Switcheroo

Here's a photo of Evie (that Roger took) from the weekend - to make up for the wordy post below!!

What a busy and hot weekend! 42C today and yesterday - I am so thankful for our air-conditioning!

Spent yesterday enjoying that cool air and sorting out our spare room. I should tell you now, I am somewhat of a hoarder. I loved looking through all the stuff I've got stashed away in boxes - photos, old invitations, school papers. I'm learning though - if I haven't looked through it in years then its probably not very important! I've still kept many stories that I wrote at school, my report cards, drawings and photos that I love - I'm sure that one day Evie will love looking through them with me!

The point of this story is that we're doing a room swap in our house soon. We live in a modest three bedroom house (built in the 1980's). We're going to move Evie into the spare room next to ours, and Evie's room will become my sewing room. Her current room is next to the living area and the other night she lay on the floor so that she could hear our movie under her door. We were watching 'It's Complicated' (hilarious!) with my sister Megan. We could hear Evie trying to laugh with us (at the 'laughing people movie' as she called it) and yelling out some dialogue. Umm, yes, time for a room change!

I'm excited - I love a change like this - the planning and re-arranging. I need to research cheap blinds/curtains for Evie's room because she'll get the morning sun (I might try Spotlight, they're having a sale, anyone tried them?). We're also going to paint the room white (currently it's blue). I'm thinking of trying an 'eco' paint - one that's good for the environment and doesn't emit fumes - any tips??

First Time for Everything

This morning my local library showed Toy Story 3 as part of their summer holiday program. It was great! Evie & I sat on steps in a lecture room at the high school with about 30 other kids & parents. I loved cuddling with my little one, eating snacks and sharing the experience. I realised it was her first time at the 'movies' - wow! I can't remember the last time I experienced a 'first' something. I love exploring that wonder through Evie, her innocence and excitement!

Actually, speaking of 'firsts', one has just come to mind. I'm going to visit a gym!! Anyone that knows me will probably scoff (my mum did!). I have never enjoyed exercise or pursued it - in fact I tend to avoid it! I'm fortunate to be a naturally slim lady, but that doesn't change the fact that on the inside I"m very unfit! On Monday night I'm visiting a body balance class at my local gym to test it out. I'm hoping that I love it and this can be the beginning of a healthier more energetic me. Fingers crossed!!

Home where I belong!

I found this video via Marvelous Kiddo at the beginning of the month. It is just the cutest! Evie loves to sing and it makes me think of her. I love love love our sing-a-longs, usually to Glee or Elizabeth Mitchell.

In other housewifely news I stewed some delicious peaches today, and the other day made a tasty banana cake that I found on frecklewonder (a cute blog where I bought Evie a vintage coat for this winter, I will share a pic of this another day!)

ps - a big thankyou for taking the time to read my little blog, I'm still finding my feet, and you're appreciated!!

Happy Australia Day!

Spent most of today at my brother-in-law's place sitting under the grape vine. Nothing like good friends and food and music! (totally exhausted now!)

Here's a photo of my little one on her scooter (finally wearing the dress I thrifted the other week - she's refused to wear it until now!)

Evie took this one of me, I just had to help her steady the camera (not the most flattering, but it's me)

ps - I made this tasty salad - yum!

Tasty Lunch

Confession - I'm a lazy lunch eater! When I'm at home it's honey on toast or a bowl of cereal for me, not very nutritious or exciting. Today was different!

Yesterday I was out with my mum and sisters and had a fantastic lunch out at a cafe, and I was inspired today to re-create it. Hence the tasty nachos and banana/raspberry smoothie - yummo!!

(despite Evie's face in the following pictures, she really enjoyed it!)

Nice one

I mentioned the other day that we're looking for some lounge room art, I spotted this one (sorry, don't remember what blog I was reading!). love it!

(Found in the Etsy Shop thepairabirds)

Toddler free arvo!

Evie is with Nannie and Poppie this afternoon (Roger's folks) and we have opted to stay in and enjoy our free time! (I don't know if Roger's enjoying it though - he's out the front weeding - and its really hot!) I'm cutting out a pattern in air-conditioned comfort :)

I haven't sewn much since Christmas (a nice break) but it's time to get back on the horse. I love creating, it's the cutting out and setting up that I find hard! (Also the one hour in the afternoon that I have to myself usually isn't that long!)

Here's a peek of what I'm busy with!

A Sunny Day

Yesterday was 36C and oh so sunny!

1. a yummy handful of strawberries from our veggie garden:

2. my 'cinderella' before I was allowed to brush her hair!

3. we spent the day mostly inside, with Evie doing some nudie glueing & sticking - her favourite!

Dinner time was the best. We took dinner 15 min to the beach and ate at the park, then ran down to the water! There were heaps of people and their dogs, but it was glorious!!

Big Art

We're on the look-out for a big piece of art to hang in the lounge room above our lovely buffet.

Here are some I've come across in my blog travels:

1. Street art by MWM Graphics (found via the seventy tree). These would look so amazing as a print or canvas.

2. 'Apple Papple' poster by Fine Little Day, (found via from scandinavia with love). I love the poster and the cushions too!

3. 'Reopening of the South Fork Bridge after flood in Nov. 1940', found here. This is an authentic photo held in the Bralorne Pioneer Museum, but I love the quirkiness of the guy that looks like a time-traveler!

4. This is by Sandra Juto. I already own a copy of a similar print of Sandra's, but I would love to have something in the same vein for the lounge room.

Now that you've seen my picks - any recommendations from you guys?

Domestic Goddess Alert!

My tally today is one batch of Apricot Chutney, one tasty dinner and a currently bubbling batch of Plum Sauce. Phew! Thankfully I had my sister Megan visiting today, so she played with Evie for me!

Our tasty dinner was one recommended in the latest Goop newsletter - do you read it? you totally should! It's put together by Gwyneth Paltrow (!) and is full of interesting things to make, go, get, do, be and see. Sign up here. I made the Crab-less Cakes from the 'Clean' diet Gwyneth wrote about. Very tasty vegetarian food (need to locate more of that!) I had to buy some exotic (for me) ingredients for this one, but I'll be making it again!

One last thing - an awesome competition/giveaway running on The Red Thread at the moment. The prize is amazing (only open to Australian residents) and it's to raise money for the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal. Go here to read all the details.

Weekend Catchup!

It feels like we did lots this weekend!

West Side Story was amazing!!! I really loved it. I found myself sitting there grinning like an idiot, it's been so long since I've been to a live show.

Evie & I spent Saturday day arvo at Port Willunga beach with a great group of friends. Silly me, I didn't take a camera, but my friend Kate did, and she''s got a few photos on her blog 'Little Adelaide Kate' - and yes the first photo is my daughter sitting inside watching the boys play the wii!

Speaking of the wii there have been many dance sessions this weekend to Just Dance 2 - I'm really quite uncoordinated, but I have enthusiasm to make up for it!

I've finished off the weekend with a batch of apricot jam, with fruit from my in-laws tree. I tried a recipe that I found online here, and I'm looking forward to tasting the results. I've never used the kernals in jam before!

Lastly, but not least!, many thanks to Melissa for giving me a mention on her blog!! And welcome anyone reading this as a result :)

I'm hoping that this new week will find me less tired and with more inspiration and pretty pictures to share!

West Side Story

Somehow I have never seen West Side Story! I'm a girl that's totally into musicals and has a musical background - but I don't know many songs from it or much of the story-line!

I'm excited because tonight I'm going to see it with my mum-in-law and sister-in-law. We're getting all dressed up to have a lovely dinner and go to the show!! Can't wait!!

(Image from Wikipedia)

Parenting with style

Yesterday I came across an interesting article (via Nonchalant Mum) about parenting. It's an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled 'Why Chinese Mothers are Superior'. I won't get into the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of parenting styles, but I would like to say that this article made me think. I felt confronted about letting children slide into mediocrity and laziness to protect their self-esteem rather than pushing them to excel and persevere. I recommend a read and a think - let me know if you do...

Stuff from yesterday

1. This is what happens when I'm too busy reading my new Real Living magazine instead of supervising painting time:

2. I ate this healthy & tasty lunch (with quince chutney my auntie made). The tomatoes are from my dad's garden - ours aren't ripe yet, soon!

3. Evie & I made these tasty tasty biscuits - chocolate & peanut, killer combo!

QLD floods

I feel like all I can blog about this evening is the floods in Queensland. My heart is so heavy about the tragedy of it - the children and others who have died, and the fear that must be felt by those affected. I just can't imagine.

If you haven't already, I recommend a gift to the QLD Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Thrift Success!

Midday today I went to an op-shop with my mum and youngest sister, it was only a quick visit, but oh so successful!

1. A darling dress for Evie (I figure it can be a top as she gets taller) I just have to convince her to wear it because its red not pink! ($3.99)

2. Cool shoes for Evie, hardly worn. I think these will be perfect for autumn (not for a few months!) and hopefully the pink laces will convince her! ($1.99)

3. A Christmas tablecloth (a small one, I'm thinking for my entryway Christmas display) with a very nordic feel to it - love! ($1)

On the Evie front it turns out she doesn't have gastro, but has something colicky (similar to the colic that babies have). She has been having stomach cramps (three afternoons in a row now) and there's nothing we can do to help her. We've just been cuddling, watching tv and trying to get her eating and drinking. Apparently it will pass in a couple of days, but its so hard to see her in pain and not be able to help :(

Fashion, Sartorialist Style!

I looove The Sartorialist! I just had to get that out there! I've been reading Scott's blog for a year or two, and gain so much inspiration from it. I'm not really into 'high' fashion - I don't have the money or really adventurous spirit for it, but I do love mixing up my wardrobe and adding new thrifted pieces. I find that reading The Sartorialist gives me great inspiration for doing this, and I just love looking at his beautiful photographs! (Definitely worth heading over to Scott's blog to check it out if you haven't before)

Scott put the following video on his blog today and it's lovely to watch!

(PS - I've been home with a sicky chicky this afternoon, I think Evie has gastro - gross! We're just chilling in the lounge room watching lots of Ice Age and Charlie & Lola. Poor little mite!)

Scandi stuff

Reading Charlotte's Fancy this morning I discovered a really cool breadboard, and I love it! I wouldn't want to cut on it, too pretty, but it would look awesome on the shelf above our dining table.

While browsing Huset I discovered so many more things that I covet!

Yesterdays Outfit

I was pretty happy with the outfit I put together yesterday, so I thought I'd share it here. It was 29c and sunny, quite beautiful. I spent the morning in a shopping mall with my mum and little Evie, which was exhausting but enjoyable!

ps - don't mind the quality of the photo, I had to take it myself!

Shirt - Thrifted, Savers

Necklace - Christmas present from mum & dad, Naomi Murrell

Skirt - Thrifted & altered, from a market

Shoes (not seen) - Gladiator sandles, $15 on huge sale last year!! Myer

Cubby!

Every day after lunch my daughter (2.5 yo) spends an hour in her room playing and reading - her 'quiet time' and my 'sanity time'! Yesterday for quiet time we built a cubby. It was constructed from retro sheets (ie, my mum's old ones!) and she loved it! Evie took in her pile of books, bedroom lamp and favourite toys and lasted the full hour quite happily. We've done the same today (she's in their now) with the addition of a dolls crib and tea set - perfect!

I remember this feeling as a child, having your own little space - heaven!

Eight years today!

Today is my eight year anniversary - I can't believe we were only 21 when we got married - so young! Thank goodness we made the right choice!! Because our photos were all taken on film (so old school!) so the only one I've got to show you today was snatched off facebook. Cheers!

To celebrate tonight we will be having fish & chips at the beach with the little one - maybe not romantic, but perfect!

Barn Light Electric

I was reading Soulemama yesterday (one of my favourite blogs!) and Amanda was writing about a lighting company, Barn Light Electric. Ok, so they're in America, not exactly local to me, but when I flicked over to their site to see the pictures, I was in love!

Ooh, I can just imagine having some of these lights in our house!

All photos courtesy of Barn Light Electric

A little boast!

Ok, so I don't mean to boast, but I kind of have to! The week before Christmas I picked up a lovely buffet cabinet from the salvos (thrift shop) for $35!! I mean just look at her!

My dad used to be a woodwork and metalwork teacher, so I got him to have at look at it, and it passed all his tests! Sturdy, good construction, solid teak. All it need was a bit of loving polish, which it now has.

If you haven't gathered, I love my new buffet! It really captures the scandinavian vibe that I love and dream of for my house. Here are some images from blogs I love with a similar style:

Picture Credits:

1. calicoandco.blogspot.com

2. kitkadesigntoronto.com

3. calicoandco.blogspot.com