Reflections out Loud

Summer holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

I can't believe it's only 5 more weeks until the summer holidays!

I love the holidays but I do find that if there's no structure, the days pass quickly with nothing done that is out of the ordinary. I love this idea! It's so quick and simple and would help me to put more structure in the long hot summer days.

Found here.

Here's another idea:

Very Mary.

Inside each little flap is something to do on that day. I guess you could make it for the kids or for yourself.

Some holiday prompts can be found here, such as:

- make a Christmas card for your teacher

- hug everyone in your family

- write I love you notes to your family and put them under their pillows.

- say a prayer for the world's hungry people.

Have a great week!
xo

Wooden Fishing Game

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Olivia went down perfectly again today (I think she was so tired after her play-date). It was a perfect opportunity to get some more painting done on the deck.....but I got side tracked ;)

Instead I found this game. Isn't it cute! It's from here. I found it via the Crafty Cow. I had to share it!

I have a soft spot for wooden toys. It seems so easy to make too! I'm thinking this may be a good project for the summer holidays.

Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:16:00 +0000

I have been reading Sheye's blog for about a year now and everytime it's a reminder of the frailty of life and the blessing of family. Her young daughter Ava lost her life in the car on a hot summer's day. Sheye wants us to spread the word of Ava's Rule. You can read Sheye's blog here.

Things making me smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:32:00 +0000

* Spring! I love spring!!! I'm not so keen on the heat, but I love this time of year. The flowers, the picnics the clothes drying weather and the longer days!

* I have a white front door frame! The front door frame has been bugging me ever since we bought this house (almost 10 years ago!). The other day I decided that was it and painted it. I'm really not a very good painter, but at least it's done. It's brightened up the entry too! Would love to do the door, but I don't think I'd be happy with the result.

* I've begun painting the pergola. It's a huge job so I'm really just happy to get it done bit-by-bit.

* The garden's looking good. We've done heaps of gardening and tidying up outside. I'm so pleased that things are finally starting to come together.

* Olivia went down for her nap today with NO screaming!! So excited!! She has always been an angel, but for the past two-three weeks she has stood in her cot and screamed. We just kept being consistent and doing the same thing, and today, totally out of the blue she shocked me by going down perfectly! YAY!

* I'm getting a bigger table! Not brand new but it's an extendable one and we could squash 10 of us around it.

* Some projects I've got going at the moment - will hopefully show you soon.

* These pictures:1. DanDuchars1, 2. Picnic cutlery roll - open, 3. summer quilts-ready for a picnic, 4. peppermint bouquet, 5. cute, 6. Chocolate Gingerbread Men, 7. for ava, 8. _pink-room_main, 9. for Adelaide's birthday

Pom Pom Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:05:00 +0000

I love these pom pom flowers. I have used them to decorate several times this year and I love how they can transform a room so quickly.

Just thought I'd share the link I use for making them over at Martha Stewart.

(Martha Stewart)

(Martha Stewart)

(Ruby Press)

(Lilly Ella)

kiss the groom

(once wed)

Gingerbread House Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:27:00 +0000

I am SO keen to do a Gingerbread house again this year!

Last night I was looking around on flickr and here's some of the inspiration I found. I've decided to stick to a colour theme of pink white and maybe a little aqua and red.

1. Pink Rose Glitter Cottage, 2. Candy Cane Ice Skates in White, 3. Pink M&M's, 4. Gumdrop aqua cupcake cottage, 5. Gingerbread House Supplies, 6. Sugary Advent Calendar, 7. Ballet slippers, 8. Tiny strawberry cookies make me smile, 9. The dollhouse at Christmas, 10. I'll drink to that, 11. OH Homer - House, 12. Christmas dummy cake, 13. Decorated Snowflake Cookies, 14. Casinha Tilda, 15. Gingerbread House, 16. CC-Candy-Cottage

I'm on the lookout now for pink and aqua lollies!

Preschool Mini Album

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:08:00 +0000

I finished Hannah's this album for Hannah yesterday. It was heaps of fun and quite simple which meant I could get a bit done here and there.

As i said earlier, the original idea came from Elizabeth Kartchner. She's also putting a book out and you can catch a glimpse of it here.

Gorgeous Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Would you look at this wedding! It's so fairytale and gorgeous!

Photos from Style Me Pretty

Journal Entry

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Outside my window: The clouds are coming over and probably bringing the rain. Sarah and Hannah are pulling together any resources they can find in the backyard to make something.

I am thinking: I can't believe another year is nearly over!

I am thankful for: My family. Olivia showing some 'tidy girl' traits. A really good week at school for Sarah - she's growing up all the time. I'll miss the little girl.

From the kitchen: Brownies in the oven. Christmas pudding preparation.

I am creating: a mini album for Hannah's preschool year.

I am going: to enjoy this quiet Saturday.

I am reading: not much at the moment.

I am hoping: Mum and Dad are enjoying New York!

I am hearing: The girls screaming and laughing outside.

Around the house: A typical Saturday afternoon. Olivia sleeping, kids playing, Josh has gone off to a friends to service their cars.

One of my favourite things: These new gratitude digital brushes at house of 3. Planning on getting the kids to write down something this week.

Plans for the rest of the week: Hoping to fit in some scrapping time here and there. Lots of play dates for the kids next week. Mum and Dad coming home - YAY!

A picture to share:

Sarah showing her gratitude.

The Tinsel Trading Company

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Mum and Dad are in New York at the moment.

Mum called the other day and asked me to find some places she must try to go to.

I think she should go here! What do you reakon!

According to their website it's Martha Stewart's 'favourite store in the whole world!'

Photos from 'Such Pretty Things"

Why don't we have anything like this here!!

Mum FYI it's at:

The Tinsel Trading Company

1 West 37th Street

New York, NY 10018

212.730.1030

Playmates MIA :(

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:21:00 +0000

Today Hannah went back for her last term of preschool. She was so excited and had made a little present for her preschool friend. Olivia on the other hand is not enjoying having her playmates away. She loved having both of her big sisters home in the holidays. She keeps asking to see ssss-awah (aka Sarah) and awah (aka Hannah). I put a Dvd on for Olivia after her nap and she got excited. "Awah!" she said. I think she thought Hannah must have been home.

Today I started on a mini album for Hannah's preschool year. I'm scraplifting this one here.

Here's another layout I finished this week.

A layout and a Challange

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Recently I have had a chance to get a few layouts done. I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and try different colours and textures etc. I've really enjoyed it, and am mostly pleased with my layouts.
The rolled paper flowers shown are the ones I was telling you about here.
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Notice on the right I have a blinkie from 'lime zest'.
They have begun fortnightly challanges. This week's is to include their blinkie on your blog. The prize for the challange is November's Full Tart (November scrapbooking kit.) So, if you're into scrapbooking, head over and grab the blinkie.

Rolled Paper Rose Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:13:00 +0000

Just thought I'd share a tutorial I found for these pretty paper roses. I've put some on my most recent layout which I may post later. They're so easy to make and can be cut with scolloped scissors for a different effect. You can find the tutorial here at 'Lime Tart'.

School Holiday Love

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:44:00 +0000

I love school holidays.

I love having the kids at home and doing things with all of them.

I love going away as a family and having them make new discoveries - like electric fences and goats and shetlin ponies.

I love letting them stay up a little later and watching movies together.

I love not having the morning rush and letting the kids sleep until they wake up.

but...

I must admit, I was very happy to return to 'normality' today!

----------------------------------
The photo above is one of my favourite pics from our recent trip to Tumut. Josh took the girls out to see the goats one morning before breaky and took this photo. I don't know what it is about it, but it's a favourite of mine!

The heart of my home ♥♥♥

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:11:00 +0000

♥ The heart of my home is the kitchen. Whenever we're entertaining, our guests always hover around the kitchen and chat. The kids are either sitting up at the kitchen bench and chatting with me while I'm preparing food or wanting to help. Olivia's always hugging my legs while I'm trying to cook or wash up and Josh, well he is always looking in the pantry for something to eat!

♥ Today we're getting stuck into the kitchen. It's terrible really! The doors and handles are starting to fall off and things are looking a bit grim, so our aim today is to fix up a few things to help the kitchen last a bit longer. We have no idea whether we will eventually stay and renovate or move so we don't want to overhaul the kitchen until we've made up our mind!

♥ Anyway, I love kitchens! Here are a few of my favourites from here and there.
Have a lovely weekend ♥

Paper dolls

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Did you play with paper dolls when you were young? I did. I've still got a vintage one tucked behind my buffet and hutch that my Grandmother gave me when I was young. I've never managed to bring myself to open it. Yesterday I stumbled upon these sweet Paper Dolls. They are lovely and it brings back so many memories to see Hannah playing with them as I did.

So far it's been a good start to the week, but not at all how I planned. My Mondays are usually reserved for a top to bottom house cleaning but I had a severe case of procrastination instead. I did manage to clean the oven and do some baking!

Anyway, no little pixie came in the night and did it for me so I'd better get back to it now :)

Today

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:18:00 +0000

Out my window... Beautiful sun streaming onto the deck - beckoning me to grab a blanket and sit outside.

Thankful for... Olivia warming to Mum and Dad over the last month.

Inspired by... The thought 'serve with joy'.

Listening to... The microwave defrost tonights meal - other than that... blissful silence!

Looking forward to... Playing a board game with the girls tonight.

Making... The girls some blankets. I'm embroidering cute little mice on them.

Reading... Lots of books on the go at the moment - need to choose one to settle down with.

Wishing... That this headache would go.

Mermaid Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:36:00 +0000

I don't have a lot of time to post right now, but I just wanted to show you some pictures of the 'mermaid cake' I made for my daughter's 5th birthday.

The pattern is one of Debbie Browns from her 'Enchanting Magical Cakes' book. I was really pleased with the way it turned out too considering if didn't take as long as I would have imagined.

Sweet knitting!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:13:00 +0000

I recently stumbled upon these cute knitted cupcakes at Patchwork Pottery. They're made by RecycleMicol. I've searched the Internet for some knitted cupcake patterns and found this one. I think I'll have to leave it on Mum's coffee table with some yarn - although I think these one's here are just incredibly cute in their little box! I love that crochered flower! Does anyone know if they're difficult?

Organisation inspiration.

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:39:00 +0000

The past few days have been hectic so I've got one thing on my 'to do' list today - get some organisation back into this home :)

First two photos unknown - sorry.

Lovely Design

My little koala

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Olivia is such a little koala.

Anyone who has been around her for 5 minutes will have observed that Olivia does not easily let go! She holds on to our clothes and wraps her legs around us. I'm sure this comes from being carried around by the girls. She holds them so tight they can't drop her!Here's a layout I did yesterday. It's inspired by Elizabeth Kartcher my all time favourite scrapper! I love how she uses colours and embellishments. In her ask Lizzy column in Creating Keepsakes she talks about how she chooses colours. I had a major 'a ha!' moment and am keen to give her ideas a go. As for my seven things this week...I've so far managed to:
1. Give family lots of hugs and kisses - but can always do better!
2. Relaxed bedtimes with a story and snuggles - most nights - but not all.
3. Scrap a page for Olivia - yep!
4. Get into the garden - ah, no :(
5. A meal from my new slow cooker - made a beef casserole was really nice but a bit too tender!
6. Try an animal from fondant - tried elephants and failed. Will try an easier one next week.
7. Cooking with the girls - making butterfly cookies this afternoon.

Seven things...

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:23:00 +0000

A little reminder to get my priorities in order this week :)

Seven things for the week are:
1. Lots of hugs and kisses for the kids (and Hubby too!)
2. Relaxed bedtimes with a story and snuggles
3. Scrap a page for Olivia
4. Get into the garden
5. A meal from my new slow cooker (Thanks Pam!)
6. Try a farm animal from fondant
7. Cooking with the girls.

Sounds easy enough?!

Have a lovely week!

Engagement Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:59:00 +0000

I loved making this cake for my dear friend Danielle, and of course her hubby to be :)
I learnt so much through the process and was very pleased with the finished product. Unfortunately I didn't realise that my Mum's cake stand was wonky....might have to go and find myself a not-wonky one for next time :)

I love these!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Saw these gorgeous wall hangings on Etsy made by moonmum.

I love the colours!

I love the designs!

Sugar Blossoms

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Flickr

You would think it was spring with the amount of blossoms around here! I've been learning as I go which is fun, but I've discovered blossoms are very time consuming! I've been researching on the net for the most effective way to make sugar blossoms. So far this seems to be the most effective way.

Also, Olivia has decided that walking is a better option than crawling and has been walking everywhere the past two days. She took her first step on 1st March and it's taken her over three weeks to develop the confidence to walk. She still refuses to put her feet on the floor if she has shoes on though. I'm guessing she will be more cautious like Hannah. I've also noticed she's scared of heights and definitely does not like to be thrown around. Hannah was the same! Olivia's developing more confidence around the cat, but if it looks at her and walks towards her she screams. Very cute to watch and MUST get it on video :)

Anyhow, back to baking these cakes!