Shadow Shot Sunday #21

Hi All

Here is my SSS for the week, we had a HUGE thunderstorm this afternoon and our little man had a ball splashing around in the water :) Don't forget to go and check out all the other great Shadow Shots at Hey Harriets
Hope you all had a great Christmas, will post some pics as soon as I get a chance.

Take care, Bel x

Shadow Shot Sunday #20

Hi everyone,
this day 2 years ago I was packing my bags and getting ready to head into the hospital to be induced to have Lucas (I can't believe he will be 2 tomorrow!!)

This week's Shadow Shot is of him playing with his new bubble machine on the back deck yesterday as we set up for his party... for more shadow shots visit here


We had around 35 people to celebrate Lucas' birthday early yesterday and Elmo was the guest of honour !! We had yummy snacks and lots of playing and dancing. What a great morning. Now I am still trying to recover, just don't bounce back as well as I used to LOL.

I hope that you all have a safe few days leading up to Christmas, and that the jolly fat-man remembers to drop a pressie under the tree for you.

All the Best
xx Em

More Christmas Decorations received... and Back-Tack 4 sent to Celia

Hi everyone,

Well we had an AWESOME market on Saturday, I really am still in slight disbelief at how well our wares were taken, and the fact that we have now pretty much NO stock left!! (eek). So if you came along to the market, thanks so much. And to all the other Brisstylettes, Thanks for organising and being such a great bunch!

Thanks for the well wishes from afar too :-)

So last week, I had no internet due to being literally in the clouds, so I havent had a chance to share this with you:

She came for the cake and pie ornament swap, from our friend Kate..

These ones arrived today in the mail from Donna and Emily - Thanks Ladies !! my tree is really starting to fill up and look great.

I also sent my Back-Tack4 swap off last week to my new friend Celia, here is what I sent:

A knitting needle case, with 2 pairs of needles, one for Celia's son Alex when he begins to knit (he is nearly 2) and 4 handmade stitch markers with gorgeous charms I bought from the US.

I also made Alex a construction apron, and a set of wooden cooking utensils & sent a book about trucks (he is getting a kitchen for christmas - shhh)

Then I sent a jar of homemade gingerbread men and a reindeer container full of good old cadbury chockies... yum, ooh and some hand-painted serviette rings I made.

Celia was delighted with her parcel and I am so glad

ok well I must go and organise dinner.

have a good week

xxEm

Christmas is coming....

Hi All

Just one final reminder that Em and I will be at the very first BrisStyle Christmas Market tomorrow at Hamilton, so if you are a local make sure you pop down and say hi! and pick up some Christmas gifts. For more information go to the BrisStyle Blog

We have both been flat out the last few days getting our goodies ready :)

My kitchen bench is currently covered in baked treats to take along

Hope to see you there,

Bel xx

Four Favourite ETSY Finds

Hi Everyone,

well this morning we woke to a nice big python on top of Lift our budgie's cage (the pic doesnt do it justice it really was a lot bigger than it looks)

So my inspiration for today's Four Fave ETSY Finds is 'SNAKES'

Ssnake Sscarf, multi-bright by LetItRain, Snakeskin Silver Lined Cuff Bracelet
by UNEARTHED, Penwood the Vintage Necktie Snake by wlcook,
Saskia the Snake Charmer - Knitted Burlesque Doll by sayraphim

xxEm

Back Tack 4 - Parcel recieved

I decided this year to join in back-tack 4... wow what a great experience.

I have made a great friend in my swap partner Celia who has a little boy Alex who is almost the same age as Lucas.

I received my swap gift from her today. The theme this year was Gold (something that sparkles), Frankincense (smell/taste) & Mhyr (gift)

I was sooo spoilt and squeeling with delight at the load of goodies I received, here are the pics

gorgeous hand knitted tree ornaments with gourmet lolly pops inside

Handmade jam drops, apricot jam, cherry jam & a yummy smelling chocolate candle

A stunning hand woven scarf and flower pin,vintage cotton tin, pincushion,calendar,diary,photo albumn & cutie little construction shorts for Lucas

I will blog what I posted Celia in the coming days once I know she has received them. Thanks again so much Celia xx

xEm

Shadow Shot Sunday #19

Hi everyone,

well it is beginning to look a lot like christmas at our place, I bought this new "minimalist" tree this year as we are having a big party for Lucas' birthday in 2 weeks and our other tree is 9feet tall and the diameter of the bottom of it is huge too and takes up a tad too much room...

So my SSS is this pic this weekend. Head here to see more Shadows x.

Hope you all have a great week.

Don't forget if you are in the area check out the BrisStyle Markets at Hamilton next Saturday!!

xx Em

Another gorgeous ornament has made it here

Wow,

I am so lucky. My 2nd ornament has arrived from the swap. It is this beautiful antique spoon from Meryl from mybitofearth.

Thanks Meryl what a lovely decoration

xx Em

Four Favorite ETSY Finds

Hi All

Well my inspiration for this weeks ETSY Fav's was something pretty. Its very hot and summery here at the moment and all the flowers in our garden are starting to bloom :)

1. Cherry Blossom In Light Pink Fancy Brass Adjustable Ring by lulucoco
2. Cherry Blossom Brooch by bubbletime
3. Fleur Pink Textile Eco Flower Set with Dried Lavender and Peppermint by soshesews
4. Blue Chickadees with Cherry Blossoms by Karingrow

Enjoy, Bel xx

p.s Don't forget the BrisStyle Markets are fast approaching

Holiday Ornament Swap - by freshlyblended

Ok,

Confession time. I have way too little time, and way too many things I have committed to this Christmas, Hmmmm what is new!

I received this little treasure from pupule in the mail today, my first ornament received from the swap I joined through freshly blended. He is SOOOOOoooo cute.

Just have to put up the tree now so he can take centre stage.

xx Em

Shadow Shot Sunday #18

This is where I want to be today.... lounging by a pool, sipping on a cool drink.
O'h well back to real life, house work calling :(

Don't forget to check out all the exciting Shadow Shots at Hey Harriet's Blog and if you are local make sure you come and check out the BrisStyle Markets on the 13th

Bel x

Tis' the season for giving :)

Hi All

Well Em and I had a lovely time on Saturday catching up with lots of the BrisStyle girls at our end of year catch up. I have to say I felt very spoilt as I ended up receiving some beautiful gifts...

From my Secret Santa (Teneale from Wicked Child Designs) I got a lovely 'Belly Burping Belinda' softie. I have to say Teneale's toys in real life are more beautiful than on the net and so well made.

I also got a couple of surprises, one being a bag that I commissioned Bec from where'sbeckybean to make for me from some fabric I recently brought and wasn't sure what to do with and the second being a little surprise from Helen at RubyredStudios that she actually purchased from Ali from Jellygnite (we are a supportive bunch us BrisStylers)

And the Lovely Louise from Made by Miffy brought along something I ordered for my little man from her amazing new website. He loved his new outfit so much we actually had a fight getting the clothes back off him so that they could be put away with his Christmas pressies
Lastly I got a lovely surprise in the mail yesterday when I received my Handmade present swap gift from Jacqui.


Em will also be happy to know that I got organised (finally) and sent off my present for Bobbi in the USA, hopefully now I wont be black band from future swaps and Bobbi's present will hopefully have a speedy delivery and not arrive to much past the 1st.
Happy Christmas everyone, still cant believe how quickly it is coming around

Bel xx

Four Favourite ETSY Finds

Hi Everyone,

todays inspiration is Christmas - it is fast approaching (1 mth to go yesterday!)

hope you are all well....

Focusing on Peace - Archival Print 11 x 14 by robedwardsart, Large Ceramic Snowflake Ornament by lurearts, Reindeer, 7 x 8 Fine Art Print by SharonMontrose, HOLIDAY LIMITED EDITION peace dove necklace by imogeneANDannie.

xxEm

The Little Patient is doing fine

Just a quick post to thank everyone for their well wishes for Lucas' operation. It seems to have been a success and at this stage everything is looking good.

It is so nice to have so many "blogging" friends. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers

xx
Em & Lucas

Shadow Shot Sunday #17

Hi Everyone,
Did you know that christmas is just over a month away? I know time flies.
today I decided to get my "little helper" Lucas to help me with my shot. We found a music box which has gorgeous little bears that skate around the ice when it is playing so he was fascinated by this... here is my favourite pic

and some of the sequence of him dancing to the music and then telling me that it had stopped.


Love is such a wonderful thing.....
We are off to hospital again tommorrow for another operation on his ears for more grommets, hopefully this time it might help him feel a bit more himself.

Have a great sunday everyone. Check out more shadow shots at Hey Harriet's blog here.

xxEm

Brisstyle Christmas Break-up

Today Bel & I are off to The Book Cafe at Garden City for our Brisstyle Christmas catch-up.

It is a very exciting day, as we will be drawing the winners of our very first Brisstyle blog giveaway, 3 lucky people will be winning a great prize pack of handmade brisstyle goodness....

I have made some really cute little ferrero rocher christmas trees for the tables today, I am happy how they turned out and how simple they were to make.

We are also doing our secret santa swap, so I cant wait to see what I get and if my recipient likes her gift :-)

Ok, well it is time to go. Have a great day everyone and I will see you back here tomorrow for Shadow Shot Sunday with Hey Harriet.

xxEm

Four Favorite ETSY Finds

Hi All

Well I have been super super slack lately and havent done the Four Favorites for a few weeeks so I am taking Em's turn and getting myself organised.

I have a sick spotty boy at the moment so took my inspriation from this and searched for 'polka dots' on ETSY, one of my fav patterns and this is what I found...

1. Cake Topper from THE POLKADOT COLLECTION by polkadotsandpriates

2. Mod bubbles tote purse by jenniferladd

3. Assorted Birdie Greeting Cards by aruricards

4. Vintage Inspired Pear and Apple Half Apron by Boojiboo

Enjoy, Bel xx

p.s. Don't forget to visit the BrisStyle Blog as there are still a few days left to enter the MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!

p.p.s Talking giveaways check out Hayley from ReReads Blog as she is hosting a giveaway at the moment too :)

Shadow Shot Sunday #16

Hi All

Well sorry I am a bit late with my shadow shot this week, but as many locals would know we had HUGE storms yesterday and with our new computer not even being a week old I was too scared to plug it into the power in case it got fried :(

Anyway, here is my shadow shot for the week, I got it from my archives. It is actually from the wedding that we went to a few months ago and Em and I noticed how cool the balloon looked floating in the water creating a green shadow

Enjoy, Bel x

p.s Don't forget there are still a few days left to enter the MASSIVE BrisStyle Giveaway. Simply leave a comment on the BrisStyle Blog here and go in the draw to win one of 3 gift packs all valued at well over $100US each, good luck ;)

Colour Me Mine

Hi there,

well this morning Lucas and I headed up to Tamborine Mountain to collect our ceramic pieces of art we painted at the Colour Me Mine studio a few weeks ago.

creamer & sugar pot set with hand & finger prints for Nette's birthday

I can't share all the things we made with you, because I know some of the receivers lurk around here (yes that could be you!!)

Ant Platter, Napkin Rings, Ladybug box, fingerprint flower & bee boxes & Frog Box

What a great way to make something special for your loved ones for Christmas.
xx Em

Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap - RECEIVED - yay

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share with you the absolutely beautiful hand stitched christmas ornament I received from my swap partner Rachel , and the equally lovely bag with a hand stitched santa on the front.


Lucas just loves the postman, and was so excited and thought the parcel was for him, I humoured him for some cute pics to share, but then quickly snapped my goodies back up for safe keeping until my christmas deckies come out.


Thanks to everyone who has been part of the swap, you should all be posting in the next week and receiving by the first week of December.


xx Em

Shadow Shot Sunday #15 and our trip away to Fraser Island

Well we have been home for 4 days and already I feel like it was a lifetime ago that we were on this beautiful sand island....

For those of you that don't know Fraser Island stretches over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point. With an area of 184 000 hectares, it is the largest sand island in the world. It is only accessable by 4wd. It is one of the worlds most beautiful, peacful, serene places to visit (go there if you get a chance).

We make an annual pilgrimage across to the island which is situated approx 300km north of Brisbane. We camp right up the top of the island in the isolated section of Ngkala Rocks where there are no toilets or showers just sand and sea.. we set up our camp pretty well after visiting so many times and it really becomes a home away from home.

Here is a collage of just a few of the millions of great shots I took while we were away. We were lucky enough to see heaps of wildlife on this trip including; pelicans, eagles, crabs, fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, seal, dingo & goannas.

And to add to the wildlife we went to the famous "Australia Zoo" (founded by the late Steve Irwin) on the way to Fraser so here is a collage of some of the animals from this visit too.

My shadow shot this week is one of the gorgeous Pelicans that came to help us fish, what a stunning bird they are, really reminded me of the story of Storm Boy from my childhood. Well Mr Percival, thanks for eating the fish that were too small, and for letting us enjoy your beauty :-)

To see other shadow shots, visit Hey Harriets blog here

Have a great weekend everyone and an even better week

xx Em

Baked Yummies for the Market

Hi Everyone,

well off to the St Willy's markets again tomorrow for Bel & I.

I have baked lots of yummy cupcakes to tantalise the locals, also made another 5 reindeer feed bags, will see how popular they are.

Have a great weekend, and pop in if you get a chance an you are in the area.

xxEm

Its a boy, well two actually ;)

Hi All,

Well for those that have been wondering our good friend Monica (that we featured in our SSS a few weeks ago) finally did have her baby, a little boy named Sachin. We have yet to meet him or give him a big cuddle as he and his brother Raam have been unwell, but fingers crossed we will get to see him next week.

Also our other good friend Kate, also had a little boy last week. Oscar Alexander is a little brother for Anouk (one of Sax's favourite playmates). Kate loving all things crafty had been checking out Michelle from Pedrosprouts little booties way before little Oscar even appeared so I couldn't help myself and ordered him the little leaf pair this week :)

I have to say these are the cutest little baby shoes I have seen in a long time, and so well made. I highly recommend a purchase from Pedrosprout any day!

Have a great day all, don't forget Em and I (Plus Ali from Jellygnite) are at the St Willy's markets tomorrow at Keppera so if you are in the area don't forget to drop in and say Hi!

Bel xx

p.s Don't forget about the amazing giveaway on the BrisStyle Blog, check it out and leave a comment to go in the draw to win one of 3 amazing gift packs all worth well over $100 US