Jikana Damaru: 12/21/10

That's Me... Over and Out!

Dearest friends, Christmas is just around the corner and so, with a billion things to do and a recently expanded family to focus on, I'm going to make this my last post for a while. Well, until New Year, anyway. But Im not going far, and when I do come back I am hoping to have had a little facelift (my blog, that is!) So please, make yourself some popcorn during this intermission but don't go anywhere because programming will recommence shortly!

But before I go, can I just acknowledge a few people:

Firstly, to my sister Louise who had no way of knowing how crap I've been feeling about myself of late (and neither did you - but I'm sharing it now!) but somehow bought me the perfect Christmas pressie: a massage and facial at a very luxurious dayspa! I can't tell you how much I need this, and when I can convince myself its ok to un-velcro myself from Elliott for more than an hour at a time, I plan to spend a good half day pampering and primping there! My sister also bought Elliott an amazing mobile from Etsy which sparkles in the sunlight but which I have only just mounted. It's beautiful, and so is she. Thankyou, Louise you are so precious to me...

Secondly, to the very sweet Sophie at Red Dust Love who bestowed the 'Blog With Substance' Award upon me, and to Emma Jane from Emma Jane Forever who offered me a 'Cherry on Top' award this week! I am so flattered, and as always just a tiny bit surprised... you mean people actually read my blog and (gulp) like it?! Thanks gorgeous girls, you made my week!

And thirdly, can I thank you. For reading what I write. For leaving me the most supportive comments and keeping me keeping going with this blog even when I think its all too much. Thankyou!

And so. I guess it's Chou for now! I wish you and your family the merriest of Christmases and I can't wait to see what's in store for 2011! Please, you have license to let me know what you like and don't like about this blog - what you want to see more (and less!) of next year. And whether you think I should have changed my blog name when I had Elliott!

ps. Yes. I know I am yet to post those pics of Fern and Elli's cubby. Naughty naughty me! It's because - after 3 weeks - I am STILL painting the darn thing! Its a work of art, I can tell you! Or maybe its that Im an atrocious painter. One of the two. But you have my word those pics will be in my very next post. Promise.

Love to you all!! x

wordless wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday here.

P.S Adding a few little words this week:

MERRY CHRISTMAS WONDERFUL WEB FRIENDS AND WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILIES.

Things you should know..

Little Miss Momma is having a "Things you should know about me" link up party. Sounded like fun, so I'm chiming in! Since I mostly just post pictures and don't write much you may not actually know anything about me :)

Soo..here are things you should know about me if we're going to be blogging bff's ;) some obvious- some not!

I crave a Starbucks white mocha almost every morning. It may or may not be considered a serious problem.

I bought my house at the age of 21. Married at 23.

I'm a bit obsessed with my camera and Photoshop...it gets worse by the day :)

I still sleep in on the weekends...sometimes until 11:30am. (aka I don't do mornings!)

I've been to Cancun nine or ten times. It doesn't get old. I love it.

I danced from the age of four to thirteen. Then cheered for three years. I miss all of it. Being part of a team, practice, games, competitions.. it's the only thing I'd go back to high school for.

Since I started blogging I have been addicted and have 'met' a lot of wonderful people.

I lost my first dog when I was in the third grade and I remember the exact happenings of that day and the feeling of my broken heart. Within the next year or two my ~~family~~ mom accumulated five dogs.. three were puppies we hoped to adopt out but my mom said she never found suitable homes :) Only two of the five are still living.

I can't wait to be a momma.

My fingers and toes are always freezing cold.

I'm allergic to cats and I think they're sketchy. Sorry cat lovers.

I don't do grocery shopping- that's usually all the Hub's doings. But I'm a crazy cleaner.

I don't do blood or anything medical related. I nearly fainted in 8th grade looking at different types of cuts in a health textbook. I blacked out during a small procedure Hubby had (five minutes of pitch darkness). And I nearly fainted during my niece's birth.

I have a bachelor's in business administration.

I've only been in one serious relationship and after 8 years I married him. Wouldn't have had it any other way.

I'm a huge lover of country music...and converted Hubby years back. Now we listen every Sunday morning together while making breakfast. I love Sundays.

I hate to think of the day when Roxy is no longer in my life.. even though she's only three. She's my bebe!

I think I have the best friends. ever. :)

I adore my five (soon six!) nephews and nieces.

Okay I won't bore you anymore! Head over to Little Miss Momma to link up or read others!

Wednesday Wishlist - A Happy & Healthy Festive Season

As Christmas fast approaches I am here with my final Wednesday Wishlist and there is but only one thing that we all really need - a happy and healthy festive season filled with those we love.

So from my family to yours I wish you all a wonderful and magical Christmas filled with all things sweet.

I sign off now to prepare for another big few days - a Christmas day candy table for a friend and my own celebrations at home with my family. I will be back next week with a few pictures of the Christmas tables I have put together in the past few weeks so until then enjoy the next few days with your loved ones!

wordless Wednesday

Thank you for joining in with your wordless posts &
may you all have a peaceful & happy Christmas full of joy & love♥

Wordless Wednesday... 'My Little Rudolf'

I mean.

Special gifts...

We have been busy wrapping, creating, baking, and singing and so much more ...life has been busy.

I have only had such limited time to visit all my favourite blogs and popping by the lovely Amanda from Homely One just made my evening. Amanda passed on the "You Are Gifted" award to me, and her kind words really made me smile. Amanda's blog is full of warm homely inspiration and she has the sweetest little girl called Grace...pop by and say hello...you will love Amanda's warmth and creativity.

What i love about these awards is being able to make sweet blogger friends smile...without a doubt my favourite blog to read at the moment is sunshine and ceremony. The gorgeous Denise (and she really is) i am lucky enough to know this very talented girl personally and call her my dear friend.

Denise writes about her 2 little sunshine's, showcases stunning images, beautiful objects has a flair for finding little treasures and has a real love for life and family.

So Denise my inspiring, thoughtful, generous friend...you have been gifted (although i feel i have been gifted... to have you as a true friend) x

There are so many amazing and talented bloggers out there...and they all deserve this sweet award. Thank you Amanda for thinking of me!

Speaking of gifts...we really have enjoyed wrapping and crafting and a little bit of handmade gifting this year. I found vintage fabric that i turned into little swing tags and used as gift wrap. Also had fun making little bibs and body suits into fun Christmas gifts for little one's to wear...during the festive season.

Only 4 more sleeps....we have been counting down.
I hope to be back before the magic of Christmas Eve x

Felted snowflake table mats

I bought a couple of packs of snowflakes on my first visit to Jo-Ann, with no idea of what I would use them for. But at $1 for two, I just couldn't resist. After playing with them for a while I decided they would make great table mats for Christmas. So I returned to Jo-Ann and bought another 22 packs! So, I now have six table mats and six coasters ready for my Winter Woodland themed Christmas table.

Have a sweet day!