...Rachel Ashwells New Book

Rachel Ashwell, the original Shabby Chic girl, has a new book coming out - (in 115 days to be precise.)  It's called Shabby Chic Inspirations and if the cover is anything to go by, it should be gorgeous.  If you would like to pre-order a copy, click on the "Book Depository" icon on my sidebar.  The Book Depository pre-order price is AU$30.35 (25% off RRP) with free delivery worldwide. 

...Wow, I am featured on Domestic Ease Top 12

I am featured in this weeks Domestic Ease, top 12.  If you haven't seen this website before, have a look here.  I think you'll like it.

Happy weekend.

...I will Love You Forever

Rest in Peace A.J., I will love you forever. xxxxxx

......Appreciate the annoying things in life.

I have had the painters in this week.  On day one, I was chatting away to the head painter about "paint colours" when in the background, my two eldest boys were squabbling.  I said to the painter, "I wish they would stop, it's very annoying.  He said to me, "Sharon, enjoy every annoying moment of their arguing, wrestling, squabbling" that you can.  My 20 year old boy went prawn trawling last year, the boat sank, my boy drowned, we don't have closure because no body was found, and every day I wish  I could hear the annoying sounds of my two boys arguing."  Well, boy did I take stock.  He's right, we should appreciate more in life, even the annoying things. 

Have a good weekend girls.

...sometimes love's scary!!!

...every time I look at this it makes me laugh. Hope you are having a happy week and that this makes you laugh too.

...Queen B Candles - Just in time for Earth hour

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Cate, the owner of Queen B candles . What a lovely, kind and generous soul she is and definitely one who "walks her talk".  She is passionate about what she does.  Her company make the most exquisite candles that are made from pure beeswax.   They are beautiful, have the faintest smell of honey and are HEALTHY to burn.  If you would like to order some candles from Queen B, it's not too late to order them now, just in time for earth hour (26th March).  If you enjoy burning candles, please take a minute to read the info below.

The beautiful Cate

The main alternative to beeswax is paraffin - representing over 95% of all candles sold.

Paraffin is a petro-chemical by-product which, when burned, emits a toxic smoke (for toxicity information go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/rv55730.html). Paraffin is the grayish-black sludge oozing out of petroleum refineries. 

To make this waxy sludge more 'palatable' it is then bleached (which creates dioxins), processed and then texturised using carcinogenic chemicals. Candle makers then take this bleached, toxic wax, and colour it with synthetic colourants and artificial scents selling these candles to the unsuspecting public to burn in their living room!! Fantastic!

The toxic smoke from the paraffin candles covers your walls, furniture, carpet and curtains, not to mention the inside of your lungs and your skin.

In addition, many paraffin candles are made with a lead core or zinc core wick, further polluting your environment with toxic smoke.  There is a lot more profit in paraffin.

A similar study was conducted in Australia by Mike van Alphen which concluded "Modelling of a number of residential scenarios and detailed exposure assessments readily demonstrate that daily candle* burning of several hours duration would result in elevated blood lead levels. The burning of multiple candles in a confined space for greater than 3-6 hours daily would readily result in severe Pb poisoning." (go to http://www.lead.org.au/mr/9-8-99.html)

...Michael Buble

Went to Michael Buble last night.  All I can say is WOW.  He is everything the critics are saying and more.  He was fabulous.  He is so talented AND hilarious.  He also did a Michael Jackson song (imitating Michael Jackson) and you could have sworn it was MJ singing.

I loved that he was so grateful.  He thanked everyone for taking the time to come and see him right down to the babysitters you were arranged so that the mums and dad's could be there.

Rod Laver Arena was at capacity and the crowd were jumping.  We were entertained first by the fabulous "Naturally 7".  They too brought the house down.  If you haven't heard of them, they are worthwhile googling.

Our seats were unbelievable.  Frond row side so we were slightly elevated - we could almost touch him.  I liked though that he went through the crowd to the middle and performed 3 songs on the tiny stage there so everyone could get a closer look.

We had a great night - THANK YOU MB. x

Taken when he was in the middle of the Arena.  Sorry photo is blurry, taken on my IPHONE - should really have taken my proper camera.

Would love you to leave a comment, there are lots of "lurkers" out there.

......a reminder of the important things in life

please remember to turn off my playlist (ipod to the right) before listening to this - enjoy xxx

...one mum's imagination

How clever is this mum.  When her baby was sleeping, she got creative.

 

...Happy Valentines Day

I surprised Nick with this little Valentines gift.Yes I know the name is embarrasing - but you know what it's like when you're young and in love, and the name has stuck ever since.  His mates have modified it a little and call him poo!!!!  A bit of fun.  Thank you for being my Valentine NP. xxxxxx

...Flooding in Melbourne

My goodness, this is what I faced last night, on my way to pick up my husband as, his car had been "written off" in the  flash flood that we experienced last night here in Melbourne.  The aftermath of cyclone Anthony, the cyclone before Yasi.  It was quite scary - I was caught in  "waves" literally out of the blue.  Lucky I was in a 4wd, as the 5 sedans (& 1 ute) in front of me were stranded.  I cannot even comprehend what our Queensland neighbours must have gone through.

Oh well, a car can be replaced.  Happy weekend all and stay safe - wherever you are. 

                                                Sorry picture a bit blury, I wasn't concentrating on the focus at the time!

......I Love A Sunburnt Country - Leunig

"please click on image to enlarge"

That just about sums it up.

Happy Australia Day to everybody.

......a fresh start

Well Happy New Year to you.  We are just back from a fabulous 2 weeks down at the beach and I feel totally renewed and ready for all the wonderful things that 2011 will bring.

Out with the old, and that definitely includes toxic so called friendships.  Here's to new friends, and wonderful old friends, wonderful family, new experiences, new places to visit, making new memories and to lots of good health and happiness.

And yes I am focusing on all that is good and happy in the world, but we won't forget our Queensland neighbours.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.  xxx

...what is Christmas all about?

Please scroll down a little to the right and turn off my playlist first before you play this. 

...Christmas Hilarity-You must watch this

 This is so funny.  If you watch this, please remember to scroll to the end of my blog and turn down my playlist first.

......Christmas Beauties

i

images: mostly Martha Stewart but a few from unknown sources

Hello there lovelies.  Sorry for the lack of posts,  I have been away on a lovely pre-Christmas break.  I am re-charged and raring to go, getting the last of the Christmas orders delivered.

Hope you are not all too soggy where you are.  Here in old Melbourne town, it has been bucketing down.  

 

......Forever Planet Earth

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page and turn OFF my playlist before watching. A friend sent me this -it's so lovely.  Enjoy.

...Taking Stock

VCE studying is well underway, with the final exams starting Thursday.  With all the reflection we have been doing over the past week at the valedictory celebrations, it has had me "contemplating life" and taking stock. What a special time it is for all those finishing Senior School.  To our dear son Cam,  the very best of luck to you, we are so proud of you and love you so much. You light up our lives.

                                                               image:  womeninbusiness.com.au

...MUUUUM THERE'S A CHICKEN IN THE BACK YARD!!!!!!

Just had to share this with you.  My youngest is still getting over it!!!!  Ben was looking out the family room window and "gazing and grazing" when suddenly, he was stuttering at me.  He couldn't get the words out.  I said what's wrong, whats wrong.  He was pointing, still stuttering then all of a sudden blurted out the words 'THERE'S A CHICKEN IN THE BACK YARD".  I looked outside and sure enough, there was "a chicken in the back yard".  Here are some shot's that he took on my iphone.  I thought it was amusing but Ben thought it was quite extraordinary - "A CHICKEN IN THE BACK YARD".  Don't know about you, but growing up in the suburbs, it really wasn't THAT unusual for people to have "CHICKENS IN THE BACK YARD".  Our dog Charlie thought all his Christmas (dinners) had come at once!!!

...Spring is Just Around the Corner!!!

Spring is just around the corner!!!!! - not the prettiest of images but couldn't resist this girls- hope it made you smile.

...... Goodbye Notebook Magazine

I am very sad to learn that "Notebook"magazine (an Australian publication) will be publishing it's last edition this month.   One of the few mags in the marketplace that doesn't write about gossip, dieting, celebrities etc. It is very inspirational, providing everyday solutions to women's busy lives and insights centred around thought provoking, intelligent and compassionate journalism.   I will miss you Notebook - thanks for 5 great years.

......Polyvore

I love Polyvore.  It's fun, creative (if creativity isn't your forte - it forces you to be!).  Go here and have a play - a fabulous time waster.  Happy weekend girls.

 I love Polyvore - it is fun, creative, (ev

How to be happy by viviana65 featuring a diamante ring

Tall Vintage Floral Dress
$90 - topshop.com
Topshop dress

... "Random Chanel"

I had to  post these fabulous shots  of "Random Chanel" courtesy of the very talented  Susan, over at
The Zhush. 
 - aren't they fun!


Go here and have a look at the  stunning transformation of her ski lodge - I love her style - just gorgeous.

Have a great week.

....it's raining, it's pouring

I have posted this photo before - isn't it fun?   The rain just keeps coming down in old Melbourne town - I love it.  Just as well, the forecast doesn't look like it is going to change any time soon.  We were down the coast over the weekend looking for a place to spend over the summer.  Seems like  most people are well and truly looking forward to the warmth - most of the houses have already been taken but we did manage to find a little gem, right on the beach. Hope you are enjoying the weather where ever you are.

image: photobucket