Organising ... or mess making!

This is how our sewing/computer room looked yesterday while I was trying to get some sense into it all. LMS's sewing machine really doesn't work that well, so it will go into the shed until I can figure out what to do, and she can use my machine (carefully), so that will give us some space. I tried to move the chest of drawers, but broke one of the legs off (it is very old and rather unsteady). Hmmm ... onto Plan B. Brought in the low-boy from the back verandah and packed that with sewing gear. Much better, also it's far sturdier, so that the embroidery machine won't shake it to pieces. We bought this cupboard when we were expecting TBM (15 years ago) and it's done various jobs over the years ... one of those useful things ... just need to change the handles over (eventually) and get the stickers off it (darn kids).

Couldn't get out of the room!

Will post "after" photos later in the week.

Happy Day, Mrs R

Bags and bags ...

After some discussion on Simple Savings & Frugal Aussies, have decided to make some shopping bags to hold my fruit & vegies in, instead of using plastic bags. Let's face it, they only get thrown out when home, so this saves a small 'something'.

I bought a sheer curtain length from the op-shop for 50c and made 6 bags, 1 gift bag, and there is another one on the floor (the overlocker didn't like it). I'll re-cut it and make it up this arvo (fingers crossed). They worked out to be 6 cents each and weigh 15 gms.






They also double up as washing bags for delicate garments ... I never have enough of these ... I'm thrilled!

Here's the gift bag, and the flower details (playing around with 3d embroidery & scraps!

One of the clever girls on Simple Savings posted a link to an eco lunch bag. I thought this was great, so made one of them too. Didn't have any vinyl, so used quilters cotton & rip-stop nylon. This provides a water resistant (rather than a water proof) layer, and will be easily washed & dried. Won't be able to test it out until I head to work on Thursday ...

Here it is closed (as if it had sandwiches in it)

and opened up ... makes a nice placemat ...

And, a final word on bags, I just won an e-bay auction for a leather handbag ... I'm very excited ... looked around the shops and the op-shops but really couldn't find what I wanted. This will be lovely, and at a fine price!

So, best get onto cleaning up the sewing mess so that I can find things, and stop stepping on bobbins (plastic ones crack when you step on them!).

Mrs R

Wii got one!

Yep, Happy Husband and the kids went out after rollerskating yesterday and bought a Wii Fit. What a great little thingo it is too! Had oodles of fun on it, and my muscles are protesting today (what's new!). It very politely told me that a) I'm not as strong as I should be, b) I'm in the upper end of overweight, and c) that my BMI is far too high. Good thing it's a polite machine! I crack up every time I get on the board as it says "ouch" ... someone had a sense of humour!

LMS is marginally addicted ... ok, more than marginally, and TBM is trying equally as hard to make up the minutes that she is getting ... can you say "sibling rivalry"?

Well, I can hear noises from LMS's bedroom, so if I want a go on the new toy, I'd better go lay my claim now!

Smiles, Mrs R

Sniff sniff

Still not 100% well, come down with a head-cold! Am very tired of being ill now. Went to the healthfood shop and bought the most disgusting medicine (ever) called Immune 8 which seems to be helping. I'm well in myself, just my body isn't working quite well enough! One of the lovely library ladies gave me some Chinese tea which is great for coughs. It's called Lo-Han-Kuo Beverage and it's delicious (very sweet) ... costs about $2 for a box of 12, and there are 24 serves. I think it will be something to keep in the house as it will be great for the kids when they have coughs and aren't well. Gotta taste better than Senega Ammonia (revolting).

Been a good week at work, my badge came on Wednesday, so on Thursday/Friday, I was official! Felt great! Been working on the school newsletter and it's coming up a treat. Naturally, most articles are arriving AFTER the deadline (wouldn't expect any different) ... but I mentioned that any late articles would need to be accompanied by chocolate (cheeky, but hopeful). So far, one department paid up! Ferrero Rocher ... mmmmmmm. Still waiting on 2 articles, then hopefully, will convince the photocopier to start producing ... need over 700 copies. Up until now, the school has had it done professionally by a printer. By doing it in-house, there is a huge amount of money being saved that can be re-directed into other areas. PLUS, the school is able to put out more than 1 a term - hoping for 2 ... have interest in the next one already! It's really exciting to be a part of this.

Picked up LMS's bed last week, TBM's is in-store today. The boys will go pick it up this arvo and hopefully, get it assembled for tonight. Have said that they need to buy a sheet for it, as it's a queen, and the biggest linen I have is double. Happy Husband said that we now need a new bed as he's not having our son have a bed bigger than ours (double). Bigger needs for us first are a new doona, and some chest of drawers where the drawers slide in and out!! We are planning on buying 2, one each - after 18.5 years, we don't want to share anymore!!

Well, seeing as I have the house to myself for the morning, am not going to waste it further, and will go get a few things done (washing, cleaning, dishes ... etc etc).

Smiles, Mrs R

Weekend round-up ...

Right now, have been commissioned to type up a piece for Little Miss Sunshine on Common Wombats, yep - it's homework due tomorrow, being done now. Sigh ...

OK, homework seems to be in hand ...

Had a wonderful day yesterday ... LMS & I picked up our friends at lunchtime and out we went for the afternoon. First stop, the new Christian Bookstore at Southern River (Ranford Road). Was lovely, homely and fresh. Had a wonderful lunch there, and just blissful. Then, discovered an op-shop next door ... aaaaahhhhh ... went in there with winter clothes for work on my agenda and scored well. Bought 2 shirts, a lovely wrap cardigan (reminiscent of a kimono) and a brand new bra (with all the store tags). All up, under $15. After all our bargains, off to Livingston we went to 'do' Big W. It's such a treat to go there ... and I do enjoy looking around at all they have. Ended up buying some paper & card stock, more about that in a minute. Was time for another cuppa, then we all did some top-up shopping at Woolies, then back to our friends' home for a cuppa.

The Chaplain at work is going to run some scrap booking sessions during lunchtime for kids that are being bullied. Will give them a safe place to go, something to do and some positive re enforcement, as well as being fun. She has asked for donations and ideas. Because we thought it to be a good idea, each of us bought a pack of 100 scrap booking papers ($8 each) to give her as a start - so that's 300 sheets! I've also been through some of my sewing things to find trinkets and trims. She's hoping to do it for free, but I think she may have to settle for 'very very cheap'.

Today was LMS' rollerskating competition. She was in the Exhibition Class (pre-competition) again ... went well, although was 2 hours of driving for 3 minutes of skating time. Good thing we love our children ...

Discovered some rather nasty noises in the back of the car, stopped at a friend's home and the boys took the back wheel off ... turns out the brake pads are down to nothing. I will get them fixed on Tuesday (work tomorrow). Bit scary really ... will drive very very carefully tomorrow.

Have done some simple alterations to 2 cardigans so that I can wear them easily. Replaced an inside tie on one with a loop and button ... will wear well and I don't have to be a contortionist to do it up. The other one, I put a button and loop on the back of the opening. This cardigan is made from a polyester and the ties are very slippery and won't stay done up. This way, I can button it (invisibly) and it will stay done up. It is the most beautiful garment, and has a matching camisole top. It's a rich coral pink colour and made from a fine knit, with seed pearl details around the openings, and on the ties. Just gorgeous it is, and I feel very classy when I wear it.

Time to go and get dinner moving along, home made meat pie with potato bake and vegetables.

Happy week, Mrs R

Creative Carding

Been thinking about card-making recently. Many years ago, it was my craft of choice. I spent alot of time (and money) on paraphanalia to create works of art (or greeting cards). It is a lovely hobby and very satisfying. More recently, I've lost the passion for it, and have resorted to buying nice $1 cards. Still does the job, but not as rewarding.

While I was down at library recently, I saw a card pack for sale. 40 or so handmade cards for $15. Had to think hard about that. Came to the conclusion that having a bulk amount isn't a good idea. If they're not used, they get dog-eared and dusty. Decided that I had enough bits and pieces to make a small stash for sending.

Out came my cardstock, cutter and ... oh dear ... no sticky-tape or glue! Not to matter ... Plan B. I used the sewing machine! Truly ... I made 8 pretty cards and have a nice stash in my card box now ... and saved $8 on buying them at $1 each. It's also a very good use for blunted sewing needles, as paper blunts them easily, you don't want to use a good new needle for such projects!

Here are 4 cards ...

and a pretty 'feathery' one.

Enjoy, Mrs R

Sunshine & Sunday

LMS & I went to the Gosnells Markets today for a 'look see'. We did the rounds first, then went back and looked at everything carefully.

I got my eyebrows waxed, so that I am far neater & tidier to look at ... phew!

After lunch, I treated both of us to a 20min Chinese Massage. We are quite sure that it should be renamed "pay for torture" ... I lay on the table, and the lady climbed up, knelt on the back of my thighs, and using her hands, put her upper body weight on various spots along my back ... At that point I had 2 words "personal space" ... and that was just a taste of things to come ... she was very thorough with hands like vices ... dd's was a little better, she got an upper shoulder/neck/head massage, and the lady got the knots out of one shoulder ... but both of us were convinced that we won't be doing that again!!

We went to the jewellery store and bought hair bands for LMS so that she doesn't look like a shaggy dog, and while there, I spied this beautiful pendant. Yep ... I bought it for myself ... it is so beautiful! Also got a pretty hair clip for my mother, it's cute, but subtle ... hope she likes it. If not, she can pass it onto one of my nieces!

Meanwhile, at golf, the Blonde Mop had a great day and won the competition. He brought home a huge trophy, 2 x $15 vouchers (to the golf shop) won the monthly mug, and also a nearest to the pin! I told my husband that it was due to the wonderful teaching he received (Happy Husband came 18th!).

I've discovered a lovely website called Sew Retro which has inspired me greatly. I have even (gasp) gone onto e-bay to bid for some patterns ... hmmmm ... need them like a hole in the head! However ... maybe I'll get to and finish the dress I've got on the go first!!

Happy day to all, Mrs R