A blog with substance :)

Hey lovelies! It's been a busy busy work week and next week is even worse. So my blog post may be a bit sporadic. We are getting the new registers next week (whee!) which is good news. The old clunky registers will be gone.

Anyway, I received the same blog award from two wonderful bloggers. Jess from The beat my heart Skips and Karolina from Better than Barszcz.

Funnily enough the award had different requirements. For Karolina's award...I want to say thank you for reading. It really makes me happy to know that I can share my life and other bits of happiness in my life.

Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation and experience with five words...
Happiness, creativity, life, inspiration, friendship

And for Jess' award, I'm to list 10 things I love...

1. My hubby Jason

2. Being a Christian and having a wonderful Saviour

3. My family and friends

4. Stationery

 

 Via Kikki.K

5. Books!!

 Via Wehearit

6. Journals

Via Weheartit

7. Being inspired

8. Butterflies

Via Tumblr

9. Ballet flats

Via Tumblr

10. Receiving mail

 

 Via  Weheartit

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog. You guys are great! This award is for everyone :)

Have a wonderful weekend! What do you love??

A few questions...

Hey lovelies, thanks for your comments about my Etsy shop. I do hope to spend more time on it.

I received this sweet award from the absolutely lovely Diana! I adore her blog with all it's beautiful pictures and wonderful fashion. Her blog is full of girliness and I love it!

This award has some interesting questions attached so here we go....

1. Why do you blog? 

It's like my visual journal. I get to post pretty pictures, share parts of my life and my favourite bit is having blog friends! I could not imagine the kind of friends I have made through blogging. It's what keeps me blogging. One day I would love to meet you all ;)

2. Name your three best memories...

♥ Best Memory one - When Jason proposed. It was so sweet and meaningful. I will never forgot when he asked me.

♥ Best Memory two - Getting married. Another unforgettable day and memory. Knowing I would be spending the rest of my life with my best friend...

♥ Best Memory three - Just having the most amazing family and friends. I'm so blessed to have them in my life. It's not a memory but it's something I will always remember. 

3. Name 4 of the best fiction books you've read.

As many of you know, I like the lighter books. And many series. 

♥ - The Hunger Games 

♥ - The Chronicles of Narnia

♥ - Pride and Prejudice

♥ - To Kill a Mockingbird

4. What are the 5 best movies ever made? (Ah this is hard because I don't watch many more serious movies)

♥ - Blood Diamond

♥ - Lord of the Rings

♥ - Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann version)

♥ - Breakfast at Tiffanys

♥ - Robin Hood : Men in Tights (for fun)

5. Name 5 things you can't live without.

♥ - My wedding ring

♥ - Lucas' Paw paw cream

♥ - Books

♥ - Journals

♥ - Stationery 

6. If you could change your name what would it be?

I haven't really thought about it because I do like my name (as hard as it is to pronounce). It's unique. But I did 'change' my name to Graciana in high school to sounds more 'Spanish.' 

7. Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself

I'm a bit of a Star Wars geek. I have all the movies and watch them all a few times a year. Jason and I finished Star Wars Lego for the Wii. I have a light saber app on my phone and I have crossed light sabers with my nephews before. 

(This is really embarrassing I know...I think I've posted it before - and to clarify I'm posing as a joke lol) 

8. What do you love most about yourself?

Hmm, my friends say I'm sweet? So I do love that. Mainly I think it's my compassion because it's what makes me care about people. And what makes me want to help others. 

9. If you had a 'Freaky Friday' experience, who would you change places with?

Maybe Jessica Alba or Natalie Portman. I think Jessica Alba is a real sweetheart (I follow her on Twitter!) And Natalie Portman is so talented and great. 

10. What is the best thing about being a woman?

I love that we can be really emotional and share our feelings. That we can be strong yet still be soft hearted, caring and compassionate. I love that we can have girly days with our friends. I am happy to be a woman. 

So I award this to...

Jasmine from Lavender's Green 

Karolina from Better than Barszcz

Jess from The Beat my Heart Skips

Megan from Time After Tea

Heather from A Measure of...

Sydney from The Tightrope

Rachael from It's Simple Love

Claire from Bicoastally 

Micaela from Dolce Vita

Sandy from Sandy a la Mode

You girls are just absolutely wonderful!! Thank you to everyone that reads my blog and for everyone who comments. Thanks for being amazing!!

P.S. I do have another award I was going to share. I got it from two blog friends so it will be for next post. 

A tag and award

I have an award and tag that is long overdue. With the Bathurst trip I will write about it next post. We didn't really do much anyway.

I received this award from the gorgeous and talented Andhari of Insomniac Lolita. It appears that I must answers some questions and pass the award on. Thank you!

1. Who is Your Style Icon?

I've always loved Natalie Portman's style and more recently Emma Watson.

Via NataliePortman.com

Via EmmaW.org

2. Which is your favourite socialite book?

I don't think I've read any socialite book before.

3. Favourite Party Theme?

I have to say masquerade. I've been to a few and it's so much fun to make the masks. Plus there are some gorgeous masks to buy out there.

It's a Masquerade by Graciebella featuring Kiki de Montparnasse

Made by me on Polyvore.

4. Go to Halloween Costume?

We don't really do Halloween here. But if I must, some type of fairytale character.

5. Extravagance you cannot live without?

My iPhone and Mac. I didn't need to buy a Mac or have an iPhone.

6. Living Person you admire.

My parents. They are the best examples of who I want to be as a person.

7. Greatest Fear(s)

Fear of failure. I think this is really detrimental because it stops me from doing what I want to do.

8. Traits you deplore in yourself

My procrastination and constantly comparing myself to everyone else. Jason says I compare myself way to much.

9. Which talent you would most love to have?

I would love to be one of those people who can whip up anything. For example they need a summer dress so they sew it themselves. They need a scarf so they knit or crochet one. They are going to a party and need a hostess gift so they bake something. I guess if I really worked at it, it might happen someday :)

10. Greatest Achievement?

I think would be getting where I am. Sure I've made plenty of mistakes over the years but I'm proud that I am quite happy with myself and I hope that one day I will truly be who I want to be.

I give this award to... Fashion, Art and Other Fancies, Diana of OneCraftyFox, Erin of Pughs News, Megan of Time After Tea, Jasmine of Lavender's Green, Anastasia of Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming.

And I was tagged by the lovely and sweet Rachael from It's Simple Love. In this tag there are 8 random questions that I must answer, then I must write my own 8 random questions and pass them on :) Thanks!

1. What Band is your "go-to-band" in the car?

I don't actually have a car but in Jason's car we tend to listen to anything kind of sad. That's our go to music for some reason :) There's no band in particular that I can think of...maybe Linkin Park?

2. What is your pet peeve?

I hate lateness. Being quite punctual myself I get really agitated when someone is late (and they don't msg to say they will be).

3. Who is your celebrity crush?

Ahh this changes all the time. I guess at the moment Sam Worthington, he is so typically Aussie. And for some weird reason I have a Draco Malfoy thing going on so I would say Tom Felton (I've been in the weirdest Harry Potter mood) and he's so nice in interviews. And I think I will always like Leo DiCaprio. Girl crush is also my style icons Natalie Portman and Emma Watson.

4. How would your friends describe you?

Ahh happy, thoughtful and sweet? Hopefully creative, friendly and loyal too :)

5. Where is the furthest place you have been?

Not too far. I guess the Philippines would be the furthest place I've been. I haven't travelled much yet.

6. What's the most important thing in a friendship to you?

Trust and being able to just hang out and have fun without feeling like I have to be someone else.

7. If you could change your name what would it be?

Hmm...never really thought about it. I did rename myself Graciana at one point :)

8. Unibrow or mustache if you had to have one?

I would choose the unibrow lol

I will pass this tag to... Jasmine of Lavender's Green (An award and tag for my new good bloggy friend), Joana of Ecological Storyteller, Caroline of Coeur de La, Sierra of Ocean Dreams, Mara of M Loves M, Alely of Oh Sweetlee Me, Amy of Junghwa by Amy Stewart, Belen of Belen:Beh-LEHN

My questions for you

1. What's your favourite fairytale?

2. Do you prefer Mac or PC?

3. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

4. Heels or flats?

5. What's your biggest dream?

6. Your favourite book character?

7. Are you the type of person who keeps their feelings inside or lets it out?

8. Who is your role model?

You girls are all lovely! Have a great rest of week. It's Game One with State of Origin (rugby league) tonight. Queensland vs. New South Wales. If you live in either of these states you will understand how big this is. I have to admit I'm a fence sitter. Born in NSW but moved to QLD at such a young age I don't really feel any loyalty for NSW but technically I should be going for them :)

Awards and a videos

I have gotten a few awards that I must catch up on and pass along. The first one is from the lovely Cassie from Hydrangeas and White Daisies.

With this reward it appears there is a photo element. You open your first folder and find the tenth photo, post it and the story behind it. Ok...

Eepp! This was our year 12 formal and we were 17 here. That's Thara if you recognise her, one of my BM's. I sometimes hate seeing old photos. Maybe I should show old photos from school one day.

I forward this award to these gorgeous girls.... Nicole, Rachael, Sierra, Micaela and Belen. Check out these wonderful ladies.

The other award has come from a new blog friend Rachael from It's Simple Love.

So I must say 7 things about myself and pass it on to 7 other lovely ladies.

1. I was born in Sydney and lived there until I was 4 and we moved up to Queensland.

2. I got my first penpal when I was 9 and have loved writing letters since then.

3. In high school I had some obsession with everything Spanish and South/Central American. I even gave myself a Spanish sounding name. Well me and a few other friends of mine :) We listened to salsa style music and would intentionally find guys with sexy sounding Latin names on MSN to chat to (yes I was pretty embarrassing and I was boy crazy...I had no shame lol)

4. I wear glasses but I wear contacts most of the time. I got glasses when I was only 10.

5. I had braces when I was 13-14. Add that with glasses and I had a few years of being very self conscious.

6. I used to have light brown, curly hair when I was really young. People don't believe me now because I straighten or blow dry it. But it's actually wavy and kind of frizzy and dark brown.

7. I like watching UFC. Jason got me into it. I feel so blokey while I sit and watch and eat pizza.

I've probably repeated myself there. I lose track of what I've said before.

So I pass this onto these lovely ladies...Cassie, Jozen, Nahl, Elaine, Tiffany, Anna, and Trishie.

Make sure you visit all these lovely ladies. Thank you so much for the awards too!! Your too sweet and kind.

I was going to finish off with some mail but some of my photos haven't been uploaded yet and my camera battery is dying. And when I was looking for the photo for the first award I got a little nostalgic and looked through my other pics and things. So I thought I would leave you with this little video from a few years ago. It's little Caeleb when he was a baby. He was in my parents kitchen in his stroller and he's making all these noises. My favourite bit is when his eyes flick to the side. He ends up crying but it doesn't come out. It's a short video.

This second video is short and it's me just being silly. This was when I was 19 and we had rehearsals for the church Easter musical. Laura was videotaping this :) Funnily enough this was the year Laura and I met.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! My plans are to watch Clash of the Titans, clean, write letters, sand down an old round table and repaint it and who knows what else. What are you up to??

Feet Love...and award

I've finally decided to join Nicole's Tuesday = Feet Love. I guess we are a little early here in Australia though.

These are my new cute little ballet flats I mentioned in my last post. They were a gift from Jason's brother and his girlfriend for my birthday. I love them.

These are my awesome fluffy, soft ballet like slippers I also mentioned in the post. They too were part of a birthday present from the sister in law. These are so comfy.

And I received an award from lovely Sandra. We are new blog friends :) It's so wonderful to make another friend. Thanks Sandra!

Rules: Post on blog | Link to the other bloggers within your post. | Let them know you have shared this award with them by commenting on their blogs. | Share the Love by linking to the person from whom you received this Sweetalicious Blog Award.

I'm awarding this Sweetalicious Blog Award to: Megan, Mara, Caroline, Bunnie, Alyssa and Fiona. All lovely blogs and girls.

And just letting you know that the giveaway is now closed. It's Tuesday here in Australia :) Thanks to everyone for entering. I will announce the winner tomorrow and list the books too.

Award catch up

Thank you all for your comments. I'm definitely a lot better today. I've started eating more though it's still not much. My body feels very heavy as though my limbs are made of lead. I really should try and eat more to gain more energy.

And Jason has left for Bathurst this morning with this family, minus me. He will get back next Monday night.

Anyway, I have a few awards I've received and to share with the rest of you. I received this award from the lovely ladies of BonBon Rose.

I pass it on too..... Cassie, Born to be Mrs Beever, Alli Michelle, Kellie

I received this award from the sweet Cassie of Hydrangeas and White Daisies.

There are some questions and 6 more friends to nominate =)

1. Where is your cell phone: On the foot rest
2. Your hair: Is wet and kind of messy after my shower
3. Your father: Is away on a work trip
4. Your favorite food: potato bake, lasagna and teriyaki chicken
5. Your dream from last night: was all over the place
6. Your favorite drink: peach ice tea
7. Your dream/goal: to be able to have a business and be able to work from home
8. What room are you in: the lounge room sitting on the comfy sofa with pillows and a foot rest
9. What is your hobby: making things, writing letters, reading, being creative
10. What is your fear: losing the people I love
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Hopefully would be well travelled and maybe starting a family
12. Where were you last night: At home resting
13. Something you are not: a mean person
14. Muffins: chocolate or apple and cinnamon
15. Wish list items: a house and an overseas trip
16. Where did you grow up: Well born in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane
17. Last thing you did: Ate breakfast and messaged Jason
18. What are you wearing: Bummy clothes....shirt and shorts (I'm not bothering to dress up since I'm in recovery)
19. Your TV: is not on but I might turn it on soon to watch a DVD
20. Your pets: are non existent
21. Your friends: are absolutely wonderful
22. Your life: has been going through many changes
23. Your mood: is content yet emotional
24. Missing someone: yes =(
25. Vehicle: Jason's car =p
26. Something you’re not wearing: a watch
27. Your favorite store: Forever New, Bardot, Kikki.K, Smiggle, Borders and Myer (where I work)
28. Your favorite color: Pink, turquoise, aqua and pastel shades
29. When’s the last time you laughed: Really laughed...would be Sunday night =(
30. When’s the last time you cried: This morning sigh =(
31. Your best friend: Jason
32. One place you go over and over: My bedroom to bring things downstairs
33. One person who emails me regularly: Erm...I don't email much but I guess my mum
34. Favorite place to eat: Wagamama - Jason and my fave place to eat.

I pass this one too.... Nicole, Julia, Anastasia, Andhari, Sara, Amanda

And I got this from my new friend Born to be Mrs Beaver. She's also a bride to be.

Translation: Your blog is super cute

The rules for this one are =)

- Indicate the award to 1o other bloggers and let them know

- Leave a message to the person that gave you the award

I pass this too.....Fee- Amore, BonBon Rose, Kristen, Caro, Bunnie, Nicole Marie, Lisa Jane, Danni, Kerri, Claire

Thank you so much for the awards. I really appreciate them!! Have a great rest of week!!

Blog Award catch up

I have a few awards some of them from awhile ago that I haven't mentioned. Still not part 2 for the engagement party post. Work has been a bit hellish and I have a to do list that is pages long. I've sort of lost my voice from tiredness and some stress (I think) and it's hard working in retail without a voice. Anyway, these awards make me happy =) Thanks lovely ladies.

I got this award from the sweet, sweet Julia of This Daisy. This award is for blogs that have attitude and gratitude. So I will give this one too.... Nicole, Sara, Claire, Ellia, Paula, and Always a Bridesmaid.

The wonderful Lisa of The Brunette Girly Girl gave me this award. Here are a few blogs I love. So I pass this award to...Kristen, Bonnie, Kellie, Megan and Melissa, Laura.

This one is from the lovely Always a bridesmaid, finally a bride (yay fellow bride to be). Ok since this is a Meme award I have to reveal 7 things about myself. And tag 7 others.

1. I wear glasses but I'm always wearing contacts. I've had glasses since I was 8.

2. I love all types of veggies except I don't really like pumpkin (unless it's soup or bread) or sweet potato.

3. I got my right leg/knee stuck under a swing when I was 7 and even now it feels different to my left knee.

4. I can understand Tagalog (Filipino main language) but I can't really speak it or read it.

5. I've never broken a bone before but I did sprain my thumb while playing touch football in high school PE.

6. I'm absolutely obsessed with stationery. I love going into stores, browsing blogs and websites. I just love it!

7. I was a 'witness' to an armed robbery at the local convenience store. The police saw me sitting at the bus stop and asked if I saw a guy running past me and I did. They told me he had held up the store and they asked the usual questions about what he looked like etc. I had to do one of those face recognition things (I can't remember the correct term) at the police station. The weird thing is the guy who held up the store smiled and said 'how's it goin' to me as he walked past before it happened. To appear normal??

And I tag and award Lisa, Caro, Andhari, Julia, Heather, Danni, Amanda.

I got this one from the gorgeous Kristen of While We're Waiting. So with this award I have to tell 10 tidbits about myself (your going to be sick of facts about me lol).

1. I adore fairy lights. I've bought a few types and really want to string some up in my room. I know my future house will have a few different sets strung up.

2. I was home when a guys broke into our house a few years back. I screamed when I saw him walk past me. The thing is I had a weird feeling that there was someone else in the house so in a way I almost anticipated him. But it was weeks before I could stay home alone.

3. I've always wanted a four poster bed with the light, gauzy curtain all around (strung with fairy lights of course).

4. I love pretty things and can be quite girly, but I'm also a bit of a fantasy/sci-fi nerd. I love Narnia, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Star Wars etc.

5. I wanted to start a collection so I thought post cards would be good. This is why I joined Postcrossing.

6. I absolutely looovveeee to receive mail and write letters. There is nothing better than after a long day at work and finding a letter or a package waiting for me.

7. I have a really weird thing for Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond. I sort of used to have a crush on him back in his Titanic and Romeo and Juliet days but got over it. But when I watched Blood Diamond...I loved him in that movie and I adored his accent. Love South African accents.

8. I threw out my journals from age 12 to 19 after I went on some rampage to get rid of them. I'm regretting my decision now because they were full of so many memories. I'm especially sad about my high school memories.

9. Even since I was in year 10 (15 years old) I wanted to become a PE teacher. And then I finally got into the course at uni and decided my passion had changed.

10. Jason and I took a salsa dance classes for about 10 weeks. I needed to choose some type of physical activity for one of my uni courses. It was great fun! Would love to do it again.

I award Cassie (a new blog friend), Nicole, Laura, Kristin, Nicole Marie.

And this is my most recent award from the beautiful Nicole of My Teacups in Peony. To see the rules for the Superior Scribbler award check out these posts. Here and here.

I award these fantastic scribblers. Julia, Kerri, Andhari, Kristen, Claire.

Thanks for all the love and support my gorgeous girls. I truly appreciate you all and I'm so glad for this blog world. I hope you made it through this post.

Weheartit

Sigh, I just love the look of fairy lights. The have this ethereal glow and just look so pretty. Sorry I clumped all the awards in one. I would have liked to give each one and each beautiful blog friend more recognition. Thank you ever so much!