The Vintage Eiderdown

Hello 2010!!!

2010-01-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

A new year, new beginnings and breakthroughs in every aspect of my life!!! Stu and I spent a lovely 2 weeks in NZ over Christmas visiting family and Stu's folks spent Christmas Day with us for the first time since we got together, truly a special time for us all!! I'm back at the gym eager to lose this festive muffin top and eager to get back to work to earn some cash!!! Some pics from the hols and also FINALLY my chandeliers are up and they look fab!!

2 posts in one night!!!

2009-07-12T04:32:00.001-07:00

The top pic is of Maria and Grant the night before leanne and brian's wedding in Christchurch...had to put this one in as the bottom one of Stu and Grant is at my brother David's 40th at the yacht club, but poor Maria is in none of the photos as she was behind the lens!!! Shutterbug!!! It's obvious Grant and Stu are from the same apple tree!!!

Missing in action!!

2009-07-12T04:19:00.000-07:00

Have been very busy, slack, pre occupied, whatever you'd like to call it really.......haven't been blogging that's for sure! Stu and I have bought a new house, it's only taken 2 years of endless searching, but it really is the dream house so we are stoked!! Wil supply pics shortly as it is being painted this week and then we are moving in!!!!!! Alina and Jorja came over yesterday and Jorja was making a mess in the frangipani leaves...very cute!!

Week 1

2009-05-13T01:51:00.000-07:00

Oops a couple of days late with this one...Have lost 200grams and am pretty happy with that as I have not exercised at all!!! Back into that this week though so hoping next week is a better result. Had a bit of a shopping splurge at Laura Ashley this week.......divine new range!!!!

Diet Trail ( round 2)!!

2009-05-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

Weigh in yesterday morning after a huge weekend in NZ was 68.2kg....eek!!! Off to the shops tomorrow to buy some healthy options as there was nothing left in the fridge.

End of week 10

2009-03-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

have not lost any weight this week, and not surprised as the weekend was a total blow out!!! The girls took me out for a last hurrah as I started IVF sunday....and a good thing that is , its either that or rehab!!!!!! Ate myself silly and drank the bar dry...shameful really. Well I am back on the diet and still doing all the gym stuff so lets see what happens. Maria I hope you are having more luck, at least you're consistent!!!

End of week 9!!!

2009-03-17T04:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I did forget to post last week as I was a bit despondent over the lack of weight loss and only 200 gms this week, and this is all despite the fact I am gyming it 5 days per week...so I really must limit my food intake as I have been a little slack with that I guess!! I have won a few ebay items which are being posted this week so will upload some pics soon!!!

End of week 7

2009-03-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

Well thank goodness!!! Have lost half a kilo so smack on 65kg, happy with that. Have been going to the gym 5 days per week, being dragged along actually by my girlfriend who is a gym junkie, so that's quite helpful really!!!

I have to say I feel good but really tired with full time work AND gym!! Off to Sydney tomorrow to pick up a couple of antique stools I got at a bargain price!!

End of week 6

2009-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Really bad week, have eaten everything in sight...major family issues and have not shifted my weight....so have stepped up the ante. Joined a gym with a friend on Sunday, have been every day since doing aerobics classes, weights and aqua aerobics...have had no treats and if i don't lose a kilo next week I'll be drinking carrot juice all week!!!!!!!

Week 5.....groan!

2009-02-16T23:56:00.000-08:00

Well, very disappointed to find at weigh in the morning I have not lost any weight this week or gained---a complete non event!!!! I guess that means i really have to up the ante on the exercise and be just a little more committed on the food front, oh well...back to the grind.

Week 4

2009-02-10T01:03:00.000-08:00

66 kilos on the nose!!!!!!! I'm finding it easier now that I'm allowing myself the occassional splurge otherwise I just would not be able to maintain this! I have to watch my water intake I'm not drinking enough and the exercise has fallen off slightly due to work but am off for a bike ride in am before work!!!

Really sombre mood around town due to the tragic bush fires, everyone is taking up donations for the appeal, we've had fires with property loss but thankfully no deaths...the temps have been high 30's to low 40's for 2 weeks now, the garden is completely dead as we are not allowed to hose, lost all my herbs and the grass is yellow...will take some pics. I work out in the middle of the bush and all you could see as far as the eye was smoke everywhere and the smell of ash,gross!!

Really praying for rain, especially in Victoria....

Antique Hunting

2009-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd upload some pics of my recent purchases!!! The tray, mirror and ballet print I picked up today from the local antique market and the rest were from our NZ road trip...just need a house now to put everything in!!! Sooo hot another 40 degree day...bring on autumn!

Week 3 on the diet trail!

2009-02-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

Oops I am a couple of days late with this entry....work has been insane!!!! I have only lost 200gms but it is that special time where one does tend to retain fluid so I am blaming that and no exercise due to no time!!! Tomorrow is another day and the fridge is stocked with diet goodies so roll on next monday!!!

Week 3 on the diet trail!

2009-01-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

Am pleased I have lost another kilo this week so at least things are going the right way, albeit slowly!! The exercise is continuing but it's really making me sleep well at night and i feel like I've got more energy....Look out Stu. Have been ebaying like mad and am off to pick up another purchase this weekend. Have been prepping madly for work so will post pics tomorrow-Definitely...

Diet diary week 2!!

2009-01-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

Maria and I came across a real little gem of a place called " white traders" just outside napier, lots of bric a brac, we really could have spent hours in here..check out the stock!!!

Well i have to say i am pretty darn pleased with myself...drum roll!! I have lost 1 kilo!!! I know that sounds pathetic but that's all I need to inspire me to push on. How are you going Maria???I have not had a piece of chocolate now for 8 days and i am totally consumed with that thought. My plan is if I lose another kilo next week my reward will be 2 pieces of dark toblerone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been exercising every day, sometimes I am more excited about that than others!Walking, cycling,cross trainer and free weights!!I have just won a wrought iron day bed on ebay so will pick that up next sunday....just need a new house now to put it in.....pity you can't bid for that on ebay!!!!

The Holiday is REALLY over!!

2009-01-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

Hey just a quick one as I am sooo tired but needed to get this up for Maria! Well the official Australian weigh in is 70kg's on the nose....I am truly devastated...I have never been over 63 kilos in my entire life!!!!! I have 10kg to lose but slowly slowly does it. Maria I left a comment on your blog..hee hee!! You would be proud despite us having our gorgeous new BMW stolen today I have not succumbed to the TOBLERONE still sitting in my freezer from Christmas... but boy do I feel like some. Will put some pics from our fabulous NZ holiday up tomorrow..we had a ball, thanks Maria and Grant for the lovely room at the Long Drive B and B!!!

Banner me happy!!!

2008-12-06T02:40:00.000-08:00

Today was 38 degrees!!! Sooo hot I lazed around all day doing nothing really but I did manage to finish off my shabby chic "peace" banner. I am making the last of my christmas cards and will focus on tags and wrapping over the next few days. I am eagerly awaiting my vintage christmas journal from evalicious ( etsy) so have been jotting down what I have been doing in relation to Chrissy since december 1st to fill out the pages!!

I was at the shops today...complete bedlam!! My aim will be to arrive at 9am and take 1 1/2 hours and then get the heck out of there before the swarms arrive on mass!!

An eventful day!!!!

2008-11-26T01:23:00.000-08:00

Had a job interview today for my own job!!! The interview itself wasn't too bad, my boss was one of the panel and she was as usual just soooo nice...it's not everyone that can say they really love their boss!! Just after I walked out of the interview I bit into a lollie to reward myself that the whole thing was over and my crown fell out of my mouth!!! Emergency call to the dentist, booked in for tomorrow to cement in the permanent one, unbelievable! i was just thinking over the years I have had some teeth disasters at the most inappropriate times- like splitting a tooth in half in the middle of labour!!! I am not even going to look for the symbolism here!!

Stu and i are looking at a lovely house to buy but need some advice on building reno repairs so we will wait until we hear about that on Friday. Oh and received a gorgeous card from meliss and Ivan today with some gorgeous pics of Corey...he is a real cutey, I can see both mum and dad in him!!! Off to watch Law and Order and down a Milo....

Mixed media madness!!

2008-11-13T02:44:00.000-08:00

I have been creating up a storm lately.. have just framed 2 of my pretty girl prints. Am just about to sign up for another on line class using collage..very arty farty these days!!!

Antiquing through the Southern Highlands...

2008-11-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

Maria and I spent the weekend trawling through some lovely bric a brac and french antique shops- we both scored some lovely items. The highlight had to be Maria's gorgeous antique french chandelier which took us ages to wrap it at the airport with bubblewrap, clothes and tape AND it arrived in New Zealand intact- we are amazing!!!! here are some pics...

My Fav flowers are in bloom!!

2008-11-13T02:03:00.000-08:00

Every November, Stu buys me a huge bunch of my favourite flowers- Peonies- and they are all the more special as you can only buy them for a month here due to how hot it is here. They normally grow in colder climates. So full and gorgeous!!

And time simply rolls on.....

2008-09-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is September... I think the world is getting faster and faster, spiralling upwards in a mad rush. Our first day of Spring was superb, couldn't have wished for a a more perfect day. However today it has not stopped raining for longer than 5 mins.... This always makes me slightly nervous after being flooded out last year, so every now and then I sneek a peek out of my bedroom window to make sure I can still see the road!!!!

Well I have been super busy with my new on line art course... will upload some pics soon. I have been actually quite ill for the last week so have been hibernating indoors.. perfect weather for it really! Dad has just finished his 4th course of chemo and is really sick, the last 2 courses have been terrible for him. After his scan on wed we'll know whether or not the chemo is to continue or not... the day after dad's birthday so I am hoping it is good news for him and the rest of us.

I have a new love- well besides my hubby of course!! Its paint!! Yep I have been going mad spending all my pay on all these fab art supplies and trying them out on paper, wood and canvas so stay tuned!! I'm getting right in to folk art... check out the pic!!

Oh July! How time flies!!

2008-07-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah I sorta kinda know I haven't been blogging but you know life is what happens when you make plans! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. However life has been rather busy.... working full time teachingis not a walk in the park-I love it but man the hours of prep is pure madness!! I'm sure it will get easier though. Dad starts chemo soon so that will be another season- he's not real keen as he puts it and can't say I blame him! Stu is flying off to see his folks and bro in South Africa next week so I will have to update this for him if no one else!!!

Art Swap for PraireWillow

2008-04-11T03:24:00.000-07:00

Well its finished!! I am involved in an international artswap where we were paired up with someone and had to paint/ paper whatever we just had to create something for this person after gaining some inside information on their fav colours ect... so this will be going in the post on Monday-- sure hope she likes it!

Scrapmojo Challenge 12!!!

2008-04-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have entered a scrapbook challenge like this soooo am a bit nervous but what the heck!! We had to use office lingo in our title or journalling and office supplies in our layout- so I decided to do my mini layout on a mini- clipboard using paper clips, staples, shipping tag, punctuation and date stamps!! The prize of yummy supplies was just too good to pass up the opportunity.

Surrounded by Stash!!!

2008-04-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

My studio is covered in delectable glitzy, artsy pieces of patterned paper, fabric, buttons, ribbon, lace and paint so over the weekend I fully intend to whip up a creative storm.... watch this space for hopeful pieces of artistic genius ( well at least in my eyes anyway!!!)

Puppy is asleep... hubby is at work.... and I'm on line.... a usual sequence of events for this family!!!

Just like I promised...

2008-03-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd include a pic of princess Jessie demolishing her latest toy- took all of 30 mins... hence why I only ever spend $3.00!!!!

Well here I am making a post just so I don't sound like a girl who goes back on her word!! It's so funny, Stu and I don't get to spend a lot of evenings together as he is usually working but he's home tonight!! and what are we doing??? I am surfing the net while he is playing play station- even the dog is in another room- I think we are going to have to reassess this situation..... There is something wrong with this picture!!!!!!!!

You wouldn't know it is Autumn as the weather has been so beautiful. lovely and warm although I can just detect a faint chill in the air at night. I guess I can't complain it's not like we really get freezing winters down here!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-31T00:58:00.001-07:00

Bad Blogger.......

2008-03-30T02:16:00.001-07:00

I admit it!! I am a bad blogger- so I sincerely apologise for my slackness over the past month- I will attempt to write( even if I don't upload a pic!) something, however banal everyday!!! These are just a few layouts I have done over the past week.

We had a " black-out" tonight- power cut that is! I was on the computer and Stu was watching T.V. It lasted about 40 mins so we both sat outside , as it was going on dusk, and Stu jokingly said" Don't tell me we'll have to talk!!"- we were in fits laughing, but you know what was weird?? The entire street came out to chat- it was like God was up there saying- I'll show em down there- they might have to actually COMMUNICATE !!!!!!! Too funny...

Arabella's first day at school

2008-02-29T01:52:00.000-08:00

She is growing up so fast- I simply cannot believe she is now at school and doing well, going to be the leader- I can almost see the next female prime minister in her you know. It was so cute she spoke with me on the phone and recited to me what she had learned that day- In the Name of the Father, the Son and " The Holy Innocent" Amen- couldn't stop smiling that's the name of her school and then she quickly corrected herself, I mean " The Holy Spirit" Amen.... I think God would excuse that little slip up in a 5 year old....

Happy Leap Year!!

2008-02-29T01:46:00.001-08:00

Domestic Goddess rules again!!! Made this chicken, leek and mushroom pie for dinner tonight and the hubby said it was the best pastry he has ever said- probably an exaggeration but coming from a chef I was chuffed, none the less.....This won't be a weekly event however as I felt completely chained to the stove for hours - You have to wonder how all those pilgrims of old handled cooking all day, every day all year!!!

I bought the most fabulous cookbook whilst in NZ called The Best of Annabel Langbein " Great Food for Busy Lives"- fantastic, has absolutely everything in it that a fledgling Domestic Goddess needs!!

Domestic Goddess

2008-02-08T03:39:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe the amount of rain we have had over this summer- we had 9- 15 mm of rain fall in Newcastle yesterday in 7 mins!! Our lawn is growing by the day and I haven't had to water the vege garden for well over a week!! I guess there are some benefits but I miss the sunshine and have had to dry all the clothes either inside or in the dryer which I hate- so not the same as sun and fresh air!!

Jessie is going spare because she is not getting all her much loved walks but today I bit the bullet and took her anyway- between drizzles.Have been doing lots of scrapbooking and art projects though which is quite therapeutic!!!

Have been eating constantly, which is not good- please bring on the sun so I can get the heck out of the house and out of the fridge!!!!!!!!!!!

Fear challenge

2008-02-05T04:19:00.000-08:00

I was challenged to art journal one of my fears and although I wouldn't exactly say it was a " fear" as such it is certainly not something I am relishing at this particular point in time.....

Valentine's Day challenge

2008-02-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

Deb and I via skype had a Valentine's Day prompt challenge going- both got into the groove and knocjked them over in just over an hour!Love to all xxxxx

LOve those Elsie papers!!!!

2008-01-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

Had to get this layout of Charlotte done as after opening all her pressies on Christmas Day I asked her which was her favourite and she said, "my lollipop"-Maria can certainly save some money next year!!!!

Cafe Prince shots

2008-01-26T16:26:00.001-08:00

Deb, Darren and the kids came to stay so we all went down to the prince and Deb was giving me some photography tips... The first pic of Stu and I was taken by Arabella, aged 5 so I think she is going to be quite the arty farty one!!!

artful expression

2008-01-26T16:22:00.001-08:00

Decided to try and replicate a collage technique I read about in NOv/Dec Cloth/Paper/Scissors. It is just acrylics, charcoal and pastels with scrapbooking papers on canvas. Fairly pleased with the result and definitely keen to try some more....

Matarangi- NZ

2008-01-11T15:15:00.001-08:00

IMG_3785
Originally uploaded by michellefield39

This pic was taken from Maria's family beach house in Matarangi where we stayed over the chrissy- New year period with all her and Stu's family. Such a relaxing holiday, playing darts, down the beach with the kids, reading, doing jigsaws... you get the drift....and lots of zzzzzzzz's.I have never seen Stu so relaxed in a long time!

Domestic Goddess....

2007-12-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

Have been busy all day today cleaning and scrubbing. I spent 4 hours in the garden, weeding and repotting shrubs- I really don't know how my mother managed to weed all her life so efficiently with 4 kids- gruesome labour!! I had some really ripe bananas so I whipped up a banana cake and some spicy banana muffins as well as some rissoles for the better half when he gets in from work.

It is like I simply don't have an off button today- scrubbed out the laundry- made my own washing powder and boraxed all the floors. There is something so utterly satisfying when your house is sparkling and the smells of home cooking waft through the house. Nothing left to do now except have a nice soak, boil the kettle and have myself a muffin or two......

Green Thumb??

2007-12-08T02:27:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics of my first ever vege garden!! It really is something just to be able to walk out into the backyard and pick some lettuce, rocket or some fresh herbs whenever I feel like it. Mind you a vege garden is doing battle with the noisy minors and magpies that want my produce just as much as me and to say nothing of my first casualty- the savoy cabbage was simply no match for the white cabbage butterfly- such a sweet looking creature who would have thought it would simply leave me with moth hole ridden cabbage!!!! Alas I press on- I will not be defeated.....

Creativity abounds...

2007-12-08T02:24:00.000-08:00

My husband is back!!!

2007-12-01T02:16:00.000-08:00

Finally, Stu went and had a haircut yesterday and got the rest of his " peroxide" tips cut out- when he walked in the door I couldn't believe it, my normal husband was looking right at me and all was right with the world- I'm all for change ( as long as I have prior warning!!)....

Laman Street Art Bazaar

2007-11-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

I headed on down to the arty district of inner city Newcastle this sunny saturday morning to have a squiz at some local artists and their work, lots of ceramics that don't really appeal to me but amidst all the tie- die and beaded jewellery I found this lovely piano teacher who does beautiful paintings/ inks- I couldn't resist this one but I am going to look her up on the internet to see if she sells anywhere in town......

Mixed media work out

2007-11-29T03:54:00.000-08:00

Found some old texture paste, a pear stamp and thought why not???

Found-one way out photo of my husband

2007-11-27T02:52:00.000-08:00

I have not seen this photo of Stu for absolute ages!!!It was taken in front of Cradle Mountain, Cape Town in South Africa on our first trip back there from the UK to meet his parents. We both looked like hippies with our long curly hair and carrying a few extra pounds from thr London winter....

2007-11-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

IMG_3359

2007-11-17T03:08:00.003-08:00

IMG_3359
Originally uploaded by michellefield39

IMG_3355

2007-11-17T03:08:00.001-08:00

IMG_3355
Originally uploaded by michellefield39

Third layout of the evening...

2007-11-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

Well, twas real late at night when the rest of the house was sleeping, when I decided to delve into my scrabook supplies and to my surprise another page was born...

My Beautiful Baby Girl....

2007-11-15T03:47:00.001-08:00

I just adore this photo of Jessie I took late this afternoon- she was being sooky and whimpering to go for a walk and I was playing around with the camera when she turned right around and looked at me with those gorgeous big brown eyes!!! Who could resist!!

" noteworthy" class with Jen Hall

2007-11-15T03:43:00.000-08:00

Another fab class with Jen Hall- I think these would have to be my favourite papers to date!!! Very vintage very me...

jorja

2007-11-12T02:52:00.001-08:00

jorja
Originally uploaded by michellefield39

Altered Art

2007-11-08T02:09:00.000-08:00

I am really loving this gel medium stuff- adds a real glossy dimension to the page- I used the modge podge matt on the butterfly page to make better use of the pastels..

Filagree...

2007-11-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I would get in the mood for Sydney and the 7 Gypsies by indulging in gold and ephemera- my stash is so getting a workout- who ever said that scraps were cheap!!

Creativity....

2007-11-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of Stu because it shows him outdoors ( hardly happens with his business) really enjoying himself- Grant, Maria and the kids were over and we were out at Newcastle Baths for a dip...

And so the art journal continues...

2007-10-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

Day 2 just got home and had 40 mins before I had to shoot out with the girls for dinner.....

Art Journal - The very first day...

2007-10-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

Well I cannot believe I am embarking on this but it was Deb's idea of a challenge..... I can only begin to imagine what this completed book will look like and how long it will take to fill it- but I know I have to stick with the rules- a double page of something every day as per our little friend suzieblutube.........

Mixed Media Art

2007-10-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

This was a bit of a dare from Deb really so this will be her chrissy pressie- Etsy.com look out there are two new chicks on the scene!!!!( HA HA )- I cannot bring myself to write LOL...

Crop and Shop workshop

2007-10-24T18:20:00.001-07:00

Last Night I did a fab class at Scrap and Crop with Jen Hall- A week in the life!! These are a just a couple of pages out of 15!! I plan on giving this to Alina for Chrissy, hope she likes it...

ATC

2007-10-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I finally found a craft that puts to use all my " collections" stash!!! This artist trading card took me all of 10 mins and I got to stick, stamp and chalk- just a few of my favourite things.......

Watercolours!!

2007-09-30T03:23:00.000-07:00

I bought these really cool vibrant watercolours so just couldn't help myself, had to try them out. This layout took all of 20 mins so I was pretty darn impressed with that!!!

Jorja's 9 month photoshoot

2007-09-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

Alina and I took JOrja to Civic Park in town to shoot off some digi pics- if this had of been film it would have cost me an absolute fortune- ahh technology!! She really is a cutey, never cries, always happy and eats like a horse, a chip off her mother really!!!

We are Family.........

2007-09-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, this is the awesome foursome!! My three brother's and I at Paul's ( far right) 40th birthday Party. David the middle brother is in the red and my youngest brother Scott is in the checked shirt. As families go we 4 are pretty close we all live in Newcastle, see each other regularly and ne're a harsh word is spoken!! The Mckay sense of humour is rife amongst all of us in varying degrees. We are all quite different in personalities and there is only 1- 1.5 years between us- yep I don't think my parents could afford T.V!!

2007-09-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

These are such cute pics of Charlotte all dressed up on Sarah's 5th Birthday... She was neat as a pin for exactly 5 mins before reverting to her usual gorgeous mayhem!!!

Quick crop.....

2007-09-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

I just had to scrap these pictures of Stu with his peroxided hair for posterity!!! When he is old and gray I want to see his reaction to his moment of madness....Blonde or not he still is to "dye" for ( ha ha)..

Happy 6oth Birthday Crunch!!!!!

2007-09-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Can anyone believe that this fine figure of a man is 6o today??? There is a deafening silence out there in cyberspace as everyone declares how can this be?? Is it Barbara's fine food?? Is it that he is a runner?? Yep you guessed it- it's those rejuvenating trips down to oz that keeps him looking youthful!!!!

Stu and I are both thinking of you today and as always really wish we could be celebrating it with you but when we next get together we'll just have to celebrate in style for all the christmas's, birthdays and other special days that we have missed being together on. Happy Birthday Crunch from Stu and Michelle xxxxxxx

Sarah's 5th Birthday

2007-09-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

Sarah had just finished getting dressed for her birthday part- A disco no less!! There was strobe lighting, streamers, the all important lollie bags , loads of food and the dreaded pinata, that caused a mini mosh pit!! All in all a lovely day for kids and big kids as well!!

Catching some rays....

2007-09-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

Princess Jessica lazing around in the backyard last week getting a little sun. It really is a dog's life.....

Early mid life crisis?????

2007-09-08T02:26:00.000-07:00

Words really do fail me although unfortunately at the time Stu came home with this shocking look, I actually could not stop them from falling out of my mouth!! Shane Warne perhaps// I'll let you decide. Fear not Barbara- he is going to shave it off soon and he will be back to normal, well you know what I mean!!

Missing You.......

2007-08-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

Well Grandad, you died only 3 weeks ago but you have left a gaping hole in the lives of your family. We loved you very much you have been a part of my life for 39 years and I have to say I have been blessed to have you in my life for so long.... although it never seems long enough. It is only now that you are gone that everyone realises just how much you did for grandma, she really isn't coping with being alone- she misses you terribly, but she has an amazing family who have gathered around her to help her through this time. Time certainly waits for no one but the memories linger on forever, and I am eternally honoured to have called you Grandad!!!

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.....

2007-07-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe I am 39 and let's just say from here on in that's how old I'm always gonna be!! I'll be walking down the street with cane in hand and I'll still be saying 39!!! The photo with the cake is with two of my nieces and one of my nephews who dropped in unexpectedly with cake in hand, the only candle I had left in the house was one my friend Chris gave to me years ago- couldn't get over the fact that it lit straight away....

The other photo was taken just before going out with some girlfriend to celebrate at a new restaurant in town " Baachus"" really old play cinema that has been decked out with chandeliers, velvet drapes and fireplaces, quite the business!! The only disappointing part of the day was that Stu and I were going out for a romantic dinner but he had to work because one of his chefs called in sick ( groan.....) He's promised to make up for in NZ next week!!!!

Missing in Action

2007-05-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I last made an entry into this blog!! I have been to Adelaide all of last week for a work conference which was quite interesting- funny how Adelaide really reminds me of Newcastle , just a big country town really. Had to go to sydney for work again as well- quite the jet setter at the moment. Just a statement I would like to add re. public transport, namely trains. Why is it do you think that every socially challenged individual seems to travel by train??

Coming home from Sydney on Fri night was one of our indiginous people sitting in the seat behind me, downing beers , as you do, illegally, yelling obscenities at all of us lucky individuals who happened to win the jackpot in sharing his carriage- it went on, and on and on threatening to kill us all, blah, blah blah. When I got off the train I looked behind realised he wasn't getting off and reported him to the guard- who knows whether the overworked guard really cared, even made the call I don't know, but gosh I wish these people would not use public transport like their own seedy lounge rooms. The lesson- drive in peak hour sydney traffic and put up with the carbon monoxide!!!

Princess Jessie

2007-04-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

Good Friday

2007-04-06T01:32:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how Easter is the beginning of Winter. I cannot remember a Easter where it hasn't rained!! The winter P.J's are on and the doona is pulled up and the hot milo is about to be made.... the perfect winter evening. I scrapped this photo of me on my wedding day - it is still without doubt one of the most happiest days of my life!!

Reilly's 3rd Birthday

2007-04-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

I love these pics of Reilly on his third birthday- It was a close family affair and I am proud to see he is taking after his godmother in the chocolate stakes!! The cake was so impressive, all ice-cream with coloured sorbet balls on top with a wrap of chocolate that Reilly ate the whole lot of!! Deb really does go all out for the kids so as to make sure they have a special memory of special times even if she is dog-tired!!!

Paul's 40th

2007-04-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

The whole family got together to celebrate my eldest brother Paul's 40th birthday- how amazing it must be for my parent's to see their firstborn celebrate such a milestone, let alone my grandparents, who are in their late eighties see their grandson turn 40!!!

We had dinner at club Macquarie out at the lake and Leanda really went all out with the cake which had a photo of Paul in Thailand hugging a tiger-NO THANKS!!

A Wee Bit of Supper

2007-03-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

Tara and I have a lovely fortnight gourmet feast, we each take it in turns. This week was my turn and we had a bit of a scottish affair with chicken thigh fillets stuffed with sauseage meat, pistachios and herbs then wrapped in proscuitto and poached in boiling water for 20 mins then pan fried with marsala- we really go all out !! Whoever doesn't cook gets to bring the beveridge and this night saw us partaking in a full bodied red!! The chicken was served on a bed of broad bean and pea risotto. Bon Appetite!!

To make it a bit more fun, this time we had to dress up in our best tartan- Tara decided to do a rendition of Bay City Rollers complete with fishnet stockings...

Kikki Calendar

2007-03-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

I found this really cool calendar at kikki ki's in bondi. I love to use white gel pen on black cardstock so it was the perfect way to show off my fav. photos!!!

Rainy Saturday Evening

2007-03-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

It was sooo hot today, another scorcher at 36 degrees- humidity in Newcastle was 90%- we are only now at 10.30pm getting lashings of rain trying to cool us all down!!! I can hardly believe daylight savings ends tonight. I know some people hate it but I love it. I love the fact that when you've finished work you still have hours to go for a walk, a dip in the ocean orjust laze around outdoors. Now it will be getting dark by 6.00, the days seem shorter and colder .... but I guess that does mean I can light my open fire read by the flames with a cup of hot chocolate and slouch around in my PJ's all day if I like- there's always a silver lining.....

Back in the Zone

2007-03-18T03:42:00.000-07:00

Well after a week or 2 of no creativity I was certainly scrapping this evening!! I decided to put together this little file folder, so pretty, I just love anything vintage or shabby chic...pink and green is such a great colour scheme as well. I just had to visit my local store and pick up a few supplies so stay tuned...

Rels from NZ

2007-03-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

What a lovely week we have had. Grant, Maria and the kids came over for a week's holiday. We all relaxed and ate very very well- I have put on weight!!It was so nice to be able to spend time with them, the kids loved Jessie, even left her their favourite cuddly toys... Stu and Grant got time to indulge and maria and I shopped till we dropped. It would be so nice to live closer to them but I guess that's what makes the time seem even more special when we are all together. Really looking forward to going to NZ for Christmas at the end of the year...

The Naked Chef!!

2007-02-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

Just a regular night in at home. Stu wanted to cook spaghetti bolognase, a dish the whole family enjoys including princess Jessica, our gorgeous brindle staffy!! Barbara, if you're out there,ignore the tatts, if you can.

The February Blues....

2007-02-19T00:44:00.000-08:00

I have had a really awful week. It is the 4th anniversary of my darling Chloe's stillbirth and I am just devastated all over again, time makes it more bearable, that's all. It does'nt make it easier to look at her photos or to think of that day, nothing can change that. Stu and I are believing for our babies that will one day be ours so my faith is as strong as ever, it's just that my heart has a few chips out of it and I still have the occasional "sad" day but I always know there is someone else worse off than me

Stu ended up in hospital with severe food poisoning as well, on a drip with fluids and IV Morphine so there I was sitting next to him , no sleep, mind worrying but all the time knowing that God is in control and that's the most comforting thought - to know there is nothing I can do to change any of these things I simply have to let God's plan for our lives unfold the way in which he has planned!! I certainly intend to enjoy the rest of this journey...

Lokout Challenge!

2007-02-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

Things that I Love???? Has to be white gel pen on black cardstock, flowers of any description, funky brads, a splash of colour and meaningful journalling- that will never change!

Cupcake Fiasco!!

2007-02-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

I got up early today and decided to bake some cupcakes- first attempt ever! I accidently doubled the butter content as I had the icing butter out ready to go, then I had to get out more butter for the icing, a very decadent morning indeed.... The proof was in the eating, Stu loved them so they were not a disaster after all. Then just when you think it's in the bag... I was carrying them on the cake stand to photograph them when yep... I dropped two onto the floor, could not be retreived but now I'm going to have to get the dog's cholesterol checked!!! Nigella eat your heart out!!

Birthday Boy!!!

2007-02-05T03:19:00.000-08:00

Can hardly believe Reilly is three years old!! Where has the time gone?? He was so cute with his birthday cake. Deb bought him an ice cream cake and he ate the entire chocolate surround. He is such a chocoholic this kid. He started to eat the candle but quickly abandoned the idea after the first taste- so not like chocolate!! Happy birthday Reilly, beautiful boy.

Hunter Valley Vineyards

2007-01-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Nice relaxing day at the vineyards. Had lunch with Bok and Megan, Spoon and Lou and Mick and Belinda. We were absolutely stuffed and the entire meal was free - long story but we were happy to enjoy it!! This is a rare photo of Stu and I where he hasn't got his eyes closed, way to go Megan!! The valley was so dry I couldn't believe the lack of greenery.It looked like one match would ignite the whole place, the farmers are definitely doing it hard.

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

2007-01-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

The usual morning ritual, with Jess jumping into my spot the minute I 'm in the shower and getting a tummy rub from daddy while Stu is really half asleep. I think Jessie is more than aware that if she gets him while he is still snoozing hell keep patting her just so he can fit in a few more zzzz's. Ahhh the two mattress backs!!

Scrappers Unite!!!

2007-01-21T01:29:00.000-08:00

Well of course I had to scrap this, Elsie style, to really do this photo justice!!This was the first scrapbooking classes I attended in Sydney 2006 with Elsie Flannigan and the director of chatterbox, Carrie utely. Amazing experience but mentally draining trying to be all artistic like! It has been 41 degrees here today and I am still betting it's around the 28 29 mark at 8.30 at night. Very uncomfortable and makes for a very restless night - bring on that southerly I say..

Louisa's layout

2007-01-17T01:02:00.000-08:00

I am so in the scrapping zone lately - this is my 6th layout in 3 days, I'm really chugging them out but the fact is my photos are really improving and I hate to scrap mediocre photos so I'd better invest in say a good portrait lens to keep up with the Jones', nudge, nudge wink wink, say no more!! The colours were easy to pick because louisa is such a purple and blue girl!!

The Age of innocence....

2007-01-16T02:08:00.000-08:00

I love this photo of Reilly that I took at Blackbutt reserve he had such fun being such a boy, getting into mischief, trying to jump in with the ducks, looking at all the adults with that expression that says" dare you to try and stop my adventure"!!!

Favourite photos!!

2007-01-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

I took these photos a couple of months ago when Deb, Darren and the kids came up. We all went to blackbutt to see the animals and then went down to the foreshore to play in the park - the kids were having loads of fun as was Stuey!!

2007-01-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

2007-01-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

2007-01-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Our Wedding Day

2007-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Found this old photo of our wedding which I just love. It's taken outside the church and I remember the man playing the bagpipes was behind us and I felt I must be the happiest girl in the world!!! It is so funny to look at us with our hair both long and now we both have short hair. In fact I think Stu cut his off a couple of months after the wedding as he was starting his own business and didn't want to look like a hippie!!

LUKE'S LAYOUT !!!

2007-01-13T02:43:00.000-08:00

My brother David has just had baby number 2!! "It's a boy Mrs Robinson". The photos were taken the day he was born at Newcastle Private Hospital after a very speedy delivery indeed!! Ten minutes after arriving at the hospital he burst his way into the world. The second grandson for Julie and Tony and the first grandson for Claire and David, which makes him my second nephew!!!

2007-01-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

scrapping revisited

2007-01-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

I really like this photo of Louisa and I at my farewell night.I have so missed scrapping photos. The christmas journal was fun but i never had the time to do anything else so I am back into the groove and am onto my second layout for the day!!! I even used old papers left over from the paperific expo and older sticker letters and rubons - product, tou gotta love it!!!!

Oh belly-oh!!!

2007-01-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

My farewell night out at a local lebanese restaurant. So sad I have a belly made for belly dancing but do you think I could do it??? This chick's abs were unnatural!! At least my cleavage was real her's were padded - Ahhh we are never satisfied with what we have!The food of course was average; the standard runny plate of dips and lebanese pizza dripping with cheese, of course that must be how they maintain their bellies!!!