Awards

I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas & is enjoying the post christmas relief that I'm feeling right now.

My family where all very happy with their gifts, so I did well this year...YAY!!

We also had a fantastic christmas day with  family & friends, we ate great food, played crazy games & just had an all round relaxed day, with lots of laughs to go with it!!

How was your chrissy this year?

Now I have also been rather privileged of late & proudly accepted a couple of blog awards from two of my favourite bloggers.

The first is The versatile bloggers award & it requires me to share 7 things about Christmas with you!!

I know, I know, I am a little late...

  The very talented cake decorating Katena from
Taylor Made Baking

has honoured me with this award so pop by & say Hi to her if you haven't already. Be prepared to drool on your keyboard when you see some of her home baked goodies.

 I thought I would share a few of my crazy Christmas secrets

1. I am obsessed with how my Christmas tree looks, it MUST be colour co ordinated with my gift wrapping. I let the kids help decorate & then once they are over it, I move everything until I feel like its perfect..... he he he!!

Everyone thought the tree in the last post was mine, but alas here is the real dream house tree, LOL!!

2. My son asked why I always get to choose the colour scheme for the tree & expressed his desire to take on this role next year. I happily agreed to this & silently prayed that I could have 2 tree's next year...his tree & MY tree. Obsessed....never!!!

3. I get so excited by the thought of my kids opening their presents on Christmas morning that I can't sleep. I am usually so tired on Chrissy day that I feel sick & never enjoy the food!!!

This year was a little different though as my kids slept in until 8:30am, are we the luckiest parents on the planet or what!

4.My husband & I rarely exchange gifts, we leave it all for the kids.

5. This year I almost managed  to resist the temptation to go back to the shops & add little extras to my gifts.I was so proud of myself until we discovered on christmas eve that Harvey Norman where offering a huge discount on the Xbox 360 game consoles, we have one that no longer works  so we decided to replace it & use it as an extra christmas gift. Needless to say we have the happiest son on the planet, but I did feel we went a little overboard.

  

6.I love that we get to enjoy the company of our family & friends, I can't imagine how lonely it would feel to not be lucky enough to enjoy this privilege.

7. I love boxing day, I get to sleep in, eat leftovers & the kids never complain of boredom, definately a relaxing day!!!

The next part of the award is for me to pass it on to four more bloggers!

I have left it a little late to pass this one on, so I hope you all had a merry Christmas.

   I think everyone should take this award!!!

xxx

I hope you have enjoyed my pics of my chrissy decos! 

Now I have been a little slow off the mark to post about this award & I didn't realize that my followers have snuck over the 200 mark. I was so proud to see I have over 200 friends YAY!!!!



The beautiful Mimi from

At home with Sam & I

 has passed this along to me & here is what she had to say about the Liebster award.

Liebster is a German word meaning "dearest" and the award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.  The award has a few stipulations:

1.  Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it you.
2.  Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.  Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4.  Hope that people you have sent the award to forward it on to their favourite bloggers.

So first & foremost a huge thank you to the beautiful Mimi for honoring me with this lovely award

xxx
Now to pass it on to just 5 bloggers is proving to be very difficult as I love literally hundreds, in fact I dont post as often as I should because I am to busy blog stalking to take the time out to write, he he he!!!!

Any way the award must go on so here are five lovely blogs that I think everyone should stalk...
Style at Home

B is building a house

Melli's Designs

Two beaches and a lake

Ledamae Design

Be sure to pop on by & say Hi to these lovely bloggers if you haven't already.

CHEERS
Trish xxx

A problem solved

For months now I have had trouble leaving comments on some blogs.

Unless your blog was set up so that your comments where in a pop up window I could not comment.

I would just end up on a never ending loop of signing into google.

I have fixed the problem!!!!!

source The graphics Fairy

When you are sent to the sign in page you will see that you have ticked the box to keep you signed in

WELL

un check that box & problem solved!!!

source Emily A Clarke

Trust me, I AM the most useless girl on the planet when it comes to technology, so this brings me sooooo much relief.

I hope this is of some help to anyone else having troubles...Mmmmmm, perhaps its just me, LOL!!!

source unknown

Anyway, I have some lovely old bloggy friends I need to catch up with & let them know....

I didn't forget you......

&

I still love you!!!

MWA!!

CHEERS

Trish xxx

Bloggy manners

You know even though I am a crazy obsessed blogger, I really don't have very good computer skills.

I love when I receive an email after leaving a comment on someones latest post, I don't know about you, but, this really does make me feel wanted & that my time & interest have been appreciated.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Now I didn't know how to do this without making it a labor intensive task & lets face it, I want to read everyone's posts, not spend forever tracking down email addresses, then ....

along comes the very clever Jane over at

Life on Planet Baby

Mind you, Jane posted this fabulous tutorial back in February & I have only just gotten around to implementing it.

SO from here on in I  can have lovely bloggy manners & shoot you back a little email, answering any questions you may have & returning the luuuurrrrrve!!!!!

Image via Mark Burstyn Photography



Thank you Thank you Thank you Jane, these flowers are for you because I know life at Planet baby is preeeeetttttty hectic right now!!!

Jane has a fabulous blog telling of her adventures with her 3 beautiful pixies in Tasmania Australia, she inspires, educates & brings us readers lots of smiles with her wonderfully honest & witty posts,if your not already a planetarium you will be after your first visit.

I cant remember where I got this image from but I thought a giant clock was a great representation of how I take my sweet time getting around to things, LOL!!!



So are you using follow up emails for the lovely readers that leave comments?

Do you think its good bloggy manners or it doesn't bother you either way?

I'd love to hear what you think!

CHEERS

Trish xxx

I won!!!

In celebration of her shops  1st birthday  Letitia over at The White Shed hosted a very beautiful & generous give away & guess what

I WON!!!!!!

You need to go & check out the online side of Letitia's gorgeous

store

if you haven't already.

I have a huge wish list, these are my current favourites

There are 3 of these Nickel cannisters, coffee, sugar & tea & I just luuuuuurve them!!!

How abot a 3 pack of french striped tea towels

a vase full of these hydrangeas would certainly make me smile each day

& of course you know just how much I love clocks & this one is sooooo cute  !

Thank You Letitia
Cheers
Trish xxx



Stylish Blogger Award

WOOOT WOOT!!!

Me, a stylish blogger, YAY!!!

I have always wanted to be stylish in some way!

I have to say a huge THANK YOU to

Michelle at Faith Trust & A little pixie dust

for passing on The Stylish Blogger Award

Michelle is a wife, mum & interior decorator. She is a wonderful caring lady who does a lot of great things in her community.

Michelle is also very creative often showcasing some wonderful crafty projects.

Drop by & say Hi to her!!

Now I am supposed to tell you a few things about myself

&

then pass this award onto a few other bloggers.

About Moi!!!

When I was an apprentice hairdresser, my dream was to own my own salon, it took me 20yrs,

 but I did it!!!

When I worked as a fitness instructor, I dreamt of owning a personal training studio,

I did that!!

AMBITION

"Aspire to climb as high as one dreams"

Now I am a stay at home mum & I appear to have lost my MO JO,

I  have NO dreams in the career department...

I hope it returns soon!!!

Having children has taught me to be a little less obsessive about my home,

I love to see things perfectly polished & in place, but some days its like fighting a loosing battle...

Oh well, tomorrow is another day!!!

Since I have began blogging I have really started to admire peoples photography skills & have a real desire to become more skillful in this area.

I have asked my dream guy if he will buy me a digital SLR camera for Xmas & a basic photography course to go with it. I would like to learn how to use all of the features on my new camera right from the start.

Blogs I would like to pass the Award to...

Tina at Rubies Place

Tina is a real inspiration to me, she is a mum to 3 gorgeous girls, a wife, she is doing a university degree to be a primary school teacher, she has an Etsy store full of her beautiful creations & she still finds time to decorate her own home, oh & email me some little tid bits of inspiring ideas she just knows will melt my heart

. A modern day wonder woman I say!!!

Drop by Tina's blog & her etsy store for some good old fashioned rural Australian inspiration!!!

Jane at The girl in the brick house

Jane is another one of those inspirational bloggers ya just gotta meet. Jane's blog is about the journey she , her hubby & two girls have embarked on to knock down their two bedroom cottage in Sydney, recycle & reuse many of the materials to rebuild a fantastic environmentally responsible dream home. I'm loving her story so far.

This week Jane also surprised her followers by announcing she had just published her first novel, now to me that is impressive!!!

Doesn't the cover look fabulous!!!

Drop by & catch up with Jane, you will love her!!!

Kerri at Driftwood Interiors

Kerri is another amazing talent I have come to admire in the land of blog.

Kerri is an artist & designer, a wife & a mum & her achievements are very inspiring. She recently started selling her incredible art work thru her new Etsy store & I don't think she has slowed down since, producing one master piece after another.

When I eventually get a house, one of my first shopping ventures will be to Kerri's to get some fabulous art.

You will also want to check out the super stylish renovating & decorating she does in her own home, its really lovely!!

Now I found this part a little traumatic & could probably just publish my whole blog roll for this award as

I LUUURVE YOU ALLL!!!!!

Have a lovely weekend every one!

CHEERS

Trish xxx

New blog on the block

I remember when I first started out blogging I was beside myself whenever I got a new follower...

Oh hang on a minute, nothings changed.

It really is a thrill to meet a new follower!!!

BUT

What I was going to say was, when I first started out ,the lovely Ange from Chair up introduced me to her friends & lots of them popped over to my blog to say Hi & I was on my way!!!

Thank you Ange for being so welcoming & full of encouragement, it was greatly appreciated.

Image via Decor Pad

Ange is a whizz at furniture make overs & reupholstering chairs etc, you really should pop by & check out her blog if you haven't done so already.

Now the new blog I would like to introduce you to is

 Belle inspirations

Another beautiful blogger residing on the Gold Coast, QLD Australia.

 The sunshine state certainly produces some inspiring, stylish ladies!!!

You should drop by for a peak as it is a treasure trove of eye candy such as these gorgeous images

Stop by & follow belle Inspirations "on a journey of all things INSPIRATIONAL" & give her a huge

 blog land welcome!!

Thank You for all of your lovely comments regarding my 100th post.

You bloggers certainly know how to make a gal feel luuurved!!!

 All the lovely comments about my Xmas tree made me feel rather proud of myself, I have to confess my "feather garlands" are actually feather boa's. They cost $4 each at a shop called Hot Dollar, I have 4 on my tree but could do with 2 more.

Have a lovely week my friends!!!

CHEERS

Trish xxx



100th Post

WOW!!!

My 100th post...

Who would have thought I would have enough people enjoying my ramblings for me to continue on to 100 posts!!!

I have seriously enjoyed blogging since I began back in April...I have met some of the most amazing & inspirational people in this land of blogging.

I am always sooo excited to see your comments on my posts, they are always filled with encouragement & support

Then there are the emails with a snippet of information, a useful link or inspiration pic or just a friendly introduction from a new follower, they are always a pleasure to receive!!!

I have learnt many things from You, my wonderful bloggy friends...

Ive learnt so much about interior design, choosing colour & combining it with pattern, creating  beautiful table scape's as well as wonderful table setings for  dinner parties or casual entertaining.

I have discovered some fabulous craft ideas for entertaining my children & some great little tricks to get them to help with the cleaning up!!

I have developed a real love for photography & hope my dream guy will surprise me with a digital SLR camera for Christmas, there are so many of you bloggers with amazing photography skills to share I just can't wait to learn more...

Then of course there are all of the fabulous HOW TO posts that have me inspired to create or revamp SOMETHING...I have soooo many plans, but so little confidence, I am yet to do anything...

but I WILL!!!

I think I am  learning how to be a better me...

I must admit, it took a BIG push from my sister & No.1 follower, Erin, before I found the courage to actually write that first post.

 She was very supportive & had more faith in my ability than I ever had, so for this I say

Thank You Ezzy!!!

I have baked you all one of these to say

Thanks

& now Im off to catch up on what you have all been up to for the weekend

Have a fabulous week my bloggy friends

P.S i hope you enjoyed the pics from my xmas tree, its still a work in progress, we have put it up a little earlier this year, just because we can!!!

CHEERS

Trish xxx







I have been tagged!

I have been tagged by the wonderful Martha at
Jelly Shane
to share 4x4 things about me.

Now this was heaps of fun, but now I know you will find out the truth about my warped personality

Bwah hahahahah!!!!

This is the hand bag I wish I owned!

4 Things That... are usually in my handbag

Camera

Kids snacks

Lip gloss

Detol hand sanitiser

Image via Decor happy

I could seriously call this romantic boudoir home

4 Things That...are in my bedroom

My 3 vintage camera's

TV, I know, not exactly a style statement, but practical. My dream guy is a night owl, me...not so much!

I have copious amounts of pillows on my bed

Framed wedding photo's

4 Things That... I would like to do but never did

First of all I would like to say

"Never say Never!"

Travel the world,

 aside from a 3 day stint in Auckland I haven't been any where much!

My sister has just returned from a trip to  Europe, you can just imagine how envious I am!!

I would love to run a marathon,just to know that I was supremely fit

I would have liked to learn how to play the guitar.

I wish I had gone to university & studied sport science & furthered my fitness career.

4 Things That...you don't know about me...

I suffered from Bulimia nervosa through my teenage years & early adult life. It really robbed me of a lot of fun times in life :(

Hind sight tells me I should have waited until I was a little older to start a family.

I would never part with any of my children, but I had my first child at 22 & didn't really experience much of life outside of motherhood, the major reason behind why I have never travelled!!

I have an intense fear of spiders & when I have to be brave & kill one I actually throw up!

I am vertically challenged, measuring a mere 163cm tall...my husband says what I lack in stature I certainly make up for in attitude...he keeps muttering something about me having little mans syndrome...LOL!!!

 

Well, now you know a little bit more about me. Crazy huh!!

 The deal is I tag 4 more people so here goes...

Meredith at Count it all joy

Kerri at Driftwood interiors

Tina at Rubies Place

Georgy at Georgy G Design

Now this was the difficult part as I luuuurve & stalk so many lovely blogs, but do drop by & catch up with these wonderful ladies if you haven;t already.

They write beautiful blogs, sharing their creativity, style & life's adventures & there is even a wonderful Etsy store or 2 for you to enjoy .

I would like to also extend a BIG THANK YOU to all of you lovely followers.

I love that you read my little blog with all of my ideas, desires & adventures.

I appreciate every comment you leave, full of encouragement &support.

 I am seriously addicted to reading every ones blogs each day, looking for that inspiration & motivation you all offer, not to mention the urge to catch up on whats going on in every ones world...What a wonderful group of friends I have made in the blogging community.

So Thank you everyone for your visits !

CHEERS

Trish xxx 

Fab Finds are fueling Frustration !

All of this saving for actual bricks & mortar is beginning to get very boring!!!

My life has been on HOLD for the past 18months while we plan & save toward

 our dream house. The whole planning stage is dragging out for far to long. I guess that is the price you pay when choosing a reputable builder, that has a reputation for quality, he has a huge work load & I am not his only client, BUMMER, I want it all done YESTERDAY!!!

I know, whinge moan, poor me, having to wait for a new house, I sound like such a spoilt whiny brat....

BUT

Its your fault....

All of you clever people who are making the most amazing things & then selling them on etsy or made it

I want soooooo many new things, but I can't, I'm saving & not to mention, I don't have any walls on which to hang this art.

So I am making a wish list to share with you all, I'm sure you will love it!!!

First stop McCarthy Designs Nellie & her husband Nick have an Etsy store where they sell cards & prints of their amazing photography.

These are just 2 of my favourites, but I love the whole range they have on display.

Next stop

My Summer House where Laura makes the most divine cushions

Laura changes her designs regularly, but I think no matter which one you chose it would add a little romance to any room, drop by her etsy shop for a browse

Now time to pop on by & peruse Ledamae Design 

Lisa has some very creative hand painted art work for sale at her Made it store & she regularly sells at Markets in the Melbourne area. She certainly keeps very busy

Now Janette at  My Sweet Prints is seriously killing me, I desperately want one of her custom  vintage bus scrolls, I even have my destinations written out ready for my big day, you know the day when the dream guy says, "Alright alright, enough with the nagging, will you just go order the  #*#@*#  thing"

Now Janette has a Website an  Etsy store  & a Made it store so there are plenty of  options for purhcasing some of her awesome art for your home, just make sure you leave something for me, I won't be saving forever you know!

Michelle over at Paper Tree Design.

has a wonderful array of beautiful creations that are all hand cut from the pages of old books. Now she does state that she only uses the pages from books that have been previously damaged & that no vintage books have been harmed in the process.

Michelle has her art readily available at her made it store,  Etsy store  or  Blue Caravan  site.

I think Michelle's art is very romantic & would team up nicely with Laura's cushions, don't you think?

Now this is just the tip of the ice burg when it comes to my creative blogger wish list & in no order of preference, but I'm sure now you can see my dilemma, even if I wasn't saving, or waiting on a more permanent home, there is so much tempting eye candy on display here, where does one start her spending & most importantly, where does one stop?

 Is anyone else suffering with this same dilemma or have you already been shopping with these creative ladies?

If you haven't already seen their work you really need to stop by & take a peak,

WARNING

You made need to freeze your credit card in a bucket of water before you look, otherwise the bank manager, AKA, husband may begin to rant!!! 

So grab a cuppa & start shopping fellow bloggers, & be sure to brag, that way I can live thru your purchases...HeHeHe!!!

CHEERS

Trish xxx