Friendly Sparrow

Sometimes you just require it...

2011-10-13T14:18:00.001+11:00

Brad and I took a week off and headed down to a spot along Lake Eildon for a fantastic and relaxing get away. Some times you just require a week away. It does the mind wonders to take a step back and see things from a new perspective. The weather has been magical and I'm so grateful for this week away.

Styling

2011-09-28T12:50:00.001+10:00

Trying to organize my office and make chaotic books and paper work seem some what... stylish?

Christmas in July...delayed post.

2011-09-12T11:18:00.007+10:00

Back in July, we hosted a Christmas in July festivity. I just stumbled across some of the pics I took of the night. It was so much fun and it really felt like Christmas. Looking at them makes me want Christmas to come around fast. I baked whilst listening to carols and we drunk mulled wine and egg nog. A must do every year I think!

Home made mince pies.

Delish table filled with food, with help from friends of coarse.

Some lovely friends...

Pink chair

2011-09-08T17:52:00.002+10:00

I want this chair for my new study. Its from ikea and only $39.95. I think it would add the perfect something to my new study/sewing room. Don't you think?

A few must do's

2011-09-08T17:23:00.008+10:00

I love thinking of new ways to be creative. I saw these few ideas a while ago and think I'll have to have a go soon.

Simply get some glass bottles/jars, put your fave colour paint inside, swirl around to coat, let dry and wala - beautiful vases!

Clump together or have individually.

Image: Lolalina

Love the idea of hanging these clip boards to the wall in the study to clip inspiring pics to or bills or what ever you fancy.

image: Ich and Chi

Must do soon!

Recipe Share

2011-08-17T09:14:00.004+10:00

It's always good to share a good and tasty recipe with friends. I love successful baking so I will share this recipe with you. Its a delicious and healthy snack and I have enjoyed every single bite. Its a date and carrot loaf. Super healthy and so easy - could it get any better than that.

Enjoy!

Carrot and Date Loaf

PREP TIME:	10 mins
COOKING TIME:	40 mins
SERVINGS:	10 slices

Nutritional Information: Good source of fibre, vitamin A. Source of magnesium, folate, niacin, thiamin, iron. Per serve (when serves 10): 812 kJ (194 cals) 4g protein 5g fat 34g carbohydrate

Ingredients: 1 cup of dates, chopped 1 cup water 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 cup grated carrot 1/2 cup walnuts * 1-1/2 cups wholemeal self - raising flour (I got a good consistency with just over 1 cup) 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:
Place dates, water, sugar and bicarbonate of soda in a saucepan, bring to the boil, simmer 5 minutes. Cool

Preheat oven to 180 C. Add carrot, walnuts and flour and spices stirring well. Spoon into a greased, paper-lined loaf tin and bake for 40 minutes. Turn out, cool thoroughly before slicing.

* I didn't have walnuts so just added some almonds and chia seeds which tasted great!

Recipe used from here

Cakes with style

2011-08-06T22:09:00.004+10:00

Don't you just adore a lovely looking cake...and of coarse eat a slice or two!

Images complementary of www.pinterest.com and www.bellamumma.com

So far...

2011-08-05T12:43:00.007+10:00

We have been at our Laundry renovations for a couple of months now. We soon came to terms that it wasn't meant to be a "done in one week end" job and so Mum and Dad have been coming over once a week for a little bit of reno and then dinner. It has been enjoyable and we are slowly getting there. Here is some pics of the journey so far. I think in a couple of weeks, we will be through stage one! Then onto turning the old laundry into a study. Eeek could be a while!

There are a few pics here so hope they don't bore you too much. I am looking forward to posting the finished product!

The existing walk through wardrobe from spare room to bathroom.

Getting started. Ripping out carpet and shelving.

Knocking down walls. Brad wore my swimming goggles to protect his eyes. He had a ball!

Demo complete now to re build it. Plumbing too!

I have a go drilling on the plaster board.

Look at him go, he still has it! He has a tool for everything.

So...this is where we are up to. Brad has plastered the walls and they look fantastic. They should be ready to paint in a day or so. Then its just the bench, sink, power points, bi fold doors and a few finishing touches, then our European laundry will be in full swing.

This is the old existing door through to the wardrobe. Mum and I have wallpapered it and will be putting some recessed shelving in.

Home made

2011-08-03T09:30:00.004+10:00

Its been a while since my last post. I can put this down to a busy few weeks. I have however been quite busy around the home. So with my iphone in hand I went around and snapped a few pics of what has been taking place in our little home. Enjoy!

A lamp I picked up from an op shop - Of coarse painted base white and covered the shade in a beautiful wall paper! Super easy and looks lovely I think.

This is the before look at the funny shade of green shade.

Mum picked up this chest from hard rubbish for me last year and I had it outside as a chest to keep bits and pieces in on the deck. A neighbourhood cat made it her bed and so I brought it in, gave it a fresh splash of white paint, recovered the top in stripes and bought this amazing mustard cushion from freedom and there you have it!

Who could have known a few different sized jars, clumped together, some pink flowers popped in a few and then candles in the remaining could look so delectable.

Celebrated my beautiful sisters 22nd birthday over a brunch! It was lovely.

This was a batch of mince pies I made for a 'Christmas in July' party we hosted. I am a little bit proud of them for a first attempt. Yes that's right, I made the short crust pastry from scratch!

Also a first for me was the baking of a sponge cake for the Christmas do. Well it worked and tasted delish!

I got bored with a boring white sliding door in our kitchen, so i bought some black board paint ($15 for a small pot) and went a bit crazy painting my door. I do need a proper duster though as a wet cloth is just not cutting it.

Home Reno's

2011-06-05T19:38:00.003+10:00

Well the time has finally come and we are doing a few little home renos DYI style to our place. We are turning our walk in robe in the guest room into a European laundry which enters from the main bathroom. In turn we are turning the original, rather large laundry, into a study...phew. It could be a little while but we will be taking it step by step and hopefully it will all come together. I am taking pictures along the way and doing a bit of a spread sheet so I will be very pleased when I can present the finished product to you.

I am just so thankful for my wonderful parents who have been here all week end helping us get started and are in it for the long haul. Also my wonderful hubby is learning all the tricks of the trade and impressing me with his tradey skills.

I am excited as I purchased some wall paper today, YAY!

Here are some inspiration pics...just a few.

Pictures complements of Pinterest

Song

2011-04-30T10:12:00.002+10:00

A song
A song can move
A song can dance
A song can cry
A song can laugh
A song can remember
A song can forget
A song can sooth the soul and bring peace to the mind
A song

Peg me pretty

2011-04-01T21:47:00.005+11:00

Hello friends,

Thanks for contributing to the little bit of fun 'give away'...I drew a name out of a hat and the lucky give away winner is...Bec!!! Yay!

I will send you these 'peg me pretty' magnets for you to peg all those important things to your fridge. Hand made by yours truly. I will get them to you by mail just email/facebook me your address.

You can find some more hand made products designed by the lovely Nim and I on madeit.com. Let us know what you think.

So...my perfect Saturday consists of...

Rise and shine when ever it suits me

Breakfast on the back deck with the sun shining and a good mag

Potter around the house and do as I please (only fun jobs though, not cleaning)

A market trip with a good friend

Go for an afternoon stroll with my handsome husband

A night out at a lovely location for tea with my precious friends

Perfecto!

I hope your tomorrow turns out to be a perfect one! x

Giveaway

2011-03-27T14:09:00.002+11:00

I have noticed that a lot of other blogs do give aways. I don't know if this is to attract people to their blog or whether they are just generous people but I like giving things away and so I too am doing a give away. All you have to do is write me a comment describing your perfect Saturday and I will announce the winner by the end of the week.

Oh...by the way the giveaway is one of my hand made products, I think the suspense will entice more comments so please join in!

Dark

2011-03-27T13:49:00.003+11:00

Dark mood

Dark film

Dark gown

Dark Alley way

Dark room

Is Dark

Is dark in my room

is dark in the clouds

is dark outside

is dark

is dark

is dark

amin ali

Peace

2011-03-08T17:51:00.004+11:00

Peace

Peace is one of my fave words, I love the feeling that peace brings.
It can come when you have nothing troubling you what so ever, or
from a massage whereby you feel perfectly peaceful.
It could be the feeling that comes over you as you watch the sun set on a glorious January evening.

Peace

Light

2011-02-24T16:31:00.003+11:00

Bright
Weightless
White

LOVE

2011-02-17T10:47:00.004+11:00

I Love the word Love!

It has one meaning but the object of Love can be so very different.

I Love God and every aspect of Him.

I Love my husband Brad, I Love him even more today than on our wedding day.

I Love my family, I Love the way they Love me back and I Love the way they make me feel.

I Love my friends, I Love that I have been so very blessed to have people that stand by me, support me and Love me.

I Love being at home.
I Love fresh flowers sitting on my dining table.
I Love a glass of red wine.
I Love it when you cook something and it turns out great.
I Love a clean bathroom.
I Love ticking things of my 'to do' list and feeling a sense of achievement.
I Love chocolate.
I Love hearing the postman arrive because I always think he is posting something exciting in my letter box.
I Love pretty things.
I Love walking with Brad in the evening.
I Love being inspired.

100 words

2011-02-17T10:35:00.005+11:00

Recently, over coffee at a local cafe, my dear friend Cat was telling me about this challenge called 'The 100 word challenge'. Bec originally launched it on her blog (i think) and Cat was also getting involved and suggested that it would also be a great thing for me to do.
I thought why not? Sounds fun! I have some free time right now so thought I'd get started. I have taken Cat's list and adjusted it slightly.
Hope I can keep motivated for 100 posts!

Enjoy xx

1. Love
2. Light
3. Peace
4. Dark
5. Song
6. Break Away
7. Heaven

8. Innocence
9. Drive
10. Breathe
11. Memory
12. Insanity
13. Misfortune
14. Smile
15. Silence
16. Questioning
17. Blood
18. Rainbow
19. Happiness
20. Fortitude
21. Holiday
22. Mother Nature
23. Cat
24. Time
25. Trouble
26. Tears
27. Foreign
28. Sorrow
29. Happiness
30. Rain
31. Flowers
32. Night
33. Expectation
34. Stars
35. Hand
36. Treasure
37. Eyes
38. Abandoned
39. Dreams
40. Home
41. Teamwork
42. Standing Still
43. Dying
44. Two Roads
45. Illusion
46. Family
47. Creation
48. Childhood
49. What my mother told me
50. Breaking the Rules
51. Sport
52. Thought
53. Secret
54. Tower
55. Waiting
56. Danger
57. Sacrifice
58. Purity
59. No Way Out
60. Rejection
61. Fairy Tale
62. Magic
63. Disturbed
64. Multitasking
65. Horror
66. Traps
67. Melody
68. Hero
69. Annoyance
70. Hair
71. Obsession
72. Mischief Managed
73. Inability
74. Challenge
75. Mirror
76. Broken
77. Test
78. Drink
79. Starvation
80. Words
81. Pen and Paper
82. Heard
83. Heal
84. Cold
85. Coffee
86. Seeing Red
87. Food
88. Pain
89. Fire
90. Children
91. Drowning
92. Possessions
93. Surrender
94. Hope
95. Advertisement
96. Storms
97. Safety
98. Puzzle
99. Solitude
100. Relaxation

I am home!

2011-01-29T17:12:00.007+11:00

As most of you know I was lucky enough to go to England with Brad for 6 weeks over Dec/Jan.

We got back 1 week ago and have been thrust back into life once again.
We visited my sister and her husband in England and got to see such beautiful European sights whilst travelling around in a motor home. It was an amazing time to always remember and cherish. There is something about returning to your HOME though. I am loving being back in my own environment and surrounded by my fave things.
It made my realise how lucky and blessed I am.
I already miss my sister and brother in-law though!

Me and Rosemary

2011-01-29T14:03:00.005+11:00

After returning from our WONDERFUL overseas adventure my rosemary bush was beyond flourishing.
I love Rosemary - The look, the scent, the taste - I love it! I couldn't bear to cut it back and waste a single piece, so here is a few things I did with my rosemary, not one piece wasted I can enjoy it fully!

Chicken skewers on rosemary twigs.

Drying rosemary.

Sprigs in vases around the house.

Two

2010-11-30T18:08:00.004+11:00

Well you guessed it! Brad and I have been married TWO years! I can't believe it was TWO years ago, how time flies.
We had a wonderful evening. We went to Hargreaves Hill brewery in Yarra Glen for tea and it was mouth watering. (Check out 'Foodies Monday')
Here is a description of the menu we ate.
"Slow roasted pork belly with macadamia, walnut and pistachio farce and a char grilled pear salad with mustard vinaigrette and a glass of Sedona Estate 2006 Merlot"
AMAZING!
Its been a massive two years but a wonderful one!

White paint and Christmas craft

2010-11-23T20:36:00.010+11:00

Since finishing full time study and getting past exams and assignments, I have had a bit more time to do some creative things at home and also some crafty preparation for Christmas time.
I painted our brown brick fire place white and I am so happy with the finished product. It brightens up the room and really creates a lovely centre piece.

Brad and I are going over to England on December the 10th (exciting!!!) and so we are having a family and friends (separate) Christmas party. I decided to make my own bon bons this year (first time). I am going for a red and white colour theme and the bon bons in the shop just were not doing it for me.

My freshly painted white fire place. It was a horrid glazed brown brick.
Paint - $8
Brush - $5

My new "love" vase from my visit to Robert Gordon - LOVE!

Bits and pieces involved.

The finished product - just what I wanted!

Poor Girl Gourmet

2010-11-05T14:33:00.003+11:00

I was just browsing the net today for a recipe for an apple and ricotta cake when I stumbled across this blog and really enjoyed perusing through it.
Have a look around for your self.
It's all about high quality gourmet food mad on a lo budget...perfect!!
The cake was delish and I have added this little blog treasure to my daily hit list!

www.poorgirlgourmet.blogspot.com

The Sparrows Nest

2010-10-26T11:50:00.003+11:00

A little while ago my husband, Brad, told me he had a surprise for me.

I was extremely excited about this and asked consistently, at least every second day for 4 months "So...when will I get my surprise?" (I love surprises!)

One night out of the blue, he decided he would tell me what my surprise was.

I was pretty excited and couldn't believe that after months of asking, he was finally going to tell me...

Turns out, my friend Nimmi, had told him to take me to a beautiful cafe in Melbourne called 'The sparrows nest'. She said it looked lovely and I would be sure to love it!!!

I was HAPPY of coarse with my surprise, but with the built up suspense, I was thinking along the lines of- A hot air balloon ride, a weekend away, a puppy??

Part of me wonders why Brad took 4 months to get around to telling me what the surprise was, yet never took me there (surely we had a spare couple of hours??)

But alas, we are going there for brunch this Sunday. I looked it up on the net and yes it looks fab.

Maybe you too should take a trip to The sparrows nest!!

P.S Thanks Nim for the idea, we'll get there eventually! xx

www.cafesphotoblog.blogspot.com

Baby Shower mood board

2010-10-02T13:34:00.013+10:00

I am organizing a baby shower for a good friend of mine in a few weeks time and I thought I would take this opportunity to create a mood board full of my ideas and inspirations. She is having a boy, but we don't want it to be too corny and "baby-ish" so here are my ideas, what do you think?

Lots of vases full of fresh spring blooms.

Delicious and colorful nibbles.

A lovely array of tea pots with lots of different teas to choose from.

A mood board showing bits and pieces about the mum and dad...

And...of coarse a few baby presents to shower the expectant mother to be.

We will of coarse do a few games and things but my main aim to to treat my good friend with a lovely afternoon with her closest friends and to celebrate the new life that is blooming in her belly.
Let me know if you have any suggestions or thoughts to add to my mood board! xx

The scent of spring

2010-08-27T20:36:00.013+10:00

I don't think I'm alone when I say that Spring could not come any faster. These cold and miserable days are taking their toll and the winter blues are well and truly not welcome any more. As I sat at a winery with friends last week end with the winter sun warming my back, I feel that the scent of spring is not too far off and I begun getting excited about my fave season.

Montalto winery, Mornington Peninsula - lovely friends, food and wine!

Spring blossoms and sitting in the mild air.

Spring cleaning the house, opening the windows, sun shining through. I want to get my pantry organised!

Good movies! A good friend bought me this book and I am really enjoying it. Cant wait to see the movie!

Freshly picked herbs from the garden.

Sweet smelling spring blossoms.

Happy happy happy!!!

Craving papaya!

2010-07-19T21:06:00.005+10:00

I am presently drooling over the goods I stumbled across at papaya.com. I keep saying I will treat myself one day to some of these gorgeous items...hasn't happened yet but I still love to dream about them. Just been browsing their web site and again begin to crave papaya...one day!! Absolutely stunning designs with some simple and sweet messages.

papaya.com

A little dash of colour

2010-07-14T16:27:00.004+10:00

For a while now I have been wanting to paint my dining chairs. I originally wanted to paint them all white, until I saw a picture in a magazine of a dining table with mismatched white and colored chairs. This inspired me to paint 2 of my chairs bright yellow, or "dandelion" as purchased from Bunnings. I am so happy with the finished product, and though it was a tedious and long job, I now smile each time I see my yellow chairs. What do you think?

While I was in the yellow mood, I decided to make some lemon curd out of a bowl of lemons my mum gave me. I had such an enjoyable afternoon with all my happy yellow surroundings. The lemon curd was also very delicious!

Day dreamer

2010-06-08T13:48:00.006+10:00

In the midst of exam study!

I have a blocked nose.
Am daydreaming of other career paths.
Nursing is all to complex right now.
Wouldn't it be fun to work here...

coriandergirl

Just daydreaming in my study break!
xx

I won, I won!!

2010-05-15T14:34:00.007+10:00

It is such an amazing sunny autumn day today!
I had my grandparents and family over for a Saturday morning tea and now I am going to finish my essay, but firstly, I did my usual check of the blogs that I follow to see some new posts and to my surprise... I won something!
I love the blog lolalina and last week she was running a give away of these beautiful prints by Davina + Daniel. To enter you just had to leave a comment with the link to your fave and...
I won!
Look at the gorgeous print that will be sent to me. I think it's very simple and sweet, and it has made my day!

Is it a CRIME to go PINK?

2010-05-10T11:09:00.009+10:00

I don't know if you remember but i found a white antique chair in hard rubbish back in March and I have been wondering what to do with it.

Tell me, is it a crime to paint it PINK?

I have found a few pics to get me in the PINK mood and I'm thinking they may have just won me over - arrest me and put me behind bars!

content!

2010-05-02T16:09:00.003+10:00

Had a lovely week end jam packed with great friends, great food and fun things

Enjoying sitting in front of the heater, finishing my book and sipping a coffee

Had a great morning at church

Chicken pot pies for tea followed by locally made cranberry and nut chocolate for dessert

I dont want to study

I dont want to work tomorrow

Just savouring this moment of joy and contentment!

A NEW LEAF

2010-04-22T21:12:00.001+10:00

In my spare time this week (and in my study procrastination), i have been searching high and lo for the perfect new 'Blog Template'.
I found that the ones on here for us to use are just a bit drab. But, too be honest I am over it and will never stray again, there is so much crap out there to sort through and it was tedious. I became a bit obsessed and couldnt rest until my blog looked fresh and new. Finally...Brad stepped in and helped me out (Thank you kind man) and this is the final product! This is the new page and I'm sticking with it and to be honest who can be bothered going through that again. Hope you like it. I have an exciting new project for next week...stay tuned. It may just be time for a little cooking. The week end is calling, Enjoy it. E xx

The table stay's!!

2010-04-20T11:17:00.005+10:00

Thanks for all the feed back on the "little round" table. It will stay in it's cosy place for now until it is called onto greener pastures. I told you that I would tell you about it once feed back was received so...It was purchased for a mere $2 from an Op shop in Diamond Creek. It had a plastic cover on top which wasn't stuck on at all. I pulled that off, painted it white and well, that's about all.

I will put some ribbon or a plastic border around the edge when i get a spare minute, to hide the chip board edging.

I can highly recommend the op shop in Diamond Creek - It's on the main street just before the railway crossing on your left. It is run by sweet old ladies who sell everything very cheap and it's quite (deceivingly) huge, selling furniture, clothing and house hold goods. You will need to be in a rummaging mood though.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and thanks for reading!

E xx

Does the table stay or go? I need your help!

2010-04-09T13:19:00.003+10:00

I need your help! Does this table stay or go? I purchased this table and have found a cosy spot for it but Brad doesn't really like it. I wont tell you where i got it from or how much it cost until I get some feed back. Just leave me a comment saying "stay" or "go" and you can be anonymous if you wish. When the people have spoke the necessary actions will be taken. Please don't hold back, you wont offend anyone! Thanks, hope to hear from you soon xx

Getting out of the stress well...

2010-04-07T13:20:00.007+10:00

The most beautiful and fun ladies I know!
Sweet Study Inspiration www.lolalina.com

Nothing needs to be said www.dazeychic.etsy.com

I'm loving retro meets shab chic

What good does it do to stress out? I have spent the morning in a dull mood because I cant seem to access an online test i need to complete today for a uni subject (this is after i completed it last week to be organised and then a simple click of the mouse and my work disappeared so i have to do it again!)

I cannot get onto my coordinator and life just seemed all too stressful there for a moment. Until, i got a friendly email saying i can do the test tomorrow...why waste the energy stressing!!! It cant be good for my health!

Instead i choose to ponder on these things and forget about life's stresses for a little while.

What gets you out of the stress well?

Erin xx

words, words, words

2010-03-22T12:45:00.008+11:00

I have noticed that L.E.T.T.E.R.S and WORDS as decorative pieces are very in vogue at the moment. I know your probably thinking, 'um...they have been in vogue for a while Erin, get with it' but i just wanted to publicy acknowledge that I like it.

I like that you can have words or letters around your HOME that you walk by each day and get either uplifted by them or they just make you happy.

I have the letter "F" on our mantle (for Freind) I often look at it and are reminded of my new name and what it stands for.

I have a few friends with "love", "home", "hope" and "joy" words around their home and i think, so simple yet so effective.

I have another friend that has "EAT' in her kitchen, obvious yes, yet it brings a smile to my face and it's significant for her because cooking and food is such a big part of who she is.

I am personally looking for the perfect "NEST" sign/letters. I love this because it makes me realize that the house i live in is a nest that Brad and I have created and we are nesting there and our nest is totally different and unique from the next nest.

Here are few lovely examples of words:

This room is a little too PINK

www.lolalina.com

www.thehappyhomeblog.com

Top thoughts!

2010-03-19T18:06:00.007+11:00

Top 5 thoughts for this week ( In no particular order!)

1. I want to make a fig pie as I was given a huge bag of figs. Found this delicious looking recipe in Marie Claire 'Kitchen', hoping it tastes as good as it looks!2. I collected two pieces of furniture from 'hard rubbish' (greedy??)that i want to restore. They are in pretty good condition but could use a dash of paint.
3. 'I am dreaming of a white Christmas' Just this very week, Brad and I decided we'd lock in Christmas in England with my sister and brother in law...very excited!4. Feeling a birthday party vibe coming along!
5. Feeling very lucky to have such great friends!

How sweet it is...

2010-02-26T10:29:00.011+11:00

The past 3 weeks for me have been a little like a crazy sort of roller coaster. Things happening all the time, always on the move, rushing rushing rushing, seeing familiar faces as they move by me at a fast pace.
Life always seems to resemble this when I am on my nursing rotation. Thank goodness I have been just a 15 min drive from home.
How do I seem to fill up every waking hour with 'stuff' i have to do and lie in bed at the end of the day wishing the day would last longer.

Lately I have longed to do my favorite things such as spring clean the house, weed the garden, play guitar for hours, sit down with a coffee and watch episodes of a fave series and not feel guilty, drop in to a friends place unexpectedly and not be watching the clock or go for a walk because i have the time...but the roller coaster of the past 3 weeks has not really stopped long enough for me to do this.

It is my last day today and, as usual, I have baked a big batch of cup cakes for the ward to show my gratitude in letting me follow them around (and do all of their work so they can have prolonged coffee breaks) and as i sit here on this sunny morning I am just so grateful that this 3 weeks has passed and now I can get back to the simple life and enjoy my favorite things.

Brad and I have struggled to spend time together over this 3 weeks and it was lovely last night to go out to dinner together, laugh and chat over great food and then see a movie. It was a real date and it was the perfect way to spend my Thursday evening. ( I highly recommend seeing 'The blind side' a beautiful movie)

I was thinking last night how lucky I am, I have a beautiful family, husband and friends, I have a lovely house and job and its easy to get caught up in the roller coaster and not take all this in.

On my next rotation when the roller coaster beckons me in, I will say "wait...there is no need to rush, let each moment of each precious day be inspiring and don't waste these next few weeks running, walk slow and push the unimportant things aside and turn this roller coaster in to more of a scenic railway" well you get my gist!

A few quotes (literally two)that I have heard in the last few weeks that said "hello" to me

-"Rush to relax"
- "Don't be afraid, instead when you feel fear, be inspired"

I loved reading measured words (www.measuredwords2.wordpress.com) and appreciating Cat's love for the Blue Rose. It's the little and beautiful things in life that catch your attention!

Will you be my Valentine?

2010-02-18T21:47:00.006+11:00

As you know it was Valentines day last Sunday the 14th of February. I don't think Aussie's really get into it like America does but it's a nice opportunity to let your loved one know that you appreciate and adore them. Brad and I don't really get into the valentine's spirit but this year was a lovely day spent with great friends, family and delicious food!
We spent lunch with good friends of ours, Trev and Nimmi. Nim whipped up a beautiful meal and it was lovely to hang out with their family as we havn't done so in a while. Feel free to visit Nim's inspirational blog and delve into her wonderful world of whimsy and spice http://www.whimsyandspice.blogspot.com/
Nim had little love cards on each setting, so we had to share what the question said in relation to our partner eg "what is your most memorable date?"
After a wonderful lunch we made the journey to Mum and Dad's house for what mum called a "Valentines feast" and that it was...

Chicken served with grilled heart shaped polenta
Kim and Kim enjoying the meal
Heart shaped short bread filled with cream and raspberry puree

All in all probably the best Valentines day yet. That's all i ask for really, a day filled with joy, good people and good food and a lovely man to journey home with by my side.

What's with the birds and apples?

2010-02-09T23:20:00.017+11:00

Why is it that we become enthralled by things in life that we don't particularly like? I seem to have a weird fascination with birds. The funny thing is, I really don't like birds, and would go as far as saying I have a mild phobia of the feathered friend. But when it comes to designs and pictures, I am instantly drawn to all things involving BIRDS.

My husband, Brad doesn't really get it and finds it quite strange that I seem to flock to bird designs, yet if birds flocked toward me you'd hear me screaming and see me running for cover.

People have in the past taken advantage of this phobia and done such things as placing bread on my lap in the middle of Hyde Park whilst i was blissfully unaware, until all of a sudden a pigeon spots food and a flock of them are soon flapping at my face.

Yes, friends of mine who have pet budgies who are left free to roam around the house, have to be captured and caged when I am expected over. Yes, when I'm walking passed a bush and it rustles I jump a little but yes I love birds but only when they are safely nestled in a picture or sitting still on my shelf.

Lately I have also developed a weird fascination for apple designs. I don't even particularly like the taste of apples over any other fruit, but I find them nice to look at. I even found myself looking at an apple pendant in the jewelers window thinking maybe Brad will buy this for me on Valentines day. I don't know where this has come from but I'll run with it all the same.

Birds and Apples, not my fave but are they?...

P.S I hear from a reliable source that Owl's are so the new bird...Thanks Nim!

E x

www.paperrelish.etsy.com

www.corid.etsy.com

www.lovesugar.etsy.com
www.suowen.etsy.com

www.thepapertray.etsy.com

www.ladyjamie.etsy.com

I love them...

2010-02-06T22:38:00.000+11:00

I feel very lucky right now, I have just had a great night with some people I love!!! It was lovely to reunite, as a couple of them have been overseas for a number of weeks.

It's not every day your surrounded by people who make you laugh, bring joy to your life and make a busy weekend all the more worth while because you have seen them.

If you're reading this, which you probably are by now, then you know who you are.

Friendship is such a beautiful thing and I am blessed to have this with a few special people. My husband and I are very grateful for this...what more can I say but I love them!

Have a great week, I'm starting my nursing rounds so I'm sure to be busy, tired and worn out by the end of the 3 weeks.

The Outdoor area continued...Before and After

2010-01-27T20:15:00.000+11:00

Well we did it! 10 hours, great workers and lovely weather...check out the results!

Digging up the existing lawn.

The clay garden.

The lawn is out...finally

The sand is down and plants are in.

The finished product - Lovely!

My beautiful new garden.

The hard work has paid off!

First Project - The outdoor area

2010-01-23T08:49:00.000+11:00

There is nothing like a beautiful outdoor living area for relaxing with a cuppa, entertaining friends or pottering around your potplants and herbs.

When we moved into our place, our outdoor area consisted of a badly painted deck, two small patches of dying lawn and a small path.

My parents are coming over to assist us this Australia Day to turn our outdoor area in to a suburban sanctuary, well not quite, but one area will turn into a garden and the other will be paved.

Mum is also bringing her high pressure hose in order to clean the deck and make it look more presentable.

It is Saturday today and we have lots of preparing and shopping to do in order to prepare for this working bee on Tuesday. I am very excited about improving our out door area. I cant wait to tend to my new plants and have a gathering of friends spilling over onto the new paved area.

Our list of things to do today consist of:

- Go to gym (nothing to do with the prep)

- Buy pavers from Bunnings

- Buying sand, concrete, soil and mulch

- Ripping up the existing grass and raking the area

Inspiration -

These are a few of my faveroute things...

2010-01-22T15:08:00.003+11:00

I love this print, I was tempted to buy it for my husband for our 1 year anniversary (paper gift) jenniferramos.etsy.com

I am really into quirky brooches at the moment. This is a special fave of mine from an etsy store, it is close to my heart because it is my sisters shop. I love this petite silver apple. Ladyjamie.etsy.com

I have had my eye on these for a while. I saw them last night when visiting General Trader and it reminded me how cute they were.

Pretty Pink Blouse

2010-01-22T12:53:00.000+11:00

Things that have inspired me today:
A beautiful pink blouse.
I wish I could wear this tonight to a party I'm attending.
http://www.calamitykim.typepad.com/

This is me

2010-01-22T11:05:00.001+11:00

I have never had the urge to write a blog. My husband has been doing it for quite a few years now and I often read them and laugh but never get the courage to actually start one myself. He is a very clever writer and writes very clever and whitty things about his life.

I recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs (a friend introduced me) and I have fallen in love with them a little bit and from there, I have been inspired to begin one.

I want a place where I can write and put up pictures and words that inspire me and the odd person that may stumble accross it.

So this is me at the moment:

At the moment I am very much into my new house. My husband and I purchased it in October last year and you could say I have been on the verge of obsessing over it.

I read home magazines all the time NB: this is not a good idea before bed as your mind will be ticking over and over and over with all the lovely things you have just seen. I am always on the look out for new decorative ways to improve our space and I cant help but look at other costly renovations and drool over how amazing it looks.

The thing is I am a full time nursing student so money is some what scarce and we are attempting to save for an overseas trip at the end of this year...so the bottom line is I need to think thrifty, which I have been blessed with the ability to do (thanks mum) so I will try and show you my attempts of this sometime.

Thants enough for now,
E