Happy Sunday Cyber-pals. I just thought I'd quickly post about how fabulous last night was! We had our very first Urban Women's Association meeting. It's a brainchild I've been thinking about and talking about for ages. It's my version of the CWA (Country Women's Association) except we're in the city ;) It's a way for crafty ladies to get together and teach and learn different crafts and skills and support each other. Last night we made heat packs (with everyone crammed into my place) and also made a few cards for the Heart Cards people.
It's times like these that I miss my camera the most :( I'm hoping it can be fixed. Meanwhile, I'm off to start getting ready for work, I'm teaching the Distress Ink Masterclass today. Have a fab Sunday (Kids are back to school tomorrow!!!)
B
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
5 Fave Things Friday
Hey bloggers, I hope you are all surviving the floods that seemed to be determined to wash us all away at the moment, whenever it rains now you just can't help feeling that little bit scared that it's gonna happen all over again.
Fiona has teamed up with a group called Heart Cards who are accepting donations of cards (Thank you & Blank Cards) to give to the victims of the flood so they may in turn thank the people who helped them. They were instrumental in doing the same thing in the Victorian Bushfire Crisis. If you would like to make some cards then please drop them in to the store and she will send them all off in one lot. If you would like to find out more you can check the group at http://heartcards.blogspot.com/ If you plan on making some cards just make sure you drop them off at the shop before February 20 so that we can get them out in time.
Anyway, I know I'm a bit late in the day but it's still Friday (for another 2 1/2 hrs ;) so it's time for this weeks 5 fave things:
1. Sherbet Birdie
If you ever wondered about the portrait photo of me that is the banner for my blog (yes, that is me - it only took a few hrs and a ton of photo shop ;) well here you are. Sherbet Birdie are the most fabulous group of gals, headed by the most lovely Sasha Dobies. Sasha is such a lovely girl, when you go to have your photos done in her studio it's almost as much about the experience as it is about the photos. She ply's you with champagne, mouth-watering morsels (cut small enough so as not to mess your lippy ;) your favourite chocolate and plays your favourite music while she transforms you into a saucy mumma! (how does she know what are your faves? She asks beforehand to make sure everything is perfect) Her team consists of a professional make-up artist and hair stylist and she has a great range of retro and vintage clothes, shoes and props for you to try for your look. Or you can take in your own.
She's based in Brisbane but also 'tours' the major cities so no-one missed out! Click on this link to find out more.
2. Twine
I finally received my twine in the mail that I ordered a couple of weeks ago, it's that classic red and white that I kept seeing everywhere and coveting, so I finally contacted a blog I follow and asked her where she got it. I bought a 100m roll (over kill much) if you are interested you can get it in different colours and I got mine here.
3. Crazy hats
Look at those saucy eyes! How is it that I do not own this hat??? Can't you just see me in either of these beauties? (I can see Kylie and Dion shaking their heads and muttering that there is no hope for me) I can't remember at the mo where these pics came from, give me a day or so to track them down and I'll find out where they are from.
4. Retro
I was originally going to have a retro-themed Birthday party this year (in a couple of weeks - aargh) with fondue and crazy games but decided that there was too much happening at the moment, and really that I couldn't be bothered (sigh) so I think we shall have the oldie but a goodie moonlight picnic again. I still may get that fab fondue kit I saw on ebay though...
5. Designer Woodgrain
I had been resisting buying this stamp for a while (for the life of me I can't remember why) and decided in a blinding flash of inspiration yesterday that I MUST have it and why don't I have it NOW! Check out the cute card that was on the Hero Arts site - foxes are very popular at the moment - has the owl finally been replaced???
Well that's me! I have my first UWA meeting tomorrow night - a tad scared but very excited! I shall post more about that next week.
Fiona has teamed up with a group called Heart Cards who are accepting donations of cards (Thank you & Blank Cards) to give to the victims of the flood so they may in turn thank the people who helped them. They were instrumental in doing the same thing in the Victorian Bushfire Crisis. If you would like to make some cards then please drop them in to the store and she will send them all off in one lot. If you would like to find out more you can check the group at http://heartcards.blogspot.com/ If you plan on making some cards just make sure you drop them off at the shop before February 20 so that we can get them out in time.
Anyway, I know I'm a bit late in the day but it's still Friday (for another 2 1/2 hrs ;) so it's time for this weeks 5 fave things:
1. Sherbet Birdie
If you ever wondered about the portrait photo of me that is the banner for my blog (yes, that is me - it only took a few hrs and a ton of photo shop ;) well here you are. Sherbet Birdie are the most fabulous group of gals, headed by the most lovely Sasha Dobies. Sasha is such a lovely girl, when you go to have your photos done in her studio it's almost as much about the experience as it is about the photos. She ply's you with champagne, mouth-watering morsels (cut small enough so as not to mess your lippy ;) your favourite chocolate and plays your favourite music while she transforms you into a saucy mumma! (how does she know what are your faves? She asks beforehand to make sure everything is perfect) Her team consists of a professional make-up artist and hair stylist and she has a great range of retro and vintage clothes, shoes and props for you to try for your look. Or you can take in your own.
She's based in Brisbane but also 'tours' the major cities so no-one missed out! Click on this link to find out more.
2. Twine
I finally received my twine in the mail that I ordered a couple of weeks ago, it's that classic red and white that I kept seeing everywhere and coveting, so I finally contacted a blog I follow and asked her where she got it. I bought a 100m roll (over kill much) if you are interested you can get it in different colours and I got mine here.
3. Crazy hats
4. Retro
5. Designer Woodgrain
Well that's me! I have my first UWA meeting tomorrow night - a tad scared but very excited! I shall post more about that next week.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
We're Ok
Hey Bloggers,
I just wanted to quickly post that we are all ok. With the river peaking much lower than expected we were well and truly safe from the waters. I spent part of yesterday helping Fiona move everything out of the lower level of the shop and all of the papers and lower stock up high onto chairs and tables and then sandbagging the doors. We hadn't been too concerned until we found out that the house next to the shop had flooded in the 1974 flood - and at that stage they were still expecting the levels to exceed that.
Thankyou to all of our concerned customers who rang the shop on Tuesday to see if we were ok.
Also to everyone out there that wasn't as lucky as us in escaping the waters, my heart goes out to you all. If there is anything that you need or that I can do to help, please let me know. We really need to stick together and support each other so that we can recover as soon as possible.
Anyway, I'm just waiting to hear from a friend to see if she's ready for me to help move her out of her home until they get power back on, that's assuming I can reach her.
Keep safe, be strong, and don't hesitate to ask for (or give) help.
B
I just wanted to quickly post that we are all ok. With the river peaking much lower than expected we were well and truly safe from the waters. I spent part of yesterday helping Fiona move everything out of the lower level of the shop and all of the papers and lower stock up high onto chairs and tables and then sandbagging the doors. We hadn't been too concerned until we found out that the house next to the shop had flooded in the 1974 flood - and at that stage they were still expecting the levels to exceed that.
Thankyou to all of our concerned customers who rang the shop on Tuesday to see if we were ok.
Also to everyone out there that wasn't as lucky as us in escaping the waters, my heart goes out to you all. If there is anything that you need or that I can do to help, please let me know. We really need to stick together and support each other so that we can recover as soon as possible.
Anyway, I'm just waiting to hear from a friend to see if she's ready for me to help move her out of her home until they get power back on, that's assuming I can reach her.
Keep safe, be strong, and don't hesitate to ask for (or give) help.
B
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Five Things I'm Lovin' Friday (errr...Sunday ;)
Good morning bloggers! No I haven't gone mad (er) I know it's Sunday (going to work in T minus 2 hours) but I had an idea I wanted to do for the blog that I sort of stole off Elsie (I'm so in love with her right now) She does a weekly post called '10 things I love Sunday' So I thought I'd start smaller and do a '5 things I'm Lovin' Friday'. Basically a totally random collection of things I've seen or done that I'm lovin' right now. But I couldn't wait until next Friday so humour me and pretend for a moment that today is Friday!
(that's right, I'm dragging you into my madness ;)
So, with no further ado (or rambling) here is my first Friday-ish top 5:
1. How awesome are these! Hop on over to the Make it and Love it blog (click on the pic or the link on the side of my blog) for more hilarious pics of these cuties and also a link on how to get the pattern to make your own.
2. October Afternoon.
I've always LOVED their papers and products but I can't get enough of them at the moment! I'm totally obsessed by their latest stuff especially Modern Homemaker, Thrift Shop, Seaside and Schoolhouse.
3.Woodland Fantasy
As usual Graphic 45 have produced a spectacular range that is like nothing else on the market. I'm usually not a big girly-girl but even I can't resist these cuties. (and besides check out the frog chatting to the fairy - I HAVE to have it) I'm using these papers in my next Simply Cards feature.
4.Monster Hoodies by Polkadot Robot
Totally ridiculous, but I'm lovin them all the same. If you want a laugh check out their entire range. These are basically store-bought hoodies that they've altered, crazy and clever - I'll expect you all to be sporting them this winter ;)
5. Wombok Salad
Ok, so I'm on the weight-loss wagon (again) and salad is not normally my favourite food (unless it's a chocolate truffle salad...mmmm...chocolate) anyhoo, my fab mother-in-law introduced me to this salad years ago and it's become my staple lately to keep me sane. It's so good that I actually had it for breakfast yesterday morning, I know, I'm a weirdo, and this from the woman who once had melted mars bar on toast (yech, I can't imagine why I need to lose 25kg ;)
The recipe is on the back of the fried noodle packet that is part of the recipe (the noodles, not the packet) but we've mixed it up a bit now and then and it's super delish. So if you want - here's my adulterated version:
1 whole Chinese cabbage - chopped
Shallots - chopped (as little or as much as you want -I just use the top green bits from the ones in my garden)
1/2 bunch celery - finely chopped (now I thought I hated celery, but it really makes the salad)
100-200g slivered almonds (basically 1 or 2 pkts, depending on how nutty you're feeling ;)
Mix it all together. This will keep together in your enormous tupperware bowl for up to a week, when I serve it I add shredded cooked chicken, the fried noodles and then the dressing (to the individual bowls)- that way the noodles wont go soggy and ruin it for everyone ;)
The dressing is:
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup castor sugar
2 tblsp sesame oil
1-2 tblsp soy sauce
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup boiling water
shake together and immediately drizzle over the salad. The recipe on the packet says to cook the dressing to dissolve the sugar - but who can be bothered? So I added boiling water to do the same thing and then add a few ice cubes after I've shaken it, to cool it down again. I also added a tblsp or so of Balsamic vinegar for something different.
If you don't like all that olive oil, I made mine last night by substituting the olive oil for water. Dion had sliced mushrooms in his and really like it.
Muck around with it, make it your own, and enjoy!
ps - if you click on the pic it will take you to the Changs recipe.
Well I hope you enjoyed my faux Friday ;) let me know if you did or not, I'd hate to think I was torturing you all with my eclectic ramblings!
Happy Sunday!
(that's right, I'm dragging you into my madness ;)
So, with no further ado (or rambling) here is my first Friday-ish top 5:
1. How awesome are these! Hop on over to the Make it and Love it blog (click on the pic or the link on the side of my blog) for more hilarious pics of these cuties and also a link on how to get the pattern to make your own.
2. October Afternoon.
I've always LOVED their papers and products but I can't get enough of them at the moment! I'm totally obsessed by their latest stuff especially Modern Homemaker, Thrift Shop, Seaside and Schoolhouse.
3.Woodland Fantasy
As usual Graphic 45 have produced a spectacular range that is like nothing else on the market. I'm usually not a big girly-girl but even I can't resist these cuties. (and besides check out the frog chatting to the fairy - I HAVE to have it) I'm using these papers in my next Simply Cards feature.
4.Monster Hoodies by Polkadot Robot
Totally ridiculous, but I'm lovin them all the same. If you want a laugh check out their entire range. These are basically store-bought hoodies that they've altered, crazy and clever - I'll expect you all to be sporting them this winter ;)
5. Wombok Salad
Ok, so I'm on the weight-loss wagon (again) and salad is not normally my favourite food (unless it's a chocolate truffle salad...mmmm...chocolate) anyhoo, my fab mother-in-law introduced me to this salad years ago and it's become my staple lately to keep me sane. It's so good that I actually had it for breakfast yesterday morning, I know, I'm a weirdo, and this from the woman who once had melted mars bar on toast (yech, I can't imagine why I need to lose 25kg ;)
The recipe is on the back of the fried noodle packet that is part of the recipe (the noodles, not the packet) but we've mixed it up a bit now and then and it's super delish. So if you want - here's my adulterated version:
1 whole Chinese cabbage - chopped
Shallots - chopped (as little or as much as you want -I just use the top green bits from the ones in my garden)
1/2 bunch celery - finely chopped (now I thought I hated celery, but it really makes the salad)
100-200g slivered almonds (basically 1 or 2 pkts, depending on how nutty you're feeling ;)
Mix it all together. This will keep together in your enormous tupperware bowl for up to a week, when I serve it I add shredded cooked chicken, the fried noodles and then the dressing (to the individual bowls)- that way the noodles wont go soggy and ruin it for everyone ;)
The dressing is:
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup castor sugar
2 tblsp sesame oil
1-2 tblsp soy sauce
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup boiling water
shake together and immediately drizzle over the salad. The recipe on the packet says to cook the dressing to dissolve the sugar - but who can be bothered? So I added boiling water to do the same thing and then add a few ice cubes after I've shaken it, to cool it down again. I also added a tblsp or so of Balsamic vinegar for something different.
If you don't like all that olive oil, I made mine last night by substituting the olive oil for water. Dion had sliced mushrooms in his and really like it.
Muck around with it, make it your own, and enjoy!
ps - if you click on the pic it will take you to the Changs recipe.
Well I hope you enjoyed my faux Friday ;) let me know if you did or not, I'd hate to think I was torturing you all with my eclectic ramblings!
Happy Sunday!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Back to Work
Well, another year and another week full of classes! I hope everyone had a fabulous start to their New Years. We had a fairly quiet one - just a bit of a tipple and my best-y slept over.
This week I have 2 classes on Saturday. In the morning is Kitsch Cards. Just a bit of Retro fun to bring in the New Year ;)
The class in the afternoon is my Distress Ink Masterclass which had a bit of an accident but all has been restored. Here's some of them:
There are another 4 or 5, I shall add more photos soon. Because it's a technique class, we don't make cards - just a variety of technique tags. The stamp used is one of the preview stamps from Hero Arts. I'm totally in love with it at the moment.
Well the children are screaming so that must be my cue to sign off ;) Don't you love the school holidays?
Have a fab Wednesday!
This week I have 2 classes on Saturday. In the morning is Kitsch Cards. Just a bit of Retro fun to bring in the New Year ;)
(I've had a few people ask me what Kitsch means, and I think I confused them even more with my garbled explanations (you know, a bit cheesy...) so here's a quote from the dictionary: 'tasteless, garish or sentimental' 3 words that sum me up really ;)
The class in the afternoon is my Distress Ink Masterclass which had a bit of an accident but all has been restored. Here's some of them:
Well the children are screaming so that must be my cue to sign off ;) Don't you love the school holidays?
Have a fab Wednesday!
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