No Life Without Wife

2011-12-25T14:21:00.003+11:00

We have opened all our presents, eaten a lovely Christmas lunch so now it is off to have a big afternoon nap!! I hope everyone is having a lovely day and enjoying themselves as much as I am. Merry Christmas to all:)

The gingerbread house.........

2011-12-24T10:14:00.000+11:00

Well we did it!! We had a few free moments this week and went through the whole process of making our very first gingerbread house. Don't look to closely as you will see the big gaping holes where it doesn't quite fit together properly but isn't that why we make so much royal icing to be able to fill any holes that need it. I must admit as tricky as it was we had a fun time making it. Juliette did all the piping, I did the construction and Django did the decorating and eating of leftover treats!

We even found ourselves a little snowman for our front yard. We are going to start eating it tonight but I think it will be sad seeing all that work and beauty come crumbling down. Oh well what the good of making something so tasty if you can't eat it!!

Blue!!

2011-12-19T16:10:00.000+11:00

We are one week into our 2 month long holidays(gasp)!! Last week was way too busy for my liking running around here there and everywhere for the kids, for Xmas get togethers and the like. This week has started off much more slowly(phew!!) and a picnic was had at the beach. It was a bit too windy for swimming but there was still a lot of rolling/running around to be done. We are very lucky to live not 5 minutes walk to the beach and my husband literally works across the road. I hope we get a few more of these in in the next couple of weeks before we head back to Melbourne for a month. I doubt I will be seeing the water too much while there!!

P.S I haven't forgotten about my giveaway just haven't had time to organise it but I promise I will:)

Fab Friday............

2011-12-09T13:40:00.001+11:00

1. Gingerbread House, 2. gingerbread house pops 4, 3. Gingerbread House Displays at the George Eastman House - December 2, 2007, 4. Gingerbread house, 5. Gingerbread house, 6. Day 16 - Gingerbread house

Gingerbread houses are oh so cute and they are popping up everywhere I look at the moment, obviously so as it is nearly Christmas!! I have never ever attempted to make one but seeing all these sweet creations is getting me almost excited enough to try. Just look at the pictures above and all those decorations and varieties of houses you can do. I may have to start off with something a little simpler then those found on flickr but it certainly has given me some ideas.

A request for help is needed for this to take place though. Some of you may have some tried & true recipes & instructions or tips & tricks that work. Please let me know otherwise I will seek the help of the almighty internet!! Wish me luck:)

P.S This is post 600 but not the giveaway one I will come back in the next few days with the info and instructions.

Babushka.......

2011-12-07T13:49:00.001+11:00

Happy babushka christmas decorations.
Does anybody know what you call a group of babushka's???? A family??

Blythe's just desserts!...........

2011-12-03T11:07:00.001+11:00

This weeks Blythe physical challenge photo. We had fun taking this shot as we had to eat it after the photo taking was all done:)

Beads & stuff..........

2011-12-02T17:16:00.001+11:00

It's been a quiet week around here as I just havn't had the time to come and post. We are leading up the the end of the school/dance year and the concerts are happening. Driving around to rehearsals this week has keep me busy on the roads and not in the crafting space even though I did spent a few stolen moments making some more Xmas decorations. I had my bead box out which always makes for a lovely photo with all that colour and glitter. One dance concert is on tonight so I should be off getting everybody feed, made up and organised rather than sitting on the computer so that is what I will do.

Oh and another thing I am near to my 600th post so I will get my thinking cap on for a giveaway prize to celebrate:) Stay tuned!!

Made it Monday..........

2011-11-28T15:58:00.001+11:00

Some Christmas inspired hats as that season is on the horizon. It is a tad warm here for my girls to wear such hats but who cares if they look so cute!!

They are in my shop if you would like to take a peep.

The winner circle.........

2011-11-25T22:18:00.001+11:00

WPWD photo challenge with a twist- Spring racing carnival was the theme this time around. This photo is aptly named the winners circle.

P.S the dead rat smell was a dead rat that had died under the cupboards. The husband was very good and worked out how to get it out before we all suffocated from it. God it is an awful smell:(

Me...........

2011-11-24T08:26:00.001+11:00

There I am with my wares and at the end of our little sale. My table looks a little less full which is always a good sign that it was a success. Things sold that I wasn't really expecting to sell and then others were left behind that you think are the winners. You never can tell what people will spot and want but aside from that it is always nice that people like what they see and know you have created it with your hands.

Oh well now it is back to normal world of cooking and cleaning. We have a dead rat smell that I must contend with this morning.........wish me luck!!!

Decorations.........

2011-11-22T16:04:00.001+11:00

Last photo of goodies for tomorrows sale I promise. It is all for the benefit of the local peoples who may be thinking of coming along. See what you can get pretty felt Christmas ornaments for your tree or to decorate gifts or for whatever you please.

It has been a busy few weeks of sewing and stuffing so I may take a break for a few days and get the house tidy it has been a bit neglected. Then get back into making anything more I need for Xmas gifts for all my lucky family & friends!!

Goodies made by my crafting buddy..........

2011-11-20T14:06:00.001+11:00

Some of Gemma's goodies that will be coming along with her to our little sale on Wednesday. Cute clothes, fancy passport covers, Xmas stockings and kiddy friendly travel stuff will be on her table.

Give me a Q............

2011-11-19T18:17:00.001+11:00

This weeks Blythe physical challenge photo. Blythe & the letter 'Q'. Local fast food joint Quick come in very handy for this one!!

Fab Friday.............

2011-11-18T16:27:00.001+11:00

My owls!

Busy Friday today!! Been very busy talking to my friend, Gemma about a little Christmas sale we are doing next week. My husbands workplace has a morning tea every Wednesday and on that day you can set up a little table to sell your wares. We have motivated one another to get off our butts and make some stuff to sell rather than just talking about our stuff that we would like to sell.

Some squirrels!!

So here are some of my many doudous I have made, my owls that I love( I have many more but they all wouldn't sit in the tree for a photo, it's too windy) and some squirrels. I will show some more things tomorrow and show what my crafting partner is doing.

Now for those in Noumea and would like to see the things in person it is next Wednesday 23rd Nov, 9.30 at the SPC social club!!

Made it Monday.............

2011-11-14T21:36:00.001+11:00

The other day when I was sitting on the couch sewing and watching tv I was making some wee litttle fellas and these are them all finished. Little sleeping bunnies!!

Berenice...........

2011-11-12T18:15:00.001+11:00

Once in every Blythe doll owners life she/he pulls it apart to inspect what is inside and how it works.

Then you muck around with pastels and do a little face-up.

and then you put her back together a different girl. Here is Berenice pronounced Ber-re-nice with a wonderful French accent.

I am happy with my first attempt at customising a Blythe girl not sure if I will do more there are particular skills involved and not sure if I have them!

Here are some ladies that do do some fabulous customs.

Happibug

Melly Kay Customs

MorganOrton Blythe Customs

couch=sewing..................

2011-11-08T21:59:00.003+11:00

I snuck in a bit of sewing on the couch time this afternoon. I don't always do it as I feel a bit guilty about sitting down while the hubby is at work and kids at school but these are little craft things that I am making for an upcoming sale I am having here. So it is kinda work isn't it????

...............

2011-11-06T16:30:00.000+11:00

Some sewing done this weekend and trying something new in my shop.

La Petite Chouette.

Having a little sale there aswell, enter the code Spring special to get 10 % off all the goodies!!

Hope everybody has had a lovely weekend and is all rested up for the week ahead:)

Books..............

2011-11-03T22:13:00.000+11:00

I haven't talked about a book for a while and thought it about time I told you about the last book read in our book club. The death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave. Well didn't this one cause a bit of a stir within the ladies. Some really liked it(me) and others thought it was a total waste of time and I can understand why. The novel is about a middle aged man who is a womanising, alcoholic which comes to a head after the sucide of his wife. He is a shady door to door beauty products salesman(who tries to get into their pants as well as sell cosmetics) and ends up going on a distructive road trip with his 9year old son. He finds he is losing his grip on reality which is quickly spiralling out of control. It is dirty, crude, gritty, full of sex and mentions Kylie Minogue & Avril Lavinge several times. The novel is abit like riding a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, loads of twists and turns, and a cracking pace that threatens to derail it all.

Nick wrote this novel in 6 weeks on a tour bus. I originally bought it for my husband to read and put it up as a suggestion for the bookclub as everyone know Nick Cave because of his music but I don't think they really knew what goes on in his mind. I liked it & I would recommend it to anyone but only if you have a strong constitution, some of the ladies couldn't finish it. They said it made them physically sick. so with that in mind read at your own peril!!

Treasure Tuesday...............

2011-11-01T15:15:00.001+11:00

1. Rockabilly Geisha, 2. Vintage Simplicity Pattern 1704 Full Poodle Skirt Rockabilly Dress Jumper 50's 50s Size 12 Girls, 3. Rockabilly chick

It's all about the music today. Have discovered Lanie Lane and am loving it. Check out the link as it has a video of her lastest song. And if you like her you may also like Imelda May.

Made it Monday..........

2011-10-31T21:14:00.000+11:00

Little zip purse made from what I started in the last post.
Sorry about the photo. iphones can be handy but they don't always take the best photo!!

Happy Halloween everyone and look here for some cute crafty ornaments.

WIP..................

2011-10-29T17:13:00.000+11:00

A few minutes free to sew and see what comes of it. Hopefully I will show you the finished product on Made it Monday.

Fun Fridays.............

2011-10-28T20:21:00.002+11:00

Our week of school vacances is drawing to a close and boy has it been a busy week. Usually we chill out and not do too much as the kids get up for school so early here it is a good time to go slow and re-charge the batteries but not this holidays!!! Juliette did a dance stage(holiday program) in the am, the 2 of them had a gazillion swim lessons( these haven't finished yet), we went for morning tea, saw a movie and even went to see an amatuer production of 'The Mikado' last night. So to finish off what was a rather hectic week we had a nice muck around at the pool after lessons this afternoon even I got in and had a cool off. I must admit it was nice, it would have been even better if I was floating around on a lilo and sipping a cocktail!!

Special treats..............

2011-10-26T13:56:00.000+11:00

We have had a big special surprise here today!! I picked up a parcel from the post office to find a picnic basket overflowing with Maggie Beer products and one of Pip's crafting books. Can you imagine how happy this made us all:) It was gifted to us from a work collegue of my husbands who come to stay for a week a little while back. He didn't have to do this but we are all very grateful for a bit of home stocked in our cupboards. My husband can't wait to get into the burnt fig jam( on warm baguette) and I am going to cook some Toulouse saucisson this week so I can try her tomato sauce. mmmmmmmm!!!!!

Made it Monday mushrooms............

2011-10-24T22:40:00.000+11:00

Literally made today(3 of them) on this Monday first day of another round of school holidays! In my La Petite chouette shop right now for you to browse:)

Treasure Tuesday.........

2011-10-18T13:45:00.002+11:00

1. Heart of Stone, 2. Heart Lights, 3. Macks' Big Heart (20 Things About Me), 4. Heart Rose, 5. heart with smile, 6. Heart , 7. My Little Heart, 8. heart buttons, 9. Heart Garland

A little tresure trove of hearts for you today. I love how they are found in nature and made with the hand............Whatever way they come they are lovely!!

Made it Monday................

2011-10-17T16:42:00.003+11:00

Nothing made this weekend but a good time!!! My husband and a friends husband have both been away for a couple of weeks now and we treated our families to a weekend away at some local bungalows. This place is actually a golfers resort but they have a pool and a restaurant and you can sit on your little terrace for a pre dinner drink while the kids play on the lawn. What more could you ask for!!

We returned home last night the kids were dog tired from swimming so much and me well I came home with an insect bite that has gotten all infected. A visit to the doctor today, a course of antibiotics and a little rest and all will be fine. You have to careful in this heat and bites I only got this sucker on Saturday night and by Sunday evening my big toe was throbbing like you wouldn't believe.

Anyway come back next Monday and you may see some handcrafted stuff!!

Fun Fridays.............

2011-10-14T16:15:00.000+11:00

Fun sewing this Friday...............some cute Middie dresses in the shop.

Myself, a girlfriend and our kids are heading out of town for the weekend. Our husbands are both away and we need away from the house time. We are just going to some bungalows an hour away but there is a pool and a restaurant which means easy kids entertaining and no cooking involved.........fantastic!!!

Hope you all have a nice weekend whatever you do:)

Surprise...........

2011-10-12T20:22:00.001+11:00

A bit of trivia for you all today but my very neglected orchid in the garden surprised me with some beautiful flowers!!

Treasure Tuesdays.............

2011-10-11T21:33:00.000+11:00

Oh the path of treasures we will travel down today will be cute and interesting and moreish. It is the Etsy path and it is one of those ones that once you get on you can never get off!!
I am just going to list them and you can discover them for yourselves. Enjoy!!!

Mabgraves
Jamfancy
Decoylab
Gingermelon
Feltland
Miss behave

Made it Monday............

2011-10-10T14:24:00.000+11:00

Monday Monday!!! We have woken up to a beautiful day which makes it so much easier to start the week!! Actually the weather over the whole weekend was marvellous so there was not much done other than soaking it all in which meant not much crafting. Django was the crafting boy in the house and he made another feltie. His name is Pumpkin head and he is from the Zombie Felties. This book sure is a winner in my eyes, if it gets boys doing things like learning to sew then I see that as a very good thing. It's a good book if you are looking for stocking fillers for boys & girls!! The time to be thinking of such things is getting near and for us who need to get it all sent to far off places you need to be prepared. Anyway enough ramble hope you are having a great start to the week!!

P.S I have been making a few new Blythe hats for the shop in my spare moments:)

Beach disturbances............

2011-10-08T18:18:00.000+11:00

The Blythe Physical Challenge #38- Blythe & wienies!

This is the best we could pull off!!!

Fun Fridays...........

2011-10-07T13:28:00.000+11:00

It seems that I have been a bit absent from here this past week. Inbetween one sick child and one sick pig there hasn't been much time for frivolous posting but today you are in luck. I have a picture and something to post about. Friday is crafter morning with my friend Gemma. We had missed last week but all was in alignment this week. She actually didn't get to do much as she was dealing with a washing machine repair man but I got to nearly finish a little project I started sometime back. A little amigurami lion.

Sad day...........

2011-10-04T20:20:00.001+11:00

Sorry no fun treasure Tuesday finds today. For the last 2 days we have been watching over our sick guinea pig Moustache, he stopped eating on Sunday and tonight took his last breath. He was with us for nearly 4 years which is a long time for little pigs like him.

So no fun in this house tonight but I will be back next week with some treasures!!

Made it Monday.........

2011-10-03T19:15:00.001+11:00

Made it Monday is bought to you by Django this week. He has entered a competition in The Utterly Awesome Blythe Club and had to produce something for the blythe girls made from cardboard. Here it is their own special dressing screen. As you can see Guava used it straight away!!

Sunsets...........

2011-10-01T18:03:00.000+11:00

We get the most terrific sunsets here and today was no exception. I just went and picked the kids up from Kuendu beach and this is what greeted me. The days and nights are getting warmer you can feel that summer is coming. Oh I love the changing of the seasons, well the little we get anyway!!!

p.s photo taken with the iphone not bad for a quick shot me thinks:)

Books...........

2011-09-29T16:23:00.001+11:00

This weeks book that I am going to go on about is '1974' by David Peace. It is a gritty novel set in Yorkshire the year is 1974. A young naive journalist comes back home from an unsuccessful stint in Fleet street and is quickly sent into a whirlpool of child murders, corruption, violence, conspiracy, blackmail, sexual obsession.

Even though it is a fictional book it is based on real events of that time in Yorkshire and it's surrounding areas. The Yorshire ripper is one of them. It is tightly paced with fast witty dialogue, it doesn't take to long to read.

I loved it but if you don't like raw books with too much swearing, violence and gritty sex I wouldn't pick it up to read.

On from this novel David Peace has written three others 1977, 1980, 1983. The series is apparently intertwined and goes by the name of Red riding quartet. I have not read any of them but intend to find 1977 to see what other violence , crime and panic he can conjure up.

For further indepth reviews read here and here.

Treasure Tuesday on Wednesday............

2011-09-28T11:19:00.001+11:00

Sorry for no post yesterday. The day seemed to get away from me and then all of a sudden it was 10.30 and there was no way I was sitting down and writing a post about new finds. I had thought about what I was going to write all day but alas at that hour bed was calling and it won over. Anyway the new finds for this week are kids blogs. I think we are discovering them because my children are now spending a bit more time on the computer looking at what interests them(no different to me).I am going to list a few that we all like to read and included are my childrens blogs.

Django's Cute club!

Juliette's Toko's Adventures.

The others-

I know alot of these centre around the Blythe doll but I think it has the kids thinking about a whole heap of other stuff. It gives them a place to practise their photography skills, create craft and show it off, write and learn about the computer & the world of the internet. In our household writing these blogs is also helping the kids to write and read in English. It is a kind of learning even if they don't realise it.

You can have a look at these links or if your kids are interested in blogging it is a world of inspiration for them. good luck and I hope you have a few hours spare because you will need it!!

Made it Monday.............

2011-09-26T16:37:00.000+11:00

No craft for this Made it Monday only yummy banana choccy muffins!! I honestly thought I was not going to be able to post anything hand/homemade today but something always pops up doesn't it!! This recipe is literally a 5 minute put together and there is always brown bananas here which is always the incentive to make them.

Recipe as follows-

1 1/2 cups sr flour

1/2 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup vege oil

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

vanilla

and then anything you wanto add to them. We do love banana choc but we also love a little passionfruit mixed in too!!

Method

Place dry ingedients in a bowl, mix wet ingredients together. Put wet into dry and add your flavouring. You know the rest in a moderate oven for about 15 mins or until they spring back when touched.

Let me know if you have a favourite muffin you like to make as we are always open to trying new things around here.

The end of a weekend.............

2011-09-25T21:16:00.001+11:00

I am just going off to bed after a weekend at one of our most favourite camping spots, Thio. The weather was fantastic, the company great and there was even some swimming with a dugong(not me) but I couldn't go to bed without showing some images of our spot.
I hope you enjoy the blues and the palm trees!!

Fun Fridays...........

2011-09-23T22:28:00.001+11:00

Blythe physical challenge for this fortnight- Blythe & rainbows!!

Treasure Tuesday.............

2011-09-20T15:39:00.000+11:00

Voodoolady's fab photography

Something very appropriate for Treasure Tuesday............' talk like a pirate day' ! I know I am a day late but that is ok. I don't think pirates would have ever arrived on time anywhere anyway!! Here is another very happy treasure flickr find foto!!

Blog find for this week- little dear tracks ................lovely felt stuffs!!

Argh happy Tuesday to all ya scurvy seadogs out there!!!!!

Made it Monday............

2011-09-19T14:58:00.000+11:00

Last Friday we had a visit from a friend and her mum. My friend is American and her folks were out here visiting. This friends mum is always sending her new things that a all the rage back home. This time she bought me a little gift. Something so completely new to me, I haven't even seen it around the internet and often you come across new stuff when you are seeking out other stuff. Anyway this new thing is called Zentangle. It is all about the creative doodle apparently! I got a book to show me where to start, some of the little cards to draw on and a pencil and fine outlining pen. So here you go my little bit of creativity this weekend was drawing and I liked it. The book & bits were left on the coffee table so I picked it up and did a little everytime I had a free minute. The kids even had a go. I think it will be good for all of us to do as it is a bit of free thinking art, no rules that need to be followed you just go with the flow.

Has anybody got anything to show on made it Monday!!

Fun Fridays............

2011-09-16T14:40:00.002+11:00

Friday morning I have started to get together with some new craft girls in town. Twice so far!! We get together talk, drink tea, I crochet others sew. I had fun this morning and am excited at the prospect of more sessions to come. This get together is not just about the craft but also about me making some new friends. Many have departed this year leaving a little hole. That aside I think my husband is happy about these session too as he is hoping he will no longer have to give his opinion on matters concering fabric combinations and other such crafty matters.

Hope your having a fun Friday too!!!

Books..........

2011-09-15T20:43:00.001+11:00

I am in a book club here in Noumea and have been for a couple of years now but never seem to have written about the books we have read or will read so I thought Thursday could be the day I talk about books. I am going to start with the one I have just finished reading and will be discussed next week at our monthly meet-up. The Hunger Games. Here is a blurb written by the author Suzanne Collins-

In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. As the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.Written by Suzanne Collins

Young adult science fiction, fast paced & not hard to read all equals a good book. I liked the characters, they weren't soppy as in the Twilight series(which I read). They have a bit of guts and determination about them, a bit of spunk. Everybody was likable even the badies! The theme of reality tv is so relevent to us at the moment with so much of it in our faces. I know it is in a grander scale in the book but who knows what our future holds for us!

Anyway we are a diverse bunch in age and nationality in our group so it will be interesting to see what everybody thinks but me I give it a thumbs up. I would suggest it to any young adult, boy or girl as I think they would enjoy it.

Let me know if you have read the book and if you liked it or not. I see the movie is coming in 2012 some of you may hang off until then!!

Treasure Tuesday.........

2011-09-13T13:30:00.000+11:00

Prairie mouse treaure bottles- flickr find!!

It's Tuesday and on this Tuesday and future Tuesday's I am going to give you some links to new treasures I have found. It could be a new blog, something from Etsy, a photo from flickr or even a fab recipe. Who knows what it will be, I will see where the winds takes me on any particular Tuesday!!!

Blog find- Ana Camamiel horror vacui she makes some wicked dolls!!

I am sure you all know the Pioneer women blog and I go back there every now and again to check out what she is up to and today I found this recipe. It is on the dessert menu tonight cause who doesn't love bananas cooked in brown sugar, butter & cream. Yum Yum!!!

Happy Tuesday readers!!

Made it Monday...........

2011-09-12T14:04:00.000+11:00

Over the last few months my little blog has been floundering all about the place. I lost interest a bit, I didn't think I had much to write about and sometimes I just didn't have the time. I was having thoughts of giving it up but then did a backflip on that idea. I do really like having my blog and sharing some of my life with you all. Anyway I thought to get No life without wife back on track I would give it a bit of structure. A few days of the week I will talk about something in particular. I am going to start it off with Made it Monday. Usually on the weekends I get a little time to do some crafting and thought on a Monday I can showcase what I have done and if I don't get to do anything I am sure I will find someone in blogland that has been crafty.

Here is my offering for this week! Yesterday while watching the rugby with my hubby I finally worked out the pattern for a pixie helmut for my dollies. I love it and the pattern is so easy I have completed another 2 already in between looking after everybody else in the house.

Decorated with a couple of flower shaped yo-yo's.

Let me know if you got up to anything crafty on the weekend that's what Made it Monday is for!!

Rompers & rainbows........

2011-09-09T13:58:00.001+11:00

The new girls in town need some new clothes. Little rompers and hats are just the thing!!!

For more cuteness take a look at all these other sweeties!!

P.S some of the rompers are in my shop- La petite chouette:)

L'oeuf du coq........

2011-09-06T19:44:00.000+11:00

An afternoon at the library, a little reading picked up by the kids for the rest of the holidays and my entry done for the "Blythe Physical Challenge" group.

Monday am...........

2011-09-05T13:41:00.000+11:00

We went out this Monday morn to do some bike riding, roller bladeing and photo taking. All started out ok it was a little windy but there were blue skies. 15 minutes into our outing it clouded over and then the rains came...............that put an end to that!! I got a few shots in and the kids did a bit of exercise so we weren't to disappointed.

What is happening in your part of the world??

Spring...........

2011-09-02T15:14:00.003+11:00

New season, new header, new colours, better weather, fresh frame of mind and hopefully more blogging.

Let me know what you think!!

Blue & cloudy..............

2011-08-30T19:50:00.000+11:00

Down on the beach again today!! It feels like spring is in the air which is fantastic as we can think about getting back into that blue, blue water.

Anybody for a tropical holiday???

Vacances.............again!!

2011-08-29T19:44:00.000+11:00

Today is the start of another 2 weeks break here and the start of the Jeux de Pacific(Pacific Games). We were down at the beach today watching the va'a races and as you can see the weather is glorious. I really hope it will stay like this so we can get out and about to see all the activities going about the places.

But today is not only important for all the above things it is also important for something else and that is the drawing of the prize winners from the 550 post giveaway. When I could drag my kids away from what they were doing I got them to draw a name each......2 prizes 2 people.

Now the bits & pieces prize pack was drawn by Django and that goes to Jessica. Yippee!!!(popover to Jessica's blog as she is having a wonderful giveaway too)

The Blythe fan prize pack was then drawn by Juliette and that goes to Jo Dusty Plum.( just popover to Jo's blog because she is an ace chick)Yippeee to you too!!

Congrats to you girls!! I will be intouch to get addresses from you.

Post 550................

2011-08-25T14:40:00.000+11:00

Well here I am back from our brief but very busy trip to Tokyo. It is such a huge place and there is so much to do you just don't know where to start. This time we were a bit more organised and had a few places on our to do list so we had abit of a plan. Meiji Temple in Harajuku & Takeshita st, Kiddyland, Sanrio Puroland(bit disappointing), Junie Moon and any Daiso shop(100 yen) shop we could find. We also had to fit in as many meals as we could eat as we all love the Japanese food and it was hot so the local cold beer was always calling us. We had a hoot again and are already planning when we can go back again.

Now I did say when I got back I would do my post no.550 giveaway and here are the goodies I found. The first prize pack is for the girl who likes bits. I found some nice fat quarters, trim, little crochet butterflies, jingley bells( I am always looking for these) and some sticky heart border(only in Japan!!).

The second little prize pack is for the Blythe fan out there. 5 postcards, sticker sheet, little writing pad & some clips all found at Junie Moon.

Entry into the giveaway is open to everybody, you don't have to do anything special just leave me a lovely comment maybe put it out there on your blog if you have but this is not mandatory. You do need to tell me which prize you are interested in, it could be just one or both. I am happy to put your names in both hats.

I will leave comments open till Sunday night 28th August and draw the winner on Monday sometime.

Now go forth and comment!!!

Post 549............

2011-08-16T12:39:00.001+11:00

Woweee can you believe my next post will be number 550!!!!

I haven't actually been taking much notice of the post count as I haven't really been in a fabulous blogging state of mind of late. Post 550 I think will need to be a celebration of the milestone and incorporate a giveaway. This is all timing itself very well as we are heading off to Tokyo tomorrow for 5 days and I will be able to pick up some goodies for the prize. Yipee!!! Maybe there might be something for the sewers, something for the Blythe gals that read or maybe just something very randomn and cute that can always be found in Tokyo.

Come back after the 21st and see what is on offer!

My first Kagu.........

2011-08-14T18:14:00.001+11:00

I had a request from somebody here to make a Kagu. It is a ground dwelling, flightless bird found only here and in Papua New Guinea. The bird is normally a grey colour but there also was a request to use a New Caledonia tea towels as the fabric.

Now I have never made a bird softie before and certainly not one that had to ressemble something so unique but I don't think I did to badly. I tried to make it with it's plume up as often they run around with their feathers close to their bodies. They are much more interesting when they stand to attention!!

..................

2011-08-12T09:17:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was my special day and I had a lovely lunch put on for me by my good friend Kris. There was 6 of us sitting around a lovely table with champagne, good food and scrumptious birthday cake. Time was spent nattering about all the things we natter about. This was funny!! It was a fab day and I am most appreciative to have such lovely friends to spend these special times with.

Thanks again ladies!!

Lunch on the beach..............

2011-08-10T13:57:00.000+11:00

Wednesday is a half day for us here school finishes at 10.45am. Yep that is right 10.45am!There is no rush to get the kids back after lunch so we decided we would go to the local snack and have a leisurely lunch on the beach. Hamburgers, panini's & frite were on todays lunch menu. The weather wasn't so great but you can't have everything.

After our little outing I do have a tid-bit of info for you. Anywhere in the world you can sit and eat frite and the seagulls will find you. Obviously the world population of seagulls love a frite!!!

Pay it forward 2011...........

2011-08-07T16:24:00.003+11:00

I did this a couple of years back and found another one going around on flickr. It is the same deal as last time but this time it is 5 recipients!! If anyone is interested leave a comment and I will be in touch.

Anyway this is my gift I received from Mandy. Isn't he the cutest bear you have seen!! She has an Etsy shop & flickr where you can see many of her handmade bears and her extensive collection of Blythe dolls.

PAY IT FORWARD FOR 2011. Read below...........
Pay It Forward

Pay it Forward 2011: As an arty type I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this & send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. *Rules: it must be handmade by you & it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

I am excited to participate and look forward to deciding what to make-glad I have the whole year:o)

choc balls & slices the things french people don't know about..........

2011-08-06T17:56:00.001+11:00

That's right the French aren't very wise when it comes to a slice. We had the kids birthday party a few weeks back and I made choc balls, mars bar & lemon slice. Oh and butterfly cupckes!! All good things Australian( well I think they are Australian). The French kids loved them all and one of the mums that hung around for the party was very intrigued by the whole slice thing. She loved them also but just wasn't sure what they were all about, wouldn't a tarte tartin or tarte aux framboises suffice. Oh no I said we Aussies love our slice!! Anyway I made some today for her daughters birthday, some extras left for us to eat over the next couple of days too!!

What is a slice that you love that I can make for the Frenchies nexttime???

2011-08-01T17:56:00.002+11:00

Short sharp visit today!!

Rainbows seem to be the flavour of the month here probably because we are having so much rain we are seeing lots of them when it decides to clear alittle. Some time for rainbow inspired crochet when it is raining too.

What are you seeing around your part of town????

2011-07-29T10:49:00.002+11:00

django's rainbow girls photo.

Can you believe it has been almost a month since my last post. I can!! It has been a dramatically busy month here on the island that is meant to be quiet. It all started with Simon's sister & family having a 2 week holiday at the start of the month and in that time my hubby having to deal with international guests. So cooking went from 'what do I cook for 4' to 'what do I cook for 20'. Then after they had gone we had some unexpected guests and inbetween that lot it was the kids 10th birthday. So parties to organise, cakes to bake, pressies to wrap, an extra family to feed................it was just so crazy but it is all over now!!! It has been raining for the last 2 days so I have just stayed home and tried to get the house back into some kind of order but this has failed to happened. There is always something else to do or some crafting to be done that just can't wait. I haven't been able to do so much crafting of late so I think a afternoon here or there isn't a problem.

Today I hope to make some winter kind of cooking to go with all this rain. It doesn't happen very often that we feel like eating a hearty pie or a thick soup so house cleaning will again be put to the side and a big fat mess will be made in the kitchen.

Friday foto's.................

2011-07-01T16:06:00.000+11:00

We had a slight mishap trying to take some photos on the beach today. One minute Luna was sitting on her horse the next thing she had the horses butt in her face. Poor Luna!!!

This is what was happening about 5 seconds before the top shot!

A happy quote!..........

2011-06-28T10:50:00.000+11:00

Love will keep you happy!

I haven't looked at my Blythe happiness cards for such a long time. In my travels today I come across the deck again and thought I would pull one out just to see what she had in store for me. Love will keep you happy! Well we can only hope that be the case!!

Quiet Monday.............

2011-06-27T12:29:00.000+11:00

My mum has left our sweet shores after staying with us for a month and a bit. There is a bit of a hole and an empty space on the couch where she favoured to sit. My mum usually comes over when we know my husband isn't going to be around much. It is company for me, the kids & another person to help out doing some chores. She helps with the cooking and cleaning up so I don't have to do it all on my own. She bakes special sponges for the kids and often makes them many things to remember her by. This time around the kids got some crochet lessons.

And I got a spotty teapot and matching cups. Mum is into making teacosies so I got a very special one. All my friends got themselves one too. Everytime they would come around she would have made new one. I know where I got my creativity from as mum is always thinking of something to make and always doing this as she watches the tv or talks to the kids. I can see some of the same tendancies in me when it comes to getting an idea in your head and just wanting to make it staight away.
We will miss the extra body in our house for a few days atleast then the husband comes back. That will make us a foursome again until next Saturday when our next lot of visitors arrives. Hopefully I will get some blogging in here this week in between thinking about getting the house organised and cleaned.

a crafty few days..........

2011-06-15T16:41:00.000+11:00

I must admit I haven't been too crafty of late as I have been watching the full series of The Tudors with my mother( she bought it over especially for me) but in the last few days I have whipped up some dolls. Two are going to go on a journey to the Soloman islands.........I wonder which 2 will be picked!!

Apres l'ecole.............

2011-06-08T18:12:00.000+11:00

Oh this brings back memories!! Skateing out the front after school on a sunny afternoon. Juliette is growing so much of late that she now fits into my roller skates that I wore nearly everyday from about the age of 13 till 16. I know it is in-line skates that are 'a la mode' at the moment but she loves wearing the skates and I think the other kids think she is pretty cool. I know I think she is pretty cool & wish it was me out there scooting around. I did try them recently just after I bought them back from my mothers place. I still could do it but found it a little embarressing going at a snails pace while everybody else was flying by. Maybe I will try again at a later date when I am feeling a little nostalgic about my lost youth!!

Did everybody else love their skates as much as I did???

Sunday...............

2011-06-05T15:27:00.000+11:00

Django's collage

Sunday brunch..........his eyes were bigger than his belly but boy did he love them!!

The craftiness of Grandma's........

2011-06-01T13:08:00.000+11:00

Well my mum has been here for just on a week and the kids have already got her making little outfits for their Petite Blythes. She swears every time she leaves that she will not make them again but she just can't help herself when the kids give her loving cuddles and puppy dog looks. This one was inspired from the morning glory found in the garden by Django.

This is from Burlesque.......... I have no idea what everybody were saying about it this movie but it was ok. I really did love all the costumes.

And this one is from the big hibiscus we found on her arrival. The kids do really make the most of her crafty talents when she is here. I have memories of my nana making dolls clothing and other things for me so I love that they will remember the same.

Did you have a special Grandma or Nana??

P.S all photos taken by my son Django......he is becoming quite the photographer.

Flowering beauty.............

2011-05-27T14:15:00.000+11:00

The other day just before my mum was to arrive we went looking for some flowers to put in her room and we found this most spectacular hibiscus. The colour is beautiful and it has so many petals on it that I lost count. The splenders of the flower world just amaze me at times so much natural beauty is a such a small thing.

Swaps...........

2011-05-20T10:22:00.000+11:00

I don't know how many of you get involved in swaps, I don't do all that many but I do love them. I love making stuff/putting stuff together for my recipient but I also love the anticipation of the postie coming. A little parcel in the mail can brighten up any day. You can see a little sneak peak here of the handmade goodies going out to my swap partner for the current swap I am in. The swap is Blythe orientated of course but why shouldn't it be! It is a way of gettings goodies for your girls without necessarily forking out big bucks and you also get the talents of many a great craftser out there!!

Tuesday.................

2011-05-17T13:58:00.000+11:00

What to do on a Tuesday when it is non-stop raining & the kids have a strike day..........go for lunch at our favourite pizza place that is what we do. Very cheesy cheesy pizza & too rich chocolate mousse was on the menu today. Yum Yum!!!!!

Sunday.................

2011-05-15T17:20:00.001+11:00

Sunday, what happens on a Sunday where you are?? Here in Noumea we could spend it lazing about reading, entertaining children, catching up on a episode or 2 of House or maybe even going to the beach(we can still go swimming in May) but you could also have a birthday lunch for a friend and celebrate with good food, champagne, cake, coffee & chatter. And that is exactly what we did this fine day. The kids ran themselves ragged & the adults chatted. It was nice nice nice!! I am now sitting here a bit fatigued thinking thank god I don't have to think about cooking dinner as there is a decent amount of leftovers to be had.

I hope wherever you are you had a Bon Dimanche!!!

Ginger...........

2011-05-12T18:31:00.000+11:00

Dolly Diptych Weekly on flickr.

It makes me experiment with my not so many skills of photography!!

Comforting doudous.............

2011-05-11T16:09:00.001+11:00

Got my doudou's in the local what's on guide...............got to love that!!

Luna................

2011-05-10T20:59:00.000+11:00

Crafting, crafting............

2011-05-10T17:44:00.001+11:00

A bit of crafting going on here over the weekend.The finishing of a quilt for a baby named Karl. No relation of mine but a commision by a friend. A feel of the pacific was requested as this quilt is to go all the way to France.

And more clouds as the ones I took into the doudou expose sold out on the first day ans a request for more was made.
Gotta love it when people love what you do !!

Dolls & foxes.............

2011-05-05T15:21:00.000+11:00

Dolls & foxes!!!!
My doll pattern, fox pattern from Gingermelon dolls.

Douces Inspirations......

2011-05-05T15:07:00.001+11:00

You know how I have hinted that I am involved in a doudou( french for softies) exposition well here is the flyer for it. It starts on Saturday and finally I have finished all my wares. I didn't really have to make too many as there is 3 other local ladies involved but once I get started the ideas keep flowing. The idea behind us doing this sale is to get some exposure but it is also a fundraiser for one of the womens shelters here in Noumea. For every 4 doudous we sell we donate one. It may not be big but it is a offering......if we are lucky and sell everything we have made they may get 15-20 doudous. Myself and my friend Kris are going in to set up tomorrow so I will take some set-up shots.

Now I don't know how many readers I have from Noumea but if your are around go and check it out. Details are as follows-

Douces Inspirations

7-20 May

Infinithe, Rue Sebastapol, Noumea

Happy rain clouds...........

2011-05-02T16:16:00.000+11:00

Oh we had a very rainy weekend this one just passed but I can assure you the clouds we saw weren't anything like these dear clouds!
These are some of my wares I have made for an upcoming doudou fundraiser. I hope to show you more this week and also explain alittle about it.

A new day & new art..................

2011-04-28T14:18:00.000+11:00

A new day has come and a new attitude with it. I had a kinda unhappy day yesterday but today is much better........better because a few lovely ladies sent me well wishes and also I got a phone call from the post office. My husband bought some new artwork a while back and it finally arrived all the way from Santa Monica. Above you can see one of the 3 Kukula prints he purchased. They are very lovely and much better in person than what you see on the internet which is always the case. They have brightened me up immensely and will also do the same to the house when we decide on where to put them.

.................

2011-04-27T14:19:00.002+11:00

Photo by Fashion Fucsia

I am sitting here on this Wednesday arvo wondering what to write. "I think I am in a blogging hole!" is what I really want to write but it doesn't sound very interesting does it? But it is true I am in a blogging hole. I want to be here and talk interesting talk but I have lost the enthusiasm to do so. I have been making interesting stuff of late but don't know how to go about showing you, my family has been fit & healthy( apart from my husband falling over and getting a Harry Potter like scar on the back of his head) & life has in general has been good to me( apart from us moving into our house and getting flooded and then having a Tsunami warning after the terrible earthquake in Japan).......well maybe not so good.

Another thing that has passed over my thoughts of late is that there is soooo much going on out there in blogland that I think what is the purpose of doing this anymore. I write my blog because I want to and if somebody else drops by to see what I have to say then good and well but reality is we want others to drop by and read a little of what we have to say. True!!! Is there anybody out there??????

I am feeling a little sorry for myself, I do apologise for this. I often don't like to do that here but sometimes you just need to get things off your chest. Please if you are out there reading this let me know it might just brighten up my day and I promise I will be back tomorrow or even later with a much cheerier outlook.

P.s If anybody has any remedies for getting out of a blogging hole please let me know.

Another wee dress............

2011-04-21T10:07:00.001+11:00

Another wee crocheted dress. I like this one very much and wouldn't mind something similar for myself.

Flurry................

2011-04-20T20:12:00.000+11:00

My new sewing studio!

Time for me seems to be passing by in a flurry these days. It has been 5 days since my last post and I promised myself that I would try and be here a bit more regularly this week to post about what I have been doing but no luck. Inbetween kids activities, cleaning house, cooking meals & a bit of washing all my spare time seems to be gone. Admittedly I have been able to do a bit of sewing this week in the form of some quilting but it is a job for somebody else not for me. I haven't done any for a long time and I am liking it again. It is getting me inspired to make something like this again. Get back to making things on a grand scale not little fiddley things like dresses & teeny tiny softies.
This may have to be put on the list of things to do in the next few months along with loads of other things. Does everybody else have a list of things to do that is a mile long???

A wee dress........

2011-04-15T15:09:00.000+11:00

Over a few afternoons while having a cup of tea I finally worked out a pattern for a crocheted dress for the Blythe girls. Very simple when you know how!!

Cute things in windows.......

2011-04-13T09:17:00.000+11:00

Amsterdam..........walking the streets for 4 days you see some wonderful things on display in their windows. This display of knitting dolls was the best.

Land ho................

2011-04-11T15:52:00.000+11:00

Island living was taken advantage of to the max this weekend. We spent 3 days sailing around southern New Caledonia on a catamaran with some good friends. It has taken us 4 years to have this experience and boy was it fun. Well I should say it was fun inbetween me feeling seasick & someone falling and gashing their head a million miles from nowhere (husband). Our weather didn't start off to well but by Sunday it was perfect. We lazed in the sun, ate lovely food, played somes games and swam when we needed to cool down. Our weekend finished off with a visit to Phare Amedee where the snorkelling has to been seen to be believed. There were so many fish in the clear blue water it was incredible.

Like all good things though they must come to an end but I still have the reminder of being on a boat because as I write it feels like everything is still rolling around. Oh when will this feeling go away!!

New friends....................

2011-04-04T14:36:00.001+11:00

Round n round bunny tails

Over the last few month I have become friends with a very talented girl. Her name is Tanya and I meet her through the Blythe doll community in Australia. I had the chance to hang out with her in person last weekend when I went to Sydney for the 2011 Blythe doll Meet. She invited me to stay at her house for 2 nights having only ever communicated over the internet. Boy was I in for a surprise this girl was so much fun, she could talk the leg off an iron pot, she has a wicked sense of humour & she is a craftster to boot. I wanted to give her a little plug here because I think her homemade things are the best. She is currently selling some of her japanese vintage vinyl faced bunny rabbits(you need to contact her if interested) and she also has an Etsy shop. I want to you go over and have a look at what else she does because I love it I am sure you will too.

Where have I been????

2011-04-01T14:54:00.000+11:00

Oh my how time flies!! It has been far too long that I have been away from my little blog and the whole blogging world. Many reasons for this and they are far to many to mention but I am back now and back with a vengence (I hope!!). There has been many changes in our idealic lifestyle, all good but many just taking up far too much of my time and they inturn make me feel too exhausted to even contemplate writing something vaguely interesting. But now as of the 1st of April No life without wife starts again for 2011. Hopefully I will be able to fill you all in on a few interesting things that are on the horizon, show some sewing, delight you with some pretty dollies pictures and that is just the beggining.

Les vacances..........

2011-01-17T11:10:00.000+11:00

We are putting the last things in our suitcases as tonight we head off on our adventure. Our one month adventure. First stop is Kyoto maybe we will see some Geisha, then it's Amsterdam, then it' Paris, Toulouse & Tokyo on the way home. It is going to be cold everywhere we go but oh is it going to be fun. See you in a month hopefully with lots of stories to tell!

Cylone Vania.......

2011-01-15T13:37:00.000+11:00

Well we have just sat out our 1st cyclone here in Noumea. There has been many promising to come over the last 4 years but none ever actually made it across the mountain ranges that lays down the centre of this island. Vania obviously was very persistant and wnated to show us what she was made off. We spent Thursday waiting to see if anything was going to come of the tropical depression the was moving over Vanuatu then 5pm that afternoon everything & everybody was preparing for the lockdown that comes with the code red warning. From Thursday evening the winds started howling and the rain was coming in sheets. We watched this from the safety of our home or should I say heard for the next 36 hours. It is a very weird feeling to be in the middle of such a storm. It was eerily grey and you feel all closed in, to look out the window you see a haze over the landscape which is just the rain falling but it makes everything all blurry. There were no cars moving around and no lights on anywhere. It felt very much like a ghost town. Only now as I write this has the sun come out a bit but the winds are still fierce. Everytime I go to open the front door I need to becareful it doesn't get pulled out of my hands.

We are happy to say it is all over but we are kinda happy to say we have finally seen one too but I don't think I would like to encounter another one for a while.

Tropical depressions & clothing decisions........

2011-01-13T10:18:00.000+11:00

We are in the mist of a tropical depression bordering on cyclone here. We are hoping it doesn't turn into a cyclone as we are heading out on Monday for our big trip. Planned for many months it can't be stopped by a big wind and lots of rain. We have had a few days stuck inside & boy does a wii come in handy in time like this but while we are inside I have been trying to contemplate what clothing to take on our northern hemisphere adventure. Do you know what happens to ones wardrobe when they have spent 4 years in a warm environment??? Well it no longer has anything for really, really cold weather. I know I can buy some stuff along the way but I need to be warm whan I get off that plane...............I don't think anybody wants to see someone in a pretty summery floral dress & things in the snow freeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzing!!

.................

2011-01-11T18:13:00.000+11:00

We are still eating loads of chocolates left over from Christmas! We are doing this inbetween packing boxes and nicking out when it isn't raining.

What are you up to???

Mosaic Monday........

2011-01-03T15:47:00.000+11:00

1. Re-Ment Cakes on Parade set #3, 2. Re-Ment Chateau #1, 3. Re-ment, 4. Random Re-ment, 5. Re-Ment Kitchen Cart , 6. Shopping for Re-ments!

a new addiction is forming......re-ment! It is way too cute to pass up.

First Monday of 2011...............

2011-01-03T15:35:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year one & all!! It seems the week between Christmas & New Year always passes in a flash for us. We have had a lovely week away from Noumea. We ate loads of food, swam in the sea to refresh ourselves from the heat, read books under shady tree's, drank champagne and played with all the new toys that came for Xmas. It was really a lovely break away from the house & stopped us thinking about things that we have to think about. We have a couple of big events happening in the next 6 weeks. Firstly we are going on a big overseas holiday to ye colde olde Japan, Amsterdam & France for a month and the second is we have to move house when we get back. The second thing is not so terrible but it is a pain in the butt. I dislike packing up house and moving but on the upside I don't have to find the house we move to somebody else does that.
In the meantime I need to play with new things that have arrived in the mail while we were away, do a bit of clearing out and packing up and pack a wardrobe for the weather that none of us have really spent anytime in. If anybody has any good ideas for let please let me know I think I am going to need them!!!

ho, ho, ho.................

2010-12-24T19:12:00.000+11:00

I wish all my lovely readers, followers & lurkers a very merry christmas & a fabulous new year!!!
I hope you are all having a good one, we are!!

2010-12-23T16:20:00.000+11:00

Oh it seems like forever since I have had a chance to visit my blog or other people's for that matter. Life has been a little hectic to say the least. I have had a pre Christmas visit from my mum and she bought my niece with her. So in the space of 10 days we did some sight-seeing, some touristy shopping, finished off the Christmas shopping and spent a whole lot of time at the beach swimming and book reading. It has been so hot here that is all we feel like doing but things are slowly getting back to normal, well as normal as they can be 2 days out from the big day. I finished up the last of my shopping today and found myself a pretty dress to wear in the process, all the presents are wrapped and looking pretty under the tree.
Life is good is this part of the world I hope it is all coming together for you too!

My creative space.........

2010-12-09T10:25:00.000+11:00

My creative space..........well inbetween doing lots of cleaning, baking cakes for end of school celebrations, going out for fancy dinners for friends birthday's I have found some time to make some new dollies. All cloth & wool and smily faces. I think they turned out very well and are rather cute! They are based on an old doll pattern just with built in clothes. I am thinking I need to sell them as I don't really need to keep all three so when I get them into my shop I will let you all know!

Mosaic Monday........

2010-12-06T08:54:00.000+11:00

1. Vintage schoolbag, 2. Randoseru, 3. Free cat bag crochet pattern, 4. Spooky , What's sticking out of your schoolbag?, 5. Deco Bag!, 6. 57/365

This is the last Monday I have to take the kids to school for this year. They finish up at the end of the week for their vacances. Their vacances that lasts 2 months.........yes that is right you read properly 2 months!! They don't return until the end of February. Anyway geting back to my mosaic this week it is all about the school bag. Something next Monday I won't have to get ready. Next week we will be entertaining my mum and my niece who are coming for a visit before Christmas. Drinking tea and not having to rush out the door will be much better..............for a couple of weeks anyway!!!!

Sundays wisdom..........

2010-12-05T14:55:00.000+11:00

Tread softly on unknown ground.

Not sure what relevance todays saying has for me but maybe I bettter watch my step in the wee future!