Bits and Pieces

I got my hair done today. It was for a hairdresser friend of mine. She needed someone to test a new hair colour range and I said I would do it. And the best part was that it was free! Although, I wish I paid for a haircut as well as I need one desperately. As it was free there wasn't heaps of colour put in but it was enough.

Ok this is the front view. I can't help but smile in pictures. I look funny when I don't. There are two colours. This copper tone and a reddish colour. Both really nice. The foils were done under my hair which was different for me.

A side photo view of my hair. It's in need for a cut though so I will have to do that soonish. If you want to see the colour better just click on the picture. It should have a close up. I haven't coloured my hair in soo long. I reckon about 5 years!

List wise I haven't made a huge amount of progress. I have read another 2 books (#29), made a kind of plushie (#24, bought a journal (#31). I'm in progress as well with other things. In time I will do a list update on the sidebar. Here's a pic of the plushie. . It's for my brother. I got the bear pattern from this blog. It looks nothing like it's supposed to though =)

Also I finished the Harry Potter book. Well I finished last week sometime. I loved it! But of course I won't say anything about it here =) as I know people don't want to find out things by accident through a blog.

Here is the journal I bought today. It's a Pink Ribbon one. It's really sweet. It has blank pages which is what I prefer. Plus part of the sale goes toward the Breast Cancer research.

This is the just a picture of the pages. I love it that it's blank. And pretty pink paper too. Added bonus!

And here are a few things I have made. It's some jewellery. These are chandelier style earrings. I love Swarovski crystals. They shimmer so prettily in the light.

These ones I used with bits and pieces in my little jewellery stash. I don't really wear dangly earrings but I like to make them.

This is another one of my charm necklaces. I love charms and I do want more but cash strapped right now. I want all different kinds. And If you look closely you can see my reflection in the heart lol.

And a close up. Plus you can really see my reflection in this one. Eeep! This always happens with shiny things =)

xox

Jason is back!

Yes he is back. He came back late Monday afternoon. It is so good to see him again! He's also had a haircut!

Just the view from the Esplanade about 5 minutes away from where I live.

Anyway, I was tagged by Zabrina. I have to list 8 random facts about me. Eee!
1. I have this weird thing about even and odd numbers. I hate odd numbers. If I listen to the radio/cds or watch tv I can't have the volume on an odd number. I just can't. And I love things to be even most times.

2. When I have any public speaking to do in class I always have to have a pen or something in my hand. I guess it gives me comfort?!? Which brings me to number 3.

3. I am very fiddly. I either play with my necklace or twist my rings on my finger which is probably why I need a pen in my hand when I speak in front of people.

4. I have this habit of talking my thoughts aloud. I do it all the time. I speak loud enough for people to hear but not loud enough for them to understand. Jason always thinks that I'm talking to him and will answer. It's something I have done since I was little.

5. Hmm... I get hyped up and annoyed with some of the stupidest things (like celebrities and everything they do. Like I really care?!?). But them I can calm down quickly most times after I've had my little vent.

6. When I'm at home I can't help but have to read something. If there isn't any conversation going on around me I will always have a book, magazine, comic, newspaper and will read. I don't know why but I feel so bored if I don't.

7. I hate it when people say to me 'You look so young.' Mainly because I'm 22 and sometimes they think I look about 15. I dunno why but it just irritates me. I guess I think that when they say I look 15 they think I act like it too? I mean I know it will be a good thing when I turn 40 or something but for now it's annoying.

8. Sometimes when I decide to do something different with my hair I will spend ages working away then when I get to my destination I usually take it out or take out whatever I put in my hair because it makes me feel stupid. So I don't know why I even waste the time in the first place.

And thats the 8 things. I tag anyone who has never done this before as I know a lot of people have.

I'm just going to post some pictures of some craft ideas from one of my books that was given to me. It's part of my 101 things list, number 28.
I would love to make these with pretty paper. Packaging is very important to me.

These would look cute outside in the summertime hanging off the clothing line. Have to try this idea.

I adore fairy lights. So it looks even prettier with doilies. I just need some white looking lights.

I have tried this idea. But not with photos. So I would like to try it with photos and see how they turn out. I love silhouettes.

Another pretty pin board idea. I would like to get a frame like the one in this picture.

To end, uni is back this week =( But it should be my last semester! And I started reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows today. Although I can't finish it as it's Jason's mum's book and she hasn't finished so I couldn't take it home =( By the way we will probably watching the movie tomorrow as Jason hasn't seen it yet.

Blogger Reflection Award

I have been given the privilege of receiving the Blogger Reflection award from lovely Danica. Thank you so much. It means so much that you think I deserve such a reward. Thank you for the lovely forum and given me the opportunity to be a part of this.
This is the rules from the site that started this award.

“ As for my award, it is called The BloggerReflection Award. Why? The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy… of knowing them and being blessed by them.

This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you’re going to do the award don’t just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they’ve been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don’t be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it’s given.

Rules of participating:
1. Copy this post.
2. Replace [my bloggers with yours] & Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they’ve been given the award.
5. Put the award icon on your site [below]”



Ok now I should give my awards. A lot of my Christian friends don't really have blogs. So I could only have 4.

1. I have to give one to Danica. She is such a wonderful woman of God who sticks to hear her values and ideals. She's such an inspiration for starting up the Maidens of Modesty forum and being such a lovely friend. She's always caring and has such a passion for the things of God and living a beautiful life. You truly deserve this Danica.

2. The 2nd one goes to Leanne. She is such a powerful woman of God and always has a kind word to say. She's a strong person and wish we could hang out more which we did when we went to the same home cell group.

3. I thought I would give this to my cousin Odille. Even though she doesn't appear to be posting lately. She has such an inspirational blog about her missions and everything that she is doing for the Lord. I love to read what she is up to. And I hope to see her again soon as I haven't seen her in about 6 years maybe.

4. And for the last award I have to give it to my beautiful friend Laura. She's such a beautiful, talented woman of God and I love her to bits. This is her myspace blog as she doesn't really have a proper one but it displays her gorgeous artwork, photos, graphics and her love for Christ.

Of course this award is just for the blogs but if I could I would give more out to my other lovely friends who don't have blogs. And there are so many other inspirational blogs out there that I am regular readers of. This also goes out to all of you!!

Other aspects that I want to comment on are I have added a sidebar of my 101 things and will be updating it. I also want to list my book and movie list in time when it is finished. I'm going to italicize the things in progress and cross things off when I'm finished. Also I've read this on other people's blogs and this is to give myself at least 2 months before I can say that I have achieved a goal. This is for the goals that don't really have a specific time. If that even makes sense =)

Also just wanted to share some mini note cards I made. I quite like this one. I've had this idea playing in my mind to make teeny tiny envelopes on a card. I love tiny things and minitures. So it was perfect for me.

This was my original idea. The tiny cards inside the envelope can be taken out too. I took ages trying to freehand draw a tiny envelope template. It took so long but I couldn't stop until I had made one.

I got the idea to have a closed envelope as well just as I was trying to get to sleep after making the other envelope. So to enable my self to sleep I had try write down my idea or I would be up thinking about it.

Oh I finished this book. It was an interesting read. I never really knew a whole lot about her before the movie. All I knew was about the apparent quote 'Let them eat cake.'I saw the movie and loved it. So I thought I should try reading the book that inspired the movie. It had a lot of politics as it is a non-fiction book. But it made me look at her and Louis XVI in a different light. The whole French revolution was a violent affair. I really felt for them as they were condemned to be executed. It's interesting seeing it from their point of view (well from all the sources the author was able to gather). But it was quite sad reading their ends. And sorry for the lopsided photo of the book. This is a picture of my own copy.

By the way it is still cold here. I can't believe how cold our winter has been here lately. It's usually so mind. And Jason let me know on the phone that it snowed in Bathurst though it was gone in a few hours. But still....

Anyway, I'll write more on my progress another time.

101 Things in 1001 Days

Before I continue on with my list of 101 things, I just want to say that I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was great! I did enjoy it. They changed things as usual but it was still done well. I think I'm going to watch it again when Jason gets back from Bathurst as I watched a 9:20 session with about 20-25 mins of previews and ads. I was a bit tired and probably didn't appreciate as much as I would normally. I'm looking forward to reading the last book. Although I didn't pre-order one so I will have to wait until Jason's mum finishes it
which should be in 2 days after it's released. I just don't want to find out the ending or who dies prematurely. So I'm going to avoid forums and any entertainment news.

Anyway, I found out about the 101 Things in 1001 Days via Little Miss Meshell's blog. I followed the link and was inspired to start one, especially when I read Meshell's list.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

It took me a few days to compile my list but I think it is done. In time I will add it to the sidebar and cross things off as I go. I thought it was a great way to keep my goals in focus and to start and finish things I have always said I would do and then some.

I thought I would put this here to break all the writing up. This was given to me from my brother's girlfriend. We talked about piggy banks and I told her how I always wanted one and she got me one with a sweet little note card.

Start Date: 14/07/2007
End Date: 10/04/2010

101 Things to do in 1001 Days

* Self, Health & Fitness*
1. Go walking/running with Jason 2 to 3 times a week.
2. Drink 8 glasses of water a day or 2 bottles of water. This includes cups of Green tea, Japanese tea (any tea without milk).
3. Do mini exercise regime at least 5 times a week.
4. Stretch at least 5 times a week. Aim to be able to do the splits.
5. Keep taking natural supplements and vitamins everyday to turn it into a habit.
6. Get two professional massages. (0/2)
7. Get a manicure, pedicure and facial. (0/3)
8. Go on 5 hikes, each one at a different location.

*Spiritual Life*
9. Pray and thank God first thing in the morning when I wake up
10. Go to Cambodia with my church to help with the children’s rescue home and orphanage.
11. Start journaling along with the church once a week using the verses provided.
12. Learn and know where every book of the bible is.
13. Read a Christian (for spiritual development) book once a month for the duration of the 1001 days.
14. Read my daily devotion books everyday.

*Creative Endeavours & Things to make*
15. Learn to knit better and knit 5 scarves and a pair of socks (0/6)
16. Learn to crochet and try and make 5 crocheted flowers.
17. Learn to sew and use the sewing machine. Aim to make a journal cover, a basic loose top, a clutch purse, a simple bag, 2 coin purses and a pair of long pj pants for Jason.
18. Make and hand bind 5 journals (0/5)
19. Take a photo a day for a month. Make it like a photo meme. (0/30)
20. Make a box of letter writing supplies. Fill it with loose stationary sheets, handmade and bought envelopes of various sizes, stamps, pens (blue and pretty coloured ones), some note cards, postcards, fancy scissors.
21. Stencil 10 tops with some basic stencil designs. (0/10)
22. Make a scrapbook of specific and special events in my life
23. Decorate a set of four canvases. (0/4)
24. Make two little bear plushies for my brother and his gf. (0/2)
25. Embellish 5 pairs of plain ballet flats (0/5)
26. Make a few themed jewellery sets and stationary sets to match the jewellery. (Secret Garden, Marie Antoinette, Narnia, LOTR, Star Wars, Butterflies, Audrey Hepburn, Cinderella)
27. Make a cigar box purse for myself and another 5 for friends. (0/6)
28. Try 5 projects from craft book at home, 5 projects from the Martha Stewart website, 5 projects from other crafty websites and 5 from various other sources (0/20).

*Reading and Writing*
29. Read 100 books in a pre made list. Keep a journal about the books.
30. Make a journal jar for myself and take out a question at least 3 times a week.
31. Keep a separate journal for these goals and frequently post progress in my blog. Buy 2 blank journals. (0/2)
32. Read a complete Star Wars series (Timothy Zahn)
33. Read 50 children’s story picture books. (0/50)
34. Read James Ussher Annals of the World
35. Read Alex Rider series and Power of Five series by Anthony Horowitz
36. Read all Meg Cabot books
37. Write a short descriptive story

*Things to Learn: Classes, Knowledge and Skills*
38. Take a bookbinding class or course
39. Read and research fashion and costumes from the past.
40. Learn to play 5 contemporary and 5 classical songs on the keyboard
41. Take a painting class with Jason
42. Take some adult beginner ballet classes.
43. Take salsa dance classes with Jason again
44. Get my first aid and CPR certificate
45. Renew my blue card
46. Get the logbook and complete 100 hours of driving.
47. Take a hand blown glass bead class
48. Develop my photo shop skills
49. Continue learning basic Spanish
50. Relearn basic French
51. Learn 5 different recipes and cook for the family
52. Read and learn more about Old Paris, the Victorian Era, ancient cultures, the Inca and Mayan cultures, the King Arthur legend and other historical interests.

I thought I would again break up the writing and add the side view of the piggy bank. It's just too cute! And I have it on display with my change filling it up.

*For Others*
53. Sponsor a child in Africa
54. Volunteer to be a cuddle mum at the Mater hospital or help out a the Royal Brisbane Children’s Hospital
55. Randomly message, email or send letter to friends twice a month.
56. Make up a parcel for one boy and one girl for the Operation Christmas child appeal or for under a charity Christmas tree.
57. Have 5 girls night and just pamper them
58. Send a care package to 5 friends just because
59. Look after my nephews and have a play date

*Declutter, Organise and Clean*
60. Clean and rearrange my whole bedroom
61. Clean, rearrange and make a crafty section the study
62. Organise photos, files, emails, folders on the computer and back up everything
63. Clean out wardrobe and sort clothes to keep or give away. Make perfumed sachets to put into the wardrobe.
64. Find tapes of when we were kids and find a way to back them up.
65. Print out my photos and put them in photo albums and scrapbooks. (0/2)
66. Print out coffee table style books of my favourite photos.
*Entertainment and Arts*
67. Go and watch two ballets (0/2)
68. Go and watch two musicals (0/2)
69. Watch all the Audrey Hepburn movies
70. Watch 5 subtitled movies (0/5)
71. Watch all the Disney Princess movies (0/6)
72. Watch all Dark Angel episodes.
73. Watch all Natalie Portman movies
74. Watch all the Transformers box set dvds (0/5)
75. Watch the list of movies I want to see and others (0/50)
76. Watch all seasons of the Gilmore Girls
77. Go to a photo exhibition at the Powerhouse with Jason

*Fun and Experiences*
78. Ride a horse
79. Get up and watch the sunrise here and in another country (0/2)
80. Buy and complete a sudoku puzzle book.
81. Go to the Hillsong Conference with some girls in 2008
82. Travel to Europe and go on a tour
83. Go on 5 picnics at 5 different locations
84. Get some professional or amateur friends to get photos taken
85. Have a tea party
86. Start a collection (vintage images)
87. Get Narnia series books in different languages
88. Drive around the city with printed maps and look at all the Christmas lights
89. Go to a place to paint on ceramics with Jason.
90. Find 5 markets and 5 cute shops that will become favourites.
91. Go and discover 5 new places/towns in South East Queensland. Visit, take photos and bring back a souvenir. (0/5)
92. Go moonlight canoeing.

* Finances, Money & Business*
93. Put away $100 a fortnight into ING account
94. Make and plan a budget. Have a separate book for it List and make a money diary to observe spending habits and to track money (change merge with budget)
95. Get involved with Kingdom Advancers at church
96. Purchase craft items in bulk to save with cost
97. Create and design (w/Jason’s help) in making business cards, a logo, labels, stickers and packaging.
98. Read up on promoting an Etsy store. Read up on Paypal and make at least 5 etsy purchases (0/5)
99. Find out Postage Cost for national and international. Invest in bulk packaging
100. Make lots of different mini note cards w/envelopes, different jewellery pieces and take good photos.
101. Invest in some good quality craft supplies (guillotine, good sharp scissors, appropriate glue, a new set of jewellery tools, metal ruler, paper shaper. (0/6)

Another picture to break up the writing =p. This is just another picture of the vintage postcards and note cards I got in Montville. I love the little postcards and hope to get more sometime.

And thats the list. It might change a bit like the wording and things. And I will add the numbers and things that I haven't already done. And I might also add the books and movies list just out of interest (or more to keep me organised =p)

Wow that was long. I hope it wasn't boring to read or anything. I will also be posting pictures and things of my progress. I'm quite excited about this so I hope it last the 1001 Days.

Thanks for the greetings although it is still a dating anniversary, hopefully a wedding anniversary sometime =p
xox

2 Years

* This post has many pictures in it - So enjoy the photos =)*

I had my 2 year anniversary with Jason on Monday (9/07/07). It was wonderful and the past 2 years have been great. We went up to Montville which is in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. We also went to Maleny which is only 10-15 mins away from Montville.

This was at a lookout just before we got into the main town. It is so beautiful looking at the mountains and trees. And we could even see the water as it is not that far away from the coast. It was also freezing! This photo was taken with a flash hence the abnormal light.

This was taken outside of this little store. The place is filled with little gift shops and it has a real country town feel. It's a very quaint place.

Just thought this was cute. It was outside this pretty Shabby Chic shop. But Jason always comes with me into stores and I'm really happy that he does.


I thought those two pictures showed some of the pretty things in store. I wasn't sure if I could take photos inside so I just took them outside.

This store was filled with country style homewares and items. It really is a sweet little place.

Thought I would add in a photo of the beautiful landscape. It's so lovely when your up there on the mountain. I truly loved it. It would be even nicer to visit in the summertime.

This was taken on a wooden swing outside a wood shop. It was a bit windy and I couldn't be bothered to fix my hair all the time as it was always getting in the way.

We ate at a place called the Poets Cafe. I had a gourmet beef burger and Jason had a gourmet chicken burger. We both had hot drinks as it was still really cold no matter how much we walked. We took a lot of photos but this post already has heaps. So I will move onto things we got.

I was only able to get Jason a book he wanted, a hand sewn teddy bear and a handmade card. Here's a pic of the bear.

Meet Pippo. He's handsewn and looks different from the original. I got the template from this blog. Hers is so cute! And she has a template for it. But since I can't really use the sewing machine yet I just handsewed it. And I stencilled the little Autobot shirt for him (as Jason loves Transformers).

These are the things Jason got me in Montville. The wood store where all the items are wood and handmade was lovely. There are vintage postcards, a few other cards, a Montville postcard and a giant pencil that works. I love pencils so he thought it was definately something I like. The vintage postcards are just old vintage ads reprinted. They had so many different kinds but I just chose those ones.

This is what he bought me yesterday we went into the city. The Marie Antoinette book I wanted to read and the Christina Re idea book with CD-ROM. We got it from Borders. I love that store. We went in as he had a job interview. I'll post better pics in another post as this one has so many.

And here is a photo of what Jason gave me for the 2 years anniversary. I have other photos I want to post so I will do it another time.

I do hope it was enjoyable to see many photos. And Jason has gone down to Bathurst with his brother to visit their dad. So he's gone for two weeks =( But I am watching Harry Potter with his mum, his brother's girlfriend and his mum's friend tonight. Exciting!
xox

Stoked!

I'm so excited. I got my uni results today and I received two 5's and a 7! How it works here is that 7 is a high distinction and the highest mark. A 5 is a credit. So just over a pass which is a 4. I did not expect these grades. And I'm so happy that I was able to get them.

Anyway, I have been watching a lot of dvds and movies. I'm really becoming a film buff. I have watched movies that I normally wouldn't have watched before but I am trying as I think I might see them in a different light. I might come to appreciate certain movies more. So there are a couple of movies I'm going to watch again to look at them in a different perspective.

Also thanks for the comments on the inspiration board. I will be adding things as time goes on and making it look fabulous!

Here are a few of my other mini notecards I have been making.
This is a baby shoe collection. Although it doesn't have to be used just for babies.

These are more butterflies. But I didn't make the butterflies on the card. They are so sweet little things that look like they're made from a stocking. If you understand what I mean? =)Sorry my photo taking isn't very good with these.

Ok this picture is easier to see. The butterflies are bigger but they are the same type as the ones in the cards before it. I haven't really got any names for the sets yet.

I hope the detail can be seen in this one. They are little masks for a masquerade. I got the idea from making a collage for friends for Christmas last year. I have been to 3 masquerade parties this past year.

I would love to have a little Etsy shop. I think it would be sweet. But I'm a little scared to step out and do it although I keep on saying I will. I think I am definitely going to look into it.

xox