tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40401225800159164272024-02-20T00:51:52.097-08:00Organic body products Welcome friends, family and those passing by. This is our web log which documents the creation of our organic body products. If you are one of our samplers, please feel provide constructive feedback on your batch. Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-58243820498699042852015-05-02T05:28:00.002-07:002015-05-02T07:06:17.676-07:00Batch 2 - dehydrated skinbatch 2 of the moisturizer includes<br />
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essential oils--certified organic: helichrysum, roman chamomile, lavender, frankincense.<br />
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Hard oils--mango butter, organic unrefined coconut oil, 100% unrefined African shea butter.<br />
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Oils--certified organic: jojoba, vitamin E, sweet almond, evening primrose, and carrot seed.<br />
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water--distilled, rose water and aloe gel.<br />
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Also includes veg emulsifying wax and Geoguard plus (preservative) + IPM.<br />
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Ratio water, oils/solids 75:25<br />
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process-- Heat water and oils separately to 70C for 20 minutes and lower to 45C for addition of GP and EO.<br />
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for dehydrated skin.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-14171259362551210492015-04-16T00:42:00.003-07:002015-04-16T00:48:16.047-07:00Organic Body and Facial ProductsI'm starting a new project, well, along with the writing one.
Over the last 20 odd years I've spent a fortune on moisturising products. A few months ago, I made my first body butter and gave samples out to friends and family. Feedback suggested it was a nice body butter, very moisturising, good on body and even hair, but it took a while to soak into the skin.<br />
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RECIPE tip: * made of unrefined African Shea Butter, organic Coconut Oil, jojoba, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil and a few drops of essential oils.<br />
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The process used the heat, cool and whip method.<br />
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I'm now looking at diversifying into facial moisturiser and will also try a new whipped body butter recipe that uses emulsifying wax and preservatives.<br />
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From the research, it seems that once you add water to any product, you really need a good all-round preservative (and you should probably use a preservative for non-water based recipes, too). I've discovered that many products claiming to be 'organic' contain a lot of non-organic preservatives and emulsifiers. While we need the preservatives to keep bacteria at bay, over coming months I will be searching for an organic replacement. Until then, safety first. So although it won't be 100% organic, I will use certified organic where I can find it. Research and results will be posted on here, both to keep track of progress/mistakes and help others on their journey to creating home made/organic body products.<br />
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Batch #1
First batch is an anti-aging face cream using certified helichrysum essential oil, organic carrot oil, organic frankincense essential oil, certified organic rose hip oil, rose infused water, emulsifying wax NF, Cleopatra's Choice 100% pure African shea butter and organic sweet almond oil. I'll also add a little cornstarch to help it soak in and Geoguard ultra to keep the bugs away.<br />
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I'll start cooking up in a day or two, and we'll see how it turns out.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-23735878586979693112011-12-06T19:02:00.000-08:002011-12-06T19:02:52.247-08:00HandmadeLove these gorgeous botanical original collage drawings from artist Susan Black on Etsy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiTMUgyB0gK11Qkr9JjMlRRYqbtCE-mfeR_ky7pdefY4SnKeK577yz_5-EkoIuZ9rldIEXmrWDvEhaBHYc0MGknVlwKC6xEmrIjwsWXmDYvTD4aejyVYE4qxspypBVICp0S-tbjAq0X0/s1600/susan+black+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiTMUgyB0gK11Qkr9JjMlRRYqbtCE-mfeR_ky7pdefY4SnKeK577yz_5-EkoIuZ9rldIEXmrWDvEhaBHYc0MGknVlwKC6xEmrIjwsWXmDYvTD4aejyVYE4qxspypBVICp0S-tbjAq0X0/s320/susan+black+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcpdS3MzguEqkpPz5Ni_ij2XWTHsrBn6poNA3Bewdxhv-Ut6DfU0nYkfvWPLYVUc8a7SeeDesTXWTS4gFmepcbZ7lh17hkbF160cHH1pPDMkAh58U18WKexZJJhphXphJZEm4UeQRPR4/s1600/susan+black+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcpdS3MzguEqkpPz5Ni_ij2XWTHsrBn6poNA3Bewdxhv-Ut6DfU0nYkfvWPLYVUc8a7SeeDesTXWTS4gFmepcbZ7lh17hkbF160cHH1pPDMkAh58U18WKexZJJhphXphJZEm4UeQRPR4/s320/susan+black+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsJqBkz4Gf7NIaJlDm53xtXzKEFUG2aplJhRvQ99mwdc-gOaqhGxF7iQtvmBUwEOw3l_noom2wEUsnsLQmP6U89OYwpM1Ht0njsmAaSh7NoP4BBSwPKDEHfpHC-TIpAidel_Hjf3ZzbA/s1600/susan+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsJqBkz4Gf7NIaJlDm53xtXzKEFUG2aplJhRvQ99mwdc-gOaqhGxF7iQtvmBUwEOw3l_noom2wEUsnsLQmP6U89OYwpM1Ht0njsmAaSh7NoP4BBSwPKDEHfpHC-TIpAidel_Hjf3ZzbA/s320/susan+black.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The artist uses coffee stained paper, ink, gouache, vintage paper and drawings on cold press water colour paper.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-72302780556311335172011-11-23T22:17:00.000-08:002011-11-23T22:42:35.388-08:00Natural body productsI've been checking out different ideas for Christmas and birthday presents. My mum loves hand cream and given she has just about everything, I'm on the lookout for something natural for this year's present. As luck would have it, she really likes the Kangaroo Island hand cream I purchased while on holidays earlier this year. I'll have to see if I can get a tub by post. I'm so over the department store products that cost a fortune and last half the time the sales assistant tells me they should. I've heard good things about these products and will try them out over coming months to see how they measure up on the skin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gAoqWFTqHlVrQR6nJYMAzhIFjIxdY-9Dv8VazR_k1ApIUnCteIP8yUHNyYbOc5Kv2Ttrsk6pBoQYuIaXAU7pKMyHQxxWkjUGpq7xhrMJ7EIsP4vXKx081eZlirzDyFcQf2kttZAQVo0/s1600/NP14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gAoqWFTqHlVrQR6nJYMAzhIFjIxdY-9Dv8VazR_k1ApIUnCteIP8yUHNyYbOc5Kv2Ttrsk6pBoQYuIaXAU7pKMyHQxxWkjUGpq7xhrMJ7EIsP4vXKx081eZlirzDyFcQf2kttZAQVo0/s320/NP14.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.nougatlondon.co.uk/bath-and-body/nurturing-hand-cream-pid-5">NOUGAT LONDON </a>(she loves this one)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qyTG7px0KaH9sWSR2L4hnj-kAVhlsrpkyQSUfF-lMxqRHJ2oxmdsoR5C1Mut3EH6jwy6IMuXB4GwhCWhZLwgllSXc8YqvjkOb77nhEal-ush8M-9g9bPLtuO8sZXgLQdC9FKz1_7S7s/s1600/daily+moisturiser+-+lge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qyTG7px0KaH9sWSR2L4hnj-kAVhlsrpkyQSUfF-lMxqRHJ2oxmdsoR5C1Mut3EH6jwy6IMuXB4GwhCWhZLwgllSXc8YqvjkOb77nhEal-ush8M-9g9bPLtuO8sZXgLQdC9FKz1_7S7s/s320/daily+moisturiser+-+lge.png" /></a></div><a href="http://www.hemphemphooray.com.au/"><br />
HEMP HEMP HOORAY</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaoCc89Y_v8ZVmkzQ5Ee44bz02MD5-eBOgNZpSH72rtk6DW7nza8uiJiJbOGFfVBD93IzXhDObJ7H7sTOGsCYdw-Vwmrev9Rs85bClo818NhSTW1hNpiWnP8rwlwgwM2Bj87DtiflPWQ/s1600/full-250-box-3qtr_mg_5856_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaoCc89Y_v8ZVmkzQ5Ee44bz02MD5-eBOgNZpSH72rtk6DW7nza8uiJiJbOGFfVBD93IzXhDObJ7H7sTOGsCYdw-Vwmrev9Rs85bClo818NhSTW1hNpiWnP8rwlwgwM2Bj87DtiflPWQ/s320/full-250-box-3qtr_mg_5856_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.moogoo.com.au/moisturising-creams/full-cream.html">MOOGOO</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL9sj7qpIOovxAPFvz83HSX_z1HHw62usOQtfrCYoEbjDu8h3S0rzWWvU1qel3F65jRX5EX97prKeA6WpKDDkhXgcINIF2DFV0F_FcIME2FCZc1bEuaPJeAfpMmDZL2PEJz_qfdcjOxE/s1600/hand_and_body_lotion_vanilla_and_cocoa_200ml_beauty_shop_co_nz_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="235" width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL9sj7qpIOovxAPFvz83HSX_z1HHw62usOQtfrCYoEbjDu8h3S0rzWWvU1qel3F65jRX5EX97prKeA6WpKDDkhXgcINIF2DFV0F_FcIME2FCZc1bEuaPJeAfpMmDZL2PEJz_qfdcjOxE/s320/hand_and_body_lotion_vanilla_and_cocoa_200ml_beauty_shop_co_nz_sm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="ttp://www.thearomatherapycompany.co.uk/hand%20and%20foot%20treats.htm">AROMATHERAPY COMPANY</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlMzkWYEkbXprioPZHUBCd9YdBKe5UxbS44r0x1-3N4aYZ-3-4xF2XFr0nNjPnrNzNB6liC2KkTWZVOam_yd_L-b6g_BSD4312c8VgxljuPRYU6wEPJK-ssksP_dy27GBX-d0aULBcng/s1600/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlMzkWYEkbXprioPZHUBCd9YdBKe5UxbS44r0x1-3N4aYZ-3-4xF2XFr0nNjPnrNzNB6liC2KkTWZVOam_yd_L-b6g_BSD4312c8VgxljuPRYU6wEPJK-ssksP_dy27GBX-d0aULBcng/s320/300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://paperboatpress.bigcartel.com/category/christmas-ornaments">and my favorite tags for gift boxes</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L3a-P-k8BPw1R_jNhIVCVPS9PmGA-HHe1cC3VT7IYjbBz2egnY8tUMn2Ql8gErTafHtklgAhWOdEo9SU7vxw9RBYsYQ09G05iw1KWlDLkvfudVKd5ZU5n_tbaWYS7Me8q68sLxeUulM/s1600/3001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L3a-P-k8BPw1R_jNhIVCVPS9PmGA-HHe1cC3VT7IYjbBz2egnY8tUMn2Ql8gErTafHtklgAhWOdEo9SU7vxw9RBYsYQ09G05iw1KWlDLkvfudVKd5ZU5n_tbaWYS7Me8q68sLxeUulM/s320/3001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B2_cAIoBc_xsHXM1e4pNia3WZWbfnCPznZcPQapRlKLqNy8Qh3TtY1Vn23PLDjUS10PTG8tRe2kp3pcLRiQapASVr3CEpLtGmUUiPjFAr_ljANoWfL1pmWm0r3SsTfBc90OTHUM0z-o/s1600/3002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B2_cAIoBc_xsHXM1e4pNia3WZWbfnCPznZcPQapRlKLqNy8Qh3TtY1Vn23PLDjUS10PTG8tRe2kp3pcLRiQapASVr3CEpLtGmUUiPjFAr_ljANoWfL1pmWm0r3SsTfBc90OTHUM0z-o/s320/3002.jpg" /></a></div>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-25318156684027001562011-03-13T07:53:00.001-07:002011-03-13T07:53:02.667-07:00It's been a whileYes its been a while since I've posted. I've finished Illusion ... well almost. Last chapter is imminent. Also doing my Masters in Creative Writing, a real buzz.<br />
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That aside, the house is cooking along. We need to do some gardening and of course the floors for some reason could do with a thorough cleaning. I can't seem to get the boards clean enough - what with two dogs, a cat, an 8 year old and her friends and our noisy Alexandrine.<br />
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Michael has put up shelves in the garage which has helped with the clutter. Given its our laundry as well it all helps.<br />
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I'll post some pics when I get around to it.<br />
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Tonight we had a great dinner at Gaucho's in the city. Steak and prawns ... yum.<br />
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signing off <br />
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DyDyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-66515716893116552362010-09-07T01:32:00.001-07:002010-09-09T03:53:34.714-07:00Illusion 1,2,3Chapter 1-3 Illusion<br />
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feedback welcome!Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-14408182976568124452010-07-31T09:27:00.000-07:002010-07-31T09:27:04.097-07:00Sleeping beautySleeping beauty at its best. But it's not our favorite bedtime story.<br />
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<object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7937986&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7937986&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7937986">Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1521090">Darragh O'Connell</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-7388107201960056022010-07-31T05:10:00.001-07:002010-07-31T05:14:40.577-07:00Product previous amazonPraise for Shiver: "A lyrical tale of alienated werewolves and first love... Stiefvater skillfully increases the tension throughout; her take on werewolves is interesting and original while her characters are refreshingly willing to use their brains to deal with the challenges they face."<br />
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<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=desidecotrava-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Linger-Wolves-Mercy-Falls-Book/dp/0545123283?ie=UTF8&tag=desidecotrava-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 2)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=desidecotrava-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0545123283" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123275?ie=UTF8&tag=desidecotrava-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Shiver</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=desidecotrava-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0545123275" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123275?ie=UTF8&tag=desidecotrava-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Shiver</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=desidecotrava-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0545123275" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-30621583234399288202010-07-24T00:28:00.000-07:002010-07-24T00:36:06.844-07:00AuthorsI've been delving into urban fantasy of late and love it. As a genre it would have to be my favourite. Before we left for Borneo I sneaked into Borders and purchased a couple of hundred dollars worth of books and tried hiding them in the bottom of my hybrid trolley but Michael found them (after my luggage weighed in at 30 kgs) and pulled them out. So I repacked them again but this time split them between three cases.<br /><br />I read the Robin Hobb trilogy which was great but ended on a bit of a grim note IMO.<br /><br />Latest great read has been Ilona Andrews.. she has kick ass heroines, great mystery and action.<br /><br />Love it.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-83897776416713137332010-07-23T22:40:00.000-07:002010-07-24T00:03:48.476-07:00For something cute<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4Uh1DevcS0UXf1FAPfZdXKGuUVdrYmDOfPgJWDo1zrND9KXdVpteQtOBcxj06285QRTJBrUqm0Wr6PKD54F14BgsCOT6RFTvO0g9DncXLQr4LtIfDqi7cookpd9pGJ6xEBuHCtQ1Iw0/s1600/nooshka+owl"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4Uh1DevcS0UXf1FAPfZdXKGuUVdrYmDOfPgJWDo1zrND9KXdVpteQtOBcxj06285QRTJBrUqm0Wr6PKD54F14BgsCOT6RFTvO0g9DncXLQr4LtIfDqi7cookpd9pGJ6xEBuHCtQ1Iw0/s320/nooshka+owl" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497344328439696338" /></a><br />Have been wanting to get Amelia one of these for a while now and they sell pretty quickly so haven't managed to get my hands on one.<br /><br />They are Nooshka dolls and as cute as pie. <br /><br />I'm looking for unique items for Amelia's birthday .. a year has gone past so quickly. So far she's asked for a science kit, girls lego and a pool (in the middle of winter!)<br /><br /><strong>and my favourite</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSx6xsTDW053NSrxZZiCk8gmt3dGdmY5WjQRf-R8wA1oVLearV0tGQCflWrZgDP3vxBlZEld5HpNjHNGmSL7J7nT476NTmoraijZ94wIA49pp39QLGgyoCOv0q7hvEBeNSu_T0CcPOwM/s1600/nooshka+doll"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSx6xsTDW053NSrxZZiCk8gmt3dGdmY5WjQRf-R8wA1oVLearV0tGQCflWrZgDP3vxBlZEld5HpNjHNGmSL7J7nT476NTmoraijZ94wIA49pp39QLGgyoCOv0q7hvEBeNSu_T0CcPOwM/s320/nooshka+doll" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497346562756948114" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We'll have to see.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-85558657382005549242010-07-23T08:59:00.000-07:002011-11-29T15:55:22.016-08:002 years later!We are back from Borneo which was as hot as Hades but we had a great time. <br />
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It is a lovely place to live and I must post some pics soon of our garden which is growing well.<br />
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We ended up building sleepers up against the back fence (reinforced of course so the fence doesn't fall down) to create a layered effect in the backyard. We planted magnolias against the 15 metres of back fence so when they get big it should look beautiful. Most of the plants are living well and we haven't had many losses so I guess digging down and getting rid of most of the crappy soil worked for us after all.<br />
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The lawn is looking a bit yellow given its winter and one thing we do regret is laying couch instead of buffalo but you live and learn! Eventually we will pull up some more of the lawn and put in a pond but that is a way off yet.<br />
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The deck is a bit of a pain, especially where it gets hit by the elements. Even if we use the good stuff we have to oil it more than every 6 months or it begins to look tired. Some of the Malaysian timber boards are warping a bit so we wish we had gone with an aussie hard timber for the deck.<br />
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Neverthless the rest is holding up well. No major leaks or problems with the house now we've had the floors finished again. We don't use a lot of the space upstairs so it is interesting that we built a big house and ended up using 2/3 of it. But it is nice to have!Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-3296162206900987412010-02-19T19:12:00.001-08:002010-02-19T21:40:56.741-08:00Visiting Borneo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrQmOZDckRelYdvuXa1bTxTagnr0S2VJJg8slOAMAdfPk5II_V2DjxFn-TXr8vu1d1FZ2dwTSbzUIKy7L74FjiyutGo5AcgjQ8R7BGI3YyRjXeA_sN3_NJ3p4UEL6XhDh2K0Xc2i7Oxo/s1600-h/2_baby_orangutan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrQmOZDckRelYdvuXa1bTxTagnr0S2VJJg8slOAMAdfPk5II_V2DjxFn-TXr8vu1d1FZ2dwTSbzUIKy7L74FjiyutGo5AcgjQ8R7BGI3YyRjXeA_sN3_NJ3p4UEL6XhDh2K0Xc2i7Oxo/s320/2_baby_orangutan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440185262359085554" /></a><br /><br />We're off to Borneo soon for a month or so. So far we've booked 4 nights in Singapore, 10 in Kuching, 4 in Mulu, 4 in Danum Valley, 6 in Kinabatangan and oh the joy 10 nights in Kota Kinabalu.<br /><br />Don't know what I've done but for most of the trip we are staying in national park accommodation .. very basic. At Bako the toilets don't flush and you have to tip water into (dunno what we sit on actually ... hope its high enough or my leg muscles wont hold me up ... and then oh god I'll fall into....) the hole but they don't provide you with water because the National Park is a bit dry atm lol. Then there are the macaques who are downright mean and steal your stuff. Given there are large gaping holes in the screens of all the rooms we won't be taking much luggage. They can take Michael's trekking socks coz they'll make the room unbearable anyway.<br /><br />Amelia was frightened to hear about the large apes and asked what would happen if one abducted her up a tree. Despite her light weight (making her easy to transport) and orange hair (almost orangutan-like) I assured her they would return her immediately once they realised how hard it is to get her to eat and how many toys she desperately needs to keep her happy. She thought about that for a while, nodded and thought it made good sense. My theory ... no decent ape would take my girl if they knew what they were in for. <br /><br />Ok sounds a bit basic but its the leeches that really terrify me. I hate needles so I'm hardly likely to be inspired by any blood sucking bugger attaching itself to any part of my body. Some intrepid traveller was bitten by one on his stomach. He was pissed because it wouldn't stop bleeding for a week (leeches release an anticoagulant) and it wrecked his expensive tshirt. Damn ...if I have to pry one off my darling daughter I'll go quietly hysterical.<br /><br />That being said (distraction needed)... I took Mia to the museum during the holidays and we happened upon the Borneo exhibition. Amelia was terrified .. ok the organgutans looked bigger than expected but I doubt we'll have an Asian elephant, rhino, male and female orang, 5 species of macaque, bearded pigs, wild boar, probiscus monkey and gibbons all together in 6 square metres! Plus they were up on a stand (she says trying to stay calm). Her sympathetic gf suggested she stay with them while we are away but nope ... all for one and one for all.<br /><br />On the upside I've found some great homestays and eco huts to stay in. So for all you doubting Thomases that think you know me well and are giggling and thinking I can't live without life's little luxuries .. you're in for a surprise. Coz unless I'm attacked by a man eating crocodile .... I'll never confess to having a crap time.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyGjFBJuLR_qRJ6WNY55rT890TVuiLTAGSlgPhQg8rtx2R_ylFbcfYuvPq2uoqTMb__dbC9e9w_IxKav9afrA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwaAVdF5sFDY8f1Fxu3BLaSakTna-yxMr-wq_HUHqE28ki3bcvFKiz7OG6RYaTQT9VshWFIKVBH5GcLyFwoxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-33959254659647996792010-01-30T06:05:00.000-08:002010-01-30T06:15:50.993-08:00LandscapingSome kind soul just told me that the rambling plant that Michael loves in the front yard is from South Africa so I have had a win and we will be pulling it out tomorrow. We're aiming for a Aussie native landscape so I'm on the hunt for some Banksia birthday candles or cherry candles to replace the sprawling Pigface.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">cherry candles</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL4R3AoBrRBnhVkqvyr4kv-Ij1tfLvgi0cwMPFH7UZ6_-sT8y41Ci5W2S6IgAGDoGxPU-Q3ly2riPIyC0fYdUi2-paK7aNmuV1AGfnWlLANPV74evGN4pv5TJQm2_vle78F0kGQEPzto/s1600-h/cherry_candles_2008_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL4R3AoBrRBnhVkqvyr4kv-Ij1tfLvgi0cwMPFH7UZ6_-sT8y41Ci5W2S6IgAGDoGxPU-Q3ly2riPIyC0fYdUi2-paK7aNmuV1AGfnWlLANPV74evGN4pv5TJQm2_vle78F0kGQEPzto/s320/cherry_candles_2008_6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432534214239828066" /></a><br /><br />I'll have to post some pics of the garden after we have finished landscaping. We've started to design the front and side yard around aussie natives and a modern paving design. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5xm7nyS2B8aa5_1YZ-YONVszGgojm6w3A_9DfNB7bdA4eJMTLwqJJMjFfrKiiXnQhg_jLOIui1dERTfm19OhVEdjvmu7_qwVb_mlfjtua7iXprDfVOHixDPPERxidJUvcMgr0ZUkJ14/s1600-h/outdoor_showroom_sep_seed_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5xm7nyS2B8aa5_1YZ-YONVszGgojm6w3A_9DfNB7bdA4eJMTLwqJJMjFfrKiiXnQhg_jLOIui1dERTfm19OhVEdjvmu7_qwVb_mlfjtua7iXprDfVOHixDPPERxidJUvcMgr0ZUkJ14/s320/outdoor_showroom_sep_seed_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432535095266454578" /></a><br /><br />I just love the simple lines of modern pavers, decorative pebbles and green foliage. Divine.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-2160244008537758282010-01-21T00:19:00.000-08:002010-01-21T00:39:17.325-08:00Planting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xVjfMVNtBIYxz_H8kcgE2Ki1LMhdtzWRR0ZFoZE0LnFQyq5hOzu8cjctVplHLvG3ptel7Ckf-3tXrpq_t0ZUPcg4B_Zv8evIFZF3acGd4kvePFQMF0URfopl7k3uvgd5BtBmqP6Xa1Y/s1600-h/P1010356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xVjfMVNtBIYxz_H8kcgE2Ki1LMhdtzWRR0ZFoZE0LnFQyq5hOzu8cjctVplHLvG3ptel7Ckf-3tXrpq_t0ZUPcg4B_Zv8evIFZF3acGd4kvePFQMF0URfopl7k3uvgd5BtBmqP6Xa1Y/s320/P1010356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429109474642435442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I_v8eivk0tMaCR6ItyIIvQfdC6oWgwmxU8Sv4cUIzGQkaFfGtdewB13bSlTjLNmhTwa3b9NohwivzsEu7Dgy6vKwzyq2GJ61kFU4e2ceCrMLtAnUruN76G23lSB98UB-ac6k03mXU0k/s1600-h/P1010361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I_v8eivk0tMaCR6ItyIIvQfdC6oWgwmxU8Sv4cUIzGQkaFfGtdewB13bSlTjLNmhTwa3b9NohwivzsEu7Dgy6vKwzyq2GJ61kFU4e2ceCrMLtAnUruN76G23lSB98UB-ac6k03mXU0k/s320/P1010361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429109435210619010" /></a><br /><br />After 12 months the front yard needs another couple of trailer loads of biomat. The soil does seem to be improving as the good stuff 'bleeds through' the heavy clay soil. The natives are doing well ... we lost a few in the heat wave but most have tolerated our ho hum gardening methods. The house next door is nearly complete so we can start thinking about boundary planting.<br /><br />We've decided on a row of Eucalyptus Caesia or Silver Princess, and will try and source Hakea Victoria for the other boundary. Beautiful plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk75nhD9WSjJC-rJwN5Dv0NMd1mBcyfOUHEnF9IWHa9oon0ZymYOEmpLYfFUTjVHkFEon4KF5SL80PvZydSUYccebGydZMnGnsl0QOHnOaM2-h-ZOpm_8rLC7ox2UKB-5oA6hZRkRl9E/s1600-h/euc+caesia1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk75nhD9WSjJC-rJwN5Dv0NMd1mBcyfOUHEnF9IWHa9oon0ZymYOEmpLYfFUTjVHkFEon4KF5SL80PvZydSUYccebGydZMnGnsl0QOHnOaM2-h-ZOpm_8rLC7ox2UKB-5oA6hZRkRl9E/s320/euc+caesia1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429105756211609058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplHLhGrwyRz7MmpHeWhHUqSKMwhsppCluHCjKeJURhgpPJ_SRpIW8jBPMyQGuCR9SV_uOof2y53od9pnE8Ey8c67RFMgQgnj65fs66GDbJ7BV2E8XUXtHzhy4c_YNscvinVBn83N7pG0/s1600-h/euc+caesia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplHLhGrwyRz7MmpHeWhHUqSKMwhsppCluHCjKeJURhgpPJ_SRpIW8jBPMyQGuCR9SV_uOof2y53od9pnE8Ey8c67RFMgQgnj65fs66GDbJ7BV2E8XUXtHzhy4c_YNscvinVBn83N7pG0/s320/euc+caesia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429105746418063602" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hakea Victoria</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgJGnJhm96-7nefuTpV2D_vGt4RZ4BNXOR2QY6kYMi3Y09sGL3CBWN93yA0LM1K_C5mt-CzpsdKn6LYc8ZQ5Ug5YAM4kIpP72QZnF4NhLjaSaOK3J696HXMruG-W-ySscyEZiPe910WY/s1600-h/hakea+victoria.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgJGnJhm96-7nefuTpV2D_vGt4RZ4BNXOR2QY6kYMi3Y09sGL3CBWN93yA0LM1K_C5mt-CzpsdKn6LYc8ZQ5Ug5YAM4kIpP72QZnF4NhLjaSaOK3J696HXMruG-W-ySscyEZiPe910WY/s320/hakea+victoria.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429107672443012498" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-20513835089015512472009-08-17T06:53:00.000-07:002009-08-17T07:26:48.250-07:00ArtistsSome gorgeous designs by <a href="http://www.cassiethring.com/page-3.php">Cassie Thring </a>who sculps with coils or rolled slabs of clay and decorates the pieces with paint, shells, broken china and mosaic tiles.<br /><br />Unique pieces of art that would be perfect in a niche.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhmxBNZZy9s0nLCr1Scm3gIBmzOw8yAe6q0k_C6lR-aypV4BfPJ08bzoVUi_wdHLgvKgXbSjgmwpwHJcVEVzIDUXeosQLnFbxJPhPZ3LcvE9ajDrQ-AQcvi0X01VuUnBH76DSRW0emdE/s1600-h/my+house+-+cassie+thring.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhmxBNZZy9s0nLCr1Scm3gIBmzOw8yAe6q0k_C6lR-aypV4BfPJ08bzoVUi_wdHLgvKgXbSjgmwpwHJcVEVzIDUXeosQLnFbxJPhPZ3LcvE9ajDrQ-AQcvi0X01VuUnBH76DSRW0emdE/s320/my+house+-+cassie+thring.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370931315674627122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EXVu0TtvBnfZX5UFXgz1tGxXKe-z_cgNyhk_f6iguGWZ3Yyn6WHlFeSByz8OUqo87Vc6fIq6FRFeGofIcFxgSgqPC-a_jJWSeP8XjDcHi_GOoc8LFkkk0HmTA3_yrKDMTE6SGSqnnv4/s1600-h/bird+woman.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EXVu0TtvBnfZX5UFXgz1tGxXKe-z_cgNyhk_f6iguGWZ3Yyn6WHlFeSByz8OUqo87Vc6fIq6FRFeGofIcFxgSgqPC-a_jJWSeP8XjDcHi_GOoc8LFkkk0HmTA3_yrKDMTE6SGSqnnv4/s320/bird+woman.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370931213711761186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjHqwfDW8Wp91r4tmiY0z3pdlPphDv_XsMhBVOM3o3F7mI-bwDb21JrMvTbyl7uehecXb6THz23P0Rh6pMqFs9JGv4LiXB8eKc1LnQ4H4rveKAHVJS5GzH7VMofNGT1FsAJNRmqwxaZY/s1600-h/loreto+mosaic+dress+raku+clay+broken+china+high+tea+dresses.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjHqwfDW8Wp91r4tmiY0z3pdlPphDv_XsMhBVOM3o3F7mI-bwDb21JrMvTbyl7uehecXb6THz23P0Rh6pMqFs9JGv4LiXB8eKc1LnQ4H4rveKAHVJS5GzH7VMofNGT1FsAJNRmqwxaZY/s320/loreto+mosaic+dress+raku+clay+broken+china+high+tea+dresses.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370931105923856146" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVpe6D06e-p1Ydj7vrKQGUfVb6Vr9UB-d9c3P0WeUPoy_2xmWVbQT0m986l1D2-qqBtQkpXopf68ZA6dEtUJkDhi00hMjUrp3cL78wVH70V4xQpzfH_haX80akdux1CM9g4W_n8dtpR0/s1600-h/rusted+dress+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVpe6D06e-p1Ydj7vrKQGUfVb6Vr9UB-d9c3P0WeUPoy_2xmWVbQT0m986l1D2-qqBtQkpXopf68ZA6dEtUJkDhi00hMjUrp3cL78wVH70V4xQpzfH_haX80akdux1CM9g4W_n8dtpR0/s320/rusted+dress+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370931596540284914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jamfactory.com.au/html/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=208">Porcelein</a> by Tamara Hahn, Susan Frost, and Bridgette Minuzzo <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKX5PoUnZeGkhyphenhyphenQPwAUCqNS2YRAe6yjpEO_AwgyEsi5mFTSk5CogcOdXbcFUaxDpQR4wmVBOzXfT7itZ9aW1et86vIcvVkdvbTEupG3ciIA35v8ssVi2ZlzyAP5SxJiAZoVXLkm6ozPQ/s1600-h/Tamara+Hahn+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKX5PoUnZeGkhyphenhyphenQPwAUCqNS2YRAe6yjpEO_AwgyEsi5mFTSk5CogcOdXbcFUaxDpQR4wmVBOzXfT7itZ9aW1et86vIcvVkdvbTEupG3ciIA35v8ssVi2ZlzyAP5SxJiAZoVXLkm6ozPQ/s320/Tamara+Hahn+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938687473349602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiHoD_Z_M12hzZl9ybFFXTCtEVgnLrmqUc426j2ucmdv1t4923pcxHGcPjDpMvRJ1ZxeGcM9dtkddUp2z1mVkowJm8E47uGVmNMOrzgBfIBqeQni9dAu3JJYCxPIioiQno2WqLWmKgno/s1600-h/Australian+Porcelain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiHoD_Z_M12hzZl9ybFFXTCtEVgnLrmqUc426j2ucmdv1t4923pcxHGcPjDpMvRJ1ZxeGcM9dtkddUp2z1mVkowJm8E47uGVmNMOrzgBfIBqeQni9dAu3JJYCxPIioiQno2WqLWmKgno/s320/Australian+Porcelain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938569507033842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HBSW3wxd-HdWr7pTlPdUMNDR7wVtWUarRXws2tjM_it8CO9uYkl8CX85fZv5WjY5DoEQNR4ZuSNtPpWiMfiwwf60rMgTRPEsm1RIXA0-aWCv66DMizlXHEhzJgvJy5FhTnGzB8hZc-E/s1600-h/Aust+Porc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HBSW3wxd-HdWr7pTlPdUMNDR7wVtWUarRXws2tjM_it8CO9uYkl8CX85fZv5WjY5DoEQNR4ZuSNtPpWiMfiwwf60rMgTRPEsm1RIXA0-aWCv66DMizlXHEhzJgvJy5FhTnGzB8hZc-E/s320/Aust+Porc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938485719746354" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-84340057249177830502009-08-07T08:24:00.001-07:002009-08-07T08:37:21.341-07:00winter warm soupOne of my most successful potato and leek soup recipes which is beeewtiful.<br /><br />35 g butter<br />3 thickly sliced pieces bacon<br />paremesan cheese<br />2 leeks sliced (white parts only or it will turn green and not taste as good)<br />1 medium brown onion, chopped<br />2 cloves garlic crushed<br />600 g potatoes peeled and chopped<br />3 cups chicken stock or veg stock (I did half and half)<br />1 x 375 ml tin evaporated milk (alternative is cream or milk)<br />salt and black pepper to taste<br />pinch nutmeg<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">method:</span><br />melt butter and gently saute onion & garlic & leeks for 3-4 minutes. Add roughly chopped bacon and cook for extra 5 minutes. Don't let the saucepan get brown. Add potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Add stock and simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender. Don't overcook the potatoes. Puree mixture (you can use a potato masher, bamix or blender). Return to heat and add evap. milk or cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to boil and serve with grated Parmesan, garlic bread or brown bread. <br /><br />Another version is to cook the bacon first until crispy and take it out of the pan. Then put it back into the soup at the end for some yummy crunchy pieces.<br /><br />Gorgeous soup... even Miss Fussy loved it.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-60461061483995205442009-08-01T06:07:00.001-07:002009-08-01T06:27:11.203-07:00kids pressies take 2Found these ruffled pettiskirts from <a href="http://www.princessratbag.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Pettiskirts">Princess Ratbag </a>.. strictly for the girly girl who loves to twirl. These gorgeous floaty pettiskirts are made from 7 metres of chiffon with an elastic waistband and draw string waist. Mia just loved them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxRwY6QZ916PsZuKctvA7uO98gr4vWbS59aGpolN3toDQgbS-UYt9ut7xz9VTOE6Fl_3RhGW3nm9toHysw9UDz3-OuoCoiX77-4dCPFoYvOR-5OPatBbNh0nOKbWCSf5dJhWKTV98kpU/s1600-h/mini-SK1203.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxRwY6QZ916PsZuKctvA7uO98gr4vWbS59aGpolN3toDQgbS-UYt9ut7xz9VTOE6Fl_3RhGW3nm9toHysw9UDz3-OuoCoiX77-4dCPFoYvOR-5OPatBbNh0nOKbWCSf5dJhWKTV98kpU/s320/mini-SK1203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364984799041069538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_N4JTwwy4rsklXpA3mCXozZ-5XQy4gcPOH3fT9gCPWRiFFWqeJpTjmxiFZ0kEeBkqKXiCzXe5W9N71lI92rr0MdvJ6O5VZlZBwcw_wP1NP1EheLzsZblabQu7APjs8Eme-KFVPFsBsY/s1600-h/mini-Pettiskirt+Pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_N4JTwwy4rsklXpA3mCXozZ-5XQy4gcPOH3fT9gCPWRiFFWqeJpTjmxiFZ0kEeBkqKXiCzXe5W9N71lI92rr0MdvJ6O5VZlZBwcw_wP1NP1EheLzsZblabQu7APjs8Eme-KFVPFsBsY/s320/mini-Pettiskirt+Pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364984141928238418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ2SVk0MfVx9mVFzfsjxdfxVA8-UmSz11srGQxvZjmulOrfrrs3pxJv6A8snTq0mGvKI4h6G9Lc53yqTNVLJ4seLJp85X497WTFM-ZyfKl6jjGu5xnB-j5H5K5fa4mOdpIrGmc0WRk6g/s1600-h/blog41.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ2SVk0MfVx9mVFzfsjxdfxVA8-UmSz11srGQxvZjmulOrfrrs3pxJv6A8snTq0mGvKI4h6G9Lc53yqTNVLJ4seLJp85X497WTFM-ZyfKl6jjGu5xnB-j5H5K5fa4mOdpIrGmc0WRk6g/s320/blog41.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364983934568185250" /></a><br /><br />The printed tights and light weight stockings are pretty cute as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdORq_M8b0na93RvEXWUqHqJg6KMrbZcQFyV6QVh34lng79SJe1cTVREptDLRs0hyvPQToJQBx69hnJ-Sy3gNSiCPbe3zAvFl2CZyzAItnybrKWKZlZmxCSuRmm8w8KrA0KA8xkjQfSco/s1600-h/07ca4c711d3acbfc91a59620f3de0150_image_300x377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdORq_M8b0na93RvEXWUqHqJg6KMrbZcQFyV6QVh34lng79SJe1cTVREptDLRs0hyvPQToJQBx69hnJ-Sy3gNSiCPbe3zAvFl2CZyzAItnybrKWKZlZmxCSuRmm8w8KrA0KA8xkjQfSco/s320/07ca4c711d3acbfc91a59620f3de0150_image_300x377.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364984877369709122" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-72269538050685531612009-07-25T23:14:00.000-07:002009-07-25T23:29:09.950-07:00Kids presents take 1I've been looking around for presents for our daughter's upcoming birthday and came across these laser cut acrylic necklaces. The animals have zwarovski crystal eyes, and are finished off with a cute heart logo charm and box for safe keeping. I'm sure she'll love them.<br /><br />Measurements <br />Charm is about 1 1/2 inches tall <br />Chain length adjustable from 16 to 18 inche<br /><br />You can get them in Australia from <a href="http://www.monkeytailandwellington.com.au/">Monkey and Wellington </a>or from the US <a href="http://destroyedbydesign.bigcartel.com/">(Destroyed by Design).</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWCptlWJHlsbrTgIWmHA6IMxSIifu61u2HOILzqwBcXRp0PdPOdr6BpdUCcaIsAP24TdyVZrTonDfz8U7HGU_2cuIKfUqwauRK8Q2Wx-dOguasSErQ5968vEf6cZdY8DRGGh0zeAzbUo/s1600-h/DSCF4212.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWCptlWJHlsbrTgIWmHA6IMxSIifu61u2HOILzqwBcXRp0PdPOdr6BpdUCcaIsAP24TdyVZrTonDfz8U7HGU_2cuIKfUqwauRK8Q2Wx-dOguasSErQ5968vEf6cZdY8DRGGh0zeAzbUo/s320/DSCF4212.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362648885603256770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wod1bh5hwYjZi-ZSHSPVzOakcBpEFuTd1Kyoj9dlSOJ7Nz8gIziMznjUbwEqyzxQVBfIDfudxHCzQdJbiRGIC26p8aQXqo55f_2g2PUcUGL6NNsccOUgvPizEcQuVMuOtYmhSPsaEDA/s1600-h/DSCF4071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wod1bh5hwYjZi-ZSHSPVzOakcBpEFuTd1Kyoj9dlSOJ7Nz8gIziMznjUbwEqyzxQVBfIDfudxHCzQdJbiRGIC26p8aQXqo55f_2g2PUcUGL6NNsccOUgvPizEcQuVMuOtYmhSPsaEDA/s320/DSCF4071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362648768555672514" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=42393">etsy - destroyed by design</a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-87419125107081555392009-07-17T21:06:00.000-07:002009-07-17T21:48:14.330-07:00Mix and matchThis week I've been on the lookout for a side table for the family room and coffee cups. This Zaishu stool from <a href="http://www.nicolacerini.com/item.php?id=Zai-338">Nicola Cerini</a> caught my eye as did the coffee cups<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh_BY6CxKF7K1Lh4-3o8u3r_XFEuYJWxEJawb4JYTADc_wbusVR0Hdd4OB6rMvMvEG82j4IDlLW_ZNnndbaFZ-ndqdyDlCRG3KQG0ts4eDdvyID2CMJUIEtBF_5IYJVEL1WtFuTwLXZk/s1600-h/nicola+cerini+zaishu+stool.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh_BY6CxKF7K1Lh4-3o8u3r_XFEuYJWxEJawb4JYTADc_wbusVR0Hdd4OB6rMvMvEG82j4IDlLW_ZNnndbaFZ-ndqdyDlCRG3KQG0ts4eDdvyID2CMJUIEtBF_5IYJVEL1WtFuTwLXZk/s320/nicola+cerini+zaishu+stool.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359657085211694178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48RpNa7S7qrJNRM_Y4Jp9wtDuv6BJcBhUFHw5zOvEjpRyfr2Jn8gKsrjcMsNTH6L1bdc5ud7Bo8kch9jCaHnok8_vj1-kp04L7HfsignuP0khWKeuIyimPlC17iKv4r0FFWz9D1KXPpA/s1600-h/nicola+cerini+garden+cup.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48RpNa7S7qrJNRM_Y4Jp9wtDuv6BJcBhUFHw5zOvEjpRyfr2Jn8gKsrjcMsNTH6L1bdc5ud7Bo8kch9jCaHnok8_vj1-kp04L7HfsignuP0khWKeuIyimPlC17iKv4r0FFWz9D1KXPpA/s320/nicola+cerini+garden+cup.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359647659598709282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XnqT4FppR8gdHnILT1sKRct3DaoLGW6YAlJccWxgarrXbZ93QobsCIqvCXoZj8CV92NUQ05UU35e4l8QKu2u3ozEu2WW41GEMq_Bw8Ik_otbP8X0mO2RVKzq0PHecoj2yYP4iPWXBc/s1600-h/MUG-332.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XnqT4FppR8gdHnILT1sKRct3DaoLGW6YAlJccWxgarrXbZ93QobsCIqvCXoZj8CV92NUQ05UU35e4l8QKu2u3ozEu2WW41GEMq_Bw8Ik_otbP8X0mO2RVKzq0PHecoj2yYP4iPWXBc/s320/MUG-332.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359647795370392898" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-15922974583607557322009-07-14T18:19:00.000-07:002009-07-14T18:31:55.181-07:00Changing fabricThis is the fabric I am thinking of purchasing to recover my antique chair <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C92kCZRR3DWqfjMX5ozocyAEDCOpR6javVc1DbM4cJPccM5q506SXmjlAY1OOs6A5zAgZJ-BvmrBScpqrwXxifUphyJgGxTYi_jg_7zucCXviooXI2K5uhE-ebpf2VvzO32YqSNQoUg/s1600-h/kanga_surf1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C92kCZRR3DWqfjMX5ozocyAEDCOpR6javVc1DbM4cJPccM5q506SXmjlAY1OOs6A5zAgZJ-BvmrBScpqrwXxifUphyJgGxTYi_jg_7zucCXviooXI2K5uhE-ebpf2VvzO32YqSNQoUg/s320/kanga_surf1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358490992852325010" /></a><br /><br />the cushion that I just purchased - Cloth Fabric<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6x_AY5wocpguTxyJDTdSbFJX-C0UtJtwR1gRbuXJAX09jtHNZfydW7QJDW1UwHaqcCLO321VNkTcYpAjhOJ3DCrMSmpRdPxmIhRot4FG3n2of_DPk8zBax27nyywOa8aa5xw5gr1xXA/s1600-h/P1010306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6x_AY5wocpguTxyJDTdSbFJX-C0UtJtwR1gRbuXJAX09jtHNZfydW7QJDW1UwHaqcCLO321VNkTcYpAjhOJ3DCrMSmpRdPxmIhRot4FG3n2of_DPk8zBax27nyywOa8aa5xw5gr1xXA/s320/P1010306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358491624402923458" /></a><br /><br />I'll update with pics of the room/chair soon, so Kate can help select the right fabric.Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-48452974759597991982009-07-12T03:35:00.000-07:002009-07-12T06:02:56.547-07:00Supporting a creative mindWhile hunting for something special that was reasonably educational for Miss 6, I came across Lyra pencils from Waldorf and Stockmar crayons. She loved them so I purchased a few metallics and a pencil roll from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://shop.dragonflytoys.com.au/cat/33538.html">Dragonfly</a>. They are long lasting, soft and highly pigmented pencils that have a triangular grip for little hands. Fantastic for school projects and artistic flights of fancy. Best of all ... she takes care of them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihhDvmx0qTKkv6xIK9zjYh9xp39a7vK7C0ckds3licBzfCtFgc2N5yYsykTvIqMBJtJqKiIZ3KYZCQLnKbfRn95pTP9s93is5LW_DndmxFTNjEUlzMiZ_9uL2DLVN5sJIwbgnDSxLGwY/s1600-h/pencil+case.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihhDvmx0qTKkv6xIK9zjYh9xp39a7vK7C0ckds3licBzfCtFgc2N5yYsykTvIqMBJtJqKiIZ3KYZCQLnKbfRn95pTP9s93is5LW_DndmxFTNjEUlzMiZ_9uL2DLVN5sJIwbgnDSxLGwY/s320/pencil+case.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357523687708884034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-D5Mgftj_ab3Ft6uvlTmQXJv4OYL6XW_kdSawLPuS7y6ijFsSRczjRH09cHznw66lXwT6L4L86M35iucfUI8o0Audub0lK_21kH_F2N2GVUAK5tsf2-Uh1gFJp2qrGBldFQ78I6YLQ/s1600-h/20540919.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-D5Mgftj_ab3Ft6uvlTmQXJv4OYL6XW_kdSawLPuS7y6ijFsSRczjRH09cHznw66lXwT6L4L86M35iucfUI8o0Audub0lK_21kH_F2N2GVUAK5tsf2-Uh1gFJp2qrGBldFQ78I6YLQ/s320/20540919.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357523453527036482" border="0" /></a><br />Another favourite has been the Djeco range from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thatsmytoy.com.au/Djeco/Djeco.html">Thats My Toy </a>that are designed for preschool and primary school children. She has enjoyed the felt tip brushes, coloured sand kits and beautiful collages.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg15gY1lx7AuoTHlm-YbXhJbPGc4LZVpSdoSxlx9Uktk_OIJoA7z_2-ZsZLjG5sXYKyliIlZb_6TeAGWArK5j3gzDNkx5FgC7mW7EuJOB2KsCcfQVdoV6HyLEj9bfCA9GxNuOr75t1Tc/s1600-h/javascript-void(0)_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg15gY1lx7AuoTHlm-YbXhJbPGc4LZVpSdoSxlx9Uktk_OIJoA7z_2-ZsZLjG5sXYKyliIlZb_6TeAGWArK5j3gzDNkx5FgC7mW7EuJOB2KsCcfQVdoV6HyLEj9bfCA9GxNuOr75t1Tc/s320/javascript-void(0)_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357530160361726338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLskils7uH87hhCdGNhdl2i0E-K66ty8rylohK0yA12SNzfywMB2ZcVzdNzDNlh7ZLFApqRXbTlQxOrVFb1tsQ8KPRj5YC2wNBLpBF12aVZlZd3tVHwJA69oX3y0tA6mrY36fwAtHrOHw/s1600-h/felt+tip+brushes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLskils7uH87hhCdGNhdl2i0E-K66ty8rylohK0yA12SNzfywMB2ZcVzdNzDNlh7ZLFApqRXbTlQxOrVFb1tsQ8KPRj5YC2wNBLpBF12aVZlZd3tVHwJA69oX3y0tA6mrY36fwAtHrOHw/s320/felt+tip+brushes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357529088486745570" border="0" /></a>Next stop for her birthday is a few natural beauty and craft kits that will help her create her own recipes, inventions and concoctions ..... from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.seedling.co.nz/">Seedling.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnaJVCjeztS1gHeQrjcPeHh_rhEkEfAij4yYAccYPigMPFG15TXWA3BVRIiBtaF3vwn_7HppunbKY3VwHVbpU2fxrMZjbBtfeRyABLvPvPoFN_T85_0IyXwc5Tt3UsMMm8_OuOoeLC8g/s1600-h/Thumbnail.aspx1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnaJVCjeztS1gHeQrjcPeHh_rhEkEfAij4yYAccYPigMPFG15TXWA3BVRIiBtaF3vwn_7HppunbKY3VwHVbpU2fxrMZjbBtfeRyABLvPvPoFN_T85_0IyXwc5Tt3UsMMm8_OuOoeLC8g/s320/Thumbnail.aspx1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357547287894917202" border="0" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-39022560193700881462009-07-10T23:42:00.000-07:002009-07-11T19:16:56.786-07:00Natural TextilesI adore these screen printed textiles from <a href="http://www.clothfabric.com/index.html"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><strong>Cloth Fabric</strong></span></a>. Julie Paterson creates the designs on natural fabric in Sydney using the beach and local landscape as her inspiration. The small batch production ensures that each piece is unique. I fell in love with several of her designs and purchased a stunning patched cushion from <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><strong>Little Bird</strong></span> in Port Elliott. Kate, the owner personally picked the fabric remnants for the emerald/grey cushion. I think I've found the perfect colour story for my family room and the old chair that is desperate for an update. Here are a few products and fabrics that caught my eye but there are many more to choose from:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">fabric</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4MuImH0zGw1oVHrsNOrGduSaksZmAivkX-chFV3VTRYTImXgV3d1JwJnTcYOlEdULj9aJpGmo3D-qpdE6gtD3j1UeoknyqnfNRp4TPeX5yAE5_GzYCPDDDmsqVh8fdSg9C3EQhH3cTU/s1600-h/kangaindigo_drop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 262px; display: block; height: 302px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092014942727122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4MuImH0zGw1oVHrsNOrGduSaksZmAivkX-chFV3VTRYTImXgV3d1JwJnTcYOlEdULj9aJpGmo3D-qpdE6gtD3j1UeoknyqnfNRp4TPeX5yAE5_GzYCPDDDmsqVh8fdSg9C3EQhH3cTU/s320/kangaindigo_drop.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV41V_x19txnXQZCTf0xffPk4T8exLoRpQ6MRNSOL_JIJxNGoqdqEEwWE2phnKUL3v4yofh7N47g4YRF4GjUMdIlRrwVm4VX-07x9W7Qdk8w-t4NE82L9xYpE0cwbr7pX5coo2YUGYdOY/s1600-h/gallery5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 195px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092209493699810" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV41V_x19txnXQZCTf0xffPk4T8exLoRpQ6MRNSOL_JIJxNGoqdqEEwWE2phnKUL3v4yofh7N47g4YRF4GjUMdIlRrwVm4VX-07x9W7Qdk8w-t4NE82L9xYpE0cwbr7pX5coo2YUGYdOY/s320/gallery5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YYmsvtDG0l_S9dLuFb3GR60MYbdlzhzaJ1TYGCLICgxKbnqhzuEKVj_n252LroIlEqF-hcSC1_6CNHVo9VbD2oyNSKTW_WObLw-rHzsDB6OsWleDVtG4bfPuOosUelQuqMOmWxlNtg4/s1600-h/curraindigo_drop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092129937209314" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YYmsvtDG0l_S9dLuFb3GR60MYbdlzhzaJ1TYGCLICgxKbnqhzuEKVj_n252LroIlEqF-hcSC1_6CNHVo9VbD2oyNSKTW_WObLw-rHzsDB6OsWleDVtG4bfPuOosUelQuqMOmWxlNtg4/s320/curraindigo_drop.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXhtmT1RRScSuo0Y8ifLC8ySYZv1qp5agfUFelDP3rxamFGP80aS0FYJamh_aolhMeLTDICL7isr4kCp4ZF6lo4_tmjRkRMaan4-P5m1HNyDRkrI1YYx4KI-N9lTdTsRmuEHYdHh_qU8/s1600-h/Banksiabeige_drop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092742763400466" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXhtmT1RRScSuo0Y8ifLC8ySYZv1qp5agfUFelDP3rxamFGP80aS0FYJamh_aolhMeLTDICL7isr4kCp4ZF6lo4_tmjRkRMaan4-P5m1HNyDRkrI1YYx4KI-N9lTdTsRmuEHYdHh_qU8/s320/Banksiabeige_drop.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">rugs</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTqeTKH4TFIrkKXRKialpr4nvR1W1qJ93iBMLS7s2FBZxEdfQjjinE9jFmO-yzfgrsYg2-MieQE39pPZyGu7vwbXynk2u1eHPITLa9sNUoz8M_WQnn8BJJtzgde50LVz8R-NRU8S9O-Q/s1600-h/rugs2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 223px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092588251362882" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTqeTKH4TFIrkKXRKialpr4nvR1W1qJ93iBMLS7s2FBZxEdfQjjinE9jFmO-yzfgrsYg2-MieQE39pPZyGu7vwbXynk2u1eHPITLa9sNUoz8M_WQnn8BJJtzgde50LVz8R-NRU8S9O-Q/s320/rugs2007.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">cushions</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36EmdBpnLRk1wLDcW5OYOfCbajKLbYuvmQ33-ufjX7sYDZuLxkB8dVGCn7W1NA0d1GTr8n9a_k3EweayC3PE4wkhotsgcmplbLfvUxYiLQEa73omaUDA5p8jakhlppx-Vw1L7OuKr01I/s1600-h/pieces.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 293px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357092348463060722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36EmdBpnLRk1wLDcW5OYOfCbajKLbYuvmQ33-ufjX7sYDZuLxkB8dVGCn7W1NA0d1GTr8n9a_k3EweayC3PE4wkhotsgcmplbLfvUxYiLQEa73omaUDA5p8jakhlppx-Vw1L7OuKr01I/s320/pieces.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-44472209616810424952009-07-03T08:06:00.000-07:002009-07-03T11:02:09.484-07:00Industrial designA few unique creations by <a href="http://www.marcpascal.com/entry.html"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Marc Pascal</span></a> who creates unusual stoneware ceramics and modern accent lighting. He works with a small team in his Melbourne studio.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Lamp</em></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHr-Xo3843Es0TZ9hguhiuYZFqtrsX1wW-GSc0jaDuar0TOqWVKK_62bF3uvARZL1fb34-jh71rjAkLjC1VpEtWe99DuvgnRbqLxv-WoSyfspVhlFEDu9siGuDSEC6UTiGsNtSoVQYZg/s1600-h/Marc+Pascal,+worvo+table_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354254372548276290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHr-Xo3843Es0TZ9hguhiuYZFqtrsX1wW-GSc0jaDuar0TOqWVKK_62bF3uvARZL1fb34-jh71rjAkLjC1VpEtWe99DuvgnRbqLxv-WoSyfspVhlFEDu9siGuDSEC6UTiGsNtSoVQYZg/s320/Marc+Pascal,+worvo+table_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>Mimi chair</em></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX_730ChMAetDQ4BDO5x5M0TbKdKqs4g0O6xEs6Vk39gD7cT_Gzcy4zcbiPu4dQX5AaTfatCDtexay4C6A6QMECtFBS3SPlvMEba3clS3UTV3pf2ZLiO2VZzepLXKh3uCujSKvwy9ppY/s1600-h/marc+pascal,+mimi+chair.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354252218342017986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX_730ChMAetDQ4BDO5x5M0TbKdKqs4g0O6xEs6Vk39gD7cT_Gzcy4zcbiPu4dQX5AaTfatCDtexay4C6A6QMECtFBS3SPlvMEba3clS3UTV3pf2ZLiO2VZzepLXKh3uCujSKvwy9ppY/s320/marc+pascal,+mimi+chair.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Eyoi Yoi Table lamp<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJB9v0g0JoX0NOa9q3hthUJHBkUeKU1HPXoPS8vDlLGsgiTKjpNtL3wrRPWfFGba6UsYFS4l2QVf20xhTdyXil3ar1UUvzP9RWHlFrYqX9611_jG70TW6vkFSnkd1i7ReyvUuoUjYt80/s1600-h/http___www.australian-icons.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354251542877912642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJB9v0g0JoX0NOa9q3hthUJHBkUeKU1HPXoPS8vDlLGsgiTKjpNtL3wrRPWfFGba6UsYFS4l2QVf20xhTdyXil3ar1UUvzP9RWHlFrYqX9611_jG70TW6vkFSnkd1i7ReyvUuoUjYt80/s320/http___www.australian-icons.bmp" /></a><br /></div>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-8729534826912571622009-07-02T22:31:00.000-07:002009-07-03T10:48:15.918-07:00Wish listA couple of my current drool items - I think I need to start a wish list for Christmas.<br /><br /><a href="http://merchant4.com/shop/?&category=17"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Emogayu</span></strong></a> hancrafted bowls and vases replicate nature and lava. The series is called 'Volcanoes'. The artist is originally from Japan but nows lives in the US.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX75UpvtJQoeVQEUalqdOoa3Zzw0ubvP182yYwupa7FOHORjIDptBEMmt9dFE_t6rgIVFOU8y-p-BygRaOTcMzcX6jA2jW6CdleSZWNZ0TUBiFErcNaaS8pWfCXK__lE9yDx0a2IFXEw/s1600-h/volcano40_detail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354286478928530914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX75UpvtJQoeVQEUalqdOoa3Zzw0ubvP182yYwupa7FOHORjIDptBEMmt9dFE_t6rgIVFOU8y-p-BygRaOTcMzcX6jA2jW6CdleSZWNZ0TUBiFErcNaaS8pWfCXK__lE9yDx0a2IFXEw/s320/volcano40_detail.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnqJ9I7DpjpZLnlnGAEaG7tseoA6ZJY3C9yE-mcgVvlhowzYIqScaynvdpLzpssZYkKkqhmqs_YKEefCi7BoRl5y428l50L9Hblw0eX0jbBDIjInv-LTCKp64CoBl8PKLWwVRWtoTbM/s1600-h/volcano34_detail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354286372876610834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnqJ9I7DpjpZLnlnGAEaG7tseoA6ZJY3C9yE-mcgVvlhowzYIqScaynvdpLzpssZYkKkqhmqs_YKEefCi7BoRl5y428l50L9Hblw0eX0jbBDIjInv-LTCKp64CoBl8PKLWwVRWtoTbM/s320/volcano34_detail.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYhYb3d-zyEXEsVX4JWz-VWcD7XiRk23DD1YFFECgHgeWOo5r5jPDLJ3atpO4WG1Wgy4UwtJP7K1rD7icdnkXzKAM-vL-0fyrZ8xk0jYPJWAonw7XQGh6nyYvgQwB3TFRci1ABu0VNYg/s1600-h/volcano40.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354286278639487522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYhYb3d-zyEXEsVX4JWz-VWcD7XiRk23DD1YFFECgHgeWOo5r5jPDLJ3atpO4WG1Wgy4UwtJP7K1rD7icdnkXzKAM-vL-0fyrZ8xk0jYPJWAonw7XQGh6nyYvgQwB3TFRci1ABu0VNYg/s320/volcano40.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Stainless steel and ebony inlaid jewellery from Tivi at <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.polli.com.au/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Polli</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzabhvjMv8xKeelhwcylqO93Nn5f7IHD7RQlVcYY79MzCiu8A2a7OdREzrxZaGDSJzjL8wztTB0ihFnyE60iohQfkAFfA47_9kLmYeYQ0asRa0HYgd6lQsIwJCJPQxDTBqENRZGlHSnc/s1600-h/T-CFTS1EB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354107204509686162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzabhvjMv8xKeelhwcylqO93Nn5f7IHD7RQlVcYY79MzCiu8A2a7OdREzrxZaGDSJzjL8wztTB0ihFnyE60iohQfkAFfA47_9kLmYeYQ0asRa0HYgd6lQsIwJCJPQxDTBqENRZGlHSnc/s320/T-CFTS1EB.jpg" /></a>Greeting cards that turn into lovely hanging decorations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vOsOmgNpsTAMGCSY3ZFqmZybGq-CACWYhWyoiCtGaEbNA70kpalvnqw10dKtEyJi4xZj_BraI0VeaBPnwfNHw6kvgvnVZjJ35s41rQ3loyx66EupW2CeGy5HJHX6NJMWCBCgXQm4myc/s1600-h/Pairlovedove.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354109258738847602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vOsOmgNpsTAMGCSY3ZFqmZybGq-CACWYhWyoiCtGaEbNA70kpalvnqw10dKtEyJi4xZj_BraI0VeaBPnwfNHw6kvgvnVZjJ35s41rQ3loyx66EupW2CeGy5HJHX6NJMWCBCgXQm4myc/s320/Pairlovedove.jpg" /></a><br />A gorgeous <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.slingfings.com.au/shopping.php/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bird</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><strong><a href="http://zaishu.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#990000;">Zaishu</span><span style="color:#006600;"> </a></strong></span>stool that would work well in our bedroom as a side table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8gtpMiJmr1yGdKuRgSjvC8q_6xddzTHkH0O0PIrRrQ15x3V66G3GcpCBEiorIG8Y13OFu_3TTKebCApVlGoA68XfVOWXBiKer5r8ZjEKxIttkrTrelu6Cx0kOjMNTgwduIQwj624XAs/s1600-h/big_22102008103047.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354123351783246258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8gtpMiJmr1yGdKuRgSjvC8q_6xddzTHkH0O0PIrRrQ15x3V66G3GcpCBEiorIG8Y13OFu_3TTKebCApVlGoA68XfVOWXBiKer5r8ZjEKxIttkrTrelu6Cx0kOjMNTgwduIQwj624XAs/s320/big_22102008103047.jpg" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4040122580015916427.post-86460239368091211652009-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:002009-07-02T21:57:42.392-07:00Family OrganiserI'm always looking for ways to organise and coordinate our individual schedules and get us to school and work on time. Only yesterday I was thinking that we should ditch the electronic gizmos and go back to the old fashioned diary system. Our phone batteries are often flat, the computer takes a while to fire up, and we can't find phone numbers when we need them. It would be nice to surprise the rellies by turning up on time for family events and dinners. <br /><br />Here is a neat family organiser from Milestone Press that lets you see a week at a time with areas for birthdays, dinner and space for individual activities. It also comes with a separate address book with a planner that you can transfer to the next year. <br /><br />The new diary starts October 2009 and finishes January 2011. They are sending them out in August. Click on the post title for a link to their website.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiauZX2uVggbqFku9vixeInK28juRS1jIAD8nKT_04pvlEbNLa1WeqxwfiXP1-0Bj0wChf3HqWUztY1joa-vg87ezAmbXAQZCZN3s7OZBnF2mjPEv3rUu6_HvvdmqxDUilt0AZ_2nPgpc/s1600-h/ShowImage2.aspx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiauZX2uVggbqFku9vixeInK28juRS1jIAD8nKT_04pvlEbNLa1WeqxwfiXP1-0Bj0wChf3HqWUztY1joa-vg87ezAmbXAQZCZN3s7OZBnF2mjPEv3rUu6_HvvdmqxDUilt0AZ_2nPgpc/s400/ShowImage2.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354064802625749202" /></a>Dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030124276430016091noreply@blogger.com0