Just Like Martha

It is in the Mail!!!!

I have finished my hand-made Christmas decoration for the swap! Sandi, its on its way (well almost just have to visit the post office) to the USA, hope we beat the Chrissy rush and you get it soon, can't wait to see what you thought. Now I can't show you what I made for Sandi (yet) but this is what the parcel looks like:

 

Had to also share with you my latest creation - cupcake Chrissy decorations - aren't they cute! I made some for a few of the girls in John's office as gifts, usually I make hand-made chocolates but I thought these would be nice for a change...they look good enough to eat! I don;t usually DO sewing but the Chrissy decorations swap spurred me on and I kinda got in to the whole felt thing, its easy to sew and hides a thousand mistakes - not bad for a beginner I think.

 

 

ooops time to get the girls, its lovely and hot up here today think we will have a nice swim when we all get home before the afternoon activities begin....bye for now xx

A few Christmas Presents...

I have been getting organised very early this year (ok for those who know me this is quite normal...) and have almost finished my Christmas shopping. Now I don't want to give anything away but I have been making a few "mini off the page albums" for a few friends, here is a sneek peek!

 

I really enjoy creating these "mini albums" great way to use up all the 'bits and pieces' I seem to accumulate as well as a lovely way to memorise an 'event' or 'special occasion' and they make great pressies....especially presented in a nice organza bag don't you think!

 

I have almost finished my Christmas decoration swap so will post piccies in a day or so, for a 'non-sewer' I am really please how it has turned out...it actually inspired me to come up woth my own creation using cupcakes - more on that another day as well, can't give too much away...he.he.

Hope you are having a nice Tuesday...only 3 more sleeps 'til HALLOWEEN! xx

Yummy Dinner

I told you there was a lot to tell....two posts in one day...firstly check out the new photo album I have uploaded - "FRUITS AND VEGIES FROM RUSTY'S MARKETS"..this place is amazing I really enjoy my weekly visits and will definitely miss the sights, smells and atmosphere that Rusty's Markets creates when we depart Cairns.

Rusty's was named after the late Emrys "Rusty" Rees whom began with a market of only 6 stallholders over 30 years ago and has developed and expanded into the mega event that it is today. It is now a 3 day event with over 180 stallholders that sell all types of fruit and vegetables and exotic flowers as well as other delectable goodies (I frequent the cheese stall and always stop for a coffee at Billy's). It is definitely a weekly excursion in our household and we love taking our visitors along to show it off!

Taylor cooked dinner this evening - the girls favourite - Cheese and Spinach Pie, served with some vegies it was delicious! Yay Taylor!

 

For a chance to win some wonderful prizes as well as a silent auction with some AMAZING items (so many to bid on) check out www.fiskarcraft.typepad.com the team at Fiskars has been to loads of trouble to bring us there very own version of "Girls Night In" to raise funds for cancer research..but this is an event like no other....its well worth visiting there are some inspirational stories by some lovely ladies and lots of goodies...you can also make a donation xxx 

Too Much to Blog..Too Little Time...

Wow what an action packed few days it has been, Friday night we 'frocked up' for a Black Tie School Function at the Hilton Hotel - it was a great night lots of dancing and plenty of laughs, you have to love an excuse get dressed up...

 

Then on Saturday it was the school fair...lucky for some with sore heads (not us we were very well behaved!!) it wasn't an early start, the "Coconut Carnival" (isn't that cute) ran from 3-9pm culminating with a wonderful fireworks display. The girls classes were in charge of the fairy floss and showbag stall so after our stint helping we were free to enjoy. Taylor performed with the Concert Band and Lilly enjoyed some of the hair-raising rides with her best buddies..

 

"Goodies in the Mail"

Ran around all day today, you know those days where you have so much to do but you feel like you've achieved nothing when you get home...I DID do some more Chrissy shopping though which was good and I DID get everything I wanted for Halloween so all was not lost.

Look what was waiting for us at the Post Office this afternoon...remember the girls entered their first Fiskars Kids Challenge during the last school holidays...well they won and their prize arrived in the mail today..lots of gorgeous Fiskars and Cloud Nine goodies for us to create some layouts - the girls were so excited.

 

I have also been busy creating my Christmas Decoration for my swap partner, I am really please with how it is turning out, I'll need to get it in the mail by the end of this month it has to travel all the way to USA and I'm not sure how long it will take to get there - stay tuned will reveal more later.

Happy Wednesday everyone, bye for now xx

Sunny Sydney

I'm back!!! Had a wonderful few days in Sydney, the weather was stunning and I cannot begin to explain the feeling you get when you have been away and you see that Harbour again for the first time, it really is breathtaking. We have been living in sunny FNQ now for almost a year and I love it here but Sydney Harbour in all its splendour really is something and what a perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding.

 

The wedding was wonderful we began with a lovely ceremony under the Harbour Bridge then went on to the amazing Aqua Dining for the reception - such a great venue, amazing food and the perfect view. Had to share this with you...how cute is the top of their wedding cake!!!

"Girls Night In"

Oops think I have over done it! At the gym that is...went along today for an upgrade to my programme which after a few months has got pretty boring and sees my 'goofing' off ever so often so it was off for an upgrade.  James put my through my paces and says that in 5 weeks I'll be a new woman (thant's if I live that long!!), have had the wobbly boot ever since, think its called muscle fatigue, ouch I am gonna hurt tomorrow!

Lucky I am off tonight to "Girls Night In" to take my mind off the pain! Sounds like it's going to be a super night they are expecting 500 people at the Cairns International Airport, fashion parade and auction, "Hot Firies" (hmmm) and the monster raffle drawn - the prize is a trip for 2 to Hamilton Island  - keep your fingers crossed for me and of course all the while raising money and awareness for such a wonderful worthwhile cause - hope they raise heaps!

Now I never like to post a blog without a photo so here is a little something I whipped up earlier....such an easy but effective gift. I was in one of those cheapy shops earlier and the most beautiful smelling candles caught my atttention...I though this one looked quite regal once I'd taken off the plastic and added some scrap scrapbooking paper and a ribbon - what do you think?

I am making up some hampers for the girls teachers for Chrissy and seeing they finish at the end of November though I'd get a wriggle on! Lilly's teacher loves gardening so she is getting a "Garden Hamper" and Taylor's teacher a "Gourmet Hamper" - hope they like them.

These would be great thank you gifts don't you think, they'd look great as a set with different papers and ribbons and presneted in a co-ordinated box - oooh think I am on to something here...

Have a great weekend everyone, I am off to Sydney for a family wedding - yippee, hope the weather is perfect for them they are getting married under the Harbour Bridge - how romantic! Talk next week, Lee x

A Christmas decoration swap and yummy treat for afternoon tea

Another beautiful day in Far North Queensland (actually I lie it has been raining on and off all day - but still a glorious 26'), a perfect day for comtemplating Christmas cards, crafting and the ever growing present list. I know it sounds beyond comprehension to some but I love to get all my Christmas cards written ready to post Dec 01 and ALL the Chrissy shopping done by the end of November so I can just enjoy the 'silly season' and all it has to offer, its such a wonderful time of year.

I've just joined a group to "Swap a Christmas decoration" over at www.embelish.blogspot.com with the lovely Em - its my first ever swap so I hope I can live up to the challenge - have put my 'Martha' hat on to see what I can create - stay tuned!

Taylor is at a music workshop all day so I thought might appreciate a little treat for afternoon tea....these are easy peasy and very yummy - GRANOLA BALLS

If anyone is interested here is the recipe, have also made them and drizzled melted chocolate over them - perfect for the end of a dinner party and if you use metal patty pans they look fancy!  Enjoy xx

Granola Balls

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 tbps butter

1 cup rice cereal

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup dried fruit (I've just used dried apricots here, cranberries on their own work well too)

Basically mix together fruit, rolled oats and cereal, then add honey, peanut butter and butter which has been melted together in the mocrowave.  Mix well then put teaspoonfulls into patty pans and place in fridge to set. You could also spread this mixture into a pan then slice up but I kinda like the individual morsel approach!

First Award

I can't wipe the smile off my face - me - an award - wow!

The amazingly talented Annette (www.annettehanigan.typepad.com) nominated me as one of six blogs she "loves to wander through" ....that is a real compliment and I really, really appreciate it! I first met Annette earlier in the year when I attended one of her amazing classes, we shared a few laughs, discovered we had a love for a decent cup of coffee and she inspired me with her 'blog', months later I have started my own blog partly due to this first meeting, and she continues to inspire me - thanks Annette x

Now this is what I have to do (still with a smile on my face):

Mention the blog that gave it to you and comment on their blog to let them know you have posted your award.

Publish these rules:

Share 6 values that are important to you and 6 things you do not support. Grant the prize to 6 people.

6 VALUES IMPORTANT TO ME

1. My wonderful husband

2. My two beautiful girls

3. My family and good friends

4. Our health and happiness and that of our family and friends

5. The experiences we have shared together as a family (including our move up to FNQ)

6. The fact that we may not always be together but we are always 'together' (a bit cyrptic I know but relevant none the less)

6 THINGS I DON'T SUPPORT

1. Drugs (especially in schools)

2. Cyber bullies (get a real hobby)

3. Too much work and no play

4. Giving bad behaviour publicity (too often we give people the reward of publicity even after they have done the wrong thing)

5. Beauracracy and paperwork (sometimes it gets out of hand)

6. I'm with you on this one Anentte...everyday living getting harder and harder whilst banks line their pockets!

Now pass it on to these people:

www.fionacarter.typepad.com

www.melissagoodsell.typepd.com

www.embelish.blogspot.com

www.lifeandscrapping.typepad.com

www.spoonfullofsugargirls.blogspot.com

www.zinawright.typepad.com

I have chosen these amazing ladies for different reasons the one common thread is that they are all creative and inspiring - keep up the good work girls!

Thanks again Annette, really appreciate the 'vote of confidence'!

Until later xx

"A Special Visitor"

Wow what a crazy 24 hours it has been in our abode...our special visitor Brooke arrived after a busy conference in town...the life of a retired Olympic swimmer she is soo busy makes my head spin...we picked the girls up from school and she spoke to both their classes and signed individual autographs for everybody..such an inspiration and role model to the kids they couldn't get enough of her, there were heaps of questions and they were thrilled when she pulled out her gold and silver medals from Athens - a real treat...finally we escaped and the girls had their adored cousin all to themselves.

This morning it was a race to get swimmers on and head to the beach for a quick swim, then home for a healthy breakkie before getting ready for school and unfortunately farewelling Brooke as she heads back south for another appearance.

Enjoy your weekend everyone xx