Pretty In Pink

2011-08-17T16:06:00.002+08:00

So another long time between visits! I admit, I totally lost interest in blogging and even decorating over the last couple of years. They have been hard.
Recently though, I have started to feel a little more inspired, especially after watching "The Block" and "Selling Houses Australia."
I got my Diploma of Accounting in July and am doing some work with a bookkeeping agency.

This gorgeous TV is coated in rose coloured platinum and pink diamonds and is worth millions!

A table from work made of fruit wood. I would like it as an outdoor table. Not sure how the aluminum legs would go outdoors.

The ultimate iphone, it is worth 7.8 million dollars! Pink diamonds and rose platinum.

Just love this bathroom, especially the mirror.

I saw this on another blog recently. You can buy this phone off the internet but I'm not sure if it will work in Australia (it is from the US.)

Catch up

2010-12-17T10:36:00.002+08:00

Long time no see! A lot has changed in my life since my last post.
The job that got me out of retail was a total dud. It was presented as a bookkeeping position but was in fact just data entry. I have never been so bored in my life!
I am not doing any bookkeeping work now, just the furniture shop. So still in retail.

The photos here are all of a gorgeous house in Adelaide. The house prices in Perth are so ridiculous that this same property here would be at the very least, a couple of million. It is $800k in Adelaide.

A lot of Perth people are fed up with how expensive everything is here now. It's not just housing, it is food, utilities - combine that with our weird trading hours and daylight saving issues. I wonder how many residents leave every year?

I am now studying for my Diploma of Accounting which I will hopefully have by mid 2011. Then I will finally be able to get out of retail for good! (until I open my own shop LOL!)

Stuff

2010-07-16T01:22:00.002+08:00

Just a quick catch up. My news - I finally got a permanent bookkeeping position so I am out of retail! I have told my boss at the furniture shop I am happy to work casually because I want to keep the discount! But we will see what she says; she is being told to keep cutting hours, I think I got out at the right time.

I came across this photo and it reminded me of how I had wanted to do the same thing with my pantry door. You need to be an organised, tidy person to pull off this look! But it would so open up the kitchen - and would look fab lit up.

I bought this off Barnowl Primitives on etsy. It now has pride of place above my oven. This talented lady does lots of wonderful designs.

This is from the furniture shop and why I need to keep that discount! Would look great over the dining table!

More Photos and I Got the Table!

2010-06-18T19:07:00.005+08:00

Yay, I got the barnacle coffee table! It looks perfect (in my opinion). Of course, I got a lot of grief from Jon, but who cares? I have the table and it is here to stay!

More has been added to the bakers rack. I have been unpacking more boxes and come across pieces that I just had to put out!
I have tweaked the display on this dresser as well.

I love this stand. I got it from this quirky little lighting shop that always has other interesting bits in it. I think it makes a great lamp stand.

Someone asked me for photos of my kitchen in my last post so here are a few. The shelves are above the oven and hotplate. Note the range hood. All the appliances are a delightful shade of brown. I will definitely replace these some day when funds allow.
I have tried to keep with a blue/white/silver palette. The only colour is in the food in the jars. The "Cote Est" teapot is from Riviera Maison.

Finally, Some Pictures!

2010-04-27T21:59:00.005+08:00

This is the newest member of our family, "Hunter". She is half burmilla and very fluffy! I myself don't call her Hunter. To me she is "Kitty Purry", sometimes "Kitty Furry" and also "Kitty Wee Wee" because of her tendency to wee on my rugs!

My blackboard wall in the kitchen. One of the few spots in the house that has my old style of decorating, shabby chic.

Our "puppy" Ted - getting bigger every day!

Still searching for a coffee table for this room. We have the perfect one at work but Jon hates it. It is in the french provincial style - oak top, distressed white legs with spots of paint splashed across the top. Jon says it looks like it is covered in barnacles.

Some Eye Candy

2010-04-15T17:20:00.003+08:00

Well, I finally took some pictures of our new house but can't find the SD Reader to put them on the PC. Doh!
I am ashamed to say that I probably have at least six more boxes to unpack, and I have no idea what is in them. Hopefully, the SD reader!
So in the mean time I have some eye candy for you to look at. I am not thrilled with the kitchen here. The bench tops are a weird teal colour and then boring cream laminate cupboards with no knobs! Gotta have a few knobs to brighten things up LOL!
I have been saving these pictures for ideas.
There was a lady who commented on my last post about where to buy shabby chic. I can't afford the shabby chic homewares and furniture stores myself but three lovely ones are Chandelabra in Subiaco and Trilogy and Veranda in Claremont.
Most of my stuff has been bought from the following places;Early Settler & Recollections in Innaloo, Ikea, Freedom Furniture, Target, eBay, etsy, and many, many op shops and swap meets.

I bought this for the pantry door in the kitchen to bling things up. Hubby quickly removed it. I will outwit him yet!

I have started this look in the open shelves in the kitchen. The clear glass jars filled with various food staples gives a casual yet pretty look.

What I liked about this kitchen was the unexpected use of art (the ship painting above the sink) and the bead boarding. The dishwasher in this kitchen is the same hideous brown as my stove.

Isn't this kitchen to die for? LOVE the blue subway tiles and the contrast of the rattan blinds.

This chair is from Shabby Chic. We have the EXACT same one at Early Settler for only $129! I am considering changing what I have for these chairs, I love them so much!

It's A Miracle...

2010-01-18T14:21:00.002+08:00

Two posts in a week and I am even listing on ebay! http://shop.ebay.com.au/*pretty_in_pink*/

At the moment I am obsessed with light and plumbing fittings.
I want a traditional style mixer tap but they cost an absolute fortune here, around $500. Recollections had some ok ones with lever handles but the chrome is discontinued.
The one above is from ebay. It comes from China so I am little dubious but am willing to take a punt for less than $100.
The flush light fitting bellow is from "Beacon." I would love this in the kitchen. They had very similar lights on the Titanic! Jon has given a firm NO but I am hoping to talk him around!

Below are the items I have listed on ebay. Two issues of "Romantic Country" and an Aubusson rug.
I bought the rug for our new place but it does not suit it. This house quite firmly rejects anything too girly!

I'm Back!

2010-01-14T22:09:00.002+08:00

Wow, it's been so long since I posted and a lot has happened.
It has been a traumatic year and I sincerely hope 2010 will be a lot better!
We did sell our house. For a lot less than what we wanted but we were desperate to get out of the ghetto we were living in. It took three months for the settlement to go through!
We moved into a gorgeous house by the beach. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and three living areas! Lots of rooms to decorate!
Most of the house had been freshly painted and we kept the majority of it in the same sandy colour (very beachy.)
They had done some feature walls in very dark colours. Deep burgundys and purples.
It made the house look very dark so we repainted all of them a very pale blue.
I haven't taken any photos of the house. I want to do that when it is "resolved".
I have nearly completed one room and hope to show it on here soon.

Below is our new family member. His name is Ted and he is a labradoodle. This picture was taken when we fist got him. He is about 18 weeks old now and has doubled in size! He is gonna be HUGE!
I also have some sad news. Tom ran away about a week after we first moved in. He was a very territorial cat and didn't like being moved from his kingdom. I have him listed with Cat Haven so there is still some hope that he might turn up.

I will try my hardest to post again soon! xxx

Still Dreaming....

2009-07-29T13:13:00.003+08:00

...of moving. Our place hasn't sold yet. Our real estate agent just rang saying he wanted to see us because he had a couple of offers. He didn't sound too happy so I am thinking they both low balled. We will see!

Love this dog bed. It is a new range at work. We are planning on getting a dog when we move and I think she would love this bed! It would be pretty easy to cover that cushion and the rattan gives it a casual french provencial look.

Aren't these silver spoon herb markers lovely? They are from etsy (loving etsy more than ebay lately.)

Another thing I am planning on having in the new place; a blackboard wall or door in the kitchen. I think it would be a great use of a pantry door. I was toying with the idea of having a glass door to the pantry and show off lots of pretty jars and canisters but I don't think it would stay pretty with a husband and two young kids!

I have a pale blue chest on order which is very much like this one. What a great use for it!

I put in my last post that I wanted a blue door, but I think I now want a pink one!

My microwave is about to blow and I am actually quite happy about it. It is stainless steel and shows every finger mark. There is not much out there in the microwave world that makes me excited. All these pictures are for ones available overseas. I think the best I am going to get here is a white one.

This is me from about ten years ago. I am on a weight loss mission and this is what I am aiming for! I am going to have to literally work my ASS off!!!

Tom is Gross

2009-05-06T09:54:00.008+08:00

I don't know what has got into my cat, Tom, lately. He has always caught vermin but now all of a sudden, he wants my approval!
He wails extremely loudly until I come outside to see his latest "catch". Usually a poor little mouse that Tom manages to actually flatten.
I pat him and tell him that he is a good boy (gag!) and that seems to make him happy. Today he swallowed his catch in three bites. The grossest bit was watching the little mouse legs vanish down his throat. I had to turn away!

I have been window shopping on etsy a lot lately. I have a thing for silhouettes and this one is so quirky!

This is a project I really want to do. I am guessing it will take a TON of shells. I have found the mirror I want to use. It is a lot larger than this one and is shaped like an arched window.

Another project I want to do. I have this same chandelier. I have bought a whole bunch of aqua glass drops from Ikea, believe it or not. They were only $2.95 for a packet of 5. I also want to hang it over a chopping block like in this picture.

Been tidying up for selling this place. Annoyed that I didn't notice that the mop is in the picture before I took it!

Robert Gordon lolly jar - I want this! I haven't seen it in any of the shops.

I adore this cushion but the ridiculous price of it means I will not be buying it :) Another thing I want, a union jack cushion :)

Isn't this dining room divine? I am still in love with blue and white. I definitely am going with a blue and white kitchen in the next place. With some touches of pink, of course!

I love these old 1950's pink sinks! They get ripped out and tossed from so many renovations! I saw a gorgeous powder blue one tossed on the lawn on the renovation show "Homemade."

Love this sign!!!

Blue Chandeliers

2009-04-15T21:01:00.005+08:00

Well I have had some good news and bad news with the moving house situation.
The bad news is that the guy who was interested in buying it is not going ahead.
The good news is that we got the amount we wanted from the bank we wanted. I was a bit concerned as the banks aren't lending as much as they used to.
I listed our place on ebay today. If that doesn't work I am going to try Domain. I will be damned if I am going to give a real estate agent $8000 for selling this place.

I found the most gorgeous place today, in our price range too! The kitchen above has the exact shade of blue I want for my new kitchen. What I am hankering for is a blue chandelier to hang over the kitchen sink!

And I would LOVE this blue fridge and dishwasher but they are American and not available here. A pink "Smeg" fridge is still my all time dream fridge!

A selection of blue chandeliers. I think the first one is closest to what I want. The others are lovely but a little ornate for a kitchen.

And I must, MUST, have open shelves to display all my china and vintage kitchenalia. I just adore the scrolly shelf brackets on these. And love how this has been kept to a limited colour palette. Way more effective and eye catching.
Peta xxx

De-junking

2009-04-08T20:54:00.003+08:00

We have a guy who is interested in buying our house. We are all sorting out our finance now. I can tell you one thing, the banks are definitely not lending as much. I have been shocked with the amounts I have been quoted. Some are 40 percent less than what they would lend us a year ago! Nothing has changed with our financial situation, we are actually earning more. Hopefully we can get the amount we need!
I have been trusting in a higher power that things will go our way so I have been tossing out heaps of stuff!

The local thrift shops have done well out of me!
Some things I have sold on ebay. The first four images are what I will be listing soon.

I bought this cupcake sign off Jenny recently. Just love her stuff but the exchange rate and postage make her pictures very expensive for me! Jon would die if he knew how much this cost (I will keep that a secret until my death!).

I bought these tea towels from Target. The word didn't make sense to me on the cow tea towel. When I translated it, it actually means "The Slag"! I think this would be the perfect passive aggressive gift for a bovine mother-in-law!

My hubbs, Jon. created this using picnik, my absolute fave photo editing tool.

This is another classic war time slogan. This print is from etsy.

I have decided that I want a blue front door in my next place!

Chair I bought from work. I use it at my computer desk, it is super comfy!

Shopping Eases The Pain!

2009-03-21T18:17:00.003+09:00

I have been ordering lots of furniture from work as we are about to have a price rise (well that's how I am justifying it to the husband!)
I bought a gorgeous dressing table or desk which was the last of it's kind so I had to grab it. It is covered in mirrors like the Laura Ashley Venetian furniture range. The mirrors on the one I have bought have an aged patina.
Sorry, no photos of it as yet. I am leaving it on the shop floor for as long as possible as I have no room for it.
When we move it is destined to become a fab OTT entry table!

I actually got this mirror for free as the glass was broken. An easy thing to get fixed but one i keep forgetting about!

This chest of drawers is for my daughter. She has promised me that she won't draw on it!

I still love this cushion by Shabby Chic but at nearly $300 I can't justify the price.

I must have this cute enamel toothbrush holder! It is from an English web store called Berry Red.

Oh, and this fab antique brass tap! We do door knobs, lights, handles and locks in this finish at work, but alas, no taps or other plumbing fittings!

I adore the sink in this kitchen, it would be so much easier to keep clean than stainless steel. I love the free standing units on either side and the tea towel skirt under the sink.

I have wanted these enamel Reiss pots for years but have never come across them.

And finally, a picture of a to die for kitchen - pink, white, retro yet romantic. Bliss!

Our House

2009-03-16T21:04:00.003+09:00

Firstly, what a great idea for using the stacks of vintage plates most of us have! The "Love" lettering is cute but you could put anything. In a girls room with her name, in a kitchen with "cuisine" or similar on them, just about anywhere!

And I just love Silhouettes lately, antique and new. These plates are actually melamine.

I have been taking photos of the house as I am going to try and sell it myself. I have put the photos on facebook but that is all, so far. Ebay is my next stop!

Cath Kidston

2009-03-01T07:15:00.004+09:00

Jon's Dad got remarried last weekend. My daughter Laetia was the flowergirl and Jon gave the bride away (don't ask.) The bride is younger than me (don't even go there!)

Here is Laetia.

My Father-in-law, his new wife and my husband Jon.

My kids, Lucas and Laetia.

And yes, this is me :)

So Cath Kidston has a new collection out and I think it is one of her best. Softer, pretty patterns instead of the bright, retro prints of previous years.
I swear one day I am going to have a feature wall of Cath Kidston wall paper. It is going to take some very hard persuading and various "favours" for Jon to agree to that one!

Isn't this radio to die for?

This is my fave of her new prints, a pretty rose patchwork.

Until next time!

I Suck At Blogging

2009-01-05T11:46:00.003+09:00

I have really lost my mojo when it comes to blogging.
I barely have time to read other people's blogs, let alone post on mine.
Hopefully, that will change this year!

I am in love with this chair. I call it my "Marie Antoinette" chair. It is in her fave colour of blue-grey and is in the style of the furniture she had in the Petit Triannon.

Pictures of my lilac Christmas tree. I didn't get my pink tinsel tree out this year. Horrible, blurred photos. Still can't use my Ricoh properly. I got way better photos on my old Kodak.

This side table matches the "Marie Antoinette" chair. Unfortunately this range has been discontinued at work. Someone told me that Harvey Norman has this range? Doesn't seem like their type of furniture which has been ultra modern when I have looked in there.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Halloween

2008-10-30T13:06:00.003+09:00

I can't believe it, but I lost my box of Halloween decorations. I only have a few things I collected since last Halloween!
Hopefully they will turn up when I get out all the Christmas decorations.

Love the black, white and orange theme.

These are giant removable stickers you can put on your house windows, so cool!

So chic black, silver and fuchsia place settings!

Cute cupcake boxes.

Love this Country Living setting. I saw a gorgeous all black and white Halloween decorated room in Romantic Homes.
Happy Halloween!

Keep Calm And Carry On

2008-10-09T10:36:00.003+08:00

I love this iconic war time print, so apt in these crazy times.
I was disgusted though that Shabby Chic is charging $295 US for these! Not even an original!
There are a few etsy sellers that are selling these prints for around $25. Ahhh, much better, keep calm and carry on! Click here for immediate relief.

My kitchen at the start of the school holidays. It is a mess now!

Found this picture on facebook. That is me in the background!
I think the boys all shopped at the same tie store lol!

My lovely Hi Denver bookcase. Am getting the matching dining table and chairs. Love this range!

My beloved Alfred Meakin "Elegance." I was told that the sixth colour is lilac but I think that is incorrect. Have never seen a piece in lilac but plenty in this revolting mustard colour. Sob!

Omigod, I listed on Ebay!

2008-09-01T22:23:00.004+08:00

I have been missing in action, again. Thankfully I don't have four jobs anymore, just two! I do spend three days a week at least at my job at the furniture shop. The pay sucks, we don't get commission and the customers are nasty. There is only one reason that I haven't moved on - STAFF DISCOUNT.
It is brilliant. Usually around 50 percent off most items. I have been slowly swapping my living room over to a more grown up theme. I am going for a blue and silver scheme with a bit of pink sneakily added :)

Recycled pine bookcase from work with some blue milk glass and silver bits I have scrounged from thrift shops.

The room has had blue curtains and cushions added since this photo was taken. I am painting the green wall pearlescent blue on the weekend. All I will need then is a new floor rug.
The TV cabinet and coffee table are my new "grown up" pieces of furniture from work.

I have also listed on eBay. Two items today and two more tomorrow. I don't like the direction eBay has taken lately. They have stripped all the power from sellers, eg; not being able to leave negative feedback.
Unfortunately there is no alternative that is even half as popular.

Villeroy & Boch 2007 teddy Christmas decoration.

Vintage jelly moulds.

New Breville cooking utensils in fave shabby chic colours, pink and aqua.

Spring 2008 copy of Romantic Country. Love this mag, must remember to get a subscription as it is SO hard to find.
Click here to go to my auctions.

Pink & Green Inspiration

2008-07-18T22:43:00.005+08:00

Loving the choice of colours for the latest "Shades of Inspiration." My two faves, pink and green.

Vintage green kewpie doll. You can see the green wall in the background and a pink flamingo!

The above mentioned flamingos, the wall adding the green.

My bag rack near the front door.

Green cup holder on my pink kitchen wall. Oh, and some green Cath Kidston mugs!

Green and pink kitchenalia on the top of the kitchen cabinets.

Gorgeous original painting by Gail and now hanging proudly in my living room :)

Pink and green Austrian plate bought from a swap meet.

Puffy pink and green quilt. Love this, it is so soft and warm!

Pink and green Josef girls and Royal Winton china.

Vintage table cloth.

From "Australian Vintage Living."

Vintage wallpaper.

Fabulous Pottery Barn office chairs.

My fave Cath Kidston wallpaper.

Pink and green aubusson rug, number one on my "Things I Desperately Want" list :)

Blue Inspiration

2008-06-30T22:06:00.006+08:00

Tonight after seeing a friend's blog (Alison)I felt inspired to do my own post of blue images.

Louis inspired blue-grey cabinet. It is now discontinued so I won't be getting this, wahhh!

Gorgeous Marie A plaque by my friend, Linda.

Cath Kidston china coffee mug.

Blue prayer ladies from my collection.

Wall decoration at the Petit Triannon.

Typical male, lol!

Vintage style tags.

Marie in her fave colour, blue!

Aubusson rug, I WANT.

More Petit Triannon.
Freezing here in Perth. We are not used to such cold weather here. Our gas plant blew up so there are power restrictions too.
I am redecorating our living room soon with a blue theme and all these blue posts are very inspiring!

I'm Still Here

2008-06-29T23:26:00.004+08:00

We switched over to Naked DSL (sounds exciting doesn't it?) so I was without the internet for a few weeks there.

I am loving this french fragrance by "Diptyque." They are the company that makes the tres expensive candles that all the celebs love. This scent is based on a 16th century receipe for pot pourri. It costs about $100 in the shops but I was stoked to find a full bottle in an op shop for $4!

Love this collection of pretty plates on a blush pink wall. Love the little girls tea party! This image is from the book "Australian Vintage."

Love the tongue-in-cheekness of this necklace. Imspired by Kate Moss, it features a little gold spoon and a vial of white powder LOL!

What I want to buy next from work. French white wrought iron wall cabinet with glass shelves. Oooh, I really like that vanity stand too!

Old Swap

2008-05-21T22:14:00.003+08:00

Very old news now, but at Easter I participated in an Easter swap. My partner was Shannon from Paint Mine Pink and she sent me some gorgeous things she made. Here is what I sent her.

Her first piece of Villeroy & Boch, a cute Easter bunny with roses! And all the other stuff you see in the photos (taken by Shannon.) Even the box is part of the gift. It is one of those clear shoes boxes.

I was browsing the Myer catalogue and look what I came across - Marie Antoinette mugs and plates!
How divine will these look in my Marie inspired room?

Our new family member, Lily, hanging out with Tom and being dressed up as a fairy by my daughter!

Paris Swap

2008-05-13T11:28:00.003+08:00

I recently participated in a swap run by Sweet Goodness Swaps. I don't really do these anymore but this one caught my eye. Mainly because the girls that run Sweet Goodness were some of my first blog buddies, and it seemed to follow a similar inspiration to my Marie Antoinette living room (see post "Living Room inspired by Marie Antoinette.")

Here were the rules.
Colors: Pale blue/teal/aqua, white and black

Theme: Must include at least one item that is French-inspired. Examples, something must say France or Paris, or include an Eiffel tower or the fleur de lis. Be creative! If you are signing up for this swap you most likely have some French-inspired ideas already rolling around in your head!

Here is the gorgeous parcel I got from Linda.
The gingham box, rose decorations and vintage cards are just divine. You can imagine how excited I was to open it!

Shriek! A plaque featuring my girl crush, Marie Antoinette! With silk and bling, drool!

Gorgeous diamonte "Paris" brooch TO DIE FOR!!!

Look at the rest of the lovelies! Cath Kidston handcream and bath bombs,vintage ribbons and lace, jade milk glass bottle and basin, roses, gorgeous box, tags, victorian images on CD, and the delicious chocolates that were dived on by the kids and I!
Thanks so much Linda, you have the most amazing taste and crafting talent!

Parlour-Office-Studio Inspired by Mamie Eisenhower

2008-04-17T22:40:00.001+08:00

Yes, I am still busy decorating in my mind! We are still looking for out next home but that hasn't stopped me from planning how every room is going to look! This room, my office-parlour-studio, is inspired by the the fabulous wife of President Eisenhower, Mamie. Mamie Eisenhower was the first lady from 1953 to 1961 and pink was Mamie’s favorite color. She wore a pink gown with 2,000 pink rhinestones to Ike’s inauguration (she is pictured in this dress above.) Ike sent her pink flowers every morning (very well trained hubby.) Her bathroom in Gettysburg was pink down to the cotton balls. She re-decorated the private quarters in the White House in pink. So much so that reporters called it the “Pink Palace.” I have been unable to find any pictures of Mamie's decorating. Pink down to the cotton balls would be fabulous to see! Seeing as this room will be for me, I am going to town with the colour pink!

Pretty shade of pink paint by Dulux called "Fairy Wings." Feature wall in Cath Kidston Antique Rose wallpaper.

Gorgeous chandelier from An Enchanted Cottage

Must have pretty craft supplies! The ones below are by Martha Stewart. Fabulous vintage pink typewriter. I would love to have a collection of these. I have seen an aqua one which is just as cool as this.

LCD screen pink tv. I am yet to see these in Australia. The only pink tv's I have seen are your old 34cm type by Hello Kitty or Bratz. Now I can be quite immature some times but a Bratz TV is a little too much.

Pink sateen sofa to snuggle up with boyfriend Ryan, see picture below for your viewing pleasure.

Choices, choices...which rug to roll around with Ryan on? The pretty pink or gorgeous green? Might have to give them both a whirl.

Here is my annoyance at the moment. You can't get an attractive, stylish office chair here in Australia which will suit a vintage style home.
The ones below would be perfect, but of course they are from the US.
I am thinking of trying to make one. You can buy computer chair bases seperately from ikea. Then finding a nice chair, cutting the legs off and attaching the base.

My Dining Area

2008-04-03T10:23:00.004+08:00

This post also appears on my group blog, "Pretty Chic Rooms." This month we are showing our dining rooms. Click here to go to the blog.
I would LOVE to have a proper dining room but alas, we have a dining AREA.

These Meakin plates are on the wall right above the table.

Cafe sign with cookie cutters.

Pretty vintage table cloth.

Ashwell tablecloth, this one is my fave.

Please excuse the mess! Kids schoolbags and un-coordinated handbags on coat rail. Pedantic moi usually has bags on that rack that match the room!

Cupcake display on servery window.

Cake stand and cupid candle holder also on servery window.

Various centerpiece displays. The above and below are for Christmas.

Valentines Day.

Valentines Day.

Easter.

Room Inspired By Marie Antoinette

2008-03-24T22:28:00.008+09:00

We haven't even found the house yet, but I have already started decorating it!
I am going for a more grown up look for the living room this time. I figure if I go for a more masculine look with this room, it will appease Himself and I can have free rein with the other rooms!
This room was inspired by the misunderstood Marie Antoinette.

Pink china and shoes, a girl after my own heart!

One of her fainting rooms to get away from the intrigues of court life. This is in the main palace of Versailles. Here is where I started to get my inspiration for a colour combination that would not strike a man as too feminine but would appease my french provencial loving heart!

Brown is one of only a few colours I dislike. With the softening affect of the light blue it becomes more of a neutral.

The coffee table and tv bench will be mahogany, Edwardian styled pieces. They are from work as are the two french looking pieces. I plan to slip in at least the sofa table or a smaller, half moon table. These are a pale blue grey and styled on MA's own furniture in the Petit Triannon.

MA wall decoration from the Petit Triannon. I love the shade of blue paint. I plan to do the walls a blue like this with a lighter blue ceiling to give height to the room.

Where would a Versailles room be without an Aubusson rug?

You can't get much more masculine than a brown leather lounge suite. The one I want is a little lighter than this. Much easier to wipe up spills and hide marks! Our cream suite has been a nightmare. It is gorgeous but impossible to keep clean with two children.

Salon in the Petit Triannon. You can see the console or sofa table at the front is very much like the one from my work.

What better to put the jewel on the crown of a room than a magnificent tole chandelier?

Fabric samples for cushions, maybe. A brocade wallpaper feature wall would also be fabulous. C'est tout!

Bugger Inflation, Lets Shop!

2008-03-23T23:27:00.004+09:00

Firstly a "Happy Easter" to you all from my dream pet, the German Giant rabbit, Herr umm...Hare *snort*

Bunny baskets on the chandeliers.

Bunny salt and pepper shakers.

Easter bouquet using a bunny finger puppet, lots of clip on birds and photoshop!

As mentioned in this blog before, I adore Cath Kidston and look forward to every new collection. Her spring collection has just arrived on her website and it features lots of vintage style laundry products! Click here to check it all out,

Aren't those dusters the sweetest? Talk about making a crappy job fun!

Some more Easter decorating.

Cute Easter tag designed by Jules.

Easter Treats

2008-03-17T17:33:00.003+09:00

Here are the gorgeous, hand crafted Easter pretties that Shannon made for me in our "Easter Swap."
Shannon is such a talented girl who is going through a dreadful time at the moment. Her best friend just passed away. Please vist Shann's blog by clicking here and maybe you can leave her a comment.
She sells tussie mussies and Easter baskets on her website as well as lots and lots of delicious faux cupcakes!

Ghetto Kitchen

2008-03-11T14:03:00.004+09:00

This post is also on my new group blog, "Pretty Chic Rooms." Click here to go to it.

This is the kitchen in our last house. We rented it off my parents so I was able to paint it however I liked.
I went a little nuts and painted nearly every wall in the house a different colour! I was young, that is my excuse!

It had the most revolting tiles. I had heaps of tin signs and artwork covering every possible inch of it. Thinking back, why didn't I just paint them?

The cupboards were falling apart. The front of this drawer used to come off all of the time because the drawer was warped. The door fell off the cupboard under the sink so I make up a fabric skirt with some Cath Kidston rose fabric. The kids loved it under there, it was a cubby house for them!
Can you see how the tiles are coming off in this picture? I thank God we are out of that dump. We may not live in a great area but at least this place is fully renovated.

Tom & Cupcakes

2008-03-05T10:14:00.003+09:00

Interest rates rose again yesterday and it looks like they will in May, also. It has really put the brakes on us buying a new place.
Our Reserve Bank is trying to lower inflation by decreasing the amount of money consumers have to spend. We are all being told to basically, stop shopping! But hello! I work in retail. If people stop spending, I am out of a job as are thousands of others!
The house values in Perth are dropping. That is great for us as buyers, but not so good as sellers. Still, the average house price is around $500K in Perth. We are seriously thinking about moving to another state.
Tasmania and Victoria are our best bets. I am planning to go to Tasmania in July to check it out.

Tom thinks our house belongs to him. He may have a point, he gets away with murder. I screamed at him to get off the computer and this is what he did...

Turned his back on me!

This cake stand is now entirely filled with china trinket box cupcakes. You can see in the photo one last faux cupcake at the top but it has since been replaced!

I now officially hate my new camera. My old 4 megapixel Kodak took better photos than this Richoh piece of crap. Biggest mistake ever. I am sticking with Kodak next time.

Hi There

2008-02-21T12:42:00.002+09:00

Sorry I haven't been around much what with all my jobs, kids, house, husband, etc. I am a bit fed up with it all and very tired!
One of my newer jobs is with a furniture store that sells country and shabby, french furniture. I am so hanging out for my staff discount to kick in!
I want just about every piece of white furniture that they make to replace all the crappy Ikea furniture I have.

Still playing around with my new camera, this was using the macro setting. I am getting a little better at using it.

I am taking lots of pictures of our little house as we are going to sell very soon now. I want to remember it how it was before I start packing away all the girly collectables.
Have been reading some great books about staging your home for selling. The main idea that I took away from my reading was to de-personalise your home so that buyers can easily imagine all their own furniture etc, there.

Himself sprawled out on the couch. A little touch of masculinity for a very feminine room!

Kebab Recipe & Shopping!

2008-02-05T13:43:00.000+09:00

Firstly, the recipe for the Rosemary Skewer Kebabs I mentioned in my last post for Shann and Siobhan, courtesy of Mr Jamie Oliver!

How to make the Skewers;

1. Get a bunch of Rosemary
2. Keeping the leafy tops on, run your fingers down the stalk to remove the rest of the leaves.
3. Sharpen the tip of each stalk by cutting across at an angle.
4. Voila! Ready to use as a skewer!

Chicken Kebabs

1. Cut into 1 inch squares and place into a bowl of marinade. Jamie's is more complicated, Jon used a mix of soy sauce, plum sauce and oyster sauce. More of the plum, just a dash of the others.
2. For the veggies, we used red onions, red, green and yellow capsicums (sweet peppers) zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and cherry tomatoes.
3. Jon baked these in the oven. He got a large pan and sprayed it with the olive oil mister. Once the kebabs are in the pan give them another spray. Use good quality olive oil or it will taste like vom.
4. We have a fan forced oven, he put it on 180 degrees. Sorry, don't know what that is in the old temperature.
5. Only needs about 10 minutes. Check a piece to see if it is cooked.

I discovered a new shop here in Perth. They have a website too. The address is www.annachandler.com
The above pictured are door mats, aren't they divine?

What first caught my eye was the many different coloured flasks in the window, similar to those pictured above. I so want to go back there and get all the colours I don't have!

School Holidays Are Nearly Over!

2008-01-31T19:50:00.000+09:00

After 52 days or 7.42 weeks the kids are going back to school on Monday - but who's counting?!
I now have four jobs which is why I don't sell much on ebay anymore. I have a ton of stuff in my ebay cupboard to get rid of. I have resorted to donating it to the local thrift store.
My kids and I got stuck into their rooms and we got rid of a ton of junk! We gave three car boot loads of toys and clothes to St Vinnies, and filled up our big green wheelie bin with rubbish.

I spotted this kitchen on a great blog called decor8. This kitchen caught my eye because of all the pretty flasks, just like mine! I love the use of the pink with the red, very "Valentines."

This is my cheeky monkey of a daughter helping her dad make kebabs. Hubby discovered a great new recipe in his Jamie Oliver cook book. You use long sprigs of rosemary as the skewers and they infuse all the ingredients with a great flavor.

This is from the same ebay seller that I bought my pink Christmas sign from. It is on my watch list!

I cleaned up and rearranged the girls. They are all happily residing on top of the microwave :)

Romantic Country

2008-01-20T15:08:00.000+09:00

I know I have been missing for a while. Christmas and post Christmas are a hellish time for retail workers. I have three retail jobs so I was working constantly.
My dear blog has been sadly neglected and I haven't listed anything on ebay since November. On the plus side, I haven't bought anything either!
One of my fave magazines of all time is "Romantic Country." It is extremely difficult to get a copy of this in Australia but I hear it is freely available in the US. Fifi from Chez Fifi sent me a copy which I am so happy and grateful for - it is a fantastic issue!

This gorgeous house featured in the mag is all done in pinks and greens, my favourite two colours. I wonder if the owner, Elizabeth, has a blog? I noticed she has a rhinestone clock collection in one picture. I have always wanted to start a collection of these but they are very pricey!

This house had hand painted roses on everything. The above is a wooden curtain pelmet. Below is their fabulous bathroom with roses painted on the cabinets.

A lot of us like using the wooden wall words in our homes. These have a touch of bling!

I came across this book on Amazon recently. Isn't the cover divine? Am coveting a copy.

Christmas Village

2007-12-20T21:56:00.000+09:00

Dang, this is my 200th post!

My little Christmas village set up around the base of hubby's beloved LCD TV. All the houses are vintage and a little warped as you can see.

Full view of all the decorating on the tv cabinet.

I have really been loading up this baby LOL! Not many vintage finds this year, alas. This is a way bigger tree than my pink one from last year. It takes a ton of decorations.
I didn't have room for my pink tree this year. I also have a pink fiber optic feather tree and some fibre optic houses along with Royal Albert and Villeroy Christmas stuff all in my store room. My sneaky husband packed it all in such a way that I will kill myself with a ton of boxes on my head if I try to get at them. He says we have enough Christmas "crap" in the house.
Men!

Christmas Wreath

2007-12-17T21:44:00.000+09:00

I was feeling very creative on the weekend and finally got around to making a tinsel and bauble wreath. It was super easy and harly took any time at all.

I wrapped a strand of pink and silver tinsel around a cane wreath. It only needed one strand. I stuck down the ends with hot glue.

I then attached glass and plastic baubles directly onto the cane using a hot glue gun. Easy peasy!

Some new baubles I bought at the Galleria today. I saw these earlier in the season but they were quite expensive. Only $4 each at a gift shop in the Galleria!
My Christmas shopping is pretty much done except for some little bits and pieces. The shops are going mad now and I wish I could stay away. Unfortunately I have to work in them!

More Christmas

2007-12-13T16:09:00.000+09:00

Still trying to get the hang of this new camera so please excuse these photos.
The kids finished school today for the year and they don't go back until February the 4th. EEEEKKKKK!

This is the lilac Christmas tree I got off ebay earlier in the year for $20. I was stoked as they cost around $200 in the shops. I have added lots more decorations since this photo. I bought some matching purple lights from Ikea and found some fab French inspired decorations at Kmart. Pink and decorated with poodles!

My Ikea coffee table before I decorated it for Christmas. Glass goes on top of the shadow boxes.

I painted it pale green as I have been wanting to do this for a while. It matches the feature wall in this room. I have more stuff to add to this when I can find a spare minute!

My Glam Trash Button Christmas Tree

2007-12-05T22:06:00.000+09:00

I was inspired by Sarah to make a button tree for Christmas this year. Ok, I was inspired by it last year when she first made it but I was too lazy to get around to it.
She said it was time consuming and I didn't believe her. Sarah, I believe you now! This took FOREVER. It also cleaned out nearly my entire bead box and all my pins. I had to buy at least six more packets of pins and various beads and buttons. I also begged my mum for a whole lot of buttons, some which are quite old.
I couldn't find hardly any buttons in the thrift stores and they were too expensive to buy new. So I decided to go with what I had in my bead box. Lots of faux gems and rhinestones and various broken jewelry.
Please excuse the photos. I have a new camera and have not got the hang of it yet. Everything looks grainy and grey.
The first picture is when the tree was half done. Looking at the other pictures I have just noticed that the rhinestone buckle is missing! I bet my little girl has swiped it!

Things I Want For Christmas

2007-11-24T11:39:00.000+09:00

Yay, I got a GOOD new job! A permanent one which means we will be able to buy a new home soon and get out of this shoe box we are in.
I have been working a lot but have been doing some Christmas craft in the evenings while watching "Bargain Hunt" (love that show.)
Photos very soon!
Anyway, below are some of the things I want for Christmas.

Isn't this French inspired bed divine? Looks like something Marie Antoinette would have in her Petit Triannon. I am reading a biography on her at the moment, such an interesting woman.

Cath Kidston wallpaper. I could do so much with this. Feature wall, backing or lining for shelves, cover boxes and books....must have!

Pink LCD TV and DVD player for the boudoir.

Glam giant rubber duckie with feather boa. Aussie readers, David Jones have these.

Hand woven Aubusson rug in a super large size. The perfect anchor for the shabby chic living room.

Who can ever have enough diamonds?

Royal Winton wall vases to add to my collection.

French inspired desk and office chair. Love that chair!

And the gift that keeps on giving....Ryan Reynolds!

Ebay & Target

2007-11-15T11:56:00.000+09:00

Was in Target this morning trying to find this;

Eight piece baking set at a bargain price and PINK! I want those moulds not just for baking but making soaps and chocolates.

I also tried to find this half price Transformer for my collector brother and my son's best friend.
The word is TRIED. Like all Coles owned companies, Target is chronically under staffed. The only staff in the toy section was a teenage boy who was being monopolised by a surgically enhanced mum. Totally mesmerized by her plastic bosom, he was running all over Target fetching the stuff on her list.
Now I am thinking this woman might of been smarter than she looked. What a good way to get service. Note to self; wear push up bra and low cut top when I want service in under staffed shops (which have young males as employees.)
Anyway, I didn't get either of those things, both sold out straight away.

I bought this rose garland from Dusk and put it on top of the curtains in the living room. I liked it so much I thought I would sell one on ebay too. Click here to go to my auctions.

I just love the little Cath Kidston hand soaps and bath melts. They look fab in a glass jar in my bathroom. This is another item I have on ebay, the bath melts as pictured below.

Above is the cupboard door print I bought from Gail recently. At the front you can see the latest addition to my Josef Originals collection.
Here she is below!

And I just had to have this Christmas sign after seeing it on Mels blog. My kids have been whining, "Can't we just have a normal coloured Christmas tree?" And I said, of course you can. When you move out. What a mean mummy I am! Inflicting pink, lilac and white trees on the poor babies!

Facebook Is Cool

2007-11-08T20:23:00.000+09:00

I quit my job at the homewares store this week. I have been dancing on air, I am just so bloody happy to be out of there.
On the bright side, it has shown me that I am more than able to run my own small business. Lets just say if we weren't in a boom time in my city at the moment I don't think this place would have survived.
The owners know about my blog so I won't say anymore except KARMA. What you put forth you get back.
Luckily I still have my job with Villeroy & Boch and of course, there is always eBay.
My cousin sent me a picture she found on facebook recently. It is of us at a pool party circa the summer of '86 - '87. I was 13! I am the one in the photo who is not in the pool, my cousin is in the middle.

Villeroy now has the new ice cream range in store. I really want this tray to prop behind my hotplates. It's plastic so it will be a whiz to clean!

I have made a new cooking gadget discovery. For someone who hates cooking, I love this!

It is an oil mister. You can use the best quality of olive oil and get a light mist so you are using less saving dollars and calories. Also it is goodbye to those icky aerosol olive oils.
They are $20 to $30 most places but I got mine from Woolworths for $9.

12 Days Of Christmas

2007-11-01T12:36:00.000+09:00

Not much to say today but I had to show these gorgeous plates I saw at Peters of Kensington this morning.

Rosanna plates that illustrate the 12 days of Christmas! What a wonderful, decorative display for the holidays!

While I was there I spotted these Rosanna cake recipe plates. Much more in my price range and they can stay out all year round. Note to self; somehow make space on my crammed kitchen walls for these beauties.

Halloween & Pyrex

2007-10-31T12:43:00.001+09:00

Wow, two posts in two days, unheard of for me these days!

I found a use for the pedestal of my hubby's ugly LCD TV. I am using it as a base for holiday decorating!

Halloween display. I need vintage decorating pieces, most of these were from the $2 shop.

Big ass spider from Harry Potter, kindly lent to me by my son.

The only vintage piece, an old kitsch Dracula mug.

Have started collecting Pyrex. I have three pieces now so that is a collection!
Just love the pink and aqua colours and the snowflake pattern.

I'm Still Here!

2007-10-30T21:54:00.000+09:00

Siobhan, I'm still here, just been busy working!
Above is a picture of the latest cupcake trinket box in the Robert Gordon "Scrumptious" range. I bought it off eBay recently as RG stuff is too difficult to find in the shops.
I was all set to take photos today of my Halloween decorations but my batteries ran out!
Hopefully I will remember to buy some more so I can show them on my blog tomorrow.

In the meantime, check this out; isn't this chenille Halloween decoration cool? It is from Vintage Halloween.

2007-10-23T21:22:00.000+08:00

I am not getting much of a chance of getting on the pc lately. I have been working all the time and it is only going to get busier as Christmas approaches (I am in retail.)
When I AM home I just want to rearrange my pretties, not bother with mundane stuff such as cleaning and laundry!

I played around with my fifties shadow box. I decided to keep it to two colours, pink and aqua, for a more uniform look.

The good old angled photo for added pizazz!

This is the photo I have been using for my banner. It is a collection of vintage eggcups that I have sitting on top of the fuse box in my kitchen!

I changed these plates around too. The blue one is new.

8 Random Things About My Kitchen

2007-10-18T12:09:00.000+08:00

My friend Nicole tagged me for the "8 Random Things About My Kitchen." I usually don't participate in these but this one interested me. I have a thing about my kitchen, it is my favourite room. Did I tell you all I now work in a kitchen and homewares shop? It is very tempting trying to resist spending up a storm!
I still work for Villeroy and Boch, am unpacking Christmas stock for them tomorrow.

So, eight things.

1. I love collecting kitchen stuff but I don’t particularly like cooking!

2. I have a collection of vintage and new thermos flasks on top of my kitchen cupboards.

3. Most of my prayer lady collection is in the kitchen also.

4.A collection of pink anodized jelly moulds on the wall. This has grown quite a bit since this photo!

5. My dream would be a pink Smeg fridge and a retro style pink oven.

6. I have about 6 different sets of canisters, most are on display.
7. I have heaps of tin signs on the wall, most featuring cupcakes.
8. I sorted out half of the cupboards in the holidays. I got rid of quite a bit of stuff. Now to brace myself for the other half.

9. Bonus thing – in my next place I want a heaps bigger kitchen. Not because I give a crap about cooking but for more collections!
Is it bad that I work in a kitchen store and don’t like to cook?

Celebrate, Good Times!

2007-10-16T11:56:00.000+08:00

Happy Dance! The kids are back at school today!
I celebrated by shopping at Target and the op shops.
I didn't find much at the op shops but I got a new pink enamel biscuit tin at Target. They have some gorgeous new things at the moment.
The biscuit tin below is my old one. Very Cath Kidston inspired. I love it but it just does not fit the look of my house. So I will be listing it on ebay next week.

I was seething with jealousy of all the "pretty chic" group girls who live near this Robert Gordon outlet. A sale! Click on the picture to view the pink cake shaped cake stand I am trying to track down at the moment.

Below are some of the things I have listed on ebay this week. Click here to go to them.

New Villeroy & Boch Christmas tree decoration. I am working for them on Friday and I can't wait as I am unpacking all the new Christmas stock! Can't wait to see it all.

Vintage money box. What a sweet face on this little mouse!

Vintage planter with chic coloured lamb.

Honey pot with matching dipper!

Another Villeroy & Boch piece, a large snowman tealight holder. I am selling my V&B stuff as it just doesn't fit in with my Christmas collection. Hopefully this years V&B range will be more in the shabby chic palette.

Ebay Auctions 10/10

2007-10-11T08:16:00.000+08:00

Wow, I am quite chuffed that I managed to get anything listed this week with two bored, quarrelsome children in the house. Bring on Tuesday when they go back to school!

This is one of those old sewing boxes that are made of old greeting cards or papers which have been laminated. They are then sewn together with cotton or silk thread. This one is in my fave colours of pink and green.

Wedgwood "Weekday Weekend" jug in a pretty pale green.

Pretty porcelain roses plate which I think is of German make.

How cute are these? Dove salt and pepper shakers.

Japanese footed cup and saucer. Lots of pink and gold luster.

Enesco chef cookie jar.

The rain here has finally stopped so it is washing day! I wish I had room for a dryer sometimes :) It is nice pegging out the washing though on a gorgeous, blue sky day - like today.

Where I Blog From

2007-10-08T22:06:00.000+08:00

I am up late tonight listing on turbo lister so I can upload tomorrow morning. I am pleased that I managed to get 7 auctions ready to go. I will do a post on them tomorrow.

It was Gail who suggested we show photos of where we blog from. I blog from my little corner desk in my living room.
Above is my pin up board. Bought from a thrift shop for 50 cents then painted pink.

A decapitated prayer lady and hatless kitty hold my pens and pencils. Another prayer lady hold the bills!

A full view of my little desk. I still manage to fit a lot of crap on it!

Lefton roses collection with one piece of much treasured Royal Winton roses. Can you see the little faux chandelier hanging from the shelf? This was the first "chandelier" I ever owned, before I could afford a real one!

And a taste of what I will be listing tomorrow. A vintage "Instant Coffee" canister by Napco or Enesco I think.

Mel's Rose Place

2007-10-07T21:23:00.000+08:00

I am getting slack with the blogging lately, I know. My only excuse is that I have been ultra busy lately with the kids on holidays.
Here are the photos of my friend Mels gorgeous house. Click here to find out more about Mel and all the beautiful roses she loves to grow.
Mel had her place in one of my fave magazines, "Country Home Ideas" in November last year. Lots of thanks to Gail for sending me scans of the magazine.
If you click on any of the photos you will be able to see them in larger detail. Enjoy!

My Ebay Auctions This Week

2007-10-03T12:52:00.000+08:00

I have six auctions running on ebay this week; click here to go to them. It is quite a challenge listing whet the kids are at home on holidays!
The jar above is porcelain in the German style.

Pretty folk art "Welcome" sign.

An old "Grindley" luncheon set which is complete and in fab condition!

Gorgeous "Countess Rose" vintage jug. I can tell you that I was VERY hesitant about selling this one.

Retro 1950's "Diana" casserole dish. Of the old Australian potteries, Diana would be my favourite. I love the Shrek ears handles!

"Clio" mug by Wedgwood. This pattern is now discontinued. I loved this pattern and displaying it when I worked for Wedgwood.

Spell Your Name With Flickr

2007-10-01T21:58:00.000+08:00

I saw on Deanna's blog this great idea. You can spell your name with images from Flickr. Just click here to give it a try.

Christmas & Gail

2007-09-30T08:21:00.000+08:00

I wanted to post about two "Net" buddies, Melinda
and Gail.

Melinda had her home in "Country Home Ideas" around Christmas last year. She has the most divine home with tons of original, vintage roses paintings. In fact, I bought the magazine, tore out all the pictures of her house and put them in my scrapbook without realizing it was Mel's place!

Somehow I haven't saved most of the pictures she sent to me so I have asked her to resend them so I can show her gorgeous home in my next post.
For now I have a couple of pictures of her Christmas table last year.
Mel has even more Christmas trees than me, she is a kindred, crazy Christmas person LOL!

Gail is an absolute darling and one of the most talented, creative people I know. I would love to buy one of everything she has and fill my walls up from floor to ceiling with rose paintings. I don't think hubs would be too thrilled!
I bought this off Gail last night. It is a print of one of her paintings which is on a cupboard door. Jon was fuming when I bought it but as he had just bought an electric guitar he had NO SAY!!!

Jon did actually like this one, although he hates to admit it. He thought it was a very cool idea having a painting on a cupboard door.
Go to Gail's website here to see all her artwork.

Stuff.

2007-09-22T06:39:00.000+08:00

Sorry, it has been a long time since my last post. I have been very busy with lots of work thanks to "The Secret"!

This was my latest swap, courtesy of Shannon, thanks Shannon!

These are some of the things I sent my partner, Polly from Counting Your Blessings. This photo is courtesy of Polly as I forgot to take any before I sent it as per usual.

This is my package I got from Polly. All of us went into a sugar frenzy! I loved the butterscotch toffees, just divine.
She also sent me the softest, pink cobweb shawl, a pink embroidered tablecloth and a cute cat doorstop. Thanks Polly!

I have been falling way behind with the housework due to working all the time. One day, instead of doing the washing I arranged this kitchen shelf yet again! Click on it to see a close up. I have moved all my Thermos's to the one spot for more impact.

The Secret Doesn't Work For A Fat Ass

2007-09-08T06:42:00.000+08:00

You know how I have been on about using The Secret in previous posts? Well it is working really well for making money and finding work. Not so well for loosing some inches off my behind. Of course, the chocolate toffees and iced coffees aren't helping. But The Universe should be able to make those things diet food and adjust its reality to suit my eating habits, right?
Yeah, I know I'm deluded. Now that the weather is getting better it is time to start walking again and adios to my beloved toffees *SOB*

Below are some of the auctions I have running on ebay this week. I am finishing these on a Wednesday this week to try something different.

Wedgwood "Rosehip" frame.

Vintage vanity travel set.

Vintage pink anodised jelly moulds. I collect these and there is a wall in my kitchen full of them. These are some of the "doubles." If you want to see a picture of my wall I think it is in my first or second post, way back when. I have added to it since then.

Love this old set of cups and saucers and that the stand looks kind of like a love heart.

I used the camera software to cartoonise Lucas and one of my auction pictures!

The Secret Works For Work

2007-09-01T06:20:00.000+08:00

You know how I have been using The Secret for thrift shopping? Well I have been using it to look for more work. And it is working almost too well! I found a new job in a cool homewares shop with all the brands I like including Robert Gordon. I accepted the job and the very next day I got an offer from a famous art glass company (Madonna has a lot of it in her home.) Then my current job, Villeroy & Boch, rings up with more hours!
So I must do a leap of faith and hope I make the right choice. I was very good at doing this when I was younger. Of course, I didn't have so much to lose then!
I just have to trust that there will always be something else out there for me if I make the wrong choice.
Anyways, when I painted the TV cabinet recently I also painted the drawer on my Bakers Stand which was previously pooh brown.
I have also been busy buying more bits of china and glass so I included some close ups. Hope you like! (Click on any of the pictures to enlarge.)

Ebay Auctions 28/8

2007-08-27T11:12:00.000+08:00

I am feeling as sick as a dog today so I don't know if I will get around to listing everything I wanted to this week. I do have six auctions already listed on turbo lister which I will be uploading tomorrow on ebay.

Crystal napkin rings. These are quite old, from the 1940's.

Exquisite Murano mirror tray. The twisted rail is actually real glass, not the usual lucite. I think the gold flecks running through it are real gold.

Vintage cake tin from England. I can just picture this in a country cottage or retro kitchen.

Sweet little piece of Australian china. By iconic female potter, Brownie Downing. Features an Aboriginal child and a kangaroo boxing with a koala as the referee!

"Bathing Beauties" wall hook in one of my favourite colours, aqua. Just love the 1940's pinup girls!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2007-08-25T20:21:00.000+08:00

It is my birthday today! My friend Jules sent me the cute cartoon girl above.

Here are two of the presents I got from Jon and the kids. A gorgeous, HUGE, venetian mirror for my mirror wall. And some roses fairy lights which I have wanted for ages.

We had a birthday breakfast at my parents house with my brothers and Jon and the kids. Bacon, eggs, croissants, all very delish!

And look! I finally got around to painting the tv cabinet! Jon got a new face plate for the x-box which is the most hideous orange patterned thing. And that huge, ugly tv is still dominating my living space. Note to self; new house must have male retreat type room with a door I can firmly close.

Prettiest Tablecloth EVA!

2007-08-23T07:02:00.000+08:00

I think this is the prettiest tablecloth I have ever seen. It is vintage of course and luckily I found TWO of them - so I have listed one on ebay. The roses all over it are to die for!

Got these house socks the other day. I just loved that they are Mary-Jane style! I have a "thing" for Mary-Jane shoes and have quite a few pairs.

Had to take down the shower curtain and wash it the other day so when I put it back up I finally got around to using these vintage shower curtain rings. This curtain is from the range designed for Ikea by Cath Kidston a few years ago. How I wish they still carried it!

Shell girl in my bathroom, bath salts canister and old Avon stoppered jug and bowl. Not a great photo, my camera is on it's last legs.

New Cath Kidston!

2007-08-21T06:13:00.000+08:00

Cath Kidston has new stuff out for fall including some new fabric designs! Love the washed rose pattern. Go check it out!

Canister Ladies & A Small Preview

2007-08-19T21:45:00.000+08:00

Jon, the kids and I went looking at blocks of land today. We found a gorgeous one in a semi rural area that I fell in love with. Jon went for a walk in the bush and nearly stepped on a tiger snake which are extremely venomous!
If you live in this country and live near any type of bushland at all you get used to looking out for snakes. I stay away from leaf litter and tall grass!

I have a small preview of some of my ebay auctions this week. I hope to list some of my larger items such as a popcorn chenille bedspread and a retro patchwork quilt to make a bit of room in my bulging cupboards!

Pretty "Mayfair" bone china cup and saucer, made in England.

This is so cool - a cocktail swizzle stick and drink measure set from the 1960's.

A sign for the French inspired kitchen.

These Lady Canisters are not for sale.
Some of my Enesco "Prayer Lady" canisters. They are all sitting on top of the microwave. The microwave is new and I hate it. It is stainless steel and shows every finger mark. Remind me to slap myself if I ever buy another stainless steel appliance.

Below is the corner the microwave sits in. I hung some pretty saucers on the wall and I love this tiny lamp. It was brass but I painted it a very pale pink.

Auction Previews 13/8

2007-08-13T14:23:00.000+08:00

Here is a preview of some of the things I will be selling this week on ebay. I am listing ten items and I will be uploading all of them tomorrow.

This vintage manicure set was a fantastic find! From what I can surmise, it is from the 1930's and quite rare.

Why am I selling this gorgeous German porcelain plate that is in my two fave colours with my fave flower? Because I managed to score TWO of them, that's why!

Another pretty set of light shades for a chandelier. These ones are a raw silk.

I love linens with embroidery. This hand towel has "Le Bain" on it, meaning "bathroom" in French.

Cats, Christmas & Collecting

2007-08-13T06:42:00.000+08:00

Tom getting chummy with his little friend, he looks a little peeved don't you think?
Why do so many people hate cats? I just don't get it. I was talking to an older lady who I always thought was a lovely person. We were talking about cats and she said she left milk out with aspirin in to poison any cats that should venture on her property. Aspirin doesn't actually work, it is safe to use aspirin thank goodness. I know what does work but I am not going to mention it for fear of any cat haters reading this.
As you can imagine I now think this women is the Devil incarnate!

A recent ebay win. I now have three Christmas trees! This little pink feather, fibre optic one. A huge lilac one. And a medium sized pink tinsel one. Note to self - need to move house ASAP to fit in all my Christmas decorations this year!

My new hot pink mobile phone.

As I have mentioned before, I collect vintage flasks. I have lots of reproduction ones like the green one in the photo but hardly any genuine vintage ones.
Well, I found this red one at a Anglicare shop the other day for $2! Isn't it a beauty?

Then I had to rearrange my shelves of course!

There's a New Girl in Springfield!

2007-08-06T22:26:00.000+08:00

Meet Peta!
This is heaps of fun to do, you must try it!

Auction Previews

2007-08-03T23:28:00.000+08:00

Just got in from a girls night out and already I can feel the hangover I am going to have tomorrow!
I am previewing the auctions I will be uploading this coming week. Here are just a few of the things I will be listing.

Gorgeous vintage Royal Albert "Lily of The Valley" Trio.

The latest book in the shopaholic series, "Shopaholic and Baby." I am also listing the first three books in this series.

Gorgeous puffy patchwork quilt.

The picture below is of my bedroom with the patchwork quilt I use. It is so lovely and warm. This one used to be on the couch but it looks much better on the bed.
I have two "elegance" plates over the bed now, yellow and pink.

Must go to bed, working tomorrow for Villeroy & Boch. Can't be too tired or I'll break all the china lol!

Christmas In July Swap

2007-08-02T21:24:00.000+08:00

I was so excited to receive a parcel from my secret santa in a Christmas in July swap I participated recently. I had to guess who was my secret santa and it was just too easy. Jules! I could tell from the get go by her handwriting on the parcel lol!

She added gorgeous embellishments to this pretty wooden box including my name on the top.

Peter Alexander Doughnuts that I coveted around Christmas time last year. Jullie remembered and sent them to me in this swap! I have put them under the glass of my coffee table.

Little blue velvet bird. I have a "thing" for bird decorations. You can see some of the decorations on the box a little better in this picture.

Vintage china basket which I am using on my desk to hold some of the tags Jullie made for me.

Cute pink teddy, candle, soap, silk corsage and inspiration tags.

My fave, the doughnuts in close up!
Thanks so much Jullie, you are such a sweetheart!

Stuff I Am Selling This Week

2007-07-30T22:37:00.000+08:00

I have ten auctions running this week. I was very organised and uploaded them on Sunday.
I am selling two lots of old "Victoria" magazines and my now completed "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows."

Georgeous shantung and sequins wedges. These are a little too small for me or I would be keeping them!

Four English fine bone china tea plates, vintage of course!

Cute Royal Show kewpie doll in my second favourite colour.

Vintage eighties brooches.

Next week I will be listing a puffy patchwork quilt and lots of clothes.

"The Secret" Works For Thrifting!

2007-07-26T10:50:00.000+08:00

Most people have heard about the secret. Not really a secret, it is basically positive thinking and to be it you have to feel it.
So I haven't won a million dollars yet but I am working on it! It has been working for all my thrifting though! I have found amazing things lately.
Look at this haul from the Sunday swap-meet!

Plates, tureen and trio from the Alfred Meakin "Elegance" dinner set that I collect. The first time I have ever seen this pattern in "real" life.
Also a pretty green enamel bowl painted with pink roses, my two fave colours and fave flower!

The next two books in the "Shopaholic" series which I have been dying to read. Every time I have gone to buy them at the shops they have been out of stock or I don't have any spare cash.
Beautiful vintage tray with lots of roses!
The "Kai und Mia" book is a quirky gift for my brother, Kai.

I was over the moon when I spotted this thermos. Brand new and only $3! I collect these, I think this is number six.
And I couldn't believe it when I got these salt and pepper shakers, they are wooden and just the shade of pink I love!

The wicker mirror is a great shade of pink too. Probably needs to be repainted but who can complain for fifty cents?

Harry Potter, Tom & Cupcakes

2007-07-24T12:11:00.000+08:00

I have been lost to the world recently due to the above book. I finished it yesterday and it is definitely my favourite of the series. I am not going to post any spoilers which was another reason I have stayed offline recently. It would have been awful to have the ending revealed before I had finished the book!

Tom has made a little friend, a neighbors kitten. He is rather neglected by his owner. Just skin and bone and filthy. He is very scared of people too. I give him food and cuddles because I feel so sorry for him. My husband gave him a bath last night and he is actually bright orange under the filth!

I bought these set of four cupcake and ballerina greeting cards from Gail McCormak recently. Too nice to use as cards. I framed them with clip frames from Ikea and they are now on my kitchen wall.

My Ebay Auctions This Week

2007-07-13T00:00:00.000+08:00

I have ten auctions running this week and they all finish on Sunday. I am only showing a few in this post as basically I am feeling lazy and I want to play "Big City Adventure" on Big Fish Games. I am totally addicted to Big Fish Games, especially IQ type puzzles and hidden object challenges.

Wedgwood jasper ware trinket box. This one is in the rare blue on white colour way.

Vintage poodle tray. Aren't they adorable?

This is a combined candle holder and picture or plate stand. It caught my eye because of the little praying girl.

Vintage chandelier light shades. These are becoming so hard to find! This set is particularly pretty with the gold braid and feminine organza fabric.

Two cute pretty in pink flamingos, very retro!

Decluttering

2007-07-11T00:05:00.000+08:00

The kids are on school holidays and I always use some of that time to declutter. I am very much a Virgo in that way; things have to be organised and they have to have somewhere they belong.
I also like moving things around as it gets rid of stagnant energy and adds a feeling of freshness.
I tackled a spot that always attracts junk and grime; the top of the fridge. I took everything off it, wiped it down and just left two fuchsia vintage canisters and an old salt shaker. The canisters are chock full of bits and bobs!

When I was sorting through my kitchen cupboards I came across the old blue anodised shopping basket you can see hanging in the background. I love it when you find things you forgot you had, it's like a surprise gift!

I hung this vintage string dispenser dolly from the shelf above the fridge. Found on a recent thrift at the church op-shop. Too cute!

This is the shelf above the fridge. I added the "chic" plaque I recently bought off ebay. The fairy cake sign has also been moved here.

My Coffee Table

2007-07-08T21:57:00.000+08:00

I posted recently about the coffee table I bought from ikea. It was boring beige, so I painted it white. I wanted to paint the inserts white also but Jon put his foot down. I am working on him.
I am making a first attempt to put a movie on my blog where you can see lots of shots of the coffee table.
This was taken after I had gone to work on a Saturday. I thought Jon cleaned the house when I was at work but I was wrong!

The painting above the fire was done by me when I was sick with the flu. I was so fed up of not being able to go thrifting that I just had to do something creative.

Sorry I Have Been AWOL....

2007-07-08T21:41:00.000+08:00

...I have had the flu and have been thrifting! I have taken some photos of my recent finds. Last weekend I managed to get out of bed before 6 am to go to the swap-meet. I was so excited to find some pieces of the Alfred Meakin "Elegance" that I collect, the first time I have ever found any in "real" life (not ebay.)
They were all in the yellow colourway, not my favourite of the six colours (that would be pink of course!) but still lovely.
The seller also had a soup tureen but I didn't have enough money on me. I totally meant to go back there this weekend and get it but I was too hungover (for shame).
I am hoping the $35 price tag has put most punters off as they all seem to want to spend fifty cents at most.

Thrifting

2007-06-29T10:56:00.000+08:00

Went thrift shopping with my husband in tow recently, a very bad idea as he "hates all this old shit" as he so charmingly puts it.
He rushed me through the thrift shops but I did manage to grab this divine stool for $2. White, chippy paint with a roses tapestry seat.

The stack of books are old car manuals that my dad gave me to sell on ebay for him. I have more than enough of my own to sell at the moment. We want to put our place on the market so I need to sell all the things I am not in love with anymore in preparation for a house move.

I also bought this huge tray from the 1950's with lovely ballerina decorations.
It is currently on the bottom shelf of this ikea coffee table holding all the remotes and xbox accessories.

I just HAD to paint this coffee table white. It has inserts where you can display things under glass. At the moment I have put in old plates, sea shells, fairy stones and old photos. Even ikea can be made vintage chic!

Ebay Auctions This Week 21/6

2007-06-21T17:52:00.000+08:00

I went for a job interview today to work at the Markets in an old fashioned toy shop. They had so many of the Russian nesting dolls that I love! I spotted a gorgeous pink and gold one.
This job would be great for me because it is in an affluent area with fantastic thrift stores! Is that an insane reason to want a job? Because of its proximity to my favourite op shops?
I am a bit late as usual posting this weeks auctions. They all finish on Sunday.

Old Carlton Ware tea set in a very dark green. I have never seen this pattern before!

Love the Missoni styling of this top!

Brand new Stella McCartney t-shirt. It has a bird print!

Pink kitchen scales. I used to use these as a display item in my kitchen but I was given another pink set for Christmas. I use my new scales as a fruit bowl and to weigh eBay parcels. As you can surmise, I am NOT a baker!

Pink enamel ware vase from my collection. I put the transfer on myself. It actually looks like a real painted rose!

New floral print shoes. Wish these fit me as they are SO shabby chic!

Pretty pink light weight knit.

Belated Wedding Picture & Plates

2007-06-18T13:58:00.000+08:00

Lori recently had a wedding week and I meant to show some photos but never got around to it.

Jon and I got married in January 1999. It was a nice day. I am not a big wedding person, really. Funny really when my house is so girly that I have never been into the big white dress and overpriced reception. My Dad offered me $10,000 dollars at the time to elope and I so should have taken it. Mum would have been upset though.
Jon and I are posing here in the grounds of the University Of WA, not in a jungle!

Sandwich plates in Alfred Meakin "Elegance." My goal is to one day have one of each of the six different colours. Only three to go!

A Lovely Friend

2007-06-17T19:38:00.000+08:00

My friend Jullie from Jullie's World sent me this lovely surprise package recently.

I was overjoyed that she had sent me this sweet little cup that matches the "Elegance" by Alfred Meakin pattern that I collect.

Jullie makes these tags herself. She designed them using some of my favourite photos. You can order these from her by contacting her at her blog. I am using these tags as thank you cards with my auctions. It makes me feel very professional!

Jullie also made this gorgeous glittery tag card about girlfriends and this cute primitive heart. Click on the picture to see what it says, very amusing!

Ebay Auctions This Week

2007-06-12T09:53:00.000+08:00

Thanks for all the comments about my scrapbooks. I really enjoy flicking through magazines at the newsagency to see if they are "scrapbook worthy."
Ikea is having a big clearance sale so my friend and I are off to check it out. I want some of those glass clip frames for my daughters artwork (she loves to paint.)

Below are all the things I am selling on ebay this week. Click here to got to my auctions.

This is a gorgeous eggshell porcelain vintage tea set. In the harlequin style, popular in the 1950's.

The prettiest pinup girl heels! Wish they were my size!

Vintage pin cushion, made of old greeting cards with millinery flower decoration.

Old Italian Florentine tray.

Two "Bollywood Chic" cushion covers!

Gorgeous "Cafe" sign pour La Cuisine!

New black strappy heels.

And more measuring cups for those that missed out :)

My Scapbook and Ugly Betty

2007-06-10T21:21:00.000+08:00

My husband picked up an exercise bike for me (on sale at Kmart - 50% off!) which is fantastic as it has been very stormy weather here and it has been difficult to go walking. It has also been challenging getting the washing dry (no dryer, we usually don't need them here) and certain family members, I am ashamed to say, have been forced to go commando!
I was using the exercise bike while watching Ugly Betty and although I love the show, her hair really bugs me. Why can't she tie it back and get that hair out of her eyes?
And another thing; her father seems to be unemployed, is an illegal immigrant, Betty and her sister don't have the best paid jobs but they can afford braces for Betty AND the sister's kid? Call me Cruise, but aren't braces really expensive? Like, thousands of dollars?

I can't post without pictures. Here are some of my "Dream Home" scrapbooks. I love adding all the gorgeous, inspiring things I find in magazines.

Ebay Auctions This Week

2007-06-06T11:46:00.000+08:00

I have only five auctions this week. I still feel cruddy with this cold I have and am finding it hard to get motivated.
Click here to go to my auctions.

This is a gorgeous enamelware bowl in one of my fave colour combo's, blue and red.

Vintage chenille bedspread. One day I will keep one of these for myself! My husband hates them though, he calls them "granny blankets." Philistine!

Chintz stove burner covers, great for jazzing up what can be an ugly part of the kitchen.

Great book, heaps of projects and inspiration pages.

Vintage Japanese cookie jar. Love the cute mouse on the cats head!

Another Ebay Blowout

2007-06-03T23:19:00.001+08:00

Haven't shown my latest finds on eBay for a while so here goes!

Wooden word "chic". What appealed to me was that the colours are of the palette of my house.

I bought 20 of these chandelier crystal drops as they were such a good price. They are the pink Aurora Borealis type.

Little girl with bouquet figurine.

Robert Gordon cupcake for my cake stacker. This one was discontinued a while ago so I was glad to find it.

Victorian milk jug, in great condition.

The Alfred Meakin pattern I collect. This is a dinner plate.

Have been trying to get one of these for so long. Simply Shabby Chic sage green with roses shower curtain.
I have listed some items to sell today and I will be listing more on Tuesday. I will be posting photos of them all early this week.

Prettiest Tea Towel In The World

2007-06-01T07:12:00.000+08:00

It is the first day of winter here and bloody dark and freezing. It is so hard to get up and motivated in the morning.
I went thrift shopping in Scarborough yesterday (beachside suburb) and I did fairly well. I got an eggshell porcelain harlequin teaset which I will probably sell as I don't have room for it!
I also got this tea towel which I think is the prettiest I have ever seen. I had to use it as a lamp table cloth as it would get ruined in the kitchen (my #$%@ husband likes to wipe up food spills with my tea towels.)
Only 50 cents!

Pretty New Finds

2007-05-28T19:50:00.000+08:00

I have loved the work of Australian artist Gail McCormack for years. I can't afford one of her original artworks but I did treat myself to two of her limited edition prints.

I also found the floral barkcloth knitting bag in a thrift shop the other day for $2. I was originally going to sell it but I just can't let it go!
If you look at my auctions link to the right under "links" I have uploaded 10 items today on ebay.

I Want A Giant Rabbit!

2007-05-25T04:40:00.000+08:00

Ever since I saw this picture and read about "Herman" in a magazine I have wanted one of these gorgeous German Giants as a pet. Look at the size of those feet - apparently they sound like a small earthquake when they are hopping along!
They can be house trained and are very affectionate.
Jon and the kids are against the idea. The rabbit terrifies them.
The tradesman who did my new floor loved Herman (he saw the picture on my fridge.)
He said if he had one he would get it a leather studded collar and take it to the pub for a beer. Sometimes I love real Aussie men!

Ebay Auctions

2007-05-21T10:51:00.000+08:00

I have four auctions running and hopefully will have more up tomorrow. I have a bad cold at the moment that I think may be the flu. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and will be able to list!

Another set of these cute vintage style measuring cups.

So quirky vintage killer whale salt & pepper shakers!

Vintage angel holy water font. Looks like Napco or Enesco.

Old cream and green enamel ware teapot.

Ebay Auctions This Week

2007-05-17T06:40:00.000+08:00

All of these finish on Sunday, I have been a bit late this week to post about my auctions!

White set of three measuring cups. I have a set of these in my kitchen and use them nearly every day. Mine are pink of course!

Brand new very groovy "Skipping Girl" bag.

Divine James Kent Old Foley sauce boat and stand. Love the roses and pink blush edging!

Pink frosted glass perfume bottle with butterfly shaped stopper.

Old depression era egg beater and masher.

Bob The Builder quilt cover - Big L is too "grown up" for Bob now.

White wire cupcake stand.

Playing With China

2007-05-15T21:51:00.000+08:00

When we got the new floor laid recently I had to pack all my china away. No way was I going to trust a tradesman to do it. The guy told me a lot of his customers leave all their knick knacks out for him to move!
With the amount of china I have, it took quite a bit of time and a lot of newspaper to pack it all away.
But so much fun to unpack and display it all!
I changed things around and here are some photos of what I did.

I moved all of the Josef girls to the one shelf.

Changed this around and added the deer and rose bouquet, both recent thrifting
purchases.

Changed this too. The two little dog figurines are recent op shop finds along with the deer - 50 cents each!

Mug Holder

2007-05-14T20:41:00.000+08:00

Check out this baby! When Jon went up North I got this up on the wall quick smart. I found an old coat rack in a thrift shop and painted it my favourite shade of green, Garden Fantasy by Wattyl. This rack adjusts to the size you want with brackets for mounting it on the wall.
I always wanted to have these gorgeous Cath Kidston mugs on display, they are just too pretty to sit in a cupboard!
The polka dot pot holder is by Robert Gordon.
The key holder has beautiful hand painted roses, I bought it off ebay.

Goodbye White Cupcake Stand!

2007-05-12T06:40:00.000+08:00

I am selling my white cupcake stand on ebay, not because I don't love it but because I bought ANOTHER one... a PINK one!

Now if I could of I would have tried to have kept both and enjoyed myself buying more faux cupcakes to fill up the other one. But making the world a pinker place is a constant struggle aginst the forces of the Husband. So I have kept one and will bide my time until my next pink purchase...coming soon.

My New Banner

2007-05-11T04:55:00.000+08:00

Loving my new banner, made by my talented friend Jullie from Jullie's World.
She also makes tags for scrapbooking, gifts or whatever you heart desires.
She made me these for my ebay auctions, thank you tags to send with parcels.

New Floor!

2007-05-08T16:21:00.000+08:00

Am so excited! We got rid of the cream carpet in our living area and hallway and replaced it with timber laminate.
The cream carpet was a nightmare. I was constantly shrieking at the kids "Wipe your feet!" "Take off your shoes!"
When we ripped up the carpet it had the most disgusting puke green lino tiles underneath.

Tom freaked out. He doesn't deal well with change.

While we had the carpet pulled up I finally convinced Jon to paint a green feature wall. I changed the dining table around too. Loving these floorboards, I am amazed at how much bigger they make the room look.
Oh, yes. Jon bought that horrid monstrosity of a television. 40 inch Samsung LCD, it completely takes over the whole room. Even worse, it is black. I have been threatening to throw a lace tablecloth over it.

My Ebay Buys

2007-05-01T12:32:00.000+08:00

Haven't done one of these posts for a while!

I bid on these prayer ladies solely for the Instant Coffee jar. Love the prayer on this one, click on it to see.

Hand dyed vintage doilies. I put the aqua one on top of Jon's xbox much to his annoyance. Hey, at least it wasn't the pink one, right?

Robert Gordon polka dot enamel ware jug. This is huge, I don't actually have a use for it! A rose vase maybe.

I think this may be another Josef Girl for my collection. It is the same height and quality of porcelain with the same Japanese stamp but this one doesn't have the black eyes. It was a bargain and pretty too, whatever it is.

Vintage roses painting. It was the background colour that sold me.

I have bought one of these bowls before. In fact I LOVE this old chinese enamel ware with the blush edging. This bowl has a lilac edge, one I haven't seen before. Plus, it has my beloved birds. I have high hopes of turning one of these bowls into a sink one day.

Another lot that I bought because they look like Josef Girls.

And last but certainly not least, a brand new in box lavender christmas tree!

Favourite Colour Swap

2007-04-30T22:11:00.000+08:00

I posted about this ages ago. I received a parcel but I never got a partner to send to. I thought it was because (a) - I joined quite late, (b)I wanted to post only to someone in my own country and this was mostly an American swap and (c) uneven numbers.
But I got an email saying my partner was upset because she didn't get anything from me!
Hello? What partner? And why didn't she ever contact me directly? This was all months ago!
Anyway, I never renege on a swap so I had fun finding things in my partners favourite colours of blue, red and green. It can be quite refreshing to shop for things outside your usual pallet.
I can only show the packaging at this stage to keep up the suspense :)

Spring Swap Parcel

2007-04-24T23:15:00.000+08:00

Here is the parcel I received from Sally.
So prettily wrapped and I love the handmade tags!

S - for soap (which I gave as my S item too!)
P - for pig. This is a gorgeous, vintage money box. My little girl swiped this from me straight away. She also took a surreal photo of the pigs eye - observe...

R - was for pretty pink and green ribbon.
I - was for Irish Tea (very clever Sally, I found this quite a hard one!

N - was for nail cream, another clever one!
G - was for green necklace, handmade by Sally. I put this on straight away,love it!

Thanks so much Sally for your generous and thoughtful gifts! The Timtams were especially appreciated:)

Pink & Green Spring Swap

2007-04-23T21:52:00.000+08:00

I had so much fun putting this parcel together for Sally. The frame was so easy to do but so much fun! I loved finding the buttons in our colours of pink and green from various op-shops. The frame was harder to find as I needed one with no slope or decoration. For Aussies, I found this one at The Reject Shop (great shop for craft stuff.)

Sally sent me a fantastic parcel with everything beautifully wrapped. I have taken photos and will post about it tomorrow.

Freedom, I can taste you.

2007-04-19T22:25:00.000+08:00

The Easter holidays are nearly finished, thank @#$%. Three weeks! Now that I am not at school myself, I think kids get WAY too many holidays.
I can so relate to the t-shirt above. My kids have been fighting, bickering and crying what seems like the whole day long. It doesn't help that I have been grieving my friend.
Hope to get back to ebaying this weekend. I have found some gorgeous things lately in the op shops!
Below are some tasters of what I will be listing this weekend.