JaM........A Touch of Frippery !

JaM...Taking a moment to share what's been happening in your week.............................


Come Boxing day we have our first guests arriving for the summer holidays to stay at our cottages, so the past week has been spent making sure all is perfect inside and out, gardens looking their best and tanks full of water.

Shopping, gift wrapping, xmas drinks with friends and some time set aside for a bit of FRIPPERY

What FUN I've been having making a few small gifts for friends and then I had a light bulb moment !!         

                                                                                

A little bit of frippery adds just the right touch to my daughter's Xmas Pressy !!

I've been hunting out all sorts of left over materials for different effects...............

Felt from last years project (slippers) has made great little pin cushions, this ones for me !!

                                                                              

Spreading a little frippery with JODY and Jam .........


Happy Christmas to All...............XXX

JaM........

JaM...................Taking just a moment to share what's been happening in your week.....

Blogger sent me the message many have received " too many photos" so its taken me a while to work it all out, delete some and now I can post again......

Ok so I've been looking in my cupboards for something bright, funky, comfortable, flattering and I keep finding the same old T'shirts, shirts, 3/4 jeans, capri pants......and other yucky stuff...............

Mmmm don't seem to have any style, I probably never have and to make it worse my hair is driving me crazy...............erk having one of those moments !!!!!!

 While in the Big Smoke recently I picked up this great book ( a few others too) to wrap up for myself to open on Xmas Day.

Well I never got it wrapped and now cleaning out my cupboards in an attempt to create some stylish clothes for myself............ Thanks for the kick up the ......gentle reminder with each great post you do
JODY I really do have to make some time to just get STARTED.

Now this project looks kind of simple, I think I've got some long sleave tops to cut up..........

Mmmm my pile of clothes, at this point I will add that at end of last summer I threw most of them away........................

 Not a whole lot to work with, 3 pairs jeans, 1 black capri pant, 2 linen skirts (from my trip to Italy last year)   4 shirts, 4 white t shirts, 2 black, new orange cardi,  err feeling a little depressed now................well at least I fit into them sort of ok........

Wish me lots of luck or pray for me !!!!

Forget the Xmas shopping....
 Spotlight here I come.................                                                                                 

JaM............Getting Organised !

JaM taking just a moment to share whats been happening in your week.....

Just love having a few days to myself and this week I've headed off to the big smoke (Melbourne) to catch up with my children and friends.

What a lot of organising though before I even walked out the door !!!

Anyway I'm here and been out for a walk this morning, its grey and overcast and who knows what the day will bring.................

                                                 
A little different than walking our dusty country tracks !!! but plenty of coffee!!

Joining in JODY  this week (it's been a while) hope you all have a great week!

Country days.

Starting on the Melbourne cup weekend and until the following weekend our Garden was open to the public as part of the Castlemaine & district Festival of Garden's.

If you had wondered why I had been so quiet on the blogging front..........

I was busy doing a lot of Weeding, Pruning,Composting,Sewing, Jam -making, Biscuit baking,plant labelling, and of course last minute jobs around the place, the odd gate to be hung and works of art made by the very clever other half!

This old cane couch needed a fresh new look so I made cushions out of hessian and found some 'garden theme" material to match it with.
An old table cloth with flowers draped over the back.


It proved to be a popular place for visitors to rest and enjoy the garden and sunshine.

                                                   

Bunches of Bay leaves to take home........................

Remember the bunting I was making from an old tablecloth?

                                                      
I hung it up high into an old peppercorn tree and then draped it down around 
                                             plants for sale.

10 days was probably a little to much but well worth the effort, I met some really lovely people from all over the state and some very close by, neighbours really and invitations to visit other gardens.   

Last two days have been spent recovering (resting my voice, never talked so much!) and planting out the last of my tomato and veggie seedlings and lots of seeds for (I hope) a bumper summer crop.

Planted Red Snake Climbing beans for the first time, has anyone tried those before?

                                                                 

Jam.........Having Fun....

JaM Taking Just a Moment to gather & share the things you have noticed,
consumed, created &/or brought during your week......................

Well I seem to have got my creative Mojo back and i can't seen to stop.......

                                                  
I finally cut up one of my vintage tablecloths (it had a hole) to make some bunting for my upcoming open-garden in November. Don't think hubby was to happy listening to the machine at 3am though........(oh she's at it again).

                                                   

                                                      

                                                     
                            A little bit of detail on the reverse....


A bit like a jigsaw, one in reds and one in greens................then  maybe, blue, yellow, purple.........................

Oh and made heaps of marmalade, lemon and lime, grapefruit and ginger,
three fruits, beetroot relish and this afternoon rhubarb marmalade.

I've found jam making and sewing a good combination as you can go from one to the other, the only thing being no house work gets done and there's no bench space left................oh well the sun's shining and we can always eat outside !!!

Hope your all enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Cheers X        

JaM.............Enjoying the solitude...........

                               
JaM....Taking a moment to share ....,....
 noticing, consuming, creating or what's been brought...............


Time over the weekend to smell the roses daphne and enjoy some time to myself ...........................

I don't know how you feel but I love (need) quiet time every now and then, no TV, no going out, simple meals,  long soak in the bath, a good book,
an afternoon walk................

                                                                         

Wall flowers always put a smile on my face, oh and some sunshine..............

After about 2 days of my own company I'm feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to................ go out for coffee, shop and visit girlfriends.........

A quick sneak look in a Op shop which is always closed but just happened to be opened.............. What a find ........

                                                     

               Guess what I'm going to be doing over the next week?

                                                     

    Creating lots of different marmalade .................

    a gift from friends , Oranges, Grapefruit,Lemons, Limes and Oranges...

    I'm thinking Grapefruit and Ginger to start with !!!

    Do you have a favorite marmalade?

    
    Share a moment with Jody.........

                                       

Jam....

JaM...............hosted by the lovely Jody.........

Sharing a little , noticing, creating and

taking time to catch our breath , relax and enjoy life............


The last couple of weeks have been at times been very busy, stressful, and messy, then we hit a lovely quiet restful patch, spent a few days in Mt Beauty even hit the slopes for a day of skiing ...........................

                                                   
Such a peaceful feeling being high up on the mountain and experiencing a late afternoon snowfall........................all is so quiet.........

                                                     
Hey i was so happy i still fitted into my old ski clothes let alone make it down the mountain slopes...........

Back home and yep back to the mess.......................


Pictures taken from the laundry door, 
                                              

    His Job is now to build the decking....


    My Job is to landscape, lay paving stones,gravel and make the new garden beds.....                                                

         



Its taken nearly a year but we finally have a new laundry.!!!!!!!!

I've just been adding a few touches to it, He says I'm not allowed to "clutter it up"  Mmmmm......

                                                                             

Little does he know i have another 4 baskets to add to these 2........

                                                
Just inside the door a handy spot to keep seeds ready for planting, gloves and  bits and pieces.........

Yesterday i sneaked a little time from work and visited our local nursery for ideas for the new garden.......

Now just finding the right moment to ask Hubby to help me create something similar.......

                                                     

My Place and Yours.........

Well Hello Everyone.............


Joining in with Cherie and this weeks theme Introducing Yourself............


Ok a few words ............


Well i think I'm a normal sort of nearly 50 yr woman who enjoys most things in life .............

Love spending time in my garden, growing veggies and cooking.


Love going for long walks......with my husband and dogs.


Love catching up with my children,family and friends...........


Love all things Italian and saving madly for my next trip.............

                                                 


That's me on the right enjoying the most perfect lunch in a little hill top village in Tuscany. Opposite Kerry in red and Ralph who along with his wife Sue (not pictured) took us on an amazing 7 day walking tour.


Ciao !!! 

My Place and Yours

More than three and its a Collection says Cherie.


Ok so this little collection was given to me during the week by a friend to say thank-you.

Just the most beautiful soap made in Florence ................................
brings back wonderful memories....................


Now I know you said 3 Cherie but this little collection was part of the gift so its sort of in the collection...............

Two beautiful picture frames with two of my favorite pics, yes you guessed it 
                                      Italy !!!!     






Ciao  x                                                                                               

JaM Surprises....................

Taking Just a Moment to share those special things noticed, consumed,created or brought during the week.....................................

What fun opening my Winter Op Shop parcel.......from the lovely Jackie


Beautifully wrapped with the sweetest little gift tags.........I've already recycled them into book marks................

Vintage gingham apron with little heart pockets and a warm and soft scarf in my favorite colors.

Following the Winter theme a great casserole pot, recipe book,

mug and I'm not sure how Jackie new but a few of my favorite

flavored Coffee sticks !!

Thanks Jackie for taking the time to choose me such lovely gifts

and thank you Jody for organising the swap.

Blue sky and a little sunshine ..............

Joining in with Jody and JaM.

JaM.........Winter Cheer!

Winter has now settled in our little valley...........................


There's plenty of wood stacked on the veranda and the dogs are staying close to the back door waiting to sneak in when they can...................


Early morning walks in the drizzle and then home to hot tea & toast.






                                       ***************






Someones doing their best to brighten up Winter in our neighbourhood. 

     Pulling a few weeds and planting more garlic cloves..........love garlic


                                                     

                                                    


          

                                               
           Watching a bird feed on fruit (medlar) just about to be picked .
                                         

                                                       
    There's plenty of creating going on...................


     but you can't have a peek.................


     its for someone special..........




     Sharing Just A Moment with JODY and friends................


    
    
      

JaM..............

Three days ............... No Work Commitments
                                Nice Weather
                                Time to myself
                                Time to Create.


A bit of shopping, a bit of cooking, a bit of gardening and then some quiet time on the sewing machine. (although i must admit I'd love to be joining in  at Jody's studio....) 

                                                
My kitchen bench is just perfect for cutting out patterns, its nice and high and easy on the back............................

My first Piece of Cake tunic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

                            Yep, I'm happy with that!!  Thanks Jody!




Then time for something totally new........................


A Workshop on Drawing in Black and White.


I couldn't believe 6 hours could go so fast and that i would learn so much!


I have been trying to draw/ paint over the last 6 months but had hit a bit of a stumbling block.
With a wonderful teacher and a fresh approach i achieved some really good results.
The key as with every thing is PRACTISE, a little drawing everyday.......

                                                
Seed Pods in Ink.




Joining In with JODY  and her storm of creation!

JaM

JaM  


Things have changed a little at JaM................


But staying the same........Sharing Just a Moment....   


Something  Noticed   Consumed  Created    Bought




Winter is a busy time of the year for us, such a popular time for people to escape to the country and enjoy a break from city living............


While the weather has been mild hubby and i have been cutting up and stacking firewood for the coming cold months.


I've weeded the gardens, planted out veggie seedlings, mowed lawns, divided up some iris, cleaned out the chook pen again and added fresh straw so the girls are comfy and warm.


I like to make sure the cottages are cosy and inviting for our guests so every now and then I change things around, add a picture, fresh flowers or books.


So its been a creative week in readiness for a busy month ahead.

A wreath of grape vines for a rustic look.

Gingham always looks fresh and red warm..............

 A little wire candle holder with bird on top peeks in the window..........

                                                                            
   Treasures for children(big kids too) to sort through..............




 Then i thought it was time to freshen up our cottage..................

Lucky for me there's a vineyard close by so another wreath......

I've made about eight so far!

                                                                                                                                        

Or not to Stitch

Oh the plans I had once we were out of the Caravan and into the house.........


Mmmm don't know where the days/weeks have gone but other than taking up a pair of jeans(and that was this morning) i haven't got do to any sewing at all.


 Last week(well about 10days ago) i set the machine up on the kitchen table with all my bits and pieces with  a quilt beside it ready  to go...............


But when i do have a moment to spare i choose to cook something,  read, get out into the garden  or take the dogs for a walk or sit beside the machine and blog!!!!!!!


Last night Hubby did point out he was getting a bit sick of seeing no table and he would like to eat at it please............


I just don't feel like sewing, does anyone else feel this way sometimes?


What i did want to share with you today is a new addition to my kitchen.


Hubby offered to help some neighbours clean up all their rubbish and put it in a huge skip as they were moving house and the new owners wanted everything gone!!!
The cottage had been used for a weekender with lots of odd bits and pieces, the kitchen had been decked out with "old stuff" from op shops over the last 15 years ............" would i like to come and have a look just in case there was anything i would like"      

Ok so I can't show you everything today but here is my favourite thing so far,
yes its a Le Creuset long handle skillet it even has a brass hook on the end so you can hang it up. 
I just love it and haven't stopped cooking with it although it did take me 4 days of on and off scrubbing to get all the cooked on food off it and now you can see the beautiful red enamel.............

My Place & Yours

My Place & Yours has a new home at Waste Not Do Want hosted by Cherie.


 I'm new to Cherie's great blog so i better make that cup of tea and get acquainted......................


So this weeks theme is What's in your 3rd Draw?


Of course another chance to play in my new kitchen and take more photos.

The 3rd Draw holds my tea towels (24 and that's not counting the ones in the laundry and on the line) place mats (8) a few tablecloths and 7 pot holders !!!


How many tea-towels does a good housekeeper need? who has more?




And while I'm asking questions here's another one...........
 Is there a sorta rule about how many themes its acceptable to be following?  


I don't want you all to think i have nothing else to do but their so much fun and i so like to support bloggers who are brave enough to host a theme.......


Well my teas brewed and I'm off to visit Cherie ..................

JaM As a Child

This weeks JaM is all about the Child you were.........................

How life's experiences and dreams have shaped us into the people we are today.

I actually don't even remember the above photo being taken but its the only one of me in a dress, cardy and handbag, most of our photos were taken in front of Dad's garden beds and that's who i get my love of gardening from.

 I do usually have a smile on my face most days.

                                                   

Many trips camping, visiting the beach, Sunday drives .....................

                                                      

I always enjoyed time spent under the big blue skies "In the Country"

and carried a little dream inside me that one day i would find my own special place.......................................

Of course my mother played a huge part in the person i am today, she encouraged and allowed me to be me.............................

Taught me how to Sew, knit and cook...................

Never passed judgement on my choice of friends................

Was ready to help when i asked................the list is endless..........

My Mum.................photo taken by my dad before they were married.

                                               

JaM What's the weather like at your place?

Joining in with JODY and JaM  this week and sharing with you the weather at our place.........................






We have enjoyed the most beautiful weather last week...................


Cool crisp mornings and bright sunny days..............

                                              
One of my favorite views looking through the kitchen garden to the poplars in the distance.....................hope our guests love this view too.

A quite corner to rest..............think................plan.................

                                                   
Yesterday brought the cool change, grey skys and showers.....................




Today..........cold..........windy................wet..................

                                                   




Time to get cosy and warm..............

And learn something new...................over the next few months............

                                                    


                        Just Love Autumn...............and looking forward to 

                                       Winter too.....................