tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31895855933722839932024-02-18T23:26:18.564-08:00the distracted dreamerhere, there and everywhere...piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-72965606400797463942011-12-11T23:05:00.000-08:002012-01-02T22:40:39.529-08:002 years.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EmuizHWYk7KL3nQ576pWqAbDHZ__E3DXPt0krjIva0ztwWtXI20hjs3M9BheRTz4akRRrEyEqfxlSd4vfKVdhlNFRMZblWibtWwQ5-xEOuXxQV57yxIss7yWDiU5koqEALgwx1p_wUr5/s1600/pj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EmuizHWYk7KL3nQ576pWqAbDHZ__E3DXPt0krjIva0ztwWtXI20hjs3M9BheRTz4akRRrEyEqfxlSd4vfKVdhlNFRMZblWibtWwQ5-xEOuXxQV57yxIss7yWDiU5koqEALgwx1p_wUr5/s320/pj.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wedding day </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As an old married women, I feel it my duty to share what a few things on what I have learned. 2 years is an accomplishment. As the guy in the coffee shop said today (as my mother was telling everyone it was my anniversary) "well, only 1 in 2 marriages survive these days".<br />
<br />
1 in 2. That's a pretty high statistic.<br />
<br />
I don't sit here claiming to have the answers or the secrets to a perfect marriage. There is no such thing. I do have some things that have gotten us through these years. I believe ultimately that it has been God that has brought us through. Guiding us, ever so gently towards Him and His plan for us. Yes, we could have ended up divorced by now (it could happen to anyone, really) but by God's grace we are remained as one. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some other things that may have helped....<br />
- Talking about how you're really feeling. Not just saying what you think the other person wants to hear, but actually saying what's on your heart.<br />
- Spending time alone (or with friends). Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and I have definitely seen this. We need to be encouraged by our friends and also need some time to recharge alone. It's important.<br />
- Finding things we both enjoy - and doing them often. We LOVE to cook together, it's great :) we also love to watch West Wing, eat take out and go for long walks around the neighbourhood. Just these little things at least every few days has helped. A regular date night also helps with this.<br />
- Treat each other as friends. It's hard to believe that it was ME who found this hard. I thought that when I got married that him being my husband meant that I needed to treat him differently. He's my friend. My best and closest friend whom I cherish. I need to laugh with him and I need to enjoy my time with him!<br />
- Prayer. Pray for each other. Pray together. Pray that God will continue to make you the best wife/husband you can be.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you updated on any more :)piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-60893817248401773062011-09-21T23:08:00.000-07:002011-09-21T23:09:07.287-07:00Camping....Shopping.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CvWPvGz8ju_navoqCmUYO2O9mlRBuRM5j6USVjOrp6Gq6rgqM8L0HUgyyniS1R8IY7NGP79ntqa83RwQe6_xYQH2E9sdRgqvPFHsJSqUzAE4Fhiyp5f1BIw3GC5IjP8nr4506DGRiFGV/s1600/tumblr_lqap2zce581qii5iio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CvWPvGz8ju_navoqCmUYO2O9mlRBuRM5j6USVjOrp6Gq6rgqM8L0HUgyyniS1R8IY7NGP79ntqa83RwQe6_xYQH2E9sdRgqvPFHsJSqUzAE4Fhiyp5f1BIw3GC5IjP8nr4506DGRiFGV/s320/tumblr_lqap2zce581qii5iio1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will do. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>I love holidays. I have 2 weeks off from work, which I was dreading (as I had no plans) but so far they have been just the right amount of busy. I've done a bit of planning. A bit of catching up with friends/family. And a lot of shopping! It's weird, but I actually find shopping really stressful and tedious and disappointing. It often results in me, in a bad mood or worse....in tears. Yesterday I took my sister shopping which turned into her taking me shopping. For a 16 year old, actually for any age, she is FANTASTIC. Yes it needed capitals. I have 9 new outfits for around $250. Not bad at all. Especially when they are lovely and just what I needed and I will actually get a lot of use out of them. So, to my sister - thank you! Thank you for helping me in a way which only you can. I will be needing you more in the future xo</div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-62582035755208805122011-07-09T22:41:00.000-07:002011-07-09T22:45:29.165-07:00Snapshots of recent wanderings....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PiQZwH_OMDtT50iDxoaExawVHvhVVQUPN7rKDILQ4AkepZ-zWScRKhTevrpYWctfFVU07ioKYgiVBJdHHYNU_jHRe2Lg_ZPm9U-qcL3WRmCskuUMUVVJkbJke2Qb7m3e_3FxfLHaLsEb/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PiQZwH_OMDtT50iDxoaExawVHvhVVQUPN7rKDILQ4AkepZ-zWScRKhTevrpYWctfFVU07ioKYgiVBJdHHYNU_jHRe2Lg_ZPm9U-qcL3WRmCskuUMUVVJkbJke2Qb7m3e_3FxfLHaLsEb/s640/Picture+6.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OjL8ocpvDW_zoHixspuCnzgcgdTJPYYXGTe_-PlM8BoCrxxxmsU8vPVadmCo7HtBhqNHXPnPEV42b7VQnEInU_Qh07wu_BVVDJTHes7IScIRYS2JIVaApuAhdqpMl6US9kvIIJKF6_F9/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OjL8ocpvDW_zoHixspuCnzgcgdTJPYYXGTe_-PlM8BoCrxxxmsU8vPVadmCo7HtBhqNHXPnPEV42b7VQnEInU_Qh07wu_BVVDJTHes7IScIRYS2JIVaApuAhdqpMl6US9kvIIJKF6_F9/s640/Picture+11.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brie cheese with chocolate caramel cups. SO yummy!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwKDXsGPGzMNk-ky2IDCCC0igQcMyN2lRPWzVw5yN-9BZZ-Lwvpq63dgs_Bt842paDTBBt8UaWjMsdHpSqdweq86MvgHb4MjrQ0IcVE4ak4iZs1Eq-MFaNn2qDPrvabAFUpx7fQWpSCv1/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwKDXsGPGzMNk-ky2IDCCC0igQcMyN2lRPWzVw5yN-9BZZ-Lwvpq63dgs_Bt842paDTBBt8UaWjMsdHpSqdweq86MvgHb4MjrQ0IcVE4ak4iZs1Eq-MFaNn2qDPrvabAFUpx7fQWpSCv1/s640/Picture+12.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I decided to glue pretty paper on a wooden letter. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoCTrKY63kHhE53rQJFF__JNGUwLLPM78StoATrdPaqn0pJ6DKeQUXAV_I8qexYmpxK7DAEnBEVZiz855v0Fo8vJOQtS5G1V8h5F8_2JWdCFursiAiqwam3KWjUmzIZewt0lKEupdEKM-/s1600/Picture+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoCTrKY63kHhE53rQJFF__JNGUwLLPM78StoATrdPaqn0pJ6DKeQUXAV_I8qexYmpxK7DAEnBEVZiz855v0Fo8vJOQtS5G1V8h5F8_2JWdCFursiAiqwam3KWjUmzIZewt0lKEupdEKM-/s640/Picture+14.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers outside our unit and sunshine = love.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVqf15VpZvZJoT226qNh_RaR1S9zv8W1QtVY4_gclrSoWFY-XTepmbAXsSgQ2KS4zLyQRa7Lt6nMleI6qpFxtRV9AbQzvHwt85walNV67A7Kue4qQaK3zrdA3n7-IOFFO332osFvkhcRS/s640/Picture+13.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Real Beauty.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-88534826132093408412011-06-19T01:17:00.000-07:002011-06-19T01:17:03.433-07:00Smallest of small.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlazxDa1rWj1uKDAPbR4GewMWsUaJxZkiryiijtM25V57HmEezvvIfPKYGfoFp69yIDSHB7gPJDfVqazZy9p_44gLyNIHFw7I4GzpkXaPYbQ_I6V5YFiUPILZFS5bYYVw-A1YLLThxPn6/s1600/nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlazxDa1rWj1uKDAPbR4GewMWsUaJxZkiryiijtM25V57HmEezvvIfPKYGfoFp69yIDSHB7gPJDfVqazZy9p_44gLyNIHFw7I4GzpkXaPYbQ_I6V5YFiUPILZFS5bYYVw-A1YLLThxPn6/s200/nature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>you have made the smallest of small,<br />
and the depths of the universe.<br />
yet you care for me, in my brokenness.<br />
you keep the sun shining and the sky blue,<br />
yet you cared enough to bring me home to you.<br />
you put the stars in their place and the clouds up high,<br />
yet you still hear my prayers, my joy and my cry.<br />
<br />
thank you God. <br />
I am small. But you are big.<br />
I am weak. But you are strong.<br />
I feel hopeless. You bring hope.<br />
I am wanting. You freely give.<br />
You hold me in the palm of your hand, and you keep me safe.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-63234309098475004132011-06-19T01:00:00.000-07:002011-06-19T01:10:04.352-07:00What we are eating....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cyqLyRDmx_ZVOBsIhaC5E0MCA_Tmk-el1c2UVYD_8C63xe4bOcZ1LeSbRMTDNRpvqVXa_SsFmi7tLC93RyF9lRiBBxKEE4DBKLsI5nQZe8sTzqdIvLvr34BHxkDWbI8huTc4TeBJTvYK/s1600/Library+-+12210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cyqLyRDmx_ZVOBsIhaC5E0MCA_Tmk-el1c2UVYD_8C63xe4bOcZ1LeSbRMTDNRpvqVXa_SsFmi7tLC93RyF9lRiBBxKEE4DBKLsI5nQZe8sTzqdIvLvr34BHxkDWbI8huTc4TeBJTvYK/s320/Library+-+12210.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic and sesame toasted haloumi with roast chicken,<br />
tomatoes and spinach. Amazing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVVlI1UUOWRJBgqyRI5Zlr2MONO_a4NtdyL4NaqcDGJdcUgsowI-yh0M02gp6vXjtCyH7qVek0snOuXWreoyEy_BssGthne8iXB53FeVJNKSYPHkACbtuhbyZ7n8RcGfgM7OHLOyJTvVg/s1600/DSC02206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVVlI1UUOWRJBgqyRI5Zlr2MONO_a4NtdyL4NaqcDGJdcUgsowI-yh0M02gp6vXjtCyH7qVek0snOuXWreoyEy_BssGthne8iXB53FeVJNKSYPHkACbtuhbyZ7n8RcGfgM7OHLOyJTvVg/s320/DSC02206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first EVER potato bake. With lamb and veggies. yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvmRMi7NejbdaaU9kvGBKaPPmRVJdRwu_CQxlckxiTv155WxxujFVfv3Ekza_5UHll_XZAd2Q_8IH-RWR5dmEm8fwmZdN34E06QWWttTchKYvKOpyFOzISdsQ4ug0TNZ9nEGZCfxsraAF/s1600/Library+-+12301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvmRMi7NejbdaaU9kvGBKaPPmRVJdRwu_CQxlckxiTv155WxxujFVfv3Ekza_5UHll_XZAd2Q_8IH-RWR5dmEm8fwmZdN34E06QWWttTchKYvKOpyFOzISdsQ4ug0TNZ9nEGZCfxsraAF/s320/Library+-+12301.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crepes with strawberries and vanilla sugar creme.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Sometimes it's super hard to find the motivation to cook.</li>
<li>I am buying more cook books, which I find helps! A lot.</li>
<li>Get other people involved, husband, friends, family etc.</li>
<li>Shop when you FEEL like it, and take your time, you'll end up<br />
with a much better set of options and you won't feel stressed.</li>
<li>I've tried meal plans. I now cook what I feel like eating. </li>
</ul></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-40664094933776342652011-06-06T22:48:00.000-07:002011-06-06T22:48:12.977-07:00LetterlandI've always loved seeing things like this...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPULgY9TZvK8pvOW7jnw2pbijhurkN21QXF5RBXIGV7XjrUzWK98O3JRFHExIHoQnxMsIapKfmUaiGUTEkuxEQ1NQUGLUUwtGMvQpR4AtcrxgxGeTL16gnT99X8AnPdH0U8iw0KTJPZJ9/s1600/tumblr_lhy8r6DXnM1qb0qgyo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPULgY9TZvK8pvOW7jnw2pbijhurkN21QXF5RBXIGV7XjrUzWK98O3JRFHExIHoQnxMsIapKfmUaiGUTEkuxEQ1NQUGLUUwtGMvQpR4AtcrxgxGeTL16gnT99X8AnPdH0U8iw0KTJPZJ9/s320/tumblr_lhy8r6DXnM1qb0qgyo1_400.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #228822; font-family: arial; line-height: 15px;">found this at <a href="http://www.apartmentdiet.com/">apartmentdiet.com </a><br />
<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So when I found cheap letters for $2.00 each, I had to give it a go.<div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAbrr8Q6wg86o5r8XwdDuDAtKgLAY1KBQqpTTiE24MPNy1ERatinwVLFC_l4ZTTBNHjEe9iGjnVbsZRv8TA5eK3mcCU3i2rc6CYxr9dM2v1IoaPrDT86NnFm1n528bFvCwEP4caaMGiKI/s1600/Library+-+12107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAbrr8Q6wg86o5r8XwdDuDAtKgLAY1KBQqpTTiE24MPNy1ERatinwVLFC_l4ZTTBNHjEe9iGjnVbsZRv8TA5eK3mcCU3i2rc6CYxr9dM2v1IoaPrDT86NnFm1n528bFvCwEP4caaMGiKI/s320/Library+-+12107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TYPO cheap letters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
I basically just painted them with white paint as they were a brown wood to start with.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVu13FAhaBVZxD47ixBlkwglk3aj7PwVJXthX6VXBGac-hRVZCZlVJIpB5rPo9GkopcfmA1BtImfNCvH9fcH-7bLtkHuxgPwhKROfTyT-qOzTrdOVyHaiJzVgVCvRqhtUqWQkKzW4sUn8/s1600/Library+-+12105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVu13FAhaBVZxD47ixBlkwglk3aj7PwVJXthX6VXBGac-hRVZCZlVJIpB5rPo9GkopcfmA1BtImfNCvH9fcH-7bLtkHuxgPwhKROfTyT-qOzTrdOVyHaiJzVgVCvRqhtUqWQkKzW4sUn8/s320/Library+-+12105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EAT or ATE or TEA or TA or AT.....endless<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZFESKrLZZZ8SyOW4pBTJhcpZMUWYx9UEkZMhRzUSD4FGqGK1tSQA75AhoxgkzuKGogDwdbF1hZrW9FuHNupe9lYEj4gRpR9TPdTFlC-6iGvqoT20SE9F_O13IFHgx4dRurSB3y6BT_Za/s1600/Library+-+12118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZFESKrLZZZ8SyOW4pBTJhcpZMUWYx9UEkZMhRzUSD4FGqGK1tSQA75AhoxgkzuKGogDwdbF1hZrW9FuHNupe9lYEj4gRpR9TPdTFlC-6iGvqoT20SE9F_O13IFHgx4dRurSB3y6BT_Za/s320/Library+-+12118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After first coat of paint<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, It wasn't perfect, but I don't mind. The paint was a little hard to get right in all areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsKFQbb6Ozk-xK9tfurxFk35IKVfiE2kKWPEy3ivNnKcjMcbXPKLdaEa3ODGghuCbOQoiK64kDKMC4RSwuFaTmo6w_-oAGiYp2PemvkdEIsyseKxP3WWh9YcD1-xtM5Fn5elDTEC5dert/s1600/Library+-+12123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsKFQbb6Ozk-xK9tfurxFk35IKVfiE2kKWPEy3ivNnKcjMcbXPKLdaEa3ODGghuCbOQoiK64kDKMC4RSwuFaTmo6w_-oAGiYp2PemvkdEIsyseKxP3WWh9YcD1-xtM5Fn5elDTEC5dert/s320/Library+-+12123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbhwpEAByRO6nF18ECV3K3rifkxgiyNsQ0b7z4jkXgCPZl5siiqEhQRyRaPCBySUihSepX3xf9rJCTjTfGXll8Y_04oJbfsiy-3XtVdK23lShWQF75D3ToYgQK9RFN8HQuw6kwHPXY7Ou/s1600/Library+-+12130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbhwpEAByRO6nF18ECV3K3rifkxgiyNsQ0b7z4jkXgCPZl5siiqEhQRyRaPCBySUihSepX3xf9rJCTjTfGXll8Y_04oJbfsiy-3XtVdK23lShWQF75D3ToYgQK9RFN8HQuw6kwHPXY7Ou/s320/Library+-+12130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End Result!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-55669780185080007722011-06-06T01:34:00.000-07:002011-06-06T01:34:56.024-07:00Easter CraftI know it's June, but I really wanted to share my Easter craft this year.<br />
Call me insane, but I actually made an Easter tree. It confused my husband for a while.<br />
I thought it was pretty cool. It was SUPER easy. Well, sort of.<br />
<br />
Easter Eggs - Dyed eggs:<br />
6 eggs<br />
Food dye<br />
Vinegar<br />
Cups<br />
<br />
1. Empty eggs - You'll need to poke a hole with a pin and then poke the yoke.<br />
Shake the insides out into a bowl<br />
2. Drop the eggs, Gently, into a cup of 1/2 cup of vinegar and as much food dye as desired<br />
3. Let it sit until you're happy with the colour<br />
4. Dry :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zT44QV36rw3sZwPj0O5QZ9Egi2yojLW_6CJU0o-v2ohCFVm-AxjnRT7q5eqWeyfGPJJXunIKl-4_CyfFeMfZ2s7rsCS3P81iA9g21Nf64m5KCbZifaEE_0JZfKgNWNwlZ2kIKR0fr2ky/s1600/Library+-+11923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zT44QV36rw3sZwPj0O5QZ9Egi2yojLW_6CJU0o-v2ohCFVm-AxjnRT7q5eqWeyfGPJJXunIKl-4_CyfFeMfZ2s7rsCS3P81iA9g21Nf64m5KCbZifaEE_0JZfKgNWNwlZ2kIKR0fr2ky/s320/Library+-+11923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The tree:<br />
1 x vase (mine was a wedding present)<br />
5 - 8 long sticks (or however many you'd like)<br />
White paint<br />
Paint brush<br />
Newspaper - to paint on and to stuff the vase so the sticks stay.<br />
<br />
I went hunting for my branches/sticks in our local park. Yes, I looked weird. No, I didn't care.<br />
I then painted them and let them dry. Sorry Will and Kate, Easter tree was more important....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiX4iENEpKqqXSoxVRBUWYQjsnMSgZj6XLe9_g15I8_w4a4jTr0JqzzjtIPvbJCkxfgrJ0tRCnBAA938r-n9Dvwhc2wRZstY2Gkh9J1N14ycXAru9hnBrUimdekT6UjQLXxphNvJhACji/s1600/Library+-+11927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiX4iENEpKqqXSoxVRBUWYQjsnMSgZj6XLe9_g15I8_w4a4jTr0JqzzjtIPvbJCkxfgrJ0tRCnBAA938r-n9Dvwhc2wRZstY2Gkh9J1N14ycXAru9hnBrUimdekT6UjQLXxphNvJhACji/s320/Library+-+11927.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I did this....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8anhouZoNe3p28gXTVW4aVPoLAiOu6_PP3RIcA6IyBYjKSVF_TRrtOuceZDd4IRz792cM83fxTaRzVDIzVeiTt4yBotIPSPQaeTmNWvkIj4fVwQVv5DbL-Ow5RDVJw1robcbWs_0g4Yo/s1600/Library+-+11957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8anhouZoNe3p28gXTVW4aVPoLAiOu6_PP3RIcA6IyBYjKSVF_TRrtOuceZDd4IRz792cM83fxTaRzVDIzVeiTt4yBotIPSPQaeTmNWvkIj4fVwQVv5DbL-Ow5RDVJw1robcbWs_0g4Yo/s320/Library+-+11957.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I added an extra hole on the other end of the eggs, and threaded through some string. Then I tied a knot and it hung. Lovely! And easy too.<br />
<br />
What do you think??piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-8932345923112110142011-05-18T23:42:00.001-07:002011-05-18T23:42:13.052-07:00I wonder..if anyone is actually reading my little blog?<br />
It doesn't really matter either way.<br />
I love that there is a space to think.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-77238441389496149472011-05-18T23:41:00.000-07:002011-05-18T23:41:24.177-07:00Sometimes.Sometimes it's okay to stay in bed til midday.<br />
Sometimes it's good to get sick and eat 4 bowls of chicken soup.<br />
Sometimes it's okay to find out that you're not invincible.<br />
Sometimes it's better to call in sick, and actually be sick - not attempt to work from home.<br />
I needed today.<br />
I needed this cold.<br />
For the first time, in a long time, I rested. Completely rested. Without stress.<br />
I didn't let the messy kitchen or the fact that the vaccume cleaner was sprawled on the floor, bother me.<br />
I stayed in bed. I watched dvds. I ate bowl after bowl of homemade soup.<br />
I actually did nothing.<br />
It was good.<br />
Thank you God.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-72053284313284588292011-04-13T23:48:00.000-07:002011-04-13T23:48:56.839-07:00I spy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX-xwhOHG4gKsS0K3Sad_wutoXN11EB_2uK3MYIkvitLv3WDVlNu7HXGFfhUgucWLHxLWHO5j7BLH5Qj_RlpFnIzXwVhVZ5VkA2ZJ_lHhDl1mpwBtizB674jfBuZLH-uldvQP_VqsVBBI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX-xwhOHG4gKsS0K3Sad_wutoXN11EB_2uK3MYIkvitLv3WDVlNu7HXGFfhUgucWLHxLWHO5j7BLH5Qj_RlpFnIzXwVhVZ5VkA2ZJ_lHhDl1mpwBtizB674jfBuZLH-uldvQP_VqsVBBI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harriet the Spy (1996)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
When I was 9, all I wanted to be was a spy.<br />
Harriet, she inspired me. My nanny (see I was just like her) even made me my own Spy business cards.<br />
I would write down what I saw, and what I dreamt of and what the neighbours stored under their house.<br />
I was adamant that my future was sorted, with spying and detective work. Now, I'm 22.<br />
I'm a teacher and I probably teach children who have the same dreams I did. What did you dream of being when you were young? Vet? Doctor? CIA Agent? Or something else....?piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-1777352640881994172011-04-03T16:58:00.000-07:002011-04-03T16:58:29.104-07:00sick :(A day at home, eating dried apple and grapes. That's what I'm doing right now.<br />
I have the dreaded cold that has been going around - it's horrible, but I am enjoying the rest.<br />
My husband likes going into great detail about what the best combination of drugs/painkillers would be for my ailments. I just smile, knowing that i'll forget most of what he says. It's nice being looked after though.<br />
I could definitely get used to all the cuddles and sympathy... :)<br />
I think sometimes being sick is to remind you to slow down, have a break and just do nothing. Well, I guess I do nothing a lot, but I'm often pottering around attempting to do something!<br />
<br />
God is with me and He is the great healer. It's comforting knowing that I'll be okay.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-6288783780476655062011-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:58:50.827-07:00It just is.I caught up with an old friend yesterday. Old, meaning that I've know her a long time, 9 years to be exact. Life and time and things got in the way over the last few years. But yesterday we caught up and it was wonderful. It's like time had stopped way back when everything was good, like we un-froze the space and we could just be, again. I missed it. I never knew how much I missed it until I was there again. Sometimes forgiveness isn't just for the person who is saying sorry, it's for you too. You get to let go. You get to throw away all the hurt and pain and move on. It's a beautiful day. Old jokes are easily remembered. Memories are revisited. God renews us. He also renews our relationships. It's a blessing. A gift. Why is it good to have her back?<br />
It just is.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-37558720309400977782011-03-24T17:52:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:59:02.321-07:00Oh, happy day.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbY-IhLGSGpi1lXHfRrFAv6Lf1D-P7MKmiKYWaCfHyZjRkoZqphHrWV7xuL3GAuB4lPUdBEVBVdAYFo_s8_Lu0CgLVT0iTMrA7fhG46N_DvRwk3ClEQ_ou7T4fp3vRqNgrGZ57TwABuhn/s1600/free-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbY-IhLGSGpi1lXHfRrFAv6Lf1D-P7MKmiKYWaCfHyZjRkoZqphHrWV7xuL3GAuB4lPUdBEVBVdAYFo_s8_Lu0CgLVT0iTMrA7fhG46N_DvRwk3ClEQ_ou7T4fp3vRqNgrGZ57TwABuhn/s1600/free-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px;">Oh what a glorious day</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">blue skies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">laughter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">sleeping in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">fresh flowers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">hope for tomorrow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">letting go of my yesterdays</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">smiles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">old friends</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">fond memories</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">'you'd look good in this'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">thankfulness </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">family</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">forgiveness</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">new beginnings</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">love.</span></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-4388397649833394312011-03-22T00:20:00.000-07:002011-03-22T00:22:11.574-07:00A Poem<div style="text-align: center;">People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Forgive them anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are kind,</div><div style="text-align: center;">people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be kind anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are successful,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you will win some false friends and some true enemies;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Succeed anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are honest and frank,</div><div style="text-align: center;">people may cheat you;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be honest and frank anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What you spend years building,</div><div style="text-align: center;">someone could destroy overnight.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Build anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you find serenity and happiness,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they may be jealous;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be happy anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The good you do today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">people will often forget tomorrow;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do good anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give the world the best you have,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and it may never be enough;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give the best you've got anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, in the final analysis</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is between you and God;</div><div style="text-align: center;">it was never between you and them anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>By Mother Teresa. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I found this poem online, </i><a href="http://www.asa3.org/ASA/education/views/teresa.htm"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-72980007342560977722011-03-22T00:16:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:59:15.655-07:00I can hear<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq3dbzzQ-kZNg2vwna_ARNY0DxO6SVuiZ1AVW0ediN6_nS9fME2d0RRl0J38gifzPylSs0gmOlGsY-9gHjwiFC85lszkFtNuYwaDlYrAtBhIJ5oAYgS7EfuTodZgyyAF6ocdw2KWg9h4R/s1600/4312best_things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq3dbzzQ-kZNg2vwna_ARNY0DxO6SVuiZ1AVW0ediN6_nS9fME2d0RRl0J38gifzPylSs0gmOlGsY-9gHjwiFC85lszkFtNuYwaDlYrAtBhIJ5oAYgS7EfuTodZgyyAF6ocdw2KWg9h4R/s320/4312best_things.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note to self : remember this. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The neighbours laughing.<br />
3 little boys, without a care in the world.<br />
Running and screaming and falling and skipping and shouting and laughing. It's so beautiful.<br />
Sometimes, I wish I was that carefree. With an inability to hold onto sad moments and hurtful worlds. These kids remind me of what's important, fun, friendship and freedom. Oh, how lovely it is.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-25287819216706553432011-03-20T22:27:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:59:33.104-07:00Sometimes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77B0GpkBdZBccv0uoTh5aPQXMSrn3omtUu9_Gw5qYrYoqHeUrFlEt90HdlJYak9-8MljqnMuX7z-VAPF-nMzjz982zAy4jkxpbmSzLCftCpMWS6DKpRdAESRIC6uW7Epdp2AQ2tUPcGdf/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77B0GpkBdZBccv0uoTh5aPQXMSrn3omtUu9_Gw5qYrYoqHeUrFlEt90HdlJYak9-8MljqnMuX7z-VAPF-nMzjz982zAy4jkxpbmSzLCftCpMWS6DKpRdAESRIC6uW7Epdp2AQ2tUPcGdf/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just because.<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>...I really do think I have the best husband in the world. I want so much to remember the lovely things he does for me - so that when i'm tired and cranky and trying to blame the world for my bad days, I can think about all the amazing little things that I have. Here's a few, in dot point form because dot points (and lists) are so exciting!<br />
<br />
<ul><li>coffee and chocolate croissants on a saturday morning</li>
<li>walks down to the river at night, eating ice cream</li>
<li>car rides home, with his arm around my shoulder</li>
<li>listening to his favourite music and watching him light up</li>
<li>cooking something really boring and not incredible and him telling me it's the best meal he's ever had. oh :)</li>
<li>doing the dishes together</li>
<li>dancing in the kitchen, humming our wedding song.</li>
</ul><div>Don't take anything for granted. Life is just too short.</div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-70921820283333685022011-03-20T22:22:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:59:48.094-07:00I am..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uPtK_75WJCoCmLS7qCkirUIPmW0-JBa07fRO__meDRSwioWhIUP1ZwMMPhSW1WdBJunQMRJzhDWg6QUUbBmQPyGuRFWpTRIG1B944Iiy1mQk9iAboJ0cW6cGscNkjWmwQc6tWlnHKEJk/s1600/DSC_8158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uPtK_75WJCoCmLS7qCkirUIPmW0-JBa07fRO__meDRSwioWhIUP1ZwMMPhSW1WdBJunQMRJzhDWg6QUUbBmQPyGuRFWpTRIG1B944Iiy1mQk9iAboJ0cW6cGscNkjWmwQc6tWlnHKEJk/s320/DSC_8158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had the most wonderful birthday.<br />
I used to be a hater...of birthdays. Kind of like the grinch, except he's for Christmas (and I love Christmas!).<br />
Sometimes I would get invited for parties and be like.. "Why should I go, it's only their birthday, they didn't even DO anything. They just lived another year."<br />
Oh dear. <br />
This year was perfect - i am the birthday disliker no more!<br />
I had a lovely day at work, cake with my family, and a surprise dinner to top it all off. Wow.<br />
Birthdays can be awesome. The best part? I didn't even DO anything to deserve it :) I am beyond blessed.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-63613655097402317642011-02-23T21:51:00.000-08:002011-03-24T18:00:15.676-07:00I dream about....Lately, weird things have been happening.<br />
I've been dreaming of having a baby. No, I'm not pregnant. But man, it's on my mind.<br />
I even...wait for it... starting looking at blogs about babies/young families.<br />
<br />
Oh dear.piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-51572610545457458052011-02-08T22:50:00.000-08:002011-03-24T18:00:00.343-07:00to teach or not to teach...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaX047MWJWQqntGOUBJycZRdnTqkQNP7Fe5Gzkg8APMmbMsK2tdX4fIvYoHJ3EkieWZsFg3GNmQYji0c8C8W3jQ2B5devT3y6Fg7k2CsFL5YC_rEyIMqmurucvnXlkVTTDuqxJ46ux6GG/s1600/ballet-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaX047MWJWQqntGOUBJycZRdnTqkQNP7Fe5Gzkg8APMmbMsK2tdX4fIvYoHJ3EkieWZsFg3GNmQYji0c8C8W3jQ2B5devT3y6Fg7k2CsFL5YC_rEyIMqmurucvnXlkVTTDuqxJ46ux6GG/s320/ballet-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I studied to be a teacher. There are hardly any jobs out there though. It's so annoying. Maybe one day...soon, maybe it will all change!piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-81984824049992532672010-11-28T15:19:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:19:43.443-08:00Carrot cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDg-sRsyGbnrtPib7cyT5d6-DqP3ldHCpx-flbRBnxtdXc_unCnDiXlasSnKYTg4Hj9k6fQ5Tb4LOvneq0QWdb4X6pMLjAcMIVO-6zFMPJ6XSYFqEJ-CbUiHmXj2pkxiR1CLXv4BPRQWy/s1600/DSC00669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDg-sRsyGbnrtPib7cyT5d6-DqP3ldHCpx-flbRBnxtdXc_unCnDiXlasSnKYTg4Hj9k6fQ5Tb4LOvneq0QWdb4X6pMLjAcMIVO-6zFMPJ6XSYFqEJ-CbUiHmXj2pkxiR1CLXv4BPRQWy/s320/DSC00669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Carrot cakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I attempted something new. Carrot cake. <br />
It was successful! And quite easy too. There are heaps of free recipes online, I found one that had the ingredients that I already had at home, so suss out what works best for you. The cream cheese icing was so yummy too. I made little cupcakes instead of one big cake, however I think that unless you are going to feed 24 people with the cupcakes, just make a cake as it's much easier to store. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPKZ5ZrdLj9NQXIXiNWxltGAQkePIzgriNUOaGB8ta1ucFeiZL4TbjJqryu008dQgvxGR5ADHBH4EX84Ctk1UAUtdJ1vHtN4bhOevLcOvNYZfVQp-lVKWDD0RjXnIf_pPDxMxfdG1QzFL/s1600/DSC00684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPKZ5ZrdLj9NQXIXiNWxltGAQkePIzgriNUOaGB8ta1ucFeiZL4TbjJqryu008dQgvxGR5ADHBH4EX84Ctk1UAUtdJ1vHtN4bhOevLcOvNYZfVQp-lVKWDD0RjXnIf_pPDxMxfdG1QzFL/s320/DSC00684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of mini Carrot cakes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-70018717586372141622010-11-28T15:14:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:14:00.811-08:00Christmas!<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love Christmas.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't get enough of decorations, carols and baking yummy things!!<br />
This year we bought a new Christmas tree - VERY exciting.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-sZGtRQROwgse9G-mlGVy9JwjfdANIaLkFTh_1VEQYF8suGIdCah-JNOHpzbY9ZJypXQCj7QZJbaQ6QxlzrwooJtVLLWKPAMLBNsIBgez9IOxboJebB1UEUS5CWPeSTX7WXQIwxRz0Rl/s1600/DSC00545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-sZGtRQROwgse9G-mlGVy9JwjfdANIaLkFTh_1VEQYF8suGIdCah-JNOHpzbY9ZJypXQCj7QZJbaQ6QxlzrwooJtVLLWKPAMLBNsIBgez9IOxboJebB1UEUS5CWPeSTX7WXQIwxRz0Rl/s320/DSC00545.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our fake plastic tree brings me so much happiness</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I really didn't want to go too overboard this year, as I know I have the potential to just buy everything. What helped what planning what style we would use and our budget (sort of..). I chose red and gold (how original!) and stuck with that. We bought our tree early, in October, for $38 and some decorations from various places, in total around ($4 + $3 + $5 + $5) $17. I was happy with just this, but alas I saw some $5 lights and had to give in. So that makes our total around... $60. Which I'm happy with. I found that IKEA and local supermarkets were the best places to buy cheap decorations. I saw some at larger stores for around the $50 mark, noooo way! </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFbT4LxP2LXepg9fdkOxRxC4pH9eFDbyDoRAxDwJgm1CT6Sfln096x1RGUlx0sCstUiCipDvN9CWtPcofBPWmMJCg7vQ5wmMdefvdTNY-zRtGuQ80Bbfc4YvmkwVgvMtQgE-VGMSo8sIw/s1600/DSC00549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFbT4LxP2LXepg9fdkOxRxC4pH9eFDbyDoRAxDwJgm1CT6Sfln096x1RGUlx0sCstUiCipDvN9CWtPcofBPWmMJCg7vQ5wmMdefvdTNY-zRtGuQ80Bbfc4YvmkwVgvMtQgE-VGMSo8sIw/s320/DSC00549.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All decorated!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, I plan on making some bunting...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit-Ncx2pnSKSLAfmJQLa1h2jcWdfNLynverZya924lVtwqBuGheanZb56A0J5GIc_1TcEsflvOo9PLVVMO5mSGtocmfYhTGx_GACSEt9bDd7vNdYHwMj_4s5Alad1gVh8YDvNhUccn-10/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit-Ncx2pnSKSLAfmJQLa1h2jcWdfNLynverZya924lVtwqBuGheanZb56A0J5GIc_1TcEsflvOo9PLVVMO5mSGtocmfYhTGx_GACSEt9bDd7vNdYHwMj_4s5Alad1gVh8YDvNhUccn-10/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course I'll need to take some sewing lessons, or convince my amazing mum to sew it for me. I think something like this would be lovely. Oh how I love Christmas. </span></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-22430377106708530232010-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:01:43.320-08:00framed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So the other day, we were in a antique store and right near the counter were bags full of stamps for $2 each! I could not believe my luck! Not just boring every day stamps, but cool international stamps and stamps from cool places likes Egypt, Holland and even some interesting Russian stamps. I bought a few bags, probably only needed to buy one, but ah well. I decided to fill some IKEA photo frames with a cool layout of the stamps. This is how it turned out:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkrF6-NemsbzxkwTuH00YJ2wW49vycntE6UfrPT6Ag0AaUkc9Oqd2wYEgrluQUkPo_BFA_V0mlGmPJM2Jb7MxuUggnGgZ_Dh_NVEiCIqbRE4eSi1jhm2eopfV7GisB7xL4X0GVpx1PKIo/s1600/DSC00376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkrF6-NemsbzxkwTuH00YJ2wW49vycntE6UfrPT6Ag0AaUkc9Oqd2wYEgrluQUkPo_BFA_V0mlGmPJM2Jb7MxuUggnGgZ_Dh_NVEiCIqbRE4eSi1jhm2eopfV7GisB7xL4X0GVpx1PKIo/s320/DSC00376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8DJn-zF-q70gjZKzKLQApSKun6gPjr_8NvunTRUFc2k778BUsh5V7_97Dau7eDyAITKRZvCN9b0_h9QohREV3JbysIQLFbIIPwL0AeEOiTEl_Kryv8PCj8whSuFan3p1uYuN6bOMajyR/s1600/DSC00377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8DJn-zF-q70gjZKzKLQApSKun6gPjr_8NvunTRUFc2k778BUsh5V7_97Dau7eDyAITKRZvCN9b0_h9QohREV3JbysIQLFbIIPwL0AeEOiTEl_Kryv8PCj8whSuFan3p1uYuN6bOMajyR/s320/DSC00377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think they turned out well! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Definitely a fun/easy project. I could even consider giving these away as gifts to family/friends as they were a little unusual and quirky. I thought I was a little revolutionary with my stamp framing, however I think the idea of framing has been done before. I wonder what else I could frame....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRc_-K6bsNf5lgI-LkS3dB3JSufzOiZf_TVnS9MUKNqt-VHypliCnwJvSVqgsg4cH3LXjtT-dAgpurbhVSvoxR5BLGa3ese8BVhs1O0FseibFPc74Deoa2MXaQYWb-Kpf3m-UTPQotFDv/s1600/framed_objects_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRc_-K6bsNf5lgI-LkS3dB3JSufzOiZf_TVnS9MUKNqt-VHypliCnwJvSVqgsg4cH3LXjtT-dAgpurbhVSvoxR5BLGa3ese8BVhs1O0FseibFPc74Deoa2MXaQYWb-Kpf3m-UTPQotFDv/s320/framed_objects_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other interesting things to frame....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-76913952705668877212010-08-16T00:58:00.000-07:002010-08-16T00:58:32.286-07:00mmmmelbourne cupcakes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKCMod34Cbvs2stmgAFBtld7gg_3pscL_10vNBo6ql5BxESKCMu8EKhwpzASyAT-5oLMhKpaRBXpcu3uv0fVH8w7slAUJrtBt9U0Akj68G8VNw8JyARQO-boHpsNad-fjwyuShNGHxEUI/s1600/DSC09880.JPG_effected.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKCMod34Cbvs2stmgAFBtld7gg_3pscL_10vNBo6ql5BxESKCMu8EKhwpzASyAT-5oLMhKpaRBXpcu3uv0fVH8w7slAUJrtBt9U0Akj68G8VNw8JyARQO-boHpsNad-fjwyuShNGHxEUI/s400/DSC09880.JPG_effected.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i> oreo, chocolate mud, mocha and strawberry. bliss</i></div>piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-82989278497734868972010-08-16T00:48:00.000-07:002010-08-16T00:50:42.844-07:00passionfruit cupcakes!Here is a really good (and simple) cupcake recipe, that always tastes amazing :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Passionfruit cupcakes:<br />
<br />
150g soft butter/margarine (i melt mine)<br />
150g caster sugar<br />
175g self raising flour<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
1. Set oven to 180 degrees (or 350 f)</div> Line a 12 hole muffin tin<br />
<br />
2. Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl,<br />
mix with a hand held mixer, until creamy and soft<br />
<br />
3. add to muffin tin. pop in the oven for 12-20 minutes<br />
<br />
Icing:<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 x passionfruit</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 cups of icing sugar</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 tablespoon of butter</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><br />
1. blend the icing sugar and butter - should become crumbly<br />
2. blend in the pulp from the 2 passionfruit<br />
** alter and change depending on how you like your icing, i normally just measure as i go!piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02785766099094965733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189585593372283993.post-38865393607613861562010-08-16T00:18:00.000-07:002010-08-16T00:32:39.665-07:00my love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdLAQBFhdgQDYkHMFVMLVMHGanGHzjJwB8lUslSg71cE6OikVIgzTeF_OGEvmwj4jmHMU8uQFdXdpOudhzsu5prIF7ei8vk0e8AoUHjTq8e2wrIz7iwLQG5JRAM7uYANzCoQu42rv4IOy/s1600/DSC_0374.jpg_effected.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdLAQBFhdgQDYkHMFVMLVMHGanGHzjJwB8lUslSg71cE6OikVIgzTeF_OGEvmwj4jmHMU8uQFdXdpOudhzsu5prIF7ei8vk0e8AoUHjTq8e2wrIz7iwLQG5JRAM7uYANzCoQu42rv4IOy/s320/DSC_0374.jpg_effected.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we've been married for over 200 days! it's been a bit of a crazy year with uni, work and adjusting to married life, but i'm loving it. i'm so happy to have found someone to share the rest of my life with.</span><br />
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