Shabbily Romantic

hubby's latest and greatest work... chuffed much???? lol

2011-05-25T18:19:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone
check out my hubby's blog Shabbily Restored to see the transformation he has done
im so proud of him!!!

will post pics of it once i fill it
love to you all
xxxxxxxxxx

Hubby is blogging again

2011-02-27T18:35:00.000+11:00

YAY Dave is back
check out his blog shabbily restored.
I will be back later with some news of my own
hopefully.. if i dont fall asleep with them lol
love to you all
Vic xxx

A baby and my first faux cake!

2011-01-29T18:08:00.002+11:00

hi Everyone,
wow its been ages since my last post.... i have some news
First our son was born 22/12/2010, weighing in at 9 pounds 11.5 ounces a real heffer!!
we called him William Malcolm (after both Dave and I's fathers)and he is devine.. his big sister Lily adores him!
here are some pics

Lily and Will

The new man in my life

Will and I

Brother and sister!

My other news is my FIRST faux cake! im really finding making these addictive and am chuffed to say have already sold a few

anyway i can hear Will crying so i have to feed him... again!!! every hour pretty much but hey a growing boy needs it

much love to you and yours

Will blog more this year.. well thats the aim anyway

take care

Vic xxx

so where have I been and what have I been up too?

2010-11-28T21:59:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone

how are you all? first thank you for the love and support from my last post xxxxx

Just thought I would give you a few updates.... I have 4 weeks to go before our son is born.. so I'm very broody, nesting like crazy and HUGE! I am also clearing out alot of stuff... and selling off a few of my creations... we have news for the new year but i cant say anything until then, so grab a cuppa and i hope you enjoy the photos... but here is some of the china i am selling on ebay under Shabbily Romantic.. its Maxwell Williams fine bone china, hydrangea chintz pattern (2002) and its pretty rare so I have....

Trios

a bowl

dinner plates, oh and cake tiers will be available soon too

here's a large cupcake i made

same one different view

Christmas decoration

I have also been selfish and revamped a few things for our house

including this hall table that was smoke damaged I ADORE IT!

my cane boxes in shelves i painted flat white and the baskets in pale pink, blue and green

a magazine rack

I also wanted something interesting for our mundane items eg toothbrush and soap

a mirror in one of those "what do i hang here walls"

3 little faux cupcakes I made and finally have on ebay

part of our dining section of our house.. getting there... still lots to do

i am starting to paint more chairs this week

a sideboard with new doorknobs and a flat white paint LOVIN IT!!!

h and my lustre ware

kitchen table decorated soo nice to sit there and even coming home is a joy

its soo lovely to walk in a see this

my potato boxes as with the other shelves i have to line them with fabric

detail of the sideboard

and so that concludes what i have been up to.. oh and i have done some gardening as well

the news will have to wait and i have actually enjoyed doing things for us and relaxing a little and just being...I have enjoyed painting and the relaxation of it.. and just making things at my own pace

as for business i really wish i could tell you BUT we still have alot to decide and what road to take but we are almost there.. and getting excited about the new chapter with our family and new addition

i hope your all keeping well... much love to you all

Vic xxxx

the end?

2010-10-13T10:52:00.002+11:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope your week is going well... Mine has been one of great sadness and it is with tears and a heavy heart that I write to you all.
At the moment things are not good... i won't go into too much detail but I am seriously thinking and i mean seriously thinking not mucking around no joke nor attention seeking crap.. about permanently having up my beloved pink apron and saying goodbye to the shabby/craft world i adore.
I am exhausted and I cant even think. This weekend Dave ands i are going to get rid and go through some of the furniture we had in The Silver Teapot and yes the website and name may go too.. as well as Pumpkernickle Kids. I am saying this now to prepare you as if i go ahead ALLLLLL my craft items will be sold off, that includes fabrics, trims, sewing machine, tables, laces, buttons everything I have collected for years will be on offer.
I am actually heartbroken and distraught and have been crying for 4 days now. I feel like a death has occured in me... I am honestly at my wits end and cannot take it anymore. I have tried and tried and tried and don't seem to get anywhere (yes some sales have gone through and I'm getting some recognition but it isn't enough to keep the debt wolves at bay i have been trying so hard to fend off.. we still have no idea if Dave has full time work so I wanted to get extra money so we aren't so broke all the time, but it seems it never ever stops and all the positive attitude in the world at the moment isn't helping... and I cannot continue to only get 4 hours of sleep a day maybe 5 or 6 if I'm lucky trying to make things and restart my business. It was my dream to have the businesses work, and to revive The Silver Teapot... but it doesn't seem to be the case. I wanted to fight and prove those who condemned us wrong and that we are still around and stronger and haven't been beaten. But the truth is I have.. I feel like a wounded animal that has been picked and ripped apart and has been trying for too long to keep all the vultures away.. and now I just feel... let them come....I have no fight or anything left..I have had alot happen for the last few years and I know there is always someone worse BUT I really don't care about anyone else I cant i have to focus on me...and my needs. I am also totally alone.. and feel it... there are always 1000's of excuses as to why noone can help... I have a very demanding little girl (which is all i will say who gets destructive if I'm not with her so I have to be there at all times, leaving no time for business nor me) as you know my baby is due now in 10 weeks
Dave is very supportive but can only do so much. So in a way this is a goodbye from me.
I have a few options that I cant think about right now... Dave doesn't want me to get rid of anything apart from the de clutter as I may regret it... I'm not convinced but not being hasty either
I feel at this point rather than look at my craft stuff its best if its not here at all. That way I can forget and move on. I will keep you posted as to what is going on and if i choose to sell everything as I want my things to go to people who will love and cherish them as much as I do
So thank you lovely blogger ladies, meeting and reading up on you has been a true delight even if I haven't left comments... you have inspired and touched me, I have laughed and cried with you.. and stared in awe and wonder at the talent you all have, admired your homes and felt pride for and with your families.. the world is indeed a better place with all of you in it... keep sewing your threads through the quilt of life and contributing... I just need to get back to me and have some serious decisions to make
take care
love always
Vicki
PS thank you for your comments on my work and in general, and for hearing my voice and being kid when i put my things out there... but int he previous post well a while back now I talked about living life... I have to as right now I'm a shell and need time to be kind to myself

feather, flowers and creating

2010-09-24T18:49:00.002+10:00

Hi Everyone

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

hope you had a great week... just wanted to show you what we have been up to,

I have been focusing on business alot lately and coming up with new and hopefully exciting products!

A cute little cupcake bow

being modelled by my beautiful little girl

in the spring garden

a fascinator inspired by my baby girl

she makes a great model and even wore it

out for Thursday night shopping

a headband for a newborn made with soft stretch lace

with velevt and organza flowers

So yeah I guess I have been pretty busy lately with both Pumpkernickle Kids and The Silver Teapot....

I hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks for stopping by!

take care

love

Vic xxx

ps hubby is taking better pics of what i have and the cupcakes they should be up on our ebay stores by Sunday!! will keep you posted xxxx

Putting it out here - part 1... i think

2010-09-20T17:11:00.000+10:00

hi everyone,
hope you Monday was great for you.. how AMAZING is this weather? well here in the highlands it is anyway..
OK so in a few posts I have been talking about putting stuff out there....
with a few gentle encouragements and a few hard kick up the bums... I have decided to shop MY version on the faux cupcake... I admire the work of Mandii, Natasha, Shannon and Sheryn so much I felt mine weren't good enough to show.. I made them AGES ago and so here they are...
I am planning on selling them so we'll just see huh? *fingers crossed you like them*
these are the small ones....

faux lollipops I made ages ago also.. just to throw them in

I chose not to do the piping thing and do my own version.. PLUS i suck at it LOL

anyway please be gentle with me xxxx

Love to you all

Vic xxxx

Ebay items listed

2010-09-19T16:36:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone
How are you all? I hope your enjoying the weekend..the weather here has been glorious to say the least!.. We spent most of yesterday outside in the garden..Lily loves it!!!
and Dave and I are enjoying every minute of planning and creating a wonderful place for our children to grow up.. it really doesn't get much better!
I FINALLY got some more items in our ebay store so be sure the check them out!!!
With Christmas edging closer and closer its all down hill from here!!!!
I will have many more items listed shortly!!!

http://stores.ebay.com.au/thesilverteapot

While you there check out our kids store

http://stores.ebay.com.au/pumpkernicklekids

cot quilt

I have been working on boutique bows and just learning so much and lovin it!!!!!

Organza bow with loop topper

anyway must go, I'm gonna make some popcorn and watch Happy Feet with my family,

enjoy the remainder of Sunday.. and I hope you all have a beautiful week

love to you all

Vic xxxx

Snow Girls

2010-09-14T16:36:00.000+10:00

Hi lluurrvlie ladies
I hope your week has started off well....
just wanted to show you a snow girl I finished yesterday... I'm quite happy with her... its from a pattern i drew up in the 90's and dug up out of my sewing room.... BUT i gave her a sex change (they where originally men) and a shabby look...what do you think?
I'm am doing a range of them for Christmas this year... I think they will be one of a kinds cause I'm not reallllllyyyy good and replications

Sorry the picture isn't great but I just wanted to show you her... she has many different trims on her some new some vintage...

anyway my friends I must be off I'm making Christmas stockings for kids (AND us ladies.. new design so we will see) *fingers crossed!

take care

Love

Vic xxxx

An amazing weekend

2010-09-13T14:06:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,
this is just a no frills post, and kind of ties in with my previous
BUT with more passion than I have felt in a long time
we are so tied up with a superficial world we forget whats important to us.. we set our own restrictions on ourselves and make excuses as to why things happen and that we cant do what we want to or cant achieve due to others putting negative onto us (or our parents saying you live in this class of person so you must stay that way blah blah) and we take it on and believe what people say about and to us....so whether you comment or not please read....through this and if i can touch you and get my small message to you then i have done what this post is set to do....
PLEASE live your lives to the fullest, take that holiday, start that business, tell people you love them cause it can all change in a heartbeat.. literally.
So this post is no frills no pics nothing just me,
I woke up at about 4am Saturday morning with a chest pain... but thought nothing and went back to sleep.. an hour and a half after i woke with it again only this time... with the pain going down my left arm and tingling in my fingers... now both my parents have heart issues so i called Bowral hospital.. they told me to come in straight away...
to cut a long story short... i was hooked up to machines as they did think i was having a heart attack... then they thought it was a blood clot in my lung, so i was poked and prodded and had to have an xray...don't worry William is fine they covered him with lead aprons (they said as I am in my third trimester there was very little risk to him, i had ultrasound on my heart and yes they were going to do a CT.. but held off due to the baby.) Needless to say i was told in no uncertain terms what risks there where and what may or may not happen to me and/or my baby and what they planned on doing if "the worst" happened.. I will not go into that though but I'm sure you get the gist of what i am saying
As it turns out they are pretty sure I "dislodged" a rib (due to moving in bed to allow for a big baby) that caused nerve issues and i had to stay in hospital over night so they could watch me.. the staff and midwives at Bowral are incredible and i couldn't go to the loo without them not knowing.... I still have to be very careful but I believe I'm being watched over and was blessed to have this HUGE wake up call.. (yes I nearly lost people eg my mum and i cherish her but you see things differently when its yourself)
Rather than look at this happening to me as a I'm sorry for me situation I'm not has taught me how fragile we all are (i did know this BUT until something like this happens and your scared it doesn't truly hit home) all i thought about was my beloved husband, my daughter, my family and my unborn son.... i couldn't sleep and i really reflected on things that had happened...upsets that i have had... eg i don't fit in blah blah blah... and my eternal I'm gonna show you what i can do.... BUT I can honestly say i have a real passion for it right now.. and its something I haven't felt in years...
I have vowed to tell people i love them more... i look at my husband and family with new eyes, I didn't care for social politics before but now i just don't feel anything... I used to feel out of the loop so to speak.. but now I don't care.. take me as i am, as i will take you as your are...I have also learnt who cares and who doesn't and that's fine.... I was reading about the power of the law of attraction and can see where i have gone wrong... being away from Lily and Dave was very hard... it will be again when Will is born BUT we get a wonderful gift then that i get to bring home... I still got a gift but a different kind (yeah Im going on but bear with me please im trying to write and get all my thoughts down)
i am blessed beyond words or emotion... so my friends I plan on living to the fullest and please so should you... and if you'll excuse me.. I must get to my sewing machine

take care and be blessed all of you
take your dreams and fly high in the air
much love
Vic xxxx

New Stuff

2010-09-10T09:12:00.001+10:00

hi everyone,
a quick note as I am really busy running around...I feel that I know the ladies at Hill Top AND Mittagong post office very well, I have sen them nearly everyday for a few weeks now.... I have a few new creations for a very shabby Christmas I should have pics up this weekend... I dug up all my old patterns from the 90's when I used to make teddy bears.. all I will say is I'm happy with what i have done so far...

we have lots of Christmas decorations on the way... drying actually LMAO
just a few finishing touches (that I have to wait for) and we'll see....

I have also opened up and ebay store for The Silver Teapot..(we have decided to keep both businesses as they are both showing alot of promise and ya just can't let the pretties and shabbiness go can you? NOT even Dave can, so we are throwing everything we have into both... that way we can have the best of both words, pretties and TOYS!!!!!) and will be listing lots of goodies there including padded coat hangers, shower caps, aprons, quilt sets, ironing board covers.. you name it... Hubby has to help HAHAHAHAHA no really hes great!
we have taken delivery of some delicious fabric lately and trims... so I'm pretty excited to get cracking! no rest for the wicked hahahaha, i will also be showing things I have made over the years which i have held back due to not wanting to upset anyone... BUT I have been encouraged by some wonderful ladies and kinda feel my work is good enough... yeah yeah i rave about this but I'm starting to feel comfortable with my style
and more relaxed.. i mean really how do you ladies (and gents) know who I am and what I'm about if I don't show you??? yes I am a doofus LMAO
AND in those classic words (from Strictly Ballroom... channelling Fran!) "A life lived in fear is a life half lived"

William is cooking nicely and is starting to really kick.. YUP at 2-4AM funny that huh?
and I am HUGE once again... i look full term and am asked if i having twins!

I also have a few new hair clips and facinators (for us ladies) coming out all I will say is Tea and cupcakes..

Hope you all have a fab Friday!!!
love to you
Vic xxxxx

RIBBON success

2010-09-06T14:10:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone
just a quick post
I made some twisty ribbon (called Korker) to make Korker bows for Pumpkernickle kids.. (ya know those things you have always wanted to try and make but ever thought you could no matter how simple they seem? THIS is one of those for me!!!!!
will show you the other one at a later date!)

here is the result... not in bow form just put on my table.. damn hahaha gotta go gotta get creating!

have a great day

love

Vic xxxx

Clips bows and everything else

2010-09-02T16:39:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone
how have you all been?
things here have been busy as my baby boy (yes we are having a boy) continues to grow strong and BIG!!!!
Lily is doing well but has a greenstick fracture in her foot due to being tripped over by a fellow mum at playgroup.. these things happen and she is being a little trooper and doing well... she also kisses my tummy and talks to "William" as we are going to call him.

I have also been really busy listing things on ebay.. for Pumpkernickle Kids and The Silver Teapot.. still have alot to go!

I just wanted to show you my new clips I have made they willl be on ebay soon
hope you like them

My first attept at a bow thingy im actually quite pleased with it

My first attept at a boutique bow, happy but I still need alot of practice

I hope your all having a wonderful week

take care

*hugs*

Vicki xxxxxx

A few pics

2010-08-20T18:16:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyonne
just wanted to share a few pics from around my home
hope you like them
have a wonderful weekend
love

my fav lamp..well one of them

love the chippy smoke damaged vase

a little nook with my adored lustreware swan

my attempt at faux cupcakes and display...not finished yet lol

a cupboard that I adore

Our hallway

an article an article

2010-08-06T09:32:00.000+10:00

hi everyone,
how are you all?
Im half frozen in the office as I write this but I'm very chuffed and excited!!!
here is a READABLE copy of the article on me that was in the Southern Highlands post on Wednesday!!
wooo hooo!!
and I have even got a few messages out of it.. wow huh?!

hope you enjoy it! and i apologise for not being around much.. LOTS going on here!!!!!

Hopefully i will get a chance to sit with a cuppa and some peanut butter cookies (yup i crave em sooo yummy) and catch up on what your all up too

til then
love to you!
Vicki xxxx

a new blog a new beginning

2010-07-24T07:26:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone,
just a quick note to let you know I have started up a pumpkernickle kids blog that will show news and new products! heres the link http://pumpkernicklekids.blogspot.com/ thanks to everyone who has said I should share more of my creations I really hope its a new start, we have had a rough trot lately (wont go into details I dont want to focus on the negative anymore) so I am hoping this is a fresh start!!!!! new products new logos (yes we still have the silver teapot im running both there will be new stuff there also xxx)

I am currently running a competition of my "like page on facebook and giving away 4 little hair clips! the are non slip 4.5cm long alligator clips (choose from the pictured designs on Pumpkernickles blog) if you have facebook enter here!!!!

OR

just simply become a follower of Pumpkernickle Kids and your name will be put into the famous fishbowl.... competition closes on July 31st MIDNIGHT Australian time and winners will be drawn the next morning (I cant stay up like I used too hahahahaha) you will be notified via a message or i will leave a note on your blog! GOOD LUCK!!!!

Dont forget to tell your friends!!! and for those of you who dont have little girls? remember they make great presents!!!

I am adding to the range all the time so check back and dont forget to follow my blog! thanks so much

this gives you an idea.... I hope!!! lol

love to you all and have a beautiful weekend
Vicki xxxx

new work and some other work

2010-07-15T16:59:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone
I am just doing a quick post today.. yes I promised about my secrets revealed thing but i don't know where to start! BUT i wanted to share some of my work with you... I have been doing a whole lot of soul searching.. more on that later....

BUT I must mentions I had the most amazing morning tea with fellow shabby girls at Hume Cottage, I have to swipe some pictures from them as my camera had flat batteries...
I just wanted to let them know they made my week and with the loving and supportive and very very talented creative energy I felt i have been inspired ever since.. I FINALLY made a facinator/hairclip I have wanted to for ages but never thought I could.. here is the result I hope you like it!

ALSO I tend to hold back alot of my work so I don't offend or upset anyone for be told I'm copying... I interpret things differently and have my own spin and style like everyone else, and also like may of you... *glares at those girls* HAHAHAHA.. you know who you are.. I don't think my work is good enoughhere are some little hair clips I made my daughter a while back but been to scared to show..

I will be making them to sell.. it's a snap decision and I will stick to it so I don't chicken out... lol... I just have to sort out a logo and packaging I'm pretty fussy so I have to just do it and that's it.

anyway thanks to you all who have shown support... it was a gift to meet you!
better go
much love n kisses
Vic

Sharing secrets, we all win

2010-05-26T20:33:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone
just a note to you all, to let you know that ihave decided to share a few of the secrets that we had at The Silver Teapot, that made us so special.

I was told once that to withhold knowledge wasn't great and i think eveyone is entitled to know and have lovely things and experiences.

I have given away a few tricks in the past to select few.. with great success ... but now I have decided to release them to you all so we can all enjoy them, i feel it is only fair. My dream is to write a book to help people have lovely things ON A BUDGET! but as far as publishing goes? I havent the foggiest idea where and how to start.. I do however have scrap books full of things, sketches and ideas

It doesn't seem I will be opening a shop anytime soon as I have mentioned but my ideas keep evolving and changing.... they have changed alot since the shop burnt down.. so to share those we had in the shop.... I feel im ready too

anyway I am currently looking at things to share with you all, I had great encouragment from Mandii at shabby dreaming after putting it out there on our facebook fan page The-Silver-Teapot

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do
much love
Vic xxxx
ps I should start posting on a regular basis.. well I hope to hahaha

Missing my shop, frustration and what can be done

2010-05-26T08:25:00.002+10:00

HI everyone,
lately I have been really missing my old shop... I have been creating away and happy with what i have been turning out, I only wish i still had the cafe as i and HUGE windows for display and i know the pieces would work, sell and look great! its just so frustrating i have so many ideas its literally driving me nuts.. and i find it upsetting... i don't wanna dwell on it though but channel it and make something good happen

I have thought many times about reopening, and at this point I cant....as most of you know I'm pregnant and I have a 2 year old... and I kinda like the idea of being home.. I know you cant have everything... but can i? and why cant i? such a closed thought makes me want to break all the rules and hit out at the world again... why do we confine ourselves to i cant have everything?

i have approached the council to ask if i could make a shop out of my garage.. but to no avail! which i think sucks

BUT BUT BUT!!!!!! I'm sure if I think there is a way around it, I'm allowed to trade as a web business so why cant i display my wares nicely downstairs? and pretend?

just a thought....what do you think?

I'm also changing things with the silver teapot and expanding on ideas.... maybe a name change?
new logo? image?

what do you think?

anyway I'm off to the Dr for a 8 week checkup! YAY

i hope you all have a beautiful day
Vic xxx
PS sorry no pics in this post BUT i am keeping something under wraps until i can do it xxxx

Show and tell friday...A chair fit for a princess

2010-05-14T11:54:00.001+10:00

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to share this chair I made over for my little girl Lily,

but before I do... a big thanks to Cindy at My Romantic Home for hosting show and tell Friday

I havent been blogging as much as I have found out I am now 6 weeks pregnant wth our second bubby

(due 1/1/2011) and so we are on a scramble now to get everything we have wanted to get done.. well done LOL and YES i have started nesting ....hmmmm I would have been pregnant when i painted the kitchen ahahah thats my excuse anyway I hope you have all been well and YES i have checked up on you from time to time....

and so on with my sharing I'm really not sure whrere this chair will end up... will go in her room on in the living room? (once its renovated!!) but either way Im happy with the result and my little princess loves it

My inspiration as always, my ballerina girl

To us she is the greatest gift of all, I'm grateful everyday

for this precious little person

smoke damgaed chair that sat in the bathroom of our former cafe

with the base off letting it air

peeling back the layers

pile of rusty staples and muslin

with the back off

layers are tattered but the bones are still beautiful

covered with wadding and a check polar fleece looking better already

just have to put the back on

Finished...and fit for my little girl.. wooden feet were put on later

SO thats what i have ben up too, hope you like it.. I found it very rewarding and making over things is very very addictive.. I'm on the look out now for more chairs to do!!!

I have a few more projects on the go so pics will follow soon

I hope you all have had a beautiful week

thanks for stopping by and having a look at my little space on the web

much love to you all

Vicki xxxx

New Bling

2010-05-13T19:28:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone
just wanted to show you some "BLING" I will be adding to the website in the next day or so....
bear with me..morning sickness has struck with a vengence and it happens anytime!
ANYWAY just thought I'd show you the little pretties... the garlands are 2m long and the dangle drops thingies range from 24cm - 24cm
enjoy!!!

Much love to you and yours
Vic
ps BIG ( I mean epic, Titanic epic... Gone with the wind epic.. war and peace epic... well you get the idea) post tommorrow regarding a chair I made over for my little princess Lily
xxxx

WHOOPS

2010-04-30T08:31:00.000+10:00

Hi
I forgot to add the pics of the curtains drawn

love love love them!!!
will post again very soon
love and kisses
Vicki xxxx

Kitchen curtains

2010-04-27T18:14:00.001+10:00

HI everyone,
just a note to show my kitchen curatins... sooo chuffed with them.. they may be a little OTT BUT hey..

also i can announce that I am in my early stages of becoming a mumma again.... bubby number 2 is due 1/1/2011 wow huh?

anyway be back later with more pics and stuff

love to you all

Vic xxxx

more kitchen pics

2010-04-15T10:28:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,
another quick post... here are a few more pics of the finished section of the kitchen
I just love it
i has made a huge difference to our lives.. oh and here is a before shot also so you can see!!!
its amazing what a spot of colour a lotta love and a change can do

Before

before

after

after (oh yeah the box thing is a garbage bin box)

Im so chuffed with myself (dave helped a little) but i have done most of it myself

I also think its time for us to put our own stamp on the house (after 6 years and no time hahaha)

I feel more at home now and just adore it

anyway have to get back to the finer details of it.. will include more pics later including new curtains....

much love to you all

Vic xxxx

kitchen makeover... a preview

2010-04-11T15:49:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone!
just a quick post today.. wow its been nearly 2 weeks Sheesh where has the time gone?

anyway Im painting and revamping the kitchen (hubby did help) and here is a preview of a dear little portion of it.. it's near the stove... just sooo pretty and functionable!

The kitchen is such a transformation with just paint!
will show more later... before and after...... not finished YET!!!!
hope your having a wonderful weekend
love n kisses
Vicki xxxx

bread box... from beast to beauty

2010-03-30T10:28:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone
just a quick blog today...
I found a bread box a while back at a garage sale its was.. ready for it?.. are you sitting down? grab your cup of coffee or tea and put it down on the desk...... 20 cents!!!!! yup you got that one right 20 cents.. so I grabbed it and ran.. after a good clean with hot soapy water then tea tree oil spray I made.. it feels a little more loved and MUCH less dirty

I also found a small door knob at the same sale... in the free bin! how could you give away a gem like that? I couldnt but anyway everyone is different

so here are a few pics of before and after.. well sort of i got into the painting faster than i thought to photograph it hahaha

anyway I think its really sweet and it does the job..

when i rolled the door up and down (it was stuck so i rubbed those bits of soap you have no use for on the tracks and YIPPEE it rolls) i got a bit of an aged effect... sometimes the best things come from accidents... don't you find?

oh we needed it cause our puddy tat was chewing on the bread ... didnt think cats liked bread but hey!

hope your having a great week

I have lots of things going at the moment so stay tuned! including a beroom chair....
love to you all
Vic xxxx

Show and Tell Friday... now (wrought iron) screening!!!

2010-03-26T14:49:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone
Wow its Friday again I can't believe how fast it sems to come around..
I have to say.. and well blame (and thank) Cindy at My Romantic Home for creating my new addiction hahaha I love it!!!!! and the comments have been wonderful THANK YOU XXXXXX
anyway.. I had this stunning wrought iron screen in our cafe, I had little fairy lights on it and it lit up so beautifully.. but as some of you know we lost our cafe to a fire (2 years this coming November) and we saved alot of things I think many would have thrown out... "just in case" and hope they may come in use one day.. I couldnt bring myself to redo them then sell them.. they had been through so much and I wanted to keep them safe... yeah yeah silly I know BUT.....I have started to revive them and the uses they have are increaing, I have to toss a coin... and ideas are fast and furious with presenting themselves.

Burnt and very sad looking

detailed top of the screen

I had hoped it would rust but it stated black

the bones are still great...I still loved it

after a clean and paint....

the bubbles and blisters of the heat become features

rather than blemishes and scars that where once reveared,

har to look at and a reminder of a horrific event

now has a new lease on life,

and has become a wonderful new centerpiece a focal point of our balcony

and MUCH more loved than ever before

So there you have it... I am sooo thrilled with the result it isnt funny, I have also learnt that as I restore these things and find uses for them, I fall in love with them more than I ever did. I am so glad I didnt get rid or pass them off as a waste... its very very healing and hey my house is starting to really take shape with it.

I love knowing I have unique pieces and one of a kinds.. don't you? PLUS saves money... that's before the satisfaction of doing it sets in! I find it addictive at the moment

Thanks for taking the time to read up on my shannanigans.. have a beautiful week everyone

til next Friday

love

Vic xxxx

ps never disgard or right off something you have... keep it for a day, look at it a new way, you'll find another use and have the thrill of it again it once gave you xxxx

disgarded stuff make great planters....and a sneaky peak

2010-03-25T08:09:00.005+11:00

Hi Everyone

just a quick note and some pics to show some stuff I have found around the house and made them into planters..yup I'm going nuts and I'm happy with the result... isnt improving your surrundings and renovating fun and great therapy?

SO my quest continues hahaha even a tired old cane bike planter got a lovely addition and came in handy

and thats it for today.. I'm working on my show and tell Friday so here is a sneaky peak

a wrought iron screen that was badly burnt in the cafe fire.....

thanks to everyone who commented on my chairs.. I was very humbled and chuffed

til tommorrow

have a beautiful day

Vic xxx

Show and Tell Friday... gotta love a Bargin

2010-03-19T09:08:00.002+11:00

Hi lovely ladies

I just wanted to share a revamp I did yesterday afternoon, so I thought I would add it too Cindy from My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday.. I'm actually really enjoying participating in this and think of things during the week you may like to read and what id like to share

I got these 3 chairs from ebay.. a steal at $20 for the 3.. and I went to Bunnings (a hardware store) and got A STAPLE GUN wow am I sooo chuffed or what? So this is my first time recovering like this.... (so I thought i'd give it a go... bite the bullet and get over my fear lol oh...and I got tired of looking at the drab fabric that was covering them...)

I had some pretty rose fabric I had squirreled away for about forever...I know you have them too.. dont you? ya know the fabric you find that you can't live without BUT have no idea what your going to do with?

ANYWAY...

here are the chairs before!.. hate the grubby fabric... makes the chairs look tired

With the seat off, 1 down 2 more to go....

Gotta love those staples...

Waiting for the new covers the dry.. I sprayed them with lavender water.. gets out creases

and smells yummy

FINISHED... not professional looking but Im happy with the result!

SO there you go... 2 hours later give or take a few minutes, and I have a new look that I love, so much better and ALOT more clean looking.... NOW I have to go and find some more fabric stasted somewhere for the smoke damaged boudoir chair i have airing on the verandah...

take care everyone and have a beautiful weekend

Love

Vic xxxx

ps thanks to all the ladies who left such kind comments for me! xxxx

Show and Tell Friday

2010-03-05T21:32:00.003+11:00

Hi Everyone,
this is the first time I have participated in this kinda thing so please be kind hahaha

First of all I would like to thank Cindy from My Romantic Home for thinking up the idea...and allowing us to add our little world to hers....

and soooo without any further waiting here goes... *whew*

Lately I have been really getting into the garden and getting my hands dirty.... and elbows, knees, clothes...face.. you get the idea! Anyway I have been thinking of alternative ways to use my household things
instead of the traditional pots for my plants and well I just want it to look a bit different.. (it's a work in progress...and here are a few pics of my verandah)

and here is what I have come up with ...enjoy!

A fire damaged birdcage and lavender tin...rustic and rusty for a lovely rose

An old wicker basket, spray painted Antique white... a new home for a colourful array for Bergonias

A iron basket, tin and bucket teamed with a wicker basket mixed with pots for a bit of diversity, and to mix it up a bit...I'm really loving Azaleas right now... oh and Roses and Petunias

On my kitchen windowsill, just a small bucket with a succulent and an old vintage tin thingy with a Bergonia

add a bit of a rustic look

The more fire damaged birdcages have a new lease on life... I love the way they sit in a quiet unison with the other hanging baskets

And finally, the chandeliers that once proudly lit up our cafe, once more used to add a dappled rainbow in the sunlight so healing to seem the in a place of pride again and not wasted

Putting these two up was almost like seeing old friends again... I love watching the morning sun catch this one and the afternoon in the other.. the light comes into my dining area and living room.. my little girl things they are "so pretty" the rainbows are just so lovely and you get the purity of a child for a second or two...

well that's my little world of gardening, and hopefully you have enjoyed reading my first post to show and tell Friday.. and the glimpse into my world...I hope I may have inspired and got you thinking into using just things you have to create a lovely place in your garden.. I actually sit out there more now.. and its nice to stop and smell the roses....

Have a fantastic weekend everyone

Love

Vic xxxx

AND THE WINNER IS!!!!!

2010-03-05T15:33:00.000+11:00

The winner for our FIRST give away is... Suzy Q!!!

Congrats Suzy.. could you kindly email me your address so I can post off your prize
thesilverteapotmossvale@hotmail.com

Thanks everyone for enetering I have decided to do another give away soon due to the response!
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Suzy's prize

lots of love
Vicki
xxxx

My first giveaway!!!

2010-03-01T08:34:00.000+11:00

OK girls....
here is what you will be winning.. a frame that I have "made over"
its 5 inches wide by 6.5 inches high
all you have to do is write a comment that you want to enter... I will then put names into a fish bowl and Lily will draw the winner, competition closes this Friday 5th March...

GOOD LUCK

and have a beautiful week

Vic xxx

My very first giveaway

2010-02-27T22:32:00.000+11:00

HI everyone
just announcing I will be giving away a smaller frame in the style I made for myself (not the same)

will let you know how to eneter and pics of the prize will come in the next day...

Im quite excited about this I just hope I get people entering
thanks all
love
Vic xxxx

a pride of place

2010-02-26T14:24:00.001+11:00

Hi Girls,

I just wanted to share a few pics of something new I have made...

I felt a little flat this week so I wanted to do something for myself.. I go NUTS (literally) if

I can't create and I havent had much time lately

wonderful thing is I didnt have to look far for inspiration... my baby girl.. Lily

She'll be 2 soon (in May) everyday is a blessing to have her...

SOOOO I looked for what I could find.....Dave and I have HEAPS

and I mean HEAPS of brass framed pieces, we had some in the cafe bathroom...t

hey are now unfortuantely destroyed BUT we did have a truckload down

in my studio hoping that the day would come that they would be used... and it has!..

so I ripped out the picture of the one I didn't like a created this.

I know this kinda thing has been done before BUT this is my take on it...

and I love the colours of paper flowers at the moment... especially the Lillies...

I can't emrboider or do stumpwork either to save my life (I would sooo love to)..

SOOO this is my meshing of the two.... kinda hahahaha

For my little girl, 2 doves and roses for love,

pale pink for girliness

Pretty colours for her to enjoy

beads for bling (every girl has to have it)

And flowers that she is named after

this now hangs pride of place in our bedroom,

a reminder of the precious gift Dave and I have given each other

Thanks for taking the time to look and I wish you all a beautiful weekend

Love n kisses

Vic xxxx

and who says wall pockets are old fashioned?

2010-02-14T19:24:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope your all having a great valentines day,

the rain is wearing thin on me know so... after heaps of coffee .....

I thought I would show you a few pics of my latest "creations"

I got some wall pockets (vases) a few weeks ago AND had no idea what to do with them,

so today... I went frou frou and nearly went nuts getting them "just right"

ANYWAY a few hours later and some fiddling here they are... the first one took the longest...

it may be a bit over the top BUT it suits my mood just know and I adore them!.. and guess what?.. HUBBY LOVES IT!!!! cool huh?

I love to know what you think so please leave me a comment

I have some more pics and things to show

BUT I have to feed the family so will post tommorrow

to thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog

Much love to you all...

Vic xxxx

new product and catering!

2010-02-09T16:42:00.008+11:00

HIYA!

YAY back again I finally got some pictures of my new line..
you can either have it as a tassel orrrr it could be that extra little frou frou detail/touch to a pressie

I have done a little bit of catering (and am still available to do so... I love it)also soo here are some pics of some sandwich trays and quiches JUST outta the oven...

hope you all have a fab afternoon.. have to go and find my little girl
its gone very very quiet!!!

xxxxx

blame it on the camera.. or lack of caffeine

2010-02-09T08:33:00.005+11:00

Hi Lovelies

Good news? I have a new product range coming out.. wholesale will be welcome...and I'm pretty excited about it... what started as a mistake has become a surprise!

a problem? I CAN'T TAKE PHOTOS THAT ARE GOOD ENOUGH!!!(they aren't working out the way I want).. ok this is the part where I blame the camera *beeeppppppp*..... GAHHHHHH!!!!!!

The Solution? have a cuppa, (need a coffee) breath deeply and focus.. *currently channeling Shirley Maclaine* and then try again!!!!

HOPEFULLY will be back soon with a pic and description...

*mutters under breath* blasted camera... settings... light... accessories...fussy lady(das me) and I mean to say biatch...(sorry for swearing) but wont cause im trying to go easy on myself hahaha.....

see ya soon.... i hope......
xxxx

a garden of flowers

2010-01-22T18:21:00.003+11:00

YES another post .. thats 2 in one day
BUT I had to share some pics of the flowers I have in the garden
that I have just taken
I have gone slightly nuts over Petunias (they make me feel sooo happy!). BUT I still have roses and lavender and well anything really...
we are creating a really pretty space for all of our family to enjoy.. colour themes are
pinks...whites, Pale blues and purples.. soft romantic plants that will hopefully provide my little Lily with a magical fairy hideaway

hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do
more to follow Im sure
Vic xxxx

New Life to an old favorite

2010-01-22T16:17:00.004+11:00

Hi Everyone
not sure if I have blogged this year but HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!

Dave and I are in reno mode and I have been working in the garden quite a bit.. its coming along great and I promise there will be pics!
But in the meantime here is a bit of a teaser on what I have been workin gon
its the old coffee counter from the shop, thought I would share the BEFORE pics with you first.. Im not finished yet but its all white and there is wallpaper borders and tulle involved and thats all i will say.. i can sooo see it finished in my minds eye ya know how you get that sometimes?

but it currently is being used as storage for my little bits of bling... that i wil be adding to our website soon!! gosh I always say that.. does time get away from everyone else too?

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend

sending you all bubbles filled with pink and white glitter
Vic xxxx

Peace and serenity

2009-12-03T16:12:00.006+11:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to show you what I have been doing around the house.. I have gone nuts buying cheap vintage drapes and curtains... my challenge to do things on a budget continues and I am pleased with the results thus far!!!!

I got a vintage lamp and drapes for our bedroom ... the stool is the one I restored and a few replaced bits and pieces and you have the results in these pics (sorry no before pics didnt think to take em DOH!!)

Add a vintage floral hat and a dress....

I have also just filled up a few vases with some vintage flowers and I love the effect... I cant wait to start to repaint and freshen the place up

I have gone mad cleaning and reoganising and decluttering.... its been great and well the place feels a hell of alot better!! you can now see our wonderful items and the takcy things we still love but dont fit in have been loving restored and might make an appearance elsewhere one day!

Hope you like the photos, I have to get moving as there is a high tea at Hume Cottage on Saturday and Im playing with things to take there... hope I get them done, but we are slowly getting there!! woo hoooo

til next time

Love and kisses

Vic

My lonnnggg over due makeover

2009-11-23T19:22:00.004+11:00

Hi Everyone
just a quick post today
I have been wanting to finishe this for ages and finally i bit the bullet and did...

I then added some white organza ribbon... cut too short i think!

ahh thats better long organza ribbon in pale blue and pink! Im thinking of adding organza rose buds to the ribbons.. pink of course what are your thoughts?

AND FINALLY
A few blogs back well many actually I restore this from the fire BUT she is finally finished or maybe its a he? I love it anyway!

well have go and cook dinner be back soon
love n kisses
Vic xxxx
ps posting more pics soon xxxx

Updating a window

2009-11-19T07:41:00.006+11:00

Ok so I set myself a challenge!
to see if i could update our kitchen window and see if i could get away with only spending a small amount of money.. OK baack track a bit to bring you up to speed...Dave and I are now FINALLY renovating our house and I have to say its not come soon enough BUT we really didnt have the time. (im sick of the dark colours, and saying ohhh one day! ONE DAY HAS COME LOL and well i believe you can do a really nice job on a budget..and with things you have around the house or get a garage sales and ebay)...Now I am home full time and after walking away (by our choice) from a new shop... I decided our home will be our shop!! wooo hoooo
ANYWAY I dont have any old pics of the window BUT here is phase one!
let the prettifying begin!!!!!!

I purchased some CHEAP curtain fabric and the rest was found around the house and in my studio, found a few flowers and armed with saftey pins, pearls and beaded fringe i was off!

I will be working on this slowly over the coming days as I have a few things on at the moment... will post pics as I progress

Please ignore the messy state of my kitchen..I took these pics at night so the fabric looks more shiney than it is anyway once the kitchen is painted and I finish they I tink they will look pretty good!

well better go have to get Lily some breakfast

love to you all
Vic xxxx

Faux lollipops

2009-11-17T14:54:00.005+11:00

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to show my kinda newish line, Faux Lollipops!
They are in a variety of flavours..

They will be available on our website and ebay later tonight or tommorrow and yup they have their own cello bag. great for christmas huh?
hope you like them

much love to you all
Vic xxxx

A new title..well back to the old one

2009-11-06T17:18:00.003+11:00

hi everyone

just a quick note to let you know that I havent gone to Siberia, or joined the French Foreign legion, I have decided to go back to my original blog name...

The reason for this is that it creates continuity with my business and identity and I will be promoting The Silver Teapot online now
I also have lost the fear I had when our cafe burnt down (we had funny phone calls threats etc but im not going to even think of it.. I dont have any bad feelings towards anyone infact i have found Im indifferent to them) and must say have felt sooo much better lately (we had a look at a shop and I decided on my own terms that we would just be online for now) I want to devote time to our daughter and husband and be a wife for a whie and its not fair to put Lily through the long days.

Anywayyyy better go and keep working on this
loooooooove to you all
Vic xxx

The Silver Teapot website

2009-10-29T18:16:00.002+11:00

Hi all
just a quick note.. I am currently building The Silver Teapot website woo hoo finally
so feel free to have a squizzie at it
its soooo no where near finished but you get the idea.. so please bookmark my page as I have LOTS AND LOTS of lovelies coming and my studio is fullof half finished projects URGH but hey one day i will have a bonanza of stock.. but at themoment Lily is growing fast and i have to be with her as she wont be this age forever.. I adore it!!! oh than you Miss Ali for you tips love you hun god bless you!!!

love to you all
Vic xx
oh ps
www.thesilverteapot.com.au

roses roses roses....

2009-09-23T09:07:00.006+10:00

Hi Girls,

just a quick post this morning I have been bitten by a bug!!!! the rose making bug that is... I have made these out of polymer clay(a pale flesh tone) ..these are the prototypes and Im going to use them as embellishments woo hoo

Im really really happy with the way they came out.. will be working on buds and leaves today also

Waiting to be baked

The one in the middle has been baked... should I paint it?

just wanted to share em with you all... I hope your all ok with this dust storm

have a beautiful day

Hugs n squishes

Vic xxxx

so where have I been?

2009-09-18T15:18:00.011+10:00

HI lovely people! I know it's been FOREVER since I have written here.. but I have kept an eye on you all and what you have been doing, I dash on have a look and dash off.. and sometimes forget to comment....

Dave and I have been really busy, with my studio up and running (FINALLY we have reclaimed some space for me to work in.. I can use it to create and there is a playroom for my little Lily .. who isn't little anymore.. she has grown so fast!

Part of my studio

Little Lily

I have quite a few pics to put up sooo grab a coffee, tea, hot choc or beverage of choice sit back and have a squizzie! Here are a few "rose bags" I have made... they are made from small organza bags with various trims i have.. some are vintage laces, various buttons and jewelery so I can't get them again but that makes it more fun don't you think? I'm happy with they way they turned out what do you think? I also have some that have beaded trimming.. they are available for sale from $8 each so lemme know if you interested.. I am also working on The Silver Teapot website.... I just have to get a little more organised on that front... we have the domain name and everything I just need to get a few things going, but we will be selling things I make, Dave's furniture, giftware, housewares, coffee, tea, and the accessories that go with them, there are a few other things in store BUT I will wait til I release that info hahaha.. cause there will be a giveaway and I don't wanna well give it away ..... haha HAD to say that one

I "named" the bags so I know what's what... there are a few more.. but with me not being a great photographer they need redoing hope you like them

Purple flowers

Fringe flowers and pearls

Vintage earrings

The Heritage

The angelic range

A kidney table that was in the fire..

and now revamped

A little lampshade

Anyway I think I have raved on enough for one day... sooo I will try and blog on a more regular basis

Til next time

hugs n kisses

Vic xxx

Tea anyone?

2009-06-30T21:08:00.005+10:00

Hi Everyone

This is just a very quick note... to let you know

my husband David and I are going back into the high tea business

while we cant go back into our cafe (we didn't own the building) the public have been literally demanding us to reopen it is wonderful to be missed... but we still have to heal from the fire so baby steps are needed here

and i am very proud to announce that we will be offering high tea and tea parties in your garden + catering and hampers (high tea of course) we will also have an online store where you can get our famous te and coffee and lots of other treats and gifts... damn gotta slow down (im trying to type and talk with my hands hahaha )

I know I'm probably not making much sense but I can't hold down my excitement we get to play pretties and we have so many things planned!!! I'm not sleeping well

Lucinda of Hume Cottage has been kind enough to offer us her lovely shop for the relaunch... EXACTLY 10 months to the day our beloved shop was destroyed...(imnot putting negative pics up here.. see a previous posts for those pics of the fire

anyway here are a few pic's to get you excited like we are and maybe inspire you..they certainly got me all excited again

I am also writing my own e book on tea parties so let me know if your interested...

have to run got to finish the menu

love to you all

Vic xxxx

A lick of paint and a little love goes a long way

2009-05-29T19:35:00.003+10:00

WOW 2 blogs in one day... but I felt these had to have their separate blogs
I just wanted to show a couple of pieces that i have restored from the fire and now sit pride of place at home,
The cupid has 3 stages so far and Im not sure If I am going to add colour (any comments or thoughts would help) or not BUT she came up stunning with some paint and a bit of patience

After a wash.. still very smoke damaged

2 undercoats

She came up ilike new if not better and now sits on our fireplace as a reminder that new life can came out of the ashes.. just have faith, love and determination

This was a toilet roll holder in the cafes bathroom.. sorry I forgot to rotate the image so please bear with me

After a few coats of paint. a new knob thingy and an anti smoke spray (vinegar water and bicarb) it came up a treat and with pink highlights will fit on with our huse ONCE we get to painting it

I have to say restoring our fire damaed stuff really is rewarding and really shows what can be done with a little love and seeing past appearances, and if youinvest a little time, you will be rewarded

hope you all have a fab weekend

love

Vic xxx

Busy busy and our little girls 1st birthday

2009-05-29T18:43:00.007+10:00

Well, things have been very very busy in my neck of the woods lately, our little girl Lily turned a big 1 on 24 may.. we had a party at our house and she got spoilt rotten... A big thank you to Miss Lucinda, Miss Sarah and Misss Shann for their gifts and well wishes..... Our little princess adored her pressies and had a fab day with everyone.. she didnt sleep til that night she was so excited

the pictures enlarge so feel free to have a squizzie in larger size

Lily's birthday cake I made for her... This was soooo much fun to make i'm trying to get an excuse to make something else!

I have a new range coming out and they are of cats as doorstops, I am sooo excited about these as they turned out far better than I ever thought....they are all made by me and embellished with yummy trims, flowers and anything else I can get my hands on... they are pretty big roughly 30-40cm and weigh about 1kg

These puddy tats are one of a kind (I'm not very good and mass production and to be honest prefer not to) and these two are available at the lovely Lucinda's shop they actually look better in her shop than they do at my house.. I was soo chuffed she was kind enough to take them...

They are very detailed with lots of velvet and organza flowers on them, along with some lovely trims.. I spend alot of time making sure everything is balanced and colours blend... I am on a roll and will be making more so if your interested let me know and I can give you prices (I will also post them with prices once I make a few more)

I better be off I have a few cats cut out that I want to finish

hope you all are warm and cosy bbrrrrr

enjoy your weekends

love

Vic xxxx

A little light went out, and a new creation

2009-05-04T22:43:00.010+10:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had wonderful weekends, mine was a little sad, our beloved Samson who was nearly 14 was put to sleep on Thursday so I had mum come and stay with us for a few days... which we both needed. It's better for hi though he really wasn't well and it's the most human thing to do as upsetting as it is. He had a heart condition which was medicated for the last 5 years so he has done well but I guess it just got the better of him. He had a full life from running along the beach, coming to market stalls and just getting into all kids of trouble.. mainly with me! He lived with mum, but I was with him for the first 7 years of his life and then right through, I wasn't there when he passed over he was just to sick and mum didn't tell me... I admire her strength We are all really upset and I can't believe he is gone... I will miss him forever but I'm sure we will meet again.. I was blessed to have known him... big dog trapped in a little dogs body hahaha
I just wanted to make a note for him

ANYWAY I don't really want to be sad, that's not the way to remember him nor would it do him justice he was hilarious and at times a little ratbag... sooooo I also have been creating... this is a pin cushion I made it hangs up (it has a tiny hook!,) is scented (rose of course with a little surprise there!) it is very detailed and was great fun to make. It has about 30 mixed flowers.... (velvet and organza hydrangeas, roses and daisies) There will be others available I am selling this one for $24.95 if your interested in them lemme know I will post the others once I finish, with the prices

I hope you all have a fantastic week, I have to head off to the land of nod, Dave and I sealed the garage floor and he put the carpet down so it's all systems go again for reclaiming the sewing room/studio.... bless him he is working on a very large window to put in

til next time

brightest blessings to you all

Vic xxxx

lamp shades and Hume Cottage

2009-04-24T20:13:00.004+10:00

Just thought I would show you 2 lampshades that are going to be delivered to Lucinda at Hume Cottage on Tuesday as well as a few other goodies including showercaps made from cuppie cake fabric!

Well tommorrow is ANZAC day and a good day to reflect and remember, as of late I have thought alot about a few soldiers that used to come into the cafe I worked at in Mosman I pray they are all safe..

We are having a family day and going to Taralga Dave and I adore it there so I will post pics for sure til then I only have my lamps to show

have a great weekend

LEST WE FORGET!

*hugs*

Vic xxxx

Thanks to a lovely ladies

2009-04-23T09:25:00.004+10:00

I just wanted to take the time to thank and show gratitude to a few lovely gals who have helped us, inspire and are like fairy floss!!!! (LOVE THAT STUFF)

First and foremost the lovely Lucinda at hume cottage, for your endless kindness and just for being you, your friendship is valued more than you realise! now get back to work HAHAHHA

The the wonderful Shannon Thompson - you crack me up and are like sunshine ..thanks for the cuppies!!!

Gail McCormack... you and your hubby inspire us and show what can be done and you can live your dreams thank you!

And last but not least Sarah from Shabby Roses and Pretty Things.... your energy is boundless as is your support (oh btw dont forget to watch find my family.. haha this is your reminder!!!)

The world would be a less sunny a place without you girls... keep shining like the DIVAS you are

Im not sure if the links worked to these ladies blogs but you should really check em out I'm still getting the hang of this!

So after that I'm off I have a few cut out projects on the floor and I'm really such a blessed woman to have crossed paths with such amazing souls

I usually get up every morning and go through what I am grateful for so I thought I would share some of my thoughts with you.. hubby and I live by the law of attraction.. like attracts like... or
what you think about you bring about... anyone seen the secret? the more postive you put out the more you get back.... trust me on this one!

Anyway I best be going or I'll start off again
love and light to you all
Vic xxxx

NEW STUFF!!

2009-04-21T19:07:00.007+10:00

Hi all

just wanted to share a few new items that we got for our kids website

Dave and I are really proud of our site (we are building it ourselves) and the high quality products we have, we are working on forming our own brand we also have lovely stuff for mum and dad (but i gotta take pics of them so i better get off my butt and do it)

the little wooden coat hangers are fab i'm gonna get some for Lily

I also ordered a cat pyjama bag so i can't wait for that to come in we currently have a cow and sheep in stock

WE have also made a decision to launch our Shabby stuff... some will have some on the kids site for kids and we may get a separate website in the future) BUT we are proud to say our items will be available at Lucindas http://humecottage.blogspot.com/ I have 2 lampshades made for her so i will put picks up of them tommorrow

I better run I have to catch up on hells kitchen.. wow gotta lllooovvveeee Gordon

brightest blessings

Vic xxxx

A little blessing

2009-04-19T23:47:00.006+10:00

WELLL hellooo just a quick note before I go to bed... I'm really tired

Today was an exciting day for us... we had our little girl Lily baptised at St Stephens church Mittagong. It was a lovely service and she was such a good little girl.

I just wanted to share a snap of us with the minister.. Lily looks upset and I look a mess HAHAHAHAHAHA but its all good.... but daddy is a silver fox!!!!!
We had a great day with only 11 of us.. all I can say is BRING ON HER BIRTHDAY!! that'll be the doozie!!!!

Oh I made this cake too.. I'm quite chuffed with it.

Hope you all have a wonderful week

Brightest Blessings to you all

Vic xxxx

finally it's finished!!!

2009-04-10T18:18:00.007+10:00

Hi Girls and Hubby!

This is a few pics of a lamp I started on over a year ago... I put it aside once Lily was born and with the demands of the shop I had no time for it... SO I dug it out and decided it's time had come!

Its quite big about 6ocm across and I found it by a roadside (it's slightly off centre and was a little damaged BUT with a little persuasion came into some sort of shape... I adore that its not perfect)...

the base of the lamp has been an old friend for as long as i have been around.. we had it when I lived with mum and I swiped it for my bedroom and then later when I moved out to go and live with Dave (ahahaha mum wanted to throw it out... see being a pack rat can be good!)

Side view

Front view

ANNNYYYWWAAAAYYYY..... the panels on the shade are hand sewn in in a fabric I fell in love with .. I got a stunning floral braid and embellished it with some flowers and chandelier crystals I had... I know the shade looks a little small to balance the length of the base BUT I kinda like it this way.. it reminds me of a parasol and that 2 objects that aren't perfect can be fused together to form a great piece.

I'm really pleased with the result... I'm keeping this one due to the fact the base has been in my family for so long.... BUT I ... well *cough cough* hubby found a box full of lamps and lampshades so I will have them up for sale soonish... My little girl is a great helper and loves playing with the trims and flowers... ahahaha she's a girlie girl!

Well I better go and get cracking on more stuff...

Hope you all have a fab Easter

Vicki

Reclaiming of the sewing room

2009-04-02T17:58:00.003+11:00

Hi everyone

I hope your having a great week and enjoying the rain.. well we are anyway.. it does our garden good (also love the sound of the rain on our tin roof) ANNNNDDDDD even better given us the chance to move smoked damaged stuff into our storage shed and RECLAIM my sewing room/studio.... all I can hear is the sound of singing angels and see a great white light.... aaaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhh! (in the angelic singing way) we have found so many lost treasures it feels like being reunited with old friends and my creative juices are pumping so much my veins are gonna pop!!!!!!

I am currently finishing off a lampshade for us BUT I will also start on a few more that will be available to purchase as well as the shower caps and a few goodies

SOOO be warned!!!

no piccies with this post but i have to run I'm cooking a lamb shanks and earthy style vegies in a paella dish..hmmmm lots of garlic, tomato paste and herbs

brighest blessings to you all
Vic xxxx
ps Hubby and I are starting to do small catering jobs - eg Silver Teapot Style high tea in your garden.. with our furniture so if you kinda live close and are interested let me know

This is amazing

2009-03-24T23:51:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone
i am just posting this quickly as i must go to sleep but i had to share this... the man touched my hubby and i's life a while back

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

its long BUT if you grab a cuppa and listen to him Im sure he will touch you too
he unfortunately passed away last year in july.. but what a gift to leave behind

will post another blog later..
brightest blessings to you all
Vic xxx

600 acre wood! Lily's farm day with Cubby Club

2009-03-20T23:17:00.010+11:00

OK sooo I had to add this.. we had such a great day.. Jim and Pam are the Grandparents of the cubby club we go to every Wednesday and they have a lovely farm in Bullio 600 whole acres!! enough to really stretch your legs and breath!!... Dave and I spent the day wondering what we are doing... we really want to buy a property... but me being a scardey cat and sookie lala we missed the chance years ago.. NOT that i dont love where we are but...

ANYWAY enough of my day dreaming well for the moment anyway

here are some pics of the day

his tunnel is on the way to the farm, i just love it, how smooth it is and the fact its man made and nature seems to envelope it

the view is amazing don't you think? I could wake up to this every morning NO worries

Driveway to the house.. with cubby club mummy cars.

Lily and I... a stroll to the shearing shed

Lily with her friend Tilly in the shearing shed... soo cute (Lily has the purple cardie on)

playing nicely.. with possible boyfriend? hahaha shhhh don't tell dad

who is enjoying this tractor ride more? Daddy or bubby????

Me myself and I... with and island dam!

I want this house.. its so old and just lovely..

Lunch time view!

Ok I'm going now... hahah yeah right.. to realestate.com wooo hoooo

Brightest blessings to you all
Vic xxx
xxxxx

labels labels labels - your thoughts needed!!!!

2009-03-20T22:08:00.003+11:00

hiya

OK sooo i had a bit of a rough patch... I felt flat but I'm slowly getting rid of the dark cloud and focusing on pretty colours and lovely stuff.. yeah i hit my head on the wall, did headstands, ate chocky and moped.. I cant also be misunderstood soooo yeah big kisses for putting up with me (I am actually thinking of writing a book to help anyone with depression of anyone who lives with someone with it.. wow i said it hahahaha finally!) I have also decided my life is to amazing to allow the dark shadows in...

SOOOOO I am making shower caps n things and I wanna know your thoughts on the labelling...

I want a Shabbily Romantic label and I'm thinking of calling a range Totally Lily for my shabby range of pretties for adults and kids... boys included but with rockets and trucks n stuff... we got a great range of winde up toys i just have to put them on the website

what do you think?

I have 2 labels organised sooo here they are

in other news hubby and i have a catering gig on Sunday for 50 people which will be good a chance for me to have fun in the kitchen WHICH leads my to think .. well more Dave than me that we should really get back into doing High tea..(no promises but it looks likely as we have our amazing furniture and china from the shop and I love stuffing around with pastries n yummies) we both miss the prettiness of it..and setting it all up...damn I'm lucking having a hubby who LOVES Shabby chic!!! but we will have to see... we would need a few volunteers for photos....

anyway I'm off back to my sewing machine... I also want to learn to try and pretty up my blog so anyone that can tell me how to do a few things PLEASE PLEASE lemme know

til next time

Vic xxxx

PS enjoy the moment... in a second it will pass

what?

2009-03-14T13:50:00.007+11:00

I'm really not sure how to start this one, as I'm not feeling amazingly great at the moment. I feel lost and alone.... so im just writing a few lines here.

I find it hard to look into my husbands and daughters eyes and not feel lost. They look to me to stay strong and put things right and i will. But today i feel flat.. I am trying really hard to get our kids business off the ground.. forming groups and fan pages on facebook.. ebay and blogs...looking into party plan... I just feel that no one is interested.. actually its a fact.. I'm not feeling sorry for myself I'm venting...we have so many great items and I'm sewing and designing like mad we sell at a good price have high quality stuff and we see other people who have crap that sells for heaps and they are raking in it.. yet it seems we aren't getting anywhere. I have no idea what to do i want our business to grow and we are incorporating shabby chic into it and gifts for mum and dad.. i am currently working on kids clothes and other stuff to find something fdifferent to offer.. Dave and I have stayed up late researching products and getting our creative juices flowing.... URGH anyway.. i might not be making sense here

I do understand the current financials but why are others making money and all we want is to survive so my hubby can stay home and be with us.

Our insurance company is being painful and difficult and I am really trying to use the law of attraction oh and alot of prayer... I still believe we can do it. but today i don't feel strong at all...

I cant stand that people who have cheated us and manipulated us STILL succeed and get what they want.. what the F&^*( am i doing wrong? I am not playing victim i am in control but you get days you just cant bear it...

I have fought depression for too long and know its ugly head well... I have got over and got myself off medication (i was sedated for a week due to suicidal tendencies) Lots of things i believe would have stopped many.. a s in i had a brain infection when i was 20 and was suppose to die.. (it killed my great aunt at the same age)

I'm just sick of myself and my family being misundestood, used, judged and thrown away....
all I want is whats best for my family.... we dont judge nor feel we are above anyone...we do our best to help people and i have to say we are really really good people

i have been blessed to meet some wonderful people.. I wont go into details as you know who you are and i am grateful each day for you

anyway I think id better finish this now... as i don't want to fester.. Ill go and play with some fabric and trims.. the colours always make me feel better.. (that's one way i beat depression)
take care of yourselves
love
Vic xxxx

PS i will get over this its just how i feel right now

Totally Lily

2009-03-12T22:07:00.005+11:00

hi everyone,

just thought i'd show a pic of my latest creation....

I made a shower cap... it was suppose to be kids size BUT it fits me hahahaha and Dave he put it on for a hoot!!! and to impersonate a milk maid!

but anyway i really like it.. I'm thinking of calling this range of things Totally Lily

in homange of my husband and my finest creation!!!

the showercap is also waterproof! they'll be available in other colours.. lemme know what you think

Im gonna go make more

see you soon

Vic xxxx

ps I'm really tired Lily is cutting teeth xxx

2009-03-08T21:36:00.009+11:00

My dear fellow bloggers...

it's been too long since my last blog and I really have no excuse only that time is flying so quickly and well to be honest I have felt a little down and slightly lost.. anyway onto better things.. my hubby has been busy in the shed and I managed to finish a bib (the plain version) and a little lady bug I made Lily.. I have a few things in store for another bibs such as trims and appliques so I Will have them posted soon... but this is to give you an idea...

The bibs are available for sale...(they have plastic in them therefore water proof and towel backing with satin bias binding and a star button on the back but are held together with Velcro)
If interested email me at sales@pumpkernicklekids.com.au wholesale welcome!! more colours are gonna be added soon.....

I am making things for our kids website and doing more "shabby chic" style stuff for kids! sheets whatever I 'm getting the sewing bug so god knows hahaha

I'm currently looking into sewing hats, and clothes as well we want to start a brand BUT I will still be doing lampshades and other stuff also... I can't seem to just stay on one type of project I have to have heaps hahahaha

we are hoping to clean out the sewing room as its currently storing cafe stuff so I can work.. here is a pic of a lampshade I have made it was in the window in the cafe and for some reason I bought it home I think it was that I wanted it for Lily's room.

The lamp now has pride of place on my desk

(little lady bug.. I like the spotty fabric that looks like little beetle spots)

anyway lemme know what you think..

I hope you all have a great week.. oh btw I'm so happy my hubby sold his first piece of furniture he's very very chuffed

little Lily just keeps on growing she is 9.5 months and has 4 teeth... and charms everyone she meets

Brightest blessings to you all

Vic xxx

PS.. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself

hubby's blog he finally posted something!! YAY!!!

2009-02-23T21:26:00.001+11:00

HI All
here is my hubby's URL so you can check out what's been going on.. thanks to you all for giving him the encouragement

http://shabbilyrestored.blogspot.com/

be back later
love
Vic xxxx

Hubby has his own blog!!!

2009-02-20T18:15:00.002+11:00

YAY my hubby finally has his own blog... thanks to the encouragement from everyone!!
its Shabbily Restored

He finished the dresser and it looks amazing! but i will let him tell you about it!!

We are off to the gift fair tommorrow so im sooo sxcited!
oh I had a lovely day yesterday with Lucinda from Hume Cottage and Sarah from Shabby Roses and Pretty Things.. we got together for a cuppa and i must say this is the start of something great.. so if anyone is in the area please come and see us
back later to write more... if I can haha
*hugs*
Vic xxx

ps if you dream it, you can do it! - Walt Disney

MY FIRST SALE!!!!!

2009-02-18T18:28:00.002+11:00

YAY I'm soooo happy and excited right now and I have to share it with you my lovely fellow bloggers!!

I sold my first pair of shoes (like the ones i made my little girl) On ebay!!!!
YAY so I am doing the funky chicken, the bus stop AND the hokey pokey!!!

anyway I best be going cause I have a few more things I wanna get done to put up online
and I have to get them off our kids website

Hope your all having an amazing week
love to you all
Vic xxx

Ps PLEASE everyone read about the law of attraction - what you think about you bring about

Wooo hoo

2009-02-16T18:59:00.002+11:00

First of all let me say my hubby is very chuffed with your kind words...
thank you so much.. he is quite shy and needs a bit of confidence it has meant the world to him and to me to see him smile!

Second our Pumpkernickle Kids website is up and kinda running haha it still needs alot fo work BUT at least sales can be made (I'm excited cause I did it hahaha)
We will also be trying tp specialise in shabby stuff for kids

thanks so much for reading my blogs...
much love to you and yours
Vic xxx
ps will be back later to write a proper blog well maybe tommorrow

pps. you have two hands... One to help yourself, the second to help others

Whats important

2009-02-13T22:53:00.003+11:00

I just want to add a note..

as far as the fires and floods here is Australia... (my brother and nieces live in Victoria) there is just so much going on.. with plane crashes and wars.. I think it makes us realise what is important.. not material things... but people...those we love...so many people forget what is the right thing to do (as in help those who need it and to show love not hate)
Tragic times like this tend to bring people together and restores our faith in humanity
I hope all those who are in pain and sorrow find happiness, those that have past on may angels take you and may you sleep well and in peace.
But out of tragedy we also hear stories of love, hope, survival and people helping those they didn't even know..bless em I say
It makes me realise to tell everyone I care about how I feel and to live each day like its your last.. and most of all be in the moment and enjoy it ... and check out my hubbys work in last blog before this one I love it!!!

good night all
take care
Vic xxxx

ps no act of love however small is ever wasted - Aesop

Stuff

2009-02-13T21:28:00.008+11:00

Hi everyone

Sorry its been a while... I hope you all have been well and I have ALOT of reading to catch up on!!

I want to thank all of you who have been visiting me.. I haven't been rude and will get back to you asap xxxx I really appreciate your comments

OK an update on me

Our new additions (the flower garden) has survived the heat YAYYYYYY!!!!!

AND I am working on our website for the kids stuff it's www.pumpkernicklekids.com.au it's nooo where near finished BUT I'm having a go... I'm actually happy with it so far and we have great stuff!

I have also been too hot and well really upset over the fires to really come on here, (fire tends to hit a nerve and my brother is in Victoria) our thoughts and prayers are with everyone down there and in QLD with the victims of the floods

BUT I will make an effort to read your blogs and write more!! I do actually miss it... I'm becoming addicted aarrgghhh hahahaha

I have been designing clothes for kids so hopefully I will have some up on the site too..

Oh we took Lily to Mittagong Church on Wednesday to "cubby club" like a mothers group and my hubby had more fun than Lily and I... (he's is really coming out of his shell... he was painfully shy) it was lovely to be so welcomed! gosh I'm jumping subjects here but my mind is going a mile a minute

In the meantime here is a pic of little Lily with her bean bag from one of our suppliers I'm really impressed with the quality its got a leather feel to it yet when she got some of her dinner on it ...it wiped off!!! They are available for boys and girls in many different designs.. as well as ottomans and collapsible storage boxes let me know if you like em!

My hubby has been really busy restoring a cabinet from our shop.. It's not finished but I am soooo proud of him I have to show it off.. I'm hoping he will become confident enough to sell the stuff he restores.. BUT this a few other pieces will stay at home with us. This cabinet actually looks better now than it did when we got it! have a squizzie and let me know what you think! I think he has missed his calling hahaha .. yeah I'm raving but I'm just so chuffed and excited for him he still has to do the drawers.
anyway gotta run I'm really wanting to do this website while Lily is sleeping

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

Hugs to you all

Vic xxx

ps The love we give away is the only love we keep - Elbert Hubbard

The Silver Teapot Moss Vale

2009-01-31T22:57:00.023+11:00

Hi Everyone,

I will make this brief as I'm pretty tired tonight.... but I feel I am ready to share pics of the cafe with you.. I do miss it at times....the first lot are before the fire you will notice my wedding arch I made above our Lion fountain.. the second lot of pics are of the fire.... anyone who has been in our shop may recognise a few places.. my hubby is standing in my beloved kitchen... I'm getting into making the cookies and cakes again

thanks for taking the time to look be warned some of the images may be upsetting to those who know the shop and haven't seen it yet xxx

Til next time
xxx

ps It's better to die standing on your feet than live life on your knees (not sure who said it but its a great one)

New projects

2009-01-29T21:07:00.010+11:00

Hi ladies,

I know I promised the frames last week but I forgot to put them up and got sidetracked... we have been really busy here with websites, and Dave got a new shed so we can store stuff from the cafe ... YAY I will have my sewing room.. I hope!!!

So here they are they are currently hanging in the hallway

I hope you like them

A new project is a handsewn pair of shoes for Lily (the first I have ever made so I'm quite chuffed hahaha).. I am developing a range of shoes to go onto our website..Pumpkernickle Kids..(under construction as we speak) I am doing a range of my own designs in toys and clothes sooo fingers crossed it will all work out

Sorry this is so short but I have to get back to sewing..

til next time

xxx

Ps What we have to learn to do we learn by doing - Aristotle

Backyard blitz - part 1

2009-01-22T19:22:00.004+11:00

Hi girls,

Just a quick note...

Dave and I have been in the garden today and little Lily helped out... I kinda went overboard and brought the following plants from bunnings

3 x mixed flower hydrangea

3 x gardina

3 x Camelia

3 types of roses

2 x wisteria (lavender colour)

2 cream foxglves and

2 purple foxgloves

Here are pic of 2 types of roses... I planted the wisteria, floxgloves and roses today sooo it's camelia day tommorrow

we want to create a flower garden for ourselves and our little girl to grow up in so

she can "see" fairies

I have also been painting and shabbying up some Italian brass frames will post pics tommorrow

til then have a fabulous night

xxxx

PS "Live each day as if your life had just begun" - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

A new day

2009-01-16T23:38:00.016+11:00

Hi Girls,

First and foremost thanks for your kind words and encouragement xxx

I'm getting itchy hands again and am ready to start restoring smoke damaged items and creating in general...Which hubby and I are both excited about, he's really good with wood

I just thought I would share a pic of my beloved baby Lily.... taken christmas day. She was so excited, I was up at 4am getting things ready I couldnt wait! Her 1st christmas it was so special...her lit up face and laugh will be burnt into my memory and carved into my heart forever

I have been working on business cards and the website for our new business Pumpkernickle Kids.. and I have also been designing a few things.. so I will put them up once happy with them.

We have been in the process of SLOWLY painting our house...time to refresh and get rid of dark colours... I actually get depressed by them...(literally)

Oh I forgot - almost.... I got this WONDERFUL painting by Libby Primmer recently.. well Im waiting for it I got it from ebay..It's titled "a New Day" I thought it quite fitting... I'm not really one for abstract (although a few of my artist friends are very talented and i love their work I'm quite particular) but I fell for this and had to have it.

I have also been designing again and will have new creations up soon.

Til I next post have a fantabulous day!!!

hugs to you all

Vic xxx

PS Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it - Rabindtanath Tagore

The above quote was very powerful during my grieving

To the virgins to make much of time

2009-01-14T02:26:00.002+11:00

Old time is still a flying, and that same flower that smiles today, tomorrow will be dying....
Just a note to encourage anyone who wants to start their own business, move by the sea or whatever you want.. DO it before it's too late.. money will follow if you have your heart in it... I honestly believe it and I am living proof it works... I will post more on that later.I worked in a cafe in Sydney for years and if I had 20 cents - honestly for the amount of times I heard people wanting to change their life.. I would have as much money as Bill Gates...My Hubby and I have learnt so much since the fire took our business... we don't live the "normal 9 - 5 world" but we live and are happy. To quote Daniel Franco.. a fashion designer.. live your bliss!! wow I sound like I'm preaching but trust me it's out there!!!xxx

PS Everyday should be a red carpet moment - Rachel Zoe (the greatest ever... She is amazing!!!!!)

My Very First Blog

2009-01-14T01:21:00.001+11:00

OK never done this kinda thing before but I guess there is always a first time soooooo, here I sit with my cup of tea and I am just gonna see what happens.

First a little about me, my husband and I owned the most wonderful cafe in Moss Vale, located in the Southern Highlands of NSW... I say owned as on the 4Th Sept 2008 our dear shop was burnt... however and online business will be set up and everything available from there.. well most things) The shop was our life we put our heart into it and it was decorated Shabby chic/ french provincial and our own unique style. It had been a dream of my mum and I for many many years..no one but her and I knew this... After a few issues my hubby and I (he out the front and me in the kitchen) really started to get somewhere i was baking like a mad woman in the week leading up to the fire and we where fully booked for Sept and Oct for functions..... David my wonderful hubby left his corporate job in March 2008 to work in the shop. I was heavily pregnant with our first baby... Lily (she was 9.2 pounds BTW) Anyone who had been in the shop would tell you it was more or an experience than a quick cuppa, we did high tea and other lovely things.. yes hubby was in his element and had his fair share of fans hahaha

I would have to say the hardest thing we ever had to face was the fact that our dream had gone up in flames..literally. The arch we where married under is now fused to the wall. Seeing it for the first time was a slap in the face and was pure hell... I wasn't allowed in as I was breastfeeding but my hubby said it was still smouldering and smelt terrible... anyway I wont go on and into too much detail...

we allowed ourselves to grieve and to be honest it was out of my greatest pain came my greatest joy.

I honestly had one of those moments where I sat and said THIS is what it's all about.. I have learnt to cherish and be grateful for everyday and everything.. I have an amazing life.. an exceptional husband and marriage and beautiful healthy little girl... Just because the arch was burnt.. the memories aren't and you cant take that away....

We have so many plans to be honest it's not funny... so hopefully I'll be able to put that up here soon

As for reopening a shop? well it's not in the foreseeable future... the only shop we will be opening will be virtual. We have also started a new business Pumpkernickle Kids an online store for kids stuff

oh we will still be doing the shabby chic stuff also... but more on that later.. lets just say we have a few things in that department and I don't want to spoil things in my first blog... I have raved and jumped topics enough...

anyway thanks for taking the time to read it

take care

til next time.......

may angels watch over you and yours xxx

PS... "Our greatest danger in life is in permitting the urgent to crowd out the important -

Oliver Wendell Holmes