my 'mag swap' mag has arrived!

Delighted I was, when my mag swap partner, Sharon from Clover Cottage sent me this!

The British version of Country Living!

Yipee!

What I loved about this swap organised by Floss, was it's simplicity.  You only needed to send a magazine, as it was a 'no frills' swap.
I love, love, LOVE Country Living - it's the sort of mag you store away after a good read, and bring out again to enjoy.  Pure escapism! 
I especially appreciate this, as I am not supposed to be buying any new mags for a whole year, and I'm really only half way through...boy I can tell you, this part of my challenge has been tough, I'm a bit of a mag freak!
I love the lovely card Sharon has send as well, with it's Spring theme to match the mag!  Sharon, I don't know how you guessed, but this is perfect!  Thank You!
This sort of thing, is what I just love about blogland, it's not the magazaine or thing per se, but making friends and new connections.  Sharon's blog is called the Crafty Trunder, and if you head over there, you will see just how busy she has been!

Hope your Sunday is sunny and if it can't be sunny, then I hope it's still warm!
x

my creative space - alfresco sewing

In a vain attempt to get my sewing mojo back, I moved outside.  It worked for a while, then that night it started to rain, and so I bought my jolly janome back inside, and haven't done anything since.
After a whirlwind of activity last week, since huz's accident, and our little girl currently waking up at 5.30am, (note to self: never give anyone sleeping advice, it backfires!)  it has sucked the sewing life force right out of me.
 Hope it comes back soon, I have a market in 3 weeks!

Please check out far more worthy creative spaces here.

6 things to get me through this week

determination

discipline

patience

persistence

hope

haberdashery

Are these not things we all need to varying degrees in our lives?

I need them all presently.

:)

xx

Time wise tip # 3 - Carpe diem

Seize the day

tea towel by Judy Horacek

'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may'

by John William Waterhouse

The origin source for the Latin phrase is Horace - in Odes Book I:

Dum loquimur, fugerit invida

Aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero

which translates as:

While we're talking, envious time is fleeing: seize the day, put no trust in the future

This came in my email yesterday:

LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.

Psalm 39:4, NLT
Life is short no matter how long we live. If there is something important we want to do, we must not put it off for a better day.

time wise tip # 1 here
time wise tip # 2 here
x

Sunflower therapy

'Oh Charlie, I think sunflowers are the happiest flower of all...'

After the longest of weekends, with dh mostly incapacitated from the fall on Friday, and me thinking I now had three children, (no honestly, he wasn't that bad), the best and thriftiest way to cheer things up a little was to introduce couple of sunflowers to the house.  I kept them on our small kitchen bench, where they completely got in the way, but I didn't care, because I needed their sunny yellowness very much.

They came from this field...

I love yellow and green, it's currently my fav combo of colour.

 (I was going to do a yellow and green post actually, but I'll save it for another day!)

Yellow really is the colour of joy isn't it?

You can't possibly feel down while looking at it.

So at only $1.00 per stem, I couldn't resist...

I bought 2 home with me, they come from the same place we buy a lot of our fruit and veg from...a place know for the freshness of it's produce.  Lucky us.

The natural coloured twine bag was $4.00 from the op shop.

Huz is having another x-ray today to establish whether anything is actually broken...so we have to wait and see.   So, while my little lassie is sleeping, I am going to cut out some bibs for the next market - I need to get lots done, as I am mostly out of stock, and they are one of my best sellers.  I just wish they weren't so darn fiddly!

I hope you have enjoyed this Monday's thrifty post...see you later in the week, I hope yours is a good one.

xx

'I want to ride my bicycle'

That's what Mr Dance did last evening, about 5 minutes before he took a crash in the gravel, subsequently he has probably broken a bone in his elbow, (it's so swollen, the x-ray was inconclusive), not to mention various scratches and bruises, in lots of places! 

We are both trying hard to be a bit healthier, and are alternating evenings for solo exercise.   Until now.

What's even worse, is that he is going to miss out on a great kayaking trip next weekend, and just as I was getting psyched up for a 3 day weekend sans husband.   Not a happy camper, and I don't think despite plans to screen print, sew and sleep in, that much of that is going to be happening.

On some bright side to the day, my wee lassie had an immunisation today, and was so brave, she didn't even cry.

 Actually I don't think she was brave, the nurses were so quick, efficient and friendly, she didn't see it coming, or going.  A slight flinch, but that was it!  It was like a slight bothersome distraction to the lollies she was happily hoeing into, and oh...the stickers.   I'm pretty sure she thought that, and the toys were the whole reason for the visit.

Then, we stopped for a promised milkshake at the cafe, me thinking it would be a reward for her wonderful act of courage!  

Hoping your weekend is safe and well.

xx

blog give-aways - let's share the love

There are currently some great give-aways on some blogs at present, so for all you eager peeps, get entering!

~~ Firstly, the wonderful Floss from Troc, Broc and Recup has her first anniversary give-away, for some gorgeous vintage lovelies, go here to enter - hurry, hurry, you only have until the 24th of Feb.  International entries accepted.  Woohoo!

~~ Then, I Purr-Furr to Craft (don't you just love that name!)  mentioned that Park City Girl is hosting a fabulous fabric give-away - go here.  It doesn't mention whether outside of OZ entries are accepted, or at least I couldn't find where it said it.  Also the entry requirements are a bit long winded, but hey, it's a great fabric package, who doesn't need more fabric??

~~ Third, Little Jenny Wren has a fab thrifty cook book give-away - go here.  This couldn't be easier, just leave a comment on the post I linked to.  Give-away now closed.

Well it does seem the last word is on blog give-aways is:
 http://bloggiveaways.blogspot.com/ (who can resist this site!?)

but I'm sure not everyone is here, so

Does anyone know of any other wonderful give-aways in blogosphere?

If you do, just leave them in comments, and I will add them to this post, and link back to your blog too.
Let's share the love

now, for some more giveaways:

~~ Sonia from Sunday's Child is having a give-away to celebrate her 50th post - congrats Sonia!
This one is for the littlies...A really cute and versatile baby girl's / toddler's reversible pinafore, and hair accessories.  Go to her blog here to enter.
Sonia is also giving up to 3 entries on this prize, but you only have until the 25th, so quick smarty pants to it!

~~ One for the light-hearted, The Rusted Chain is giving away a gorgeous stamped 'chick' necklace...you pick what kind of chick you are!  I think I would be a coffee chick.  Go here.

~~ for those facebook fans, Chrisy from Art Decadence has started a Facebook group called - Blog Giveaways;  List Yours Here!
Thanks to Julie from Tractor Girl for this info.

 

and to market...
the lovely Barbara from Pale Blue World has told me that for those lucky people who are going to be in Abbotsford, (Victoria) on the weekend, the Shirt and Skirt Market is on this Sunday.  Channel nine is going to be gracing the old convent grounds with their presence.  Barbara also tells me that the bread from the old bakery convent is not to be missed!  Ah, sigh, there are times that I wished I still lived in Victoria!  It sounds like an amazing venue for a market.
You really should see the beautiful and unique tapestry/patchwork/cushions that she is making and taking with her to this market!  They are very lovely, and she is one clever chickadee.  Go to her blog here.

xx

my creative space - combining fabrics

Just a little preview on a dress I am making for my little girl...the thing I love most about sewing is combining colour and pattern.   These three fabrics are what I had in my stash, and when I can find that winning combination, it just makes my heart sing!

Find other wonderful creative spaces here

hope you are all having a great week everyone, time for my morning coffee  (bit late this morning), and to pat a rabbit.
xx

our $10 fairy garden

{Dance in my garden wee faeries}

What we did on the weekend....

{1} gift voucher for plants from a very kind friend 

{2} terracotta pot hiding behind the shed

{3}$10 bag of potting mix

= our new garden especially for fairies...

We used Australian native plants, and these species were picked for their fairy attracting virtues:

1 ~ the blue creeper is {Isotoma Fluviatilis} and is going to drape over the side of the pot, just in case the fairies need a leg up, and has masses of tiny blue flowers (fairies love blue).

2 ~ the wispy one with white flower wings and bracts is {Spyridium vexilliferum}, and is perfect for fairies to hide in.

3 ~ dark green tussock is {Diplarrena moraea}, and it's white flowers in Spring will attract butterflies.

Our numero uno decided the fairies also needed a castle, and fashioned one from one of the pots, the drainage holes at the top resemble a turret.

We found an oyster shell, which is going to be perfect for fairy bathing, and see the tiny orange stone seat? 

Pretty thrifty, and we had such fun.
x

kitschy monday

Thanks for Cathy from Little Eve in letting me know that my juicy jungle bunting has been featured in Etsy's blog on their {Etsy Find Decor} - under the theme 'kitsch for all ages'.    Who knew it was kitschy?!
I think (and this is just my humble opinion), the vintage childhood bunting is more in keeping with the theme - but who am I to question the curator?!  What do you think?

This is bizarre, as just yesterday I thought, righto,  I shall 'shut up Etsy shop' for a while, to spring clean, and re-stock, so maybe it's just as well I forgot.  Click here for the full article and some lovely vintagey kitsch.

kitschy kitchen anyone?

love this world traveler suitcase by Le Pink Chandelier 

vintage childhood bunting by Dance in my garden

I'll be back later in the day...

xx   

little bunting footnote:

well that was effective, my juicy jungle bunting sold this afternoon!

happy friday

Something bringing me joy today...my new fabric arrived from repeat studio, and my second cup of tea for the day, to be savoured while the little storm is sleeping.

Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim has a great suggestion today of posting a quick little snap of something that brings a smile to your dial this Friday, and link it over there.
I also just bought (hot off the e-press), Chantelle's new e-book on "Let's Give Them Something to Blog About".  I'm sure it's going to be a great read; also look at her 10 tips for bloggers (that's free).

I was a bit overwhelmed and happy, at the amount of comments that were left yesterday, so thanks to everyone who stopped by, I always love getting them - who doesn't?

Can't wait for this afternoon, I'm going to the library to pick up some holds, and maybe, just maybe this weekend do some sewing...I have had grand intentions of doing 2 hours per day when numero uno went back to school, but have done zilch.

Have a great weekend everyone...see you on Monday.
and remember...

' a smile confuses an approaching frown'

author unknown

xx

My creative space - the kitchen

My creative space has definitely been in the kitchen this week.
Partly it's just the mood I'm in, and it's partly to do with the fact that I'm trying hard to be more thrifty, and it's partly because I'm on weight watchers, and I'm trying to re-motivate.
Not sure I have the low budgets meals verses low fat meals sussed out yet....I mean there's nothing like a bit of mash to bulk things up a bit, eh?  If anyone has any suggestions, they would be most welcome! 

From my kitchen this week, I have made....

{eat summer}

baked nectarines after pressing halves into a little brown sugar, made the most luscious syrup...

served with an organic full fat yoghurt (yum!), and sprinkled with a little cinnamon...

Does anyone remember 'the Enchanted Broccoli Forest' cookbook?   I like Molly Katzen's way of making quiches, starting with the base, adding cheese first, then the filling, and gently pouring the 'custard' in last.

I've decided I'm going to stop buying pre-made quiches at $12.00 each, and start making them again from scratch, the way I used to years ago.   Although the book doesn't recommend doing it, I need to start blind baking first, as the base on this was a bit undercooked. 

But, it wasn't bad for a rusty ol' quiche comeback. 

Comletely inspired by Rhonda's blog, Down to Earth, I am especially loving the 'simple living series', and the post called 'food waste and cooking leftovers' compelled me to make a yummy dish from the leftovers of our roast beef...

Firstly, I chopped up the beef, and added some leftover steamed veg (white bowl)

Since I had no gravy left, I sauteed some onion, celery, garlic, then added stock, worc sauce, and finally some chopped up mizuna - this made a sauce which binded the meat and veg together.  (frypan)  oops..almost forgot, used cornflour to thicken this all up.

Lastly, I combined these together, popped in a baking dish and topped it with a combo of mashed potato, and sweet potato, and some mozzarella cheese....

Voila!  served with some homegrown bok choy, and sweetcorn.

   This was completely yummier than I expected.

Now, when I buy mayo at the supermarket, I can never decide whether I get the brand that uses free range eggs (would they really be anyway, I'm wondering?), and no artificial colourings, or choose the brand that appears to use 'normal' eggs, but has no nasties...

So...again, back to the drawing board,

homemade mayo...simple, I know what's in it.

eggs, (from truly happy hens) olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper.

Check out the colour difference, but my son says he prefers the shop bought one...of course he does, he's been conditioned that way! by me!

..I am trying to change things, I guess it's going to take time.

Anway, this was a good week, some weeks, it's baked beans on toast, and take-away chicken.

Oh..by the way, I ate a whole bar of Lindt chocolate last night, I'm feeling guilty it wasn't fair trade, but I was desperate.  Hope you can forgive me?

Can't wait to see what other creative spaces are happening over at Kirsty's.

xx

Meet our new little furry friend

We are all so excited in our house at the moment, we picked up our new bunny on Sunday, and the kids are really thrilled.  I have always had cats and dogs, but this little fella is just adorable.  I know this is going to sound strange, but I like the idea of having a pet that I can re-use the poop of.
So far we've been feeding him nice fresh dandelion leaves (I did try some in my salad sandwich last week - eek!), milk thistle, carrots, and apple.   The mainstay in his diet is some really lovely fresh hay, which we sourced only 1km away, and pellets, and lucerne.
Would love some chooks, but that's gonna have to be in the next house.

I'm thinking of naming him Tiramisu, all my son wants to call him is 'minilop', but he isn't a Mini Lop Rabbit, he's a Dwarf Lop...just to confuse matters.    For those interested in technicalities, he's an Agouti Butterfly.  

our son is completely besotted.

We miraculously managed to find a second hand hutch for $70.00, very happy with that find, as we priced them new and most of the 2 storey ones were over $200.00.

Our bunny came from our lovely friend Debbie who breeds them, she looks after all her bunnies with such care and devotion.
Her rabbitry is called Birchwood Rabbitry.  Apart from Mini Lops, and Dwarf Lops, she has a couple of adult Rex that she would like to adopt out, has she is planning to stop breeding those.
Our poor Tiramisu was uncomfortable today, and I'm sure a lot of humans were too...we have had another hot and humid day here in southern Tasmania.

Snowpea Handmade

I'm not really in a big bragging blogging mood for this Monday's post.  I have no thrifty or handmade items of my own to share...and we'll it would get a bit boring if I only showed you my stuff. (yes it's hard to believe but I think even I am tired of op shopping!)
So I thought instead I would introduce you to a fabulous maker of the most gorgeous felt products you are likely to see this side of Antartica.
And it's good to be able to showcase a little of some else's work.
If you haven't seen or heard of Snowpea Handmade, you need to know!
I was fortunate enough at the inaugral Handmade Hobart last year, to have stall next to Sophie who started the business.   I fell immediately in love with her work, but not only is her product beautiful she is a really, really nice person!  How good is that!  She has recently joined forces with her friend Lisa to make more felted loveliness.   
They will be around the handmade market scene this year, check out their blog for dates.   You will know their stall by the bright colours, and smiling faces.

Here are some of their beautiful pieces....

Here is Sophie in front of a beautiful wall hanging.

Isn't this beautiful?...believe me, these vests are even more detailed, and interestingly textured in real life.

  

Neck scarf, I have one of these in blue, and I love it!

Floaty, feminine silk and wool scarf.

Sophie and Lisa have a Made It store, but I'm sure if you couldn't find what you were after, and can't get to a market, they would be happy to make something to suit....they are very approachable lasses. 
What I particularly like about their products,  is that many of their clothing items are quite cross seasonal, and would suit the shoulder seasons of winter.   
I wish them great success around Hobart and anywhere they choose to grace their floaty felted pieces to!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend....we went to the Middleton Country Fair on Saturday, it's been great weather, and I hope it continues...days are starting to get noticeably shorter, which makes me a bit sad....
oh and I will have some cute piccies to show you soon of the newest member of our family. (that will keep you guessing!)

My creative space - it's back!

School is back today, and part of me is feeling a little lost, but I think I have finally realised that it's ok to feel like this, and I'm probably going to feel like this every time a new school year starts.
My son had some separation anxiety issues last year, not helping was me having my own anxiety issues, and being the sensitive lad he is, perhaps he sensed this more than I realised. 
But, he goes to a lovely little school, the teachers are very caring, they know each child by name, and best of all, the children are truly nutured, and get prayed for.  I feel he's in the best hands, honestly.
I did think long about home schooling, or 'non-schooling', but I know I can't give him the same experience that I see 90% of the time he thrives on....he has astounding analytical skills at 7.  I simply cannot pass onto him that kind of knowledge, and experience.  He is also starting to make some lovely friends, another blessing.  I have to let go.  He's changing, and that's okay.
We can still do all that other crafty stuff at home, and I am really inspired by other mums trying to do the same at home with their kids.

So, with routines re-established, I can re-claim some of my creative space, and one of my favourite places to cut out fabric is the kitchen servery, it's just the right size for me to manoeuvre fabric, it's simple, but it works!

This is my first Creative Space post, ...and you can find lots more of them over here. 

   

Make your own linen freshener

You can use this laundry freshener in any room of course, 

it has a fresh green herbacous scent, and is fun to make with the kids.

You will need 3 things from your garden,  and 2 ingredients from your kitchen pantry.

So here it is...

the Linen Freshener from your garden

You will need some lavender

some rosemary

bay leaves

Dry out the leaves and lavender heads, and crush them up in your hands.

Then you need to add some rock salt, and whole black pepper.

  You don't need lots and lots, just a couple of tablespoons of each.  

The quantity isn't important, just wing it. 

 And buy some cheap rock salt, don't use your expensive organic salt, like I have done!

Find a nice bowl to put the pot pourri into and voila!  You are done.

Now, wasn't that easy peasy?

If you want you can also add a little orris root powder as a fixative, but I didn't.

Sweet smelling linen and towels.

Bag up the rest, and save for later, or give-away little bundles wrapped in muslin.

Oh, every now and then, when you go into your laundry cupboard to pick up a fresh item, and you see your little bowl, remember to crush the dried leaves to release their scent.  

You could also add some drops of essentials oils of lavender, rosemary, to make it smell a bit stronger, and it will last a lot longer.   

Ciao!

xx

Vintage Vans

Nothing like a little vintage to brighten up our Monday....

in one of my absolute favourite vintage forms, the caravan.

Enjoy.

image from: http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/

image from: http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/

image from:  http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

image from: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

I'll be back later today with a green smelling do-it-yourself craft from your garden, for my regular Monday handcrafted and thrifty post. (find other challengers of the upmost kind here)  See you soon.

x