Friday, November 13, 2009

A little bit of upheaval

Over the past 4ish months, my house has been sold from under me. Weird process. Not much fun at all. I rent where I am and have been there three years. Love my current place! I think I have been through 10 to 15 open houses. That means I have to tidy and minimise things every single week (or twice a week). Stress!!!
Anyway, the house finally sold! I had until the 14th of January to find a new place and move. About 10 days ago, I noticed the above place for lease IN MY STREET! Amazing. Things have moved so quickly that it has all become a bit of a blur. I went for the inspection, applied, was accepted and have paid bond and rent all in the last 6 days. Phew (draws breath)
The other crazy busy thing is that I move at the beginning of next month. In the time from now to then I have to complete reports for school, pack up, craft weekend and move. Ahhh (any volunteers for any of this?). The GREAT thing is that everything will be done by Christmas so I will be able to relax and enjoy my holidays. I have Japanese friends coming and they will get 100% of my attention.
Yesterday I also worked out that a new friend lives in my building. How good is that?

Life is good.
I feel good.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Internet shopping I just can't live without

I thought I might create a short list of the places I most frequently find myself window shopping (is it still called window shopping if you are on your computer?). Now, when I say window shopping, I of course mean real shopping. I rarely just browse - dangerous... Enjoy.

My number one, most frequent purchases come from The Book Depository (oops got stuck browsing right now). This site is based in the UK and has limitless amounts of books for sale at amazing prices and get this... POSTAGE FREE!! I haven't discovered many titles that they don't stock. It is cheaper to shop for books here than go to the shops near me. The Aussie dollar really helps right now and lets face it, books cost a lot here!

Now people who know me, know my second obsession is with fabric. Hard to stop. Hard to say no. Here are four online fabric stores I visit. Firstly Kelani has a great range including designer collections. They always ship super fast so not much waiting on the mail. Also very quick on the delivery is Ballarat Patchwork. Easy to use website and great service. Until recently, I have also shopped at Tessuti. They sell what I consider 'special' fabrics. Special pieces. I'd still be shopping with them online except Melbourne is now lucky enough to house our very own store. Another local that I love is Ink and Spindle. Screen printed fabric to die for (or should that be dye for?). Wonderful stuff. No shopping online for me anymore as the studio is literally around the corner - we're neighbours.

Now, I know most people know about Etsy but I spoke to a friend recently who had never heard of this great online store. I do quite a bit of shopping here. Our dollar is better against the American dollar right now so it isn't bad value shopping here. You end up with the most beautiful, unique, hand made goods. I am always a happy shopper on Etsy. I get lots of Japanese fabric and goods and random other things.

Finally, my sister just convinced me to sign up with Oz Sale. It is a member sign up thing and if people sign up from your recommendation then you get $. I am not sure about that side of it but I will give it a go. If you want to check it out too or sign up, you can use my link. I've had a look and the sales look pretty good. Some great bargains. Does anyone else out there use this site? Let me know what you think...

Friday, November 06, 2009

Is my life interesting?

I was telling a good friend how I feel a bit boring. Nothing to write about. I haven't blogged for ages.
She disagreed with me. She said I actually was interesting. I sat down and thought about what I have been up to... As you can see, I have been up to heaps. Maybe I am not boring - just lazy (or busy).

I am so happy that my sister, her husband and my beautiful niece have moved home from London.
The problem is that they have moved back to far away land. No matter which way I drive to get there, it takes around an hour! Luckily there are great people and cuddles at the end of the trip.
I thought I would share another little amusement of the trip. Makes me laugh every single time. I drive out via the Monash and near the end of my trip, just as I am getting really bored, I pass this exit ramp...
Can you read what it says? ERNST WANKE ROAD... Are you laughing too? I think it is so funny.

I have been busy.

Or, my life in photos...I have been spending a fair few Saturday (and Sunday) mornings here.
My new favourite 'local'. It is gorgeous. Bit busy and a bit noisy but the food is amazing (coffee good too).
I took my first ever teeny bit of long service leave (can you believe it?). Leave on a Friday and Monday means a four day break.
Headed up to Sydney for the most beautiful weather.
The sun shone on all the land marks, making them sparkle.
Stayed in Manly.
Watched some surfing.
Wandered along the beautiful beaches. Costs nothing. So wonderfully relaxing and refreshing!
Lunch at Doyles for a very, very special person. Happy Birthday Mum. We love you!!
The whole family was there. It was a special time and I will remember it forever. I placed Eva's feet in the sand and she wriggled and wriggled. Loved it. It was her first time! Wonderful.
Back at school, we have been hatching eggs. These little beauties have been so much fun. Lots of chicken love going around.