The Monday Message

This has been the state of my crafting desk for about three days while I have been trying to pump out Christmas Card designs.  Don't know if I could have done it without the help of the products at Riot (a crafty store in Australia).  I purchased some great stickers from there that really helped me put the six designs together as simply as I could.

Heading back to the shops today to get some silver card and a few other bits and pieces.  Then it will all be finished and ready to go for Thursday.  I promise to share photos later this week of the designs.  They are very simple and made out of papers I had  in my stash...nothing recent and fresh from this year.  A good way to use up old papers thats for sure!

A fresh new week people...what are you creating this week?

Alicia xxx

The Monday Message

I am starting to think Christmas.

I find if I don't get started early it all seems to snowball on me and I feel the panic feeling rise.

So I am trying to be onto it this year.  You know, organised, within budget, presents wrapped, tree up,  cards sent, all that sort of thing!!

We put our tree up yesterday...and it was much more fun than ever before because Nicholas is finally getting into Christmas!  Last year he really didn't show any interest at all.  Now, at 2 1/2 years old, he is learning!  This will be his third Christmas.

I know it is traditionally too early to put the tree up, but I am making my own rules, because if I leave it till the 1st of December it just doesn't give me enough time to get into the swing of things.  If my tree is up then I buy presents and wrap them.  

No tree...it just doesn't happen for me.  I am a bit weird like that!

We saw Santa on the weekend at the shops and Nicky told him he wants a "Boat House" which is from the Fireman Sam show.  He was so brave talking to Santa, his eyes were watery and his lips were quivering but he was determined to do it! I was so proud of him because he really doesn't warm to strangers at all...and often doesn't want to talk to my friends to my dismay!

I saw an "Elf on the Shelf" today at the shops so I picked that up and I am very excited to really get into the spirit of the season this year and start creating some traditions for our little family.

How are you feeling about Christmas?

Too busy to think about it?  Looking forward to it? 

Do you break tradition and put your tree up early?

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

"The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice" Peggy O'Mara.

A thought for me today... sometimes you can get so caught up in life and yourself, that maybe you forget the big picture.

Arguably my most important job in this lifetime is to look after Nicholas and help him grow into the beautiful person he is destined to be.

Sometimes its easy to let other things take precedence over this important role.

So today, I want to pause for a moment and remember the mother I want to be...patient, loving, happy, a good role model, someone who can be relied upon, carefree and honest.

Like every Mum out there I just want to do my best.  I would like my son to grow with love, to treat others with respect and be able to relate to people.  To have confidence and to believe in himself.  To know what an amazing person he is.

So this is how I am starting this week.  With the big picture in mind.  With what is important.

I hope you have a beautiful week.

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

"Surround yourself with what you love."

Love and happiness, its so important.
By surrounding yourself with things you love, you bring happiness into your life.
Feeling happy and loved, they've got to be two of the best feelings we can experience.
I am focusing on this quote this week.

Heres to love and happiness for all of us.

Alicia xx

P.S What do you love to surround yourself with?

The Monday Message

I just LOVE this quote! Its so inspiring!! It makes me believe you really can make anything happen!!

We have a dream of one day owning our own house...not overly original I know, but pretty necessary.  Sometimes I jump onto realestate.com and dream....

Here is my latest find: Click Here

Now this is a pricey one...but we are allowed to dream!

I have chosen one photo from here.  But you will have to head over to see the rest...well worth the look.  The house is in the city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  This is what they call a "Queenslander" home.  This style was popular in the 1920's - 1930's, they were made primarily out of timber with veranda spaces and off the ground to promote ventilation in the hot climate.

Even if I am only window shopping here, there is so much inspiration for painting, decorating and furnishing.

What are you currently dreaming about?

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Hello, and Happy Monday!

I have had this pinned on my Babies and Children pinterest board for ages and I just love this quote.  The pin is from this site here.

I am all about living in the moment...as you know... and I try to appreciate every moment with Nicholas that I have.  We waited such a long time to have him, so I consciously try to savour it all.  His little arms and legs, his cute little face, his cuddles, his talking, how he says "I like (insert something here) Mummy" it tells me so much about his little personality! The other day it was "I like new things!" I had to laugh...it was so sweet and innocent...he is experiencing so many new things about life and it is a wonder and privilege to watch and observe. But so easy to brush over and not think about and be grateful for.

We have had a few issues with Nicky's teeth.  It turns out he has a calcium deficiency, so that means his teeth haven't formed properly at the back and he has quite a few cavities.  He also has had trouble doing a poo regularly for quite some time now.  After a few dentist appointments and some naturopath appointments we are seeing some improvement which is a big relief.  As a reward for doing a poo, lately we have been visiting the toy shop (lollies and chocolate isn't allowed due to the teeth, although they would be much cheaper).  Here is Nicky at Target with his latest selection, a fireman sam hat and extinguisher.  As you can imagine we are getting quite a collection of toys. (Santa will only be bringing one toy at Christmas as I dont think there will be any left in the shop lol!) But who doesnt love a little toy shopping here and there...

How is your week shaping up? Mine is looking pretty busy...I am looking forward to it.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Energy... if I ever write a book, it will be about Energy, or at least there will be a chapter about it.
I am very sensitive to energies...especially those from other people.  I know very little about it, but it really does intrigue me.  And it certainly affects me.

I use a few techniques I have learnt to protect my energy.  I visualise a pink bubble around myself and Nicky when we go into a public place like a shopping centre, to protect us from absorbing other people's energy.  I visualise "cutting the cords" between myself and other people after I have seen them if I have trouble getting them out of my head.

Some energies I find a lot more difficult to be free of. When I am affected by other energy I can feel very fatigued, even though I might be well-rested.  It is a strange feeling. Some people may not notice energy at all around them, but I am very sensitive to it.

What about you? Do you feel it? How do you deal with it?

Alicia xxx

P.S I took this photo last week at Coolangatta Beach, QLD, Australia.  It was a beautiful morning.  We even saw a whale!

The Monday Message

Hello, Happy Monday!

I was searching the internet for a little inspiration and I found this quote.
As a Stay at Home Mother am I entitled to stress? I don't know! Many people could say, there is no need to stress!! And there probably isn't.  No matter what you are doing, we all know it doesn't help the situation, but sometimes we cant seem to stop stressing about something!

Today I am going to try and stop stressing about things and remember how blessed I am!!!

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

We celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary on the weekend and went out to one of our favourite restaurants.  Benihana - Japanese Tepenyaki.  It was the first time we have taken Nicky.  He enjoyed it.  Its so entertaining to watch the chefs prepare the food in front of you.  Nicky ate plain white rice and they gave him an ice cream for dessert.  He said "I'm so lucky!"  with a big excited smile on his face -so cute.  (Can you tell he doesn't get ice cream very much, poor child!)

A few posts planned for this week...I am thinking I need to do a giveaway...its been so long! Do people still call them Candy these days?  Stay tuned, hopefully I will get that up this week.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Happy Monday!

Ben took this cute little photo yesterday...and I added this quote that I love.
These words remind me of how big a responsibility being a parent is...teaching them how to reach for the stars, it can be pretty challenging don't you think?The idea that "love is all that matters" comforts me.  I can certainly do love without a worry in the world : )

Have a beautiful day.
Alicia xx 

The Monday Message

Good morning, and Happy Monday!

We went for a walk around the lake with some friends last Thursday and had a play at the park.  The park had a steering wheel which Nicky imagined was a fire truck.  I don't think I have mentioned how Nicholas is loving Fireman Sam these days. He watches the dvds, plays with the toys and turns all things into something to do with "Nee Naw" (fire truck noise) eg Nee Naw Nicky, Nee Naw Mummy, Nee Naw pole, Nee Naw tuck etc etc. He doesn't really understand "When I grow up, I want to be...." but if he did I think it would be a fireman!  This got me thinking about our dreams and goals. I saw this quote and thought it was inspirational.

We all need reminders to believe in ourselves and have big goals and dreams.  As kids we are encouraged to have such big dreams and goals, people are always asking, "What do you want to do when you finish school?"  When you get older no one seems to ask you these questions anymore.

What do you want to do when you grow up? lol
What do I want to do?

Maybe its time I think up some really big dreams and write them down....

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Have a beautiful day.

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

(Source)

Happy Monday!

You have probably seen this quote on Pinterest - I have and something about it really resonates with me.  I thought it might resonate with you too.

Does crafting somehow help us remember who we are and where we come from?

I think crafting is about creating who you are, or is in someway a representation of who you are, because nobody creates exactly the same way you do.

If we were all given a little package with some paper, stickers, glue and scissors then we would all use those products in an individual way to make something unique.

Thats pretty amazing really.  Its amazing that there are so many people in the world but each person is a unique and special individual, yet we are all alike in how we experience emotions and events.  It is comforting to know that whatever you are currently experiencing, someone else has experienced a similar reality and we are not alone.

For example - we all love getting into our craft rooms/areas and making something!

-------------------------------

I have been considering some new storage options for the room we call our "computer/craft room".  Well it doesn't really have a name...but it is one of my most favourite rooms of our apartment.

I have recently moved Nicky's cupboard out of this room and into our bedroom and it has left a little bit of space that could be filled with some extra storage options.  Extra storage would be awesome!!!

I am considering something like this:

Click the picture to go to the store.

It is called a "Multi Purpose Wood Grain 8 Cube Storage Unit" from Target.  Looks very "Laundry" in this picture.  But I know you know what it is capable of.  Its only $89 so not a very expensive addition.  We have the 16 cube one in our lounge room for all of Nicky's toys and it really has been the most practical storage unit ever.  I was thinking that the 8 Cube might be better in a smaller room because it could be easily moved around to fit in with the current furniture.  Something like this could possibly fit into the wardrobe in this room as well.  I think I could use maybe three of these units!

I would LOVE to know what you think!

Do you have something like it in your craft room?

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a lovely weekend.

Mine was pretty emotional.

I've had a couple of disappointments in the last few days that have rocked me a bit.

But I am determined to concentrate on what I do want in my life, which is happiness.

My favourite resource of positivity is the Esther and Jerry Hicks recordings and books.  This is what I turn to when I need it.  They say when you aren't feeling the best - Go Global.

This means think big...all the things you are grateful for...things we really take for granted such as:

our freedom

our safe country and neighbourhood

our family that loves us

our house that has plumbing and electricity

our warm comfy beds we get to sleep in each night

our soft lounges we can snuggle up on

the food in our fridge

our washing machine that cleans our clothes

our dishwasher that washes our dishes

our craft rooms filled with yummy products

time to sit and create with those products

technology to interact with crafting friends

the love we share with our families

our beautiful and adorable children

how enriching they are for our lives

our friends we can confide in

our partners who choose to walk this life with us

the nature outside our doorsteps

the beautiful trees

the fresh air we breathe

the animals

the flowers

the sun, sky, the grass

our bodies that function correctly

our ability to walk, run, move, create

just sitting and feeling loved

feeling peaceful

feeling happy

These are some of the things that make up our beautiful lives.

This is what I mean when I say below my Profile Pic - Come and join me lets dream, create and record these beautiful lives of ours together.

We are so so lucky.  Our lives are beautiful creations.  Things dont always go smoothly and their are challenges we face, but we are still so fortunate.

After this little pep talk to myself I think I am ready to start a new week.

I have some exciting posts planned for this week.

My PML School Album is complete! On Friday I will share a video of the finished album.

On Wednesday I will be sharing a little shopping spree I treated myself to, some new crafting goodies! I have been playing with these over the last week or so and have some projects in the process.

I know one thing and that is that crafting makes me happy!

So I choose to do that this week!!

Are you in???

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Hello, and Happy Monday!

This week's quote - Relax and Enjoy The Moment - is something I like to do.  How easy it is to go from one thing to the next, busy,busy, busy, and not stop and enjoy this moment exactly as it is now.
Right now for me, Nicky is asleep, the house is quiet, I am typing away, and its peaceful! The day promises many moments, but right now I am in this one, so I want to relax and enjoy!  Today I am going to concentrate on enjoying the moments.

By the way, this photo is taken from our balcony.  Our apartment backs onto a Golf Course and it is very pretty, especially when the sun sparkles on the water. Each time I look out at it I am grateful for the opportunity to live here.

On another topic today, you might notice a mini make over on my blog.  I read on Pinterest that blogs really do need a photo of the person writing the blog, to make it seem more personal and so the readers feel like they are connecting with the writer.  I needed a new photo of myself so Ben took this yesterday.  So now you can connect with me! Lol! Thats me! Thats what I look like on a good day, when I have done my hair and make-up!  Thats my new t-shirt I bought this weekend.  I also changed the font a little.  I will be working on my sidebar too, so stay tuned for a few more changes!

Speaking of changes...I am really interested in what you would like to read about on my blog.  I have been searching for a little direction with my posts...These are the things I have been writing about:

• Cards I have made
• Pocket Scrapbooking Layouts
• Traditional Scrapbooking Layouts
• Close to My Heart Products
• The Monday Message
• You Tube Process Videos (Another one coming this Friday)

Would you like to see more of this?

I am interested in writing about:

• Ways to get your Cards Published in Magazines
• How to make time for Crafting
• Recipes we are currently eating
• Photos of my family and life
• What I am currently Learning about
• Blogging Tips
• My latest shopping goodies

Let me know in the comments below what you like reading about and seeing on here.  I will be very interested in your response.

Have a beautiful day,

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Happy Monday to you!

My Aunt sent me this photo when she was visiting my Mum and Dad a few weeks ago.  There is a real story behind it.  This is a photo of my Grandma's first car.  It is still on my Mum and Dad's farm today.  My Grandma did not learn to drive until my Mum (her third child) was in High School (so probably late 1960s). Her brother bought her this car and Mum says Grandma was so proud of it! 

I can only imagine my Grandma driving this ute down their tree-lined drive way and on the road into town.  It makes me smile.  Imagine the freedom she then had, her own car and licence.  I bet she would have smiled the whole way into town, her heart bursting with joy! Do you know the feeling I can imagine...an escape from everything, the possibility of amazing things!

I hope you have a fantastic day today! 

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Good morning!

Did you know that if you can hold a smile for 17 seconds you can change your energy!

Try it....smile and count to 17 slowly...you feel happier right!

I'm feeling awesome because I have been smiling while I write up this post!

If you keep smiling and last up until 68 seconds you have enough energy to affect physical manifestation.

Interested?? Read more of this amazing stuff by Abraham from Esther and Jerry Hicks here.

Smile today, and think happy thoughts.

Have a beautiful day.

The Monday Message

Happy Monday!! 

The start of a fresh and new week.

I hope you had a lovely weekend.

A beautiful quote by the amazing Mother Theresa today.

I am sending a big smile your way.  

I hope you have a happy day.

Alicia xxx

The Monday Message

• The Teachings of Abraham have taught me this.
• This quote means so much to me.  
• Feeling good is so important.  
• I need this reminder today. 
• When you feel good, good things happen.  
• I hope you have a day full of good times today.

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Good morning!

 Welcome to a bright and sunny new day!

Lets paint today exactly as we want it.

Maybe you might like to enter my Gratitude Link-Up?

Scroll down to the next post to see or click here.

Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

The Monday Message

Good morning, and happy Monday!

During my busy week last week with my Mum, Sister and her three kids staying with us for a holiday I was thinking about enjoying the moments.

We had so many lovely special moments together with our children playing and enjoying new experiences.  This photo of them on the beach was one of them.

I got to thinking, each moment is a precious gift and things will never be exactly the same as they are right now, so enjoy it! Often when I see a special moment I like to take a photo.  Because once that moment has gone, the photo turns it into a special memory.

So my quote for this week is about taking a breath and enjoying the moment.  Then consider snapping a photo and preserving a feeling or emotion as a memory.

I hope you have a beautiful week.

Alicia xxx

The Monday Message

You may have noticed my efforts in attempting to get back into the Blogging world....some photos have been posted...but not so many words!!

On a Monday I would like to start the week with a quote of some type...I'm calling it "The Monday Message"...you know, something inspirational to start off the week.

This week's quote is perfect for all you crafty ladies...and one that actually makes me feel relieved...I like to think that we will never run out of creativity...and that the more we use, the more we have!! I like to think that about money too!!!!

Have a beautiful week.

Alicia xx