Eight Sleeps To Go!

I can't wait!
I have finished wrapping all of the gifts from me to other people... there is nothing under the tree with my name on it... yet - but I am hopeful that I haven't been forgotten!

Our Tree

I have just made another batch of Country Style Pate` ...it smells (oh and tastes!) delicious. I'll be having that on my toast for breakfast for the next week at least!

I have also made some more fudge - this time: coffee and peppermint choc - yum yum!
Just when you thought I would be over the kitchen, I am cooking a roast for dinner tonight - love the rain, always makes me long to be in the kitchen...

After Christmas, I reckon you might be able to roll me around - after consuming all of this food!

Dear Frankie

Dream Come True... would be an understatement!

The latest issue of Frankie Magazine is out now.

Amidst all of the other beautiful delights featured in this issue of Frankie, if you flick to page 68, you'll find a Guide to Brooches. On the opposite page, that would be number 69, you'll see a piece of That Vintage.

Feather Brooch Tasmanian Myrtle.

Available online in my Etsy store - with free shipping!

I am so proud!
Chink the Champagne Glasses!
Oh I love Frankie...

First It Was Valley Girl Now It Is...

Alannah Hill.

Another "Big Shot" in the Fashion Industry is ripping off artists.

I was going to write a long winded blog about this, but Natalie Perkins has nailed it already.

Please read: Alannah Hill steals Once Upon logo!

The Naughty Elf Collar.

I couldn't wait.
I just HAD to get some photo's of Jazz modeling his "Naughty Elf Collar" that I made for him as Punishment for being a silly barking git!


He even did a "turn on the cat walk, yeah... on the cat walk" to show the back view.
Such a poser.

Elfin' Dog!

My dog Jazz has been driving me mental lately.
My father is building our carport/garage outside and Jazz has developed a lack of love for Father during this process. I think it is a mixture of noisy power tools and being ignored. I have tried anything and everything to keep him quiet... instead he just barks and barks and barks!

So as punishment... (haha!)
I made Jazz this Elf Collar for him to wear all next week.
SOOO THEERRRREE!

I bought a cheap red collar from the pet shop for $15.00, two pieces of felt and cut out the pointy shapes, making sure that the green piece was bigger than the red - to give the two pieces some depth.

I then stitched the two pieces of felt together with my trusty Brother!

Finally stitching the felt to the collar.
Easy as.
10 minutes max.
Lifetime of laughter at Jazz, the Christmas Elf Dog.
(No photo's yet... Christmas week!)

Tonight

We are having a little shindig at home to celebrate the festive season and to say farewell to a good family friend who is moving to the big smoke!

I am The Chef for the evening.
So far...
Strawberries dipped in chocolate, homemade fudge (peanut butter, hazelnut and coffee flavour) country style pate, zucchini slice and portobello mushrooms with brie, outback red cheese and pepper.


Yum.
Can't wait to eat it all!
Plus plenty of platters of cheese, fruit and other goodies.
I love the festive season!

Oh Christmas - Why?

This blog entry will probably hit some little nerves - but hopefully spark some joy, memories and energy from within.

Maison de Stencils Pillow by maisondestencils

I have just had a rather interesting online discussion with my boyfriend... yes online, because he lives in his own place and I live in mine - online chats are pretty normal in this day and age, people!
I have just told him that I have packaged up all the biscuits and fudge that I have made over the past week, ready to give out to the Retail Elves tomorrow before I begin my shift at my retail job, just to bring a bit of Christmas Cheer to their hardest days of the retail industry calendar.

I then stated:
"I love Christmas."

My boyfriend then responded:
"Yeah it is fun, not as good as when you're a kid though."

That sparked a bit of a fire within.
Children & Christmas.

My family only ever went to Church on the Holy Days - Easter and Christmas. (Of course, Weddings, Christenings and Funerals also.) Other than that, I did attend Sunday School for maybe, a year? By no means are we overly religious - yet we have a belief, we just choose to express it in our own way.

We believe in love and life.

My family is small - not from the lack of "breeding" ability, but from lack of family connectivity. Family is such an education that continues on until the day you physically leave this planet. Family is hardwork. Heck! Life is hardwork. But I have learnt that through tough times, it is those who know you best, that stick by your side and love you unconditionally. Distance may sometimes be a hurdle, but it is only that - distance. Emotion is a lot stronger than any sea current. I sometimes crave big family Christmas Days, where people struggle to find enough chairs... and the bottom of the Christmas Tree is bursting at the seams with presents upon presents. But at the end of the day, it is about love and life - and realising what you have, not what you don't have.

No matter where our head and hearts lie, belief is the stem of practically everything. Whatever you choose to believe in, it all stems from "having a belief."

Without the Holy Days "on our calendar" - our commericalised-materialistic lives would not exist. It has taken me 23 years to finally understand this and recognise that the marketing, retail and advertising world have the ability to take advantage of peoples beliefs, hopes and dreams - and make money.

This brings me back to my Christmas Hope.
That you give at least ONE handmade gift this Christmas Season.
Support the hands that craft love and emotion, and give to the hearts of those who you love and express your emotion too.

Merry Christmas!