Because I'm Happy

Just a regular ol' sunny Thursday morning here. You'll often find me on a Thursday morning desperately trying to finish off my EziBuy blog post that's due every fortnight. 

You'd think that since I have a fortnights warning I would be much better prepared, alas, I never am. This week I took my tutorial photos BEFORE Thursday (amazing), but still find myself scrambling in my 1.5hr slot of child free time. The dishes, washing and vacumming are waiting for me too. But here I am, checking in at Sophie Slim, my favourite place.

SO. JUST BECAUSE. Here are some things that make me happy (I waited all winter for someone to nominate me for one of these grateful challenges, but no dice.).

My whanau. Aren't they adorbs? Life is much busier with Kindy in the mix, and for the first time I am appreciating slow weekends and more opportunities for quality time with each of our family members. 

New hooks I've ordered from EziBuy. These require screws in the wall, a luxury we don't have in a rental. So they will be squirreled away for one day when we are able to purchase our own home. And then we will screw all the screws! The idea of having something for "later" excites me to no end. 

I think I have FINALLY cracked my presser foot woes. I have an old Globe machine (my Nanas), it is great, but I've never been able to find a presser foot (zipper foot) that will fit it. They are all clip ons these days. 

Whenever I have asked professionals they have looked at me and said "they don't make those", HA. You're no help Mr Sewing Machine Man. So finally after a few years I turned to google, accidentally ordered this industrial foot (on the right)(it did look strikingly similar in the photo so I thought I would try my luck), and after a bit more searching found that my feet are called LOW SHANK. Hallelujah. The internet knows they exist!! 

So I have now bought a low shank adapter and a clip on zipper foot (you can get low shank zip feet, but I thought an adapter might be easier for more feet later on...). I'll be trying them out tonight, all seems good so far. Booyah. 

[[Thanks for all your super kind comments on the Poroporo Tunic. Your encouragement saw me finishing another garment last night!]]

Tea Trolley DIY 2.0

Our new friends Jared and Georgia sealed the relationship with love when they gave me a spare tea trolley they had laying around.

I spent last ANZAC weekend sanding and painting it, and finally attached the vinyl during the week.

I wish I had a before photo, but I don't. Needless to say she was in need of a lot of love and had 3 different paint colours showing through from her many years serving a primary school class room. "Library book returns" was painted on the top, probably explaining the slight bow in the top shelf.

I painted her Treefrog Green from Resene. Two test posts was enough to do two thick coats of paint, and half a meter of vinyl from Spotlight was enough to cover the two levels.

We did have a chunky dark brown shelving unit along this wall, but all it did was collect folded washing and an odd assortment of junk. It couldn't really be used properly. We sent the shelf out to the garage a few weekends ago and haven't regretted it for a second. 

Now our green trolley stands in it's place and I am mighty proud of her, shining away against a wall in our lounge, sending a bight burst of happiness into me when ever my eyes meet her. 

She was destined to hold Milla's "art supplies" (which I hope to get more of, our small collection is really rather pathetic) and our snuggly blankets that we use every single night on the couches. I do love snuggling under a warm blanket with my man! On Monday nights she'll serve drinks to our connect group as a tea and coffee station. LOVE.

Details:

Resene Treefrog Green (2 testpots) $8 (on sale anzac weekend)

Vinyl from Spotlight $10

Sandpaper $5

My happiness and functional space, $$Priceless.

Read More:

Tea Trolley makeover 1.0

A New Appreciation of Mornings

50 little birds tweeting and pecking, making my morning bright.

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I'm starting to appreciate mornings. The happy smiles, peaceful air, the whir of a washing machine, a cupboard full of clean dishes, sunshine streaming into every room of our house, a hot shower and a clean face and the possibilities of a whole day ahead.

Full disclosure: I'm on FB today to organise a collection point and volunteers for the Plunket Annual Appeal next week :)

About Catherine

Holy Moley.

Please go and visit my friend Catherine over on her Wordpress.

I use the term "friend" loosely. Really, I hardly know her, but I caught one of her links she posted on Facebook to her blog and I am HOOKED, now I wish I knew her much much better (claim to fame?). She's an artist with raw talent. Her whole blog is a collection of poetry and lyrics and it is beautiful. I could read and read and read all day long.

Seriously, why are you still reading my blog? Get over there now.

My Love Affair With Christchurch

Although the ground may shake, blooming bulbs spring forth from the ground. I love the new growth and the changing seasons, often four in a day. No one else understands the power of a 'nor wester' or 'snow on the hills'.

I love a frosty morning where icicles shape the blades of grass and warm breath turns to steam. Bleary eyed Cantabrians are awakened and their senses tingle.

This is my home where my family 'made it'. Homes were bought, businesses started and high schoolers graduated in my family. 'A better life' was on offer here. This is where I made my friends, found my Church and grew. This is my home where I met my husband, had our first child and started to build a life together. This is my home where I see myself living for the next many years, taking photos in Hagley Park, eating ice-creams in The Square and having a Dimitri's souvlaki down Cashel Street (hopefully).

The dust and rubble reminds me of the strength of our city, not its weakness, and I look forward to the future with hope.

Pamper & Labour

This time last year I was hosting an event I created called Everywoman Pamper. You can read about it on my old blog on its post here.

I had so much fun (and stress) coming up with the concept, developing it, making it all fit together and organising everything. I was really in my element, you know? (I'm a bit of a control freak)

It was such a pleasure to have 100+ ladies walk through our doors and be treated to a night of manicures, foot soaks, hair cuts, massages, skin analysis and personal gym training. All for free.

I suppose I just really felt the need to tell you that. That once upon a time I didn't spend nights doing a cinderella cross stitch. I didn't spend my day walking to a cafe to be treated to free lolly cake and brownie. I was busy, and focussed, and I did things for other people. Once upon a time I worked really hard to see other people smile. I also did clothing swaps, and conferences, and youth events. And that was just last year!!

But then I got tired and worn out, I got pregnant, my relationship with my husband needed work and I felt like I was working for my relationship with God and I felt a very clear call to focus on him and put aside the "to do's" and the "should do's". So I did that. And its been great. Seriously. My prayer life, bible reading life, my relationship with the One who made me has never been better. I feel blessed to have been able to enjoy this pregnancy and soak in every moment and my relationship with my husband has never been more selfless and filled with love from both sides.

One day I'll find a healthy balance and will be back to putting on events and seeing faces light up.

Yes, I know, I'm in a new stage of life. Enjoy it. I know. Maybe one day I'll be back in the groove.

So this time last year I was in my element, mingling between ladies who were over the moon and so thrilled to be having a night of love. I was over the moon because of it! And tonight, a year on, I sit at home in my pjs with my cross stitch in hand listening to my husband play his guitar while waiting for some sort of sign of labour. It's different. But good different.

To Look Forward To

I love the Roller Derby!! It is so much fun. I can't wait until the 2011 season starts up again! Season tickets anyone?! I'm seriously hoping its true that you can take a baby anywhere and we can take her to the Derby. I think on the inside if we couldn't I would be really really gutted. To be honest. I'm still selfish. 

Body Business

This week my old work has been advertising a hot stone facial special. I miss working there so much. It was such a great environment so this is twofold - I miss great employment and I miss getting monthly free facials. (I know. Free. Jealous much?) Well, I am, because now I don't get them. And I haven't had a facial since. If you ever get the chance, have a hot stone facial. But make it longer than 30 minutes. 30 minutes is far too quick for any sort of pampering to be done! An hour is a good time for any 'treat', anything less and its really just 'maintenance' .

The Mex Cafe

We were reminiscing about the good ol' times that we had at The Mex which was sadly closed after the boxing day earthquakes. We have had so many birthday parties and celebrations at The Mex, it was definitely our venue of choice! The decor, the staff, the atmosphere, the wooden tables, the pineapple and mango margaritas! Devine. Yumyumyumyum. 

Speaking of margaritas... I'd love a red wine. Just a casual "hanging out at home with not much to do late on a friday night while my husband sips a cool beer and I have a nice glass of red and we eat chocolate and cuddle on the couch and maybe watch a movie or two" type of wine. Soon, Sophie, soon. 

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And lastly, I can't wait to reach my toes again. I'm looking forward to treating my feet to a lovely soak and exfoliant and a bright blue nail polish I have that's been waiting for the occasion... Bliss!!

[Second lastly, I'm also quite partial to a rice ball...]

9 months really isn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, but as it draws to an end I find my desires wandering to things that are so close but still out of reach (like my feet!). Let me dream, it feels good.

Baby, Where Did The Time Go?

Baby, we will be meeting you some time in the next 3 weeks.

You'll probably be reading these when you are my age - maybe you will have kids of your own by now, be married like I am, or just old enough to appreciate how loved and cherished you really are.

Its been 236 days since we first found out about you. Those silent days when you were kept our little secret, way back then you seemed like a reality that was so far away. We told our families and a few select friends about you and the news was met with tears of happiness, excited dances lots of happy clapping and shouting! We toasted to our future and enjoyed a period of being in awe while you grew secretly inside me, hidden from the outside world. 

You survived a big earthquake when others didn't and your Daddy looked after us. During that first night of aftershocks he layed on top of me and sheltered us. He took us to Auckland and kept us safe, and then on holiday to Australia so we could relax and spend time together. We were so blessed. Days and weeks went by without power or sewage and lots of dust. Friends and family look after us with hot showers, food and company and still you fought and grew. I was so worried for you.

One of your ultrasound scans came back irregular - you hadn't finished growing your spine yet. Silly me probably had the scan a tad too early, I was so eager to see you again. We prayed for you and decided to leave it at that. We really felt so out of control - there was nothing we could do so we tried not to think about it. A few weeks later I had another scan and you were perfect. And you were a girl. We were so happy!! Dad had his "girls" to look after now and he's been doing such a good job! 

Its been a long time since I've seen you on the screen but I've heard your heart beat so many times. Our midwife, Janine, always has such a big grin on her face whenever she listens to you. "She's so strong!" She says in response to your beating heart. You've kicked her in the head a few times when she's been listening to you or feeling for your position. I've stopped hearing you through the sonar, I don't know if you like it or not so I just choose not to. 

Your Dad has a story (I'm not good at telling it) but its of a reoccurring dream he used to have when he was young, and it sounds like just being in an ultra sound in the womb. It makes me wonder if somehow it was a real memory. It didn't sound nice anyway and it made me wonder what you thought about the sonar waves.

Anyway, time passed and we moved into a house on our own for the first time. Up until now we had always had flat mates. The house we are currently living in is such a blessing. Its so much bigger than we were looking for, much cheaper than the asking price, its warm and every room has all day sun. For now it's perfect. Since we've moved in I've slowly been setting up your bedroom. It's not fancy, but it will do. 

When you read this, ask your Dad about what we found in your first set of drawers when we bought them - see if he remembers!

We love living here alone. Just this week your Dad got home from work, put all of his things down, sat on the couch and said how good it was to have a place to "be". Just us. To do whatever, whenever. This is our space and we aren't taking it for granted. 

You made it through another set of reasonably large earthquakes and again without power and water (only for a day this time!) Thankfully, our new home is solid and we are safe here. 

We prayed for our health and safety, and made it through winter with nothing more serious than a 2 day head cold. Your Dad and I get quite ill every winter. I am so thankful that we were spared and I feel so looked after. 

We took a trip to Hanmer Springs with the Hawes'. Your Uncle Adam said to Aunty Tracey that he couldn't believe it was his little sister with the big belly at the swimming pools. He said the same thing when I was all dressed up for your Granddads wedding to Josephine (minus the big belly). Uncle Adam is so adorable with your cousin Shire. I know he will melt when he meets you (but not till after whitebait season!) I walked around the pool complex in my itty bitty bikini - I felt so big and I noticed everyones stares, but I didn't care. I felt so beautiful. I knew what was inside me and it made me so happy to show you off. 

We came back to Christchurch and endured 2 snow storms. I thought for sure you might arrive during the second one when I was snowed in and couldn't go anywhere. Trust you, I thought, to want a good birth story. 

Today we blew up the birth pool, fitted your car seat, tested the hose and tap connections and spent time with Nanny and Granddad Mutu. We are ready for this birth, whenever you decide to come!

Tonight I have been sitting on our couch working away on my Cinderella cross stitch for you and your Dad has been playing his guitar in front of me, making up a new song, it sounds beautiful. I couldn't help but think how far we have come in the last 236 days and how much you have changed our lives. 

The days spent with you so far have been such a joy and they have gone by so quickly. You have been my little girl. Soon you will be apart from me and I will have to share you with everyone else. With Dad, your Grandparents, our families and friends. I want them to meet the girl who has changed me so badly, but at the same time I want to keep you close so I can protect you. 

It blows my mind to think that we will have a daughter sometime in the next 3 weeks. I couldn't feel more prepared and more reliant on those around us. We have never been parents before, everything will be a learning curve. I'm sure we will make mistakes and in hindsight could have done things differently or better, but know that every part of us loves you and wants the absolute best for you. We are waiting with eager anticipation and can't wait to meet the little girl who has already been such a blessing to our lives. 

I know these 3 weeks will fly if they are anything like the last 9 months. Enjoy them while you can because its a big loud world out here filled with snow, earthquakes and lots of pretty things too. I can't wait to show you the daffodils that are blooming. 

Coming Home

"A house is made of brick and stone a home is made of love alone."

I have been searching for a home that can store and contain our love. A home that can provide relief and comfort after a long day at work. A home which is warm and safe for our ever growing family. A home that welcomes and heals people and teaches them about love and hospitality. I have been yearning for a contribution to our community of friends. Home, where our hearts can stay together no matter what time of day or where else we may be.

After viewing countless properties we were determined not to settle, we had a list of priorities that we needed in a home and over time and being worn down by pushy rental agents and disappointing viewings we began to compromise and applied for houses that didn't meet our needs.

We were too slow and others had applied and moved in, then we found this gem. It was our list and only slightly out of our budget. Budgets were reworked and raises were given and we applied.

We move in tonight!

There are so many things I am looking forward to but most of all I can't wait to have you over. We have missed you.

When I am ready I will have photos to show you and lists to share with you but in the meantime I am just grateful for provision and that God had a home for us. We will fill it with love <3

Colour My World

I can't wait to get all of our things out of storage and into my hands! Lately I have really been missing my craft boxes of goodness. I packed them away thinking I would only miss them for a few weeks, but those weeks turned into months and now I'm pining after them!

I love Color Me Katie's blog. She's an artist / photographer and everything she does is about colour. It's so inspirational! I particularly love this post she did, here are some photos from it. You should definitely check out her blog!

Surprise Cupcakes!

Isn't my husband wonderful? I came home after a long walk to find these on our doorstep! What a wonderful surprise! <3

Free Art!

You may have known about this website since the days of 2009, but I am a little behind the times.

Go here for free art that you can down load, print and frame! There are so many cool things that talented people have created. Here are my favs...

 For my kitchen

For a pretty pretty nursery.

Enjoy!! Tomorrow I will be posting photos of my freshly sewn camera case :)

Snow in Spring!

Today my flatmate Josh drove us both to Westport, which is where I was born and spent the first few years of my life. My Nana, Mum, Step Dad, Brother & his Fiance, Step Brother and his Wife and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins all live here.

I actually have a secret love affair with the Westcoast. Sometimes I deny it and joke about it, but secretly I lust over the beauty of the coast line, the magic of the simpleness and the quality lifestyle.

It's Spring in New Zealand right now, but on the drive over Josh and I hit some snow, we quickly jumped out and played in it!

Cutesie Tea Cup!

On my hunt for vintage tea cups to give away at this weekends Swap-eroo event that I am organising, I came across this gorgeous tea set and fell. in. love.

I'm not one for formal collecting (aside from a few things... like the hardback Narnia series... hint hint), but this was just too cute to pass up!

My heart has been won over by this cutesie tea cup set and her potential future friends. I can't wait to get more!!

What do you collect?

Learning to Crochet!

This weekend I have been inspired to learn to crochet! It was one of those God given commands, when the universe suddenly aligns, and you know that theres no other way you could continue living if you didn't walk this road.

And really, who ever heard of a person knitting, but not crocheting? Well friends, my time has come.

Thanks to the internet, a call to my Nana (does she even know how to crochet?) was not necessary,  I consulted the goodness of YouTube for my tutorials.

As my husband says, you can do anything with Google.

I also found this amazing blog and I have been won over by her wit, her charm and her talent! She posted this blog, which I have seen reblogged a few times around now, and I was sold! Today, my mission is to make a wee jacket for my needle jars. How cute would a jam jar be with a wee raspberry on the front!? Oh! I'm in love!

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Eventually i would love to make this wee guy and sell him on my shop, but he's for another day.

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If you're like me and you want to learn to crochet, check out this website which has handy tutorials and lots of free vintage patterns!

I love Elles!

Since starting my blog on Blogspot I have had an overwhemling response to it from complete strangers / readers. Wordpress certainly never offered me that sense of community so, I love blogspot!

Since most of you will be new to reading my blog, I thought I should share one big secret with you: I love Elephants. Too much, sometimes.

What is it about them? I'm not even sure. I remember discovering about the lands of Africa while I had snuck into my older sisters bedroom when I was younger and it was then that Africa was planted in my heart. I love the way Elephants can survive in the heat. Their skin is tough, old and resiliant. They are slow moving, but quick when the need to be, they bath themselves even though they only have a tube off their face and massive feet. They like mud, and they stick to their families. How many more reasons do you need??

I also LOVE giraffes. And lions. But we will save that for another post :)

Here are some of my favourite Ellies off Etsy...

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Okay, Okay, so they are baby things so far (so shoot me, babys are gorgeous and so is everything to do with them!)

Elephants are also cool for grown ups too... Like this Iphone cover...

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Swoon!! 

In other news, while you're out purchasing these Etsy items for me, I am patiently awaiting my husbands arrival home from music practice! We are going to have a date on the lounge floor! I am very excited, In my opinon we spent very little quality time on each other, so I am looking forward to reconnecting with the one I love <3

Lovely things

Today has been one of those rubbish days that I despise. From the moment I woke up it didn't go well.

I'm not one for ranting, but since I still haven't been able to shake these thoughts and feelings I thought I would surround myself with lovely things as the bible tells us to do.

The first is Taylor Swift and this pretty pretty head band. First of all, I LOVE Taylors hair, it's so beautiful. I would love for my hair to look that good. I bet it would cost me thousands. Secondly, I also adore her gorgeous head band in this. Cute!!

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Another lovely thing is my gorgeous husband who is so patiently waiting for me while I am brooding in our room so he can take me on a picnic.

Have you heard the new craft craze is matchboxes! Don't they make the littlest loveliest gifts? You fill them with tiny things (buttons, ribbons, anything) and give them to others! Rachels a pro at them, and you should definitely check out her etsy shop! 

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Ahh there we go, see? I'm feeling much better already! Now I should get ready for a special picnic date tonight!! <3