Cockatoo Bird Fabrics Back In Stock

Yes yes, I know. Silly me, didn't buy enough the first time.............you see after I released my cockatoo/bird fabric last month it sold out so quickly. I had a few people express frustration that they missed out! But I am so happy to say that we have more available in store now. This gorgeous fabric is 100% heavy weight cotton and is perfect for home furnishings like pillows and tablecloths. At only $29 / m your home can afford to look this stylish. And to say sorry I am offering 10% off if you purchase online HERE. Just quote "sorry" at checkout to receive this discount.
Happy Monday.

Project Day: Transforming a Dish Rack

Wooden Dish Rack, some paints, paintbrush and water shield silicone spray = new look dish rack! This is so easy. Just mix the shades of colours you want and paint the rack's different sections. I left some in the original wood as I liked the effect but you can paint the whole thing if you like. What I love is that the rack comes raw, so it is easy to paint - no prep!
Finish off with a coat of silicone spray to repel water.
Set up your prettiest vintage dishes and cups on display.
Friends I am off to Sydney for the Annual Gift/Buying Trade Fair. See you when I return.
Stay Safe. Simone xx

~ New Shoes for $5 ~

Went shopping this morning. Prior to this I joined a gym. The guy that signed me up suggested I try a class right then and there! How embarrassing.....I don't even own a pair of sneakers/runners I told him. Better go get some. So my goal was to buy a pair of sports shoes [ I have not exercised for 20 years]. Came home with a new pair of shoes alright. Here they are. And they cost $5! Nothing makes a girl smile more on a rainy day than a new pair of shoes.
PS: I got my "other" shoes too!

Thank-you & Winners

When I started flood relief last month I had no idea of the generosity that my followers and readers would show. Over 90 donations! From a child who donated $5 to a $200 donation from France. Every dollar has gone towards immediate relief. Thank -you thank-you. We helped so many people. Thank-you to my dear friend Jody. You are the best. Thank-you to my husband and daughter who put up with my early rises and long days away from home in those first few weeks.
As promised I will host a lunch at my place in Brisbane on March 20th 2010. I used random.org to draw the winners. Please if you cannot attend, let me know so I can re draw your place.
The winners are: Maryann (mariondee-designs), Lilly Cottage, Kelly's Quilting Kits, Michelle Ryan [from Townsville], Mandy [ from The Gap], Tiffany [ from Forresters Beach NSW], Jeanette [from Birkenhead S.A], Tiffany [ from Guanaba] and Jody & I make 10!
Hope you can all come!
winners have been contacted with further details.

Project Day: Painting Glass Jars

This is a simple idea. I have seen it done before. But I wanted to give it a go my way! The quick way!

• 3 glass jars from the local charity shop $1.40
• 2 bottles of acrylic paint on sale for $2 each
• Small paintbrush

Clean your jars first. Fill up each jar with equal amounts of white paint. Then put one drop of your chosen colour in the first jar, 2 drops in the next and 3 in the last. This will make each shade different. Mix around with a small paintbrush so all the sides are coated. Roll the jars as you go for a more even look. Turn upside down to dry on an old placemat, preferably in the sun. It will take at least 6-8 hours to dry. As roses are too expensive this time of year [ they always double the price for Valentines Day] I opted for some local foliage from my garden.
Have a wonderful weekend. Next week I will announce the winners of my hosted lunch.
Simone xx

~ My Latest Addition ~

I am not a fan of keeping birds in cages. Even when I rehabilitated an orphaned baby bird experts told me I was crazy letting it go back into the wild, "It will die if you do". Most of you know the ending to that story [and I still see my bird every month or so]. But some things, for me, are just meant to be. And for me, birds are meant to be free.
Meaning to all this?
I just couldn't resist buying this vintage tea towel. Not only for the colours but for the all those pretty birds roaming free outside their cage.

~ Muted Monday ~

Today I am feeling a little muted. I don't think I could take too much colour nor loud noises today. Over the weekend I picked some roses from my garden that had been bleached by our scorching hot summer sun. Mixed with some hand made soaps I started to see muted colours everywhere. And that's what I am liking today.

Project Day: Yeronga State School

I have been so busy today shopping and delivering more food relief around Brisbane. I am totally buggered/stuffed/exhausted! Here is some more proof of how we have spent your donations this week. Thanks so much. Our efforts will continue next week. Yeronga Flood Relief Centre is in desperate need of non perishables. Please, if you live in Brisbane take what food items you can to them. They need it.
Have a great weekend everyone.
See you next week!
Simone
xx

~ My Passion ~

Not long ago my neighbour accidentally cut it down my passion fruit vine and I thought it would never recover. But it has actually made the plant stronger and after many many months I now have passion fruits everywhere! So all that cursing and mumbling was for nothing.
Here's what I ate this morning for breakfast!