My weekend

How was your weekend? Mine always come and do so fast, & before I know it here we are again Monday.

My Saturday always starts, well for the last 3 weeks anyway, with a workout at the gym. I am really making an effort to make this wonderful feeling of exercise part of my life again & it feels great. I am not feeling half as sluggish & its nice to be slowly losing some weight.

Then off to the supermarket, my poor old cupboards were bare. I know I am not the first person to do that, it's terrible when you're scratching around for something to eat. Then unpacking groceries is such an ordeal for me & takes forever, mainly because I chop all my fresh veggies into pieces which are placed in the fridge smarts from Tupperware. Why do it you ask? When I have to get dinner made in a flash & the kids are cranky all I have to do is pull them out & throw what I need in the steamer, wok or post. It's done & it's fast!

Then after an hour or so hanging out with the kids we head off to zoo twilights. Snacks were made, dips were packed, fruit was cut & a few chocolate chip cookies were snuck in as a later treat.The band playing was Beautiful girls, which I later found out were men!! I can't recall hearing much of the band as I was with a friend & didn't stop talking. The weather was weird, warm, wet, damp & windy, but it didn't change my mood.

Here are my kids on the picnic rug munching on crackers.

Melbourne's weird weather, sunny, damp, cloudy & stormy.

My gorgeous friend Kim. It was great hanging out having a few wines, in my world there is nothing better. Her adorable daughter Allie was there keeping my babies amused as they played chasey & danced all together. If you have never experience zoo twilights in Melbourne I highly recommend it. I have been going for years, even before I had kids & generally go to see Kate Cebrano as I love her. But thought this year might be nice for a change. It's such a relaxed atmosphere sitting on your picnic rug, creating a delicious spread of food, drinking some wine, & if you're up to it you can watch some of the animals being fed, elephants, seals, baboons & lions. Hudson got to hear the lions raw last night....Scared the pants off him!!!

This morning I woke to a wonderful sight.....My new pool!!

It was finished yesterday & we were filling it over night. We have been building it since last November & I am a little disappointed it's completed so late, but I am sure we will still have some hot summer days soon....Fingers crossed.

I hope you had a lovely week & have an inspired week ahead of you xx

My Australia Day was celebrated with American friends......

Happy Australia day all!

I spent my day today not in the typically Australian way, including BBQ's, covering myself with Australian merchandise, or even hanging out with friends. My Australia Day was celebrated with American friends, the Disney kind. Today hubby, Hudson, Charlotte & I headed off to the convention centre in Melbourne to experience the Disney Live Rock Concert.

We started it off with my babies smiling for the camera.

Disney friends kicking it off with a bang....Goofy, Minnie, Mickey & Donald!!

A romantic performance from Aladdin & Jasmine.

Ariel & her gorgeous mane of auburn hair.

So excited.....Jesse, Bulls eye & Woody.

Too much for Charlotte, she fell asleep 3/4's of the way through.

A finale with all of the characters.

Final goodbye.

Closing curtain.

It was a good show, a little long in some parts as I could here kids getting restless, including my own. I think it would have been better with more audience interaction, as when they did do that, the audience came alive. I was happy to see Minnie Mouse, she is a favourite of mine.

Props were great. The best part of all was seeing Hudson smiling during it, I could tell he was really enjoying it. Also Charlotte pointing at Minnie when she first came out was so adorable, she did the whole ooooohhhh sound.

I would definitely recommend it if you can still go.

Pressure of a busy mum

I don't like making excuses but I have truly missed writing in my blog this year. I have been so blessed that my little business has grown & keeping me very busy and occupied. Unfortunately when I am pressed for time, my writing space gets some terrible neglect. With both the kids home full time leaves me very little time to sit, surf, explore and blog about my passions I love. At At the end of the day I can only do what I can do, & my orders & my lovely customers are very important & I must keep them happy & interested in what I do. Lets face it they keep me at home & employed.

I was only thinking the other day why do women put so much pressure on ourselves. I know all about this as I am the number one offender. Like many of us I am incredibly ambitious, always have been. I like to take on more than I can chew whether it for business, pleasure or family. This is a snippet of my life, which I am positive will be a mirror version to so many other mums.

1. Look after my kids.

They are my number one priority, always will be, but MAN they are hard work.

Keeping them amused

Educating them

Going to the park, & lets be honest I don't always feel like it.

Running errands with them, which is nearly impossible unless they are eating.

Bathing them.

Constantly stopping them from destroying the house, asking them to not jump on that, please don't draw with that, eat over your plate, use 2 hands to hold your drink.....

Bribing them to eat their dinner

Leave each other alone

Don't snatch, hit, tease

2. Keep the house tidy.

Kind of.......I am over worrying about it as soon as I clean it & turn around somehow everything I have put away seems to sneak out again within the hour. My dream house, like in an interior mag will happen when I am an empty nester I have been told. Decades away!!

3. Exercise.

I was a fitness freak pre kids, & this has suffered worst than my blog. My poor body :0( I am a sucker for the "yummy mummy" syndrome. Too many glossy mags & celebrity mums take me on an unrealistic journey. I do realise that they look like they do because the have personal trainers, chefs, and full time nannies to watch the kids. But it doesn't stop me striving for great personal presentation.

4. Cooking.

With all of this Master Chef in my face, a bit of Donna Hay, & Jamie Oliver enticing me with so called ' easy meals' I find myself wasting time trying to damn well 'master' them. I wonder why I try as the kids never eat it anyway. Unfortunately I haven't been blessed with kids who eat 'everything'.

5. Getting enough sleep.

I work at night, & a bit when I can during the day when my youngest sleeps. When I go to bed depends on when I have finished what needs to be done. When I wake I have no control over it, as it all depends on when the little people's eye open & start demanding my attention. I wish I has a dollar for every time my mum told me, "You don't get enough sleep, you know it's not good to be burning the candle at both ends". Unfortunately at the moment it doesn't work that way.

6. Seeing my friends

A lot of my closest friends still don't have kids so going to dinner has become a challenge. That's OK though they get it, so we catch up every 6 weeks or so, & I go alone. the biggest positive of this is all of the new friends I have my lately, I feel so blessed. A lot of them from the handmade market scene. And a bunch of women I have Hudson to thank for this, as they have come into my world through activities for him. I have the best mothers group, great friends at his soccer class.

7. Guilt

Oh the guilt.........Not being able to do it all. I don't dwell on this as much anymore as I have come to realise I am only human & not a machine. I am doing the best I can with the hours I have, & the circumstances I am in, & I guess sometimes something have to give a little.

So this is my little list, I am sure it's very similar to yours :0)

Time Capsule Moment

Do you have photos that you love so much you wish you could pop the moment in a time capsule?

Then later open it later and have that moment again?

Like most mums I have so, so, so many of those.

This is one of my favourite photo's, it's not professional just a regular family happy snap taken by my husband.

I love this moment because just before it was taken, Hudson was telling me how much he loved Charlotte and I. Awwww so sweet and as I already said, i wish I could bottle it up and keep it.

Home Library

I have a spare room in my house right at the front, it doesn't have any doors on it, it's more of a show room actually. To be quite frank with you, its useless. Always wanting a place to be alone, which is almost impossible with two babies, the dream and determination to have something has resulted in trying to create my own library, a little sanctuary I guess one would call it. The last few weeks I have been planning this dream library in my house.

I love books, they are my way of leaving the place that I am at, it could be a juicy novel, or dreamy and inspiring design books, it just fills my mind with other thoughts. A perfect place you could say. I have always loved the library of Nile's, on the sitcom Frasier. So grand, large & the best part is the ladders that glides along the shelving, getting you from one reference to another. MMM I don't think I will be having a library on that scale.

Looking for inspiration I found these amazing libraries.

I love all the books colour coded, isn't it divine?

image by - http://www.home-designing.com

This library looks so cosy and inviting. I love how the green curtain could be dragged across to hide the books creating a whole new space. Oh, and I love the ladder.

image from - apartment132 blog

Now my library is not on this scale by any means, it will be cosy & tiny that's a guarantee. After a visit to IKEA, and a tonne of book shelves later, here is the beginning of my own little in home library. I definitely knew what I wanted in my head, all the shelves to sit in the corner, and not all the same height or width. I wanted to create some interest and opportunity to find some new artwork to hang later on.

Here is the room, see that window? Well that is the front of my house.

These gerbra pictures are not my favourite at all now. They used to be up in my old house & suited it perfectly. But because I went from an 11sq house to 34square house I had to fill spaces with everything I owned. The rest of the stuff is just kids things that should be put away.

One shelf on it's way.

All done in the corner as I wanted, and still leaving space to hang some great artwork. Told you it was tiny.

From another angle.

This is wear my couch will sit. I am going to eventually cover it as I am so over the red. I am thinking a print of some sort, not sure yet, and definitely snuggle cushions and a rug of some sort. I also need to buy a lovely rug to lay in the middle as I am not thrilled with how the unit colour & the carpet kind of blend.

Now I am just adding in all of my books, some little collectibles I would like to display. I am not showing the finished result yet, as I am a rather fussy and will most likely rearrange several times until it's right. Even then I am sure I will change it around again. Now I need to find the right artwork for the walls.

When its done I will post it, should only be a couple of days.

Happy Birthday Hudson

My baby boy turned 3 today, I simply can not believe it. Where has the time gone?

Hudson is my miracle baby, also the love of my life, before him I had multiple miscarriages. Which one day I may blog about, but it was years of hell. When I found out I was pregnant again, I wished & prayed for the best, & held my breath until I knew everything was going to be OK. After an intruding test at 12 weeks I was finally given the thumbs up, everything is perfect. I also found out I was having, a boy, as when you test DNA there can't be an error. After all of my issues I just wanted to start my relationship with the little man that was growing inside me. Thinking about what I would call him & what he would look like consumed me. As happy as I was I never really enjoyed my pregnancy as with every routine test I had, I was hoping to god there wouldn't be bad news, I couldn't relax. I had so many problems I was completely paranoid. Until he was born, which had to be by caesarean, I wouldn't relax, and 3yrs ago today I finally took a deep breath & said, he's mine. Thinking about this today brings a tear to my eye, 3 years later. I never thought I would have this little person, my own little person in my life.

Today was a simple celebration, nothing fancy, just with Hudson's little buddies, which were all born within 6 weeks of each other. It was also a celebration for his friend Patrick who turns 3 tomorrow, a joint venture & I loved every minute of it. A last minute decision to have a party, so all of us mum's contributed with some food. As wonderful as it was, I was happy to hear silence when everyone left, with the sugar consumption, there was a hell of lot of squealing.

Blowing out the candles.

A quick game of pass the parcel, where everyone won a prize.

MMM food, party pies, sausage rolls, fairy bread, bickies.

One happy little birthday boy, so grown up & gorgeous. He is mad for cars so we got him a whole city to drive in.

Happy birthday my baby boy, I love you xx

P.S Stay tuned my other miracle turns one next week & it's going to be a glorious party. There are details to be told.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful women, that call themselves mum.

Have great day however you celebrate it, and with whom ever you are celebrating with.

image by the urban class boutique

Royal Wedding Fever

Eeeeee the Royal Wedding is today & I can't wait.

It's like a fever & everyone is catching it, well the buzz and excitement anyway.

I wonder what the bride to be would be feeling today? I am sure nervous like any bride, but what would it really feel like knowing that the world, YES THE WORLD, will be watching you today & forever. Personally I wouldn't like it.

After my morning snoop around on Etsy, I found some fun Will & Kate inspired pieces.

1.ClaryceDesign 2.BagofTags 3.frangipanniplace 4.Whodidthis

I wish I was having a Royal Wedding inspired catch up with girlfriends, having high tea & watching it, but I won't. I will be hand sewing cushions together, hopefully in peace, & no kids demanding my attention.

Are you doing anything to celebrate this occasion?

Some holiday photo's

Had a great time at Phillip Island, the sun was shining and the air was warm. It was definitely a well earned break, and actually really important to have family time. Down time as commonly said, away from technology and an attempt to get back to nature.

Before I get too back into the my well known routine of kids, naps, food, house work (apparently??), catching up on orders, and planning a very special 1st birthday party, I thought I would post a couple of my favourite holiday snaps.

Walking along the beach in Cowes, Hudson tests out his new gumboots & rain coat. Amazingly he found he kept quite dry.

Rarrrrrrrrrr you seagulls, I am going to catch you!

Miss Charlotte just being cute.

A family shot down at the Nobbies. This landscape was truly amazing. The fact the sun was out, the water was flat made everything look perfect.

I loved it down there so much that we will probably head down there again at Christmas for a summer experience.

Wishing Everyone a wonderful Easter

Wakey Wakey it's Easter Sunday.

The Easter Bunny has been, and there are chocolate eggs to be found.

The kids are hunting, parents smile with enjoyment while watching and sipping their lattes.

Well that's what seemed to be happening in the holiday park where I am staying, until Mr Rain decided to visit us. Boo Hoo....Everyone had to rush inside what a shame.

Without a doubt behind every tent, caravan and cabin door, there are lots of chocolatey grins, from ear to ear. Even though I am being the mean mum and rationing Hudson's intake, he still enjoyed his small taste of heaven this morning. He can have more later.

I found this image this morning and had to post it, what a beautiful basket of hand painted eggs.

image by Blue Lotus

This evening I am off to visit the Fairy Penguins while down here at Phillip Island, I haven't done this since I was a kid. I just can't wait o see the look on my little mans face. My sister in-law and her kids are coming down, as well as a few other family members so I am sure it will be a great experience all round.

image by Melbourne Victoria

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday.

What are you doing?

Easter Holiday - BIG SECRET

I am leaving tomorrow for a 5 day break over the Easter holidays.

No where lavish, we are staying local, and heading on down to Phillip Island. South of Victoria for those who may be wondering where that is. I haven't been there forever, I am looking forward to seeing the lovely fairy penguins come in from the beach. Most of all I am looking forward to spending time with my husband and children. We haven't had a family of 4 holiday yet, and I know it's going to be full one, very busy, but just wonderful!

Image by - Pleasing Pics

It's also going to be very exciting for another reason. One in which I am still very reluctant in sharing anything as I can't believe it. All I am going to say is, for those who live in Melbourne, when you grab the Herald Sun on Saturday, have a read of the 'HOME' magazine!

I am taking the lap top while I am away with intentions of having some leisurely internet surfing time, and even posting a blog. But if I don't I will return next Wednesday.

Happy Easter, eat lots of chocolate goodness, everyone & be safe.

Kylie xx

Time Out

I don't know about you, but I admit I am a bit of a workaholic?

Some call it over achievement? Some even crazy?

I know I am not the only one with such love for what they do, and that burning desire inside to make something of it? and yourself? Anyway, however you describe it that's me.

Lately I have been go go go at a high rate, and I love it, thrive actually. Between the kids, their activities, family, friends, housework (kind of), and my business I don't seem to slow down. Of late, I think I have been starting to burn the fire at both ends. Know that feeling? In bed late, up during the night to Miss Charlotte (god I wish she'd sleep through), and up early for Hudson.

It's starting to take it's toll.

The last few days I haven't felt my normal self, not unwell, but kind of feeling like I am walking through mud, you know flat. Dragging myself throughout the day, wondering how wonderful it would be to have a nap.....Right Now.

It dawned on me after reading a wonderful post by Danielle Cresp, that she had become unwell due to going, going, going. We all need to take a break before we crash and burn.

I know I needed it.

But I question why do we feel guilty to do this? I mean don't we make the decision to work for ourselves so we can be flexible with our time? Whether it be due to your kids, or other reasons?

I decided last night some of my orders were just going to have to wait. Yep sorry, but as my husband says, the world won't stop spinning if you do this. Last night I popped the kids in the bath at 5pm, and my husband was home by 5.30pm. I looked at him & said can you finish bathing the kids I am going to lay down. I layed on my bed & woke at 7.45pm. To late to cook a meal I had tomato, avocado & cheese grilled on toast, followed by a cup of tea & an Easter egg. I jumped on the computer briefly (FB is addictive), to answer a couple of queries, load a new design, and then I was off. I got back into bed & slept right through last night.

Due to this I feel 100% today, I probably could do with another night like that but I'll see.

I think we need to remember if we aren't 100% then nothing else be.

image from - iStockphoto

A Painting of Tinkerbell

I love Tinkerbell, I have always loved that gorgeous little fairy, she has such a pretty face.

She is such a lovely character, considerate, yet always a bit of a magnet to trouble. I think when you have a son, you are generally consumed with boy characters, like "Lightning McQueen" "Rory the Racing Car", "Buzz Light Years", and lately "Astro Boy". You somehow lose the focus on the girly ones.

When I had Charlotte, I was so excited hoping that in time she would learn to love the magic of Tinkerbell, and we will happily sit together and watch her movies. Mind you, I have slowly gotten Hudson interested in them & he does enjoy them. Why wouldn't he? There is lots of magic, flying & of course boy fairies, but there is definitely no passion.

Last November when I christened Charlotte, I received a painting from my sister in-law.

It was Tinkerbelle, painted in all her beauty by my sister in-law herself.

I was thrilled when I got it, & was absolutely in awe that she was this talented at painting. She is very good at flowers, but I had no idea of her other capabilities. All of the black threw me a bit at first, but I am definitely in love with it now. I really just wanted to share it with you today, and I hope you like it to.

A trip to Sydney

I have had a few days break, I went on a mini trip to Sydney with my husband and the kids, hence my absence from the blog sphere. We caught up with very close family friends, and extremely important people in my life. They hadn't met Charlotte yet so it was a milestone trip, and was also Charlotte's first plane trip. It was a great few days, time also spent away from the computer, just relaxing was what I needed. It wasn't time spent travelling around but just going for walks and chatting, chatting and chatting, oh and a few gin and tonics in between.

I just wanted to share a couple of photo's from out trip.

Here is Charlotte, she has been crawling for several weeks now, and it's just lovely watching her explore. Pick up a stick, blade of grass, a leaf, look at a travelling ant. It's great to sit back and relax and let her remind you of the simple pleasures.

Here is Hudson feeding the ducks. It was awesome watching him in amazement, his expressions on his face at what will happen when you throw a few pieces of bread. Although not impressed when a duck nipped on on the fingers getting to his bread, it was an experience to watch to say the least.

Well I am home now, not feeling as rejuvenated as I would have like. But I guess holidays will never be as relaxing with 2 rug rats on the go. However it was great to be outside and not in front of the computer. I guess there is no point going on about it as I type away thinking about the orders I need to complete. However a change of scenery can do wonders for the mind and body. I hope you all had a great weekend.

Yikes......When did I become intolerant to wine?

Last night I had a neighbour catch up. This was a first for me at doing anything as such. I live in a new estate in Melbourne, so obviously neighbour relationships are still very fresh. The few that I see I chat with, and wave to regularly, and they also do the same with each other. We decided to have a catch up together, I offered to have our first 'group' nibbles and wine night, mainly because I have kids and then I wouldn't have to worry about anything.

I was great being in a group, I was having a ball, chatting, drinking, eating, drinking, laughing, drinking, seeing a pattern???? It wasn't that I was drunk by any means, as I couldn't bear the consequences of doing that anymore. I think I had 4 glasses of wine within the span of 4-5 hrs.

Not a lot right?

Why is it wine goes straight to my head, actually, it flies to me head? Years ago, pre children I would be out with friends, and drink wine for hours and it never really bothered me. Since I have had kids it's a whole new story. I very rarely drink wine now, is that the problem? Have I become completely intolerant of it? It's just so lovely going down, especially when you find something you quite enjoy, especially in good company. Man...it is very frustrating.

Do I surrender and hang up the wine glass?

I just feel so shady today, it's such a bad feeling. I am fine, I am finishing cushion orders, doing some washing, and my general Sunday tidy up around the house, but I just don't feel right.

I am just wondering is it worth it anymore? Not the fun, the few enjoyable glasses of wine?

Is this just me?

I need a Whistle

OK this is a joke, I need a whistle, & I need one NOW!

My kids....Hudson 2.5yrs....Charlotte 8 months.... Both gorgeous.

I am just starting to experience a whole new world of why both children need to play with the same toy. WHY???

Hudson has a room full of toys way beyond Charlotte's capabilities at the moment, but why is it because I have pulled out a lot of his 'baby' toys, he has become so possessive. I will admit Hudson isn't loving the world of sharing, and that's a constant battle, but this I just don't get.

As soon as she starts playing with something, like a little sheep from his farm set, he wants it too and takes it. Charlotte bless her hard has developed a strong personality, and when something is stolen from her gets very mad. Very mad I mean by the way of her arms and legs all stiff, turning a slight shade of red, and this frustrated cry comes right out. I am sure she is saying "GIVE IT BACK BUDDY'. I can't get Hudson to understand to leave her alone and when I take it back off him he starts sooking. It's a real battle.

If only a blow of a whistle could work, play would stop and the referee (me) would step in & all would be fixed. Ahhhhh babies

whistle by Contrary

Why I Love Australia

It's only natural I think for every individual to be patriotic about their country.

I know I am!

I think Australia is the greatest country in the world for Men, Women and children.

What I love about Australia is,

Freedom to dream

Freedom create our own destinies without limitation

Equal rights

A wonderful country that is multi cultural

We are generally a relaxed bunch

Who does a BBQ better than Aussies

We love a cheeky drink

We own the Pavlova......yes we do!

We live for holidays

This is only a few things I love, I could keep going so I will leave it there.

I hope you are enjoying you Australia Day whatever it is you've chosen to do.

Kylie xx

Peace & Quiet

I have a frantic life, I mean really, who doesn't?

Being here there and everywhere is the norm for me everyday, just the quantity of it changes.

I never quiet understood the TRUE concept of PEACE & QUIET.

Before the kids, peace and quiet was watching movie with hubby, having a quiet drink with friends, a daily walk, reading a book or magazine, surfing the net, even having a self indulged shopping spree. I guess I assumed that was peace and quiet, as it was the pre kids self absorbed time we could allocate to ourselves.

This isn't the first time that I have savoured peace and quiet, it's one of many, but it's so peaceful I just wanted to share it with you.

Ahhhhhhh........I am sitting here in an empty house.

YEP! The kids are out seeing their great nan. The TV is off, so is the radio. I can hear the birds outside chirping. I can even hear the slow air flowing from my cooling system in the house. It's wonderful, I don't feel the need for doing very much at this moment. Just to sit and be quiet is quite lovely, you forget how quiet the world can be. I am taking advantage of this right now, I do have chores to complete, & some orders to fulfil, but I thought they could wait for 30 minutes.

I hope you can find a peaceful moment today to.

Peaceful Place image by blue sky clouds

Some indoor gardening

Gardening is a big TO DO for me in 2011.

I am sick and tired of looking at all the television shows, and gazing at glossy magazines with beautiful gardens, and then getting cross at myself for letting mine go.

My backyard is a mess, with all of the amazing rain, it's gone very wild and my plants are drowning in weeds and super long grass. But that's a whole other chapter....

I wanted a quick fix, something that would look great RIGHT NOW, instant gratification was what I needed. I decided to try my hand at some indoor plants. I have never had an indoor plant, I know hard to believe, but never had the inclination. Maybe because I knew my dog may piddle on them. My doggy is in heaven now, (R.I.P Jasper), so I thought I would start.

My first pot here....Plant = Bromeliads (bro-meh-lee-AH-say-eye).

"Bromeliads are members of a plant family known as Bromeliaceae (bro-meh-lee-AH-say-eye). The family contains over 3000 described species in approximately 56 genera. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. The family contains a wide range of plants including some very un-pineapple like members such as Spanish Moss (which is neither Spanish nor a moss). Other members resemble aloes or yuccas while still others look like green, leafy grasses.(Bromeliad Society Int.)"

Directions seem simple, to be near sunlight with plenty of air. They are right at the back of my house where my French doors are so that box is ticked. I even bought a 'self watering' pot, so I don't have to think about them too much.

Image - Kylie Loy

Image - Kylie Loy

The second pot here. Plant = Grafted Cactus

Aren't they super cute? So bright, I love them. Even though I took these photos outside, they are for inside, I just couldn't resist the lovely lighting there.

Directions are again very easy to care for, do not over water, water well when soil is dry to touch, best near a window sill with lots of natural light, or as I have read, they are an "excellent subject for window culture"!!

Image - Kylie Loy

This is so exciting, and quite a lot of instant satisfaction. It has definitely brightened up some much much need corners of my house with lots of colour.

If anyone likes the look of the plants, and pots, they were all purchased at Bunnings.

2011 - A New Year, A Fresh Start

I love the beginning of a new year it's so exciting, so inspiring. It's a great time to reflect on the GREAT events that have happened in my life, and also a great time to reflect on the events that may have seemed...ummm somewhat questionable, and not even worth mentioning.

A huge year for my family with the stand out event, the birth of my baby doll,

Charlotte Rose

Featured below effortlessly modelling my brand new sunnies I received for Christmas.

Also just watching my little man Hudson grow and grow. Even though he isn't fond of sharing, & I am sure believes the world revolves around his demands, I still love him to pieces!!

2010 was a wonderful year also from a business perspective.

It has finally started to gain some structure, and after a very busy Christmas sales period, has confirmed some positive product decisions I chose.

It's been a great year to meet some awesome ladies running new markets, and also meeting the the gals who have stalls at them. I look forward to seeing them all very soon in 2011.

Now I am not one for resolutions as such, they always end up being empty promises full of dissapointment. Instead, I am up for some attainable improvements.

For 2011 I am going to......

Find better balance in my life.

Improve my time management.

Make 'date night' a priority with my husband.

Take one photo per day (A big task just to remember this!!)

Draw more free hand sketches

Wear more dresses

Wear some more lipstick, a sure pick you up.

Spend more time in the garden.

I can think of a million more things I want to do like, eat better, exercise more, read more, save more, go on more holidays. I try and achieve these goals daily anyway, but this year I want to create tasks that are attainable. Not to avoid disappointment, but to take the pressure off, and maybe see where life takes me for a change.

Be kind to yourself in 2011.