Little La La's

My new Blog

2008-06-17T15:15:00.002+10:00

Just reminding you all that I now have a new blog...

www.katrinachambers.blogspot.com

Pop on over!

Thanks
K

This blog will close soon

2008-06-03T17:31:00.002+10:00

Hi there!
I have decided to close this blog for now.

I am opening a new one though so don't be sad (LOL)! I am moving away from just the candid type of blogging and will start a new blog dedicated to all the inspiring images on find while internet surfing.

My new blog is HERE and is titled simply 'Katrina Chambers'.

I hope to see you over there soon!

Mothers Day 2008

2008-06-02T16:38:00.002+10:00

Here are a few random pictures of our Mothers Day with my Mum, Grandmother, Sister and Aunty (all Mum's of course!). We had such a lovely day!!!

My boys being brainwashed by my Dad to follow certain football teams!!

My niece Priya being a cheeky girl.

My pop who is in his late 70's and had a huge operation and a heart attack last year (as a result of the surgery). He looks amazing and is as fit as a fiddle!

The kiddies.

My Dad - it was his birthday that day too!

My brother, sister, Dad, Me and Mum!

Hellllooooo

2008-05-28T18:51:00.004+10:00

I feel like I am yelling "heeellllloooooooo" as though I am in a tunnel and am so far away! I have been absent lately, but I have still be reading blogs. I still have to get my daily fix! There is too much inspiration out there to miss.

For those that have been asking, my job is excellent so far. I am really enjoying it. Am learning the building trade and that is right up my alley! Plus I am pouring over all the gorgeous photos and house plans. This keeps me busy so my blog probably will be neglected. Sorry! I will try my hardest though :)

I had another skin cancer removed from my face. Not nice at all! 4 stitches. I think I am destined for this seeing as though I have fair skin.

I am also on a committee that is organising a fundraising Trivia Night for baby Lucy, that I spoke about here in a previous blog. We have been hard at work planning this. The guys at my hubby's business (a printery) have been fabulous and created the best ticket books, invitations for the night and letters to be sent out to businesses for donations. We hope this will be a big hit to help with the ongoing medical care of tiny Lucy. Here are some photos I took of Lucy last weekend. She is very sweet!

We also celebrated hubby's and his twin brother's birthday on the weekend. We have 6 boys between us, so that was fun. We had a Freddo Frog icecream cake - it's all about the kids!!! LOL

Also here is a random photo of Cruise in his winter school uniform. Too cute!

And some photos of the kids at swimming lessons.

My niece Priya in the jolly jumper.

That's it for a while! Take care....

New Job

2008-05-16T10:03:00.003+10:00

I have been lucky enough to be offered a very cool job! It's with Dennis Family Homes (most of you Melbourne/Vic ladies will know this company already). I am doing sales, marketing and basically just hanging out in the gorgeous display home!

I have a background in advertising and selling and my desire for all things stylish will be a great help I hope!

What an advantage for us as we are building a new home and of course I will design something sensational with all the resources at my fingertips!!!

Click on the link here to find out about their style etc if you are interested!

New Blog

2008-05-10T21:04:00.002+10:00

This is my sisters blog - Amie (Vintage Frills). She is very clever. I have been helping her set it up. She has lots more to come and is still rearranging it, so please check back often!

Also check out the cupcakes that our friend made with his little girl (yes I said HE - the Daddy!!!). Tickled Pink is the blog name.

Banner Image

2008-05-06T07:47:00.001+10:00

My new banner image is thanks to Count your Blessings. She has lots of free pictures available for you to use!

Cruise playing footy

2008-05-04T11:21:00.003+10:00

I HAVE JUST REALISED THE QUALITY IS TERRIBLE! SORRY. IT WASN'T BEFOREHAND BUT IS NOW!!! I AM NOT VERY GOOD AT THIS. ANYWAY YOU CAN PROBABLY GET THE IDEA BY THE EXCITEMENT IN MY VOICE.

This is our Cruise, who just turned 6, playing footy (Rugby League). This is only his second game ever! We think he is a star in the making haha!! He is number 10 with the blue and yellow graffiti-like helmet on.

White on White

2008-05-02T14:39:00.004+10:00

These are a few of my favourite WHITE images at the moment. Don't you just love???

www.coastalliving.com

www.designspongeonline.com

www.myhomeideas.com

Mirrors

2008-05-02T14:16:00.002+10:00

Who said you need traditional tiles in your kitchen? Mirrors look great as a splashback. You could easily do this yourself. Just clean with a little windex!

.....And you even have a little spot to pop your lippy on before you leave the house :)

New House

2008-05-02T14:03:00.003+10:00

I know it has been a long time coming but I had promised a few shots from the new house. We are only renting therefore a lot of things are not my taste! However, I have done the best within the guidelines I have to work with (eg. hardly hanging a thing on the walls!). Also the house is smaller so a lot of stuff is piled high in the garage.

Plug

2008-04-22T19:37:00.002+10:00

This is one of my favourite sellers....

Nikki at Chi Chi La La Designs

Please visit her and see the key rings and babushka dolls she is selling!! Too cute!

AWOL

2008-04-20T06:15:00.002+10:00

So much for saying I'm back! I have been a bit absent. My kids have school holidays so it's been crazy here.

I have still be reading blogs when I get a chance. I may not be around for a few weeks because I have a few projects on the go.

See everyone soon...

I'm BACK!

2008-04-07T20:48:00.003+10:00

Well we survived the move! I am exhausted and still have the cleaning to do at the old house. I am pretty happy with the new one (we are renting) which will so us for the next few months while we build a new house.

I have lots of blogs to catch up on I can see!!! I will also add a couple of pics of this rented house soon.

Meanwhile... Please pop over to TICKLED PINK and say hello if you get the time. Emma is one of my best friends and has 2 gorgeous girls. Of course there is nothing but pink in their house! Also be sure to add her to your blogroll so you can easily check up on all her pink goodness and see photos of her gorgeous home...
Octavia from TICKLED PINK

Bye for a few days as we move...

2008-04-04T09:48:00.001+11:00

Just thought I would pop in a quick post to say that I probably won't be around for a few days because my big move starts tomorrow! I am very excited, but also very sad because I love this house, but know there are good things coming!! The new house we are renting is not as big as this house so I will be struggling to find a computer spot. So when I get things organised I will be back!

Take care...

Texy Boy's Birthday

2008-03-31T18:49:00.008+11:00

My little man Tex was 3 today. He is adorable and such a little character. He knows way too much for his age! Anyway, we had such a fun day. Here are some pictures....

We always open the presents on our bed in the morning.

Birthday cake.

Chevy and his girlfriend PIPER

This is my bestie Ange. She won't look at the camera. Yes Natasha I tried my hardest (and that's Levi with her)!!!

New shoes.

This remote controlled digger was a winner!

Baby Chevy eating.

Long story with the cake! I usually make it, but this year was a total flop as we are moving and I ruined the first attempt, so donuts were it this year!!!

My sister (Amie) will hate me for putting this on here! She was showing off and I was cracking up. How fabulous is she?? Her baby Priya is only 14 weeks old! We hate her :)

The boxes are piling up for the big move on Saturday!

Dancing and Smashed Pot!!!

2008-03-28T09:54:00.004+11:00

Look at what I came home to yesterday boohoo. My little dog had thrown a tantrum because I had left her outside, so decided to jump from the outdoor steps onto the pot in the hope that it would get her into a window (??). How she thought that was going to work I don't know. Needless to stay i was so angry, as this was a birthday present, that I refused to let her inside all day as punishment. She just sat looking and crying at me for the rest of the day. Naughty girl!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

...
Also, on another note... baby Lucy is home for now. She is doing well and I know someone above is looking out for her.

...

Just thought I would pop in this little video as it makes me laugh! Chevy is really into dancing and the second I put this song on, he abandons what he is doing and is straight on his feet!! But he refuses to take his finger out of his mouth (his dummy!), therefore he can lose his balance at anytime hahaha. Please excuse my booming voice and the mess in the background as we are packing and sorting!!!

Beach & Cottage Living Style.

2008-03-25T11:27:00.006+11:00

Photos above from www.beachliving.com

I am packing and was a bit over looking at my bare walls and tables, so I thought I would jump online to look at a few of my favourite sites. These photos above are definitely my style. I love to enlarge the pictures to look at the side tables in the background with all open shelves, bottles and flowers.

...

Photo above from www.cottageliving.com

This photo caught my eye, firstly because I am a red lover. See here. And secondly because in Australia we don't tend to use fabric over open shelves in our kitchens (well at least no one I have ever known or any house I have been into it). I loved the boldness against the white background. Too cute!

...

Photo above from www.cottageliving.com

"Here, an antique garden bench serves as a decorative seat at the foot of a bed. Placed near a back door or mudroom, a bench can function as a handy catch-all for busy homeowners." From Cottage Living.

Socks & Eggs

2008-03-24T07:03:00.003+11:00

Just a few pictures from our big family day yesterday. Nanny bought all the boys slipper-socks which are very cute! Oh and we have started packing, so the boys loved playing in all the boxes!

Happy Easter... & Photos

2008-03-21T20:15:00.006+11:00

www.bibi.org

Just wanted to pop in to wish you all a Happy Easter!!!

I am very busy over the next few days so will be back towards the end of next week.

www.royalcopenhagen.com

Here are a few photos of our day today. My family travelled over for Good Friday. Lots of prawns, fish and chocolate! Below are my 3 boys, my little niece and my Father with his 4 grandkids! I also have noticed every time I take a photo of Chevy lately he has that green shirt on!! Haha! You probably think he doesn't own anything else!!!

I probably also should have re-sized these pictures first as they funny little. Better colours when you click on them.

Bored

2008-03-18T17:48:00.003+11:00

If you haven't already been reading (and added her to your Google Reader), then you must! I am talking about Sarah from BritGal in the USA. I have mentioned her before on this post. Her posts are short, fun, interesting and has a little bit of everything thrown in.

Personally I am getting a little bored with blogging and because of this, I really am struggling to find things to write about today! I am finding some blogs to be a bit boring and same-same. I am so sorry if I am making you cringe by writing this!

I decided a few months ago it was time to make some changes on my own blog if I were to continue to enjoy it and the traffic to my blog has picked up significantly. Basically it came down to shorter posts and to clean up my 'look' (and change it around). I don't necessarily measure the success of my blog on how many comments I receive on each post, but more so on the traffic that comes past. Not all of my posts are worthy of comments. People like to whizz past, see what I have been up to and be on their way. I certainly don't have time to leave comments on every blog I visit (there are hundreds I visit weekly!). I do appreciate those that take the time to do so though!!

I still have a long way to go with my blog... improve my photography skills... but this is a start!

So I am venting my feelings today. Sorry to those that feel like I have aimed this at them. These are just my own opinions. So if you want to clean up your blog, get more people to look at it and become more involved with your blog I reckon less is more!

Crude, Rude (but funny) Joke....

2008-03-12T17:53:00.003+11:00

I found this joke to be hilarious and I just had to share!! This is a warning though - it could be a little rude so don't read if you are not into this type of humour...hehehehe

HOW TO STOP CHOKING - AUSSIE STYLE

A woman sitting in an Adelaide Pub suddenly began to cough. After a few
seconds it became apparent that she was in real distress, and two locals,
Bluey and Bazza sitting at the next table turned to look at her.

Ken ya swaller? asked Bluey

The woman signalled 'No!', desperately shaking her head.

Kin ya breathe?' asked Bazza. The woman shook her head No!!!

With that, Bluey walked behind her, lifted up the back of her dress,
yanked down her knickers and ran his tongue up and down the crack of
her butt.

This shocked the woman into such a violent spasm that the obstruction
flew out of her mouth and she began to breathe again. Bluey swaggered
back to his table and took a deep swig of his beer.

Bazza said in admiration 'Ya know Bluey, I'd heard of that bloody
Hind Lick Manoeuvre, but that's the first time I ever seen somebody
do it.'

What's happening?

2008-03-10T13:24:00.005+11:00

Yep, we are on the move (again). Our house sold. I have known for a few weeks but was waiting until the contracts exchanged this morning. However, there is still a 7 day cooling off so while I am not worried, it's always good to be cautious!

So now I am running around finding a decent rental that will fit us all in and be nice enough to call home for a while. The plan is to build again. Busy time ahead for us!! I already have the house plan in my head, but this won't happen for ages as it's such a long process. I will keep you posted and will share lots of photos...

All photos via Google Images

A little break...

2008-03-09T12:52:00.004+11:00

www.flowersandgifts.net

I am having a quiet weekend. 3 of my boys have gone camping, so it’s just bubby and I. Needed a break! Have done lots this weekend. Enjoyed lots of girly company last night accompanied by lovely food and drinks. I am cooking something special for dinner for my boys. Miss them like crazy when they are actually gone but at the same time I really need to take a deep breath and relax!

www.studiosept.com

My bubby Chevy is getting so big. He is now 18 months and is starting to become a real little boy. I love that transition from baby to boy. He is starting to understand everything I say and can certainly push my buttons now! Like climbing and sitting on our dining room table every time I am out of sight, refusing to sit in the highchair and running up and down in the bath tub with water flying everywhere (causing a nervous breakdown!). Yesterday he grabbed a cloth I use only for windows and stainless steel (miracle cloth by ENJO) and ran flat out to our glass doors and started wiping them. This was precious. He stuck his chest out when I said he was a good boy (in my happy sing-song voice).

Chevy with food everywhere as we learn to feed ourself!

Have a few things happening in our little world at the moment that I am hoping to share with you tomorrow….

I had better finish the ironing before my dirty, stinky and tired gang arrives home. Aaaarrr… the joys!

PS. Thanks to those girls that enjoyed my post below about Aussie Slang!

Aussie Slang

2008-03-07T13:14:00.005+11:00

After reading this blog by Sarah it got me thinking this would be fun for me to put all the Aussie terms we use on here. It will really make our overseas friends laugh, roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders - I am sure!!!

We all hear these sayings (and use lots of them ourselves). Anyway, let me know what you think and if you get a laugh out of some of these (and come on Aussie girls, help me out with a few more you can think of)....

“She'll be Apples” ... everything will be all right

Hard Yakka ... hard work

Thunderbox ... toilet

Barbie ... barbeque

“I could Eat a horse” ... to be very hungry

“Fair crack of the whip!” ... come on, give me a fair chance

Bludge ... to be lazy

A bush pig ... an ugly woman

Chunder ... to vomit

Rat bag ... obnoxious person

Ring-in ... an imposter

Cobber... old friend or mate

Googie ... egg

Dead horse ... tomato sauce

“Happy as a pig in mud” ... very happy

Dilly-dally ... waste time

Dunny... toilet

Fair dinkum ... really, honestly?

“Flat out like a lizard drinking” ... to do something fast (one of my favs!!)

Grog ... alcohol

To come a gutzer / gutza ... to get hurt, have an accident

To be jack of something ... to be fed up with something

Pat Malone ...to do something on your own

Thongs ... rubber sandals, flip flops

Tucker... food

Ute ... utility, a type of motor vehicle (a pick up truck in USA )

"In a Fortnight" ... fourteen nights away

Bakelite Phone

2008-03-04T06:38:00.003+11:00

www.link-connect.com

www.mables.com

www.robertopiecollection.com

www.art-and-home.net
www.robertopiecollection.com

www.mables.com

www.beepzoid.com

I am feeling the urge to buy an old retro phone. Maybe it's the modern-retro side coming out in me. How fabulous are some of these?? Most of them work!

eBay have lots so if you would like to add something funky to your decor - check them out!

Sofa (or Lounge as Australian's call them)

2008-02-29T08:48:00.005+11:00

Yesterday i was helping my sister-in-law to decide on a chair that she wants to purchase for a landing she has at the top of her staircase. The little spot is very sunny and has a huge window that looks out over our city. Huge house! She loves the Wing Back chair and the pictures below are from Molmic. She is still undecided on the fabric. Today she is also off to look at some made by Laura Ashely so I will show pictures when she decides.

While we were browsing in a shop that stock Molmic I have found the lounges of my dreams! These photos do not even do them justice!!! The style below is exactly what I want (one day!) but the fabric print is not my favourite. The one in the store was much more exotic with a cute velvet brown check with angora-feel throw cushions in creams and browns. I was in heaven!!! Retails for $4000 (Australian) and $1000 for the ottoman (which I would have to have!). This lounge is HUGE. This photo doesn't nearly show it's size. It is almost like a double bed!

This lounge below is also by Molmic and it comes with 4 seasonal slip covers. I loved it. This one would suit me perfectly as I can change the covers often to suit my mood. Retailing for $3000 (Australian).

Below are a few pictures from Laura Ashely.

Feng Shui your Bedroom

2008-02-27T10:39:00.003+11:00

Today I am going to clean out the sock and underwear draws. My day starts with searching through these draws. Who believes that one small thing, that doesn't go to plan at the start of the day, can determine the outcome of the whole day??? I am tired of swearing at these draws, so it's time to "shape up or ship out".

A few more feng shui tips...

On average, one third of your life is spent in your bedroom. I think it is practically impossible to waste money on creating the perfect bedroom because it affects you more than any other room in your house. If your love life seems stale or is nonexistent, if your health could use some improvement or if you are looking for a new or different outlook on life, these simple bedroom tips might work for you:

Change as much as you can about your bedroom furnishings, wall color and accessories, keeping in mind that this room is only about passion, rest and self-nurturing. Try to get a good balance of the five elements as well as honoring the shapes and colors of the house your bedroom falls within.
If you are looking for a major change, then stretch yourself and make major decor changes within the bedroom. In other words, don't buy the same old comfort zone stuff that will get you into the same old love- and health-life situations!
Buy a wooden bed if you have the choice. Metal beds can conduct electricity, which can be a health concern. Try not to place anything electrical near your bed, and do not use electric blankets (even if they are plugged in but not turned on they can be harmful!), heating pads or massage pads.

Check the lighting level to see if it is not too harsh (yang) or too dim (yin). Listen for distracting sounds and try to alleviate or remove them.
Avoid large living plants in the bedroom.
Avoid large mirrors in the room if you are not sleeping well.
Avoid sharp metal within the bedroom (knives, axes, swords, guns, scissors, etc.).
Create a headboard for the bed and place it against the most solid wall in the room. If your bed is in line with a doorway, hang a crystal between the bed and that area.

Try not to position your bed under the lower angle of a pitched ceiling, a ceiling fan or a heavy beam. These features are thought to contain "depressing energy" that literally pushes down on you while you sleep. If you have no choice, a bed canopy or lengths of fabric suspended from the ceiling or beams are believed to be feng shui "cures" for the problem.

Avoid positioning your bed under a window, which lacks the symbolic support and protection of a solid wall and can lead to fitful sleep as energy enters and exits through the window

By Karen Rauch Carter via home.ivillage.com
and hgtv.com

Award

2008-02-26T12:42:00.002+11:00

Thanks Mandii and Alison for the award!! I feel very lucky. I am sure everyone has received the award already as I am a bit slow in putting this up. But if you haven't - consider yourself 'sparkled'!!!

Bed Headboards

2008-02-23T10:43:00.006+11:00

I found all of these pictures via PointClickHome. I am considering a new bed and after searching for some inspiration I thought I would share these photos of headboards.

Just had to throw this picture in as I loved the simple kitchen with red/orange accents (red being one of my fav colours who could go past this picture?).

Happy 6th Birthday

2008-02-22T20:20:00.004+11:00

Today was Cruise's 6th birthday. What a big boy!!

He had a great day - was spoilt rotten of course. I took donuts to school for his class and all his little friends popped over this afternoon for a cake (Bart Simpson of course - amateur and very basic that I quickly did today!!).

I am exhausted from the gazillion kids here this afternoon, so I am about to plonk myself in front of the tv for the rest of the night!!! Kids have been asleep for ages as they were exhausted too.

PS> I have received some lovely awards that I will blog about and pass on tomorrow :))

Cleaning Bug

2008-02-17T17:31:00.006+11:00

Over the last 2 weeks I have been sorting, culling and organising. I have had a bug!

Here are a few pictures that I have taken along the way. Gosh it feels good! You should see the rubbish my husband has had to take to work over that last few weeks (it doesn't fit in our bin!).

I have always had a theory that at some stage everything new must replace something old. I think about all the things that come through my house every day and then I feel really overwhelmed so I have a huge clean out - keeps me even (yeah strange I know), but you get it???

Oh and if you want a laugh, go over to Jodie at Vintage Ric Rac and check our her hilarious link :)

When I win Lotto

2008-02-15T13:34:00.006+11:00

I found this house today on realestate.com.au. I love it's character! I love it's grandeur, but at the same time I love it's simplicity. I will let the pictures do the talking....

Click here if you want to see more.

Shania Twain

2008-02-12T16:54:00.000+11:00

I was wrestling on the floor with the boys (as boys love to do) and I asked Cruise to see what music he could find in the draw. Look what he found! I just had to share this song. Boy did I love Shania!! How good does she look in leather?? Oh to look that good.....

Colour Combos

2008-02-08T09:10:00.000+11:00

Pictures: www.dominomag.com/galleries

Not everyone is a lover of colour. I must admit some days I swing backwards and forwards with colour depending on my mood for the day. Some days I feel my house needs so much more energy and then other days I feel like I need to strip my house back to basics and start over.

Anyway, here are some way out colour combos for those lovers of colour. Let me know what you think!

Feng Shui

2008-02-06T18:35:00.000+11:00

I have always been slightly attracted to Feng Shui. Here is a snippet of what I have been trying to achieve...

Photo: Katrina

Feng Shui and your Desk

Why feng shui your desk you ask? Because it is a piece of furniture that you probably use quite often, and because it's where important financial decisions are usually made. If your desk isn't optimally serving you, it could be robbing you of your vital energy.

Desk Size
First of all, the size of your desk it is crucial. Big tasks need a big desk. Don't try to multitask on a single-task desk. If it's bugging you, and you feel unusually cluttered, it's probably too small.

Paper Clutter
Now, let's talk about clutter and organization. Here's the obvious: It's easy to fall prey to paper clutter. But everything should have its own space -- this includes your desktop and the floor around your desk. Think files, trays, drawers, bins, etc. At least 50 percent of your desktop should be seen at least once a day.

Desk Location and Setup (this is something I have been working on!)
Next, let's pick on the desk location and orientation. If you've got a wall or a partition right in front of you as you sit at your desk, you are not in the most powerful position possible. My advice is to turn your desk around if at all possible and get that wall or partition behind you. You should be able to see the door into that office from where you are sitting.

Family: The center left-hand side of the desk is reserved for the family and things of the past from a feng shui standpoint, This is a great place to put family photos; especially in wooden frames as wood is the element for this area. Green is the color for this area in case you have anything green on your desk.

Prosperity: The left-hand rear one-ninth area as we go around your desk clockwise is the prosperity area. A computer works well in this area because it is an expensive item (anything that costs a lot is fine here), but you can use something that reminds you of wealth and riches, or something that makes you feel like you are lucky or have many blessings. For instance, a dollar-sign paperweight, an "in box" (as in money coming in!) or even a live plant can be helpful to you in this area. Just make sure that the plant stays healthy -- we want no withering or broken anything here. Purple is a great color for this area if you've got any lying around.

By Karen Rauch Carter via home.ivillage.com.

Click here to visit the site.

Photo: bhg.com

Screen or Room Divider

2008-02-05T18:54:00.000+11:00

A few years ago I created this screen. I had an old wardrobe and simply took the 3 doors off, painted them and hinged them together so that the bottom was flat.

This was the easiest project!

I also did one for my girlfriend. However the mirror in hers was no good, so I replaced with some MDF board, covered in thick wadding and then covered that in a gorgeous cream stripe fabric (just used a staple gun to put into place).

These pictures definitely don't do the screen justice! I have it against a wall in my family room hiding the return air for the ducted heating (why someone would have put that in such a prominent place is beyond me!).

This project only took me a few hrs!

Just a little photo of our first homework assignment. He was very happy to sit up and do it, and put so much thought into it. Wonder how long this will last??

Simplicity in Sweden

2008-02-05T06:51:00.000+11:00

Hello!
Thanks for popping by my blog.

Upon my internet surfing I decided to look at Swedish homes for inspiration. They have a simplicity that does not go unnoticed. These photos are from www.skeppsholmen.se. Pop over there and search around for more magnificent homes.

Citrus

2008-02-04T10:18:00.000+11:00

While browsing over the weekend ( yes Alison my boys were being entertained by their Dad as I told them I was on strike and needed some Mummy time LOL), I found lots of gorgeous pictures to keep me going for a while. I thought I would share these citrus themed ones today. Not everyone's favourite colour, but it is a rainy dreary day here and these are brightening my day!

A common theme runs throughput, but I love the mixed fabrics and shabby coffee table.

How cute is the little table? See, even the spare spot behind the lounge can be put to good use! Instead of seating all the furniture around the edge of the room (as Nate from Oprah would agree), it has been pushed in to create a more cozy feel and brunch can then be served under the window! The table has sides that flip up to make it larger if you wish to seat more friends.

Enjoy!
Photos: bhg.com

A Different Era

2008-02-03T18:57:00.000+11:00

I thought I would share some decorating photos of a little house we bought in 2004 and renovated. Below are a few of the decorating bits I put together. It was basically a 1 and a half bedroom shack that we managed to turn into a 3 bedroom, 2 lounge room and eat in kitchen house. We put some walls back in as the previous owners had ripped them out. Some of it is terribly daggy and revolting I must say! Budget was very tight back then so everything was low quality, but I still thought at the time everything looked fabulous hahaha....

Gorgeous leadlight windows throughout.

I have since painted this cabinet and got rid of all the yucky fake greenery!

The bathroom was tiny and I think we renovated the whole room for about $1500 (my husband is very clever and tiled it all himself). We kept the original bath etc, just tarted it up really with new tiles, paint and vanity 9that I should have shabby chic-ed LOL).

The kitchen was a disaster. We knocked out a hole above the stove and put in a new SMEG oven and dishwasher. My favourite part of the kitchen was the chalkboard!

Inspiration II

2008-02-03T13:45:00.000+11:00

I think I might paint some pots. I have a pile of them around the side of the house. This picture (from Real Living) is so sweet and fresh. I have always wished I had some timber outdoor furniture to paint, but these pieces seem so hard to find. I would love to see some ideas that you all might have for outdoor painting - a fence, a wall, pots etc. I am always thinking about what I can paint inside but I know I could use a world of colour outside!

Let this coastal chic style inspire you all year round. Picture from Country Home Ideas

"Make any balcony or courtyard special and relaxing with a stylish day bed stacked with piles of comfy cushions and soft throws." From Country Home Ideas

"Display vintage cutlery or cooking utensils in your kitchen with pride. Their graceful design and appealing patina of age makes them far too beautiful to hide away in a drawer." From Country Home Ideas

Inspiration

2008-02-03T10:50:00.000+11:00

These gorgeous bathroom photos were found at All Things Bright and Beautiful who found them at Dream House Cammy

Grouping... it's always about grouping. Focal points are important in your home.
Any item will do - give it a try!

No tears!

2008-02-01T09:50:00.000+11:00

From left:
Billy (my nephew starting school today too), Harrison (my nephew in grade 2)
and Cruise (my big boy!).

Getting ready for school & ....things

2008-01-30T16:58:00.000+11:00

Just Bits

Getting ready for school

Gorgeous flowers from my sister

Rearranging

Making - thanks to Ali

Ironing

Gorgeous sign made by Natasha

Baby Priya

My Chevy

Just some snap shots today.

By the way, this is my 100th post. Wow!

Help!

2008-01-22T14:19:00.000+11:00

Here I go again wanting to switch things around in my home, but am sooooo undecided.

I have 2 particular rooms that I cannot decide which should be which ie. playroom/office or Cruise's bedroom.

One of the rooms is little (really should be an office) and is off the family room. Currently it is Cruises room. The room looks great and fits everything well but it has always bugged me for it's overall size and position in the house! While he goes to bed fine and sleeps through everything, he rises early as everyone wakes him.

Then the other room I have is next to our bedroom. Its quite big and I currently use this as the playroom. The kids do use this room for all their toys, mess, dvd watching and xbox. However, I have had this as Cruises room once before. I then used the other room as the office. While this worked well I was struggling with all the toys, mess and no where for them to go and 'do their thing'. I also liked the idea that the kids weren't sleeping right next to us at night as Andrew and I like to hang out in our room watching tv and talking.

So the question is, which is the best option....?

Points to consider:
Little room for Cruise - then I big room for the kids to hang out in all day?
Bigger room for Cruise and find alternatives for toys and play area?
Do I leave the tv and xbox in the current playroom which will then become Cruise's room, or does the kids tv become extinct?
The small room that becomes the office - can this have a tv in it for the xbox and kids dvd watching? Or will 3 kids and I all be hanging out in a tiny room as they play games and I blog?
Where will I put all the kids toys and where will I encourage the play?

OMG this is turning into something ridiculous isn't it??? Haha. I have swapped these rooms so many times but can never decide so I switch them back again!

If you have any ideas I would love to hear them!!

Tagged

2008-01-22T12:56:00.000+11:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Alison with a 5 things meme.
Here are the rules. Link to the tagger and post these rules on your blog. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have a crazy obsession with Britney Spears and watch ET online and Hollywood TV daily for updates (this really really annoys my husband haha)

2. I ring or text my husband up to 10 times a day to tell him how we are or just for fun! Sounds stalker like doesn't it?? Haha. He loves to know what we are up to! This is the beauty of working for yourself as no one questions him talking to me!

3. I truly believe in The Secret

4. I love bed linen

5. I have to have fresh painted toenails

Ok, I tag....
Ali
Mel
Mandii
Sue
Peta

New Bits

2008-01-21T11:09:00.000+11:00

Ooh I am spoilt rotten. Here are some new bits I got last week...

New table centerpiece (love this!).

New Birdcage.

New Outdoor Table and Chairs.

New Chairs.

Alison has tagged me too! I will be back with that later. Thanks Alison!!

PS. Quick update... Baby Lucy is still very sick - one day at a time. I will pass on all your lovely comments. Thank you.

Not good

2008-01-19T11:56:00.000+11:00

My sister-in-law's brother and his wife have had a critically ill baby this week. Things are very touch and go. Baby Lucy is very tiny and very very sick. A battle begins and emotions are overwhelming. Telstra Child Flight have taken the little one to Sydney for the best possible care.

Too much to catch up on

2008-01-10T16:49:00.000+11:00

Well this could be a long one! I have been away from blogging for weeks so now I feel like there is so much to catch up on...

Christmas Time.
This is what I got....

And this is what my husband got!!! He is pretty happy with it and so he should be (it cost too much money just to camp in hahaha).

My boys on Christmas morning...

Very happy here..

This is the aftermath..

Going on holidays! I am still working this new camera out, so forgive my unfocused photos!!

This is the view from out beach house!

Some running races...

Feeding time!

Look at what the boys kept themselves occupied with while the Mummy's and Daddy's rocked the whole neighbourhood with our SingStar addiction hahaha!!

Smiling faces

At the beach (and what is the go with all these photos being on their side?? Sorry about that!).

At the Zoo

What a bad mother! The toilets were too far away and no one was looking... HAHA

On the warf

Mini Golf

More food...

And look at what we saw on the side of the road near our house! The kids thought it was fabulous!!

And now look at was IN our car when we pulled up for petrol! I went inside to pay and my husband said very calmly when I got back in, "look at what we found". I absolutely pooped myself as it was on the dash in front of me!! The kids were not frightened at all.

My boys

I have been so busy lately and I have so much to do at home. Kids are on holidays, swimming lessons, my eldest is starting school this year, the list goes on!!

I really hope to have a better year this year than last. I might be scarce for the next few weeks but I will be back when school resumes to catch up on everyone!! I have about 200 blog posts that I haven't even read yet from everyone.

Take care xx

On Holidays

2007-12-29T20:20:00.000+11:00

Hello!
Just a short note to say I am heading off on holidays to stay here. I won't be back for a week! Yay, I can't wait. I will return with lots of pictures of Christmas, a painting from Natasha, and holidays at the beach.

I can see that I will also have a lot of catching up to do with all your blogs as I have seen so many posts. Have a great New Year everyone and I hope to read about all your New Year's Resolutions when I return!!

Still primping and fluffing

2007-12-23T13:52:00.000+11:00

Mad I know, but I can't stop myself from rearranging, painting and covering things! Only 2 days until Christmas and with everything else going on in my life I am still playing with my 'things'. I can't stop. It makes me feel good.

So here are some chairs I made over a while ago, but decided to change the seats. Not sure where I am going to put these, but no doubt I will find somewhere. I am starting to feel like I need a bit of a change in my house. Colour-wise that is. While white and pink will always be a favourite... I think I need to inject a bit of colour and some more 'grown up' things. Not sure where I am heading with this, but I will attack some changes in the New Year when I have had a holiday and can come home and reassess everything.

I bought these jars a while ago, but was not sure what to do with them. For now I have grouped them together. I am sure I will find the perfect solution for them one day!

I know lots of you have blogged in the last fews days and while I have read them I haven't had time to leave comments. Sorry! No one is forgotten, but hopefully I can get to you tonight or tomorrow.

This will be my last post for a while... So Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Baby Priya

2007-12-22T19:45:00.000+11:00

Just a couple of quick snaps of my sister's new baby. She is adorable!
I am so needing a new camera! Is it too late to ask Santa???

Baby!

2007-12-20T20:50:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post..............

Baby Girl has arrived safely! All is well!!!

Priya Sage

Soooo exciting......And on her own birthday too

Thanks for the vibes

2007-12-20T07:08:00.000+11:00

Thanks for the vibes girls!! My sister's baby is on it's way. Waters broke but no contractions, so could be a while yet!! It's her birthday today, so how nice is that? I will keep you posted.....

5 Days....

2007-12-19T17:26:00.000+11:00

The countdown is on.... 5 days until my sister's baby is due (bet you thought I was referring to Christmas and had my days wrong!).

....And the anticipation is killing me. Absolutely killing me. I really hope that baby is here soon. I am heading off for a week over New Year so it had better be here soon.

It's my sister's birthday is tomorrow and that would be so lovely if baby arrived then (also because I am traveling to visit her tomorrow). I would love to be seeing a baby as well! But if not, that's ok as I am going back for 3 days over Christmas so that would be great too. But the baby can't be any later than that. No it can't be. I will not miss it. Well everything has to be about me of course!

So if anyone can send some energy our way and bring that baby on, that would be great!

Preschool Christmas Fun

2007-12-15T09:49:00.001+11:00

Tex had fallen over so has a bump in the middle of his forehead!

This is Cruise's last party at preschool as he starts Big School next year. Hooray!! He has 2 days left there next week, then is on holidays until the beginning of February when he starts kindergarten. Cruise will be 6 at the end of February. I was adamant that I was not sending him to school too early and would rather send him when he was just that bit older. I felt it was very important for him to be fully capable to handle school as so much more is expected of them from such an early age. I did not want him to struggle and being a real rough and tumble boy, I knew that it would be difficult to cope with tasks that require concentration. So after having him home this year I can now confidently say I have made the right decision and he is more than ready to go. I know now that he won't struggle. I was given the best education and the best help as a young child and I am determined to give all of that to my children.

Anyway, we had a great night! As you can see Chevy was not happy about Santa and Tex bolted in the other direction when I asked him to hop on Santa's lap! I think it makes a great photo with one missing!! I will always look at this picture and remember how Tex didn't want to cooperate. My mum always says it's a funnier photo when someone is missing!!!

Presents and Holidays

2007-12-10T11:57:00.000+11:00

I have given Ange (my best friend) the final part of her present for baby Levi (a few of us put in). It came from the lovely Nikki at Chi Chi La La. Click HERE to see what she made! She is amazing.

3 weeks until we head off for a week down to the beach over New Years. This is what we are staying in! But the funniest part is - see the picture below with the 6 kids (all boys), plus the 2 dads and the mums??? ....Well we are all staying together in the beach house! I know - madness. We will either have a ball, or hate each other by day 3 and be ready to come home.

Some Christmas Fun...

2007-12-07T15:08:00.000+11:00

I think these pictures are pretty self explanatory!! The kids made these Christmas biscuits today. Boy, did they test my patience!! They wanted to do everything, and as much as I TRIED to let them, I was glad when it was all over. In saying that though, I think they did a great job decorating (although icing was slopped everywhere and all their fingers are still green!!).

Daddy said he can't wait to get home to try the "green biscuits" so they kids are waiting in anticipation :)

A bit of this and a bit of that

2007-11-30T20:43:00.001+11:00

Today I am just posting a bit of anything that takes my fancy!!

I have FINALLY finished my Mum's cabinet. I posted about it here a while ago. I bought the lovely handles from the gorgeous Ali. I can't wait to get it to my Mum, but as she lives 1 1/2 hrs away I hope to get it there in the next 2 weeks.
Oh, and if you are wondering what is in the windows of it, it's just some masking tape on the mirrors. I took the photo in the garage.

On Wednesday we woke up and decided to jump in the car and head to my Mum and Dad's house for the day. Was so nice!! My Mum wasn't working for the day and my sister is officially on maternity so we had a great day. With the 3 kids in car, we headed off! My kids really are good in the car, so it makes the trip very bearable. They do have their moments, don't get me wrong!!! I just keep handing the food over (don't tell my husband I was letting them eat in the new car - ssshhhhh).

My sister has been hanging in there with this baby. Last weekend we were all positive she was having the baby as there were sooo many symptoms, however she is still here. Now I am messaging her 3 times a day and I know she is over it. She is not due until Christmas Eve, but I doubt she could go that far. Time will tell though. She told me today "don't bother packing your bag to come as I am thinking about unpacking mine. I will be induced the way this is going". I had to chuckle to myself!

We put up the Christmas Tree today. I didn't take a daylight photo so i just put this one in for fun. I am very traditional and not at all over the top when it comes to Christmas decorating. Personally I only like a couple of things here and there. I am a green, red, silver and gold kinda girl. I like my tree to only consist of lights and matching baubles. I don't know how long my tree will last up with a 2 and a 1 year old attacking it all day. Last year it got too much for me, so I took all the baubles off and only left the lights on it. I know, I know BORING!!!!! :)

Who snuck that in there??? I got so many emails about my hair that I have posted it. As my girlfriends and I call each other - Muttsy (mutton dressed up as lamb hahahaha). So trying to look 20!

Also I have added a few more random photos of my munchkins after their baths the other night. Cruise (nearly 6), Tex (nearly 3) and Chevy (1)......

Just another day...

2007-11-26T13:01:00.000+11:00

I think I have mentioned in an earlier post that I love to change my hair!! Natasha I know you love to do this too!! I have naturally brown curly ( but not tight curls), but can also straighten it easily. Last year I had short straight hair and have slowly been growing longer so I could curl it. But this is funny because as I child I never had curly hair, it just seems to have evolved into this!

But I was soooo over it, so yesterday my girlfriend gave me a makeover. And I am loving it! I have just got to get back into the swing of styling every day. But I won't show off and put a huge picture here for you to see! I might just sneak it into my profile picture one day haha. I hate pictures of myself!!! :)

Here are a couple of pictures of my baby Chevy that is trying so very hard to walk.
Not long now I am sure!

This is a photo I took of the letter my 5 year old, Cruise, wrote to Santa. He is not even at school yet, so I think he did a great job. We posted it yesterday.
I took the photo so I could scrapbook it.

Have a great day!

Election Day

2007-11-24T20:14:00.000+11:00

Today, in Australia, will be one of our biggest days in history. Today was election day for the Prime Minister.

Without going into the nitty gritty of it all I will just give the basic run down. I am not showing any bias! I worked on the polling booths this morning and my husband has been glued to the TV as he feels very passionate about the results. In Australia it is compulsory for everyone over the age of 18 to vote. If you don't vote you will be heavily fined.

John Howard (our current serving Prime Minister) has served 3 terms in office spanning over 11 years. He represents the Liberal/National (Coalition) Party.

His opposition is Kevin Rudd who represents the Labor Party.

The campaign between these two main parties have been in full force for the past 6 weeks. As you can see, if the government changes parties this will be huge for Australia as John Howard is our second longest serving Prime Minster in history.

We will know the results tonight, but from what I am seeing on TV we will have a new Prime Minister........

UPDATE: WE HAVE A NEW PRIME MINISTER KEVIN RUDD

Disappointed

2007-11-23T12:19:00.000+11:00

UPDATE: I have heard from this person (funny that!), but I am not going to continue chasing them. We will see what happens!

I really didn't want to write this post, but thought I might be able to vent my frustrations, plus put a gentle warning out there to those that are too kind for their own good!!!

Someone (that we all blog with lots) bought some items from me in early October. I was very grateful. This person lives a long way from me, so Australia Post was too expensive to send the items with. So my husband knows a courier very well and approached him about his costs. The courier told Andrew to box them up and bring them to him for a quote. I notfied the person who bought the items of these intentions. I had also said that if the courier takes them from my husband straight away and sends them are you just happy for me to make that split decision and send them? I said I am sure this courier would look after us and wouldn't charge a great deal. The person who bought the items said yep no worries go with it and let me know the price asap and I will pop money straight into your account.

So here is my mistake - thinking that I 'knew' this person from the blogging land and I ASSUMED all would be fixed up. So I sent the items (like I said earlier the courier took them from my husband as a favour) without receiving the money. As it turned out the courier only wanted a carton of beer for transporting these (BIG) items so far. So I bought him the beer and sent out the final invoice to the 'customer'.

Emails were exchanged and the payment was promised. Over and over again I have sent requests for the payment to be made and still there have been promises..... but 5 weeks later I don't have the money ($92 to be exact).

There is a lesson here to all of us - trust no one and don't do favours for people! Also I have learnt to never ever send anything to anyone without payment first (even if you think you know who they are).

I feel really really bad about blogging this, but it has totally turned me off selling. I really didn't want it to come to this but what was I supposed to do??

Signature

2007-11-22T13:48:00.000+11:00

Hello everyone! I have had some emails asking about the signature you can create for yourself.

Here is the link that I used www.mylivesignature.com.

Was very easy and you can change it as often as you like.

Baby Shower & Polka Dot Shoes

2007-11-19T11:08:00.000+11:00

After the great weekend I had I thought I would share some photos with you.....

This the Nappy Cake I made for my gorgeous sister Amie. Alison gave me the idea, so thank you Alison it was a hit!

Here are some pictures I thought I would share showing my polka dot shoe fetish I am having at the moment!

PS. Thanks to Siobhan for the tip on the signature!

...

Nothing is Easy

2007-11-18T09:40:00.000+11:00

I am away at my parents house and I just had to blog...

Hubby is at home with 3 children and yesterday afternoon he rings me and says he has an excruciating ear ache. To the point that he could barely talk! I knew it was bad as he usually wouldn't complain (especially because I am away and he wouldn't want me to think he couldn't cope).

So after 10 phone calls I convinced him to ring his mother to come and look after the kids. It was 9pm and they were all sound asleep and I thought it would be better for him to go to the outpatients at the hospital while they were asleep as Andrew's mother is 73 and my boys are hard to handle. So after lots of angry voices, he decided to go. 5 mins after the phone call when he agreed to go, i had this feeling that he would forget his wallet and in it was his medicare card, so I ring his mobile. Yep, no wallet! Call it a 6th sense!!! So meanwhile he is grumbling and turns around to head back home.

So to cut a long story short.... he spends 3 hrs at the hospital, only to see a young Dr that gave him panadol and sent him home!!! I was in shock! And I was mad at Andrew for not speaking up and telling the Dr he needed more than panadol - more like antibiotics! He has now got a Dr appointment this morning at the Private Hospital (which wasn't open last night) and hopefully he can get some pain relief. Meanwhile I have had to ring my sister-in-law to come and get the kids for a while.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! What a drama...

Anyway, on a lighter note I am having a fabouls time, shopping, drinking, swimming, motorbike riding (my brother has a fab motorbike), more shopping... and then the baby shower this arvo. What a life hey?

Babies Everywhere

2007-11-16T15:41:00.001+11:00

Here are some long awaited pictures of baby Levi. He is adorable and I just love the hair! Do you think his big brother and sisters love him?
Milla is 5 & 1/2, Indi is 3 & 1/2, Reuben is almost 2, and then there makes 4 with Levi.
2 girls then 2 boys. How lucky!

I have had a very busy week preparing my house for sale and the Real Estate Agent took photos yesterday. My house has never looked so nice haha! Always the way isn't it?? I thought yesterday - I don't want to leave now..... but the kids were home 20 mins and it was a mess again so I was over it! :)

This weekend I am off to stay at my Mum's house (with no children!) for my sister's Baby Shower. We are having a lovely afternoon in the gardens of a Cafe with lots of ladies. I have made her something special (Alison you know what it is), but I won't post pictures yet as she reads my blog and it will spoil the surprise.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Baby Levi

2007-11-12T09:59:00.000+11:00

Hi! I still haven't got any photos of Levi yet. Silly me!! I will get some today as I am having lunch with Ange. Our other best friend Mel is having a birthday today (Happy 31st!), so we are heading out for a girly day.

As part of the present for Levi, I wanted to share with you what I ordered from Natasha. She is so clever! Ange had one of these done for me when I had Chevy and we always talk about it, so I knew she would like one for Levi. I am laughing at the resourcefulness of Natasha when using the box of beer for packing. Love it Natasha!!!

A couple of other girls are putting money in and I have placed a huge order from Nikki for lots of goodies for baby Levi's room, so I will keep you posted on those. Very excited.

Had a great weekend. My parents came to stay and Mum and I spend all day yesterday cleaning and throwing things out. I told her we were selling our house and moving and she said (very nicely of course), "I think there are a few things things that need doing around her before people start coming through". Haha! Gotta love her. I am so used to the timber blinds being dirty, my oven being smeared with yucky stuff and don't see the junk behind closed doors. So after a full day of cleaning (my husband was even into it), I am feeling very cleansed and refreshed. I have moved out lots of my furniture and will put in storage (I have far too much stuff to showcase my house for the ordinary person coming through).

Have a great day, I am off to do some shopping before lunch. I am also hoping to have my new car today, so it should be a good day.

Katrina :)

So much to do

2007-11-09T14:44:00.000+11:00

Always the way isn't it - if it doesn't rain it pours???? I suddenly seem to have so much on the go. After not having a computer for 2 weeks I seemed to use my time very well. My house had never been cleaner, the washing was always done and I even enjoyed reading. Tells me something doesn't ????? Too much time on the computer haha. Yes and I did miss it terribly and don't think I could go with out it EVER again. People say, well I didn't miss it really. But I disagree! I missed it too much. I love to check the weather everyday, I love music from youtube, and I really missed my friends!!

Anyway, back to what I was saying about being busy....

Firstly, we have decided to sell our house and build another. My husband has been on about it for a while and I finally gave in. I love my house and we have only been for 14 months, but I know in the long run it will be worth it as we will build something a bit bigger and this one will have a pool. The worst part about the selling is the waiting and the renting! Arrrr I am not going to like the renting at all. We have done this before, but I only had 1 child then, not 3!! I told my husband that I will be fine with renting as long as everyone has their own rooms and I can still have some of my 'stuff' with me. Sound a bit like a princess demanding things??? Hahaha!! He agreed, so I am semi-happy. We will be on the market officially in about 2 weeks.

Next, we bought a new car yesterday and this is something I am excited about! But we have 2 others we have to get rid of very quickly!!! So I am also not looking forward to the selling part here either.

My sister is having her baby shower next weekend so I will be leaving all my children and my husband at home for a night. I am soooo looking forward to this (is that being a bad mother?).

Christmas is fast approaching and I have lots to do. Still need to get a few more presents!

Then we are heading to my parents for a few days at Christmas (hopefully my sister has had her baby before), then home for 2 days and we pack up and head to the beach for a week!! Yay! We are going my husband's twin brother, his wife and their 3 boys too. We have rented a huge beach house and we are all staying together. Could be interesting LOL. 6 little boys and 4 adults.

Below is a project on the horizon (Ali - the handles are for this). My Mum has had this cabinet for years and it was from her grandfathers house. I know some of you are cringing at the thought of this being painted, but Mum is ready for a change in her house. I have the most divine handles on order for it and I know it will look divine when finished.

Below are some photo shots taken by Cruise (who is 5 and half). Good job babe!!!

And some new photos of me for blogging and facebook... I hate them, but don't we all!!!!

Just a song for now

2007-11-07T11:55:00.000+11:00

I am rather addicted to this song at the moment. My kids would rather listen to something else, but too bad!!

I have lots to blog and will try to do that later. But for now, I hope you like this song as much as I do. Not that the words are relevant to me in any way, it's just the tune that got me.

I am back!

2007-11-06T13:05:00.000+11:00

So I am finally back!!!!

Wow that was stressful!! Apparenlty had some major problems and it needed an overhaul. I have lots of catching up to do, so I will respond to all emails asap!!!!

Katrina :)

Baby

2007-10-28T15:55:00.001+11:00

Ange has finally named her baby.....

Levi Thomas McGill

Too cute!!!

Hopefully my computer back to me tomorrow or the next day.

NO INTERNET & BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2007-10-27T07:39:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone! I have had no computer for days and won't be back on for a couple of more days. Please contact me via chambos@iprimus.com.au if you need anything. I can access this account 'sometimes'. Computer is being fixed and should be back to me soon!!

Also, my best friend Ange had a baby boy yesterday (a bit ealrier than expected). All is well and he is beautiful. They haven't named him yet, but should today!!!! I am so excited. This is her fourth baby. She now has 2 girls and 2 boys and we have been through all our pregnancies together. I will update with some pictures and a name as soon as I can get back on line permanently.

The Twits

2007-10-19T16:22:00.000+10:00

I am taking my 5 year old to see this play tonight at the Theatre Company.
We are very excited as I loved this book as a child!

"The Twits" by Roald Dahl - as adapted by David Wood

Mr and Mrs Twit are sloppy and smelly. They don’t wash and they don’t clean but they do play nasty tricks on each other. For example Mr Twit put a big slimy frog in his wife’s bed, so to pay him back Mrs Twit cooks spaghetti worms for her husband to eat. Even worse than that, this horrible duo captures a family of Muggle-Wump Monkeys and keeps them hanging upside down in a cage. Luckily help is near at hand with the magic Roly-Poly Bird coming to the rescue with a hair-raising plan to save the Muggle-Wumps.

The Twits is one of Roald Dahl’s most popular stories and has consistently featured in the top 100 all time favourite books for children aged from 5 - 16. This adaptation by David Wood is a raucous and wonderfully wild tale of mayhem and mercy, played out through slapstick, music and drama and is a magical treat for all of the family.

Facebook Bug

2007-10-16T06:55:00.000+10:00

I have been bitten by the facebook bug! I have had this account for a while, but have not really done much with it. Overnight I have found an old friend that was an exchange student from New Zealand when I was in year 9. We became great friends and after she left I travelled to NZ to stay with her family for a few weeks. She has been back to Australia a few times and I last saw her about 6 years ago. We lost contact after then. She is moving to Austrlia for the summer and we are catching up!! And then I have found a couple of other old friends too. I think it is so funny! I recommend to give it a go!!! A great way to quickly message each other.

Little La La's

2007-10-15T12:17:00.000+10:00

I thought I would just give a quick update on Little La La's.

Due to my hectic life and the possibility of some new projects on the horizon, I will be slowing up on Little La La's. My stock is getting low, so please pop on over and have a look if you wish to purchase anything. What ever is left in the next few days will find a spot in my house no doubt!!

If you are interested in talking to me about purchasing my stock at wholesale prices please email me. I also have a "business package" for sale if anyone is interested in the concept of Little La La's.

There may be some changes with my blog also, but I will post about that soon. I am still reading everyone's blogs and am finding new inspiration every day!

Have a great day!
Katrina

Paper Dress Swap

2007-10-13T07:44:00.000+10:00

Becky has received the dresses I sent her, so I can post some pictures now! Thanks to Jeweled Elegance for hosting.

The kids decided they would help (well to be honest this was the only way I was going to get them done if they helped haha!!).

For fun, I put at little zipper on the back of one of the dresses.

I also sent her a cute lingerie scented bag to pop in her draw to make everything smell sweet. You can see it over at her blog.

Hurry Hurry!

2007-10-12T09:01:00.000+10:00

Items are flying off the 'shelves' with my sale, so hurry up and grab a bargain before everything is gone!

SHOP

I have been quiet

2007-10-11T17:44:00.000+10:00

Hi! I haven't blogged for a while which is not like me!! I have had school holidays, and I hurt my back so I have been a bit of a hermit. I am on the mend now. I have still been reading blogs when I have had the chance, but haven't been able to sit for very long haha!!!

I will be back with some more updates with what has been happening in my little world soon!!

Seeya,
Katrina :)

My Outdoor Area

2007-10-03T17:14:00.000+10:00

I have been giving my outdoor pergola area a bit of a freshen up. I haven't really done anything too exciting, but have added a few items I had stored away for a while. I am very keen to get a timber deck out there, a new table and some timber slats to close it in, but I can't really build these things! This is something I will have to wait for my husband to do. The deck especially is a job that has to be done over consecutive days as it would be too dangerous to leave it unfinished for long periods of time. He works a fair bit, so this will have to wait until he is free!!!

The area is rather big (well to me anyway, I am sure it's not that big to anyone else), and is rather long and the roof is very high. So I have always found this space hard to work with. Firstly, the floor needs to be brought up, and there needs a screening from the roof down to just above head height to close it in a bit more. It is also far too sunny, so hopefully some screening will help. We will be doing the screening in the next few weeks as this is only a small job so I will add some more pictures when done!

Tagged

2007-10-02T15:48:00.000+10:00

Ok, I have been tagged a few times, so thought I better give it a go.

7 random things about me....

1. I cannot lick a paddle pop stick as the sensations sends me crazy
2. I have a University degree Bachelor Communications (Advertising and Marketing)
3. I won lots of awards for Public Speaking and Debating back in my High School Days (hahaha)
4. I got a tattoo about 20 months ago
5. I have had Crohn's Disease since I was 18
6. I jumped out of a plane about 4 years ago
7. I moved into a guys house that I did not know, we lived separate lives for 6 months, then one day we 'got together', then were engaged 8 weeks later and married 6 months later!! Of course to my gorgeous husband Andrew (hehehehe).

Well they are short and sweet, but I bet you never knew those things about me!!!!!

Paper Dress Swap

2007-10-02T15:18:00.000+10:00

Here is a sneak peak of the dresses I am sending to Becky.
Thanks to Heather for hosting!
After Becky receives them, I will put some more pictures on here. I had lost of fun with these. They are not spectacular or anything, but they are pretty cute!!!

My Sisters House

2007-10-02T07:27:00.000+10:00

I wanted to share with you some pictures of my sister's gorgeous house! She and I have similar tastes, but I like lots more pink and she likes green. Of course nothing in her house is ever out of place and I am sure I send her into a state of panic when my boys lick all her windows and eat all over the house (haha)!!

(Sorry about the quality of some of the photos, but I forgot my camera so took them with hers and wasn't very confident with it, but I still think they show all her pretty things!)

These photos below are the beginning of my sister's nursery. She only got her cot last week so she is putting it all together. I can't wait to see what she has because I know she will add some gorgeous touches when the baby arrives.

And the Winner Is....

2007-10-01T14:24:00.000+10:00

Hello everyone! I have drawn the winner of my GIVEAWAY. I have used a sequence generator to make it fair. Sorry I have drawn it a little early, but I have hurt my back and am not enjoying sitting at the computer! Anyway here it is.......

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

Timestamp: 2007-10-01 04:24:19 UTC

So congratulations to:

SHAZ of

www.homeschoolblogger.com/Peekershaz/

Shaz, I don't have your details, so please email me as soon as you can!

Thanks so much to everyone for entering :)

Collage

2007-09-28T14:27:00.000+10:00

Just thought I would make a collage of my home seeing as though I had pictures everywhere. My home is far from being finished in terms of decorating as I am forever changing things! My outdoor area is my next target for a make-over!

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway if you haven't already.
Click HERE.

Long Weekend

2007-09-27T14:43:00.000+10:00

This weekend in my State (New South Wales) we have Monday as a public holiday (Labour Day). I am looking forward to the long weekend. I am off to my Mum & Dad's house to have a night with my family. My sister (due to have her first baby Xmas Eve) and my brother also live in the same town as my mum and dad (in their own houses of course!). So I am really looking forward to it! I will try to remember to take the camera and show you some pictures of my sister's gorgeous house. Nothing but the best for my darling little sis so everything is immaculate and lovely! I am taking my 2 little boys with me as my eldest and his Dad are camping (again!). Anyway, keeps them busy and active so I am not complaining.

This Friday we also have school holidays for 2 weeks. Not that school holidays really effect me as I only have 1 at preschool, but I will still have to find some fun things to do!

Been at the hairdressers today getting a make-over (was sooo needing that), did the groceries AGAIN and now I am off to pick the kids up.

Please don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY here.

Here are a few pictures courtesy bhg.com to drool over.
They are fresh, modern and gorgeous!

What I love about my home!

2007-09-25T08:11:00.001+10:00

I am participating in Karla's Cottage "What I love about my Home" Party. So please pop on over to her blog to grab more links to look at lots more inspiring homes.

Today, I am loving my kitchen.

It's big and we can spread out. My 3 boys LOVE food and I spend a lot of time in here. You may laugh at the locks on the fridge and pantry, but seriously you have NO IDEA what my kids will eat (especially when they are bored!!). And they will grab ice blocks at 8am if I am not watching haha.

I have lots of storage and can put all their school bags in the cupboards. I also love the neutral colours. I would not change this at all. This space is busy enough!

I also love that to the left is a door, which is to my garage, so I can walk straight in with groceries. Plus I just love my polished floorboards and their colours. It doesn't show every spec of dirt.

That's it! Sorry about the dark and glarey photos, but I took them at a silly time of day and don't have time to take them again. Also, Natasha thinks I must not be messy, but to prove that I can be I left dishes on the sink!!!

Please don't forget to enter into my giveaway . Have a great day!

GIVEAWAY

2007-09-24T17:05:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I thought I would try my hand at a giveaway! I thought, hey why not? I have a garage packed with goodies, so let's be generous and give something lovely away!!!
This one is so very easy...

Just leave a comment on THIS particular post and you are in the draw. I will close the draw Monday 1st October 5pm Australian EST . I will remind you each blog entry about leaving a comment on this post.

I am giving away this cute clock on a stand (measures 17cm in diameter).

Please tell everyone about it!
Send this particular link
http://littlelalas.blogspot.com/2007/09/giveaway.html
to everyone so they can be in the draw!!!

Good luck!!

Neither Here Nor There

2007-09-24T09:39:00.000+10:00

So here is what I have done with the bird cage stand for now. I have painted and roughed it up, added a newer bird cage and popped it in my red lounge room (as we like to call it). The reason why I called this post "Neither Her Nor There" is because I will probably move this in the next few weeks as I am slowing doing up my out door area and this will go lovely outside. I really am happy with it!

Below is the actual birdcage that came with the stand. This is my family room area where we spend most of our time. My kitchen faces this tv and on my left is out dining area. I have popped it on a table for now as this one too may end up outside. I am on the hunt for a mirrored tray and will sit this birdcage over the top of it on the center of my out door table (I think!). I am waiting to get a new top made for my outdoor table but this could take a while!! Oh, and the urn on the right of the tv will also end up outside.

Also I have added some pictures of my kids playroom (and I guess my blogging area!). I realised that the last pictures I took where in a different room, and after I had taken those pictures I moved rooms (again) 2 days later. I am not satisfied with things until I at least try them!!! So now they have a heaps bigger room with lots of storage. We have a 5 bedroom house so I am pretty lucky to be able to have the room to spread out a bit.

Here are the pictures of where I put my paper dresses! They are so cute and I have popped them on a mirror and I am so happy with them.

Too much to handle... Can someone please pour me a vodka??

2007-09-22T20:15:00.000+10:00

This post could be a lot of rambling so I don't blame you if you give up early!

We have been having trouble with our phone lines in our area as houses are being built around me and I am sure someone has messed up while installing new lines. We keep losing our phone lines and sometimes we are out for days. Usually my broadband is ok so I can still use my computer, but last night it completely went! I don't know if this ever happens to you, but I was having heart palpitations and was feeling extremely stressed out. I couldn't believe it!! What... no computer??? This is my sanctuary, this is my fun! And who the hell did this to my bleeping phone lines? Then I started to get angry hurling abuse all over the house. In this day and age why don't the telephone technicians at the phone company work over the weekend?? Ludicrous, I say. So I am lying in bed last night dreaming on and off about it. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I tend to do that when something is on my mind.

I got up very early this morning to go for a walk with my sister-in-law and thought I would check my computer beforehand - still nothing. I was stressed and it was silly! I kept thinking, what if I sold something on ebay, what if someone emails me important??? So I get through most of the day, with the help of a coffee and a big piece of peppermint slice down the street with my gorgeous friend Ange.

The whole thing gets too much late this afternoon, so I get in the car and head to the printery to use the computers to check up on ebay primarily. While nothing life threatening had happened, I felt much much much better!

And then later tonight, I looked in at my computer with a sad face and I see the envelope meaning I have email!!! Hooray, the stress is over! How this is suddenly working I have no idea as my house phone still isn't, but who bloody cares? I have 46 emails too by the way hahaha. Nothing that needed attention, but it made me feel important nonetheless!!!

On to another note.
Recently, I was looking at Penny's post about RATE MY SPACE and I wanted to commend her on being so brave. If you haven't seen it, you must check it out. If nothing else there is heaps of inspiration.
Anyway, the reason why I am writing about this because Penny is doing so well with her pictures and is receiving fabulous reviews for her home. I have done this and I had thousands of hits on my house pictures, but the stress of it all got too much for me personally!

So what happens is - you put pictures of rooms on there and people rate and comment on your rooms. While 99% of the comments are positive and encouraging, it is the other 1% that got a little bit too stressful. Nobody says anything nasty, and while the criticism is constructive, I started to feel a little bit exposed and inadequate. Like for example, someone would comment on my clock being too high or my lounges needed angling a bit more. In my mind I was becoming defensive saying "it's the bad photo, my clock is not too high, or, the lounge would look too funny in the room angled". So I withdrew the photos. I am usually very tough and know that criticism is important and I am not going to please everyone every time. But I think it's because it is my house, my taste and my own creativity.
So Penny, congrats to you as I know you have been receiving some fabulous comments and you deserve it as your house is lovely!

*****

Sorry this one was so long, but I am feeling like a bit of a chatterbox tonight! Gee won't my husband hate it when I get off here and start chewing his ear off about something? He is trying to watch the footy so maybe I better do the ironing instead....

Oh What Shall I Do? Swap & Things

2007-09-21T12:34:00.000+10:00

"Oh What Shall I Do?" is what I have labeled this post because I need some help! I found this today and I have a little friend who runs a huge junk shop and when I asked him how much he had on it, he said "you have it (then he giggled - he always giggles), but tell your husband I had nothing to do with this one...."!!!! Ha Ha hilarious! So, we jam it into my car (3 kids in the back too I might add) and off I head back into town. I drive straight to Andrew at work and he looks in the car and yells "NO MORE", but I had a smile on my face and then he started laughing and says "what the hell do you think you are doing with that??". I said well, I am going to use it of course. I asked him for some paint stripper, a scrapper and a brush, but of course he was far too busy to find it for me so I drive off yelling "thanks for your help" (sarcastic and smiling).

So now I have it out of my car and on the lawn. I have intentions of using it outside, but my outdoor area is not as I would like it, so for now I will use it inside.

The dilemma is... will i clean it up and roughly paint it so I have the chippy and aged feel, or will I completely strip and start all over?? I want to keep the original birdcage in it, but this will need a new bottom and a bit if a fix-up. But then again, I own lots of wire bird cages (white, cream, brown, black), so will I pop a new cage on it?

Next I have to post the pictures of the paper dresses I received from the lovely Becky at Hand In My Heart (you must visit her!). These are the most gorgeous things I have ever seen!! I am still wandering around with them, not sure where to put them. I don't want to hide them anywhere, I am pondering the perfect spot. The attention to detail is magnificent. And look at the card she made me with the letter K on it. I love layers (I like to layer everything - from bedding to clothes), so I was very impressed with that one!! When I finally get around to doing Becky's paper dresses I will post some pictures (boy and do I have big shoes to live up to hehehe). Swap closes in about 2 weeks so I promise I will have them to you soon Becky!

Just a couple of random pics here of me still washing (I don't know why I say "still" because I have to get over it and realise it ain't gonna end EVER), and here is a picture of my new outdoor candelabra I bought a couple of weeks ago. I love it!!!

John Butler Trio - LIVE

2007-09-20T10:27:00.000+10:00

Very cool song!

SHOCK HORROR TODAY I AM WASHING

2007-09-18T13:18:00.001+10:00

I just hate to wash! I absolutely hate it. I will do it under sufferance and tend to leave it for a day or two (or three) here and there! I think it's because it is so time consuming.

Sorting, into the machine, hanging out, drying, bringing it in, folding, ironing and putting away. Boy that even sounds worse when I am typing it!! If I could just washing it and put it out, then somehow it miraculously ended up back in the cupboards then I might (might!) just cope with it. With my three boys and a dirty husband I think I could wash all day most of the time! Luck I have a good sized laundry to hide it all in haha.

So yesterday, I decided I might give my laundry a bit of a spruce up. I bought a shelf, painted it and played around with some things to put on it. I love my laundry now!! I think I will head down to the shops tomorrow to buy a few more bits and pieces, but for now I think it's ok.

So today I AM WASHING....

Also here are the goodies I received from Joyce from the Cotton N Candy swap hosted by Shannon. I just love them Joyce, thanks so much!!!

We had a great weekend at my bro's 21st. I was very weary the next day! Too much to drink - but hey, I am allowed to let my hair down now and then!! It's hard work being a "yummy mummy" and trying to keep up with the 20 year olds ya know!

I am hoping to get a few more projects finished in the next few days, so I will be back with more pics soon.

Have a good one!
Katrina :)

21st

2007-09-14T16:06:00.000+10:00

I am turning 21!!!

Nah... I wish! My bro is having his 21st this weekend and he lives an hour away with the rest of my family, so I am off to my parent's early tomorrow morning. Shall be lots of fun. I adore and love him lots as he has always been the baby of the family. I am saying a speech, so wish me luck!!

Hope you all have a great weekend...
Katrina :)

Little La La's

My new Blog

This blog will close soon

Mothers Day 2008

Hellllooooo

New Job

New Blog

Banner Image

Cruise playing footy

White on White

Mirrors

New House

Plug

AWOL

I'm BACK!

Bye for a few days as we move...

Texy Boy's Birthday

Dancing and Smashed Pot!!!

Beach & Cottage Living Style.

Socks & Eggs

Happy Easter... & Photos

Bored

Crude, Rude (but funny) Joke....

What's happening?

A little break...

Aussie Slang

Ute ... utility, a type of motor vehicle (a pick up truck in USA )

Bakelite Phone

Sofa (or Lounge as Australian's call them)

Feng Shui your Bedroom

Archives

Award

Bed Headboards

Happy 6th Birthday

Cleaning Bug

When I win Lotto

Shania Twain

Colour Combos

Feng Shui

Screen or Room Divider

Simplicity in Sweden

Citrus

A Different Era

Inspiration II

Inspiration

No tears!

Getting ready for school & ....things

Help!

Tagged

New Bits

Not good

Too much to catch up on

On Holidays

Still primping and fluffing

Baby Priya

Baby!

Thanks for the vibes

5 Days....

Preschool Christmas Fun

Presents and Holidays

Some Christmas Fun...

A bit of this and a bit of that

Just another day...

Election Day

Disappointed

Signature

Baby Shower & Polka Dot Shoes

Nothing is Easy

Babies Everywhere

Baby Levi

So much to do

Just a song for now

I am back!

Baby

NO INTERNET & BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!!

The Twits

"The Twits" by Roald Dahl - as adapted by David Wood

Facebook Bug

Little La La's

Paper Dress Swap