Life is a Journey not a Destination

I have to confess it’s only been the last that I’ve really started utilizing the local library. In fact I only got a membership around 2 years ago. But when I realized I could request books, and they’d actually BUY them, then loan them to me – that was when I fell in LOVE!!!

Today I scored these little beauties…

The top 3 books I had ordered and the bottom two I saw when I had a little browse around. I’m especially excited about the Pioneer Woman Cooks by blogger Ree Drummond. I’ve flicked through it and think it might be added to my TO BUY list. This was one of my requests. I think in the last year I’ve requested at least 12 books and all have been purchased (except one they said was too old). Out of those 12 book I’ve gone on to by 1 (and this will no doubt be the 2nd). Lots of money saved there!!!

So if you haven’t visited your local library for a while do yourself, and your wallet, a favour and do so soon.

1. Untitled, 2. friendly.flowers, 3. welcome.treats, 4. Lieblingstasse, 5. Paint it red, 6. Untitled, 7. Short socks, 8. six: proper, 9. steamed cup cakesteamed cup cake, 10. Autumn Beech, 11. P!ink Cupcakes, 12. Spring, 13. moving slowly, 14. Untitled, 15. flower… ecuador… DSC_7886.jpg, 16. Dream in progress… part 19, 17. Eyelets, 18. kitchen window herb garden, 19. evening window, 20. in the shed

It’s safe to say I’m addicted to the Winter Olympics. I always knew I liked the Winter sports but it’s not been till now that I realized just how much. Last time they were on Christy was just 4 years old and we didn’t have Foxtel. I really thought I’d be a bit over it after a few days but I’m not.

I’ve been trying to work out while a non-sport watcher like myself loves these games so much. I think it’s because it’s about more than the athletes performance – the weather, ice or snow conditions and the actions of fellow competitors all come into play as well and make for exciting events. But I’m even enjoying the curling . The coverage on Foxtel has been fantastic. Four channels and full coverage  in HD of all the events. The best $50 I’ve spent in a long time.

Before they started I thought I’d be able to use the laptop or do some crocheting while watching but it hasn’t really worked as I am WATCHING most of the events and you really can’t take your eyes off the screen or you miss something.

All I can say it’s lucky they only go for 2.5 weeks and that I’ve still managed to get the basics done around the house. I think the girls will be happy to have their Mum back though. Here’s to hoping they appreciate me a bit more…

Okay, it’s not like I really have time to waste but that’s what I did this afternoon. One of the very first websites I stalked “Cassworld” has just started a blog. While exploring her new updates I started watching her Disneyworld video which got me thinking of our own videos…. can you see where this going? I found and watched video from our WDW trip 2002. Two hours later…..

But how fun seeing both the girls as “little girls” again – Amy was 3 and Christy just 5 months. It bought back so many happy memories. Then of course I wanted to share some of the Disney magic with you all so I had to create a mosiac….another hour or so gone…

Weren’t they just so cute? Why does the time go by so fast?

Don’t worry, I did get all the jobs on todays list done. But now I’m wanting to track down, and watch, the rest of our videos….. And there was the most gorgeous clip of Christy laughing madly at Amy playing with a balloon and I’d love to share with you all….

Okay, since I still can’t share my own photos from our lazy day (beach, swimming, reading, relaxing) I thought I’d share some more of my favourites from Flickr.

1. Morangos, 2. pink orange & green, 3. Sprinkle and Candy Cabinet, 4. Romantic Flowers, 5. ..setting the table for breakfast…, 6. Frost, 7. poem of tulips, 8. Sprinkles, 9. Green Tea Mug Cozy, 10. Untitled, 11. 20., 12. Sorbet Attic 24 bag (6), 13. Happy Holidays , 14. Breakfast?, 15. IMG_5153, 16. no. 10

We’ve had a very relaxing couple of days. I’ve loved being a homebody and pottering around – doing some jobs, watching movies, some scrapbooking, cooking, etc. It’s been wet and rainy so perfect weather for it. All our Christmas decorations have been put away and the house has almost returned to normal.

Here are some images from flickr that have made me smile over the last few weeks.

1. christmas, 2. Day117 – 27th December 2009, 3. Queen for a Day, 4. Silver Sussex Hen, 5. Waratah, 6. My First Winter Solstice (2009), 7. tea and cookies, 8. Untitled, 9. Christmas Tree with white, 10. Heart.., 11. one perfect late night me-moment…, 12. My favorite time…, 13. Love duck egg blue, 14. Wee Bird, 15. Big and Small, 16. Inner circles – “seeds” for my new blanket created from scraps left over from the Granny Alice blanket.

1. plain blue tins with my added touch, 2. Une Fleur, 3. Baby Highland Cow, 4. This is where the cottage shall grow, 5. Tea cup LOVE Inspiration, 6. leaves, 7. Larch lust, 8. Spraypainted Metal Basket, 9. The Last Zinnias, 10. washing line – homemade pillowcases, 11. Summer Garden squares 3, 12. For those who love sheep, 13. blossom, 14. Untitled, 15. Tonight’s Moon, 16. Kitchen, 17. naming flowers, 18. Blue Sky Meets Field Of Flowers, 19. Heart Lake Grain, 20. Untitled

Two night-time essentials – crochet basket and my laptop.

And the layout….

I find inspiration in a lot of different places – the web, blogs that I read, my fav. mags, nature, my kids, books, TV. They inspire me to live a better life, be a better Mum/Wife, get out there and chase my dreams, work towards my health and fitness goals, learn new skills, give ideas for blog posts and scrapbook layouts, the list goes on.

These days most of my inspiration comes from the blogs that I read – of which there are too many to mention. My favourites can be found in the side bar but today I wanted to share with you those you provide me with almost daily inspiration.

Attic 24 – Lucy not only inspired me to learn crocheting but to embrace colour and look a  life I little differently. She also inspired me to start buying flowers for myself and spreading them around my home. Love this!

The Val Blog – Valerie – of the famous Red Carpet Ready program – inspires me to believe in myself and that making health & fitness a priority in my life is very important. She was also the inspiration behind my green smoothie addiction:-).

Down to Earth – provides inspiration in living a simple life. Rhonda has helped me realize how much I love being a Mum & Wife and running our home with love.

Creative Organising - Aby always has wonderful and inspiring ideas for organising in a stylish and crafty way.

Kath Eats Real Food – Love Kath’s approach to food.  Everything is okay but moderation is key.  She’s been a big role model for me this year and an inspiration to find a way to eat that is healthy and liveable.

Lavender House – A fairly new find for me but I’m just loving this blog. So full of life and inspiring photos.

Be sure to check them out for a dose of inspiration.

Today’s layout showcases the things that I’m lovin’ right now. These things bring me happiness and quite a few were inspired by the above blogs.

Kevin got back from the States yesterday morning. Check out all the things he got for the girls and I. Unfortunatley he couldn’t find most of things I’d ask for from Walmart but he did gets me lots to make up for it.

I had requested the Halloween tablecloth and trick or treat bags from Pottery Barn Kids (one of my fav. shops). He also got a tablerunner, placemats, huge spiderweb and game.

From Disneyland I got some pins (Halloween & Tinkerbell), a Mickey pancake mould and ice cube tray. From Walmart 2 huge bowls ,a pumpkin shaped muffin tray and those gorgeous pumpkin & ghost tea light candle holders. He got me a moving decoration from Hallmark (another fav. shop) and some speciality M&Ms. I was totally thrilled with everything he got for me. I’ll show you more of the decoartions later…..