Yayyyyy They Ate Everything

Sorry no smart pitures today or anything but lately I've been trying to think of an original them for daily posts. Absolutely nothing comes to mind and with a 5yo girl and a 4yo boy every day is a revelation. Especially since Maddy (5yo girl) has started in Prep.

If your kids have been through Prep are or in Prep I'm sure you know what I mean. The quiet, nicely spoken young lady that you have nurtured for the last 4-5 years has started picking up a heap of bad habits.

1) Your carefully constructed, balanced meal lunch box, that once came home empty from playschool, now comes home hardly touched from school because there simply wasn't enough time to play and eat.

2) The words that you took care for them to enunciate have suddenly turned to absolutely meaningless phrases.

3) They have to do what their teachers say, not you.

4) They've behaved all day at school so shouldn't have to at home.

5) Last and not least, they have missed their sibling so much that they have to play, chat and do anything other than eat at dinner time.

The last is the reason for my post, I have struggled and struggled to get my children to eat their dinner within 1hr for weeks now and for the first time in what seems like an age they have. YAYYYYYYYYYYY. What did I feed them????

Well here it is, not very exciting but well accepted:
1) Mushroom and Tomato Flan
2) Potato salad, dressed with mayonnaise and grain mustard
3) Mixed salad including, lettuce (from the garden), tomatoes (from the garden), advocado, cucumber and capsium (red pepper)

I'm happy to share the recipes so email me if you're intested, for the purposes of this post they're not really important. This post is really just to share the small wins of motherhood.

In addition to the above I would also like to share that my daughter received an award for good behaviour today, they're quite frequent in Prep but always an absolute delight.

CONGRATULATION MADISON, WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO VERY PROUD

Pictures of our house in progress at last

I thought it was about time I published some pictures of all the work my husband's been doing on the house. Of course it's taking longer than planned but boy is he working hard.

25% Off

That's right I'm offering 25% off everything in my Etsy store for 24 hours only.

Sale ends at 6:15pm Etsy Time so don't miss out.

Come one come all
http://mooretaste.etsy.com

Phew what a relief

Well another hurdle out of the way. Our soil test results came in as "M", which for those of you that don't know is a whole heap better than the "H" that I had been expecting after talking to the guy doing the testing.

Right next job is to sign the kit home contract and get that order underway.

Owner Building

Well at long last we have bitten the bullet and bought our little piece of paradise. 2.5 acres in beautiful QLD. Since money is short we're going to be doing the bulk of the physical labour ourselves so it's certainly going to be hard work.

I just passed my owner builder course and have submitted my application for a builders permit so while we wait for that there's not much we can actually do onsite.

In the meantime though we did get our soil test done this week so whilst on site I took a couple of photos and thought you might like to see our land.




I'll post more when things start to progress and let you know what's happening onsite.

BrisStyle

At the instigation of Esther (GreenEnvyDesigns.etsy.com) a new team has been formed.

Members all live in and around Brisbane and sell quality items on Etsy.

The aim of the group is to promote our businesses and to help support each other along the way.

Many of the members have already met but next weekend will my first change to get together with them for a face to face chat. I'm so looking forward to it and I really hope they bring along some of their wares. They truly are Artists in every sense of the word.

I'll take some happy snaps when I meet them all.
http://brisstyle.blogspot.com

Featured Artist - Entyqua

This is a lovely jewellery store stocking both costume and genuine stone/metal jewellery as well as Jewelry boxes, card making and other paper craft items.

The owner is Becki a SAHM of a gorgeous little girl.

She says "For my Jewelry: I use a lot of natural stones and beads for my creations, my favorite being wood and gemstones. I also love to use pearls weather they are freshwater or faux pearls have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in! All my jewelry designs are Hand made with care a love. Also you will always find each piece is very unique and will never be recreated. If you need a necklace or bracelet made to a certain size please specify during checkout, if I have the extra materials I can make the changes! I also LOVE to do custom work! I love to share ideas with others to come to a creation that might not be with out two great minds working together!
For the Finished Jewelry Boxes
I LOVE to paint I love to decorate I love to take something ordinary Like a plain unfinished wooden box and make it dazzle. These are one of my favorites of my hobbies. They come to me from a craft store plain dull and wood colored and ends up with color and flair and style I love the transformation!
For the paper crafts
I am a scrapper I will always be a scrapper I have so much scrap I don’t know what to do with it! SO I make cards and other paper related crafts! I wish I had enough time to do this more than I do! "

Come and visit you really wont be disappointed
http://entyqua.etsy.com

Beading Forum Swap

I thought it was about time that I shared some details with you about a fantastic forum that I am lucky enough to belong to.

The Forum is Australia based but with many international members and is run by the wonderful Yvonne, owner of Crystal Flair a great online jewellery store.

Come take a look at Crystal Flair and the beading forum

Anyway, my primary reason for posting all this is that I am infact a moderator on the metalworking forum and we recently ran a swap. I was so impressed with the creations that I just had to share some of them with you.

Participants had to make a pendant using wireworking or metalworking techniques. The finished object had to include a pearl and must cost no more than $5 AUD in supplies.

The items created were extremely diverse and here are a few for you to look at and admire

By Cas of Casjsa Designs

















By Vicki of Dragonfly Creations



By Karen

By Pam of Get Silvered

By RataBy Carolyn

By Sharon

By Sharon of Shazzabeth Creations







By Heather Goldsmith



By Steph my fellow metalworking moderator





By Twisted Jewellery Creations

By Amanda

By Viktoria

By Shan

By Sandee

And last but by no means least by Chantel

Feature Artist - Deabus Amor

This is such a fun shop. You'll love it, you really will.

Sheika Lugtu, is a self-taught dabbler in various mediums. Her ultimate goal is to create pieces of jewellery or art that make you smile every day.

Everything in this shop is handmade by Sheika in a corner of her studio apartment. She does have pets but takes measures to ensure her products are hair, dander and dust-free.

Sheika says "I'm usually friendly (chances increase with presence of chocolate or coffee) and a little too loud, sometimes hyper and mostly crazy.
I don't bite, so don't be scared to say Hi."

Come on check out this cute store
http://deabusamor.etsy.com

Featured Artist - alilsumptinsumptin

Another stunning store, this lady sure does have talent.

She says "Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things I love and enjoy: flower gardens & dogs. All my pieces are one-of-a-kind, oftentimes containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves.

All of the Artisan Lampwork beads I use in my pieces have been properly kiln annealed by each respective glass artist to ensure long-lasting durability."

So come one come all check out this beautiful store
http://alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com

Featured Artist - alilsumptinsumptin

Another stunning store, this lady sure does have talent.

She says "Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things I love and enjoy: flower gardens & dogs. All my pieces are one-of-a-kind, oftentimes containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves.

All of the Artisan Lampwork beads I use in my pieces have been properly kiln annealed by each respective glass artist to ensure long-lasting durability."

So come one come all check out this beautiful store
http://alilsumptin.etsy.com

Featured Artist - Studio Marcy

Life is good for Artist Marcy Lamberson and it shows in her work.

She's been "melting" glass for over 8 years and loving every minute of it except for the burns, stepping on shards of glass, and other minor problems. Art truly can be dangerous!!!

She teaches in her studio which is a converted sunroom porch and overlooks her lovely backyard. Lots of birds and wildlife populate it. She enjoys forming sculptural amusing beads, but makes all kinds and enjoy the challenge of special orders.

Take a look at her beautiful work at
http://studiomarcy.etsy.com

Cuddle Baby Boutique

This is just one of the cutest stores I've ever seen.

Specialising in baby to toddler blankets and other items for your little one.

The owner of this delightful store is a stay-at-home mom with two little girls. She grew up in Sandy, Utah.

She says "I stay home with the kids and sew blankets and other items to try and make a little extra money. I just started this business and I hope that it will pick up soon. Besides that, I love being a wife and a mother and wouldn't want life any other way."

Come take a look you're be thrilled that you did
http://cuddlebaby.etsy.com

Featured Artist - Sparkly Strandz

This is a lovely store stocking an eclectic mix of Jewellery, baby items and crocheted goods.

The owner of this store is a full time mum and a part-time occupational therapist. How she manages to look after 2 children and work part-time and still create all these wonderful items I really don't know.

She says "I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, I developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!"

In this store she has combined her love for crochet and beads and has started making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items.

Drop in for a browse you wont be disappointed
http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist - Tiffany Teske

Tiffany is an extraordinarily talented photographer and this store certainly shows that.

Stocking a variety of photographic products including prints, cards, pendants and many more her skill is shown in every item.

Tiffany says "I have loved photography since I was given a 110 camera at the age of 7, to capture memories on a family trip. I studied ballet, creative writing, and art in high school but did not take photography classes. Instead, I was "the after school photography club" and was taught by a science teacher how to use the darkroom. The chemicals got into my blood, and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) I settled in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, population 200, and home to Sugarloaf USA, and decided to go to University for.... nursing? Well, yes, I did start the pre req courses, but fate stepped in, and after one summer colour printing course and some credit mishaps on the school's part, I switched my major to photography. I graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002."

Now living in Banff, Alberta, Canada, with her husband and toddler, Quinlyn, and Tiffancy walks EVERYWHERE!!!

Come on don't delay visit this beautiful shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5291797

Feature Artist - Witty Workshop

This glorious store is owned by Valérie Parizeault. She is a Canadian Illustrator & designer from Montreal. She is also the owner of Rose Flash, Playfully spirited Jewelry (www.roseflash.ca), a graphic designer AND an art teacher. She lives a very busy life!

Inspired by whimsical moments, children’s universes, friendship and mignonneries, She is truly living her dream life as an artist with her husband-cherie by her side and her black cat Tokyo (nicknamed minou) on my keyboard.

She says "I am also
- A Treehugger, a chocolate passionate, a coffee conoisseur (I've work several years as a Prima barista), a French Canadian, a daydreamer, a wannabe yoga wiz (not there yet!), a good cook...

I love: Feist & Coral Egan (singers), reading really late, antiques of all sorts(I collect them), all things graphic design-related, especially typo, shoes, graphic patterns, blogging and taking pictures.

I dislike: the word hate, electronic cords, talking on the phone, the smell of celeri, waiting in line, beer, over talkers and drama queens."

Come visit this shop you really wont be disappointed
http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5216288

Featured Artist - Cryztalvisions

This stunning store and all the glorious items found here are the work of artist Beth Alexander.

Fascinated by crystals and stones for as long as she can remember.

Coming from a long line of artistic souls on her father's side of the family, her great grandmother was a very talented artist who started painting late in life. She left behind some amazing oil paintings that Beth will always treasure. She also painted and fired china. Beth says "she had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. My father was an accomplished, well rounded artist and crafts person and spent many years teaching art in the public school system."

Beth has been creating unique pieces of jewelry for almost 20 years now, and is still excited by the process. Along the way she has also been drawn to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. She has found combining my love of minerals, her artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with her heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy.

Beth says "I delight in creating these pieces! Each one is unique, with its own energy that I feel as I work with the materials. They transport me to a place of deep knowing, relaxation and happiness as I work. My pieces not only look wonderful when worn, but also carry with them the special healing energies of each gemstone or crystal. My work is a constant exploration of the interconnectedness of all life."

So I recommend you visit this store at the first opportunity it really is lovely
http://crystalvisions.etsy.com
http://cryztalvisions.typepad.com/magic_stones_blog/

Featured Artist - Cigar Box Beads

This is a truly unique etsy store. Selling an absolutely stunning array of beaded jewellery this store is sure to have something you like.

Jewellery not your thing then check out the quirky Beaded Pixies, unique and intricately work. You wont be disappointed and they are sure to bring a smile to your face.

The owner of this store is a retired Home Ec teacher, a job she loved and now she is lucky to have found something else she loves.

She says "Beadweaving is my joy, along with knitting, crocheting, sewing AND being with our twin grand daughters. Not at the same time though, they love to 'help'! We do have 'crafting time' every day that I watch them, so I hope I'm instilling the love of creating in them."

Come along and check out this wonderful store
http://www.cigarboxbeads.etsy.com/

Feature Artist - Katrina Lerman

The owner of this beautiful store comes from a family of makers and has been making jewelry since she was a little girl.

Originally from Germany, Katrina settled in Massachusetts, US almost ten years ago. She draws inspiration from her German childhood as well as from the time spent in the US. She finds that sometimes, photographs of finished jewelry pop into her mind and she has to quickly run to jot them down before they are gone. Other times, she may have an idea in mind and it takes a lot of drawings until she gets it figured out.

Katrina graduated from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston with a Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She says "Interior Design is all about color, form, and texture – and that’s what I’m integrating in my jewelry designs".

Now the mother of a beautiful baby girl, she tries to spend every free minute (and those of you who have a baby know that there are few) creating jewelry. Naturally, she has lots more time thinking than creating and so her sketch book is filling up with ideas for years to come.

Featured Artist - A Pretty Rock

This is a beautiful store, a pretty store. Here metal and stone are matched in perfect harmony.

Yazmin the owner of this shop is both a jewelry designer and a web designer/developer (since 1999.)

She has always been an artsy-crafty person, but the move into jewelry was almost unintentionally. In 2004, she went to the Yellow Daisy Festival for the umpteenth time and found a pair of beautiful hair chopsticks with beaded ends, and wore them for about a month straight.

She spent a lot of time thinking about the chopsticks and how to go about making her own. This led her to local stores, including bead shops...Many stones and wire later and here she and her beautiful store are