....

I will have to show mum next time she comes over....maybe she had a long-lost relative that she knew nothing of.....or maybe she's older than she's been l;etting on...tee hee! (sorry mum...didn't mean it...lol...love ya!)

Three old postcards...

I hope you have enjoyed sharing my old pics....

I have one more that I would like to share with you...

It is of my sweet pussycat Cassie taken some time ago while she was taking a drink from the little pond we used to have in our garden. She was fascinated with water and I would often find her sitting in a tub, wading through the pond or arm deep in her water bucket....

Sadly we had to say goodbye to Cassie recently after she became quite ill.....17 years she was with me and she was a joy for each and every one of them....Goodbye old girl...we sure miss you ...xxx

Until next time....

My hubby hates trees....

2011-07-28T17:10:00.001+10:00

Well...not all trees...just MINE!...lol

I told you in my last post that I was going to try to get stuck into another craft project....

....well .... I had this idea...

I have some old table legs/bannisters in my craftshed and I have been looking at them and looking at them since I picked them up a few years back ...but wasn't certain exactly what I wanted to do with them..until I came up with this "great" idea!

Well...it WAS great until I couldn't get my initial attempt to work...so I changed the goalpost and came up with an easier alternative...."as we do!"....(but I swear I will be having another attempt at the elusive "great idea"...lol)

I made a tree....

...it's probably not very impressive as far as trees go ...but I really don't think it warranted the screwed up and disgusted face that hubby pulled when I showed it to him...followed by the accompanying comment of "WHO on earth is going to want to buy THAT???"...I mean really was it necessary to be so rude???...lol

Well...I love my little scrawny tree and if no-one does buy it after I list it on my website for sale I am totally determined to find a VERY prominent possie in MY house to put it where Jeff can enjoy it every day!!!...or maybe I'll just put it away and wrap it up for him for Christmas...hee hee!- evil laugh (although you all know I'm not evil and would never do a thing like that- hee hee! - oops there I go again)

Anyways...that being said

....here is my scrawny tree...lol

...hope you do too...or are YOU a tree hater like my hubby...lol

Until next time ...

Dusted off the "old girl" and actually got some sewing done...

2011-07-26T09:09:00.000+10:00

Well hiya all....

You can probably guess by my BLOG title that I did actually manage to get some sewing done as planned ...yippee!

I have a gazillion projects in my head that I want to get through, but this is what I managed to come up with this week....

Firstly a little prairie dress on a manequin for my Little House Primitives website...

(Thankyou ...this is already SOLD)

...and for my Countin' Crows Primitives website I came up with these gals...

"Springtime Annie"

....and

"Winter Annie"

Not too bad for a days work if I do say so myself....lol

Well that's it from me...for this time. I'm off to get some orders packed and invoiced and then it's onto getting our dreaded business tax done for this quarter....eeek!

....wish me luck

Until next time...

A rainy day afternoon at home...

2011-07-21T21:01:00.001+10:00

No work for me today or for the rest of the week as a matter of fact...

The antiques store I work for is in the process of changing hands and my days have been reduced from 3 a week to one day a week.....no matter though as I have more work lined up in the short term and I have been told that my days will be likely to increase again in the near future....

As I said...no matter as it is giving me some well earned "me" time to do whatever I want!!!....Well that's easier said than done in view of the nasty weather we have been experiencing for the last few days...

There is little that I can do pottering around the house (would love to get suck into the garden...or some more painting but this weather is only good for ducks...and this little black duck ain't gunna garden out in the pouring rain...lol)

....so guess what I did this afternoon????

Yep...you'll never believe it....I actually got some crafting done!!!...I know ...I hear ya Jackie...you had best sit down before you fall down!!!....it's definitely been a while hasn't it?

Anyways nothing too exciting....just decided to make up a few pinkeeps (baby steps at this stage as I will seriously HAVE to ease myself back into it...hee hee) and while I was at it I threw together a couple of little laundry gatherings.

I will be listing all of these for sale on my websites over the next few days...

Pinkeeeps...

I love the little boot one !

Yeah yeah...shock horror I hear y'all say...youno I can' resist

a cute little antique boot!

Laundry Gatherings...

The cute little "star soap" ditty bags were purchased from

Olde Time Gatherings in the USA...too cute. I simply popped with them some antique timber pegs and a piece of antique lye soap.

Well that's it for my day....wet, cold but above all most enjoyable. I am hoping to actually get stuck into a sewing project tomorrow....woohoo!!!!

Thanks for allowing me to share...

Until next time......

Added Note: 22nd July 2011

I have just ducked in and finally updated the shelves for my two selling blogs...Countin' Crows Primitives and Little House Primitives. You will find the links to them both listed on the side bars at the top of the page...thanks x

Another nice day out...

2011-07-04T18:11:00.000+10:00

Hi there one and all...I hope everyone is keeping well and surviving the nasty weather we have been having (for non-aussie readers...it's winter over here and we have been having lots of rain and wind and rain and rain and rain....lol)

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to share a lovely day out with my dear friend Karen. We had been invited to Rick Rutherford's Christmas In July event at 3pm in his store at Lawson in the Blue Mountains, so we decided to do what we do best and make a day of it...visiting our favourite antique shops on the way up.

Well I have to say I was quite a good girl and minded my pennies a bit more carefully than usual, but did end up splurging on a pair of delightful little shoes that I have been eyeing off at one of the stores for quite some time. (it did help make my decision to get them easier when the shopkeeper discounted them considerably...lol).

Anyways...I thought I would share a few piccies with you... of my goodies

Those of you who know me well will know that they are not the normal type of li'l boots/shoes I collect....but I am sure when you see them you will understand why I fell in love with them...AND I found the perrrrfect possie to put them...so there!
...I'd say that just about justifies the purchase wouldn't you???

I also managed to find a nice cheap garden hoe. I wanted one to use to hang a quilt on in my hallway (as you can see I haven't got round to doing that yet...lol)

A nice old jar that I have decorated inside with a small pip berrie wreath, cinnamon scented fixin's and a little grubby battery operated tealight candle.... It looks awesome of a night with it's flickering warm glow...just gotta find somewhere to put it now???

As a matter of fact I got inspired by my one and have made up some to list on my website...honestly these look awesome of a night time when they are lit up!

...and last but not least (well it was actually...cheap as chips really is this old Bon Ami carton that I have added in with one of my laundry displays.

Well as I said in my title..."another nice day out"... and a lovely day was had by all. We thoroughly enjoyed Ricks gathering and finished the day off by stopping off for an early dinner at another of our favourite haunts on the way back home.

Thanks Karen for another lovely "girlie" day... and as I raise my coffee cup I say "here's to good friends and happy times". I hope you all get to enjoy a little of the same.

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!....I just had to share this with y'all !!!

2011-06-25T21:19:00.004+10:00

Great news here!!!!....so good that I HAD to share it!

You may recall reading my last post about hubby and I having decided to sell our home...a decision that niether of us were comfortable with...and one that we thought was the only way around things.

Well ...after much consideration and some more real soul searching we have decided to struggle it out for another 12 months and look at refinancing wih a view to getting a lower interest rate. After sitting down and discussing it again we decided that we would be losing a considerable amount just on the fees to sell and buy again so we are going to look at refinancing and consolidating a few debts instead to make things a bit easier to manage.

OMG....I thought we were doomed to have to give it all up. Although the thought of starting again with my decorating was a little light at the end of the tunnel.....I cannot tell you how relieved I feel that we now do not have to do it. No more waking up ill just at the thought of it and no more panicking about where we were goinbg to put everything...lol. Geez...that was 2-3 months of anguish I could have seriously done without...lol

It's going to take a bit of budgeting on our behalf in the meantime, but looking at the end picture now we are going to be much better off in the long run...PLUS we get to keep our much loved house!!!!

Okay...so having shared our good news with y'all....I seem to recall that I promised you some pics of the revamp of our spare room......

It sure is amazing how much more of a "spring" I have in my step now. I started painting out the room (previously hubbys old office and most recently a bit of a junk room for the last 2 years) on my day off last Tuesday and couldn't wait to get it finished off today.

I am really pleased with how it has come out and I am keen to continue somewhere else now...hee hee! (No ...seriously!...our garden is disgusting and needs some serious TLC!!!...maybe it should be next on the list)

Okay....well here is what it looked like pre-makeover...pretty nasty huh?...complete with the remnants of Jeff's outdated office (his old computer and a cruddy old filing cabinet)...

and here is what I did with it...some of the pics are a bit dark...and in some the walls appear to be lemony/yellow, however they are a very soft cream...

The stack in the corner are old suitcases that I "nicked" from around the house including two courtesy of a very welcome garage sale hubby happened across this arvo...lol. On top stands a jar lamp with a punched tin shade...

I have an antique prairie dress on it's way from the states that will be replacing the little dress (2nd from right, which is a bit of a "ring in" at the moment)...all the other items are vintage

I plan to make a naive stitchery for the blank wall in the corner.
..just couldn't get round to it today..lol and I also need to sort out some kind of window dressings but will have to pop my thinking cap on for those...

The quilt on the bed is a feedsack quilt from the US that dates back to the early 1900's

(as is the one folded on the pillow and also the one folded on the old metal trunk at the foot of the bed). The bed quilt is blue on white and all handstitched and handquilted in a "Jacobs Ladder" design...

Beside the bed....

A cupboard I took from one of my other displays....

and so my job tomorrow is to re-do the display in the room

that now has a big blank spot... oopsie!

Anyways...thats it for me...I hope you like my new spare room.

...and a huge big thanks to all of you who sent me lovely emails and comments in relation to my previous post....you guys are the best xxx

Until next time .......

When life hands you brussel sprouts...

2011-06-08T16:36:00.002+10:00

Most of you may have noticed that I havent been around too much of late to make comment on my BLOG or anyone elses for that matter.

I suppose its time for me to fess up...I haven't been feeling my usual jovial self for the last few months and to be honest have been finding it difficult to get motivated to do much of anything.

The crux of the problem is a decision that hubby and I have made to sell our beautiful home. Unfortunately although we know it is the best thing to do for us it is a decision that I am still struggling to come to terms with.

Having our own buisiness we are finding it increasingly difficult to be paid in a timely manner by customers in this current economic climate and are finding that we are more often than not struggling to make ends meet each week whilst waiting on that elusive cheque....despite hubby working longer and longer hours each week.

Our home is quite large (if I am totally honest... too large for just the two of us and our two furr-babies) so we have decided to sell, pay off all of our debts, invest the rest of our money and rent for a while whilst looking for our next "perfect place".... this time a little smaller.

I know that I should view this as a positive thing and I know that we are not the first to be faced with a decision like this but geez I'm struggling with letting go! Anyways it will all work out for the best in the longrun I am certain.

...So now begins the primping and preening and packing and downsizing that I have been dreading and putting off for the past few months ...hoping that it was just a bad dream...lol...so wish me luck.

The first job this long weekend is to get the spare room (previously used as Jeff's office) painted and restored into a spare bedroom. I will go through the wardrobe (currently full of junk), paint and decorate the room. I am planning to put in the old wrought iron bed, braided rugs and vintage quilts I have had stored for some time, together with a few other pieces of furniture that I will pinch from around the rest of the house.

Hopefully as I do my clearing, primping and preening I will be able to share photos with y'all so you can see what I get up to....Tee hee....that is sure to make me get in and get it done as now I have made a promise...sorta-kinda ..lol

Okey dokey...all of that having been said the one constant that has been keeping me somewhat sane during all of this is having to get up and toddle off to work each day.

I just love my job and during my time back at the lovely little antiques store I work at I have formed friendships with many of my regular customers, some popping in on a regular basis simply to have a chat (something I am VERY good at...hee hee).

Today one of my lovely regulars (a dear old gentleman) popped in and surprised me with a homemade lunch. He walked up to the counter with his little insulated carry bag and announced that we were going to have lunch together.

From out of his carry bag came a small linen cloth that was laid on the counter, to which was added some lovely china and sliverware, serviettes and fresh bread rolls. Next out was his insulated soup tourine and a little dish of sour cream.......and what did the tourine hold I hear you say???......brussel sprout and potato soup, which to my surprise (not being a fan of brussel sprouts) was absolutely delightful!!!.

To say that I was touched is an uderstatement.....how thoughtful of him to bring in his handmade soup and to go to such an effort for me!....just lovely. It is only 14 degrees up here today and very windy...so a bowl of steaming hot soup was just the trick....thanks so very much "Mr K"....you made my week!

So to commemorate this "memorable lunch" I researched a Brussel Sprouts Soup recipe to share with you all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
....and remember
....when life hands you Brussel Sprouts
....make soup!....lol

BRUSSEL SPROUTS SOUP

4-6 servings

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium potato, peeled and cubed

2 tablespoons butter

500g brussels sprouts or frozen brussels sprouts, thawed

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Sour cream and paprika, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, saute onion and potato in butter until onion is tender. Add the brussels sprouts, broth, salt, curry powder and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Cool to room temperature.

Place the potato mixture, in small batches, in a blender, cover and process until blended. Return all to pan. Combine egg yolk and cream; stir into soup. Cook and stir for 4-5 minutes over medium heat (do not boil). Garnish with sour cream and paprika if desired.

Enjoy.....................'til next time....

SALE!...SALE!...SALE!....

2011-05-20T14:57:00.001+10:00

I don't normally advertise items from my

websites on this BLOG, however, I am having a massive clearance sale at

www.countincrowsprimitives.com

so I just had to share the news with y'all.

I am currently offering a huge 30-50% off STOREWIDE!!!! ....and if that isn't

"savings" enough for you....spend over

$100-00 and I will also discount your

postage bill by $5-00!!!

Unfortunately I am uable to offer my usual

layby terms during the course of this sale,

however, will offer a special 2 week layby on

items purchased (subject to payment of

a 50% deposit).

The SALE will be offered for a limited time

only...after which most prices will return to normal.

Once the sale has ended I will be listing

some new stock that has just arrived from

the states (including a new line of Treenware).

Thanks for reading...

Until next time...

The end of the road...

2011-04-27T15:33:00.000+10:00

A lot of you regular bloggers and followers of my websites would probably know that for the past 3 or so years I have been running The Chocolate Crow Trader - an online marketplace for Aussie crafters that all up has been running for about 6 years.

Well.......it is with much regret and sadness that I write this post……

Unfortunately the time has come where, with only a handful of ladies still participating, The Chocolate Crow Trader appears that it may have run it’s natural course…

Numbers have been steadily dwindling over the past 12-18 months, which is totally understandable in the current economic/retail environment. Many girls have left due to the need to return to full time work /increasing family/work commitments. Due to the downturn in retail since the GFC …sales are also fewer than they were earlier on, which also has a downward effect with members .

All of these situations are totally out of my control and I see no “quick fix” until things settle down financially. This has lead me to make the decision (that truthfully I have been putting off for quite some time)…..and in this regard I am afraid to say that that the April Issue will be the the last for TCCT for the time being.

This very difficult decision was only made after a lot of soul-searching and much thought and I am very sorry to see it end this way, however, I am certain that you will all agree that TCCT would seem to have experienced it’s “Hey Day” and it is time for it to bow out gracefully, as it so justfully deserves, ….as I am sure Bev (it’s original founder) would also want.

Who knows…when things pick up again I may resurrect it but for the time being it is the end of the road for now.

I would personally like to thank all of you....the readers, the current and past members and our loyal customers for your support over the past 6 or so years. I will hang onto the mailout list and should we reinstate it…y’all will be the first to know.

So its bye for now to The Chocolate Crow Trader.........I have thouroughly enjoyed my five years as a member including the past 3 as it's principal and hope one day to start it up again when things look a bit brighter on the economic front. I would like to take this opportunity to also say how blessed I am to have made the fabulous friends that I have through my dealings with TCCT and pass on a special thanks to Jackie and Pam who have always been there to offer their support, encouragement and many times donated their time and items for giveaways etc whenever I needed their help...thanks guys xxx

It's a dog's life...

2011-04-26T17:55:00.000+10:00

Here's a few pics of my old girl "Dusty" and the "old man"..(hee hee) doing it tough on the lounge!

She loves nothing better than to force herself in between his legs on the lounge (she makes room when there is none...kinda like forcing a hard boiled egg into the top of a bottle...you get the picture???) and then it takes all of about 10 seconds for her to fall asleep with her head (and feet) on his lap....and oh the snoring!!!

I can only snap pics of her when she's asleep as she is scred of the camera and long gone when she spots it...so I have to wait for moments like these...when she's resting (lol)...not that she's spoiled or anything.....

I only just got away with the top one before she high-tailed it outa there..

Till next time...

My favourite girl...

2011-03-11T14:11:00.000+11:00

Hiya all...

Haven't posted in a while ...simply havent had the time..

Here is something a little different this time...

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while would know how much I adore my little neice Charlotte Jade.....well...her mum has entered her in the Bonds baby search and I would be really greatful if y'all could pop in on the following link

http://babysearch.bonds.com.au/entry/60627/charlotte-r

and throw a vote or two her way. ..

...ain't she just too cute???

It's as simple as clicking on the "vote" link and entering your email addy.

You will then be sent a confirmation email with a link to visit to confirm your vote

.....one vote per email address is all they will allow.

Thanks everyone

Til next time.........

Can you see what I see...???

2011-02-10T19:49:00.002+11:00

I have been a bit slack (well okay a LOT slack) on the BLOG front of late but have been finding myself a bit busy and therefore short of time (but hey what else is new...lol).

This being said I decided it was well past time for a blog post. Hmmm....but now I have found some time to post I am faced with my next problem.... what to write about???

Well..... this lead me to wander aimlessly around my home and started me thinking about some of the things I love that I have surrounding me on a daily basis. For a change I am not going to talk about family or friends..... this time it's more so the things that I love that I have collected over the years. The old, vintage and pre-loved items that surround me in my day to day life...

When I look at these items I see more than just their physical prescence... often I am lead to imagine the history behind them... their previous owners... their uses... I imagine this is why I am drawn to them in the first place!

Anyways....I guess this is my long-winded way of easing into my post for today....I thought I would share with you a few pictures of some old treasures I have collected and what I see when I look at them....so let's see if you can see what I can see???....lol

an old basket....

practical for gatherings, berries, fruit, yet to be finished craft projects, wool, eggs, filled with gifts for a visit to a friends home...Easter eggs, picnic sandwhiches

...but also I see it filled with fruitful gifts for a settlers family, damper or fresh crusty homemade bread freshly baked for the pending Sunday picnic on the carriage ride home from town after the Sunday church service ...maybe even a fresh baked apple pie that layed cooling on the windowsill only earlier that morning and some freshly squeezed lemonade in old mason jars as well....

an old sewing basket...

aside from the obvious sewing memorabilia I see..mending the hole in a pair of Sunday best stockings after they were caught on a tree after a game of hide and seek, lovingly stitched homespun dresses and matching bonnets made from the material of one of ma's old dresses, patient sewing lessons by the open fire, samplers and hand me down heirloom quilts...added to and repaired from generation to generation...

an old larder cupboard...

here I see prairie cakes, fresh baked apple and blackberry pies made from fresh eggs collected daily from the chicken coop and produce lovingly and painstakingly preserved and jarred for the long cold winter...I see a family sitting around a scrubbed timber table sharing the tasty delights prepared from the fresh produce gathered by the family from their own farm ...

an old timber butter churn...

milk collected from "bessie" in an old timber pail...cream separated and painstakingly churned into butter which is then "patted" and stored in the old icehouse for use on handmade loaves of crusty bread....but not every day...just on special occasions and Sunday dinners...

old baking collection...

cooking lessons with ma by the old fuel stove, recipes handed down from generation to generation and of course licking the bowl and the old timber spoon clean....

old coat...

although worn from years of use and being handed down from sibling to sibling this is Sunday's best coat...off to church with ma and pa in the wagon with the other siblings, on it goes...paired with Sundays calico's, mended best stockings (because the hole mentioned before)...hair in braids, tied back with best blue hair ribbons blowing in the wind on the trip there...

Well thats about it for now...maybe I can share some more with you at a later date.

I hope you enjoyed my pictures and were able to see just a little of what I see.....

Until next time.....

Rain Rain go away.....

2011-01-11T21:14:00.003+11:00

As I sit here once again listening to the rain gently hitting the roof of our nice dry home I find that my thoughts drift from my laundry piled high with unwashed items and I realise that if that is all I have to worry about I am very lucky indeed....

Most of you will have seen on the news/ read in the paper/ heard on the radio about the devastating floods being experienced in QLD and Northern NSW. I have watched some of the footage today of people who have lost everything and while choking back the tears at what was unfolding before my eyes I was once again amazed and utterly proud of the great Australian spirit!.

These extraordinary Aussies, who have lost so much themselves...some their businesses and livelihoods, some their homes and every personal posession in them, some even family members...and yet they still have something positive to say about how they are the lucky ones and that others are far worse off!

Lets all pray that the rain eases up as soon as possible and that the floods (although they say the worst is yet to come) subside quickly without any more loss of life......and God Bless our Aussie Battlers xxx

A Special Birthday and a "Santa Walk" for Charity

2010-11-30T18:05:00.000+11:00

Hiya all.....

Well it's definitely been a while since my last post hasn't it ???....but in all honesty I just haven't been able to find the time to get on here and blog away like I used to....lol

A few of things have happened of late that I will share with you...some exciting...some not so exciting but I am in a very "sharing" mood so I will spill the lot...tee hee!

Firstly....starting this week I am now finally back to working only three days a week...woohooo!!!...so hopefully I will have a bit more spare time up my sleeve to get some of "my" stuff done...ie sewing, creating, blogging, sleeping....lol

Anyhoo...as from this week I am only working Wednesday through Friday and hope to be able to concentrate a bit more on my website business and the neverending chores that I have been ignoring at home.....how exciting!
(well it is for me...maybe not so for you guys...but I did warn y'all)
....and seeing as I have had a bit of time this week I decided first priority was to get out my "chrissy gear" and "deck the halls" so to speak...
(nothing like prioritising is there...hee hee!!).

Okay...onto the exciting stuff....(well hopefully you will find it slightly interesting..lol)....

Our sweet little Charlotte Jade (Charlie or CJ to her friends) has turned TWO!!!....I know!!...it's hard to believe isn't it!!
...but there she was looking alll "purty" in her party dress...very excited, although I am pretty certain she had no idea what was going on!

There were little friends, pinyartas, ice blocks, fairy bread and lots of cake

and I am happy to say that she had such a good time that it all got a bit much in the end and it was nap time...just in the nick of time I would say...wouldn't you....lol...check out how she fell asleep!!!!

Here are a few more pics from the special day.....

and finally...off to bed after a VERY big day!

Now...from Birthday's onto Christmas.....

Last weekend saw Jeff and I and a few close friends join in on the Variety Club Santa Fun Run which took place bright and early on Sunday morning and went for 5 klms from Sydney's beautiful Darling Harbour right around to the to the steps of the stunning Sydney Opera House. All monies raised went to the Variety Club that raises money for sick kids.....a great cause!!

Here we are....with a lady (holding sign) and a couple of "ring ins" (on the left) who wanted a pic of us all for their Christmas Card...lol

What a sight it was....over 2000 people (all ages) fully decked out in Santa suits (complete with fluffy white beards....pounding the pavement for charity. Most (including our unfit lot) chose to walk the 5 klms, taking about an hour at a leasurely pace, however I understand the first runner through did it in about 15 minutes!!

Anyways...it was a great morning spent with friends...for a great charity.

Here are a few pics of the day......

..as I said...all shapes and sizes!

...waiting to start

...on our way...

...what a sight!!!

Well that's about it for me for the time being....a bit of a long post ....sorry, but I was overdue for a catch up....

Till next time....

Happy 50th Birthday my friend...

2010-09-14T15:47:00.002+10:00

Today is my friend Jackie's (The Back Shed) 50th birthday.
Jackie...you are one in a million and deserve only the best!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the happiest of days and hope that you have been treated to a special day that you will remember for years to come.

For those of you who know Jackie (or even if you don't)..why not pop over to her BLOG- The Back Shed and share your birthday wishes with her!

Thankyou to My Little Raggedy Blessings (see link on bottom right side bar) for the graphics)

Till next time.....

Daffodils....and a beaut cause!!

2010-09-02T13:51:00.000+10:00

The 27th August 2010 (last Friday here in Australia) was "Daffodil Day"..... a day held once each year to raise money for much needed cancer research....such a wonderful, wonderful cause.

So when I ducked out from work at lunch time to buy my lunch and I saw the street-side "Daffodil Day" stall in our shopping village I couldn't help but buy some....because you see...not only are they one of my favourite flowers the cause has touched me personally on a few levels over recent years...

Thanks to the progress made in cancer research and it's treatment I am still able to hug my dad and tell him that I love him and also still have my young nephew here to watch grow into a young man.

Sadly the same outcome is not shared by all who this cruel disease affects and a couple of years back we were forced to say goodbye to a dear friend..a wonderful lady who unfortunately was unable to be helped in her fight....

So as I look at these beautiful golden yellow daffodils I have mixed emotions....both happy and sad thoughts, but above all a great appreciation for the cause that they so wonderfully support!

Till next time.....

I'm a lucky gal...yes indeedy I am !

2010-08-08T17:27:00.000+10:00

I had a birthday a week or so ago and was totally and utterly spoiled by some of my friends and my family.

So.... in this post, I thought I would share a few of the thoughtful "primmy" gifts I received with you....

Now.....before you ask...NO..... I'm not going to tell you how old I was as I am trying to forget that part....lol.... (or maybe thats just the "ol-timer's" kickin' in....tee hee...lol).

Anyways enough of that old age natterin'......feist your eyes on these (and please feel free to pop on your spectacles, should you think you need them....who am I to judge!)

Okay.....now firstly let me tell you that I had a day out recently with a dear friend and we did what we do best....shopped for old goodies...lol. Now my dear sweet (but obviously senile husband) told me that if I saw anything I liked to grab it and he would give it to me as my birthday present.....was he game or what????

Anywhoooo.....this is what I found....

Isn't it just beautiful. It's Edwardian and is made from a voile type fine check fabric with cotton lace trim and piping.

The picture above is more true to it's real-life colour....

I have it on an old maneqquin top that I have "balanced" on an old timber pedestal but its a bit "shakey" to say the least, so I will have to sort something a bit more permanent out for the base and I also need to find a petticoat to pop under it...

Hubby also gave me some money (told ya he was senile....lol) to pay off this great old set of depression era drawers that I have had on layby at work forever!!

How lucky am I????.....I'd lend him out girls...but I feel it only fair to advise you all that there IS a downside...he doesn't do lawns, gardens and isn't the least bit domesticated when it comes to doing things around the house....lol

Now.... I mentioned that I recieved some lovely gifts from some of my thoughtful friends and none more special than this one that I received from my great mate Jackie.....

This year I had planned to take myself off and join a quilting class as it is something that I have always wanted to accomplish, however my return to work soon put the "keiber" on that one and it was not meant to be....

This sweet woman remembered me mentioning it to her in passing and along with a truely gorgeous handmade scarf (love my scarves...lol) this is what she sent me......

Please take special note of the wording on the pattern below!!!

How special is that???....a quilted hanging designed especially for me by one of my favourite quilters!....with step by step instructions, the kind that only Jackie could write...lol.... Everything I need has been included and is marked as to where I should use it and explained in detail ....and even better still..... by doing this she has given me the opportunity to do something that I have wanted to do for such a long time....have a crafting day with her....one of my best mates!!

You see Jackie lives in VIC, some 8 or so hours drive away from my neck of the woods ...so a crafting day (let alone a one-on-one quilt class) is something that would never have normally happened....but look at us now!!!!

Jackie....I can't wait to get some free time to sit down with "you" and make up this little beauty....and I promise I will send photos!!! (the last step of the pattern process...lol)

Also from a couple of other long distance crafting friends I received these...

From my lovely friend Pam in QLD, a simply beautiful handmade apron made from vintage linens, doileys and laces....the picture simply does not do it justice..........

and from my sweet friend Suzie from SA...this lovely little handmade tattered teddie and a couple of crusty old kitchenalia goodies (that have already made their way into my kitchen)...

So thank you my dear, sweet friends.

I am truely blessed, not only for the lovely handmade gifts you sent me...

but because I have you three to call my friends xxxxxxxxx

Til next time......

Eighteen pair......and counting!!!

2010-07-25T14:07:00.000+10:00

Regular followers of my BLOG would be aware of my passion for all things "old and prairie" and in particular my fetish for old victorian boots, about which I have written on a couple of occasions.

Well.......I have been on the scout for some for a couple of my customers and happened to come across a few lovely pairs....four to be precise....however as it seems to be with everything else in my life...this was not to be without dilemma...lol

The dilemma this time.....how do I sell them when they are just so perfectly prim & prairie and especially when I DON'T have a set like that in my collection???

Well the four pair quickly went down to three, then two...then one.....oops!!!..(be strong lassie and put at least one pair back)...aaaagggghhhhhh........back to two again, but very reluctantly!!...lol

I decided to keep these two pair
(youno coz I truley-ruley need them)

Anyways I have today popped the remaining two pair up on my Little House Primitives webstore for sale and I have run (very quickly before I change my mind...coz I really wanted the black ones as well...lol) with the other two to add them to my ever growing collection...

I thought (for lack of anything else to post about) I would share with you some pictures of my collection so far...

Soooooo.....I walked around and gathered my sweet little boots from all of their hiding spots around my home...and popped them all together on this old depression era box that I was lucky to find at work a few weeks back....

(SAFETY WARING:- Now try not to drool gals...its not good for the computer keyboard and definitely not lady like at all...lol)

...my high button boots...

my lace up boots...

and lastly but definitely not leastly (lol) my ladies lace up boots....

Now ...I did say before that it was my collection so far...lol.

Yep...what can I say...I'm a sucker for them and I have been able to get my hands on a couple of ladies pairs, which are on their way to me as I speak......of course this will pose another dilemma...yep you guessed it.. do I keep them or do I sell them as initially intended.....

Well that my dear friends will have to be a question answered another day......in particular the day I recieve them, open up the parcel, study them, swoon over them (all dribble wiped away very gracefully with a cleanex...because I am kind of ladylike afterall), enjoy my quiet imaginin's of who once owned them....where they walked....what they saw, walk around and see where I could even possibly fit them at home.. try them on with my favourite blue prairie dress and ribbons (gotcha...lol...actually its a beige number not blue... just kidding...lol) and then repeat the process over and over until I guilt myself into popping at least one pair up for sale and then finding a permanent loving home for the other pair.......somewhere around here!!!

Lansakes...I think I am in need of a bit of an intervention....lol

Til next time.............

What a dfference a day makes.....

2010-07-07T15:06:00.004+10:00

This last weekend I had the pleasure of spending Sunday afternoon at my brother and sister in-law's lovely home set on 2 acres with a gorgeous view of the great "aussie bush"!.

They are off to the US today for a business trip/holiday for 4 weeks and arranged a family BBQ to catch up before they left. For those of you who know me....you will know that this also meant playtime and lots of cuddles with my cutie-pie niece before she left!

The day was one of Sydney's best winter days in ages....sun shining , not a cloud in the sky and (dare I say it) even slightly warm-ISH!!!....lol

Anyways...the BBQ was great and Charlotte and I had fun chasing bubbles around the backyard (courtesy of the bubble blower that I spotted at the store on my way over (I knew it would be fun!).

I thought I would share a few pics with you (none of CJ chasing bubbles as I was the chief bubble blower and frankly.....got far too carried away to take any pictures...lol).

Nanny and Poppy bought her this litte desk and chairs
...so out came the colouring in books

"clevva aren't I ??"....well I admit I did get a little help!

Next it was out to the backyard for our "barbie"

Hmmm...what will I do while we wait for daddy to cook the BBQ .....

Hmmmm....thinking!!!!

I know...lets play with the pets!!

with Bonnie the border collie....

would you believe this is CJ saying "cheese!!!!" for the camera ??

Now with Bosco the cat...

How's your day been Bosco???

Awe come on..don't chew the girly shoes....hang on that tickles!!

Mmmmm...getting a bit sunny...

no matter I'll just pop on Aunty Chris's "shades"...

A great day was had by all....a great day indeed!!!!

NOW......onto to the title of my post....

"What a difference a day makes" .....

Look at the snaps I took while driving to work yesterday....

(very naughty while driving I know....but???)

BRrrr back to the wintery weather I am afraid...lol

Foggy!....

Foggier...

Oh boy!!.....

Can you see the car ahead of me ?...

Well that's about it for me for now.......

Thanks for sharing

Till next time..........stay warm!...

Aaaah...the simple things!....

2010-07-03T22:26:00.002+10:00

We are all so busy nowdays aren't we ? ...at least I know I am..... and most days we are in such a hurry that we forget about the simple pleasures that life offers us.

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to do anything, let alone pop up a post of any kind. So..... I thought that I would sit down this evening, after having spent the day doing all of my oustanding chores (and boy were there alot of them), and jot down a few "simple things " that I am thankful for from today....they all cost little or nothing, but mean alot!

.....a short sleep in (no work today)...

.....hugs.....

.....sunshine.....

.....laughter.....

.....health.....

.....the smell of freshly washed clothes.....

.....an email from a friend....

.....a phone call from mum...

.....another from my sister in-law.....

....looking at my garden.....

....the satisfaction of a tidy house....

...a cuddle with my dog and cat....

...and lastly but by no means least....the phone call I received today from my niece...19mths old....cant understand a word of what she has to say.... but it was the most pleasurable experience of the day!...lol

Well that's it from me this evening.....not much of a post this time I am afraid....but I am about to go and have a sit down in front of the telly, finally put my feet up and have a nice hot cup of coffee.....after all it's nearly 10.30pm and I reckon I deserve it!...lol

Til next time.....

What a haul!!!!.....

2010-06-13T20:32:00.000+10:00

Well what a lovely day I had yesterday when I once again caught up with my friend Karen and we "terrorised" the Blue Mountains, scouring some more antique shops for some "fabby" finds! Some of the items are from a prior purchase this week...but I am sure that you wont mind me sharing them all together!

I will keep my post short and sweet this time as I am pressed for time but I thought you may enjoy sharing some pictures of what I was able to find.

A picture of my "haul"...lol

I plan to age and distress this great little cot a bit more...the grubby ticking matress was an added bonus!...stay tuned for the makeover photos!!

The old reckitts boxes are great...I curbed the urge to buy the old Kraft cheese boxes I saw also. The old Rinso box will look great with the other landry memorabilia in my collection....and a sugar bucket!!!!...woohooo...gunna paint and distress this one also (dont freak out though...its only a repro...lol)

More old boxes and some awesome baskets ....although not old they definitely look the part!

A great old "Ready Reckoner"....

The inside of it...

These bowls are going to get the once over as well....distressed and grubbied....got em nice and cheap!

Now I know these aren't old....but theyre lovely...got them from Rick Rutherford's store...and they sure save me a lot of stitching!

And this little beauty...well it is something that I have been after for a long while and got it for a song!! I am short a couple of bottles...so if any of you out there have any Watkins Flavouring bottles (pref brown) that you are looking to sell on...I would be most happy to hear from you!

Well thats about it from me for this time...hope you enjoyed seeing my stash. I will be sure to show you the update pictures once I have had time to get stuck into the few pieces that I want to revamp.

Till next time ....

Soldiering on...lol

2010-06-06T21:43:00.000+10:00

The "aussie" readers of my blog will be familiar with the Codral commercial...youno "Soldier on with Codral, soldier on, soldier on.......when cold and flu ever gets you down, with Codral you can soldier on!"

Well that's what I've been doing. I copped a dose of the flu last week and thought I was doing okay "soldiering on with my Codrals" until without any warning I awoke to the phone ringing last Saturday morning to discover that I had no voice...nothing!...not even a measly squeek!!!....(oh no...not the singing voice...OMG!!)...lucky it was only my hubby who gratefully (NOT) rang back 4 TIMES 'coz he thought there was something wrong with the phone!!!...and then there was my mum who rang and said "Oh sweetheart...you sound terrible!...hang on...I'm just goimg to put your father on"...."Why's that mum??? I asked ...the response....."so he can hear what you sound like"...which was followed by a fit of the giggles from her!!!....and then my dad!!!.....thanks guys!...good to know I am so amusing when I'm sick...lol

Anyways....it's been two weeks now and I am starting to feel a bit better. Got stuck into the housework this weekend and the dreaded pile of washing that has been accumulating due to all of the wet weather we have been having here lately....and I am glad to say that it is all done.

I even managed to watch a couple of episodes of my most recently aquired Little House on the Prairie DVD ...and wait for it ....(hope you are sitting down for this) ...actually got some crafting done this afternoon...WOOOHOOO!!!!

Anyways...I normally don't share too many of the creations for my websites with you as I try to keep my blog posts more on the "light and cheery side" rather than focusing on what I sell....but I am pretty proud of what I was able to accomplish this afternoon ...so I thought what the heck!!...plus I was at a loss as to what else to post about...lol

Here are a couple of pics of some of the "gear" I got finished this arvo...you will have to forgive the photos as they are a bit dark and the colours are all worng due to me taking them inside at night with the flash...

...pantry Jars

...more Pantry Jars

...and a few more

...rusty pantry tins

...pail of grubby apples

...pail of grubby pears

They will all be listed for sale on my websites (as soon as I get chance to take some individual pics of them. Daylight is best for pictures, so it wont be before Thursday due to work commitments)/and some on TCCT shortly.

Well there you go...a successful day "in the office" I am proud to say. Wish there were more productive days like this!!!....maybe I should get the flu more often....lol

anyways....till next time...

ALL ABOARD!!!!.....for next stop of my home tour!!!

2010-05-22T20:11:00.003+10:00

Destination.............Master Bedroom.....WHY???....'coz it was tidy...lol

Well hello there my BLOG friends.....yesss-sir-eee.... it has been a while in between posts I know.... but this is one busy gal here. Work has kept me quite busy of late. I am in the throws of setting up a website for my boss at the moment , which is quite a big job in itself, plus I have just had the Chocolate Crow changeover to organise for another month, sewing to do, business chores to deal with, housework ....blah, blah, blah.....and sadly a funeral to attend....

But I have made it through the other end and believe it or not am actually the most organised I have been in some time. The housework is even done!!!....AND I managed to get some crafting done (boy oh boy have I missed that) AND even spent some time today on my poor neglected websites!!!

So while I was taking piccy's for the websites I thought would take some extra pics and share with you another part of my home (after all...I did promise to, didn't I?)

Anyhoo........this time the old "home tour choo-choo" pulls into my master bedroom. Master Bedroom???....always sounds very posh I think....well I can assure you that our bedroom is far from posh...lol

So here 'tis......

The walls have come up much more pink-ish in the photos...but I promise you they are a prim burgundy/plum colour. They may also look a little patchy ...not because I'm a crappy painter, but because they are done with suede paint....lol

You may recall this green meatsafe cupboard from one of my earlier posts. If that is the case you wil probably have also noticed that I have had a change of quilts and deco's in our room. I do this every year as the weather gets cooler....change to darker coloured accessories!...looks warmer...even if it doesn't feel it....lol

Hanging on the wall above the meatsafe is one of my most recent aquisitions. It is a very prim and grubby padded baby jacket and bonnet from the early 1800's...all hand stitched and the dealer tells me that it is actually Australian...how exciting!!!...I guess that makes me feel better about how much I paid for it (or not!)

Here's a closer pic of it...although it still doesn't do it justice!

And lastly my old oak dressing table and a collection of other favourite "bits and bobs"

One day I will get the time to paint and distress that timber shelf !

So there you have it......Stop #2 on the old "gathering my Thoughts/Countin' Crows/aka Chris's home tour. Hope you enjoyed it!

Don't quite know where we will be heading next or when...I guess it all depends on how much free time I get and which room gets to be tidied enough to warrant having it's picture taken...lol (I can assure you it won't be the junk room...tee hee)

Either way y'all had best rug up for the next leg of the tour as it is getting mighty cold here this last few weeks and the old red caboose ("gathering my thoughts express") aint too modern and has been known to let a few drafts in.....lol

Till next time ..........

A day at the Zoo....you wanna come too????

2010-05-01T10:28:00.004+10:00

It's been a while in between posts I know......but I am sure you all know how it is...busy, busy, busy and all that jazz!...... This time I thought I would share with you a family day out.

Last weekend Jeff and I had the opportunity to spend a wonderful day at Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo with my brother, sister-in-law and our little neice CJ....and what a lovely day we had!.

"the little sweetie herself"

(scuze the "dribble catcher" (bib)...lol,....

but she is getting more teeth and is losing dribble by what seems to be the bucket full...lol)

CJ was in awe of the animals, as being only 17mths old she had not seen alot of them before. Funnilly enough the birds (not in the cages but the ones flying overhead) seemed to be her favourite....as did seeing the boats in the harbour and the planes flying overhead....things that seemed to have her uncle Jeff enthralled as well...lol

Here are CJ and Uncle Jeff checking out the boats in Sydney Harbour.

It was a bit of a funny day weatherwise so the picture of the boats and the harbour didnt really turn out.....shame really as the view was fantastic. The toots from the horns of the ferries down below had the two of them tooting away at each other...quite amusing really...lol

Another of the highlights for CJ (again bird related) was chasing around the bantom chooks in the petting zoo enclosure...with Aunty Chris is tow......lol. (okay...I'll be honest...I enjoyed it too!...lol)

All in all it was a lovely day spent with our little extended family.....

FAMILY.....we witnessed lots of examples of little families around the zoo....so, I thought I would share a couple of photos with you....

First up....CJ and her daddy...I love this pic!!...How cute!!

She is just starting out on her adventures through life...and I know that my brother will be there to hold her hand every step of the way

These guys were most entertaining...

One of Taronga's newest family members with his mummy , aunts and cousin.

They keep the males elephants separated from the females and the baby's whilst they are small....His name is "Pathi Harn" which is Thai for "Miracle", as he was thought to have been stillborn after an ultrasound diagnosed him as dead in his mothers womb, however he stunned the zookeepers by moving when he was born...and well...the rest is pretty much Zoo history over here!

another pic of the elephant family....

If you look closely you will see little "Pathi Harn" is standing in front of his cousin

The kings and queens of the jungle.....I love the lions....

I wonder if that has anything to do with me being a Leo??...

Anyways...a lovely family shot at snooze time....

...and another shot of them...

So...as I said...a lovely day spent with my brother and SIL (not only family but our best friends also) and CJ. The Zoo is currently undergoing huge rennovations (you would have noticed the portable fencing in some of the pictures) and the improvements made since we last visited are amazing.

I will leave you this time with a picture of the view to sydney harbour from the ZOO (courtesy of the Taronga Zoo website http://www.taronga.org.au/ )...so you can see what should have been in the background of my previous pic....lol

Till next time.....

Another make-over and a great day out!!!

2010-04-24T01:54:00.001+10:00

Another makeover???....well this time ...no cupboard or crafting project....it is in fact a blog make-over!

You probably noticed that I gave my blog a bit of a "once-over" a couple of weeks back, although it is only now that I have had a chance to write a post about it...or as a matter of fact ...about anything else...lol. Apart from my little plug on Tuesday about the crafting sale we have on at work I have been a bit quiet in my own little "blogland"...lol

So,...the blog make-over...Why you ask??...well it all has to do with me wanting to be a little different. I have noticed a few blogs of late with the same graphics or backgrounds so decided it was high time to change things up a bit....so I changed the colours and added one of my own pictures.

The picture at the top is of some favourite prim pieces of mine, taken in front of my old faithful cupboard and chair (some of you will recognise these props from the background of my website listings). The cupboard is a gem...old and flaky on the outside and interesting...youno with higgeldy-piggeldy shelves on the inside.....one of my impulse purchases from some time ago...and I am sooo happy that I splurged the $60 bucks for the old beauty!

Hanging from the front of the cupboard are a pair of long johns I purchased from the States. They are way cool and as you can see have the mandatory button up flap on the back... oh if life were only that simple nowadays...lol

In the front of the display are a grouping of $5 purchases.....Sitting on a favourite old chair (don't exhale too hard or bump it... or it will fall in a heap of pieces on the ground...lol) is an old timber sieve puchased some years ago and a roll of rusty wire.

Whack em all together, grab a camera, some fiddling round with the blog settings and hey-presto....new blog logo!!

Well enough about the blog facelift......onto my day out.........

Last Sunday I was lucky enough to have a day out with a lovely friend of mine and we did the round trip of the antique stores in the lower Blue Mountains....and what a day we had indeed.

Firstly let me tell you about my friend. I was lucky enough to meet Karen through my Countin' Crows business and over the past few years via emails and friendly chats at my market stalls we have become friends.... like-minded friends who share the love of all things old, rusty and dusty....oooh and did I forget to mention the love of spending money????...simply burns a hole in our pockets it does...lol !!!

The day started when I picked Karen up at around 9-30am ( a mean feat after my 2-30am arrival home after travelling down the coast to watch my hubby race in his series final ...which I must add he and his team partner ran 1st and 2nd...woohoo!!). After having the pleasure of getting to have a look around her beautifully decorated home we set off on the frog and toad...first stop....the shop I work at so Karen could have a look around.

From there we began to travel up the mountains stopping at each and every little antique shop we could find. (Did I mention that we took my ute....coz we planned to fill it...lol)

At the first stop we both scored....Karen some old tins and for me an old tin and an old bible I plan to use for crafting. Well ..... two stops down and many more to go.... we thought we had better fuel our tanks so it was into the nearby little quaint cafe for a coffee fix.

Back in the car we headed further up the hill to our second antique store for the day...and thats where I saw it!!!....

We all have our illusive dream item (don't we???...well I know I do)...well I spotted mine! Hardly able to believe my eyes I think I squealed a little and made a beeline for it. Holding my breath I looked for the price tag..only I couldn't find one!...Oh no maybe it isn't for sale I thought....so with a squeaky and somewhat anticipating voice I asked our host "Can you tell me if this is for sale?". His reply ..."Sure is love". OMG I thought ...."howmuchisit?" I squeaked.....he told me the price and I thought I was going to pass out as it was waaaay less than I expected it to be!!!

OMG, OMG, OMG I thought...."can you put my name on this while I look around some more pleeeeeeease" almost squealing with excitement at this stage...... then....... he replied that he could do it for me for $20 less that he had originally quoted!!!...someone pinch me I think I'm dreaming!!!

I walked around a bit more not really caring if I didn't buy anything else all day after that little purchase...but lo and behold I went on to find a rusty old wire washing basket....so cool. Karen found a nice old meatsafe and we made our way to the counter to pay for our goodies, where the storeowner proceeded to give me another $5-00 off my dream item!!!.....it was my lucky day!

We stashed our goodies in the back of the ute and bid our farewells to this lovely man...they just dont make em like that anymore do they?....lol

So...what was it I got so excited and "squeaky" about.......well see for yourself..

A timber sled ...what a little beauty!! (the picture really doesn't do it justice). The dealer told me that it was originally from the states . I have looked at getting one of these for ages but the freight to bring it over would have been ridiculous.....and as for the price I paid ...I would have expected (and probably would have been prepared to pay) double what I did.

Can't you just see me?....sitting in my sled, beanie, scarf and mittens at the ready, with my fat old Kelpie teathered to the front...yelling "mush" (truthfully?... in our case it would be "get up fatty" )...ready to take a ride (albeit a very slow one) around my front lawn...lol. OMG the mind just boggles at the thought doesn't it...hee hee. But fear not.... I can assure you I will NOT be doing that...lol (unless it's dark and no-one is watching...tee-hee!)....although I will be rearranging my loungeroom this weekend to try and find the perfect spot to put it!

Okay enough of the sillyness....back to my story......

We went on to have a yummy lunch and visited lots more antique stores before arriving home about

6-30pm. The day was great....lots of goodies and lots of laughs!.

Here are some pics of some of the other old goodies I found during the course of the day.

The Glucose tin is a beauty...it stands at about10" tall...haven't seen one this size before...only the small ones. The butter pats are big wide ones and the little red packet is a packet of "Little Liver Pills" (constipation pills...lol), which I will add to my littke medicine shelf that I blogged about some time ago. As for the crystal dressing table bowl...that is to replace the one I broke while dusting mine a month or so back (I knew there was a reason one shouldn't dust!!!)

This rusty and crusty old washing basket will be popped in my old washing trolley...its just awesome!!!

I have also included a picture of the old butter churn I purchased from where I work. It's not a piece of my haul from that particular day out but it is so nice I thought I would share it with you...lol. It stands around 3 0r so feet tall...."very noice indeed!!!"

So there you have it....our big day out.

Plans have already been made to do this on a more regular basis, hopefully once every couple of months. It was so great to have had a chance to spend a lovely day in great company doing one of my favourite things.........looking at old wares or spending money???......hmmm...which one you ask?....well I'll leave that up to your imagination...lol..either way I strongly recommend it to everyone!!!

Until next time.......

SALE, SALE, SALE ...

2010-04-20T21:15:00.004+10:00

A big COO-EE to all you Aussie prim crafters out there..

The store I work at (situated in Glenbrook NSW) is currently looking to clear it's stock of prim crafting supplies and it is currently at 30% of the regular retail price!!

Stocks include:-

Hand Dyed Wool Roving (1ft lengths) Were $3-95 per piece NOW $2-75

Woolen Rug Punch Striplets (18" x 12 strips) Were $2-95 NOW $2-05

Hand Dyed Woolfelt pieces (12" x 9") Were $9-00 NOW $6.30

Homespun Fabric (44" wide) Was $11-50 p/mtr NOW $8-05 p/mtr

Osnaberg (44" wide) Was $13-50 p/mtr NOW $9-45 p/mtr

Weavers Cloth (44" wide) Was $30-00 p/mtr NOW $21-00 p/mtr

Valdani Threads (various) Were $4-65 NOW $3-25 each

Black Woolfelt (60" wide) Was $73-00 p/mtr NOW $51-10 p/mtr

PieceMaker Needle packs Were $4-25 NOW $2-95

Boxed Rug Hooking Tools Were $69-95 NOW $48-95
Moda 3/4" Rick Rack Was $2-95 p/mtr NOW $2-05 p/mtr
Plaid Woolfelt pieces (4 1/2" x 9") Were $9-80 NOW $6-85

Simply Shaker Hand dyed thread Were $5-50 NOW $3-85

ThreadWork Hand dyed thread Were $6-60 NOW $4-60
Morgan 9" No-Slip Embroidery hoop Was $29-95 NOW $20-95

Morgan 7" No-Slip Embroidery Hoop Was $22-95 NOW $16-05

....plus much much more!!!!

(ALL American Prim Punchneedle, Craft and Embroidery Patterns (paper patterns) are 30% off also).

We are more than happy to send via mail to anywhere in Australia and are open to further discounts on larger purchases!!!.

So if you are interested or want some more information you can contact us at the store on 0247 394223 or email us at primitiveatheart@bigpond.com ......or if you are in the lower mountains area why not pop in and see it all for yourself!!

Our hours are:-
Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm (you'll usually find me there every weekday bar Thursday)
Saturdays 9am to 4pm
Subdays 10am to 2pm

Till next time.......

A bit of a make-over!

2010-04-03T20:15:00.006+11:00

I have had a shelf hanging on the wall in my entry for a few years now and even though I quite liked it...I felt it needed a bit of a make-over...youno a freshen up...a new lease on life...

Here is what it looked like (once I had removed its contents)...a bit boring I am afraid!

So I set about painting it up and giving it the old prim-over.

First I painted the whole thing in buttermilk and once dried gave it a second coat with mustard....let that dry off and gave it a final coat with black.

I then set about sanding and distressing it and then gave it a good going over with dark stained beeswax.

A good old polish .... a few little nic-nacs later ....

and here you have it!....

Perfectly prim and much less boring!

Til next time ....

Home tour...STOP #1...Welcome to my kitchen....

2010-03-21T17:12:00.002+11:00

I am often asked by my customers and long distance friends alike what my house is like...so I thought it high time I take a few pics to share with you.....

So welcome y'all to my home. You are ll most welcome to come stay a while...lol

I have started with my kitchen........thought I would do this room while it is unusually tidy.... ie. no bags, no laptops or shopping items on the counter, no dishes or coffee cups waiting to be washed, no bills to be paid (plenty of them still to be paid....just been popped out of sight)...no loose change, no wallets, no keys....no puddy-cat, no nuffin....just what is meant to be there!

Unfortunately there is also no freshly baked bread, no cakes, no brewed coffee.....but if you look closely there is probably a little dust I may have missed...lol

Today it smells like cinnamon(mmmm mmmmm) as I am burning a lovely jar candle from the states...so I guess you could really say that I AM cooking something!!!!

As you will see I am a lover of old bits and pieces, something I am sure you will have gleaned from my earlier blog posts ...enamel ware, scales, old bottles and jars, breadboards, rolling pins...you name it...I love it all!!! (oooh and my much loved boots...but no boots in the kitchen!!!!....lordy be!)......

My kitchen is painted in a nice golden-mustardy yellow, although it has come up a bit brighter in the photos. Some years ago I had a bit of an "epiphemy" (is that the word??) and decided to paint the pantry door up as an old barn door and not being satisfied with that I had my hubby remove the handle and install an old latch-look handle and then I proceeded to paint the ugliest looking cow I think I have ever seen poking its head out of the top of the barn door...lol. Loved it at the time...but that warm squishy feeling has long since faded!

Well I can guarantee you that when the kitchen gets it's next coat of paint, which hopefully won't be too far down the track, old "Bessie" will be moving onto greener pastures...lol. To be honest I kind of just look past her now days as I just simply haven't had the time to sand her off and paint her out....but watch out Bessie!!!!

Moving out of the kitchen (well to the other side of the breakfast bar actually) my collection sprawls into the smallish family room (more so a walk through area since we had our extensions done a few years back) where I have my much loved old Metters stove, hanging Dayton scales and a gorgeous old kauri dresser that holds a honey glazed vintage dinner set and some of my other favourite pieces of china.

The cannisters sitting atop the dresser belonged to hubby's Nan, as did the little green enamel saucepan on top of the stove shelf.

On the side wall (kinda the hallway wall) I have a old ice chest painted in original depression era green above which hangs on the wall a very old and rustic platerack/cupboard. I use the ice chest to store all of my candles and melts for my website business , which is very handy and I must say smells...YUMMY...when one gets a "whiff" walking past!

So thats about it for my kitchen....I do hope that next time you visit I have something yummy cooking!!!

I will be sure to post some more pics later from the next stop on my "home tour"...hmmmm had best tidy another room...lol

Till next time......

Why I love my business.....!

2010-03-14T20:30:00.003+11:00

Yesterday saw me attending my market stall, the first for 2010, the last one being waaaay back on the 2nd weekend in December.

After a very busy week filled with 4 days at work, the ongoing webwork for The Chocolate Crow Trader changeover, our business BAS (which is already well overdue), listings for my websites and the normal joyful household duties (which I might add seem to magically multiply if left unattended) ....to be totally honest with y'all I could have just stayed in bed and whiled the day away...or even attended the gazillion other chores that have sadly fallen by the wayside since my return to work...but, alas I plodded on and packed my little stash of handmade treasures and headed off bright and early.

Well again,..if I am totally honest it was far from bright as I couldnt see a thing when I got there...pitch black at 6am in the morning....but it WAS early!!!.

We (myself and my helpul hubby who came by to help me set up my puzzle of a gazebo....you would think we would have it downpat after about 4 years,......but no siree bob!) braved the darkness and struggled as usual to put up the damned thing.

Well .... finally all set up and my wares proudly displayed for the world to see (simply a work of art in itsef...lol)....my ever loyal customers started to trickle in and it was then that I remeberered WHY I do this!

You see...alot of my customers have now become friends of mine. Not only is it a chance for them to do some prim shopping but it is the golden opportunity to have a good old chin wag and a nice friendly catch up...even a few giggles.

Yesterday saw me catch up with a lot of my "friends"....one who's delightful little daughter I have watched grow up through her regular visits to my stall with her mum. I have known her mum for a quite a few years before this little darlin' was born ...but she is now 2 years old and I get a lovely kiss and a cuddle whenever she comes to visit....her dad is a mad Parramatta supporter just like me and hubby (I know ...sad isn't it!) and there is always chat about the footy win or loss (unfortunately it was a loss this weekend...boo-hoo!)....they come along most times together and I do enjoy our chats and catch ups immensely. We are all now eagerly awaiting the birth of #2 cutie-pie.......due in about 4 months time!.

I have others who .... although they are not collectors of handmade goodies...still pop by every market just for a catch up......it's just great! I get to hear all about my customers kids, their triumphs and sometimes failures, I am told of decorating endeavours, their most recent aquisitions .....their vintage and antique finds and also get return visits when they come to show me what they have gathered on their travels around this great market!

The back of my car is well known as a "loading zone/storage facility" for bags and packages so they don't have to be carried around while searching for their next treasure...lol

So you see...I love my little craft business...it's these little things that make the early starts, the sleepless nights and the messy house worthwhile. In fact there is a very eagerly awaited "antiquing trip" to take place with one of my "favourite customers/friends" in April...all organised in one of our chats at my market stall....can't wait!!!

This is why I will happlily continue with my little venture....no matter how hard it seems sometimes...coz after all at the end of the day.... when I hobble home to collapse on the lounge with a takeaway dinner...it is then I happily reflect on my little chats and catchups....and vow to do it all over again next time....

Till next time.......

A new pair of boots!

2010-03-04T17:55:00.001+11:00

Yipeeeeeee!!!!...............,just look at 'em!!!!

Oh no ..."not another pair?" I hear you all groan....

...but THIS is par for the course when we collectors collect!

It's simply what we do best....accumulate!

"Just ONE more"...or the old "well I haven't got one like that" or "I swear this is the last one" .....any of these sound familiar ladies????

Well I can tell you I have used each and every excuse in the book (and many more on top) to justify additions to any of my collections...lol

But life is far too short for excuses.... so why dont I just move on to showing you some more of what I received in the mail to add to my ever growing collection!!!

From the states and simply devine are these little what once were burgundy and cream button up boots.....arent they just to die for!!!!

The detail in these little boots are just delightful and they have already taken pride of place in my collection.....coz youno?????.....I didnt have any like these!!!!!

While I am playing show and tell let me show you the other couple of goodies I managed to pick up in my travels......before the "moolas" ran out...LOL

this.....

What a little beauty this one is!

Sew(...lol) sweet!!

And......this

Great Huh?????

Well as for the last two pictures,....the jury is still out as to whether I will keep them or whether I pop them up on one of the websites for sale.....havent decided yet.....

Hmmm.....I already have a couple of mini sewing machines (but not one like this!!!) and....well as far as the spice rack goes...I do have one of those hanging in my kitchen...not so much a collection yet...but if I added a second one we are on the way to starting one arent we....lol (told you I had a miriad of excuses!!)

Anyways....keep your eyes on the websites as you never know...they may just pop up on there for sale once I have come to my senses...lol.(pass the smelling salts...I think I just had a case of the vapours after that comment).....as for the boots?????....don't go holding your breath there ladies ....will you!

Till next time.....

SWAP goodies galore!!!!...

2010-02-21T18:34:00.000+11:00

The most recent SWAP between artisans on The Chocolate Crow Trader has just taken place and SWAP items have been posted and received.

The SWAP this time was a "Tag and a Box Swap". Artisans were required to make or buy a tag and a box and fill it with whatever they desired for their swap partners.

Here is a look at the "fabby" stash of great "grubbies" I received from my SWAP partner and good friend Suzie, from Enchanted Things...

and here is where I popped the sweet little teddy

...thanks Suzie xxx

Here is a little look at the SWAP item I made for my SWAP partner, Jackie from The Back Shed, also a very dear friend.

I covered the box with fabric, which I aged and distressed and rubbed with lots of yummy spices. I then took an oversized luggage tag and painted and distressed it, adding a piece that I needlefelted and backstitched with Jackie's name....tying it to the box with thick jute.

I knew that Jackie was keen to have a go at some needlefelting so I filled the box with hand-dyed wool roving & woolfelt from the States, together with some needlefelting needles, a template and a handmade little prairie doll I made using a Primitive Pear design.

Another successful SWAP ...if I do say so myself!!!

Pop in and see the "Swapping Crows" page on TCCT. I will be adding some of the other SWAP piccies to it later this evening.....some very nice goodies to be seen!

Till next time .....

Photos as promised...

2010-02-14T19:57:00.001+11:00

In my last post I promised you some pics of the lovely store where I am working.....and here they are!

I worked there before, about 2 years back for about 18 months for the previous owners, but left to concentrate on getting my businesses up and running.

Well I feel that I have my businesses at a stage now where I can (or at least I think I can) successfully manage both them and a return to part-time work and I have since returned (a couple of weeks back) for the new owners, working three days a week.

I have to say that I am loving every minute of it again. I'm not entirely sure if it is the all of the "fiddlin' and fussin'" I get to do while I'm there, seeing all of my old customers again...or the fact that I am just actually getting out of the house....lol

Either way...I am loving it and so far am managing to get through all of my commitments without losing too much sleep...lol

So if you happen to be in the vacinity of the lower Blue Mountains....pop in for a visit!...I'd love to see ya!!!

Primitive at Heart

Park Road

GLENBROOK NSW

Until next time.................

I'm Still Kickin'...

2010-02-05T08:31:00.002+11:00

Hiya ladies....just a quick post to let y'all know that I'm still kickin'...just real busy and have had no time to post.

Being the total dimwit that I am and always one for a challenge (you had best sit down for this one) I have this last couple of weeks returned to work!!! I KNOW!!! a crazy idea with all that I have on my plate....but there is nothing like rising to a challenge (well that and the though of decreasing the dreaded credit card balance with my extra earnings...lol)

So here I am back to work at my old job (same store- new owners) three days a week and seriously...I am LOVING IT!!!.....surely I won't crack under the pressure ...will I?...lol

I will still be continuing to run my three website businesses, The Chocolate Crow Trader, help out with our signage business, do all the business books, maintain the house, feed the blasted dog and possibly find some time to sleep (with that lot already on my plate you will know why I made the dimwit comment ...lol)

Anyways... that's about it for now....just though I should let y'all know I am still alive and kickin'...just a little strapped for time..lol

I'll try and post some pics of the store a bit later on.

Till next time.....

HMMM...WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO?....and a giveaway as well !!!!

2010-01-25T17:33:00.002+11:00

Not a prim to be seen
but if on florals you are keen...

they're at the junction....

"Petticoat Junction"...

Lots of stuff I did sew
bags lined up in a row...
at the junction....
"Petticoat Junction"...

Come and be our guest

and you'll see all the rest

at the junction....
'Petticoat Junction"...

Oh yes I have set up a new store

with handmades and lots, lots more ...

at the junction

"Petticoat Junction"...

I've been dying to sing y'all that song...lol.

Not as good as the original version....but fun at least (well for me anyways)..tee hee!

Yep....well that's what I've been up to over the last few weeks.

Had so much fun making those couple of bags up for mum for Christmas, that I decided I needed a new challenge...so....website #3 was born (well it's actually #4 if you count the Chocoalate Crow Trader) and for those that know me...this is sooo out of my comfort zone it's frightening...lol...but hey challenges are good for the soul..... arent they?

So... I know I don't normally prattle on about my makings or advertise my stores etc in my posts, but for this once I am going to indulge and announce the grand opening of my new vintage and shabby chic wesite store...!!

Some of you may still be asking what it's called??? (even after my lovely singing)

It's of course called "THE PETTICOAT JUNCTION" and will be home to everything vintage and shabby including handmades, mercantiles (homewares) and collectables.

I have stocked the shelves with a basic lot so far but will be adding to my range over the upcoming months and as an opening special there will be a FREE Giveaway with every order (while stocks last)

Also...if you join my Mailing List you will go into the draw to win this great little gift pack, consisting of a pretty rose candle and face cloth set. Simply email me via the contact link on the website and I will pop you into the drawer, or alternatively you can leave a comment on this blog post and just type the word "mailout" and I will do the same!

So pop on over and have a squizz by hitting the link below

THE PETTICOAT JUNCTION

Thanks for your time ladies....till next time .....

It's definitely a dogs life....

2010-01-24T10:46:00.002+11:00

I have finally come to the realisation that the above is true....It really IS a dog's life....well it's true in the case of our dog...lol

Meet our old gal Dusty, an 10 year old Australian Chocolate Brown Kelpie (with ever increasing grey bits)

.....a fit , refined, working dog.....like a well oiled piece of machinery...

Always on the go....

Follows my husband everywhere.....

Takes her duties as protector of our family very seriously.....

And the snoring...well all I can say is no self respecting criminal would come within 100 metres of our place when this gal is at work as the noise is truely frightening!!!...so I guess in that case she actually has the guard-dog bit kinda covered...lol

And did I mention "alert"????...can hear a digital camera turn on from two rooms away (hence the open eyes in all of the pictures)...I was lucky enough to snap these BEFORE she up and ran away to hide behind the towel in the ensuite..lol (bit camera shy....doesn't like the papparazzi attention in the slightest....lol)

and as for the cat??????

...well she's kinda nuts too!!!

hmmmm...surely couldn't be from living with me could it???? lol.............

Live , Love and Laugh ....

2010-01-23T10:59:00.000+11:00

This week revealed the sad news of the loss of not one but three young lives within our social network...all of them taken too soon, too young and with so much life yet to experience.

Three separate events ....all three leaving devestated family and friends to grieve their loss while bravely trying to celebrate lives cut way too short.

This should be a reminder to us all not to take for granted those we love and to spend each day being grateful and enjoying to the fullest what we have been blessed with...family, friends and good health.

So as they saying goes

LIVE .... life to the fullest....

LOVE .... and be kind to others

LAUGH .... much with family and friends

... as we never know when these simple pleasures could be taken away from us

Till next time.....

Girls Night In....

2010-01-17T23:03:00.002+11:00

My hubby and brother had both decided to go to the Speedway on Friday night to watch the World Series Sprintcars....not wanting to join them it presented a perfect oppportunity for a girls night in!!!

So...that's exactly what we did....myself, my sister in-law and my gorgeous little neice, "CJ" !

So off I headed to my brothers house but not without first remembering to pack my digital camera. I always get a lovely reception from Charlotte when I arrive and this time I was determined to catch it on camera, so as to pop the pictures in my "memory book" along with all of my other precious photos.

So armed with my new digital camera (gift from hubbny for Christmas) I walked in and started snapping (hence the not so centred pictures...lol)

As you will see from the following I wasn't to be dissappointed ...

Oh how my heart swells when I see this little one smile!!.......There's nothing quite like the excited greeting from a precious little one to make you feel that all is right in the world.

Gone are all of the stresses of the previous week...faded away instantly and replaced by the most warm and fuzzy feeling one could imagine...purely because this little human being is so genuinely happy to see you....You..her Aunty Chris.....right at that one very moment is the most important thing in her little world!....she has instantly forgotten the toy she was playing with or chasing the cat around the family room and is solely focused on displaying her joy like only a child can....so un-inhibited and honestly.....just a pure delight for me to experience I can tell you!

All most as touching as that is the pleasure shown in the faces of my brother and "sis" as I watch them watching all of this play out in front of them. I am so thankful that they include and encourage Jeff and I to be so much a part of this sweet little person's life!

Well I can tell you the night started off well and continued the same way. My brother soon left for the Speedway and then it was down to serious "girl's business" with lots of cuddles, playing and giggles.

Soon bathtime came around ......

and dinner was popped in the oven....

Mmmmm...yummy Chicken Enchilada's-ala-Caz...

and once Charlotte was all snugglled up in bed Caz and I got down to a bit of crafting and began painting some large craftwood letters that will spell Charlotte's name.... to put up on the wall in her bedroom.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of our handywork, so I can't show you, but we are nowhere near finished as we did way too much talking in between brush strokes. (Not to mention stopping for ice cream and coffee breaks). We also need to get a few more paint colours to finish off our masterpiece and then need to decorate it with all of the little bits and pieces I bought to go on the letters...so that will have to be a picture for another post, I am afraid.

So there you have it...a perfect Girls night in....well for this girl anyways!!

Till next time......

I found them...I found them, I found them !!!....

2010-01-16T12:36:00.002+11:00

An update on my previous post..."I've always fancied myself as a Prairie Girl"....

Lansakes…….

I thought I would never find them

…….but just in the nick of time

……..and lucky as church day is tomorrow!!!

I thought I was going to have to wear my old blue bonnet that has seen better days
….. but there they were …

…….right where I had left them

….in my old sewing box with the lavender bundle…..

….. my lucky rabbits foot and and my best fishing hook!....

Now if I can only find my Lemon Verbena….???

I know I shouldn’t wear perfume on the “lords day”

…but Johnny Johnson will be there!!!!

Till next time.....

(unless they lock me away first...lol)

I'VE ALWAYS FANCIED MYSELF AS A PRAIRIE GIRL....

2010-01-11T16:18:00.005+11:00

Yes siree...indeedy I have! .....So when the opportunity to purchase an authentic vintage Amish child's outfit came up ...well you know me......I couldnt resist ...could I??

Ever seen something and just had to have it the minute you laid eyes on it?...well let me tell you...my home is full of "had to haves" and the sad sad thing is I could probably tell you where and how I came to find each and every one of them.

I don't know about you but I have dozens of "oh thats my all time favourite thing" items! ...... Do you think that this is just our way of justifying the fact that we have spent a ridiculous amount of money on something we really do not need...whilst also totally ignoring the fact that WE CAN'T USE THEM EITHER????

Take my Amish outfit (figure of speach...if you take it I will HAVE to kill you...lol)., well....it's not MY outfit as there is no way I could squeeze my 40 odd years of good living into that little beauty!!!, but it is my outfit in the sense that I paid a stupid amount of money for it because I "just had to have it" just so it can sit on a stand and look pretty!! (well prim really!!)

Once again I was totally guided by my little inner voice telling me stories of who once wore this gorgeous little garment. ...ooooh maybe it was THE Laura Ingalls herself...hmmm....maybe not as it isnt quite that old...lol

So....heres my guess..........Bessie, Jessamine or Gertie. She wore it to school each and every day (nursing her slate and slate pencil and later playing ring-a ring-a rosy) only having the pleasure of changing into her good calicoes for Church each Sunday. She wore it while doing her chores (shucking the corn, milking the cow and drawing the water) and she played in it on weekends and afternoons after her chores were done (running "quicker then scat" with all of her friends, playing "batball and hide go seek").

If you smelled it back then it would hold the faintest scent of "Lemon Verbena" that her ma allowed her "to wear special" when attending her her first prairie party with all of the other little girls from surrounding farms. They would have eaten fresh cooked ears of corn and apple pastries, followed by freshly made lemonade....a treat saved only for special occasions as sugar was so costly.

She would soon outgrow this little outfit and move onto a larger one lovingly handstitched by her ma from hardwearing homespun and the smaller, outgrown dress would be passed on to her smaller sister......Constance, Emma or even Hettie......to start it's life over.

So there you have it.....but alas.....this dress WILL serve one more purpose as I hope it be worn by one more very special little girl..... namely Charlotte .....when she is big enough for it to fit and who knows her picture may just grace the pages of my website.....sounds like I have a plan doesn't it!!....you will just have to wait and see... she still has a bit of growin' to do though yet (plus she needs to learn to stand up by herself first..lol!).

Anyways...I hope you have enjoyed my story and looking at this sweet little treasure I am so grateful I impulsively purchased some time ago.

I will leave you of a picture of me... the prairie girl at heart....lol

This was taken at my market stall by a friend, when I was "modelling" one of the prairie bonnets I had made. Those of you who know me will realise that this was taken when I had my "mild brainfreeze" and had dyed my hair chocolate brown......hmm thinking back now...maybe it was because I wanted to look more like the auburn haired Laura Ingalls rather than her blonde headed sister Mary...lol.

Just kidding guys... seriously......I am not that bad....dont worry.....hmmm ..... now where did I put those nice blue ribbons that I wear when ma, pa Mary and me hitch the team and ride to church on Sunday????...lol

Till next time..................

AN UPDATE JUST FOR JACKIE....

I am still searching for those blue ribbons....just cant seem to find them.Hmmm....maybe I'll just have to wear my best bonnet instead...lol

YOU CAN'T RUSH THESE THINGS.......Can you?

2010-01-10T09:31:00.011+11:00

Like most of the general populous I seem to be lacking any type of motivation this time of year...and for those of you who know me well, you will know that this doesn't happen very often.

Unfortuately my lack of any form of "gusto" seems to have been hanging around since before Christmas!. Allow me to explain.....

My last market stall was held on the second weekend in December. As usual it was a mammoth production and I packed to the hilt. For some reason (only known to my subconscious) I have progressed from not only filling the ute to capacity but also roping in my ever patient husband (who most times comes in the early am to help me struggle to put up my shade gazebo) to filling his long wheelbase work van with all kinds of fabulous old junk and creations.

As you will see from the pictures above.... on this occasion I even dragged along an old decrepid (but fabulous) and extremely large cupboard. Not for sale mind you....simply for display purposes (see how my mind works!!!!....my god woman it's only a market stall after all!!!).

As per usual after the markets my stock was unpacked from our growing convoy of motor vehicles and popped into my craft shed in readiness to be put away. However...this time it did not happen and as of last Thursday had still not been done!!!

I "like toadally" place the blame on Christmas, the extreme hot weather we have been having and ...well...the fact that I just couldn't be bothered!

This sadly brings me to introduce you to a side of my life that I am not proud of....my unorganised, messy side...doesn't rear its ugly head too often but when it does ....it is simply shocking!! So bad was I this time that I had even thought about just leaving it until my next markets ...lol (just kidding...thy're not until March...lol). It actually took an order from a customer that included some wares that were still packed away to jog me into recognition that the dreaded job of upacking NEEDED to be done and quicksmart!!

So it was a trip to the dreaded shed of disaster...lol

('scuze the unmowed lawn)

It may look to you like any normal large old garden shed but what lurked inside was horrifying....

Though..... after about 2 days work, which I am proud to say also included a complete stocktake...Wallah....beautiful...orgaisation!.

Normality again!....something that I really do need to keep on top of with the stock of two website based businesses to keep track of....not to mention all the oldwares and crafting supplies and necessary junk I have stashed in there that need to be kept in some form of order.

So I can happily say that peace and tranquility has been restored to the backyard shed at #56 for the time being.

Now if only I can draw on some of that motivation to get my spring cleaning done (yes I know it is summer ...but I am taking some time off so "spring has sprung" early this year...lol)....Lord knows I have to get stuck into things...I havent even taken down the Chrissy decorations yet!!!

Hmmmm....whats that.....oh yeah my new Laura Ingalls Wider book...oh thats right I had started to read that hadn't I....oh well had best not leave another job undone.....I'm off to read my book....whoever heard of spring cleaning in the heat of summer anyways???....lol

Bye for now......

CHRISTMAS BOOTIE...and a good start to the New Year!

2010-01-07T20:46:00.002+11:00

A belated Happy New Year to you all. I know I am late but I have an excuse...we have been away...yipeeeee!

Firstly, I thought I would jump on the band wagon and show you a few of the lovely goodies I received from some of my Choccy Crow friends this Christmas. They all know me very well, seem to know just what I like and each put alot of thought into the gifts that they each sent.

Each of the gifts have taken pride of place in my home and I am particulary enjoying the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I can see that my Little House on the Prairie infatuation is about to take another turn ....from the DVD's to the books....look out hubby here comes another collection!!!!

Lansakes....(as Laura would say).....I have been very spoiled!.... and am very grateful to have such kind and thoughtful friends.

Well ....we kicked off 2010 with a trip away with my husbands race team down to sunny (NOT) Victoria., where they were competing in both the Australian and Victorian Microsprint Titles.

Microsprints are a smaller version of the much bigger and more powerful sprintcars raced throughout Australia and the USA. They are much less expensive but are lots of fun.

We left home at 1am New Years morning after spending New Years Eve packing and readying the house for our departure. We drove right through the night and daybreak brought some unsightly weather as you will see by the pictures Jeff took through the front windscreen of the car...we could hardly see our friends travelling about 20 metres ahead of us.

We eventually arrived at our destination (Portland VIC) around 4pm the following afternoon....phew what a drive!

(view from out of our hotel window)

Here are some piccys of the racecars (all signwritten by my talented husband) and some of our professional looking team members (team shirts are all courtesy of my clevva man as well....what a legend!!).

A great weekend was enjoyed with some very dear friends (that's my honarary lil sis' standing by the car). Lots of laughs and fun was had by all, not to mention that the team brought home BOTH the Australian and Victorian title trophies!!...woooohoooo!

Having such a lovely break (despite travelling over 2600 klms in the space of 4 days) made me realise how long it has been since Jeff and I downed tools and let our hair down and just flat out enjoyed ourselves.

This being said I have made a conscious decision to make 2010 a year where I spend some much needed time on myself...yep...little old me. No more working 7 days a week and spending endless hours in front of the computer. I have vowed to take lots of walks (the dog will love me), visit my neice much more often, actually spend some time shopping for clothes rather than calico...lol ....just make a concerted effort to get out of the house a bit more. I have even gone as far as booking in to get my nails done (something I havent done in about 4 years!!!)

Life is too short...so look out world.....I'm back and here I come!!!!

Till next time .........