Alison Gibbs

GUEST POST

2011-10-25T08:13:00.000+11:00

Hi everybody! My name is Jenn and I am a writer for Arcadian Home Decor, which is an e-commerce website that specializes in top home decor ideas and trends from around the world. I have a little folder where I stash interior design ideas I love - I cut them out of magazines and print them off of blogs, and one of my favourite places to find inspiration is Alison Gibbs - even though we live in separate countries located on opposite ends of the globe, I think Alison and I were cut from the same cloth. I'm excited to be guest posting here today - thanks Alison!

There is something so pretty and charming about shabby gorgeous spaces. Shabby chic styles make use of antiques, soft colour palettes, and simple home decorplans to create truly harmonious rooms throughout a home. From kitchens to bedrooms and everywhere in-between, here are eight shabby gorgeous spaces.

A bit of elegance

A dining room with whites, bench seating, crystal chandeliers, and open slat ceilings come together to create a place of serenity.

A dash of colour

This shabby gorgeous space is monochromatic but has punches of colour, with a hot pink area rug and chair.

Rustic flair

A room with raw power is shown here - aged stone walls and tarnished silverware as table decor look decidedly modernized with the ornate light fixture overhead.

Boutique chic

The massive windows provide picturesque views while indoors, the white furniture and cement ceiling are a stylish space in which to take in such scenery.

Shabby guest house

What's more inviting than this open-concept multi-level guest room with whitewashed accents, breezy fabrics, and loads of fresh flowers?

Luxe for little girls

This shabby gorgeous space is outfitted for a young girl - the daybed features a hideaway bed for slumber parties, while the sophisticated cream-coloured palette fosters a soothing yet luxurious bedroom.

Industrial panache

There's no shortage of stunning materials in this kitchen, from stone to wood and cement to stainless steel, all meshing seamlessly in this shabby gorgeous space.

Va-va-va-voom vignette

A dresser looks stately topped with antique home accessories and storage underneath with quilts and baskets - the rectangular mirror also helps to elongate the space.

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Did we inspire you? Comments are welcome! Come visit Arcadian Home Decor for more inspiring home decor items!

IN THE GARDEN

2011-10-11T11:58:00.000+11:00

IN THE GARDEN TODAY

Just thought I'd have a wander around the garden

Crab Apple

Love the texture of the driftwood

Driftwood hanging on the garden shed

Peeling paint and moss on the window frame

Pretty pots all in a row

Silver birch looks amazing

Pierre de Ronsard - pretty as ever

Love the contrast of the foliage of these side by side

Sweet Jasmine

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???

2011-08-08T16:08:00.001+10:00

I can't believe it has been sooooo..long since I last did a post on my blog.

Like everyone else life has been crazy busy with the family.

It won't be long and we will have two more little ones joining the family.

My youngest son Michael and his wife Chantelle are expecting a baby 24th September, then 29th October my eldest daughter Melanie and her husband Aaron are expecting a baby.

I have been creating some more of my jewellery for a stall at The North Melbourne Market on 21st August. Check out their website it's a great market.

Last month I made a visit to The Vintage Shed to check out Tamarah Charters Shabby Vintage Junk space there. I also dropped into the Dromana Antique Centre.

These are the treasures I bought

I won this fabulous blackboard as Tamarah was having a giveaway on her blog

I also got the 2 little books at The Vintage Shed

Below is what I bought at the Dromana Antique Centre

4 sweet little dolls, a beautiful glass pedestal plate, a little flower frog and a book

The cover of this book really caught my eye

I love this flower frog

Hope to catch up on a few blogs and see what I have been missing

SHABBY VINTAGE JUNK EXTRAVAGANZA

2011-05-31T17:35:00.000+10:00

The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza is nearly here. Check out Tamarah's Blog for the latest info

Friday 3rd June 1pm -6pm and Saturday 4th June 8am - 4pm at the Ashburton Scout Hall 337 High Street Ashburton, Vic. $5 Entry fee. There are an amazing array of treasures to be found

I will be selling some of my handcrafted jewellery made with mainly vintage elements - cottons, mop buttons, glass buttons, beads, ribbons, laces, fabric & costume jewellery.

I love these bracelets made with vintage cottons & adorned with various bits and pieces

These gorgeous cuff bracelets are mainly hand sewn & hand dyed. They are made with vintage cotton fabric, laces & more

Here is a pretty matching set - bracelet and necklace. They are adorned with vintage mother of pearl buttons

I adore this vintage cotton & beads creation. Looks so soft and pretty.

Hope to see some of you at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza 3 & 4 June 337 High Street Ashburton, Vic. make sure you come and say 'Hi'

SHABBY VINTAGE JUNK EXTRAVAGANZA

2011-05-09T10:04:00.000+10:00

Tamarah from Shabby Vintage Junk is hosting the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - Vintage Furniture & Homewares Show....!Whether your vintage passion is for country, French provincial, industrial, Shabby Chic, granny or pretty vintage, the FIFTEEN hand picked Vendors participating in this AWESOME Vintage Show will be able to accommodate your EVERY vintage desire....!!!!!

I am a vendor at this amazing event and will be selling my handcrafted jewellery

These beautiful lace cuffs are created using all Vintage elements - laces, buttons & fabric

This beautiful piece is made from vintage cotton thread

This necklace uses vintage cotton thread, ribbon and beads

I love these pretty bracelets made with vintage cottons, ribbons & beads

SO PLEASE COME ALONG I'D LOVE TO SEE YOU

I am situated right in the front as you come in the door

Please come and say hello

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
                                       1pm - 6pm (General entry)
                      Saturday:   8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where   - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!

Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

HOW TIME FLIES

2011-05-02T09:22:00.000+10:00

I can't believe it has been 5 weeks since I last did a post

Like everyone else my life has been so busy - think we all need to find the time to relax

As always lots has been happening with my ever expanding family

We spend a lot of time together - I am so lucky to have my family sharing their lives with me

My eldest daughter Melanie had a 'Surprise Wedding' at her and Aaron's Engagement party on 16th April A quick change of clothes, grabbing the hidden bouquets and on her fathers arm the wedding began

It was a lovely wedding with only 8 of us knowing it was to happen. melanie's children Lachlan and Chloe were so excited when they were told about the wedding.

I have been having lots of fun with the grandchildren

I helped Lachlan and Chloe make their Easter Hats for the Easter Parade at school

Riley was having fun 'playing with the pegs' and Holly wanted to help him

As of 6th June when daughter Amy goes back to work I will be looking after these two little treasures 2 days a week.

Here is little Miss Evie smiling away at her Grandad

I have been finding some time to create a few pieces of jewellery

I really enjoy this, especially when they are created using all vintage cottons, ribbons, beads and buttons

The neckalces look so pretty especially with the combo of vintage buttons and beads

We have also been spending some time in Melbourne by the Yarra River

We have had some amazing Autumn Days

Max and I enjoyed our stay at Daylesford at the Cherry Tree Cottage B&B

Just look at the size of this delicious breakfast we were served.

No need for another meal that day!

Hope to find some time to catch up on all the latest on your blogs

Time to smell the roses and Whiteport

2011-03-25T15:38:00.001+11:00

Time for a night away from home

Time to smell the roses

Tomorrow we go to Daylesford and are staying the night at Cherry Tree Cottage B & B in their Garden Spa Apartment

When we come back I will let you know what the B & B is like

We plan on leaving early morning so as we can check out the local shops before we check into the B & B

There are supposed to be a lot of lovely places to visit in Daylesford

WHITEPORT WINNER

I was lucky enough to be the winner of 3 beautiful white tea towels on Lesley's blog Life at Number 10

Look at the beautiful bag that Jennifer from Whiteport sent the 3 tea towels in

Don't you just love the design - way to pretty use

Check out the Whiteport website and see all their amazing products

Michael and Chantelle's Wedding

2011-03-21T12:37:00.001+11:00

Saturday 19th March 2011

The big day finally arrived.

I took the cakes to The Mornington Country Golf Club where the Wedding Reception was held

I was so pleased with the way they looked.

All that hard work had paid off

Such a pretty spot to be - this was when the room was being set up

Here are the boys waiting for the bride and her maids

Left to right - Groomsmen David, Dale then my sons Michael the groom and Daniel the Best Man

Ah, ha...he spots his gorgeous bride

Chantelle was such a radiant bride walking on the arm of her father David

Laughter as Michael puts the ring on Chantelle

Now it is Chantelle's turn

Finally - you may kiss the bride

This photo was taken after they signed the paperwork -Daniel Michael Chantelle and Holly

Unfortunately I don't have a photo with the other 2 bridesmaids Chloe and Brooke (Chantelle's sisters)

It was a beautiful day, perfect weather and such a fabulous occasion.

At the reception it was announced that they have a little one on the way, so lots more excitement is heading our way

EDITED (1.12pm) TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS OF PAY IT FORWARD - Irene from Irene's - Re-Vintaged and Pam from Bayside Rose so girls if you can email me your addresses that would be great

CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN A WEEK

2011-03-18T09:04:00.000+11:00

LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

I can't believe it has been a week since Kirstie, Mandii and Gail came for lunch

It was a beautiful day with lots of chatter and laughter

A light lunch and drinks

This spinach avocado and peach salad was so yummy.

Just look at these cupcakes that Mandii brought for us to eat - mmmmmm......delish!!!

Thanks for coming girls it was fun - there are some amazing girls out there in Blogland and these 3 were such great company

Don't forget to enter my Pay it Forward giveaway in the post below, winners to be selected on Monday.

Tomorrow my son Michael marries his sweetheart Chantelle so next week I am sure to have some wedding pics. for you to see

PAY IT FORWARD

2011-03-07T10:19:00.001+11:00

Look at these lovely gifts I received from Kathryn of Our Shabby Cottage

Late last year Kathryn had a Pay it Forward post and I was lucky enough to be a winner

Thanks Kathryn for my gorgeous gifts - 2 cute fabric covered canvases, a sweet lavender scented strawberry and a Cath Kidston soap.

So now it is my turn to Pay it Forward.

To be a part of the 'Pay-It-Forward' you must have a blog, be prepared to share the love and 'Pay-It-Forward' on your blog and link back here when you post about your 'Pay-It-Forward'.

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and then on Monday 21st March I will randomly pick 2 bloggers to receive a gift.

Andrea's Blog Get together

2011-02-23T23:37:00.000+11:00

Andrea from The Pink Poodle had a group of bloggers over for lunch.

It was such a fun time. Lots of laughter.

Gail (Originals by Gail & Tony McCormack), Tamarah (Shabby Vintage Junk), Alicia (Time Worn Style), Shelley and I had a fabulous day together with the wonderful Andrea

Just look at the wonderful goodies Andrea prepared for our lunch

Here on the left is Tamarah from Shabby Vintage Junk watching Andrea placing the plates

Andrea had everything looking gorgeous

It was such fun to finally meet everyone in person rather than just in Blogland

Andrea thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T08:59:00.000+11:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day

This Heart has to be one of my all time favourites

I love how it looks with the morning sun casting a shadow

Do you like the 'Love You' tags that I bought from Ness of Marley & Lockyer

Ness has some gorgeous tags, jewellery and cushion covers in her Etsy shop

Go treat yourself to something special from Ness's shop

Happy Valentines Day

BC Good Life Australia Day Wednesday

2011-01-26T09:16:00.000+11:00

BC Good Life Wednesday

Sarah from a beach cottage is hosting a Beach Cottage Blog Hop called BC Good Life Wednesday

Today is a special Day here in Australia -called Australia Day it commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788

Check the Link Australia Day to learn what it means to us Aussies

Back to BC Good Life Wednesday

I am so loving the Table Runner in the photo below that I bought from Sarah of BC fame

I had such fun playing house with the runner

The furniture you see out on the deck as of Monday has been replaced

Maybe that can be my next weeks BC Good Life Wednesday post

I love nothing better than having the house to myself and 'playing house'

Old cutlery and napkins teamed well with these placemats

Thanks Sarah I looove my new table runner

BC Good Life Wednesday

2011-01-19T14:41:00.000+11:00

Sarah from a beach cottage is hosting a Beach Cottage Blog Hop called Good Life Wednesday.

Great idea Sarah.

Sarah says we can all share the good things in life..the everyday things, the stop and smell the roses things along with amazing things but mostly it's just about sharing life...

Today I am babysitting my eldest grandchild Lachlan

It is great having some one on one time with him

We decided to cook some brownies

He loved stirring it around the bowl

Think his favourite thing was licking the spoon

Then of course there was the sampling of these yummies.

We saved one for each member of the family to sample at tonights Family Dinner

Wednesday night is always Family Dinner night when all family, kids, grandkids come home for dinner.

SO EASILY DISTRACTED

2011-01-18T13:55:00.001+11:00

I went outside to put the rubbish in the bin

and this is what caught my eye.

Pierre de Ronsard roses

Just had to pick some

Then of course I had to play around with them

Try and make them sit just right
Bit hard - I put the photo in side ways
Turn your head to the right!!

Mind you they never really sit right but I don't care

Love their petals

Love being distracted

So what distracts you??

WEDDING

2011-01-13T19:08:00.000+11:00

I thought after the 2 new babies were born into our family that life would start to get just a little quieter.

Now we have my son Michael and Chantelle getting married on 19th March

Exciting busy times ahead

9 weeks to go.......

FINALLY

2011-01-02T17:29:00.000+11:00

What a great way to start a New Year

At last Daniel is a Daddy

After being induced Candice delivered a sweet baby girl

On 1st January at 10.16pm

Evie Louise 8lb 11ozs

She was a big one

Here is a photo taken today when Evie was about 17 hours old next to Holly who was born on 2nd December. Evie is just a couple of ounces bigger than Holly.

Happy New Year

WAITING.......................

2010-12-28T21:47:00.000+11:00

Waiting is so hard to do

Poor Candice is now 7 days past due date

We thought we would have another sweet baby to nurse before Christmas Day BUT she is keeping us all waiting.

Now 7 days late

Hurry up little one we want to cuddle you

Caldermeade Farm

2010-12-20T06:43:00.000+11:00

Great Place to visit

On Saturday my sister Susan, BIL John , Max and I met my father and his wife at Caldermeade Farm for lunch. My father turned 87 on Friday.

We had a lovely lunch in their cafe.

Caldermeade Farm would be a great place for a visit over the Summer break.

It is located at 4385 South Gippsland Highway Caldermeade Victoria just 10 minutes past Tooradin

Melways Ref: Map 612 R 8

They have a free Animal Nursery that kids would just love. We plan on taking our grandchildren there over christmas.

Something else the kids would enjoy is going to the dairy where at 3.30pm every day you can watch the cows being milked.

Tomorrow is the day that grandbaby number 5 is due.

It's a girl

2010-12-02T22:11:00.000+11:00

ONLY ONE DAY LATE

Sweet little Holly Violet Naylor

arrived today

2nd December at 1.39pm

7lb 8ozs

In these photos below Holly was only one hour old

Riley was so excited to see his new baby sister

Amy was so surprised when the baby arrived and it was a girl

Love this photo below with Dad, Ryan texting away, spreading the news.

No doubt I will share some more photos when she is not so scrunched up and has had a bath.

NEARLY TIME

2010-11-25T07:44:00.001+11:00

As you can see by the bellies in the photo I took yesterday it is nearly time for some sweet babies to arrive.

Amy is due 1st December and Candice 21st December

With the last few days being quite warm 34C (93F) the girls are well and truly ready to go.

Yesterday we took Riley to the beach.

He loved it

Love this shot of Amy and Riley where you can also see the baby belly.

COLOUR PLUS

2010-11-19T17:29:00.000+11:00

LOVE THE COLOURS

Love the colour of this plastic cutlery for kids that I got from Ikea

The grandkids love picking which colour they will use

Great way to teach little ones about colour.

I usually use The Wiggles for colour, Murray RED, Sam/Greg YELLOW, Anthony BLUE, Jeff PURPLE and Dorothy GREEN

Where else but Ikea could you buy this cute lot of cutlery for only AU$1.99

Have a wonderful weekend

20 Days to wait

2010-11-11T13:58:00.000+11:00

20 days until due date.

My daughter Amy left work on Tuesday to await the arrival of Baby No.2

This means no more babysitting of recently turned 3yo Riley for 2 days a week.

Took this photo of Riley kissing 'his baby' this morning.

Love him standing there on his 'tippy toes' to kiss his Mums belly

Can't wait to see if it is a boy or a girl.

Amy would dearly love a girl but thinks it will probably be another boy.

Three weeks after Amy's baby is due we will be ready for

my son Daniel and his fiance Candice to have their little girl

This is Daniel reading a story to their baby - the book was a gift to Daniel from Amy

Love hanging out the washing and seeing this gorgeous climbing Pierre de Ronsard rose in bloom

Such pretty petals

Becoming so soft and pretty

Pretty flowers on the Mock Orange - Murraya paniculata

How pretty the Banksia Rose looks climbing along the fence behind the Silver Birch

Beautiful Banksia Rose

Necklace

2010-09-22T17:30:00.001+10:00

Love this Three Point Knitted and Crocheted Necklace

It goes really well with the Cabbage Rose Knitted Cuff

I really love the hemp yarn and ribbon combination.

The buttons and pearls are added as you knit

How pretty the wire wrapped pearl looks

Love the way the ribbon and hemp yarn looks when it is crocheted together

You add these little buttons as you crochet

Cabbage Rose Knitted Cuff

2010-09-14T13:36:00.000+10:00

I bought a Cabbage Rose Knitted Cuff Kit from the Crescendoh Shop.

I can't remember the last time I picked up a pair of knitting needles.

It was fun to make this cuff.

It is made of hemp yarn and vintage ribbon

I loved making the little cabbage rose to put on top

Now that it is finished I can keep it in the little bag that comes with the kit

2 little buttons

and 2 little loops hold it together

I love the texture of the hemp and ribbon cuff

CAMELLIAS

2010-09-07T18:59:00.000+10:00

I bought this cute little bottle holder from Sue at Junk-it Junction

Just perfect for putting some glasses to hold some camellia blooms

Just the perfect amount of rust and shabby chic-ness

Had fun deciding where to place it

Tried it on this stool

Decided to leave it on one of the entry tables

CRESCENDoh

2010-08-30T15:24:00.001+10:00

Today I am a Guest Curator on Jenny Doh's site, Crescendoh.

My Art Saves story is here - click on the link

Check in every day as there are links to 2 of my favourite blogs and these links change every day.

The links are on the bottom of my section on Crescendoh's home page

So over the next week you will get to read posts from 14 of my favourite blogs.

Crescendoh is an amazing site and be sure to check out all the links (in red) on the left hand side of the home page.

Don't forget to check the post below for other exciting things that happened over the weekend

HOW LUCKY AM I ???

2010-08-29T19:41:00.000+10:00

What a weekend this has been.

Excitement plus.

1st off - did you notice my new look blog?

I was lucky enough to win a Blog makeover from Katrina Chambers

Katrina is one clever chick.

Thanks Katrina I love my new look.

Katrina also has another blog called A Very Fine House check it out.

The second exciting thing this weekend was the engagement of child #4 Michael and his gorgeous girlfriend Chantelle.

The happy couple

Chantelle thought Michael did a great job picking the ring
She loved it

Love this laughing photo of Chantelle

It's in the bag

2010-08-25T13:42:00.003+10:00

Ready for a stitch here and a stitch there

The bag is always near by to be picked up and taken with me in the car or to any room in the house.

I keep a small piece of embroidery to work on in this pretty pink bag
Whenever I have time I sew a few stitches

It makes it much easier to do something creative when you can just bundle it up into the bag when someone calls in or you have a chore to do

Love the white embroidery on this piece of linen

Just place a hoop around the linen and it is playtime - anywhere, anytime

Just put it back into the bag when playtime is over

Kiteboarding at Rosebud Beach

2010-08-17T21:24:00.011+10:00

Went for a walk at Rosebud Beach over the weekend and came accross these Kiteboarders

Took a movie with my camera For some reason you lose the right hand side of the video so you might want to click on this link and view it through YouTube

Click and enlarge the photos below

These guys were having a ball

Enlarge this and see how high he is out of the water

It was so cold and windy on the beach

Can't beat a walk on an Aussie beach during Winter - beautiful skies and fabulous water

White Wednesday

2010-08-11T10:09:00.010+10:00

As a Lover of All Things White - I have joined in White Wednesday over at Faded Charm

Go check it out

Gorgeous White Heart

What girl doesn't love 'hearts' this is one of my favourites

Love all the detail on this little white cupboard.

Inside are some pretty pink glasses

Beautiful white Camellia from my garden

Love this shell covered orb

I was trying to take a photo of this embroidery without getting any reflection in it.
When I down loaded them I loved this one even with the reflection because that reflection is my bedroom

Remember to go over to Faded Charm and see some more lovely whites

HOLIDAY SNAPS

2010-07-31T19:52:00.007+10:00

Max and I had a great few days away at Lorne.

We went from one side of Port Phillip Bay to the other, about a 2 and a half hour drive.

Click on some of the links to check out the history of the area

Great Ocean Road Monument

Sparrow on the Pier at Lorne

This is the view from our balcony to the beach

12 Apostles
Giant rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean and are the central feature of the rugged Port Campbell National Park

This was our appartment

Thought that some of you "Shabby Pink Girls' would love this little boat

Something for the 'Lovers of Rust'

This gorgeous Swing Bridge was just up the beach from where we stayed

Max's yummy Big Breakfast

Erskine Falls - 312 steps to get down there and what felt like more than 312 steps to get back up

How sweet is this little bird

I should have cropped this photo so you could have a better look at this sweet bird, so why not just click on the photo to enlarge it

Sunrise from our loungeroom on our last day

Moonlight walk on the beach on our last night at Lorne

OFF TO LORNE

2010-07-23T09:26:00.002+10:00

Time for a break.

Max and I are just about to jump in the car and go to stay at Mantra Lorne

We come back Tuesday afternoon

GRANDMA

2010-07-19T19:42:00.006+10:00

During the school holidays I was babysitting all 3 grandchildren.

Usually I only have the littlest Riley for 2 days a week (and Lachlan and Chloe occasionally after school) but as you can see by his little face in the photo below he was sick.

Chloe and Lachlan sat with him on the sofa watching TV. They had my Gran's crocheted rug on their knees.

It got me thinking about my Gran and the influence she had on my life.

Here is a photo of her in the mid 1960's. She died in 1968 when I was 14

I visited her nearly every day as she lived just around the corner and had a wonderful relationship with her

She was always busy making something.

She crocheted this lovely rug

I remember her pulling about old sweaters and washing and rewinding the wool to use in the rug. Many a time I sat at her feet with my hands out stretched to wrap the wool.

She also made this hexagonal quilt that sometimes lays at the bottom of my bed

Most of the fabrics in this quilt were from clothes that could no longer be repaired, scraps from sewing even the occasional tie. I love looking at it and remembering which fabric came from my own clothes

Such lovely colours

I love seeing her hand stitching.

So many memories. She used to have newspaper templates that the fabric would then be hand stitched onto. Then the hexagons would be sewn together . Once it was finished the newspaper would be pulled out.

I beleive that her love of creating influenced me with the crafts I enjoy today

I can only hope that my grandchildren will remember me with as much love as I remember my Gran

WHITE WEDNESDAY

2010-07-14T15:34:00.002+10:00

It's White Wednesday over at Faded Charms again.

So many lovely whites to see. Click on Faded Charms and go have a look.

Today I have shown my Family Photo Wall

Love all of the White Frames and the lovely White Family Frame

The three grandchildren are in the photos under 'Family'

With 2 new babies due in December I'll have to redo the wall to fit them in.

This candelabra is one of a pair that is on a butlers tray.
They were a brassy look metal that I painted white and used on tables at Amy's wedding last year

This sweet little angel sitting on my dressing table was a gift from my sister

This is also one of a pair that sits on my dressing table.

I have lots of candle holders scattered around the house

So pop over to Faded Charms and check out White Wednesday

WHITE WEDNESDAY

2010-07-08T16:21:00.004+10:00

I know it's Thursday here in Australia but over at Faded Charm it is White Wednesday

There are lots of wonderful blogs to visit and see lots and lots of Wonderful Whites.

Here in my entry from the mirror above a half circle table you can see my other little white entry table with some white goodies on it. There is also a mirror above that table. On the table I have white candlesticks, shells and a glass urn full of sea glass and a candle in the middle

There is a birdhouse you can see refleected on the left hand side of the mirror

Click on photos to enlarge
Here is the birdhouse, at night I have a battery operated tealight candle flickering inside

I love the detail on this wall sconce that is in my lounge room

This is also on top of the table refelcted in the mirror of the first photo

FISHERMAN'S BEACH MORNINGTON

2010-07-06T14:41:00.007+10:00

After a cold Winter morning there is nothing like going to a local beach for a stroll in the afternoon sun

Below is a photo of Fisherman's Beach in Mornington (5 minute drive from home)

It is a lovely little beach.

Always seems to be seagulls sitting there waiting to see what the fishermen throw their way

Looks like they are just about walking on water here

They are such amazing birds

This one was a bossy boots, squawking at and chasing away any other birds that came near us.

We enjoyed our afternoon thawing out in the sun.

BREAKFAST & SUNSET

2010-06-28T20:35:00.007+10:00

This morning Max and I met my sister and brother-in-law for breakfast to celebrate my BIL's birthday. As we live 93km(58miles) away from each other I found this lovely nursery/cafe that was nearly in the middle. It is called Warran Glen Garden Centre and Cafe and is Warrandyte, Victoria. So any of you Melbourne girls looking for somewhere to meet your friends then this is the place.

The entry was so pretty with lots of rusty metal.

See on the wall to the left pretty cut out panels that had lights behind them.

The urns at the front looked fabulous

If you click on the photo to enlarge it you can see that the cafe is at the back of the main building

Just look at this gorgeous urn

It was a cold frosty morning and there was frost on the top of the urn

See the cut out sections on the roof & side panels. So pretty and the sun shining through them onto the wall below looked wonderful
There was also a great gift section

There were some amazing huge water bowls/pots there

Loved the outdoor Living Section at the back

Wish I had a yard big enough to have this water feature

SUNSET at Mt Martha Beach

The winds were really strong so it was perfect conditions for the Wind Surfers

See the ship on the right of the setting sun

There's that ship again - now it's on the left of the sun

I don't know how these guys manage to control the boards.

A tough workout, they were going so fast.

SUNSHINE AND RAIN

2010-06-21T22:33:00.010+10:00

AFTERNOON SUNSHINE

After our weekend rain the sun was beautiful this afternoon

I just love the afternoon sunshine streaming through my bedroom window.

Creating beautiful shadows as it streams through the lace curtains.

After 6 years of sunshine coming through these windows my toile drapes need replacing. I think this time they might just be white.

Click on photos to enlarge - they look better that way

Love the lacy shadows created by the afternoon sun

With our Winter weekend rain there were some gorgeous raindrops around the garden

This pretty Iceberg Rosebud with a hint of pink looked so pretty with it's raindrops

Love the way the drops of rain glisten

Drip, drop.

Love the frosty look of this rosebud

Such a soft and pretty look

Loving the big droplet just hanging and waiting to fall

Love how this is just hanging on the tip of the branch

All in a row

These I adore, looking like little glass balls

Not many blooms left on my climbing Pierre de Ronsard

Ready to drop off the tip of this lemon tree leaf

The rain was wonderful for our Victorian gardens

ROSES AND A BEAUTIFUL WINTERS DAY

2010-06-15T21:06:00.012+10:00

ROSES

On 26th April I picked these late Autumn roses and thought I'd leave them for ages to see how they dried out.

This is how they are today

I love the papery (not a real word but you know what I mean) look of them

These colours I adore

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER'S DAY

Today Max and I went for a coffee down at the pier at Mornington (5 minutes from home)
We just buy a take away coffee and take a snack of some sort to have with it

It was such a beautiful afternoon

Love the cobblestones leading onto the wooden pier

Just look at the texture of this pylon on the pier

Here is Max leaning over looking into the water

Some of the boatsheds

Look at the colour of the cliff face

Loving the rust on the pontoon

A great way to spend a Winter afternoon

SEAGLASS

2010-06-02T22:23:00.005+10:00

LOVE IT

Living a five minute drive from the beach is wonderful.

I have spent a lot of time year round walking along our little stretch of beach.

Everytime I go for a walk I pick up a couple of pieces of seaglass.

Thought I'd show you some of the ways I display them

In the middle of this glass urn is a candle.

At night when the candle is lit it looks so pretty

Love this photo of my son Michael. The scattering of seaglass is mainly the colours of his uniform

This crystal compote(filled with seaglass) on my dining dresser was a gift Max and I gave ourselves for our 15th Wedding Anniversary(19 years ago)

I have two of these on my TV cabinet

This cut glass compote filled with seaglass belonged to my grandmother

I put my Grandmothers cut glass compote on the floor so as I could take an overhead shot of the seaglass

On my bookcase I have seaglass scattered across the front of Barbara Jacksier's book Waterside Cottages. The glass goes perfectly with the colours on the cover of Barbara's book

This sweet little lamp has shells, stones and seaglass surrounding its base

Seaglass, stones and shells.

Love my local beach

TIME

2010-05-26T22:18:00.005+10:00

TIME

I don't seem to be able to find the time to get out my art supplies and create anything.

My supplies take up too much room. The room I was using as my creative space now has a bed and gets used by the grandchildren a few times a week so there is no way I can leave anything half done on my desk .

So I have decided to get back to embroidery as my main artwork.

This silver bowl holds what I will use for my next creation.

Linen, threads, a needle and an old watch to remind me to take the time to create.

This needle will be my saviour.

It will help me sit and relax yet still create

SUNDAY IN MELBOURNE

On Sunday we went to Melbourne (just over an hours drive)

We went for a walk along the Yarra River

Such a beautiful Autumn day

Autumn in Melbourne is always special.

From 3 to 5

2010-05-21T09:28:00.005+10:00

Come Christmas Day we should have not ONE but TWO new babies in our family

My daughter Amy and her husband Ryan are expecting their second child on 30th November

Riley will love having a baby in the family

Funny kid thinks you go to Target to get a baby sister, there will be trouble if it's a brother cos he says he wants to get a baby sister at Target

Amy is 12 weeks, so this is where she's at

My son Daniel and his fiance Candice are also expecting

They are due 21st December

Candice is 9 weeks

Daniel and Candice have been back living with us since late October waiting for their house to be built. They hope to move in next month but I don't think it will be ready by then. Hope it's done before the baby arrives

If I thought I was busy with 3 grandchildren I can only imagine the craziness of 5.

LAST OF MY AUTUMN ROSES & THE WINNER IS... Dee Dee

2010-05-20T08:00:00.007+10:00

1st June sees the beginning of Winter for us in Australia

My roses are still blooming which is lovely to see

Love my Pierre de Ronsard climber

Had to take a photo of the spider web coming off this rosebud.

The Winner of my giveaway is Dee Dee of BrownPaperPackaging

Dee Dee said...
Congrats on 200 posts! :) Thanks for all the comments on my blog. They always make me smile.
May 17, 2010 12:40 PM

Dee Dee you need to email me your address as there is no email address on your blog.

Some exciting happenings in my family.

Will post about it tomorrow as my babysitting gig with Riley is in full swing and he's just decided to try swinging off my arm which makes posting slightly difficult

200th Post and a Giveaway

2010-05-12T21:53:00.003+10:00

Can't believe I have done 200 posts.

To celebrate the occasion I am having a giveaway.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this page and this sweet heart garland could be yours.

I will draw a winner on the night of 19th May (Australian time)

Love Autumn

Love looking at the colours of the leaves on the Silver Birch trees at the end of this garden.
Amazing that these 3 silver birch still have their leaves but the 5 out the front garden have none left.

Beautiful raindrops on the camellia blooms this morning

Love the colour of the flowers on the camellias in this hedge

Thanks to everyone on their lovely comments over the time we had Riley staying with us.

Hope it didn't bore you too much

Don't forget to leave a comment to be in the giveaway

ONE HAPPY LITTLE MAN

2010-05-10T19:32:00.005+10:00

A Happy Mothers Day for little Riley

Yesterday morning daughter Amy and her husband Ryan came home from New York

We told Riley we were going to the airport to look at aeroplanes.

He was quite happy with that. A drive of just over an hour.

Of course we saw some planes and he was happy.

Waiting by the doors for his parents to come out of International arrivals we told him someone special was coming. Funny little man thought that it was going to be his cousins.

When Amy and Ryan came through the doors, he was amazed. He never said anything, just looked at them. Of course we passed him over the barrier for his parents to have a cuddle.

Just look at that smile.

He kept a tight hold of his Mummy's hand as we were leaving the waiting area

Still holding on to her as we walked to the car.

It has been very quiet at our home today without him.

Not to worry he is back on Wednesday and doesn't leave again until Thursday night.

He is a gorgeous little man.

DAYS 5 TO 8 OF 10

2010-05-06T19:50:00.010+10:00

Starting to miss his Mum and Dad.

Been trying to keep Riley busy so as he doesn't miss his parents too much.

Today he gave the horse around the corner a carrot

Sat in the new little Ikea tent having a snack of cheese, apple and carrot sticks

Loved having the little car track coming into the tent and laughed like mad when it ran off the track onto the floor

Decorated some cupcakes that he helped make
(Forgotten how much stuff you have around the place when you permanently have a little one with you)
Enjoyed an ice cream with his cousin Chloe at Wednesday night family dinner. This week we went around the corner to daughter Melanie's house for dinner instead of my house

I think he's a Blogger in training - loves using the camera and had fun looking at himself in the mirror of the toy dressing table and actually getting a half decent photo. Amazing that at 2 1/2 he does take a few good shots

Chain Saw Gang - Tuesday afternoon I picked Lachlan and Chloe up from school so they could have a play with Riley. They made themselves crowns out of the car track and then got out Riley's toys - chain saw, hedge trimmer and tool box

Monday Melanie came around for a coffee and read a story to Riley

It has been fun having Riley. Feel a bit sad when he starts asking for his Mum and Dad and gets a bit teary eyed.

They are due home 8.00am Sunday morning.

Should be a tearful reunion.

Just noticed that this is post 198 so sometime next week come back as I will have a Giveaway for my 200th Post

DAY THREE AND FOUR OF TEN

2010-05-02T20:48:00.006+10:00

LOTS MORE FUN

Saturday we took Riley to watch his Uncle Daniel play football.

At 1/4 and 1/2 time he had fun playing football with Grandmadaddy.

Fun name for a Grandfather - Max became Grandmadaddy when our first grandchild Lachlan (7) first started talking, he couldn't say Grandad but could say Grandma so the daddy was added to Grandma

He is a good little kicker of the football

Must be because he watches his daddy play football every week

Sunday he spent a few hours with his other Uncle Michael and Aunty Chantelle

He loved his noodle dinner with his Uncle Michael

Time Square New York was shut down by a bomb square - Amy and Ryan rang to say that their accommodation was in that area and were trying to get back to their hotel.

We have been having so much fun with Riley, he says the funniest things.

He has even been sleeping well which is such a bonus (for us anyway)

DAY TWO OF TEN

2010-04-30T19:49:00.004+10:00

We survived Night One

We were quite pleased with night one, Riley only woke twice.

He has only asked about his parents a few times, so that's a relief.

There are only so many times you can say they are at work.

This afternoon it was off to the beach

He loved jumping off the mounds of sand left by the trucks that were working on our beach
I'm the King of the castle and you're the dirty rascal

DAY ONE OF TEN

2010-04-29T20:08:00.002+10:00

Today is the first of ten days that we are looking after 2 ½ yo Riley. Our daughter Amy and husband Ryan flew to New York this morning. A 14 hour flight to LA then 5 hour flight to New York. Ryan and his ‘team’ from work have won an award and as the parent company is from USA they are going there to receive the award. The company pays for their flights, accommodation, award night and sightseeing for 4 days – how lucky they are. So they are staying on a little longer to see more of the sights and have a bit of a break.

Today Riley was watching a

DVD of Toy Story 2

This is the first time Riley has been away from his parents for more than one night!!!
I am not sure how it will go as he is a very restless sleeper , dreams and talks in his sleep and quite often ends up sleeping with Amy and Ryan.
Hopefully by the end of his stay we will still be sane. You can sometimes forget how tiresome it can be to have such a little man around full time. He does give us so much love and lots of laughs.
Amy and Ryan return home on the morning of Mother’s Day.

OUT OF THE STUDY WINDOW

2010-04-26T19:46:00.004+10:00

TIME FOR A MAKEOVER OF THE SHED WALL

Looking out of the study window all I see is our boring blank walled garden shed

It needed something interesting on it for me to look at

I had a collection of driftwood picked up from my many walks on the beach.

So below is what was made

Three driftwood hangers
All you need is some wire and a collection of driftwood

Drill some holes through each end of the driftwood and wrap your wire around it

I love the texture of driftwood

Just keep adding your pieces of driftwood and you have a fun beach theme hanger

BEACH CLOSED

2010-04-22T14:57:00.003+10:00

First time I have seen this at my local beach - Mount Martha

The sign tells it all.

After a long time of losing sand on North Beach they are finally relocating the sand from the South Beach onto North Beach.

It will be wonderful to again be able to have lots of sand under my feet as I walk along the waters edge

They are also repairing storm damage and erosion on the cliff walls

Wednesday and Thursday we took Riley down to see the trucks.

He loved watching them being filled with sand.

Every little boys dream - a big sandpit!!

FINISHED

2010-04-15T22:28:00.005+10:00

More or Less

I have finally finished my embroidery. Can't believe that I first put these bits and pieces together on my Day 12 Post on 22nd January. Time just flies by, so many family things happening that stop me playing at creating.

This is the finished embroidery. Now I need to frame it in something, not quite sure what yet. Probably stretch it over a board and then put a frame over it.

Love lives in this house.

I saw this quote on a little tin sign and thought it was sweet.

The door knob is a crystal bead with a little seed bead holding it in place

I love the look of the muslin in the window and door

The tree is also created from a circle of muslin, with a cream button and sequins in the centre and some french knots around the outside

The tree trunk is stemstitched and the pot I just played around with

Enjoying a cup of tea

2010-04-10T20:20:00.005+10:00

After a busy week I was happy to have my latest issue of Somerset Life arrive in the mail on Friday morning. Perfect time for having a nice peaceful cup of tea and a flick through the magazine.

I was sitting at the kitchen table and looked up and saw a great reflection in the bottom of the mirror.

It was the reflection of my Family Photo wall.

I love seeing this wall of everchanging photos of my family.

Pretty cup and seaglass from my local Mt. Martha beach on the kitchen table

Love the colour of this wall

I often change over the photos in the frames.

The top 3 photos are wedding shots.

On the left is my parents wedding which was a double wedding shared with my mothers sister.

The middle photo is of my own wedding

The last photo is of Max's Nanna and Pops wedding

The wall to the left of my Family Photo wall has on old meat safe cupboard against it.

I have been tempted to paint it white but so far I haven't done it.

I love the painted canvas on this wall that has a lovely quote on it.

Family Faces are magic mirrors

Looking at people who belong to us

we see the past present and future.

I can't remember where I first saw this quote but I loved it and painted it on the canvas.

Lots of visitors have copied this quote and done it for their own homes

There is a photo of my son Michael taken when he did his army training

Love this old table I use in the kitchen.

Got it for $5.00 at a garage sale. As you can see by all of the cuts and splashes in the table top it was used in a shed as a work bench

I love all of its imperfections

Love the timber and paint left on the legs

Hope everyone has a great weekend

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2010-04-01T22:48:00.003+11:00

THINGS TO DO AT GRANDMA'S

School holiday time here in Victoria, so that means extra babysitting duties.

Had all 3 grandchildren today and they had some fun

They made roads on the deck out of old timber offcuts

Chloe was holding up the Stop/Go sign that the boys were just ignoring

Don't you just love the fast moving legs of Riley trying to do a cart wheel

Cousins ready for a nap.

Lucky Lachlan had Uncle Daniel home for the day to learn how to play cards.

I am nagging Max to let me get rid of these green sofas for some nice cream/white slip covered ones

Excuse the messy surrounds but with Riley 2, Chloe 6, Lachlan 7 and Uncle Daniel all playing around in the one room there is always laughter, chaos and mess.

Laughter beats mess any day!

Chloe and Riley doing handstands together

After 3 days of babysitting I am well and truly ready for a Nana-nap!

What is 'this' - SALE in shop

2010-03-23T18:06:00.005+11:00

Finally got a chance to pick this up again

What do you think it will be

My camera is playing up so the photos aren't very good.

I am having fun with it

SALE

Time for a restock of my shop 'Alison by the Bay' so I'm having a SALE.

All prices are in Australian Dollars and include shipping/postage Australia wide.

International buyers please email for a shipping quote prior to purchasing.

Love this collage

Gorgeous Tags

Love this heart

So drop by and check out my SALE

MORNING AT MT MARTHA BEACH

2010-03-20T22:17:00.007+11:00

This morning Max and I met our youngest Michael at the beach. He had his kayak and also his girlfriends kayak with him. Michael, his girlfriend Chantelle and their dog Mack live one kilometre (0.6 of a mile) from us and Michael rang at 7am to see if we wanted to meet him at the beach to swim and go kayaking. Of course we said yes.

I had not been on a kayak for years and really enjoyed it.

This photo is of Michael and his dog Mack.

Usually Mack swims beside the kayak or walks along the beach near the kayak.

Today we got him sitting in the kayak and he loved it.

Check the YouTube video I made of Michael and Mack

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-03-16T07:36:00.002+11:00

TODAY THIS ONE IS 29

Talk about time flying. I can't believe baby number three is 29 today

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE

2010-03-10T14:44:00.004+11:00

How time flies when you are having fun

My Iceberg Roses survived our recent cold spell

On Sunday we had a family reunion for Max's mothers side of the family
Unfortunately due to cancelled flights and the expected bad weather many didn't turn up.
We were lucky with the weather, not a drop of rain.

Monday was a family get together for Chloe's 6th Birthday

Today is a babysitting day

Took Riley to his favourite store - Bunnings Hardware and bought him some new garden gloves.

Potted up a Chinese Star Jasmine this morning, can't wait to see how long it takes to fill this wreath. Hope it is full enough by Christmas time to sit by the front door as my Living Christmas Wreath.

Yep, time does fly when you are having fun

AUTUMN

2010-03-01T23:16:00.004+11:00

1st Day of Autumn.

As with lots of Autumn days it started cool and cloudy and by afternoon there were clear blue skies and a little sunshine

Today I picked some roses - Iceberg and Pierre De Ronsard.

Loved putting them together with some Autumn leaves from my Japanese Maple.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

2010-02-23T13:41:00.004+11:00

Well I think they are special

We had a family picnic a couple of Sundays ago and these are photos of the grandkids

Chloe, Riley and Lachlan

Lachlan is 7 and is my eldest daughterMelanie's son

Chloe is 5 and is also Melanie's child

This cherub is Riley 2 and is my daughter Amy's son

We had a fabulous family picnic welcoming Michael home from Army Training at Kapooka

MARCH OUT KAPOOKA

2010-02-18T09:00:00.009+11:00

On the weekend we went to Wagga Wagga to Kapooka to see Michael in the

March Out Parade

He has joined the Army Reserve

The weather was terrible on the day of the March Out - it rained and rained and RAINED!!

Here are Max and I with Michael

Look at this rain
They kept them standing in the rain forever Enlarge the photo to see them standing at the back

If you enlarge this one you can see the raindrops

Here he was marching past us. He says he was looking at the guttering of the area we were sitting in as he knew if he saw us he would start smiling

His partner Chantelle was so happy to see him again after being gone for 29 days

She couldn't get enough of these kisses

HEART SESSIONS

2010-02-09T10:13:00.002+11:00

Once again Rebecca Sower has Heart Sessions on her blog

Go check her latest Heart Sessions no.4

This heart is part of what I am creating using the bits and pieces featured in my post DAY 12

I have been having fun just picking this piece up when I have a few spare minutes

The sequins are really more a flesh colour but have shown up with an apricot tinge to them on the photo

Todays words of love

Love is strong yet delicate

It can be broken

To truly love is to understand this

To be in love is to respect this

-Stephen Packer-

HEART SESSIONS with Rebecca Sower

2010-02-05T10:56:00.007+11:00

Rebecca Sower is hosting Heart Sessions on her blog

You can join in too

Post a handcrafted heart and a few love themed words

There is only one happiness in life,
to love and be loved

-George Sand-

If you like these hearts I have some available in my store
Alison by The Bay

FIRST TIME IN 27 YEARS

2010-01-31T20:05:00.005+11:00

My youngest Michael had his 27th Birthday on Saturday and for the first time in his life we never got to see him on his birthday

He has joined the Army Reserve and is away at camp training for 28 days.

Looking forward to seeing him at March Out in a couple of weeks time

Thanks to Michael and his partner Chantelle, Max and I celebrated Michaels birthday with a night away at Morning Star Estate in Mt Eliza

They gave us a night away with accommodation, 3 course dinner and a full breakfast at Morning Star Estate as a thank you for letting them come home to live while their house was being built last year. Such a sweet thing to do
This photo shows the Private Residence there

The gardens are beautiful

Fabulous roses and box hedging

You can see Port Phillip Bay in the background

I wouldn't want to have to do the gardening here - so many roses to keep in shape

To the left is Mornington Golf Course - great views from that course

Click on the link to the golf course to check it out

Such a beautiful and shaded rose covered archway

We spent quite a bit of time wandering through the garden

The restaurant and accommodation is in the background of this photo

These steps lead up to the water feature

This was the beautiful view we had from our breakfast table this morning

We really ejoyed our overnight break away

DAY 12

2010-01-22T20:20:00.005+11:00

Day 12 of being sick.

I am so sick of being sick. Just a couple of days after getting home from visiting my Dad I got sick. Temperature of 39.8 (103.6), body aches, the shakes, coughing, vomitting, blah, blah, blah. After a week I thought I'd better go to the Doctor. He says it's the flu and gave me antibiotics. Whatever flu it is, it has surely knocked me around. I am finding it really hard to concentrate on much and even find it difficult to go around blog hopping.

HOLDING HANDS

Got to sit on the couch holding hands with this little treasure on Wednesday.

Riley loves to have you hold his hand when he is tired and

sometimes you have to hold a foot too!

He had some fun building a house on the deck outside.

He even has a couple of toolboxes and knows the names of all the tools

SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH

I have got together a few bits and pieces to play with in the next few days. Hopefully I will be up to doing a bit of embroidery and finally do something creative.

Some vintage sequins amongst the treasures too

A few different types of threads

Gorgeous vintage glass and pearl buttons

Love these threads and buttons

A bit of linen, some vintage trims, buttons and various threads. At least it will be something I can just pick up and do 5minutes here and there on it.

SORRY BUT....

2010-01-14T08:38:00.002+11:00

Sorry but I have now put comment moderation on my blog.

I have been getting so, so many spam comments that I think it is the only thing to do.

Hopefully I have done it the right way and now I have to approve all comments.

Thanks for your understanding

Alison

A NEW YEAR BEGINS

2010-01-11T13:51:00.005+11:00

2010 HERE WE COME

Drove to Hervey Bay to see my father over the christmas break. It was 1995 kms (1293 miles) to his house. Quite a drive. My sister and her husband came with us.

My father is 86 years old and the doctors say that his body is slowly shutting down.

He was quite well when we got there which was great to see.

As it is Summer here the weather was supposed to be warm - not so in Queensland.

I think it rained nearly every day we were at my fathers.

We went to Mount Tamborine along the way where there is an area called Gallery Walk.

We went there a few years ago and I was looking forward to showing my sister how good it was. I must say I was a little disappointed this time as there were not as many good Galleries and Craft shops as before. Lots of coffee shops and restaurants so of course we had to have a coffee.

We went to Dundowran Beach where Max and I had a great walk.

Max took this shot - he's getting quite artisitic

Sometimes he is the one to say grab the camera in case we see something for the blog

I took this one looking through the roots of a tree on the foreshore

HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP

The highlight of my trip (also the sunniest day)was calling in on our drive home to see Cathy Penton at her and Angela's shop Simple Things Small Joys at 10522 New England Highway Highfields - open Thursday to Sunday 9-00 til 4.30pm

The shop is in a great little craft village called Abbie Lane. The first shop you see is a relocated converted church. Cathy and Angela's shop is in a little group of 5 shops behind the Church.

Anyone heading that way - make sure you call in, believe me you won't be disappointed

Here is a photo of Cathy, her gorgeous daughter Kirstie and I.

Max quickly snapped this one (with Cathy's permission of course)

The shop looks fabulous. Click on the photos to enlarge them and get a better look.

This display table looks great

These HOME charms are in the table above.

Hard to see with the reflection of the overhead light fitting in the shot

I think I could just about live in this shop - it is just sensational

Couldn't leave without adding to my charm collection

Had to get a couple of A's for Alison, a sweet oval You/Me and I just love this bevelled glass beauty

Just check out the glass - love it

This is the reverse side of the charms

Beautiful

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with their family and loved ones.

CHRISTMAS DAY

2009-12-25T17:48:00.008+11:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM

MOUNT MARTHA BEACH

This morning as is the usual for Max and I on a Christmas morning it was breakfast on the beach

One special thing was this writing on the beach

It says 'Pumpkin will you marry me'

Our son Daniel proposed to his girlfriend Candice

From behind the boatsheds this is what we saw

Aaahhh....how sweet

Of course she said yes.

The four of us then had breakfast on the beach.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
Tomorrow we head off (driving) to Queensland to see my 86 year old father who isn't very well.
On the way home I hope to call into Cathy Penton and Angela Osment's shop Simple Things Small Joys in Highfields

See you all again about 10th January.

My store Alison by the Bay will be closed until 10th January.

Any purchases or emails made will be dealt with on 11th January

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

2009-12-18T20:01:00.009+11:00

This year I put a little christmas tree on the kitchen table and put some of my mother's vintage decorations on it.

Such a wonderful reminder of my beautiful mother

Such a cute plastic angel - love her smile

Pearly/silver beads on this little boot
and a glass garland

Glass/tinsel flower on top of angel

Poor Santa has lost his feet and his arms have turned orange

Blue flower

Pearl/silver beaded bell

Love this little gazebo with the deer

Here is my orange armed Santa again

Love the heart shaped mouth on this little elf

This little wooden man (the daddy) was bought by me for christmas 1976, 4 months before our first child was born. He is part of the set below

This little family group was representing the impending birth of our first baby born in April 1977.

This was the mummy (me) - lost her leg somewhere!!

There was our sweet little baby to be

This lovely flocked bell has such a cute Santa inside

Another little angel with gold glittered wings

This sweet angel on top was given to my mother by my cousin

I always loved the soft hair on this angel

Santa hanging out in his tinsel wreath

Lots of special memories on this tree - my beautiful mother who passed away nearly 17 years ago. Not a day goes by when I don't think about her.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE..OH CHRISTMAS TREE & WE HAVE A WINNER

2009-12-12T17:33:00.007+11:00

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

Oh Christmas tree

why did you have to go cream???

Last Sunday I was going to put up my 'White Christmas Tree'

I opened the box and screamed - my white tree had become white AND CREAM!!

After much and I mean MUCH whinging "How could this be???"

Just look at the cream leaves on top of the white in the above photo.

Then I realised if all the creams could be together - just how they have been for the last few years and facing the afternoon summer sun and heat of an Australian Christmas - then that is how they turned cream.
I was so annoyed I just chucked it back in the box.

So yesterday I decided I had sooked enough and it was time to get it out again and just place the cream to the back and against the window to face another Aussie Summer
I decided that as it was so late going up I would just use my silver and white decorations.

I love this battenburg lace angel with her little pearl head

Here is another one holding a blue flower and it is next to Riley's decoration.
Everyone in the family has their name on a silver christmas ball.

Pretty ballerina changes colour as the sun shines through the window

Here is my cute Vintage Santa Wreath on the bookshelf next to Barbara Jacksier's wonderful book Waterside Cottages. I love that there is a wreath on the book cover next to my Vintage one

This sweet Santa is on my hutch next to the photo my Grandad is in.

Angel with presents next to my milk glass lamp

This beautiful silver Fairy is on top of my christmas tree

This photo was taken last night. So hard to take a decent photo of the tree in the window.

As much as I hate the timber blinds behind it, they are the only thing that works on that window. The sun is so intense in that window that 2 pair of drapes have faded so badly over the last 6 years that the timber blinds were a last resort.

This one is with the lights on

This is one I took today in the daytime light

I love these cream felt angels that hang down one of my doors

AND THE WINNER IS...........

Kylie from A Bite of Country Cupcakes

Kylie was comment No. 19

Kylie is the winner of a $90 voucher from Buysterrugs.

Kylie send me your details and Maree from Buysterrugs will be in touch.

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE, OI,OI,OI - IT'S A GIVEAWAY

2009-12-06T13:40:00.004+11:00

GIVEAWAY FOR AUSSIES
As I have told you before Maree from Buysterrugs contacted me

about having a giveaway on my blog.

I selected a cute City Streets Kid's Rug for myself as I knew Riley would love playing with it on the days that I babysit him.

The rug has arrived and Riley is having such fun.

The giveaway gift is a fabulous $90 Gift Voucher for the winner to spend at Buysterrugs

Check out their website and see the great range of rugs they have and maybe work out which one you want if you are the lucky winner

Riley has such fun running the cars around the roads.

Sorry but this Giveaway will only be open to those from Australia as Buyster is based in Australia and only ships within Australia.

All you Aussie girls let your friends know about the Giveaway - if they don't have a blog then get them to leave an email address so I can contact them if they win.

The winner of the Giveaway will be drawn on Saturday 12th December.

Sorry but this Giveawy will only be open to those from Australia

Just leave a comment to be in the draw.

PINCH PUNCH FIRST OF THE MONTH

2009-12-01T11:42:00.011+11:00

PINCH PUNCH 1ST OF THE MONTH..WHITE RABBIT

Who still says 'Pinch punch 1st of the month, white rabbit'??

Oh..well that would probably be me!

Being a bad sleeper I was awake at about 2am, max was stirring in bed, so I had to say it,pinch punch......... - he thinks I'm crazy.

1st December means our first day of Summer

Look at these two photos out the front of my home this morning.

Beautiful Summer blue skies

TIME FOR A CHANGE

I was well and truly ready for a change of look from shabby chic to - mmm.. I don't know what it is ...maybe family history.

So I went from this Shabby Chic look

To this
Everything on the shelves of the hutch has family history attached to it.

Starting at the top we have Max's Nana's clock

There is an inscription on it from 1924 and it was a gift for her upcoming marriage

I love the detail on the side

The leg has pretty detail too

Love this tattered leather binocular case and of course the binoculars.

They belonged to Max's father, Stan who passed away 2 years ago

This oh so tarnished silver dish belonged to my Grandmother.

I must admit I am loving the tarnished silver look.

I think my grandmother used to put butter in it

I love the detail of the goat handle

Next is Max's fathers telescope

Max wants to make a stand for it. It looks beautiful when it is extended.

This is the telescope in it's case. The two caps come off the ends.

This is a trophy max's father won for Rifle Shooting in 1948

Here is some milk glass that I have been givenby my Aunt Nancy who this year was 88

This photo is of my Grandfather's war buddies when they met for a March

He was in the 2nd Division Engineers in the World War 1. I will have to check on that history with my Aunt Nancy. On googling it, it appears to have been formed in 1915.

Here is my grandfather in the middle without a hat.

I was very close to him when I was young, sadly he passed away when I was about 8 due to the effects of Mustard Gas used in the war.

This silver and glass dish always had jam in it at my Grandmothers. Perfect for scones, jam and cream.....yummy

Love the cute little knob on the lid

This beautiful angel belonged to my gorgeous mother who passed away at the age of 66 in 1992. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her. mum had the angel on the shelves in her lounge room.

This sugar dish was handed down to my mother from my grandmother and now I have it

Love the spoon

Look at the detail

This pretty bell came from my Aunt nancy

Love the sweet crown on top

Next is my Great Grandmothers bible - quite tatty

Just look at the beautiful crumbling spine

Inside it has a newspaper clipping on her passing

These bone handled knives came from my mother in law Dot.

This beautiful statue was a gift to me from Max - she has such a pretty face

This silver bowl came from my Grandmother

The combination of the heart and watch to me means that we need to watch out for our hearts and the heart is a reminder of how fragile our hearts can be.

This watch belonged to Max's grandfather.

Crystal Compote was a gift for our 15th Wedding Anniversary in 1991 (yes I was a child bride!LOL) and of course I had to put some of our beautiful local seaglass in it

Slowly but surely many changes are being made in my life

Hope you enjoyed some of my family history

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

2009-11-26T13:38:00.006+11:00

SEAGULLS for Waterside Wednesday

Amazing how many Seagulls you see at the beach

Watching and waiting for something to come their way

Here they are at Queenscliff just waiting to get a crumb of our morning tea

Lining up in the carpark at my local -Mount Martha Beach

Carpark at Dromana Beach waiting for a chip to be thrown their way

Soaring through the sky at McCrae Beach

Lining up again at McCrae Beach.

They certainly are the best beach side scavengers I have seen

Go visit Barbara Jacksiers Blog for more Waterside Wednesday Posts

DO YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP

2009-11-24T22:21:00.004+11:00

If you think your life isn't going the way you would like it to then take a look at this
Somehow it puts it all in perspective

Take care
Alison

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

2009-11-18T16:29:00.006+11:00

ANOTHER BABYSITTING GIG

This week involves lots of Babysitting.

Lachlan and Chloe overnight on Monday night. Then take them to school and pick them up again on Tuesday.

Wednesday morning I pick up Riley and he is here until Thursday night.

After all that I do sleep soundly on Thursday nights.

After an early dinner with Lachlan and Chloe on Monday night we went to Mornington (5 minutes in the car) for them to have a run along the pier

Running on the Mornington Pier

Lets look over here - I see a fish

The wind is blowing us along the pier

Lachlan has his head down and is trying to look between the gaps in the pier to see how many fish are down there

Ooh this looks a bit dangerous with the missing timber

Oh what is a girl to do in the wind???

Lets look down here too!!

So far down there

Wonder what their mother would have thought when we let them climb up here???

Looks like Chloe is about to lean too far

They could see the city of Melbourne from here

They couldn't believe the rubbish that people had thrown in the water and how it ended up washed up on the rocks

Lachlan and Max just 'hanging' around

The kids really enjoyed their little venture to Mornington Pier and after all that running around they slept really well

Go check Barbara Jacksiers blog for this weeks Waterside Wednesday

Busy weekend and a giveaway is coming

2009-11-13T23:15:00.003+11:00

Off to Shepparton for the weekend

This weekend my youngest Michael 26 is competeing in the Shepparton Half Ironman

This is his first triathlon. The race is on Sunday and the weather in the area is meant to reach 40 C ( 104 Farenheit), way too hot for my liking. He will be swimming 1.8km(1.2 miles) riding 9okm (56 miles) and running 22km (13.5 miles) such a difficult thing to do in the heat. Apparently the race can be shortened if the temperature is too extreme. The race starts at 7.00am Sunday. Fingers crossed that he completes this race in a time that he is happy with.

BUYSTERS RUGS GIVEAWAY COMING SOON

Maree from Buyster Rugs contacted me about having a giveaway on my blog.

I have selected this cute City Streets Kid's Rug for myself as I think that Riley would love playing with it on the days that I babysit him. Apparently the rug is on its way. Once it comes I will see how much fun Riley will have with it and then a Giveaway will be coming your way.

A fabulous gift voucher for the winner to spend at Buysterrugs .

Sorry but this Giveawy will only be open to those from Australia as Buyster is based in Australia and will only ship within Australia.

The Giveaway will be coming soon.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY

2009-11-08T15:28:00.008+11:00

FIRST STOP MORNINGTON MARKET

A beautiful Spring Sunday morning with the temperature heading towards 35 celsius (95F)

My daughter Amy along with little Riley came and picked up Max and I to go to Mornington Market. Melanie my other daughter and her kids Lachlan and Chloe live just around the corner so we picked them up too. Lucky that Amy has a 7 seater to fit us all in.

With such fabulous weather there were heaps of people. Forgot to take my camera with me.

Stopped for a chat with Gail McCormack who was there with husband Tony and all of their fabulous paintings and furniture pieces for sale. 5 year old Chloe just adored all of Gails gorgeous girly ballet pieces. Stop by Gail and Tony's website and take a look at their fabulous work.

After a fun time wandering around the market the kids eating lollipops and hot chips/french fries it was time to head home.

Amy dropped Melanie and her kids at their house, then we dropped Max and Riley at my house,making sure I got my camera this time.

OPEN GARDEN

Amy and I then went to an Open Garden in Mornington called Dalywaters.

The entry fee of $5 went towards Legacy. Legacy is an organisation of veterans, servicemen and women and other volunteers who are dedicated to the care of the dependants of Australian Defence Force members, after the death of a spouse or parent during service, and to Australian and Allied families after operational service.

Dalywaters is a beautiful Mornington Peninsula wedding venue.

Amy in a great covered area. Such a pretty climbing rose

Through these fabulous rusted white gates you can see the chapel

The dam through the gate

Amy amongst the roses and agapanthus that were so full of buds just waiting to burst open.

This is the chapel where there was a lady playing the harp. It sounded beautiful

Such a beautiful setting

The arch here is where the bride would first walk in

She would then turn down this aisle and be on her way to the romantic chapel

Beautiful lavender lined brick pathway leading to the house on the property

Pretty daisies on the deck next to the dam

Blue moon roses

So many gorgeous roses and such a romantic setting

Below are some of the beautiful roses that were in the garden

Gorgeous petals

So many beautiful roses.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

2009-10-28T12:33:00.012+11:00

Point Nepean National Park

Tuesday we decided to go for a bit of a walk at Point Nepean National Park.

For many years - up until 1988 this area was used by the army.

We did the Fort Nepean Walk about a 7km return walk

It is described as a flat walk but it isn't really. There are quite a few hilly areas and steps as well. If you are riding a bike the track for cyclists also goes onto the road

There used to be a quarantine there as well

This is the ruins of what was a Cattle Jetty built in 1879

Fabulous driftwood on the beach

Old pilon and great rusted bolt

Lizard sunning itself on Coles Track

Love this rusted pole on Coles Track

We walked the length of this area

Eagles Nest - the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula where they built an encasement for hidden arms in 1888 to protect Port Phillip Bay and stop the enemy entering

The entry to Fort Pearce (it is underground)

It was amazing walking through these tunnels and old ruins

This sign shows what Fort Pearce Barracks was like.

We also walked as far as you can see in this pic.

Some fun Aussie Slang on a sign in the old fort

PortPhillip Bay on the left and Bass Strait on the right.

not much land in between

We walked along here as far as you can see.

Just along here is where the memorial to Prime Minister Harold Holt who drowned on the beach here in 1967

The Memorial Stone placed in memory of Harold Holt

You would wonder how security people would allow a Prime Minister to swim in an area like this