The Stepford Wife

Lotta and The Hasbeens

2012-02-07T12:14:00.000+11:00

I am lucky enough to own a pair of Swedish Hasbeens which I found up for half price through ASOS.

They are beautiful shoes and so well made and very comfortable....once they wore in! I was walking like a cross between John Wayne and someone walking across hot coals for a good month. I was actually going to cheat and wear them in a bath of water, but was afraid they would stretch too much.

The shoes came with a care sheet and it said that the light colour can age to a deeper tan with sunlight and it's best to not wear the wooden shoe on a very wet day. The wood can also stay in good condition if you rub it with olive oil and if you get a dent in the wood, give it a light sand and apply the olive oil.

My Swedish Hasbeens.

I also scored these beautiful wood shoes on Etsy. They are vintage from the 60's.

These little wooden clogs came from Rubi shoes and cost $20! I must admit they have been fixed by me more than I can count (with lots of smalls nails and a hammer) but for $20 you don't mind hitting them with hammer after every wear.

The new collection of Swedish Hasbeens are due to be released in March and I love the styling inspiration for the the beautiful shoes.

I love these Margot shoes in Mint

and the Pink High Saddle Shoe.

If Swedish Hasbeens are a little out of the price range, Lotta from Stockholm have clogs for half the price.

I am dreaming about a pair of red Highwoods for winter.

Dream. Dream. Dream.

if I had $200.......

2012-02-01T11:47:00.000+11:00

If I had $200 and needed an outfit to wear to a special occasion, say Valentines Day.....this is what I would purchase -

This pretty bird dress by Laura Ashley is lovely. Soft pink with green, blue and red parrots. $119.

Romantic long lace cardigan by Ruche $37.

Vintage drop earrings from B Ellen Designs $3.60.

Vintage purse from Nice $10.

Vintage red bow heels from Aquanetta $27.15

I am very fond of the side bun and would style my hair this way.

Total: $196.75 (does not include postage - don't have to tell your other half this amount because technically you can't wear postage.) :)

modpodge

2012-02-01T09:22:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I did a bit of rearranging. This is not a new thing. I spend most days moving stuff from one place to another. Poor Ben is constantly banging into and tripping over things that I move.

I had a couple of wooden boards long forgotten in a cupboard that I dragged out. The round board had long ago lost it's glass dome in a smashing incident, and the long wooden board I picked up on one of my many op shopping expeditions.

I knew I wanted some lovely vignettes so I took out my old faithful...my tub of mod podge to pretty them up.

To say that Mod Podge is used sparingly around these parts would be an understatement. I love this product and have used it on at least 60% of our furniture. I am pretty sure if Ben stood still long enough I could Mod Podge him a whole new outfit.

So I basically found some paper I had laying around and mod podged it onto the boards and now I think they look really special.

If you haven't used Mod Podge before it is a no-brainer. It's a thick white glue. You paste the back of your paper (or vinyl or fabric etc) place it, then glue over the top. Let it dry and glue again until you have a nice coating. It always looks better the next day when it has had proper time to dry and you stop playing with it.

And a tip - if you adhere paper to canvas, use a toothbrush to apply your mod podge. If you swish the brush in x strokes, when it dries it looks like an oil painting!

Mod Podge haven't paid me anything or given me a life supply of product. I just really love talking about products that work really well.

sag

2012-01-30T14:32:00.000+11:00

I love awards season.

I turn on the tv and watch the red carpet and give my own commentary such as, "love it" "hate it" "what was she thinking!" "what is with the hair?" "move! I can't see George Clooney!"

Today was the Screen Actors Guild Awards and my picks of the day were - Emma Stone.

A cocktail length gown by Alexander McQueen. The best length in my opinion. It always looks old school and classy. Emma looks gorgeous!

Dianna Argon looks so pretty.

The pink dress with the v neck is so lovely and soft and feminine. Complimented with maiden braids she looks beautiful.

This is the best I have seen Jane Lynch.

This stunning blue dress is the most gorgeous colour. V neck dresses are so flattering and best thing about the full skirt - it has pockets! I am a pocket girl.

Jane looks amazing.

Oh to be a movie star and wear beautiful dresses.

toni journal

2012-01-25T10:20:00.001+11:00

I have a couple of different journals that I made to jot down what is going to happen this year.

The first one is my Forever journal.

I saw the idea on Design Sponge and loved it. I also wanted to do something like my Mum does. She has a diary every year that she carries in her handbag and she can tell you everything that happened on a particular date for the past 15 or so years.

I put this on the breakfast table and every morning I write down what we did yesterday.

I made this out of cheap index cards and the box I found at Office Works and the cover pages for each month are from recycled Frankie magazines. I had a date stamp and ink already.

You won't see any results for a couple of years, but you have to start somewhere.

The 365 journal is my ideas journal that I got from Kikki K.

When the year is over I like to gather up all my favourite photos and I make a little book.

This one was printed by Blurb and I really love the way it turned out. Elton and Audrey have been wanting me to read it at story time which is really lovely.

I really wanted to take part in Project Life but I didn't want to purchase a binder, card pockets and paper if the project died at home. Meaning...I wouldn't have the time to continue on and it would have been a waste of money.

I went to Office Works and found this recycled binder for $2, some plastic photo protectors and have used index cards and recycled magazines for my paper.

I also journal when I want to. I didn't want to set any rules or be too strict on myself. I have a little photo printer at home and I use my sewing machine to bring it all together. It's been nice having most of the resources at home if I just looked for them.

I am really enjoying it and at the end of the year I will bind the sheets together and make a book.

marilyn dress

2012-01-22T10:46:00.000+11:00

Whenever I think of Marilyn Monroe I think of these photos.

To me this is her iconic dress.

These blue dress photos are so gorgeous and are called Summer 1957 by Sam Shaw.

I have always wanted to have a replica made and I am very thankful that in September we are having a holiday in Bali. I am going to find some blue and white polka dot material and give it to one of the many amazing dressmakers.

I can't wait.

Etsy stores such as Cherry Pie Vintage can make you a replica like this one.

Dainty Rascal also makes a replica Marilyn dress.

**photos from Marilyn Monroe

modcloth

2012-01-18T09:45:00.003+11:00

If the money tree was bearing fruit, this is what I would buy.

My Loved Items list on Modcloth.

my wardrobe

2012-01-17T08:45:00.000+11:00

I was looking at clothes on Ruche and came across a feature about 7 simple steps to getting a new closet.

I thought I would share a few things that I do at home to keep my closet running smoothly.

The first tip is inspiration and gathering up photos of the looks you want to try or are 'you'.

On one side of my wardrobe I have a visual display of ideas and outfits that I try and replicate with my own clothes.

I use removable tap so the photos can change with me.

When I see a picture in a magazine I keep it in my folder. I use masking tape to make notes on and throw it all together.

I also think down the track my collection will be lovely to look back on. Like a style journal.

I keep earrings and brooches where I can see them. This plate was my Mum's and the bowl is from Ben's Grandma.

At the end of this chest of draws are my necklaces. They are hanging on push pins so they are free of knots and I can grab them in a hurry.

I also found this cute plate shelf from an op shop and I use it for more hanging items.

Belts and scarves I use nearly every day I keep on a hanger at the end of the wardrobe and my nicest vintage handbags are on display. All my other bags are in the remaining boxes in my wardrobe.

My wardrobe is split into two sides - blouses and jackets on one side and dresses and skirts on the other.

The tops go from sleeveless to sleeves to long and the same again for jackets.

I picked up these lovely clothes boxes from Ikea. I think about $9 for a 2 pack but I am not certain. I know they were not expensive.

I asked Ben to bring in an old bench seat we had out in the garden. We gave it a good clean and put it into the wardrobe. This functions as a shelf so that I wasn't grabbing boxes to get to other boxes.

I keep my best vintage shoes up and out of the way. I also keep my lint roller and anti-static spray handy. Dealing with a lot of polyester gives you cling....and we don't want cling in the places we don't want cling.

My dresses at the moment are sorted all over the place. I have no idea yet if I should organise by colour or by style. I am still deciding.

Finally, I added some photos to my boxes. At a glance I can find my box of hats, my box of tights and leggings and my woolly vests.

To keep my wardrobe fresh I am always going through it and removing things I no longer need. Since this photo was taken I culled my jeans list from 3 to 2. Woo! Big change there.

I also mend any items before they go back into the wardrobe, because Murphy's Law will tell you that when you need it again you will be running late trying to fix up the missing button or the hanging hem.

I follow the same wardrobe rules with Ben, Elton and Audrey. Especially the kids. They are always growing and changing. It also saves any unwanted double ups when you go shopping. I know exactly what they need and any holes to fill.

:)

golden globes

2012-01-16T15:26:00.001+11:00

I have just finished watching the Golden Globes and these outfits, in my opinion, where my favourite.

First up is Ariel Winter. I love this purple dress. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn's pink dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It is lovely and perfect for her.

I loved Zooey Deschanel 's outfit. The green and black beading and the mod hairdo. I don't think it would work for many, but it worked for her.

Michelle Williams. She is so beautiful. I am pretty sure she could turn up in a garbage bag and make it look amazing.

I thought Michelle also gave the best speech of the night. You could tell she meant every word she was saying. It was lovely.

There is something so cool about Emma Stone. As you can see from this outfit.

**all photos from news.com

amy adams

2012-01-16T07:48:00.000+11:00

On Saturday Ben and I took Elton and Audrey to see The Muppets.

We loved the movie and the songs were wonderful. I think Ben and I enjoyed the movie more because we come from the days of The Muppet Show. I wish the show was still on tv for my children to enjoy.

I can remember having a Muppet sticker book and I collected cards from the newsagent and would place them inside. It was "those" kind of collectors cards that would drive you made - you would get 10 Miss Piggy's but could never find Sam The Eagle. I hated having blank spots.

One thing about the movie that I loved was Amy Adams' outfits.

50's inspired dresses or skirt and blouse combinations in bold patterns, bright belts, sweetheart necklines and full skirts. The shoes were Mary Jane's or T-Bar pumps.

Gorgeous.

all images from google images

what do i love about this photo?

2012-01-15T16:48:00.001+11:00

Vintage ads are so wonderful.

I love the green fluffy hat and the red apple.

The beauty spot.

Her apple red lipstick.

Groomed eyebrows.

Her nail polish.

The apple green background.

This Dorothy Gray ad was from the 50's.

I looked Dorothy Gray up on the Internet and she was a very interesting lady. Dorothy first started work at Elizabeth Arden where it was rumoured they fired her because she lived with a man.

Dorothy opened her first salon in 1916. Her salon became very successful and her name and product was purchased by a pharmaceutical company, opening all over America and overseas.

Dorothy spent her time travelling the world. She died in the 80's.

What else do I like about this photo after reading all about Dorothy on the nets.....

I like that the model is confident, almost giving you a look that says "I can live with a man if I want too."

Yes you can.

a new look

2012-01-14T15:18:00.000+11:00

Hello! Happy New Year!

I am back with new found enthusiasm!

A little like a Caterpillar turning into a butterfly, my carved out space on the nets has changed over these four years. The older I become the more happy I feel in my skin and my blog has been changing with me.

I found I missed blogging. I don't give two hoots about stats or comments or readers, I missed....well.....talking to myself about things. Sometimes you can have the best conversation with yourself.

I still love looking back on past posts, no matter how daggy or embarrassing and I still am a huge fan of documenting life. Just without any pressure. I realise I am the one to set the rules, so this blog is rule free.

My space has had a name change and a face lift. The Stepford Wife is not making the feminists angry. It's just supposed to conjure up the image of what my blog is about - vintage and fun and more vintage. I say Stepford and I think of full skirts and aprons and recipes and family. Or that and Christopher Walkin's head rolling across the floor.

A lot like Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy - this is a place to celebrate that beautiful old world charm of era's that have gone by with a lot of laughter and admiration with large helpings of kitten heels, cinched waists and oodles of red lippy.

hey i'm over here!!

2011-11-16T09:46:00.001+11:00

I had a birthday two weeks ago.

It has made me think about what I would like to accomplish in the next stage of my life and a big dream that we (my husband and I) are going to try and make a reality.

The dream involves me, a girl named Audrey and lots of clothes.

Being a busy wife and mum and dream maker, the life of this blog has drawn to a close. I am still going to be contributing to the world of the nets, but as they say a picture is worth more than a thousand words and the idea of micro-blogging is good enough for me at the moment and frankly it's all I can manage.

I have a pinterest account here if you would like to join me.

I have enjoyed creating my space here at Little Suitcase. It's been lovely.

day 24 and 25

2011-10-25T16:27:00.000+11:00

Day 24 of Frocktober

vintage dress - Savers

vintage shoes - Savers

cardi - Cocolatte

pendant - up the hill somewhere.........

Day 25 of Frocktober

vintage skirt - Peachy Pipes

belt - Savers

vintage shoes - Savers

t shirt - Target

cardi - Target

day 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23

2011-10-24T07:42:00.001+11:00

Day 19 of Frocktober

vintage dress - savers

Day 20 of Froctober

vintage dress - walk in wardrobe

belt - target

shoes - kmart

Day 21 of Frocktober

vintage dress - savers

cardi - cocolatte

Day 22 of Frocktober

vintage skirt - peachy pipes

vintage shoes - savers

long t - target

vintage wrap top - savers

pendant - collette

Day 23 of Frocktober

skirt - kmart

top - savers

cardi - cocolatte

pendant - camberwell markets

shoes - kmart

day 18

2011-10-18T14:47:00.000+11:00

I love this dress. It's blue satin and it flows. It has a lovely pointed neckline with three buttons and it has pockets. It only cost $4 and it's in perfect condition.

But the winner of this outfit is the locket by The Black Apple. This is my favourite art print - the bear with the two children. It reminds me of me. The bear with my two children.

I would do anything for them.

Day 18 of Froctober

vintage blue dress - Camberwell Markets

locket - The Black Apple

vintage mary jane shoes - Savers

day 15, 16 and 17

2011-10-18T07:55:00.001+11:00

Day 15 of Frocktober

vintage shift dress - Savers

vintage Mary Janes - Savers

Day 16 of Frocktober

vintage dress - Savers

tights - Myer

vintage brogues - Savers

Day 17 of Frocktober

skirt - Big W

vintage Mary Janes - Savers

t-shirt - Target

cardi - Cocolatte

necklace - Valley Girl

day 14

2011-10-14T14:35:00.001+11:00

Day 14 of Frocktober and I am wearing a lovely happy dress that I found at the Camberwell Markets. A lovely lady was selling vintage dresses and when I went up to her with my booty (3 dresses) she said "Oh you are out of luck...all the best dresses just went!"

I thought I was pretty lucky. I was holding 3 lovely dresses and they cost $10 all up!

This one is definitely an ode to the 80's. Polyester, stripes, big white buttons. I love it and it is so comfortable thanks to the slightly raised elastic waist. It also has two big pockets on either side.

Thank you Camberwell maket lady. You are hard to find but I will track you down again one day and see what you have for me next time.

I am also wearing my vintage clogs. I found these online from a shop called Pomegranate Seed and they cost $38. They are from the 60's and I am pretty certain the entire upper part of the clog has been re-made but the lovely wood is in prime condition. They are so comfortable.

I am just so thankful for a lovely sunny day today here in Melbourne. I have been wanting to wear these for months!

...and to the reader who has a thing about toes (in a hideous bad way) I'm sorry!!

*and the bt on the side - no idea what that means but it was meant to be! Ben and Toni. I mean really!!!!

vintage dress - camberwell markets

vintage clogs - pomegranate seed

day 13

2011-10-13T14:27:00.002+11:00

Day 13 of Frocktober and this dress I picked up at the little op shop around the corner (which I must get the name of) on the weekend for $5.

I can tell it's been handmade and whoever made it did a sterling job. It was a little long so I took the hem up and it's wonderful.

Dress - op shop around the corner

Belt - Target

Shoes - vintage kitten heels from the Salvos

day 11 and 12

2011-10-12T09:38:00.002+11:00

Day 11 of Frocktober

DIY skirt from vintage material

flats - kmart

long sleeve white t - target

Day 12 of Frocktober

vintage houndstooth dress - savers

vintage mary janes - savers

tights - kmart

diy brooch

day 10

2011-10-10T11:03:00.000+11:00

This is currently my (well one of my) favourite dresses at the moment.

I love it.

I found it at a little op shop around the corner. I was looking for records and the sweet little lady that runs the shop said that she had just received a whole heap of 50's style dresses that I might like to look at. Would I?!!

I took home 4 dresses for $5 each and they were in perfect condition. They were also the exact same size - maybe donated from one person? They were all a little small and I was not very hopeful that I would be able to wear any thinking I would put them into my upcoming shop (which is almost ready to go!), but this one fitted like a dream.

It's mustard yellow with rose and gold coloured flowers and green leaves. It has a slightly higher waist so it sits above the problem zone and makes my legs look a little longer.

Thank you donating lady whoever you are. I love your dress.

vintage dress - little op shop around the corner

cardi - cocolatte

pendant - asos

vintage mary janes - savers

earings - no idea!

day 8 and 9

2011-10-09T12:56:00.001+11:00

Day 8 of Frocktober

vintage dress - camberwell markets

tights - kmart

flats - kmart

necklace - camberwell markets

Day 9 of Frocktober

vintage dress - savers

vintage denim jacket - savers

flats - kmart

belt - target

pendant - lovely shop in olinda village whose name I have forgotten.

frocktober day 7

2011-10-07T08:53:00.000+11:00

I purchased The Sewing Kit dress from Red Velvet last month. I am very fond of Elsie and her talents over at A Beautiful Mess and when she and her team put out a second line of dresses through Red Velvet, I was keen to nab one.

I decided on this dress because of the print and the neckline. It was also one of the dresses that was plus sized and I admired Elsie for offering larger dress sizes for girls with boobs (or waists and hips).

Being a tent dress style the only measurement of any concern was the boob measurement so I rounded up to be on the safe side.

I hate to pick any faults at all but I was a little disappointed. I think that the simple idea of increasing the size of the bust measurement is not the only factor when including dresses for plus size ladies.

Because we have a lot going on in the front doesn't mean that is the only place that should be increased in size. You also have to factor in increasing the measurement under the arm and this dress is a little tight and I rounded up. You get that pushing down tight feeling.........ladies with big boobs - you know what I mean? It cuts you across the top and pushes your boobs down. It's so technical!

Also the neckline is far too low. Believe me, only girls who get their boobs increased in size are the ones that want to have them out there. When you have a big chest you want to show a little but keep them tucked away nicely.

Being a polyester girl with all that softness and draping, the stiff cotton of the dress takes some getting used to and maybe adds a few kilos in places you don't want them to be.

The first two photos I added a little modesty panel and teamed the dress with a cardigan. In the photos below I layered the dress over a long sleeved t.....and the photos are taken with my new camera!

So overall I am still a fan of the Red Velvet girls and applaud them for having plus size girls in mind. Maybe the dresses need a little tweaking yet for a plus size girl to look their best.....and at a price tag of $140 I might of expected a little more.

But my little girl just saw me and said "oh you look pretty Mum!".....and that's all I can hope for really. :)

Dress - Red Velvet Sewing Kit Dress

T-shirt - Target

Belt - Target

Shoes - Kmart

Camera - Nikon Coolpix L140

frocktober day 6

2011-10-06T11:04:00.001+11:00

My feet have been having a birthday. Flats for the 3rd day in a row. I spent the weekend in the highest heels (which I call my tranny shoes) and my feet didn't like me very much.

It's lovely to be home.

Dress - Vintage

Belt - Target

Flats - Kmart

Cardi - Cocolatte

frocktober day 5

2011-10-06T10:56:00.001+11:00

I'm back and off to a slow start with this year's Frocktober.

We arrived back from Perth for a short journey across the country and I didn't get any photos of any outfits for days 1 - 4....but rest assured I hardly ever wear pants/jeans. I think I wore them once last term and a fellow kindy mum asked me if anything was wrong. I was wearing jeans that day. :)

The beauty about being a vintage polyester lover is the ease of packing. We all carried on and I had room to spare in my little suitcase. These dresses fold down to nothing.

Dress - Vintage

Belt - Target

Flats - Kmart

I also picked up this book at the Library to read all about dresses and it goes lovely with the month of Frocktober. Every day I will post a photo of my dress or skirt outfit to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. I decided not to pursue donations from any readers and will make my own donation at the end of the month to this great cause. If you would like to donate, please go to the website.

guest room

2011-09-21T07:29:00.002+10:00

Ben and I have been turning Audrey's old room into a guest room.

Audrey's old room was on the other side of the house, away for all the other rooms, so we moved Audrey up next to ours and thought this would be a wonderful room for guests. It's away and quiet and has a beautiful view of our back bush garden.

I wanted the walls to be a beautiful cross between blue and grey. I read a book that was set around a fishing village and the way the sky and ocean was described was really inspiring.

We also wanted to do the room on a budget and mix old with new.

For the budget items we went to Ikea....and if there is ever an Olympics for setting up flat pack furniture, Ben and I are going to enter. We found a plain pine double bed as we didn't want to go with a bigger bed. A double is cosy and when you are planning a room with limited space you don't want the room to be ALL bed. We also wanted to mix white pieces with pine pieces. Complementing the blue and giving it a lovely clean almost nordic feel.

We also lined one wall with ikea wardrobes in white. Somewhere to hang clothes and tuck things away.

The white bedside table I found at Savers. It was brown and had a perfect piece of glass on top. I pried it off and painted the entire table in white, then I lined the top with vintage paper and replaced the glass. This now holds the clock, carafe and glass and a tray.

The other pine table we wanted to hold books and a lamp.

All the art work I did myself or found at op shops. The lighthouse picture went perfectly with the walls and I found that for 50 cents. I painted the frame and it looks beautiful. Elton and Audrey also painted pictures and I filled in gaps with crochet circles.

One frame I painted the cardboard piece the same colour as the walls, and then I framed lace to sit over the top. It almost looks like a window.

I also added some of my own embroidery to the room. The pillowcase is my favourite Black Apple drawing of cottages. Just like ours.

All up including painting, all the accessories and furniture the room cost $500.

ulyana

2011-09-14T09:30:00.002+10:00

I love everything about this entire collection by Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko.

The clothes are so beautiful. I adore the long dresses and full skirts. The fitted waists and fine details.
The styling is also wonderful. The wallpaper, accessories, shoes and victory hairstyles. It's all come together like magic.

crossroads

2011-09-05T18:01:00.000+10:00

I have been really fortunate to find two lovely dresses at Crossroads in the past couple of weeks.
I like the store. To me it's like a cheaper version of City Chic thanks to the sizes ranging from 8 - 22.

You do have to delve through and look past some questionable prints, sequence and sparkle, but you can find some diamonds.

I love stripes at the moment and am not frightened of them going around. The red, blue and white dress is lovely on and it has a jersey top and cotton skirt - so you get that full sticky out silhouette.

The second dress reminds me of Carrie standing on the balcony in Paris looking at the Eiffel Tower.....although it is nothing like what she was wearing except the stripy top. The top is very fine black and white stripes with a large bow and ruffle around the flattering neckline.

These two dresses can be dressed up or down and will be lovely to wear this spring and summer and they only cost $29 each thanks to $10 off Thursday. Who knew! I was in the shop on Thursday. It was just meant to be.

Crossroads ships internationally to limited places around the world.

budget cosmetics

2011-09-01T17:30:00.001+10:00

I don't know if you are like me but I separate my everyday makeup from my going out makeup. I have the nicer lipstick and powder for best....a bit like "the good room" in your house if you have one.

I love ALDI. The cheap no-frills supermarket from the UK.

They stock a brand of cosmetics called Lacura and I have tried it all but the two products I like the most and throw into my cart are the lipstick and foundation and these two cosmetics are so good that they have made it into The Good Room.

The lipstick colour I love the most is No.470. A dark red colour. It's creamy and stays on. If I wear my good red lippie but I want to dull it down, I smear this over the top and it works a treat.

The foundation is transparent because I have white white white skin. It doesn't promise to fill in pores or anti-age you or make your lines vanish but it's great...like the foundations of old or what you would sneak from your Mum's make-up draw. It is not light in consistency, so if you prefer your foundation a little more creamy this is a great product. Also if you tend to use the foundation that gets stuck in the lid (the thick foundation that doesn't make it back into the bottle) for your concealer then you can use this for that.

The lipstick and foundation are around $7 each and the foundation lasts me for about 2-3 months of continuous wear.

*ALDI have not asked me to talk about this....I am not famous enough. All views on my blog are my own.

the maxi skirt

2011-08-31T17:54:00.005+10:00

I love the maxi skirt.

You can get it in a variety of colours, from black to cream to sheer.
You can get it in a variety of shapes, from pleats with a flip hem to a gentle a-line to waterfall layers.
You can get it in a variety of material, from cheesecloth to jersey to chiffon.

Once you make your purchase you can also dress it up or down. Like the stripe shirt, floral bag and flats combo which I would wear to go to the markets or a movie on the weekend.

Or you can add a beautiful flowing blouse, strappy heels and a clutch bag, put your hair in pin curl waves and a side bun and you are ready for night on the town, channeling a 30's glamour girl.

....and if you forget to shave your legs nobody will know!!

Image from Polyvore

diy skirts

2011-08-31T08:47:00.001+10:00

I made a couple of really easy skirts out of vintage sheets for the lovely days of Spring and Summer.

The pattern could not be more simple.

A piece of material, the width of yourself plus the amount you want for the gathers - so the width was me plus another half of me. Hem one end. Fold and stitch the opposite end leaving enough room for elastic. Stitch up one side, thread the elastic and stitch shut.

Done!

Skirt - vintage DIY

Shoes - Savers

T-shirt - Kmart

Cardigan - Kmart

Belt - Savers

wooden clompers

2011-08-30T07:51:00.001+10:00

I have been dreaming of a pair of Swedish Hasbeens for quite a while now, but the price has me nervous. I do love quality and the shoes would last forever, but still anything over $200 and I start to sweat.

So I turned to my old friend Etsy and searched for something similar and these came straight up - in my size and the blue colour I was after. Some things are just meant to be.

They came from a lovely shop called Pomegranate Seed and cost $38.

Buying shoes online, the price of posting them can be costly but the post for these were very reasonable at only $14.

When I first put them on, I clomped around the house like Frankenstein. The weight of the heel takes a little getting used to. But after awhile, I was moving around like normal.

The shoes are so comfortable and I love that clomp sound. These will be wonderful for Spring and Summer and will go with oodles of dresses, thanks to the lovely shade of navy.

That's the beauty of vintage dresses in polyester patterns......you can almost get away with only two pairs of shoes - one in navy and one in brown and they will match your whole wardrobe.

dress - polyester 3 tier, fitted high waist in yellow flower pattern

from Upper Ferntree Gully op shop - no website

long wooden pendant brooch - ASOS

white cardigan - Cocolatte

regular features

2011-08-30T07:27:00.000+10:00

Last night I was thinking about clothes and magazines and fashion blogs and what I love to see and read.

To keep me motivated and not let this little blog die, I have decided on some regular features which are -

dress me pretty - my outfit posts and purchases
bless your little vintage socks - all about op shops, vintage treasure finds and goods on etsy
beauty in the smallest details - all about makeup and hair
nobody will ever be as good as you - fashion icons from the past and present
through the looking glass - fashion looks from around the nets
bling! - all about jewellery and accessories
froctober - dresses or skirts every day for the month of October to raise money for Ovarian Cancer

I hope you will read along.

what to do?

2011-08-29T19:25:00.001+10:00

As you can tell from my long absence, I can't seem to find anything to blog about.

I started the blog documenting our new journey across the country and to share with our family what we were up to in our new city.

Then I started crafting and talked about that.

As much as I still love to craft and sew and go to places in our city, I don't really want to share it. It's like I want to keep the secrets and memories just for me now. I am not been a meanie. I just can't find the words and don't want to edit my day.

But that said - so much time and love and energy has gone into my blog for nearly 4 years now and I don't want to let it go to waste. I love what I have created here. It's not brain surgery and I don't know what I am talking about more than half the time, but I love that maybe one day the kids may want to read about what I was up to and to think "I always new Mum was a nut bag."

I do know that I love fashion. I could bore the socks off you talking about clothes. It's one thing I will be back for, when I feel like blogging, to take part in Frocktober or post a picture of an outfit, or rave about a shoe or bag that has captured me.

It's just where I am at now.

in the habit

2011-07-14T14:03:00.000+10:00

PMM (or Lexi) who I L.O.V.E. is doing her annual Back In The Habit. She's back. I'm in....because I haven't done it before....so I can't be back. Just in.

Got it?

Anyway, you have to come up with rules or habits. Something you want to change and stick by and I have a few -

1. Cut out all red meat - I don't like how it makes me feel. It makes me bloat and I feel slow and it hurts my stomach. I had already started this habit 4 weeks ago but wanted to include it because I am pleased with my efforts so far.

2. Cut out all bread - I love bread. There is nothing I like more (well besides my family) than eating a french stick and cheese. I have not eaten bread in 4 weeks. No bread has crossed these lips and I have to say, between the non meat eating and the bread the weight is dropping off.

3. Do 50 against the wall push ups while waiting for my conditioner to work in the shower - So good for the upper arms and what else am I going to do while I wait for the product to work? Plus you are already in the shower - no sweat. Genius!

So for the moment, these are my 3 habits I am going to make.

Do you want to make a habit? Go to PMM and join in the fun!

houndstooth robot

2011-06-30T10:46:00.001+10:00

I found this dress at (you guessed it!) Savers, for $4. It's brown houndstooth and very heavy with military buttons and pockets and it's perfect to wear on this cold morning in Melbourne.

I was going to wear it with a belt, but I liked the way it hung and because the material is really heavy it didn't sit to well with a belt. Kind of puckering and clinging to all the wrong places. I love belts, but it's pretty comfortable to not wear one.

I teamed this with my tights and my favourite new/old shoes. My $3 Mary Janes that are so comfortable. I love them.

Brown Houndstooth Vintage Dress - Savers

Tights - Kmart

Brown Mary Jane Shoes - Savers

Brooch - DIY

It's little man's last day at Kindy for two weeks and it's dress-up day. We made this robot costume out of two boxes and about 10,000 metres (not really) of al foil. Elton was so excited to wear it this morning.

I always know when he is so happy. It's hard to tell if you are a stranger.....but I know. He was over the moon.

lost and found

2011-06-29T10:21:00.001+10:00

On the way to date night we stopped by Smith Street in Collingwood to see this amazing vintage store - Lost and Found.

It is crammed packed with goods. You could rummage in there for hours.

Lost and Found is over 4 levels going every which way and it's not organised in any particular way. Which is probably more fun. There are hats with tea cups. Lounges with gloves. It's all over the joint. I love it!

I spotted this beautiful yellow beauty case sitting under a table all alone. I have a thing for beauty cases. It's so pretty. The mirror is still intact and it's in wonderful condition. All it needs is a bit of brasso on the handle and it will be as good as old-new.

savings at savers

2011-06-29T10:06:00.001+10:00

I love Savers. I always (touch wood) have luck there.

Not only is it my special hobby to rummage and find treasure, Elton and Audrey have been learning that it's great to recycle and to also give back things that they no longer use.

They do not mind that a toy is used or that clothes have been worn before. To them (and me) it's new and like Christmas! Plus you save so much money.

On Saturday we went on our family date night to the city and had Japanese. Just about everything we wore was from Savers.

Vintage Blue Floral Dress - Savers

Blue Tights - Myer (The best tights and in bold colours in tiny little boxes for $7)

Italian Oxford Heels - Savers (bargain of the year so far)

Paris Brooch - Notions

Earrings - Sportsgirl

Audrey

Blue Dress - Savers

Shoes - Savers

Tights - Best and Less

Cardigan - From Granny

Elton

Jeans - Savers

Long Sleeve T - Savers

Jacket - Savers

Socks - Best and Less

ukulele

2011-06-23T13:51:00.001+10:00

If you are going on a long drive and want to listen to a rich and soulful voice then these are the tunes for you. Like this song.......simple but lovely.

Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs

bullying is never ok

2011-06-21T23:57:00.005+10:00

My dear friend Lexi from Potty Mouth Mama posted an entry on her blog about bullying a couple of hours ago.

To say that it has deeply affected me would be an understatement for I got out of our warm bed and am sitting shivering in our front room typing. To make me feel better and to say to Lexi - I hear you.

Last year, our son Elton started complaining about a boy his own age bullying him. It started out small but then this year it was worse. Elton would cry and say he didn't want to see this boy, would talk about this boy to his kindy teachers and when I coxed him into being around this child would be anxious and withdrawn.

To add to this dilemma was that the boy is Autistic like Elton.

So we are faced with this new obstacle of how to raise this problem with his early intervention centre, not alienate the mother who we were friends with and still be an advocate for our son while treading around bullying with Autistic children who already have social problems to begin with.

My husband and I raised our concerns last year but things really came to a head this term where we felt Elton was not going to get enough out of group because he was too worried about the boy. To their credit, the teachers did try to keep the boys apart, but the problem was never in the group itself but the playtime in the yard before group began. By the time Elton went into group, he was not the Elton I knew. He was withdrawn and quiet and would break down in the car on the way home telling me things that had happened in the yard.

We went to the teachers and raised our concerns and it appeared that it would all be ok. They listened and tried to come up with solutions in the group and we felt at ease. Then at the beginning of term Elton cried and told me he had been bitten on the toes and hit in the face at quiet time and I approached the teachers again. At the same time the mother of the boy found out about what had been going on and I received contrite and pointed remarks from her that the intervention centre had told her "well we have never seen anything" and "this is just Autistic behaviour."

To tell a mother of a child who is being bullied "we have never seen anything" is plain wrong. Bullying by definition means that it generally doesn't happen or be seen by people of authority. To say that they have not seen it does not mean that it didn't happen.

To also say that this is just Autistic behaviour is also an insult. Autistic people are just like you and me and do know right from wrong. If they don't know it, they can learn it if you make a point to teach them those skills. You can't send your child into this world hitting people and then say "well he's Autistic" like that is ok and his excuse. I know first hand how hard it is, but if you put the time in to help your child they will learn.

What has happened now is that my husband and I lost all confidence in his early intervention centre. We still attend Elton's individual sessions but we ceased his group. My son will not miss out on learning for we found a place that offers a special school readiness program for Autistic children that we thought would be better suited for him. Especially with school coming up next year.

But he's 5 years old and this has been our first taste of bullying. Bullying by the boy to our son. Bullying by the mother to me. I can honestly say that by not going to group I didn't have to see the mum and this made me happy to avoid the confrontation, but I also don't know what example I have set to our son. That his own Mum also wanted to hide.

Ben says to me all the time, "You have done nothing wrong. You stood up for our son. Walk in there and hold your head up with pride." But I can't help feeling mad at myself for simply slinking away. I removed the problem but it didn't fix it. Elton hasn't learnt any skills for how to deal with bullies and this boy hasn't learnt any skills for how to get along with his peers.

I don't know why the bullied are always treated lower than the bullies. Maybe people don't want to deal with it and just want you to shut up and go away.

Were my husband and I happy with the intervention centre? No.

Yes they tried to keep the boys apart in the class room and offered for us to go to another group but this was for younger children with no school readiness program. Elton would not have gained anything from being moved.

They could have spoken directly with our son. Not once did the teachers ask Elton what was happening. Not one time. So many times we tell our own children if anything is wrong to tell the teachers. This is a two way street. My child has a voice too.

They could have told a social story to the entire group or read stories about bullying. But they didn't.

They could have made Ben and I feel that our problem was worth listening too but nobody actually really heard us.

We do know that the advice they give us as parents is to watch out for bullies. That our autistic children will be bullied by the normal kids. What was the advice they gave us if it happens within the centre? Nothing. Because apparently they just don't see it.

It takes an enormous amount of courage for your little person to come to you with a problem or a worry, and when they do you have to listen and hear them and try to work it out.

In the end you know your own child. You made them. You know if they are worried about something, then it's your worry too. Everyone has the skills as a parent to teach their child right from wrong. Bullying does not need to happen and is just not acceptable.....and never ever tell someone that because you don't see it, doesn't mean it didn't happen.

time

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000+10:00

Time. It's a constant battle. There is never enough time. We are early. Running late. Wishing for time to speed up to a special event. Hoping time slows down.

This morning I woke up and my friend Dani sent me a message to say that our friend Char had died on the 6th June.

I have never met Char, but she would leave the loveliest messages and comments on my blog and she would visit and spur me on. I would love to visit her blog, Ramblins and see her amazing cooking, her beautiful photos or just read her views on life.

We were also friends on Facebook and in our busy lives it's always nice to see those status updates - those 140 character updates that let us know that your friends are ok and are doing things that make them happy.

My blog is not going to change the world but Char was here on the 15th June 2010 at 12.44am posting a comment. Char was here on the 3rd February 2010 at 11.50am. Here again on October 18....and so on.

Time goes on, but Char left her mark. On me. Just a wife and mum blogging from Australia receiving messages from the kindest lady on the other side of the world.

So this is for Char. I have posted this video here on my blog before but it's so beautiful and to me, sums up time and life. Our time is very short but in our own way we leave a record that we lived. Just like the trees that keep growing upwards.

I can see Char now, sitting beneath them, taking beautiful photos.

it's back!!

2011-06-12T12:10:00.000+10:00

My crafting bug has returned with a vengeance. I am so happy to be feeling inspired to create again. What I make are not earth shattering but they make me feel so happy.

Like a few words I embroidered on a hankie.......

Or another apron I made to add to my collection......

This one was made out of two vintage pillow cases and a doily.

A rabbit embroidery pattern from Sublime Stitching.

And this font also from Sublime Stitching, embroidered and attached to my sewing machine cover.
I love Laverne and thank her every time I make something.

Hankie Tankie on Etsy make singlet tops with vintage sleeves and beautiful frou frou. They are gorgeous.

I had a singlet and made my own yesterday with a large doily I had already. I am really happy with how it turned out.

Thank you Hankie Tankie for inspiring me to give this a try.

Last but not least I made clothes/business card labels for my shop. My post on sizing (see below) is going to continue on in the shop. The clothes have names to over-ride the size. Plus it's so much nicer buying something that has a personality and a name gives it that.

Happy Days!

put a pin on it

2011-06-06T11:43:00.002+10:00

With my large chest I can sometimes feel a bit mumsy when I wear a top or jumper (sweater) that has a high neckline.

I always get dressed and then whip my top back off because I look in the mirror and see all chest and nothing else.

So rather than have lovely jumpers that are pushed to the back of the wardrobe which are perfect for Winter, I have been making fake necklines with a pin and a brooch. Like this one on my warm pink jumper. An off-centre neckline with a brooch to draw the eye away from the chest and make it a little interesting.

A clip-on earring or a scarf brooch (with the loop on the back) would also work really well.

Happy Monday to you. I hope you have a great week ahead.

it's only numbers

2011-06-05T10:02:00.001+10:00

When I search in Etsy for vintage clothes I have to use the search term "plus size" or "XL."

For a number of reasons - to factor in my large bosoms and that sizing is not the same as it was back in the day. Vintage clothes are smaller compared to todays' sizes.

Plus size is not a dirty word.

I do know that if I want to wear vintage clothes I have to let the number stitched into the item blow away like the wind. That number is dead to me. Because it is only that. A number.

That number doesn't sum up who I am or what I like doing. It doesn't know that I have great ankles and that I have nice hair. It doesn't know that I'm funny and like sight gags.
It's only a guide for my hips, my waist and my boobs.

That's all.

*image from Pinterest

ye olde shoppe

2011-06-03T10:05:00.001+10:00

I am going to open a little shop on Etsy in the coming weeks.
My little shoppe is going to sell vintage clothing and accessories and little treasures for the home.

I made my banner. I did my shop policies. I have some stock. I am going to have a go.

I am going to cater for all shapes and sizes and will also be on the lookout for vintage for men and children.....and by that I mean vintage clothes for men and children. Not people. I already have too many in the attic.

Coming soon! a little suitcase shop.........

store guide

2011-06-02T18:06:00.000+10:00

I have a store guide that I put together. It's on the left hand side under Pretty Style.

It's always changing, always updating. If you notice any glaring errors or omissions, please let me know and I will fix it.

The Etsy section are the stores and ladies that I have had the good fortune to buy goods from. I can personally recommend them.

I also added in a Subscribe by Email button on the left if that's handy for you.

And thank you.

Thank you for coming by and reading along. I appreciate you taking the time to stop here so very much.

*image from Pinterest. I am on that too. Are you? Please let me know and I will follow you.

bag lady

2011-06-02T09:20:00.002+10:00

They say an *average woman has seventeen bags - five for daytime, three for evening, two for work, two for shopping, two sports bags, two travel bags and a beach bag.

They also say that 1 in 5 women consider the bag to be their most important wardrobe item and that the average spending by a woman on bags in her lifetime comes in at about $6140 (AUS)

*from la maison purse

I have many bags. I love bags. I love the styles. I love the colours and shapes. I like carrying my things around and feel a little lost if I don't have my bag with me.

But I don't spend $6000+ on bags. I op shop my bags. I have found rolling sheets for cigarettes from the 60's in a zip compartment. Newspaper dated from the 70's stuffing my favourite bag. An old shopping list. Original price tags. A phone number with the old 7 digits. I never know what I will find and I love it!

These are some of the beauty's I have found in these past few months.

The little yellow box bag was $3 from Vinnies in Ferntree Gully. It needed a baby wipe and a clean out and it's as good as new and so dainty and lady-like.

Soft and brown and large this tote reminds me of the 70's. It goes beautifully with jeans and my cream coat and it cost $7 from the Salvation Army in Boronia.

I found this beautiful bag two weeks ago at the East End Op Shop in Healesville. The lining is dark brown and rich and glossy. I love this bag. It was $19.

I had been on the lookout all Summer for a raffia bag with bamboo handles and I went to a shop called Red Parasol in Croydon and found this. Vintage and only $15 and ready for next Summer.

Which brings me to this one. A Dior saddle-bag.

Well I have searched and searched the net for details about this bag.

It has the clean and classic shape, quilted stitching, Dior logo charms, rounded handles, printed CD cloth.

The logo inside the bag says Paris and there is a serial number on the back. All markings of an original bag.

It was only $3 at Savers.

Could it be?

That's the charm of op shopping. It can be anything you want it to be.

spotty or just dotty?

2011-06-01T09:47:00.003+10:00

Today I felt like wearing my spotty jacket from City Chic. You know those days - an outfit pops into your head and you hope that by the time you go to put the clothes on, it looks like it did in your mind.

I got up and put on my jacket but the button fell straight off. But this lovely jacket came with it's own bling brooch so I simply took it off the lapel and pulled the jacket together.

I am also wearing my soft black skirt I picked up from Kmart a few weeks ago. I was looking for a nice skirt I could throw on and be comfortable in and this was at Kmart for $15. Although I have been wearing it as a dress. Today I pulled it over a long sleeved white t-shirt and it's very comfy.

Nothing vintage today except the body inside the dress. :)

Spotty Jacket with bling - City Chic

Skirt worn as a dress - Kmart

Long Sleeve T - Target

Tights - Kmart

Ballet flats - Kmart

love vintage

2011-05-30T14:31:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I met my lovely friend Ali in our wonderful city to go to the Love Vintage Fair at the Showgrounds.

Ben looked after Elton and Audrey and clad in my favourite vintage blue dress, vintage brown Mary Jane's and my favourite new/old vintage bag (that I found last week in Healesville) I set off on the train.

I love the train. I got my seat and settled down for an hour to listen to music on my ipod with a long stare out the window. I could feel my batteries recharging the closer I got the the city.

I met Al and we caught the tram down to the fair and it was wonderful. Oh my giddy aunt! Stall after stall of vintage.

My friend Al had told me the wonderful story about a lady called Charlotte Smith. Charlotte has written two books and I purchased one of them yesterday at the show. It's called Dreaming of Dior and it's about her Godmother's Dress Collection she inherited. An amazing collection from Doris Darnell, over 3000 pieces dating from 1790 - 1995. We got to meet Charlotte and she signed our books. I went to bed and poured over the pages. It's magical. I will have to find the other book down the track because I wanted to save my spending money buying the Op Shop Guide to Victoria. 773 op shops and this will be jammed in my bag every time I leave the house!

We got lovely comments about our outfits which is always nice to hear and one stall lady told me that I needed a hat to finish my look. I didn't think I would be able to find one at the fair because they were on average about $100+ but I found a hat made in Paris sitting up on a lonely wall covered in white flowers for $10. The lady looked so chuffed, really genuinely happy I had her hat on my head. I thought she might leap over the table and hug me....or maybe the wistful look was that she had priced it too low.....I came home and wore it all night in my pj's. I just love it. It's a little hard to see in the photo. A camera is on my wish-list for my birthday. :)

I also found a green and red floral summer dress from the 60's in perfect condition and I can't wait to wear it. It's so lovely.

But the day was wonderful. I got to talk to my dear friend all day. We caught up. We talked about our love for vintage. We moved about our city enjoying our time. We said our goodbyes and I caught the train back to my little family and was greeted with hugs and love and a roast dinner in a warm house. I am so grateful to Ben for always saying "You must go! Go! You need more you time!"

You can't beat a day like that.

oh happy days

2011-05-25T17:03:00.000+10:00

It's been so long since I have come here and frankly I look at my blog and think "what on earth have I to talk about?"

Autism.

As much as it's apart of our life and doesn't account for everything about our family, at the moment it's taking over. Like a weed in the garden.

Our little girl was diagnosed with PDD last week. A mild form of Autism. Audrey was officially diagnosed since reviews since last September, and I said to Ben "well I've come along way. When he (the Dr.) told me I didn't even cry...."

I guess Ben and I think that although Elton was Elton first, and then he had Autism, that the practices and guidelines we have in place already won't hurt for Audrey too. Still at the back of your mind you think "well.......heck."

I know that it doesn't change the way I love my children. They could have parakeets fixed permanently to their heads and I would think they were amazing. They are the most wonderful people I have ever met.......and I half made them!

Sadly though it has nothing to do with how I see my children. It's how they will see themselves. The obstacles and hardships that lay ahead for them. As a parent you want your children to have no pain or anxiety or burden and as much as Ben and I can help them, everything will rest with them alone and it's a hard pill to swallow.

So much about Autism and the help we receive focus's on them when they are only young. But what happens when they are old? What happens if I am not here? Please don't let me be killed in a freak accident or contract a terrible illness because I have to be here. I can't be away from my kids.

So I am going to try and come back tomorrow with a post about something from the old days....something about an outfit or a movie. Just something different.

It's time to kill the weed and make the flowers bloom again.

mojo

2011-05-06T11:15:00.000+10:00

To my poor little neglected blog,

I am sorry I can't think of anything to say at the moment.
I have seemed to have lost my mojo.
Please hang in there with me.

Love,
Toni
xxx

ps - Isn't this She and Him poster gorgeous?! I think I will make an embroidery for our wall.

where have i been?

2011-04-13T12:34:00.000+10:00

It's school holidays at the moment and we have really needed this breather.

Every day we have places we need to be and Elton and Audrey are really welcoming the break that is here now.

Over the past few weeks though we have been doing a lot on our weekends (which explains the long blogging break).....such as.....

Going on picnics

Seeing model train displays

Working on hairstyles

Playing cowboys

Going to the drive-in to see Rango

Bathing with googles on

Doing handyman work at home

Making Easter hats

Finding vintage treasures for little people (the best find a cape for Audrey)

Making Angry Birds lego

But my favourite thing - spending time with the 3 best people I know tied closely with putting Elton and Audrey into their warm pj's, wrapping them up in dressing gowns and giving them cuddles.

Nothing can beat that. Nothing.

rummage

2011-04-13T12:06:00.001+10:00

It's hard rubbish collection time in the ye olde hills. I am driving the streets with my head looking left and right. Like an over zealous tennis fan.

I am one of THOSE people. A curb side collector. Rummager. Trash Hunter. Desperate. You have the name for it.....That's me.

Ben lugged our rubbish to the curb and half of it is gone so there are other people like me out there. They must look at night because I never see anyone ferreting through our rubbish in the day.

Or maybe they move like stealth.

My method is pull up slowly. Check the rear view mirror to make sure nobody is coming. Pop the boot. Leap out and grab. Shove it in the car. Jump in and speed off.

I don't know why I still feel awkward retrieving other peoples' trash. It's strange really. Considering I have been doing it for quite a few years now.

Ben and I had an idea to take the trash, fix it up and put it back like good fairies.

So I am on the way home and spot this footstool perched on a pile of rubbish. The stuffing has not been changed. It was just a bit rusted and old.

I came home and grabbed some material, a hammer, thumb tacks, some wood stain and da-dah!

Good as new and filling up a hole in the house with it's charming vintage ways. The cost - $0.

Poor Ben. He just lets me go for it but I can see in his mind he is thinking...."ummmm we are supposed to be throwing things away not bringing more things back." or "great. More things to trip over."

I wonder what streets I haven't covered yet?

:)

world autism day

2011-04-01T16:58:00.000+11:00

The lyrics to this wonderful song by Katy Perry remind me of our little boy and his daily struggles with Autism.

......."You don't have to feel like a waste of space
         You're original, cannot be replaced
         If you only knew what the future holds
         After a hurricane comes a rainbow....."

Tomorrow is World Autism Day.
When you hear this song, think of all those wonderful and unique people who have Autism.

the doily

2011-03-29T08:20:00.001+11:00

I do love doilies. I have them all around the house. On walls. In embroidery hoops. On pillows. Garlands. On furniture. I even have them sewn to my clothes.....like this one. On my favourite yellow dress.

You can find them at op shops by the bundle for just a few dollars and each one is a little different to the next.

Etsy also have pages of doily creations and here are a few of my favourites today.

you are loved doily clutch by sewlola

Dainty Doily Necklaces by kitty robot

If I was getting married again (to Ben of course!) I would wear this. Mia dress by Dani Sunshine. It's so beautiful.

doily celebration garland by Itchin Stitchin

liz

2011-03-24T09:52:00.002+11:00

Elizabeth Taylor.

She was so beautiful.

I am going to watch Giant this weekend. My favourite Elizabeth Taylor movie.

They don't make them like they used to.

autumn

2011-03-02T09:22:00.004+11:00

Four people live in our home. Ben and I. Elton and Audrey. We like to do simple things. Like go for drives to the markets and buy cheese. Watch movies. Go and look at our neighborhood or the city.

We are a good team. Pretty quiet. We laugh every day. We care for one another. We are interested in things we do know and things we don't and we talk alot.

We are also a little different to most families. We have a child who is Autistic and we are a family living with Autism.

This I know - Autism is not caused by inoculations. Autism doesn't go away. There is no cure. Every child is totally different to one another. If you are Autistic you can be loving and show empathy. Not all children hit or bang their heads on walls. Rainman is a movie about one person with Autism. Not a movie about what Autism is like for everyone. Every parent worries about the future.

Everyday I try to be positive for our family. Being the main person and primary carer for Elton it's my job to be the conductor. Organising the information. Filling out endless forms. Running to Occupational Therapy and Speech. Going to family support meetings. Doctors appointments. Paediatrician appointments. Kindy run. Making sure the teachers are talking to the professionals in Elton's Group at Irabina. Does Elton have his visuals. What time is basketball? Get the dinner. Defrost the meat. Keep the floors clean. Do we have clean clothes? My daughter....please don't forget me Mum. Is it always about Autism? I'm normal.

Some days the band is playing really well and other days it's shite. Like today.

It can be so hard to be positive. I wake up some days feeling sad and I haven't done anything yet. There is a knot it my stomach and my heart is beating fast and all I have done is shuffled out of bed.

As much as Autism affects my darling boy who is the sweetest person I have ever known, it affects us all in someway.

Ben doesn't have any real support from other guys. I go to Irabina (Elton's Autistic Early Intervention School) and I can share things with the other Mums or with the teachers....but Ben has nobody. Except me. Ben has friends and brothers but nobody who is going to call up just to ask him how he is doing or feeling. Does today suck or is it a good day?

My little girl helps Elton put his clothes on, knows when to stop talking because Elton doesn't like noise today and cheers support and encourages Elton but she can't understand why. Audrey also has found it difficult to settle at Kindy and is very teary.

I go to Kindy and stand in the line and I can't help but feel like the hunchback of Notre Dame standing amongst the princesses. I feel like I can't relate to any Mum who is "normal" and that they don't understand me either. I know it's not all in my mind. Last year Elton wasn't invited to one party. Elton wasn't aware. But I sure was.

Elton likes to hold onto his pants. It's his habit and no matter how many times I gently remove his hand, he pops it straight back on. Many mums have spotted Elton doing this and tell me that he needs to go to the toilet, which I reply back..."no, it's just his thing," and I smile, but they don't really understand and sometimes I want to say he's Autistic and other days I don't because we heard all those labels in school - nerd, freak, bookworm, in-crowd and Autistic is another one and he's just my beautiful son.

When we went back to Perth many people would comment saying that they were amazed Elton was playing or interacting with people and Ben and I would just look at each other. Believe us, nothing pleases us more to see our son putting to practice everything he is learning, but it's also because every single waking moment is visuals with truck loads of patience and going over pictures and scenarios and trying to trouble shoot every minute of the time at home so that for the few hours Elton leaves the house he is capable of keeping it together.

But tomorrow is another day. It's Autumn now. It is not a thankless role. We see improvements every day and it's what spurs us on. We are happy and to us that is all that matters.

Everything is fine.

*photo from here

adele

2011-02-25T15:44:00.003+11:00

I love all music and listen to it every single day. It might be with the kids twirling around my feet or tucked up in bed with my ipod. I love to listen to old favs or songs depending on my mood for the day.

At the moment I can't stop playing Adele. Her music is beautiful and her voice is amazing. Like a cross between Carol King and Bette Midler.

She sings exactly how I like people to sing - delivers her lines clean and simple and with so much emotion. I can't stand when people get a note and sing it up and down and trill the hell out of it. To me it ruins a song and it makes it sound ridiculous.

After you are blown away by her gorgeous voice, random people on the nets decide to look past the talent and decide to talk trash about Adele's weight.

For pete's sake.

Adele is absolutely gorgeous. Her clothes are to die for. Her hair and eyes and skin......sigh.

What a beautiful and talented singer. I love her music and I dare you to listen to Someone Like You and not be reminded of a broken heart.

Happy Weekend to you.

christmas dress

2011-02-24T10:04:00.004+11:00

I do love this dress so much.

Ben got it for me for Christmas from a beautiful vintage shop called Walk In Wardrobe in Belgrave. It is jammed packed with dresses and if you live in Melbourne you should come take a look because you won't be disappointed.

This dress is so easy to wear. It has an elasticized waist with perma pleats so when you sit the material doesn't go flat. It also has a strapless elastic band for the top. I think that is why the dress is in such fantastic condition. There are no buttons or zips to add to dress depreciation.

The belt I found at Savers. It's lovely. Hand painted on a velvet band. The shoes were also from Savers and the belt and shoes cost $6 all up.

Bargain!

Dress - Walk In Wardrobe

Shoes - Savers

Belt - Savers

Cardigan - Cocolatte

Pendant Watch - Camberwell Markets

on the table

2011-02-23T10:50:00.004+11:00

I do like to switch around what I put on our table fairly often. Changing the top to suit the season or whatever holiday is coming up next. Sometimes a change is needed if I find something lovely to put on display.

The table runner was made by Ben's Aunty in Queensland. I love it. I also don't like to iron it because I don't want the table to look to perfect to sit at. I like it a little more homely and lived in.

The cake display was a purchase from Ikea and the basket of flowers was from a little discount place of odds and ends around the corner in Ferntree Gully. The plates were my find from yesterday and they look lovely with the jug I found at the vintage store in Toodyay on holidays.

If you have seen the Australian show Kath and Kim, you would know the characters Prue and Trude. Well Prue and Trude sold Ben and I the old vintage milk crate that sits on our table years ago in Perth. The snootiest couple of sales ladies we have ever come across. Still didn't let the snobby women stop us from buying the milk crate. It needed to be saved! The bottles I found yesterday fit the crate perfectly. I will be on the lookout for another two.

Can you tell I love nesting? Drives Ben mad. He comes home and everything is moved around. No wonder the poor love trips into things all the time.

booty

2011-02-23T08:15:00.002+11:00

I saw this beautiful picture on Rue Magazine and I love it. The wallpaper is beautiful. The colour of the shelf perched above the chest of draws. All the mementos and treasures. It's a lovely vignette.

I have been on the lookout for a shelf so that I can try and create something like this in our bedroom.

Yesterday I was driving past the local good will store and stopped the car to have a look and while Elton and Audrey were rummaging through the piles of toys I spotted this little shelf. I am going to give it a paint and replace some of the missing hooks but once done this will look great above our own chest of draws with perfume bottles on the top and pendants hanging from the bottom.

I also found this lovely print in a chipped gold frame that I will leave as is because I love that old look. A couple of lovely bottles and two Ironstone plates from Japan that will set off a fresh batch of biscuits or a cake just right. I do love any blue or white combination on plates.

What did it cost me.......my booty cost $5 all up!

And Ben is really happy too because he gets to drill more holes in the wall for me. Yesterday he told me that the walls are weak because of all the holes.

He's kidding....right?

rose coloured glasses

2011-02-21T18:24:00.004+11:00

Yesterday we went into the city to go to the Queen Victoria Markets. I love the markets, especially the food side because of all the great cheese. I do love cheese.

So we are wandering around and I spotted these great glasses. I do have two pairs of reading glasses but they are a little outdated, still good for reading but not a favourite. I put these on and they were the right strength for my eyes and they cost $5 and are rose coloured and a little bit Dame Edna. Perfect!

An optometrist would probably be cursing me right now saying that I need proper prescription glasses and those cheap magnifying glasses are making my eyes worse, but speaking as a girl who picks cars not because of how good it is but for the colour......they are pretty.

After I had safely put my new purchase in my bag we went to the pet store to have a look at the animals and this little kitty stole my heart. Look at that face.

British Shorthairs (Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland) are my favourite cat variety and if I had $1200 and a lobotomy this cat would have come home with us. $1200!! We slunk out of the shop pretty quick. I will stick with our two $40 mixed suprise breeds.

After our day trip we came home and had cheese and a french stick and watched a movie.

It was a lovely weekend.

happy weekend!

2011-02-18T17:34:00.002+11:00

This made me laugh and laugh again.

Happy Weekend to you!

winter wishlist

2011-02-18T11:23:00.006+11:00

Nothing pleases me more than knowing that at night the doona is pulled up under my chin and in the morning and late afternoon I put on a cardigan. The cooler weather is here. Autumn is coming!

That also means taking a peek into my wardrobe to find what I need to turn my summer things into warm and practical.

Like tights. This year I am buying lots of tights in different colours and patterns. I can still wear my lovely dresses but I will feel alot warmer.

Tara from Little Girl Big Closet is great at teaming her dresses with tights.

Cardigans. I love them.

I buy the cheap ones for around $7 from Cocolatte and I have to pull them out now and again and remove the little balls of fluff that gather under the arms..(with a razor blade and very light strokes....if you do it too hard you will put a hole in it)...but while they are cheap you do have to replace your favourites now and again.

I also love to look on Etsy and found this lovely cardi from Detroit Dollface. I was sold on the collar.

I am on the lookout to find the perfect cape. Not too short. Not too long. Just right. Like this one from Tiny Vintage Wardrobe.

I love brooches. They can jazz up in the dullest outfit. I am going to try making a few handmade ones this year from some scraps of vintage material I have that is too small to be made into anything else. I love the over sized bow.

image from we heart it.

A beautiful bow belt from Darlingtonia.

get pinning!

2011-02-17T16:40:00.003+11:00

I have a new place to store all my photo inspiration I find on my travels in blog land.
It's called Pinterest and after comparing other photo board sites, this one is pretty good and easy to navigate.

You can make your boards any way you please and when you see something you like on the nets you can pin it and it's stored just like that. It also references the place you found your inspiration from, so if you want to use it later on, on your blog, you know who to credit.

I wish I could come up with some great idea. Then we could retire in Paris and eat lots of cheese.

photo from house of bliss

i miss the kids

2011-02-17T09:27:00.002+11:00

Elton is repeating his year at kindy because we wanted to give him a chance to process all the new changes in his life from last year. Being Autistic we want him to set his own pace and we are not in any hurry to put pressure on him to move along with everyone else.

Elton was really delighted to be back in the place he knows so well. Elton knows where to find the blocks, the best place to sit and read a story, how fast to charge down the hill to the swings. It was lovely to see him feel confident. He knows the layout and what goes on and he has taken to the new year at school like an old pro.

When Elton went to Kindy on his first day last year, I walked home crying like Ted in the last scene from There's Something About Mary, but I brushed away the tears because I still had Audrey at home.

But now she is gone too. In Elton's group at kindy. Being only 15 months apart they are now in the same year.

Kindy is 3 half days a week but at the moment they are the longest hours of my week. I shuffle around and don't know what to do with myself. I don't have anyone chatting to me, no tiffs to break up, no drinks to get, nothing to pick up off the floor, no hugs.....I miss the kids.

It's so sad sometimes being a Mum. I want the kids to grow and become and do great things, but I also have days where I want to freeze time and keep everything just the way it is.

It's strange learning to be alone again. I have never had this many hours since the kids have been born where I have been alone.

It sure does take some getting used to.

back to the future

2011-02-16T09:27:00.004+11:00

I have forgotten what I started here on my blog so I have decided to go back to the basics and start again. Beginning with a makeover.

I tried to get fancy with columns and tabs but it really just wasn't me. I'm just a plain old girl in $3 shoes.

I am trying to kick start my blog again after long lulls and wondering what to talk about. Now I am going back to the future and capturing what I started here to begin with......"a place to store my thoughts, recipes, ramblings, love for my family, clothes, crafts and vintage treasure hunting."

oh my stars............

2011-02-14T18:04:00.002+11:00

How are you?!

We had the downpour of the year and it flooded the phone exchange and we lost our nets and our phone....for nine long days.

I have been sending pigeons with messages tied to their legs, but today the connection returned.

Happy Valentines Day. With or without a partner, you can still get your love from somewhere else...a big group of friends, a lovely workmate, the man that makes you your coffee, your pet, a whole crew of kids. Love is all around.

Just like in this scene from Frankie and Johnny. A fine, fine, fine movie, with one of THE best kissing scenes of all time. Al Pacino just about swallows Michelle. It's good.

she's got legs

2011-02-04T16:04:00.005+11:00

The other day I was on the nets and saw this picture which completely inspired me for dressing for Winter.

Tights. With different coloured shoes. With open toes.

I can remember when wearing tights with open toes was a fashion no no. I can remember Wayne Cooper embarrassing a girl at the Melbourne Cup Carnival on National TV for wearing peep toes and tights.

This year I am going to try something new in the legs department. Too many years have gone by where I have teamed my shoes with tights and matched them. This year my legs are having a birthday.

I think Beth has captured the 40's look perfectly. It could have been just another dress, but adding the tights and heels gave it that classic old fashioned by still chic look and it has finished the outfit off. Plus you can get good wear out of the dress when the cooler weather kicks in.

And Emily.....she is the grand master of tights and heels.

Who really listens to fashion no no's anyway?

thrifty finds

2011-01-23T14:10:00.005+11:00

I have been having a few health issues (dizzy spells and jumpy heart) so to take my mind off my doctors results I am expecting back tomorrow, Ben took me to Savers! He knows I love that place.

I have been a long admirer of James' style (of Bleubird Vintage) for ages now and she posted this outfit on her blog and I loved it. It's simple but so sweet and I love her shoes.

When I go treasure hunting I never really go with anything to find in mind. I have discovered that if I am after something I won't find it. For me it's best to just see what the shop holds for the day.

So today I am browsing the shoe shelves and I find these! The most lovely pair of oxfords, in cream and navy blue in fantastic condition and from Italy!

I also found a navy pencil skirt and will wear these lovely shoes with the skirt, a cream jumper (sweater) I have and this vintage scarf I found that's long enough to tie in a pussy bow.

Lovely shoes. I am overjoyed to find them!

I also found this lovely hand painted velvet belt. It was $3 and is so beautiful.

Another vintage dress for $5,

and a granny cardi for $4.

Thank you for taking me treasure hunting love. You are definitely my best find.

old napkins

2011-01-19T15:23:00.002+11:00

Gosh Dottie Angel has magic stitchy fingers. I am forever mesmerized by her beautiful garlands, trinkets, thriftiness and handmade stitched treasures.

I popped over to find a curtain that she had sewn together and I thought it was so lovely that I would try to make my own. The curtain I had hanging previously I never really took too. I would stare at it from the couch....but not in a good way.

My friend Kelly sent me a box of old linen napkins from her Grandma. Kelly didn't want them and I gladly jumped at the chance to take the box off her hands. Wow! What a gold mine. Beautiful old napkins all embroidered. Some large. Some small. Some stained with age. A treasure trove of good stuff!

I lay out all the napkins on the floor and overlapped them depending on what I wanted shown. I made sure it looked appealing from both sides as you can see the curtain from the deck. I also wanted to use the stained napkins for that old worn look and I used black thread to sew the napkins together as I wanted the thread to stand out and make it look sort of old Italian looking. Back in the day they used dark thread to sew material together so you could admire the stitching. Although that was sewn by hand and I cheated and used my trusty machine.

I also wanted some bird lace I added to the curtain to flap around so I left it unstitched on 3 sides.

The verdict - I love it.

I added this little curtain to Project Restyle. A new craft group set up by Elsie and Rachel. It's for before and after restyled vintage projects - giving new life to old or unwanted trash that you turn into treasure.

Thank you Tif (Dottie Angel) for your never ending imagination and clever fingers!

new old treasure

2011-01-19T09:47:00.007+11:00

In Perth I got to visit lots of second hand stores. The country has great stuff and shops were bursting at the seems. The stock was also quite different to to what I can find in the city.

If you are a reader from Perth, there were lots of stores in Northam and a huge store in Bindoon. My favourite store was behind the newsagent in Toodyay. All the proceeds go to the Royal Flying Doctors.

There were also 3 mega-huge stores in Belmont - Good Sammy's, Vinnies and Salvos.

I found this beautiful material (that I made into a cushion yesterday) from Northam. It was 50 cents and it's thick and strong and so lovely.
These cute vintage coasters from Japan (label was still on the back) were also from Northam and cost 50 cents.

I found this lovely jug which reminds me of Julia cooking in France from the Emporium in Toodyay. I visited the shop a couple of times because it's so awesome!

This cute scarf was 50 cents. If you don't like wearing them on your neck, they look lovely tied on your handbag.

I love this pendant. It was $4.50.

This little brooch with pressed flowers jumped out at me. It was $1.

I found this lovely skirt at Vinnies in Toodyay and it was $5. I wear it as a dress with a belt and a cardi. In Winter I can wear it with boots and tights. It's a beautiful emerald green colour.

This top is not vintage but I couldn't go past the beading or the flowers. It will look lovely with jeans and a granny cardi to jazz the look up a bit.

I purchased this dress on Etsy while I was away. Thanks to mobile phones with internet coverage! I love the bright colours and I will wear it exactly like this. With black tights and a wide belt.

This dress is from Melinda Milkshake.

This dress was on the mannequin in Toodyay at my favourite store and I took it off. Then I could hear the lady in the shop, "Bob love, do we have another outfit for the poor old naked lass?" hehe.

This cobalt blue dress with black and gold could not be left behind. I have worn it twice already and it's a great day dress!

Erin, my magical dress lady from Peachy Pipes sent this dress to me while I was away. The best thing to see in the pile of mail when we came home. It's a vintage Mexican dress and it's wonderful!

Tent dresses are the best thing since sliced bread. They sit perfectly, you don't have to mess about with buttons, you can wear them loose or belted. This vintage dress was $5 and it's in perfect condition.

This lovely dress is going to be worn with leggings and a belt and cardi. Or if all that fails I can wear it to bed.

Two pairs of Mary Jane's - still lots of wear left and both pairs came to $4.50.

And pin-up girl wedges for $5.

Lots of lovely things. If you have a good long look.

perf

2011-01-18T09:37:00.008+11:00

Perth (or Perf as Audrey calls it) is on the other side of Australia. The western side.

It is where we were all born, where our family all live, it holds a bazillion memories......it's also extremely hot.

I do not hide the fact that I loathe the heat. Make-up to me is supposed to be on my face, not running down into my shoes. When I do my hair it is supposed to sit flat, not be so wild with humidity that I have to walk through doors sideways. When I walk from the back door to the front door I am supposed to arrive looking like I have not just run a biathlon.

Good grief the weather!

So why we decided to make the trip back to Perth in the middle of Summer is a decision that must have been made on a cold day in Melbourne. Also Christmas had something to do with it. "Let's go back and have a holiday at Christmas in the middle of Summer!"

We went for 3 weeks and a day and as much as we love our family, it's not exactly a holiday. Visiting family and moving from one home to the next is not a holiday. For one, as much as you love seeing everyone, it's not your home. You are out of your comfort zone and move about like a thief stealing jewellery. You tread the boards lightly. You put cups on coasters. You shower like at any moment someone is going to bust the door down. You can't even go to the toilet like you do in your own home. Plus, it's been years since Ben and I left home. You just get used to doing things your own way.

Not that anyone wasn't accommodating and lovely, it's just the way it is. I am sure everyone was keen to see our backs retreat too.

The highlights of our trip -

New Years Eve. We had a fantastic night that went into early morning. We danced and sang and kicked our legs up. I think I flashed my knickers.

The Beach. We went to the Beach at Mum's house every morning and it was wonderful. The wind was blowing the right way the entire stay which meant no seaweed. We collected shells and floated in the water.

Home. Sometimes you need to be away from something to realise how much you love it. We missed our home everyday. Our cats. Seeing our purple house from the street as you drive up. The dirt road. Our garden. The green trees. Home. There is nothing like it.

The Lowlights -

Leaving your family and realising you forgot to tell them something.

The changes. The image of a holiday you have in your mind never really works out the same in real life. I worked so hard to be different this year. To look different and to be more confident.
When I went back to Perth, I just felt like the same shy, tubby person. I just don't understand it - at home I tell great jokes and I snort and feel great and I look in my mirror and think "well that will do..." but it all left the building when I arrived in Perth. I just felt awkward and that I was disappointing everyone.

Time. I wanted to see so many more people, but time ran out.

Audrey and Elton at Elton's 5th birthday party. They had a wonderful time.

Admiring the view from our hotel in Melbourne. We had dinner in the city and saw the big Christmas tree.

Waking up early the day of our flight and watching hot air balloons drift over the city.

If you ever wanted to know what it looks if the ocean was drained of water, then this is the place for you. The Pinnacles in Cervantes. My Mum lives here.

Mum's flowers.

Long shadows.

The old mill in Toodyay.

We found some lawn to rest on at the mill under a tree. It was lovely.

My darling family.

Our last day eating ice-cream at Hillary's. It was lovely there.

Thank you to Mum and John (Granny and Papa), Dad and Janine, Tom and Sam (Grandad and Nanny J) and Mick and Les (Grandma and Pa) for letting us stay with you. We had a lovely visit.

xxx

home, home on the range....

2011-01-16T18:47:00.002+11:00

We are home. Home from our family visit in Perth.

With the trip, catching up, getting back into the routine and the terrible sadness from the Queensland Floods, I am bone tired.

A trip roundup is on the way, but here is some new music from a great Melbourne band - Gypsy and The Cat. If you like MGMT - French disco, electronic inspired music, you will like this band.

No matter how sad or tired you feel....music always gets you through.

up, up and away......

2010-12-21T10:38:00.002+11:00

with TAA the friendly, friendly waaaaayyyyyy.....(warble) (cough)

Tomorrow, after Elton has his little party we are off to the big smoke for an overnight stay. We are taking Elton and Audrey to see the Christmas windows, the live advent calendar, a Santa tram ride and then a relax before catching our flight to Perth for the Christmas holidays.

It is freezing here at the moment. About 8 degrees and when we hit Perth on Thursday it will be 38 degrees. I still can't believe I will be hot without the aid of heating or an electric blanket.

If you call by and read along quietly or leave lovely comments - thank you so much for being around. It means the world for anybody to stop past that isn't related to me. :)

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

And I will leave you for now with this vintage TAA ad. It makes me laugh. There is lots of running and more running. Some running. A lady wearing a leopard print snuggie. A sleazy man checking out the air hostess, and more running. Everything you want to see in an ad.

xxx

5

2010-12-21T10:34:00.003+11:00

Our little boy Elton turns 5 tomorrow.

Elton you are our bright light and mean everything to our family.

Happy Birthday little man. We love you to the moon and back.

Ben's Christmas Mince Off

2010-12-18T14:53:00.000+11:00

Ben has been on a mission - The mission of finding THE best fruit mince pie for Christmas.

Ben has eaten his way through 6 packs of tartlets (gosh that does sound kinky) and today we are bringing you Ben's Top 4 Fruit Mince Pies for 2010.

This is scaled on pastry, crumble, sprinkles and the important fruit mince.

First off we have Mr Walkers Luxury Mincemeat Tarts.

Although not judging the box or title, we are not too fond of eating a Fruit Mince Pie that says Mincemeat. It just seems wrong...like Ben was expecting to eat the pie with sauce.

This pie had true shortbread pie casing. The top is quite thick and these are the most generous pie for pastry/mince ratio. The mince is not minced enough. Quite lumpy and saucy.

There are no sprinkles and they pastry doesn't crumble and fall about.

7 out of 10.

Mr Kipling. I love Mr Kipling. Probably because of the memories associated with Mr Kipling and my workmate from eons ago, Val. Val loved Mr Kipling. Val was also the best workmate I have ever worked with. She was so much fun!

Mr Kipling has a great pie case. Sweet and with the sugar on top. We like sugar on our pastry lids. The mince is the tastiest. Very fruity and you can taste the cloves and the cinnamon.....alot like eating Christmas cake or a pudding. The mince is packed in the tart and it's not juicy, so when you bite in it doesn't ooze out and drop into your lap.

That said, the pastry is messy and you will have to dust bust your guests shoes and floor when they eat.....if you are a neat freak do not buy these pies!

8 out of 10.

Bakers Delight Fruit Mince Pies. Delicious pies. Freshly made on the day and ready to go these pies are extra special if you dust a little icing sugar on top.

The fruit mince is a little different. Not as....err.....mincey....you know...mincey. Not as bitey....like mince. Probably a good beginners pie for kids if you are introducing them to fruit mince for the first time. They won't yell at you or freak out when it touches their lips. Good Christmas Day fruit mince pie meltdown avoidance.

The pasty is more cake like, so you don't have to have a drink on standby when you are trying to swallow. You know that shortbread stuck in the throat feeling? Well you don't have it with these pies.

Also very clean pies. No crumble or mess.

9 out of 10.

Ashwood Fruit Mince Pies from Aldi.

These are very juicy and runny but also very tasty. Don't be put off by the cheap price. They are fantastic value for money and nobody will think you are cheap. They are good pies and go down a treat with a glass of Ben's Egg Nog Spectacular. It's spectacular the amount of brandy that goes into the nog. You lose your nog. Or noggin.

No crumble but the pasty can get a little leaky looking, so buy them and pop them in the fridge in the packet. If you dust them with icing sugar these pies also resemble the most handmade looking ones in case you want to impress (lie) to anyone that you made them.

7 out of 10.

So the winner for Ben's Christmas Mince Off 2010 is.................Bakers Delight Fruit Mince Pies!!!

This is also why fruit mince pies are a yearly thing. You feel like throwing up if you see once more pie after Christmas. It takes 11 months to get over it.

movies with kids

2010-12-16T14:21:00.000+11:00

Where have I been?

Well, I have been tackling the huge list of to-do's before we head west on our holiday. I have done about a third. I do tend to get a bit sidetracked and forget what I was.....

Um.

Movies. That's right.

So you might be after something to watch on school holidays and Elton and Audrey have great taste in movies. They ask to watch some great things and at the moment the kids love to watch any movie by Hayao Miyazaki.

They say this man is the Walt Disney of Japan and I totally agree. What an imagination this man has!

His stories are magical and fun and if Elton and Audrey had to name some favourites they would be Ponyo, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro. Especially Totoro. The kids love Cat Bus!

my man

2010-12-09T08:21:00.000+11:00

Daydream delusion
Limousine Eyelash
Oh, baby with your pretty face
Drop a tear in my wineglass
Look at those big eyes
See what you mean to me
Sweet cakes and Milkshakes
I am a delusion angel
I am a fantasy parade
I want you to know what I think
Don't want you to guess anymore
You have no idea where I came from
We have no idea where we're going
Launched in life
Like branches in the river
Flowing downstream
Caught in the current
I'll carry you. You'll carry me
That's how it could be
Don't you know me
Don't you know me by now

Poem from Before Sunrise.

I have had this poem on my blog before but it's so beautiful and my favourite that I wanted to share it again. Especially for Ben.

Yesterday was his birthday and our wedding anniversary. Our 7th.
But we got married in Las Vegas on the 8th at 7pm which is really today at 9am......so Happy Anniversary my Benny.

You make my dreams come true.

And our wedding song - He Needs Me by Shelley Duvall from the movie Popeye.

xxx

gosh

2010-12-09T08:11:00.000+11:00

At breakfast this morning -

Elton: "Mum you make my feelings happy."

Audrey: "Mummy you make my heart feel good."

Gee all I did was make toast.

I love my smalls.

christmas wish list

2010-12-07T16:02:00.000+11:00

Elton: "Oh Mum Hero Factory Lego is very amazing!"

Me: "How on earth do you know about Hero Factory?"

Elton: "In the catalogue."

Me: "Oh."

Elton: "I like the black one."

Me: "What this Jimmy Stringer guy?"

Elton: "Yes. But you can get me this and Spongebob Lego."

......"and Bumblebee......and trains - any trains. I like trains."

Me: "Yes Elton."

I really wanted to get Audrey a doll, but not a doll that looks like a teenager for little girls. A doll that looked sweet and cute and young.

I was looking at lovely Elsie's blog and she got her niece a doll I had never heard of and after seeing the photo I thought "that's the doll!"

She is a LaLaLoopsy doll - I ordered Jewel Sprinkles for Aud because she IS Jewel Sprinkles....and thanks to the internet and an online Australian toy store, she is on the way.

Every night before bed, Audrey runs through her Sylvanian Family wish list. A car, a caravan, a house, a family, a baby..........she said she wants a family just like ours. Bless.

I like smells. Good ones only. Not feet smells or butt smells but nice smells. Like Parisienne. Anything Parisienne and I love it already.

This plate by The Storybook Rabbit. It's wonderful!

Anything from Tamar. Anything. I LOVE her store.

Back to smells and I do like SJP's NYC. I think it's pretty.

And I would love a pair of Chuck Taylors.

And for Ben.....probably a whole day (week, year...) of uninterrupted WOW, a zombie movie and a telescope.

But in the end for us to take-off and land and take-off and land on our holiday and arrive in both places with all our luggage and our lives in tact.

I don't like being in the air.

vintage laughs

2010-12-06T08:03:00.007+11:00

I'm a fan of vintage cards with the funny modern day captions. They always make me laugh.

Which is something I need on a Monday morning with a to do list half a mile long....and my little girl says she vomited her sausages she had for dinner in her bed sometime last night but was too tired to yell out, so she slept in it and it's now like sausage cardboard in the sheets and her hair, and the smell is like nothing from this lifetime, but she is all better now and would like yoghurt and toast for breakfast please.

Do they have a card for that?

Happy Monday!!

*all cards from Vintage Ladybird

there's something about erin

2010-12-03T17:06:00.006+11:00

This is the story about another lovely girl called Erin. Erin and her fantastic clothes!

I have purchased 3 dresses from Erin over the past few months from her store - Peachy Pipes. I have a vintage ascot bow dress and two dresses with polka dots. Everything I buy from her is guaranteed to be great. Not only does she have great dresses but she is a voluptuous lady like me. You go girl!

Erin had this perfectly peachy skirt in her store and I loved it immediately. Reminds me of Mum's old curtains and being a little girl I would grab them and put them on my head as you can see from the photo of me........this was my Maria from the Sound of Music outfit. I wanted to be a nun and twirl on the hillside.

Erin had a picture of herself wearing the skirt with leggings, which I thought was a great idea. I also plan to wear it under my dresses to give the skirts some volume.

Erin - thank you for your store. Being curvy it's hard enough to dress the way I truly want to, and your store allows me to do just that. I hope you keep finding those great dresses.

Vintage skirt - Peachy Pipes

Belt - City Chic

Leggings - Glassons

Vintage Shoes - Salvation Army

Long sleeve t - Target

Brooch - Peachy Pipes

......and Erin sent me this brooch with my skirt. Just because. Thank you Erin. You are so kind and I love it!

and I still have crap nails. Oh well!

Happy Weekend.

the perfect old dress

2010-12-02T12:55:00.004+11:00

I found this lovely 60's dress from a fantastic Etsy store called Coldfish. Erin has lots of great things.

This dress has been lovingly handmade and whoever stitched it up did a wonderful job.

It's made in the lightest polyester (material I love although it can sometimes have a bad name) and it floats. The fit is perfect. It's a magical moment when you wait for a dress to come from the other side of the world, it fits like it was made especially for you, even though it belonged to a lady or maybe ladies who all loved it at one time or other.

I just don't get the same thrill when I am owner number one. I love the story of the dress.

Same for the cute shoes. Kitten heel Mary Jane's that I found this week at the Salvos. In lovely condition and matches the clasp Kelly bag found a few weeks back at The Treasure Hut down the road for 50 cents.

50 cents! I mean really!

Vintage Dress - Coldfish - Reduce Reuse Rewear

Vintage Shoes - Salvation Army

Vintage Bag - The Treasure Hut - Upwey

Cardi Clip - Sweet N Salty

Cardi - Cocolatte

brain freeze

2010-11-30T14:40:00.000+11:00

I don't know if it's because -

a. it's nearly the end of school for the year
b. I have to bake 3 dozen cupcakes and make cookies
c. we have a full calendar of Christmas parties
d. we are going to Perth for Christmas holidays
e. and there are 4 birthdays to celebrate between now and then
f. and I still have to write Christmas cards
g. and I had to write a list to organise my other list.....

but I have a serious case of brain freeze on my ye olde blog. Something will come to me soon. I hope.

*Picture (hopefully not us on the plane to Perth) Gary Larson The Far Side

chiffon

2010-11-26T13:39:00.002+11:00

When I get married to Ben again (I will ask him this time) I want Audrey to be my Bridesmaid, Elton to be The Best Man and I want to go back to The Little Church of The Fountain in Las Vegas. The scene of our first wedding.

I also want to wear a vintage knee length dress in chiffon. I love chiffon.

Some of the prettiest chiffon dresses I have seen are on Etsy.

Like the dress above from Simplicity Bliss.

This lovely lemon dress from Naomi's Vintage

Blue Goddess from Trini's Treasures

Yellow gown from Coral Root

Yellow roses party dress from Roly Poly Vintage

Pale Blue Gown from Becky Drolen Vintage

Gee....I hope he says yes!

enamel brooch

2010-11-19T08:15:00.001+11:00

I found this lovely enamel daisy brooch from a store called Cheeky Vintage Closet.

There is something really special about enamel brooches. I don't know if it's the weight, or the shine, the colours or that they don't usually come in 100% perfect condition - with a few chips here or there.

Maybe all together it adds to the charm of the brooch. They sure are lovely.

Vintage Dress - Pineapple Mint

Belt - Target

Cardi - Cocolatte

Shoes - Payless

Enamel Brooch - Cheeky Vintage Closet

Happy Weekend to you!

fantastic mr fox

2010-11-18T18:16:00.001+11:00

I saw this fox necklace on A Wilderness For You and Me and I loved it immediately. I think it's wonderful.

It even has a hidden pocket, so if you go out dancing or something and don't want to take a handbag, you have your cash on you but are hands free.

Genius!

Fantastic Mr Fox necklace - A Wilderness For You and Me

Dress - Savers

Cardi - Cocolatte

Loafers - Target

Belt - Target

The French cooking was a success! I am trying to forget how much butter went into the cooking. Oh boy! Our arteries. But it was a whole new taste sensation and the house smelled like a French Bistro. We are having left-overs tonight.

julia and me

2010-11-17T12:17:00.000+11:00

Gosh I am crazy about this lady - Julia Child

I have watched Julie and Julia (not keen on the Julie part but LOVE the Julia bits) about 10 times now and it inspired me so much. So after my raving for weeks about Julia, Ben gave me Mastering The Art of French Cooking for my birthday.

I have read the extensive entry to the book and have popped on the pearls and today I am attempting Poulet Poele A L'Estragon and Gratin Dauphinois.

Casserole chicken bathed in butter and taragon with brown sauce and cheese potatoes.

I am not going to skip bits and do it my way, I am going to do exactly as she says and see how it turns out.

As Julia says, "it doesn't matter if it's not perfect. Never tell anyone it isn't." Or something like that.

Just look at her! So happy!
I hope I look this joyful when I am cooking. Wish me luck.

the full circle

2010-11-16T11:26:00.002+11:00

Television now.

Very much completing a full circle and coming back around from Marlo, Lucy, Laverne and Shirl are Emma and the Mad Men ladies - Joan, Peggy and Betty.

Gosh the clothes are wonderful!

Cardigans, enamel brooches, headbands, full skirts, wiggle dresses, pencil skirts, blouses, ascot bows, kitten heels, dainty clasp handbags, gloves, ballerina flats, belts, cardi clips, bows and bracelets.

It's all so beautiful and classic and feminine. I love this style and even though the two shows are set in completely different times, the fashion works.

I think what I love the most about classic style and dressing is when I see the older generation out and about. They dress so beautifully. The men in pants and belts with shirts with buttons. Tucked in and ironed to within an inch of the clothes life.

The women have shoes that have probably lasted them years and years but are still perfect. They carry hankies and wear brooches and smell like soap and old perfume. They have mints in their handbags and carry themselves like a movie star.

They have style.