I have just had a relaxing weekend away with 5 wonderful friends, eating, sleeping, crafting, walking, drinking, eating, relaxing, knitting, chatting, eating, talking, laughing, and reminiscing. I always find that being with old friends is like a favourite outfit, a warm hug; the familiarity and warmth just what I needed.
I am refreshed and ready for finishing my current knitting project so I can show you. It's one of my new favourite items - a crazy teacosy! Do you have a tea cosy? Do you have one, or several? I'm thinking there may be a tea cosy giveaway if I can get cracking... will keep you informed.
J
x
Showing posts with label blogtoberfest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogtoberfest. Show all posts
Monday, 12 October 2009
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Blogtoberfest 2009
White Rabbits to all - day one of October and of course to the blog-fest hosted by Cathy the wonderful Miss Tinnie and her partner in give-away goodies, Curlypops.
Blogtoberfest is a rather interesting commitment and challenge, to post daily for the entire month. It may SOUND easy, but really, how does one maintain interesting posts?! For me, having had my camera missing for some time, and my new mobile not emailing images, things were looking a little drab.
However the camera has been located, so lots of craft to show, new garden images from new house, some recipes and op-shop finds, and a little rant or two no doubt.
Lots of events I hope to get to over the next week at National Gallery, National Archives, Botanic Gardens, Museum, as well as Floriade and discovering the new neighbourhood, should all get a mention, so some great eye-candy for the non-Territorians.
Another great thing about Blogtoberfest is going on a clickety-trip and discovering new blogs and new voices. That's the main thing for me, thinking outside the square that is my bloglines. It's a huge job and Cathy does an incredible job. Enjoy!
xx
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
The Ultimate Tea Towel Repurpose
I LOVE this. So much. How many teatowels did this use? How did they find so many mint condition ones? Drewzel me ol mate (oh, pirate...), this is for YOU!
J
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Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
Blogtoberfest winds down - week of teatowels!
Silly title, but you know...
Some others (not just me!) love a good vintage tea towel. This week I am paying tribute to the use of the teatowel as a repurposed item. These images are credited as they are NOT made by me!
You'll find these adorable treasures at My Poppet here.
Oooh! This week will be fun! Want to join in? I'd love to see what you've made!
Edit: See this clever chicken's tea-towel teddy bear!
j
Some others (not just me!) love a good vintage tea towel. This week I am paying tribute to the use of the teatowel as a repurposed item. These images are credited as they are NOT made by me!
You'll find these adorable treasures at My Poppet here.Oooh! This week will be fun! Want to join in? I'd love to see what you've made!
Edit: See this clever chicken's tea-towel teddy bear!
j
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Yesterday was ridiculously busy. I was up with the birds (before the kids!) making and baking for the school fair. I blew up the food processor making the five minute orange cake, (not good to see smoke coming from an appliance and not act on it...), made more gingerbread people (kids ate the whole first batch while they were cooling), finished off button necklaces, and a scarf, and loaded the car with toys and books and headed to the school.
The day was wonderful and the school raised over $20,000. However I got home too pooped for Bloglines and forgot to post the winner of the giveaway!!!
Master 6 is in love with random.org and has been creating lists and lists of random numbers all morning. Aspergers' kids generally do love numbers, and he is certainly typical of the condition!
Anyway, here goes: Drum-roll.....
The day was wonderful and the school raised over $20,000. However I got home too pooped for Bloglines and forgot to post the winner of the giveaway!!!
Master 6 is in love with random.org and has been creating lists and lists of random numbers all morning. Aspergers' kids generally do love numbers, and he is certainly typical of the condition!
Anyway, here goes: Drum-roll.....
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
6 14
Congratulations Katie - please email me your details on
jess2jamesATyahooDOTcomDOTau so I can send you the sewing
stuff!
Congratulations also Bellgirl - please also email me your
details so I can send you the house.
The recipes are:
Toss baby spinach leaves and baby rocket together (or for the easy
option, buy it premixed),
Add some chopped up feta, cucumber and capsicum.
Then throw a small tub of sundried tomatoes and olives in with the
juice to dress it.
YUM! Easy and delicious.
#2 was a reminder of my dear, dear friend Wendy in Melbourne, who
always has a packet of Changs fried noodles on hand.
This is a Zingy Spinach Salad
Ingredients
1 bunch of spinach
1 packet of Changs Fried Noodles
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 packet slivered almonds or pine nuts – toasted
SAUCE
½ cup raw sugar
¼ cup vinegar
¼ Cup Fountain garlic soy sauce
¾ Cup salad oil
Boil sauce ingredients and cool. Add salad oil and refrigerate.
METHOD
To finely chopped spinach , one hour before serving, add toasted
nuts and sauce.
Mix through (this is easier to do with your hands) – sprinkle
noodles on top.
Serve- YUM!
Thank you to all who entered - thirty of you came out of the
woodwork to share some recipes. I would love to email you all
a copy of the complete recipes - email me on the above if you
are interested!
j
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Friday, 24 October 2008
What's for Dinner??
Check here for some recipes, and while you are there, enter my giveaway, due to be drawn this weekend!
Sewing stuff OR Vintage Fisher Price?!
Or enter two recipes and go in the draw for one of each!
Happy Blogtoberfest lovelies!
j
Sewing stuff OR Vintage Fisher Price?!
Or enter two recipes and go in the draw for one of each!
Happy Blogtoberfest lovelies!
j
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Blogtoberfest - Six Random Things Meme
I have been tagged by ChooksRUs for the Six Random Things Meme that has been doing the rounds recently. Ok, so off the cuff -
1. I have a history of silly medical visits... I have had dozens of splinters in my feet after swinging on the Hills Hoist and landing on an old table, have had a moth removed from my ear in hospital, and had my tongue surgically removed from my braces... Noice.
2. I have worked in a library, teaching (ESL) English, in Local Government, in retail, in customer service, and even been a Tupperware lady!
3. I bite my nails. It's utterly disgusting. I have done it since I was 8 or 9 years old and wish I could stop. Apparently it has something to do with anxiety?
4. My nick-name at school was Stressica (perhaps linked to point 3 above?)
5. I love starting things but rarely finish them, and have UFOs from years ago. As an example, I started making a mohair bear for my niece when she was in utero, I made the head, and go sidetracked - she just turned seven...
6. My thesis at Uni was on children's play, in public and private spaces, and how accessible and welcoming they are (or are not)... I planned many play spaces for kids, and despite being told they would never be funded, was delighted when the Ian Potter Area at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens was built (I had nothing to do with the project, but eerily there were many ideas friends and I had discussed!) It's a great place to visit - have you been there?
I'm not tagging anyone - but if you've stuck around and read through all this, then You Are Tagged Too!!!
j
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1. I have a history of silly medical visits... I have had dozens of splinters in my feet after swinging on the Hills Hoist and landing on an old table, have had a moth removed from my ear in hospital, and had my tongue surgically removed from my braces... Noice.
2. I have worked in a library, teaching (ESL) English, in Local Government, in retail, in customer service, and even been a Tupperware lady!
3. I bite my nails. It's utterly disgusting. I have done it since I was 8 or 9 years old and wish I could stop. Apparently it has something to do with anxiety?
4. My nick-name at school was Stressica (perhaps linked to point 3 above?)
5. I love starting things but rarely finish them, and have UFOs from years ago. As an example, I started making a mohair bear for my niece when she was in utero, I made the head, and go sidetracked - she just turned seven...
6. My thesis at Uni was on children's play, in public and private spaces, and how accessible and welcoming they are (or are not)... I planned many play spaces for kids, and despite being told they would never be funded, was delighted when the Ian Potter Area at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens was built (I had nothing to do with the project, but eerily there were many ideas friends and I had discussed!) It's a great place to visit - have you been there?I'm not tagging anyone - but if you've stuck around and read through all this, then You Are Tagged Too!!!
j
.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Blogtoberfest giveaway reminder
If you haven't yet entered my little giveaway, please do so!
There are lots of yummy salads for you to try!
It's quite a Summer of Salads - maybe I can put together a little book when all entries are in!
j
There are lots of yummy salads for you to try!
It's quite a Summer of Salads - maybe I can put together a little book when all entries are in!
j
Monday, 20 October 2008
Forgive me...
Dear Blogger -
Forgive me, it has been three days since my last post. I FORGOT that I was doing Blogtoberfest, and didn't even turn the computer on over the weekend...
This is what happens when the weather is beautiful, and the kids' social lives require Mum's Taxi...
Can you just explain to me though please, why are other parents so judgemental? When you see a child acting up, throwing a tantrum, can you not do what my Mum has done, and smile, saying: "You are doing a wonderful job"?
Why do I have to explain that my child has a neurological condition that renders him a toddler at times? Do you even care that he and I are upset enough?
It is tough yakka carrying a child mid-tantrum when he is a tall and kicking near-seven-year-old. I don't need your sneers as well.
Keep it to yourself. I envy that your child can manage in social situations, at lunchtime in the playground, at mealtimes. It may seem like nothing to you, but we would give anything for him to be happy, relaxed, and accepted.
End of Rant.
j
Forgive me, it has been three days since my last post. I FORGOT that I was doing Blogtoberfest, and didn't even turn the computer on over the weekend...
This is what happens when the weather is beautiful, and the kids' social lives require Mum's Taxi...
Can you just explain to me though please, why are other parents so judgemental? When you see a child acting up, throwing a tantrum, can you not do what my Mum has done, and smile, saying: "You are doing a wonderful job"?
Why do I have to explain that my child has a neurological condition that renders him a toddler at times? Do you even care that he and I are upset enough?
It is tough yakka carrying a child mid-tantrum when he is a tall and kicking near-seven-year-old. I don't need your sneers as well.
Keep it to yourself. I envy that your child can manage in social situations, at lunchtime in the playground, at mealtimes. It may seem like nothing to you, but we would give anything for him to be happy, relaxed, and accepted.
End of Rant.
j
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Blogtoberfest Lifeline and giveaway reminder
Ok, so I'm already drooling at the recipes that have arrived in the comments for yesterday's giveaway. You still have plenty of time - why not try some of the recipes out in the meantime? Everyone's a winner! he he he
So yesterday I posted some crafty sewing and knitting I had been doing, and Bells commented on my knitted lace pattern. She knows I stress a little with knitting, and suggested a lifeline.
Hmmm.
I was grateful for the concern, but were things that bad?! I mean, Life Line doesn't do knitting help does it?? She has offered knitting tuition in the past, some great tips and ideas, but WERE things this bad? Unpicking lace isn't the end of the world... Maybe I was whining too much?
Today however, despite a revolting headache, rather than risk cancelling (this would be the hird cancelled arrangement), I lunched with Bells, Jejeune, and TLK (mother of the rice paper roll/tissue lass), and the issue was raised again. Bells and Jejeune were knitting away, and Bells asked had I seen her advice on the lifeline.
Rather stupidly, I realised that she was referring to this *, not this.
* see tip 3 in the post
As my friends would have said (albeit many years ago...) DER FRED.
(unrelated photo of my stone "North Wind" in my garden)
j
So yesterday I posted some crafty sewing and knitting I had been doing, and Bells commented on my knitted lace pattern. She knows I stress a little with knitting, and suggested a lifeline.
Hmmm.
I was grateful for the concern, but were things that bad?! I mean, Life Line doesn't do knitting help does it?? She has offered knitting tuition in the past, some great tips and ideas, but WERE things this bad? Unpicking lace isn't the end of the world... Maybe I was whining too much?
Today however, despite a revolting headache, rather than risk cancelling (this would be the hird cancelled arrangement), I lunched with Bells, Jejeune, and TLK (mother of the rice paper roll/tissue lass), and the issue was raised again. Bells and Jejeune were knitting away, and Bells asked had I seen her advice on the lifeline.
Rather stupidly, I realised that she was referring to this *, not this.
* see tip 3 in the post
As my friends would have said (albeit many years ago...) DER FRED.
(unrelated photo of my stone "North Wind" in my garden)j
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Blogtoberfest Bloggerific Blog-away
Who needs an excuse for a giveaway?
(250 posts
Blogtoberfest
Spring
De-stash day
Need to buy chocolate
Feeling like it
Blah blah blah)
Not me!
Just to get any lurkers out of the woodwork, thought I'd offer up a choice of:
a box of some sewing what-nots, buttons, trims, fabric, patterns, books, vintage linen etc
OR
a vintage Fisher Price dollhouse (only accessory is car in garage) - photos at the end of the post -
to a person who can share the tastiest salad recipe! Either link to a post in the comments, or tell us the ingredients! Strange way to win a giveaway? Yes, but I like that you have to work for it! Don't forget to tell me which pressie you want!
Not limited to Aussies, anyone can join in, postage schmostage! Will be drawn later in the month - let's say the Twenty-fifth - good a date as any!
Lots of other giveaways listed with the Blogtoberfest office here.
j
It's just so damn cute.....
j
(250 posts
Blogtoberfest
Spring
De-stash day
Need to buy chocolate
Feeling like it
Blah blah blah)
Not me!
Just to get any lurkers out of the woodwork, thought I'd offer up a choice of:
a box of some sewing what-nots, buttons, trims, fabric, patterns, books, vintage linen etc
OR
a vintage Fisher Price dollhouse (only accessory is car in garage) - photos at the end of the post -
to a person who can share the tastiest salad recipe! Either link to a post in the comments, or tell us the ingredients! Strange way to win a giveaway? Yes, but I like that you have to work for it! Don't forget to tell me which pressie you want!
Not limited to Aussies, anyone can join in, postage schmostage! Will be drawn later in the month - let's say the Twenty-fifth - good a date as any!
Lots of other giveaways listed with the Blogtoberfest office here.
j
It's just so damn cute.....
j
Spring - sew what?!
Little efforts to share from today. Found myself frogging the lace... this is all that's left... only 135cm to go...
Clips for the new do - not used to hair out! Got to get moving on my button orders anyway, so great to dust off the population!
Skirt for me, matching dress for Miss 2 (yes, I HAVE read Mommy Dearest - no Joan Crawford here!) Spotlight has this cheat's skirt fabric, already elasticated/gathered, ya just hem it for a quick bit of satisfaction. Fun for us and rather Summery, just right for our upcoming visit to the coast.
Bunting for a market I am selling at prior to Christmas - cute fabric, needs to be on display. Forgot I had it until the recent airing of the stash...
Miss 2 found the fabric paints I have for a secret Christmas project for family down South - shhh! Pity this isn't on fabric...
All in all a good day's work. We are rather pleased! Off to finish off some album-cover art to adorn the walls - stay tuned!
j
Clips for the new do - not used to hair out! Got to get moving on my button orders anyway, so great to dust off the population!
Skirt for me, matching dress for Miss 2 (yes, I HAVE read Mommy Dearest - no Joan Crawford here!) Spotlight has this cheat's skirt fabric, already elasticated/gathered, ya just hem it for a quick bit of satisfaction. Fun for us and rather Summery, just right for our upcoming visit to the coast.
Bunting for a market I am selling at prior to Christmas - cute fabric, needs to be on display. Forgot I had it until the recent airing of the stash...
Miss 2 found the fabric paints I have for a secret Christmas project for family down South - shhh! Pity this isn't on fabric...
All in all a good day's work. We are rather pleased! Off to finish off some album-cover art to adorn the walls - stay tuned!j
Blogtoberfest garden tour
Banksia rose
Baby Cos lettuces
Little tomato plants
Ageratum struggling from too much watering from Miss 2!
Wisteria
Maybe Sweet William?
Anyone know this?
My fave - buttery coloured daisy
Unusual daisyThe thing I love about rental houses is the surprises in the garden that previous tenants have planted. Bulbs spring up from weed-infested patches, breathing new life into the views from windows, indicating that anything is possible.
I do like to plant things myself as well - this time in pots, until I know where the best spot for them is. Vegies are in, just cucumber, snow peas, tomatoes, lettuce, . Spinach will go in this weekend, no corn though - needs too much water...
What are you growing?
j
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Ladybird books renewed...
Photos from Lark Homemade
Want these Vintage Ladybird journals, Granny squares giftwrap?
Me too!
Buy them here. (Thanks for the link Adele!)
j
Monday, 13 October 2008
Skirting round the edges...
Have you noticed that my lace is barely discussed? It's so SLOW, and (new word) unphotographable yet. Bear with me - it really is coming along - just slowly...
I am trying to finish off some WsIP (works in progress) so that my slate is clear for The Knitting of the Lace, and so this morning (yep, kids up Too Early... Again), I whipped up a skirt for Miss 2 using a fave Amy Butler from this range from the stash. Trimmed with ric rac and velvet ribbon and I love it! A huge hem and a generous waist mean that it can grow with her too, so I am happy with that.
j
I am trying to finish off some WsIP (works in progress) so that my slate is clear for The Knitting of the Lace, and so this morning (yep, kids up Too Early... Again), I whipped up a skirt for Miss 2 using a fave Amy Butler from this range from the stash. Trimmed with ric rac and velvet ribbon and I love it! A huge hem and a generous waist mean that it can grow with her too, so I am happy with that.
j
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Reveal...
Blogtoberfest for me is all about shedding the crap and going for what I really want to do, all inspired by This Post.
So part of my shedding, is allowing people to photograph me, and for me to look at the pictures. May sound easy to some, but some of us - not so much.
Thanks to that exhibition, there are photos now doing the rounds, so I thought I should link up. Nina Ribena takes a decent pic - check out others here.
Helen, Tania, and ME.
j
So part of my shedding, is allowing people to photograph me, and for me to look at the pictures. May sound easy to some, but some of us - not so much.
Thanks to that exhibition, there are photos now doing the rounds, so I thought I should link up. Nina Ribena takes a decent pic - check out others here.
Helen, Tania, and ME.j
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Blogtoberfest - oops, where did those days go?!
How did that happen? I missed a day!? Blogtoberfest continues regardless!
Today was the opening of the exhibition from the previous post. The Shopping Sherpa looked magnificent in signature black and white, and her amazing collection of 14 Lundby dollhouses looked incredible. In changing handbags, I left the camera at home, so no pics for today, just links for a clickety trip through the internets. Here is a great link that shows some of the interiors. TSS should be so proud of her incredible collection, and the exhibition - just amazing.
It was great also to meet up with amazing bloggers from Canberra and nearby: Taph, Happy Spider, M1K1, Nina Ribena, and also a fitting party to say farewell to my dear pal The Circular Traveller.
Lovely day, great exhibition, looking forward to going back as many times as I can with everyone I know!
j
Today was the opening of the exhibition from the previous post. The Shopping Sherpa looked magnificent in signature black and white, and her amazing collection of 14 Lundby dollhouses looked incredible. In changing handbags, I left the camera at home, so no pics for today, just links for a clickety trip through the internets. Here is a great link that shows some of the interiors. TSS should be so proud of her incredible collection, and the exhibition - just amazing.
It was great also to meet up with amazing bloggers from Canberra and nearby: Taph, Happy Spider, M1K1, Nina Ribena, and also a fitting party to say farewell to my dear pal The Circular Traveller.
Lovely day, great exhibition, looking forward to going back as many times as I can with everyone I know!
j
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Blogtoberfest Makeover!
I have a very low maintenance routine. I get my haircut maybe once a year, and have had a Mummy Pony-Tail since Master 6 was born. Some days it's the "kids are up, grab hair and shove into elastic, where the hell are my glasses" hair do, which is not touched again until bedtime, and looks appalling, but no one bothers telling me! I really hide behind the pony tail and my glasses, and my excess 50kg, hoping no one will notice me. However my friend's mum was visiting from Sydney and was Appalled at my do (or lack thereof), and 'donated' over a hundred dollars of 'product' to the cause. (Grateful though I was, she may as well have given me an Arabic dictionary. I am clueless).
However, in the spirit of Blogtoberfest, embracing newness, etc, I have challenged myself out of my comfort zone. No more easy. No more excuses. With a generous budget, I set forth.
I was referred to, arguably, Canberra's best hairdresser by a friend and her mum, and dutifully went along on the weekend. I had No Idea what I wanted. I shrugged and said "it's up to you - I really just want the unhealthy bits removed." Glasses off, I was blind and unable to watch the process unfold. Adam was not good, he was amazing. Utterly amazing, and I let him do what he had to do.
As someone who spends little time and money on her appearance, I adored the flat-white-on-tap, the head massages, the music, the chance to meditate and drink in being pampered on for the afternoon.
My hair, previously halfway down my back, felt lighter, softer, cleaner then ever before. I had a cut, a massage, a treatment, a wrap, an indirect dry (what the?!), and many coffees. How long was this taking?
At last the reveal. I was handed my glasses (I couldn't see where I'd put them down, I'm that blind), and was astonished. Lighter? Indeed. As Miss 2 said when I got home: "Where's hair Mummy?" And a pony tail? Not on your nellie. Barely enough for a clip!
Oh well, at least it will grow.....
j
However, in the spirit of Blogtoberfest, embracing newness, etc, I have challenged myself out of my comfort zone. No more easy. No more excuses. With a generous budget, I set forth.
I was referred to, arguably, Canberra's best hairdresser by a friend and her mum, and dutifully went along on the weekend. I had No Idea what I wanted. I shrugged and said "it's up to you - I really just want the unhealthy bits removed." Glasses off, I was blind and unable to watch the process unfold. Adam was not good, he was amazing. Utterly amazing, and I let him do what he had to do.
As someone who spends little time and money on her appearance, I adored the flat-white-on-tap, the head massages, the music, the chance to meditate and drink in being pampered on for the afternoon.
My hair, previously halfway down my back, felt lighter, softer, cleaner then ever before. I had a cut, a massage, a treatment, a wrap, an indirect dry (what the?!), and many coffees. How long was this taking?
At last the reveal. I was handed my glasses (I couldn't see where I'd put them down, I'm that blind), and was astonished. Lighter? Indeed. As Miss 2 said when I got home: "Where's hair Mummy?" And a pony tail? Not on your nellie. Barely enough for a clip!
Oh well, at least it will grow.....j
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