Dancing Matilda

A Spring Tease

2012-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

A little spring breeze came thru my window today!!

my wishlist at anthropologie!! from my pinterest

Thumbs up ???

2012-01-30T10:35:00.001-08:00

The Elegance of Casa Balto

2012-01-27T16:57:00.001-08:00

All creatures great and small....

2012-01-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

How to Organize Everything in Your Home

2012-01-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

If there's something I hate to do its spring cleaning! Why an I writing about this today! Because I was thinking of the best way to make use of winter hibernation other than sleeping and catching up on all the movies I missed last year! Why waste the spring months when all those beautiful blooms are giving us more than we can photograph when I can have my spring cleaning done and all that's left to do is open the windows for that wonderful soft breeze! Read the following of you're interested!!

How to Organize Everything in Your Home

Whitney Hopler

Live It

You’d like to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful home that’s completely organized. But that goal seems out of reach when you consider how easily your home gets messed up in the stress of daily living, plus how overwhelmed you feel at the thought of organizing everything in it.

While it’s unrealistic to expect that you can organize your whole home immediately, it’s definitely possible for you to get your entire home in order one area at a time. Uncluttering your living space frees you to focus on what matters most, like your relationships with God and your family and friends.

Here’s how you can create a completely organized home:

Begin with prayer. Don’t let the large task of organizing our entire home overwhelm you. Ask God to empower you to organize your home and encourage you throughout the process. Pray also for a vision of your home already organized so you can imagine your home’s potential. Rely on the strength God gives you to begin your work and trust that you complete and maintain your home’s organization.

Set measurable goals. Plan to break down your work into specific goals that each describe how much of the task you hope to complete by a certain time. For example, you could write a goal that states: “I plan to organize my refrigerator and freezer by (set date), organize my pantry by (set date), and complete the kitchen organization by (set date).”

Recruit everyone in your household to help. Call a family meeting to discuss the need to organize your home and assign each person who shares your home to help with specific tasks as part of a team. Meet regularly throughout the process of organizing your home to discuss what’s working and what isn’t working; make changes accordingly. Celebrate milestones together after you reach them.

Get rid of clutter in every area. Keep in mind as you work in each room of your home that you need to put away, throw away, or give away every item that you come across.

Invite order into your home starting with the entrance. Sweep the walkway leading to your home, as well as your porch or stoop. Clip overgrown plants and replace any unhealthy ones outside your door. Clear out clutter in your foyer, such as by getting a rack for shoes that people take off soon after your home.

Create peaceful bedrooms. Remove phones, TVs, books, papers, and other items that may disturb your family’s ability to relax and sleep well in their bedrooms. Organize the bedroom closets by removing clothing that doesn’t fit or hasn’t been worn in at least one year, placing like items together and color coding them, and installing shelves and racks to more easily find items you use regularly.

Clean up your bathrooms. Clear clutter by getting rid of health and beauty products that are more than one year old and getting items off of the floor and sink (such as by installing wall hooks on which to hang towels, using a basket to collect small items such as soaps and barrettes, and adding a corner tension to shower stalls to hold shelves for storage).

Establish a system for dealing with your children’s belongings. If you let all of the stuff that your children bring into your home accumulate too much, it’ll create a huge mess. Develop a system for dealing with their school papers and home artwork, saving only what’s most important after you look at them initially. Regularly give away toys, clothing, and books that your children have outgrown. Use large containers to store toys, and designate that last hour before bedtime each night as time for your children to put away their toys. Keep your children’s clothes in easily accessible places, such as dressers with low drawers. Hang a mesh bag on each child’s bedroom door to collect their dirty socks to be washed together so you don’t lose or mix up their socks in the laundry.

Designate a particular homework spot for your children. Your children can focus best on their homework if you choose one place in your home for them to do their work. Set up a comfortable desk and chairs near a computer that’s in full view so you can monitor what they’re doing online. Have your children keep their school backpacks nearby so they can immediately place their completed homework into their backpacks to take to school the next day.

Create an orderly kitchen. When your kitchen is organized well, you’ll be able to cook your family’s meals efficiently and enjoy eating them in a peaceful environment. Keep like items together (such as all of your pots and pans in one designated place) and keep items that use regularly close at hand (such as utensils that you often cook with in a special crock on the counter). Clear out any items from your kitchen counter or table that don’t relate to cooking (such as bills to be paid). Clean out your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry regularly, throwing away all expired food and noting which items you need to stock up on for when you next go grocery shopping. Label leftovers and food you’ve cooked in advance with the meal description and date to avoid confusion later.

Tame the paper piles in your home office. Schedule 15 to 30-minute blocks of time to go through your existing paper piles, and purge whatever you can. Be careful not to waste time re-reading the papers any more than necessary to determine whether or not you should keep them. Immediately throw out paper that you don’t want or need to save (such as junk mail). Shred documents with personal information before discarding them. Set up a filing system to categorize papers that you do plan to save (such as bank statements, insurance policies, and tax records). Whenever possible, try to handle each new piece of paper that enters your home just once rather than throwing it into a pile to deal with again later. Place your most important papers in a secure location, such as a safe.

Use your home’s vertical spaces. If you’ve gotten rid of unnecessary items throughout your home but are still having trouble finding enough space for everything you need to keep, add shelves, racks, and hooks on walls in different rooms to display or store items.

Grunge effect

2012-01-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

I found this tutorial on google doing a search for pse tutorials...unfortunately i don't have the original link to the page. It goes great with jeans lol!

Make a new layer

select Enhance>Unsharp Mask and set the Amount and Radius to 200 and the Threshold to 0

Click on the foreground color to set the color. Then, within the Color Picker, set the # value (the hex value) to 7c766e and press OK.

select Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Hue/Saturation… and press OK. Then, select the Colorize option in the Hue/Saturation panel and adjust the opacity of the Hue/Saturation layer to 50%.

select Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Gradient Map… and press OK. From the Gradient Map drop-down, be sure to select the Black, White option.

set the opacity of this layer to 50% and set the blending mode to Overlay.

Merge layers

Select the Burn Tool (O) and from the brush presets (upper left corner on the tool menu), select the Soft Round 300 Pixel brush and adjust the size up or down to suit your image and preferences.

Brush along the outside edges of the image to burn in a vignette — do this repeatedly and as much as you like to achieve the desired look.

The top photo which was posted on flickr i added a solid layer in white set at 20% opacity just to soften and lighten the image.

Ah....time to enjoy the New Year!!!

2012-01-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

Well the kids are back in school...and i finally have a moment to catch up on the piles of laundry and clean up the house....no wonder i never blog...i don't have anything else to write about lol!! oh well, I'm excited for the New Year though...some new projects I want to get going and hoping to actually find some time to do them.

These little snaps are taken from my new iphone...which i've anticipated for a very long time!

it was sooooo cold these past 2 days...she didn't think she

was going to survive the 5 minutes we had to wait for the bus!

It's getting cold outside!!!

2011-12-30T16:27:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry, I haven't been able to get anything done on my blog over Christmas....the kids will soon be back in school and i'll have just a little more time....so i'll take it for me :) Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday and wish you all a blessed New Year!!!

How I love you...let me count the ways!!

2011-12-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

Another Day

2011-12-15T16:18:00.001-08:00

if only i could stay another day

2011-12-11T12:42:00.001-08:00

sooc

with texture thanks to darkwood

Fake Polaroid Effect

2011-12-06T17:12:00.001-08:00

A little play around in picnik!!

In Death There is Always Life

2011-11-30T17:22:00.001-08:00

a little before and after..... original...not much is it....as long as it's in focus...

we can do pretty much anything with it (lol)

so i copied the layer and roughly painted the whole background white

added this really gorgeous texture from Shadowhouse (Jerry Jones) aka Skeletal Mess on Flickr

i don't remember the exact formula here...after i cropped, my usual procedure is overlay and multiply, which often has to be brought down to about 50% opacity....there you have it!

Little Biker Boy

2011-11-27T13:17:00.001-08:00

3 photos edited together......

Fall Winter Trends

2011-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

It's been ages since i've posted some of my favourite fashion picks, and i've been feeling myself stagnating with the colder weather hitting town....my gemini self is desiring a little fresh air and newness...what better way to feel better than to pull everything out of the closet and put together some fun looks for the winter. I very rarely shop...i can always find something that is still in fashion from last year, or something of the latest colour in my bin of sweaters! for the first time in years (many many years) i haven't had to worry about pregnancy or nursing and can wear just what I want!! some fashion fun...please click thru to polyvore for links to purchasing anything in this post!

casual with a bit of pizzaz

The Latest: France by rachel-is-epic featuring clutch bags

adorably lovely

If loving fashion is a crime, we plead guilty. by melmariab featuring high heels

super reds for the hols!!

Untitled #262 by littlesheri featuring seed bead jewelry

some orange punch!! yes i know a little bright but i couldn't resist, my favourite colour is orange!

Blogger Style : White Lace by misssophie featuring a poncho coat

and some frosting on the cake!!

Happy birthday lilly rose! ♥ by lara88 featuring a trench coat

Enjoy!!

Gliding........

2011-11-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

How wonderful it would be to just glide around in such a colourful world. I was bored at home without my computer so I tried out an editor on my daughters laptop. Here's has I got this effect, if you play around in any editing software you should be able to get something similar. This works really well with a photo that you may really love, but is out of focus!

First I blurred the picture twice then added a watercolour effect with extra saturation and a very light texture! In pse the watercolour effect is very dark, but you could try some of the other effects light paint daubs and dry brush to get a similar effect.

Falling our Way

2011-10-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Just a little bit of fall...it's been quick mild here in NY

and the trees are changing very slowly.

A Stolen Moment

2011-10-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Or at least hoping for one this weekend!!!

A little bit of fall

2011-10-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

click thru to see the original and editing steps!

The Tourists

2011-08-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Debbie is an old school friend...we were friends when we were about 13. She came over to NY 2 years ago and we spent a day catching up and walking around the city. She was in town again this week and we had a lot of fun shopping and walking around central Park, eating and drinking! I have to say it was a lot of fun doing the tourist gig...something i never do in NY....must do it again sometime!

Part of the Gardens at Cedelmere

2011-08-16T17:45:00.001-07:00

Chasing Fairies

2011-08-12T17:44:00.001-07:00

a little before and after with Picnik!

Beach Fun

2011-08-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

Cedalmere

2011-08-08T14:23:00.001-07:00

Cedalmere, a photo by shelle777 on Flickr.

I went for a little ride on Saturday to take photos of the home of William Cullen Bryant This is the man Bryant Park in NYC was named after and of course my local library. Cedarmere is open to the public....the house is in desperate need of repair and is locked. Of course there are many more photos...which i'll upload soon...what a place to be!!!

Here's the edit process in case you're interested:

adjust Shadows and highlights

coffeeshop Ice pop action

Color fills cream faeed0 and blue 06122f from the velvet truffle action

Flypaper paper soft light

Flatten

adjust Shadows and highlights

and in case you don't have photoshop like Kate and would like to try something other than Picnik.com to edit your photos here a couple of more sites!! Stop by her blog and you'll see some fun edits she's done for the August Break!!

http://www.lunapic.com/editor/

http://pixlr.com/o-matic/

http://www.polaroin.com/

http://pixlr.com/express/
http://www.tuxpi.com/

don't forget http://photobucket.com/ and the free downloadable softwares at:

Picasa http://picasa.google.com/
GIMP http://www.freeze.com/download/Design/Art/Gimp?f=MmcDYcyGC&amp;amp;amp;a=6591&amp;amp;amp;adid=4507935290
Photoscape http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php
Paint http://paint.net/

Well...that should keep you busy for the rest of the summer....just in case the kids are having a hard time doing that lol....have fun!!!

A Day In The Park

2011-08-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Some Hosta Magic for the weekend!!!

2011-08-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

♥♥♥ window shopping!!!!!!!

2011-08-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Old Photos

2011-08-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

In my last post i mentioned the old photo effect...this is a really wonderful little action that takes just a second to do. Open the image

on the right section you'll find a tab with all the effects...click on that and go almost to the very bottom of the icon list. you'll see and brown square with an apple and if you position your cursor over it it says old paper. apply the effect then go to the layers section, make sure your layer (the new effect) is highlighted and chose soft light. You can then adjust the opacity and in the case in the image below i brightened the original.

Fun with self portraits

2011-07-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Something I never thought I'd do....put myself in front of the camera...after years of modelling it's really the last thing i've wanted to do....but its been many years since and i've noticed there are barely photos of me...usually only taken by my kids...you know..the ones with your head chopped off! But lately I've been very inspired by She Comes Into Focus, (Heather's) flickr stream....amidst many others with incredible manipulation techniques. I love her way of shooting as if it was just a snapshot in the moment of her day.

This shot was really by accident...I was just experiementing and thought I'd jump in the picture to see how the glorious light shining through the window would work seeing as I didn't have any of my kids in sight. This was the result...officially my first self portrait.

If you click on the photo you'll go to my flickr stream where you'll find the link up tutorial for the processing compliments of Coffeeshop blog!

Distorted

2011-07-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

I played around a little with distorting some images just for fun and some of my flickr friends asked how i did it! If you go here, you'll find an incredible manipulation from one of my favourite contacts and she was nice enough to include the steps. I think i only did the final one....because honestly....someone like me who is just starting with ps takes hours to manage images like this...i believe a lot of the experts take around 20mins to digitally enhance an image!

here's my before and after....

i used the old photo effect in pse

then i went to the top tool bar and clicked on filter and the 3rd option is correct camera distortion....have fun!!!

Learning Photoshop is easy....

2011-07-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you're new to photoshop or any editing program there's no need to be overwhelmed. Playing around and getting the hang of some of the basic tools is a must....and fun! Its also the best way to begin feeling comfortable, and once you learn the basics you can take it step by step from there. If you're still having trouble with that part, checkout Kim Klassen's skinny mini ecourse...it's free and it'll get you started...and you'll learn how to process photographs beautifully! (I just bumped her link over there on the left column).

The internet is an amazing resource these days and if you're using photoshop, there are many many free tutorials on it. Just google photoshop tutorials, and add the type of processing if you want to give more specific results. Most of them are easy once you're familiar enough!

Now on the subject of Blogger...as you know I have barely been here much...but what have they done! I cannot see the options on my pages at all....does anyone else have this problem? I have been contemplating moving over to wordpress for a while due mostly to the fact that I would love to have the option for mobile uploads which Blogger hasn't had. At this moment I can't even understand the layout!

2011-07-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since posting on this blog...and honestly i've been wondering what to do with it. I don't have the time to do full posts, and as i post all my photos on flickr now, i don't upload much here. I've been working towards taking up photography professionally, but to do that I need to be able to edit etc, etc. So I've been spending this time working towards particular things I'd like to do and learning photoshop.

So for a time, I thought I'd share what I've found on the internet for free, what I've liked, and what I found helpful, and especially easy. I've picked up a lot of books and looked at software tutorials, and quite honestly I find them somewhat more complex than what they need to be.

Anyway, I will post my findings and maybe someone can enjoy them.

There are numerous free programs to edit photos....to download and work online with. From using many of them...I find each has several things i just love about them. One I found today is relative new that I know of, and worth a look. You edit online and it allows for layers. The best way for myself to learn, both photography and editing is to play, play, play! I use a point and shoot and take up to 2,000 photos a week. Honestly I have it with me almost every second of the day. I take photos of anything and everything. I've found software is great in that once you use a few, you'll find they all basically do the same things.

here at http://pixlr.com/ you'll find pixlr

Theres an article here which also lists a few more. If you have used this program or know of others please feel free to comment and share :) Happy shooting!

Happy Weekend to Everyone!!!

2011-06-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tune Up Your Bicycle for Spring

2011-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Tickled pink!!!

2011-05-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past months my several of my photos have been featured on various photography blogs & websites! I can't tell you how excited and encouraged that makes me. Today Pioneer Woman chose one of mine for the action photos assignment shes doing this week. There are winners...not that i expect to compete in that kind of competition...but i am so thrilled!!!

Wishing all a wonderful weekend...our weather is not warm enough for the beach yet...but at least we're out riding our bikes! I won't have a chance (as usual) to read blogs...but hopefully i'll catch up with you all next week!

Spring Beauty!

2011-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

...and she kissed the frog

2011-04-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

taken for the Mcp Project 52 princess for a day challenge

it's the weekend...again....yah!

2011-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Spring florals!

2011-04-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

it's that time of year....i'm happy....i hope everyone else is happy too!!!

Spring is slowly peeking thru...

2011-04-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

and i mean slowly...here in the northeast. Project for this season will be the backyard, it was levelled during winter, so we're ready to remove the remaining rocks and plant some grass...no plans yet for the garden...the kids just need their space back for now.

There was a kitchen company that renovated a very old warehouse right down the street from us. The owner was Chinese and built high end custom kitchens. No doubt due to the financial times he closed down last week and auctioned off the machinery and a lot of building materials. My husband picked up some square grey stones for the small terrace we will have in the backyard, so I look forward to some quite evenings and bbq's there this summer.

this guy is better than me!!!

2011-04-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

for your amusement until i get back...we're still working on getting new computer...my hubby is starting a business though so we're kinda busy....thanks everyone for asking...i'm around on flickr only at the moment...photographing with my blackberry...gotta make the most of what you have!

The perfect time for a renovation!!!

2011-01-31T15:28:00.000-08:00

Written by Mia Kelly and Christina Johnson

Due to rising costs of living, people are cutting costs anywhere they can find. Homeowners are cutting costs anywhere they can. In order to maintain the value of your home, money must be put into maintaining your home. Do it yourself home projects can increase the resale value of your home, while saving you money and expensive labor costs.

Here are a few examples of Do it yourself home projects that can be completed fairly easily and will increase the resale value on your home.

Maintain Your Home’s Exterior and Interior Paint:

Maintaining your home’s interior and exterior paint is not just aesthetically important. It is important to keep exterior painting up to date since a quality exterior paint job protects and maintains the integrity of your home’s wood, preventing wood decay and rot. Homeowners living in the southwestern United States only need to repaint their home once every 8 years where as homeowners living in the northeastern United States must repaint every 10 years, assumed you are using a high quality exterior paint. The main reason for this is the winters in the northeast are much harsher than winters in southwestern regions and paint quickly chips and peels.

Floor and driveway renovation and maintenance are key components to increase the resale value of a home. Hardwood floors significantly increase the value of a home. Not only are hardwood floors a manageable do it yourself project, the installation of hardwoods have the ability to increase the resale value of your home, up to 10% of your home’s value. The materials required can be found here. The cost of materials are high, yet the gains that yield from the installation of hardwood floors can range anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 in a resale return.

Home renovation projects require the financial investment yet the overall financial benefits are great. The most important idea behind home renovations is that all projects can be done by yourself. Since all the home repairs can all be completed by the homeowner, a great deal of money is saved on the labor costs.

There are many do it yourself home renovation projects that offer a return of up to 100-80% investment return. Major and minor kitchen remodel, fireplace, or deck can offers a resale payback between 90-70%. Do it yourself home renovation projects that offer from 90-100% payback include a single bedroom addition and a 2nd full bathroom addition.

Things to Keep In Mind:

The type and value of do it yourself home improvements projects should be appropriate for the home they are being performed on. A $20,000 bathroom renovation for an average priced home will not earn a huge return. It is important to maintain the integrity of your home when deciding what types of do it yourself projects you should undertake. Be consistent in terms of your choices with respect to interior and exterior of your home. Style changes rapidly so very trendy renovation choices should be reserved for changeable decorations like couches and rugs. You will not see returns on highly stylized moldings, fixtures, and windows.

Thank you Mia for this article. Mia provides written content to the blogoshpere pertaining to the latest information on topics such as New York City Real Estate renovations, "DIY" projects, and home improvements.

Capturing the Moment

2011-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Leaving...

I climbed the stairs from the 7 train, once again, looking forward to the quieted echo of footsteps and voices lofting softly around the immaculate marbled station.

As soon as I entered the main hall I was greeted with the spectacle light streaming almost to the opposite side. I reached into my bag quickly without hesitation and stopped. I didn't have my camera...oh dear, I don't believe I just reached for it, although I haven't used it for 3 months! I recalled to my self. I had to immortalize this moment!

I watched in disbelief as human shapes moved quickly in their predestined direction. Not one soul as much as glimpsed at the glorious light streaming thru the passageway. I knew the sun would pass this portal in just moments and I too moved, here...there...looking for the best place to fill my camera's lens. Snap, wait...saving...still saving...ok. It's my fault that I have thousands of images on my poor phone trying to keep up with a job it obviously wasn't employed to do.

Snap...wait...snap...not one soul noticed...then it was gone!

Happy New 2011!

2011-01-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

Happy new year to all my wonderful blogging friends! As you can see things have been slow around here, and as much as I'd like to make certain things move a little (truthfully a lot) faster in my neck of the woods, I must continually remind myself to savor the moments, the good with the bad! If there's one thing I've learned in age is how we can look back and see we have literally wished our lives away. My computer is still dead, but I have managed to survive via cell phone, honestly a most tedious endeavour as far as I'm concerned.

I spent the holidays trapped on the isle of Manhattan with 3 manic energy bunnies, where it seems the forces that be have determined that 20 inches of snow is just not on their to do list.(You know how they can be when they should leave their quivelling and spending to actually roll up their sleeves and really do something). Luckily nature is taking its course and turned is taking its course and the weekend proves to be wet and warm enough to wash away the massive mounds of snow and slush. (Bet you didn't see that in Times Square last night!)

So after a unhappy absence I look forward to catch up with you all this week. Looking forward to a new year full of good surprises and promise!

Holiday moods....

2010-11-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's almost time again....gosh I swear this years go by faster and faster!

..................... by tanya777 featuring AFTERSHOCK

Items in this set:

AFTERSHOCK top, 40 GBP

Oli.co.uk jacket, 60 GBP

Kurt Geiger shoes, 220 GBP

Trashchicvirtual.com.br bag, 24.900 BRL

Jenni Kayne earrings, $2,500

DREAMS by tanya777 featuring Pedro Garcia shoes

Items in this set:

One Vintage blouse, $1,350

Nikkograff.centerblog.net top

Pedro Garcia shoes, 160 GBP

Miss Selfridge accessories, 4 GBP

Graphicshunt.com accessories

PARIS 3 by tanya777 featuring Cargo

Items in this set:

Cargo dress, 238 GBP

Nikkograff.centerblog.net top

Mare2.com flats, 995 EUR

Perfecthandbags.co.uk bag, 30 GBP

Fantasyjewelrybox.com necklace, $50

ALL YOU CAN DO IS BE READY FOR THE GOOD by tanya777 featuring Lipsy

Items in this set:

Lipsy dress, 60 GBP

TopShop outerwear, 75 GBP

Aldoshoes.com shoes, $90

Nike bag, $160

Luisaviaroma.com bracelet, 1.844 EUR

... by tanya777 featuring Disney Couture jewelry

Items in this set:

Vintage-clothes.cz dress, 217 EUR

Zappos.com shoes, $59

Betty Jackson. Black shoulder bag, 60 GBP

Monica Vinader necklace, $150

Dsquared2 bracelet, 169 EUR

beautiful mind by tanya777 featuring Josie shoes

Items in this set:

Cpboutique.com top, $68

Shop.hm.com skirt

Josie shoes, $110

Marquis & Camus necklace, $525

Lucky Brand belt, $69

I FELL SO LONELY WHITOUT YOU by tanya777 featuring BCBG flats

Items in this set:

Tmfas.com dress

BCBG flats, $85

Clarashandbagboutique.com bag

Nordstrom.com necklace, $150

Monsoon, 8 GBP

~~~ by tanya777 featuring Fontanelli bags

Items in this set:

Fanpop.com dress

Jimmy Choo shoes, $780

Fontanelli bag, $515

Irene Neuwirth earrings, $1,540

Purepearls.com accessories, $285

ETERNITY by tanya777 featuring Roberto Cavalli accessories

Items in this set:

Tmfas.com dress

Lillybee shoes, $195

Chloé bag, $1,250

Roberto Cavalli necklace, 515 EUR

Maurizio Pecoraro bracelet, 464 EUR

Are you ready?

Belle of the Ball

2010-10-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I've been around town taking lots of photos, catching up with old friends...but missing my computer. I'm learning to use my phone for everything...how adaptable we become lol. I stopped by the NY Library and found this beautiful gal in the entranceway the other day. I will upload a couple of more photos, but again the connection is too slow right now...nothing like technology eh? Oh, and yes her dress is made of fresh flowers and she had 2 adorable poodles next to her which i wouldn't fit in the shot.

101010

2010-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for stopping by and your thoughts! I feel like I'm battling odds these days...sometimes! My computer's crashed, and I don't know if I'll salvage any of my photos...so of course I'm trying to find something to do with myself. I do everything on my computer these days! Hopefully I won't have to live too long without! I really miss blogging.

I shot this with my blackberry, it's the only way I can upload anything at the moment. We had a lovely day yesterday at a street fair a block from church! The weather was perfect...for fall...although that always brings me to think of 9/11 because just 2 days before it happened the skyline was stunningly on a perfect fall day. Unfortunately it's just something I never forget!

But yesterday was fun, I took the photo for 101010. Was it a special day for you?

Abandoned Love

2010-09-29T16:09:00.001-07:00

Hi folks,

Just thought I'd leave a note seeing as you're asking...I'm so sorry I haven't been around this neck of the woods lately....but everything's good for now and I'm in the city taking care of business at the moment and don't have contact with the real world (I use the computers at the library, but I swear I'm entering Fort Knox.

I will be back, hopefully soon....before they have to put me in rehab for the withdrawals lol.

Just Doing the Happy Dance - Watery B&W Wednesday

2010-09-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

He made explore on flickr...something to add to his resume!

made explore at flickr!

Almost Over

2010-09-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

The weather's been so wonderful...I hope it continues. Our beach days were so wonderful...even though we didn't go on vacation, it almost seemed like we were away. It's such a wonderful place to forget about everything, and just let the wind and surf carry you away. What did you do this summer?

One more week to go....

2010-09-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Summer's almost over........boohoo......20 more days left....and we have one more week left on school break. Can't say I'm happy about that....but the house is suffering growing pains in the cluttered corner department. I'm not going to show you a photo of those....and I'm sure you're relieved....but all six of my children are in school this year for the full day....so it's just me and the littlest guy....and he's good at digging...so that will keep us busy until baking season ;)

It's still hot here over 90 again all week...it's been a crazy hot summer, and we've been at the beach most of it....if you'd like to catchup on photos you'll see them on my 365 blog & flickr.

This was taken at the waterpark....it was not my idea....but all my girls were away at camp and Grandmas and my oldest son was also at football camp....so my 2 other boys had me all to themselves....and we had so much fun...they were really great.

Oh...and if you're interest the August Photo Hunt Challenge is up if you want to check all the entrants...take a peek.

Before and After

2010-08-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends over at Flickr asked me how I edited a photo that I posted today. I couldn't find the original...but as I was delving thru my files I found this photo, so I used the same process. Make a duplicate of the original photo, and use the glassian blur on this layer. Adjust the blur, opacity and colour. If you use a slight blur it will give you a glow but stay sharp. If you're using PSE you can use the eraser tool as I did on the tips of the photo on Flickr. I could've used this for the hosta in this photo but I was editing in Microsoft Picture it, which is quicker but doesn't have that tool.

To see more before and after editing stop by Pixel Perfect.

I must apologize for not returning visits all week, it's been raining and I can't get a connection, so I'll have to stop by tonight and catch up! I'm also looking for a new camera...I'm using an olympus p&s but hubby mentioned he would be me and slr...he bribed me, but I'm ok with that lol. So can anyone recommend a decent enough low end Canon or Nikon they like. I do a lot of macro & shoot mostly outdoors.

Macro Monday

2010-08-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

Theme Thursday - Before and After

2010-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

2 snaps from the waterpark and a little easy editing in Microsoft Picture It.

This is has to be my favourite photo of Carter!

At Theme Thursday this week’s theme is “children”! Create something with a child or children this week! Use collage images, rubber stamps, fancy paper , embellishments or any other art supply to make your creation! Digital art is also welcome! Interpret this theme any way you like! You can create an ATC, tag, 4 x 4, card, skinny or whatever you fancy!

Mosaic Monday

2010-08-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Some of my recent photos, the colours were looking so beautiful together i decided to to collage them.

1. lilac, 2. peace, 3. take me away, 4. after the rain, 5. dragonfly, 6. withering heights, 7. Hint of Hosta, 8. sprinkles, 9. cosmos

Wordless Wednesday - Under....or Over?

2010-08-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

If you run...

2010-08-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

I always thought he was running away from me....

but now I know.

Getting Back to Regular Schedule....and Sundays in My City

2010-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

So good to get back to my Blogger! My connection seems to have stabilized, I have been online consistently for almost a week yah! Also, I don't know how many of you use Blogger Draft...but they changed their program at bit. To post images at first a box came up with every image on your Picasa Account. Well that was a lot of images, and with a slow connection nothing was loading. Now they've reigned that problem in for us slow connecters and I can once again just upload one photo from my computer.

I've spent some time on my photo blogs these past weeks and have just started The August Break and am uploading to Flickr. I like it over there because I don't have to wait for pages to load...but I've missed visiting all your wonderful blogs. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up this week!

Today my photo was taken at Jones Beach, actually 2 days ago...but we'll be going this afternoon. The price is $16 to go to the beach here...but a season pass is just $65...so it's quite reasonable. One of the many things, mind you...being a large family, the cost of an outing usually starts around $70, that's just for the admissions. The last trip to the museum which was about 3 years ago, we went with some other friends and their 5 children and the entrance alone for all of us was $270. That was without drinks and food, gas into the city, parking cost etc.

My nephews and Sister In Law visited us from Georgia last week and with this very hot weather we're having, we spent most of the time at the beach. Here's a typical picture of the crew...seriously I had to bribe my life away to get these guys to do this...but it took so long, the sun had almost set...and we missed one, lol.

I posted lots of beach pics on my 365 blog this week. Well, I thought I was going to up load photos...but now I'm getting an icon saying server rejected?????what the ?????Blogger! Oh well, if you want to check out photos.,...yo'll have to head on over to WORDPRESS hahum...and check them out!

Before and After

2010-08-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have just started using a very old version of Photoshop Elements my Mum sent me recently...unfortunately I didn't save all the steps. This is a very basic edit and very easy. The flower is selected (traced with the mouse) and cut out so there is no longer a background and the textures added (these are Shadowhouse). It's kinda funny that this is the only photo I took of this flower because it was too windy, but ended up making for a good picture.

Click on the photo to see full effect. If you would like complete tutorials, stop by my photo blog and you'll find lots of links in the sidebar.

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-08-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up - Theme Thursday

2010-07-29T00:03:00.001-07:00

All elements my own

Texture by Sharon Pruitt

A Flower for You!

2010-07-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter loves to pick flowers to give to me, she used to pick them everyday. They brighten my heart so much more than store bought flowers....just like her!

Before and After

2010-07-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

I still use Microsoft Picture It to edit a lot of my photos, I just can't seem to get past the ease of the program.

Textures Amy Locurto

Etsy Favs

2010-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to upload photos during the couple of times a week I can catch a connection...thus the lack of posts...I'm still around though, mostly at the beach...catching up with family...if you'd like to see recent photos I am able to post onto my 365 blog with wordpress here and there, you can catch a glimpse of the action there :)

Thrift Shop Find

2010-07-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

J Crew linen dress included in the $5 grab bag at the thrift shop.

Unfortunately it's a size 2 so it will fit my daughter.

Renovation update.

2010-07-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

We've been busy in our kitchen the past few weeks. Our appliances were on their last legs as it was 15 years ago when my MIL redid her kitchen. We initially wanted a 36' Viking stove with the grill, but it was priced at over $10,000 with the hood. Knowing we needed to buy a larger refrigerator which would be expensive, we contemplated the 5 Star which was around $2,500. Of course these were just our initial picks, we didn't know when the time came what we'd actually get.

With the refinancing on hold at the moment, the appliances still needed to be replaced, so we thought we may find something reasonably priced to use until the new kitchen happened. Hubby was drawn to an ad on Craigs List for appliances in the Bronx and went to check it out. We actually went to look at a Kenmore refrigerator, but this guy had everything, including all the high end brands. Our new Viking stove was obviously well used but in very good condition, apart from 2 missing grates. The top plates had been recoated but could be replaced in the future. Our cost $500, and exactly what we wanted. Granted there are perks to living in a big city.

Old Stove

New Stove

We had to cut 6" off the counter, but it was space that wasn't really being used as the dishwasher and dishrack are there. Our big pots and pans look small on it, I couldn't use these together on the old stove. Now storage is a probem, we lost the pantry area with the demo and with the refrigerator, I have no storage for the cooking & baking things...I'm still trying to find a space here and there where they'll be out of the way.

Wordless Wednesday - Tiptoe

2010-07-06T11:53:00.001-07:00

Storm Catching - Macro Monday

2010-07-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

It started pouring on Thursday and we hoped for a break from the very hot weather we've been having the past 2 weeks...but not so. I thought the kids had gone outside to splash in the rain and thought I'd catch a shot or two. Luckily the kids were inside, well...all but one who followed me out. When I realized no-one was out...I headed for home...I didn't get far when I realized it had started hailing. I was under the neighbours dogwood tree where I often stand to wait for the bus when it rains...it gives coverage unless it's raining very hard.

Just as I started shooting a my head felt a sharp pain, and as I scrambled for safety my thumb on my camera was bruised and Nathanael came racing towards me.

I yelled at him to get inside, but it was too late, he only made it 10 ft to our driveway, and found shelter, crying and afraid. Luckily it didn't last too long, a few minutes the sun was out and everything was steaming again.

Hot Summer Days.

2010-06-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of trouble with my internet connection this past month, so if you haven't seen me in a while, that's why. We use wireless...but it seems we might be needing wires. Hopefully we'll find a solution soon. Until then, I may pop into the library and catch up a bit, but it will probably only be a bit.

Hope everyone's having a great summer!!!! It's been very hot here in NY, a little too hot to do much, hopefully we'll get a break and get out. Hubby has started to clear the backyard, yah...hopefully a new backyard soon!

Favourite Things Friday - Summer Closet

2010-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Thankyou Jessica, I'm flattered to be featured again this week on her blog, A Few of My Favourite Things. This blog began as my hidden away closet where I stored some fashion favourites which I'm sharing again this week. Whenever I meet someone for the first time, I can pretty much place a bet that they'll say....'how do you do it all?' Well, the big secret is...I don't. I gave up several years ago and truly became the manager of my home, and the children have had to come alongside me to keep things in order. I especially rely on their strengths and talents and deligate whatever I can which they enjoy. Thus if you came for a visit to our house. you'd enjoy tea and cakes, a sweet smile, maybe a voilin or flute concerto, and probably a game of football...(you'd be encouraged to bring your own team ;))

Back on topic, here's a trick I found to satisfy my shopping urge and reorganize my closet at the same time. I love to go 'window shopping' online each season to catch up on the latest styles and colours, order a catalogue or two and put my own wardrobe together on what I already have. The best part is, when I have to go out I take a quick look at my virtual closet over coffee and decide what to wear. No more rummaging thru the closet, and finding nothing to wear after trying on half the clothes. Don't you hate that?

1 & 2 J Crew

3 Libery of London

4 Banana Republic

5 Anthropologie

6 J Crew

7 Anthropologie

8 La Garconne

Before and After

2010-06-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a texture to work with these little white flowers that are growing all over my backyard. Sometimes I have a hard time finding a texture that blends in a way I like, but I didn't have any problem with this photo...in the end I couldn't decide which I liked the best. Oh well. Here's the original.

I used Photoscape for the editing & Microsoft Picture It for the textures, Picasa for the collage.

Check out more before and after shots at Pixel Perfect.

Wordless Wednesday - Can I Tempt You?

2010-06-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sundays in my City

2010-06-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

Just some NY scenes today.

Favourite Things Friday

2010-06-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Some of my favourite photos from this week.

Rest

2010-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday at Starbucks - Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-06-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

We've spent many a week here. This summer is the 14th year we've been back in New York. My first son was 2 and 1/2 and my first daughter was 11 mths. We will often sit for an hour or two here after our morning church service with friends. The amazing thing is all their children are grown too...it's finally our turn to watch our young teens mature into young adults. (you can see some in the background). This is my 3rd daughter.

Mosaic Monday

2010-06-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

Last week was hot and we enjoyed the pre-k annual trip to the beach.....

and thankfully the water was turned on at the park down the road, which made the kids very happy.

I Heart Faces - Babies

2010-06-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Carter, 3rd boy, 7th child and current baby in the family.

I need some COLOUR!!!

2010-06-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

I need something to brighten my day. I think all this housework is getting to me....and it's a grey day, my 3 children that are home at the moment are fighting, and I seem to be severely lacking in energy. If you're decorating, you might find this article helpful.

Colors And Mood

You can use colors to change your mood. Experts now suggest that we feel color, rather than see it. Look here for ways to balance your emotions, calm your fears and heat up your love life.

Scientists, doctors and mental health professionals have been studying the correlation between color and mood for years. Many now believe that colors cannot only cause emotional reactions, but can also correct mood and well being.

Recent studies suggest that we don't actually see color, but "feel" it instead. Scientists now believe that each individual "feels" color in their heart, and not their head.

Colors behave in three basic ways: active, passive and neutral. If you rememberer the basics between these three actions, you can decorate and dress for success.

ACTIVE COLORS
Active colors are warm colors, including yellow, orange and red. These colors inspire positiveness and exude confidence from extroverts. Warm colors can also inspire conversation and upbeat attitudes. Reds heat up a room like no other hue. Wake up an entryway with fire engine red or warm a den with deep maroon. Yellows and golden colors unleash creative activity and work well in offices, kitchens and study areas.

PASSIVE COLORS
Cool colors pacify and restore. Bedrooms, private areas and bathrooms are great places for blues, greens and purples.

NEUTRAL COLORS
Think of neutralizing colors as "uncolors." Beiges, grays, whites and taupes do not activate or pacify. Instead, they work together with the other colors to bridge rooms and provide transition.

PAINTING WALLS
You can easily change the look or feel of a room by redressing the walls. Mixing and matching colors within the same color scheme is an excellent way to balance color and emotion, and provide a welcoming feel to guests. The following gives a general guideline for wall painting and mood when using passive, active and neutral colors:

NEUTRAL COLORS
Neutral colors, such as pale gray, taupe and beige, send a restful message to your brain. It's not a coincidence that most doctor's offices, coffee shops, spas and mental health centers decorate in neutrals. Neutral colors can actually "destress" individuals.

BRIGHT, WARM COLORS
To create a feeling of warmth and coziness in a room, use bright, warm colors like yellows, oranges and reds. These colors make good choices for rooms that appear cool due to limited, natural sunlight. Mixing several different shades of warm colors evokes positive, cheerful reactions.

YELLOWS
Yellow color schemes add cheeriness to dull rooms. Therapists often use colors with the yellow scheme to boost mood. You can achieve the same effect by adding yellows to rooms which are not associated with happy thoughts, such as kitchens and laundry rooms. Yellows can also be used to increase energy.

COOL COLORS
In rooms where there's plenty of sunshine, cool colors can provide a calming ambience. Sage greens and sky blues are perfect for bedrooms, playrooms and activity areas. Other cool colors, such as blues and greens, can evoke quiet moods and even sadness. For this reason, cool colors aren't generally used in large areas.

PRIMARY COLORS
Let your playful side come out by painting with the primary colors. Young, playful moods are brought to the surface with primary colors. Children's bedrooms are a great area to use primary colors in.

REDS
Red is a power color, often used to invigorate your environment. Red is also said to stimulate and symbolize passion. Remember that red hot date dress?

COLORS BY MOOD

Here's a quick rundown of individual colors and the moods they support.

PINK-soothes, promotes affection.

YELLOW-cheers, increases energy, expands the size of a room.

WHITE-purifies, unifies, enlivens other colors.

BLACK-authoritative, shows discipline, encourages independence.

ORANGE-cheers, stimulates appetite and conversation.

RED-empowering

GREEN-balances, refreshes

PURPLE-comforts, creates mystery

BLUE-relaxes, cools

TIPS AND TRICKS

To temper wall color choices, pick out furniture and accessories that will provide a visual contrast. Brick-red painted trim, for example, can be balanced with antique-white rugs.

COOL colors make a room seem larger than it is and warm colors make rooms feel smaller.

Mixing different shades of beige will add a classy feel to any size room.

I hope these colours have brightened someone's day....off to do more housework :) To see more flowers, check out my flower & nature blog.

Linking up with Today's Flowers

Thoughtful

2010-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Waiting, waiting, waiting. Sometimes it feels like it's all I seem to do. Today we're still waiting for the new refrigerator...we've had to cancel the delivery twice because we haven't had time to empty the kitchen out. There's been church, and parties, and picnics, award nights, beach trips, museum trips, class presentations all in the space of a week, not letting up for the month.

Usually I really enjoy this time of year...enjoy getting out and being with the kids at school, but this year has been overburdened. The piles of winter clothes are growing in the corners unattended, passed over by the bid for clean clothes. The machines wash and dry, all day, all night till there's no one awake to keep them going. Dishes piled high, washed, piled high, washed. Next week, more parties, sleep overs, picnics, class trips, potlucks, exams and dances.

My Mum sent me her old Photoshop Elements and I thought I was going to get to play around with textures and layers more...but I realize it's the same process as the one I've been using with Micrsoft Picture It, which is actually much quicker and simpler.

Central Park - Sundays in my City

2010-06-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

As we make our way down 5th Avenue

and 61st Street

We arrive at Columbus Circle

But today we're leaving the hustle and bustle of one of the worlds largest cities

and not doing what people normally do in Central Park

For parents of 7 kiddos don't relax

They hope for a spot where the kiddos can keep busy while grabbing a bite to eat.

We often have lunch here on Sunday during the summers

as you can see it's a wonderful place to play and cool off

just one word of warning, this place is big and it's not easy to keep track of everyone

our tour of the streets to be continued.

Community Photo Challenge - Color

2010-06-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Community Photo Challenge

I was playing around with this photo right before Marie posted this challenge...so I posted the blue one for this challenge...seeing as there are several other blue photos.

Original...

Color version...

This week in pictures.

2010-06-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge)

Some favourite snaps... photos in no particular order:

dinner at burger king
ingredients for salad niçoise
snaps of our neighbourhood
henri
cirque du soleil
traffic going onto triboro bridge
our old stove...leaving

Linking up with A Few of My Favourite Things. Jessica was nice enough to feature me this week. :)

Wordless Wednesday - Teachers are Great

2010-06-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Nassau Museum of Art - Sunday in my City

2010-05-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

I'm directing you to my photo blog today for

52 Projects #5

2010-05-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my somewhat feeble attempt at a project this week. I'm doing them promise, it's just that I can't find them anymore...I tend to slip papers into my magazines in my bedroom...and guess what.

I wanted to try my hand at watercolours...for some reason this has attracted my eye. When I went to school, so many years ago in Australia I've lost count....there were no such things as 'activities', 'art', 'play'. etc. Thus I never had the chance of painting, and can you believe this, had never used a crayon until my first was old enough (I covered the wall in the dining area of our 1st apartment with our drawings). I have a little book I bought at the library...you know the old ones they take out of circulation for 25c? What I didn't do was use it, because as you may have guessed, I couldn't find it (the result of 4 years of renovating with everything somewhere in boxes).

But I thought I'd go ahead and post this so I can ~~show you how bad I am at painting~~ look back in the future to see how much I improved. I'm hoping to find time to try again this week, I'll use the book this time, which I found a few weeks ago.

My husband moved the big TV into our bedroom 1/2 way thru winter because the house was too cold to watch a movie in, so it's still there and all my kids like to congregate to ~~destroy my bedroom~~ watch a movie. Needless to say when I put things away they're no longer there when I need them. It seems there's a 10th person living in my house and his/her name is 'nobody'. I had to laugh this week when my oldest son found a book on tattling. He picked up my 5yr old and plopped her down on the couch and read it to her, she being the queen tattler in the house. Well, I guess she now knows the 'code of conduct' and how it works around here. Yep, they all cover for each other....or else!!!

Florals for Friday

2010-05-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

I must be getting old...I find myself enjoying flowers and florals these days...

or I could say...florals are the new black, that might put it in perspective a little better...because during most of my fashionable days black was 'it'. Sure made it easy for travel...mind you florals will disguise those fingerprints just as well :)

1 & 2 Alberto Ferretti

3 LL Bean

4 Anthropologie

5 J Crew

6 Banana Republic

Linking up with A Few of My Favourite Things for

Wordless Wednesday - Something Old Something New

2010-05-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

.Wordless Wednesday

I'm joining in on B&W Wednesday this week too.

Blue Monday

2010-05-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Blue Monday

Street Fairs - Sundays In My City

2010-05-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Street markets are always fun. Nearly every weekend during the summer months a street or avenue is closed off for the markets. Just beware if you're driving, you will be directed all the way up or downtown in NY traffic which is always at a standstill in these areas.

If you plan on a visit to NY and want to find out more here are a couple of links.

Schedule for street fairs

Location of flea markets

Stop by at Unknown Mami's for a tour of the world, city by city.

52 Projects #4

2010-05-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

So here we are with our potting project...which will hopefully be the beginnings of our vegetable patch. I bought a whole batch of these seeds pots at CVS when they clearanced them 2 summers ago...and remembered too late to plant them last year. I'm hoping to get lots of tomatoes...the others are mixed wildflowers. One of my daughters picked up lots of tiny bags of seeds at one of the Batmitzvahs she attended so we'll have to get more soil and plant them pronto.

When my first 4 children were small we lived here with my Mother-In-Law and she spent the whole summer in the garden, and the children would spend hours outside with her. I have yet to try my hand at anything of the horticultural side of life but that is changing in the near future. Our weekend projects this week include installing a new stove and hopefully starting on the backyard...clean up etc...I'm so excited to be doing a little on the house...for a change.

And if you've noticed my absence lately it's because I have so much trouble connecting to the internet these days...I'm lucky to read a blog here and there....but still trying.

Always read the fine print....Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Fashionable Greys

2010-05-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

This little spread fits my mood just perfectly this week with the cold and rain returning.

Shortsleeve Tops by Forever 21
Flats by Blowfish

Now that I don't go out much and partake in one of my favourite activities (window shopping) I browse the internet for inspiration when the seasons change. I usually find something in my closet that is similar to whatever's in fashion. But I did eye this website with some great sales.

La Garconne

Usually I pretty much wear the same old 'Mum' uniform, but unfortunately barely anything in my closet fits me because I've 'gasp' put on weight.

J Crew

Luckily, hubby is working on a church in the city this past couple of weeks and found a thrift shop nearby with a sale. He scored big time. 3 shirts $1 from Prada, Banana Republic & Zara. 2 suits, $15 and $10 from Ralph Lauren and Brooks Bros. 2 Jackets by Prada and Banana Republic and 4 pants by all of the above for just $12. I'm going in with him tomorrow have a look around but I may have missed out, he said the racks were almost cleared today (don't worry they're restocking :)) There are some great thrift shops around New York, but I've never seen those kinds of prices on designer. This store is clearance everything to renovate.

A Tea Party

2010-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's taken me a while to get around to posting our tea party for little Miss Iyona.

We don't have big birthday parties around here...but I did want to make this little one feel like she wasn't left out or forgotten all the time ;) She loved every minute.

On the menu were her special requests. We played the old Aussie party games, parcel the parcel, don't pick the colour, and ate fairy bread.....

and the girls did some fun arts &crafts.

Do you remember the Photo Hunt Challenge, voting has begun and goes thru the month....stop over if you're interested and have a look.

Wishing Every Mom a Wonderful Mother's Day

2010-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Wisteria - Before and After

2010-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of my favourite photos I've taken, when I have a back yard one day the terrace will be covered with wisteria. I edited in Picasa, and am using an el cheapo Olympus Point & Shoot.

Here's the original

After Auto Contrast

After I'm Feeling Lucky

After Auto Colour

Kids Art - Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Rollin' down the hill - Mosaic Monday

2010-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Times Square Part 1 - M & M World - Sundays In My City

2010-05-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

We're off to M&M World....Yum, it's as good as it looks....actually a little overwhelming....but a good overwhelming. We're lucky to have our church right up on 51st at the top of Times Square, and usually stay all day, so we have some time to have fun, eat and catch up with friends. There's always plenty to do around this area. This day was my daughter's birthday and she wanted to spend the day going to some of her favourite places in the city, this being the first.

Sorry, most of the pics were taken with my cell phone because silly me left the spare battery at home. Then even sillier, I realized I didn't even eat some m & m's on our visit, too busy getting photos for you all! If you scroll down a little further on the page you'll see 3 more pics from this day I used in my Photo Hunt Challenge...see if you can spot them ;) More pics next week!

Take a trip over to Unknown Mami's today and follow the links around the world to see other Sundays in my City.

52 Projects #3

2010-05-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm back....bigger and better than ever....just kidding. I had to rearrange my blogs, they started growing. So just a quick project here today. I read this on a site and thought it would work great with all my kid's computer art...which is never seen. When put into a collage it becomes a real fun piece. Next thing is to mount into a shadow box for the children's bedrooms....which we're working on....(the bedrooms that is).