5 Favourites Friday!

Well it is that time of the week again, Friday!! Oh the best day because you know that you have two full days of relax awaiting you. This weekend is especially exciting because we have Joel's Aunt and Uncle coming to stay with us!

It is also a great time of the week because now I know that I am always doing..

This weeks favourites are my 5 Favourite Blogs!

First up is A Beautiful Mess

This blog is what initially inspired me to start blogging, and showed me the amazing connected world of handmade! I found it because I was looking for scrapbooking brands and material that wasn't grandma'ish. Now this is not a scrapbook blog, but Elsie Flannigan who owns abeautifulmess used to have her own scrapbooking line. To make a long story shorter, now this blog is about fashion, design, lifestyle and her vintage/handmade/cupcake store called Red Velvet. It is really a great blog and constantly a source of inspiration to me.

Next up is Smile and Wave.This is owned by Rachel Denbow, best friend of Elsie (above). Although, quite different to a beautiful mess you can definitely tell these girls are connected. Rachel's blog is about kids, craft, vintage and she always has some great ideas and insights that especially in this phase of my life I feel like I can relate to.

Third is Sublime Stitching This is a blog by a lady named Jenny Hart. It is how I initially saw how great modern day embroidery could be and made me really want to give it a shot. Jenny has a couple of books about embroidery published, and offers great embroidery tips on her blog. She has some great designs that you can purchase through the store and she really loves embroidery.

Fourth, this is a new one for me, Powered by Pastries.
I only found it about a week ago. Already, I have utilised it to start to re-design my blog (if you didn't notice) I downloaded one of Powered By Pastries free blog templates and I really love it. I like the style of the blog design, and I really love all the great tips about how to improve your blog. I am such a html amateur, I am really looking forward to new posts and learning more about blog design!

Fifth, Design Sponge.
As I am always trying to think of new ways to decorate my house that are not the usual go down to the store and buy the stock standard, this blog always inspires me. Like I am loving this re-upholstered couch! I love all the features, especially the before and after posts of furniture and articles that have been reconditioned. Makes me so excited to try them myself.

Wow, I could probably do 10 or 15 favourites on this topic so easily. One thing I realise that they all have in common, is they all have been a source of Inspiration for me. This keeps me going back and checking often. It is a good thing for me to remember about my own blogging journey, and how I can improve.

Cloth Nappies: Good idea or crazy Mum...

So I am pretty sure, that I have decided that I am going to go down the cloth nappy route. Yes, I know.. this probably means that I am naive, and I don't really know what I am getting myself into. Maybe so, but at least I want to give it a try. I talk about this a lot with my Mum. She raised four children, all in cloth nappies, because back then disposables were pretty average quality and really expensive. They weren't the fan dangled cloth nappies that we see today, they were just cloth squares that needed to be folded and pinned, with those ginormous pins that are only used for punk rockers to hold their jeans together these days. In my head, I am thinking, with much encouragement from my Mum.. "if she can do it, surely I can do it too". Not only that but the options today make it soooo much easier than it ever was 20+ years ago. You can even buy these great hoses that connect to your toilet to rinse unwanted stuff down the loo easily. You can buy smell holding bags that store nappies when you are out and about. You don't have to soak them forever anymore either.
(here is a very old picture of one of my brothers wearing this daggy cloth nappy! I am sure he will hate that I put this up. Yes, that is me in the background in my awesome nightie)

So if most of our Mothers did it, and they managed just fine, why is it that so many people around my age with children give me the look like, "you wont last a week". Maybe I will fail miserably in this quest, maybe it will all be too much. Seeing I don't have a baby that I need to change multiple times a day, I am not really sure just yet. All I am saying is that personally I want to give this a shot, I want to try and save money and yes the environment from being loaded up with landfills of nappies that don't breakdown for hundreds of years. Maybe I am just naive and idealistic...but I will report back after August and let you know how I am going!

But of course I would love to hear from any Mum's out there who use them and love them!! I have had a lot of negativity about this choice, but know that they are so popular these days.


And.. look how cute these nappies from itti bitti are these days... oh boy!

New Places: Ootong & Lincoln

Don't let the unusual name put you off this cafe in South Fremantle. I am so happy because South Freo is really starting to thrive, with all these great new little cafe's and restaurants. I am so glad I live so close. I am not sure why this is the first time I have been to Ootong and Lincoln, it definitely will not be the last. I have been to the building before, when it used to be a quaint little antique store/devonshire tea cafe, but now it is a whole lot different, and dare I say better!



Yes the food was good, the smoothie was also good. Joel says the coffee is good too, although I wouldn't know because I don't drink it. What I really loved about Ootong and Lincoln is the design and decor. Although simple and spacious, it is really retro, quirky and fun. Some of the things that stood out to me were that most of the lights on the ceiling were encased in old glass jars, the lighting cables were strung across the ceiling like tinsel. Then to top that off, I noticed a couple of lights in the back area, laundry baskets as lamp shades!What a fabulous idea, they looked great. Each table was different, and they were accompanied by matching seats, all vintage and many were retro. Above the windows, which covered the whole front wall was a large shelf that held many old small bicycles and tricycles, so cute.
All in all, I was impressed by this place, there was nothing "normal" used for the decor, they had old telephones hanging on the wall, and a number of bike hooks so people can hang their bikes up whilst they dine. They also included hooks on one wall that were large wooden spoons.

5 Favourites Friday!

Well it is Friday again, I knew once I started this series that Fridays would sneak up on me. It is fun though to have something to plan for

This week is a bit obscure: 5 Favourite Girl Group Songs from the 60's !!
I couldn't just pick 5 songs ever, or even 5 songs from a decade, my love so much music from the past has made me sad if I end up leaving out songs that I know are wonderful, so I had to narrow it down even more!

The 60's was full of girl groups singing the cheesiest love songs but for some reason, I love them.. so if you want the cheese of yesteryear..then you should take a trip back to some of these all time greats! I remember being in primary school and listening to these songs in my room. Singing as loud as I could, and feeling pretty good about myself! I was thrust unknowingly into a love of all things 60's when I got my first CD player for my birthday, accompanied by the CD "Jukebox hits of the 60's" ever since then, the hits of this decade seem to resonate with me. I just can't help but love them. Especially all these...


The Angels: My boyfriend's back

Betty Everett: The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in his kiss)

Shangri Las : Leader of the Back

One Fine Day : The Chiffons

It's My Party: Lesley Gore


Have Fun Listening!!
For me these oldies are a great start to the Weekend!!

Heavy Chain Stitch: Poppies

I found the pattern for this Poppy embroidery piece in one of the old Embroidery binders that my Mum picked up for me from an Op Shop a few months ago. I finally took some time to look through them, and thought this looked like a challenge. It was originally for a set of place mats and napkins for the table, but seriously this took me so long and I only made one, I cannot imagine doing this 12 times over.

The entire pattern is stitched using the "Heavy Chain Stitch" which looks like this
This was my very first attempt at this stitch, but I think it looks so great. It is so much bolder than many of the other stitches I have tried, and it gives the design more definition and fullness. I think I will be using this stitch a lot from now on. If you are into embroidery you should definitely give this stitch a shot, it is actually pretty easy!

5 Favourites Friday!

Ok! So I am starting a new blog series! Called...
Every week I will choose a different topic and pick my 5 Favourites. So picking something for the first week was kinda tricky, but anyone who knows me knows that I am pretty into certain TV shows. So, I wanted to share my 5 fave tv shows. Hopefully if you have never watched them, or never even heard of them, it will give you something new to try out. They are better than most of the rubbish on free to air TV at the moment.

1. Breaking Bad:

When I heard this show was about a Science teacher come Crystal Meth manufacturer I was a little sceptical. After the first Crazy episode, I was hooked. The star of the show is Bryan Cranston, (you may remember him as the Dad on Malcolm in the Middle) as the troubled Walter White. He is fantastic, I never knew I could feel compassion for a drug manufacturer, but in Breaking Bad, I do. Every episode just leaves you desperate for the next, I recommend getting a whole Season to watch so you aren't left hanging.

2. Dexter:

Again another show that I wasn't sure that I would enjoy that much, but figured I would give it a shot. Dexter Morgan is a man with a "dark passenger." By day he is a blood spatter analysist for Miami Metro PD, the same work place as his verbally colourful sister Deb, a cop. His troubled past has led him to the life of a serial killer, but not just any serial killer. One who lives by a code "Harry's Code", who only kills those who deserve to die: murderers, rapists ect. He pushes the boundaries, and lingers on the line of getting caught. Again, another of those ones that I just can't stop watching once I start.

3. Parks and Recreation:
Just so you don't think I am all dark and broody, I had to add a comedy to the list. There are many comedies that I love (The Office, Community, Modern Family) but I think that right now I really enjoy Parks and Recreation. Amy Poehler plays the loveable and crazy Leslie Knope, the assistant director of the parks and rec department in Pawnee, and is extremely passionate about her job. But I think my favourite character would have to be Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), he is a hunter, loves all you can eat steak places, and avoids work at all costs, and hates the government.. even though he works for them. Anything that makes me laugh out loud multiple times when I watch is always a winner in my books!

4. Boardwalk Empire:Another HBO show, and a period show, based in Atlantic City in the 1920's during the Prohibition in the USA. Steve Buscemi is a fantastic actor, and he plays the main character Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the treasurer of Atlantic City. It doesn't take long to see that Nucky runs the city including the roaring underground liquor production and trade. It shows the corruption and futility of illegalizing Alcohol, and how it leads the way for gangsters such a Al Capone to start a roaring trade in the liquor industry. I love the costumes, the cars, the way of life is so well done, and although I never lived in the 20's and therefore probably couldn't pick the discrepancies if their were any, it seems pretty well done to me.

5.Gossip Girl:My true colours are shining through! Yes, I am suckered into the girly, girly shows as well. Others I enjoy are (Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife). When you need some gossip, backstabbing and game playing in your life, instead of really doing it, just use Gossip Girl as your outlet. Gossip Girl revolves around the ever entertaining antics of Serena van der Woodsen, her best friend Blair Waldorf and their friends, the rich of the rich in Manhattans Upper East Side. It is on Season 4 right now, and still going strong. I like it because I don't really have to think when I watch it, I can just chill out and enjoy. Joel used to hate it, but he got suckered in at one stage (although he wont admit it).

Hope you enjoy the first installment of 5 favourites Friday!!
xoxo!!

Making a Fair Choice this Easter!!

So Easter is right around the corner (although surprisingly late this year) and during this time of year chocolate sales go through the roof! I like to use Easter as a good excuse to stuff myself full of chocolate guilt free.

If having a "guilt free" Easter is on your priority list, like it is mine, you may be interested in the range of Fair Trade chocolate that is available in Australia this Easter. You can not only gorge yourself, but also know that the chocolate you are eating does not come at an added price. If you are wondering what this price is, check out my previous blog post "For The Love of Chocolate" , it is all about the exploitation of children in the cocoa industry.

There are so many choices this Easter, because so many more companies are jumping on board and making Delicious chocolate without leaving a trail of suffering. I got this information on an email through my work today, and I was so excited to share all the great Fair Trade Easter options!
1. Cadbury - well everyone in Australia has heard of Cadbury, and this Easter look at this great range of Fair Trade chocolate, including a giant Easter Egg!!
2. Alter Eco - personally I have never tried this chocolate, but it sounds pretty good. They work with an independent chocolatier in Switzerland, and are 100% Organic as well. http://www.alterecopacific.com/wheretobuy.html
3. Chocolatier: So you can get this lovely range and more from Priceline, Myer, Oxfam Shops and more here http://www.chocolatier.com.au/stockist/Stockist.htm They also have two stores in Melbourne.


4. Lindsay & Edmunds : Another Organic option. Handmade single origin Belgian chocolate. Wow.... is all I can say. For stockist www.lindsayandedmunds.com.au and you can also order online.

These are of course just a few of the options out there. All the pics and details are from the Fair Trade Australia Website :
http://www.fairtrade.com.au/get-involved/campaigns/make-fairtrade-choice-easter
They have WAY more information and some great videos that really explain what Fair Trade Chocolate is all about, and why it is definitely worth the switch!!

Happy Chocolate eating, fellow Chocoholics!!

Goals

1. Replant Veggie Garden (incl reticulation)
2. Transform Study into Nursery
3. Renovate Kitchen
4. Have 30 items in my Etsy store
5. Apply for a Stall at Upmarket in June
6. Have products to sell at Upmarket
7. Learn how to sew on my vintage Singer
8. Go on a Holiday
9. Go swimming at least twice a week
10. Blog 3-4 times a week, consistently
11. Read baby books!
12. Get a new Hot water system
13. Get a Scrapbook page published

So the list is kind of extensive, but you need goals in your life, things that you can aim towards and things that drive you to achieve. Sometimes I feel quite happy just pottering along, and then after a while I look back and think, what did I actually do with my time. Was it well spent, and what could I have achieved if I had put my mind to it. I know the next months are going to go by pretty fast. I really don't want to just wish the time away, I want to get some things done that are really important to me! So putting it out there on my blog is a way to keep myself accountable.
Ask me on August 1st, what I achieved!!!

“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did. So throw off the bow-lines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.” Mark Twain

New Project: Baby Nursery!!

This is my very, very cluttered office and soon to be baby's room. This is a massive job, as you can see there is a lot of big bulky stuff in here that will need to be sold or moved to another part of the house, and well to be honest, there isn't a lot of room in the rest of the house!
The plus side is that at least it is in the right colour scheme, although I am debating painting the hogsbristle wall (window wall) a nice dark grey. I want to say that I am not really panicking about getting everything ready on time, but that would be a lie. I think about it constantly!







I have been trying to brainstorm about what sort of theme or style I want to go for in this room. I don't want anything too babyish, because he will be a big boy very soon. I don't want it over the top or too cluttered with junk. I am inspired by the ideas of retro furniture and design (except for the cot which obviously needs to be up to Australian safety standards) because our house is a cottage built in 1949 , bold colours, fun and organized! Here are some of the fun things I have found that inspired me, and are helping to guide my ideas about what to do in here:

This is from the gallery at Project Nursery: I think I have that same chest of drawers already! Bonus. What I am really in love with is that amazing retro rocking chair. I would LOVE to find one of those, amazing.
Seeing I am all about Embroidery! This room from DesignDazzle takes my breath away. I actually think I will do this, and I already have recruited a couple of volunteers to help! Would go so well with a retro theme as well!
Project Nursery: Blackboard Paint!! How fun.. kids (and Mums and Dads) can drawn on the walls and then wipe it right off! I love this idea, I am not sure about a whole wall, but it needs to be incorporated somehow!
TEEPEE!!!! I saw this in a magazine a couple of months ago and really thought it was a fantastic idea. I guess it wont be used for a little while so there is no rush, but what a fun D.I.Y project for later on. I can imagine little boys loving their own indoor teepee!
This is another Project Nursery idea. I saw these little dog tails at Ikea a while ago, I always wanted to buy them because I like them so much, but never had anywhere to put them. Then I saw this fabulous idea! I also like wall decals, this is a cute little poem, and something that I can easily make at home on my Cricut Create! Through my hunting these are just some of the ideas I have found, I really cannot wait to get started. Unfortunately I have to clean out all the old stuff first, and that just does not sound appealing...