Spook-tacular!

Well, Birthdays just seem to whizz around don't they?! Mr Seb is turning 8...and although his REAL birthday isn't for a few weeks, because Dear Dad is going to be away, we thought we'd bring the party forward so he could share in the fun ( and help little me with 16+ boys and girls:). So this year's request is:~ A Spooky Party!! Now those who know me, KNOW I am not really a fan of ghoulish anything, but I can't really expect my very boyish-boy to have a tea party, can I?!!

With preparations underway, I have just finished the Invitations. They were fun to make and very cost effective:) Here's a few simple steps I used to make them:~ with some pics to follow...

• Purchased (from cheapy shop) some small foam balls. Cut them in half, sprayed with adhesive, rolled in ghoulish green glitter. Also purchased 'eyes'...and inserted them into the balls once the glitter had dryed.
• Printed  skeleton artwork I designed on the computer. Our Invite folded down the centre front, although you could just as easily print a skull and write/print the details of the party on the back. 
• Purchased some 'worms':~ rubbery bait/lure from the fishing shop:) Glue on front of invite with hot glue...to create that completely gross feel.
• Pulled some fake cobweb into strands and glued into place.

I am trying to go the 'Spooky' direction rather than 'Scary'. Seb is thrilled with the result!
Now onto the rest of the party:)... 

a little Matisse...

A couple of weeks ago Matisse and I went to Brisbane... it was her first day at the Young Conservatorium of Music. She was both nervous and super excited...and LOved it! Afterwards we spent the day together:~ A Mum and me day. And sooooo exciting was the fact we got to see the MATISSE exhibition at GOMA...just a little walk from the Con. We had a magical time.. and especially LOved the Drawing room where there were 'still life's' set up with boards/paper and pencils (or Ipads if you choose) and you can sit and soak up the atmosphere...and DRAW!

You can still catch the exhibition...only until March 4th. 

LOVE

I wish you peace-

in the world in which you live

and in the smallest corner of the heart

where truth is kept.

I wish you faith-

to help define your living and your life

more I cannot wish you-

except perhaps love-

to make all the rest worthwhile.

Robert A Ward.

( Image via Yvettte Inufio)

I LOve the rain...sometimes...

At the risk of stating the obvious...it seems as though it has been raining here forever!! We managed to scrape through the school holidays seemingly unscathed, by keeping ourselves busy and content:~ but now, enough! I actually found this last two days of the weekend harder than the previous 7 weeks (and the kids agree; I was apparently crankier)!!

There are of course, (many) moments of merriment. For example:~ 

• Playing snakes and ladders and boogle. 
• Baking, baking and more baking. 
• Small artworks and some big ideas.
• going on a picnic in between downpours.
• creating fab hair do's and doing mini-'shoots'.
• playing games with your little brother (which usually end in tears:).
• singing in the rain
• And even trips to the beach... IN THE RAIN.

But now the kids are getting older, they are not as content with my 'crafting' set ups and 'bake-a-thons'. I have a feeling I am being made redundant! I do so miss the times when they were little and needed me to provide all sorts of fun to fill their days. Now I am seeing my role for the next few years being defined as:~ taxi-driver, washer woman, cook and cleaner... as the kids find their independence and 'place' in the big world. Oh, dear:(. But how very exciting at the same time:).

 

 And there's always these little moments...

tiny and little

I have just discovered this wonderful blog and online mag  'tiny and little'. It is Australian based and filled with information and beautiful photography of super great products, ideas and inspiring stories. (I particularly LOve the link to Apples N amos!). And it's all...for free!

Calm loveliness

I have just borrowed this book from the local library...I am in LOve. You know when you pick something up, quite by chance and it gives you that 'YES" feeling. Well, yes...this is worth a read. 

(You can buy it here for 50% off:).

Pretty Pastels

I have to confess...I LOVE pastels! I always have, I believe I always will:). It may not be tres chic or in vogue..but it's in me and it makes my heart sing to see sweet, soft gelato-y colour!  Think romantic thoughts and days spritzed with sunshine...

                                         

(Funny how most of the things pastel-ly I really LOve are are to do with scrummy cakes and sweet treats!)