Wow

Hi there from lil ole me in Brisbane, Australia.  I just got some comments from people who I don't actually know.  Better yet, they are fellow bloggers and write delightful blogs that I have followed for a few months and totally love.  Thanks so much.

Today I have been taking photos of items to sell on ebay and some of it I have to share with you.  Some has come from my Nana's house and some are treasures I have collected along the way.

French Provincial Antique style rotary phone which still works.

Sweet pic of little girl depression era (not related - could not sell if it was family)

Lovely doily with bluebirds

Butterfly doily

Sweet embroidered shower cap

Brand new in box vintage hankies

Another depression era black & white photo

This book is just divine.  It is like a card to the Bride but is filled with pages and pages of delightful images and poetry.  (more pics will be on my ebay listing)

EPNS Fish cutlery with faux bone handle

Embroidery needing a frame

More embroidery needing a frame

Knitting needle case

egg beater

Adorable grooming/manicure set

Sweet little forks

This is a set of coronation emblems to trace around and colour!

Last, but not least two vintage baby dresses probably around 6 - 12 months.  I also have some fall linen to list too.

What is your favourite item and would you buy it here

Until next time,
Laura

Just a quicky

I am now a seller on Etsy please look and buy or let me know what you think even constructive criticism would be great.

Naughty Naughty Me

Here is what has kept me busy for the past few weeks and kept me away from blogging.

I made this

I sold this

I consulted on this (my first deceased estate consultation)

I listed these on ebay.  My Nan has recently moved into an aged care facility after a stroke some months ago.  We have begun the task of helping her sort a life time of treasures.  Some I have been lucky to receive but some have to be sold to help cover the costs of her care.  We have been blessed to have her join us in all the decisions about what should be done with what.  I plan on writing a more detailed blog dedicated to my beautiful Nan later on this year.

I farewelled a dear friend who lost his brave fight with brain cancer.  Craig and his lovely wife Kathryn and their two sons have been very good friends since meeting them as fellow parents in our son's prep year at school almost 4 years ago.  He was an amazing Husband, Father and community member.  Nothing was ever too much and he was the first one to put his hand up when help was required.  He was a big kid, a big larrikin and a much loved man.  Having well over 300 people at his funeral is a testament to the man he was.  RIP Craig we will always be there for Kathryn, Jackson & Bailey.

It is now school holidays here and my son, Clay is trialling a new medication so it has been a big adjustment.  My daughter has been quite stressed also.  Having an autistic brother can be like living in a war zone for her.  I of course deal with most things by shutting down.  Have been feeling very withdrawn lately and everyday I get out of bed is a bonus.  But, I am rallying and realising that hey really you have a husband and your kids have a Dad so suck it up.

Til next time, Laura

Far out August has come and almost gone

We went to Greazefest - saw this car up for sale and totally heart this car

This was July but we danced at our first Eisteddfod

Am very fragile at the moment. We attended a friend's 40th last night and it was a great night.  Far too much wine was drunk, lots of laughs and bad karaoke too.  Feel a bit maudlin that we have celebrated our 18th's, 21st's, 30th's and now our 40th's together.  Staring down the barrel to 50 I guess aaarrrggghhh.

I am going to set myself a goal to list at least 10 things on ebay each day.  My listed items is now under 100 and am getting no sales and need to generate fresh interest.  Also, less then two weeks to my next Shabby Chic market and need to price and prepare for that also.

I also would like to blog on a more regular basis.  I mentioned in my previous post that I was in awe with some of the blogs I follow and their daily posts.  They are my mentors and I aspire to their commitment.

So hopefully this time next week, I will have at least 70 new items on ebay, all my market stuff ready and a much more tidy and organised home.  Check back with me next week to hear my news.

Keepin' up with the Jones'

I am in total awe with the talented bloggers out there and love reading their posts.  The commitment and regularity of posts is also amazing.  I struggle at the moment to post weekly.  I have intentions and then life happens.  Like my darling children for instance; Clay is having issues coming down off his meds and gets very emotional in the afternoons and then takes it out on Ally.

Ally has high anxiety and a stutter from this.  We have gone down the speech therapy route which has given her and me great tools but now we are dealing with her anxiety.  She sees a psychologist now to help her overcome and deal with her worries and anxiety.  Autism really is so pervasive.  It does not just affect your child but the whole family.

Anyway onto more fun stuff.......I am totally addicted to op shopping as you know.  My husband suffers in silence.  But I totally adore him and have decided to share some of my treasures. I have had my first stall at a carboot market and have booked a permanent stall there.  It is held on the 4th Saturday of the month at Silky Oaks, Manly Road, Manly West.  Feel free to check me out.  Below are some pics from my first stall.

these gorgeous things are still available - they are cupboard doors but would look divine on a wall

setting up

some more treasures - some still available at next months

the lovely little chair has gone but lots there still available - in the green shelves (see previous post was kerbside rubbish) there are some vintage aprons which I am thinking of putting on ebay - what do you think?

the pink stool was a kerbside find that I sprayed pink and sold straight away.  The shabby mirror and pink medicine cabinet came home with me so they are still available as is the tulip tapestry

finally last pic for this blog - the Moor Park pic was a kerbside find and sold quickly - hidden behind is a glorious shabby roses painting which I still have.

It is so hard to let go of these treasures but my house was beginning to look like a cluttered up thrift shop and all my beauties were getting lost amongst it all.  One day we hope to afford to buy our own home and have more storage.

Anyway, if you see anything that you would like to buy certainly comment and if you are local then pick up is also more then welcome too.  Have a great day.

Yummies up for sale

I have been working hard preparing for my first stall at the markets.  It will be shabby chic styled and will be at Silky Oaks, Manly Rd, Manly West, Qld this Saturday 24th July from 6am to 11am.  I have been making cards and tealight holders and have beautiful shabby linens and fabrics along with many other treasures.   Plus of course I add stuff all the time to my ebay shop.

lovely tea towel soon to be on ebay

lovely piece of crepe fabric - on ebay

6 - 8 seater table cloth in perfect condition going on eba

found this little gem on the side of the road

same lovely find with shelving added, then covered with old drawer liners and beautiful linens and vintage aprons for the markets on Saturday.

Please come along there will be loads of lovelies for sale like a pink medicine cabinet, a white shabby mirror, huge rose painting and so much more

Shaping Clay

I thought I would share with you our journey with autism. 

We were living in Mackay about 1000km from our family when my two year old first born was diagnosed with autism.  I didn't feel anything, I felt numb.  I settled into a frenzy of needing to know everything you can possibly know about autism.  It was ridiculous.  I lived, ate, breathed it.  All this time breastfeeding my new born daughter.

We quickly packed up and moved back to Brisbane.  We needed family support and better facilities.  It quickly became apparent our modest income was not going to support our son Clay's needs for early intervention.

So we sold our house and then lived with my parents for three years to help us manage with his therapies and also help our family deal with our grief but also our joy with all the gains and miracles our precious boy achieved.

I have written and published several articles around the place and would like to share this one that was recently published in an ezine.

Clay started accessing Autism Qld’s services from the age of 2 and a half. Attending a play group that gave me time with other Mother’s and introduced us to the different specialists employed there. One month we would meet the occupational therapist, another the physio therapist or the speech therapist. After 18 months, Clay was accepted into the Sunnybank Campus’ Early Intervention program. A two day a week fun filled, action packed day with regular contact with all the above therapists. He evolved. He was a boy with no turn taking skills, little speech and no toilet training. Amongst other things, at the end of that year, Clay was initiating games and happily awaiting his turn, he began to string words together forming simple sentences and was fully toilet trained.




The staff are patient, kind and loving and always take the time to listen to your concerns or celebrate milestones. What some people consider ho hum achievements to us are miracles. Clay was five and at Prep when he uttered his first seven word sentence “Hey Dad have you seen my scooter?” I will never forget that day. We were living with my parents at the time and we were in the back yard. All four adults paused and then cheered; laughing and crying. We were so excited we went out for dinner that night to celebrate.



And so it goes; Clay has gone from one small miracle to the next. A constant source of wonder and joy to us all. He is now 8 and in grade 3 at a mainstream school. We continue to deal with issues. They are different ones now and in five years will be different again. It is a relief to know that at all times during Clay’s life he will be able to access services provided by a dedicated team at Autism Qld. Be it holiday programs or sibling support for his sister. Possibly a visit from the outreach team who will attend any school in Queensland no matter how remote, if their services are required.



We are conscious that none of Clay’s successes would be possible were it not for the likes of Autism Qld. We are grateful he had an opportunity that so many kids miss out on simply because the funding is so stretched and the need so high. Clay has a very unique skill. Drive him somewhere once and he will never forget how to get there. He can draw road maps of anywhere he has been and then makes up road maps as well. He recently directed us to a house we lived in over 4 years ago. If I kept all his maps – it would fill our garage.
 

 
I hope you have enjoyed learning a little of what we have achieved.  We don't want sympathy we want celebrations.  We don't want pity we want tolerance.  Remember if you have met one autistic child then you have met one autistic child.  It is called a spectrum because each child/person is different; just like we all are different and unique.  Also if you see a child in a supermarket having a huge tantrum just consider this; they may be autistic and having a meltdown because the smells/sounds/sights etc are upsetting them.
 
Take care, enjoy your Monday.

Would Like Your Advice

Hello out there in blogville.  I scored big time with some beautiful pieces of Holly Hobbie wallpaper and really would like suggestions on what to do.  I was thinking I could cut the different Holly Hobbie girls out and then glue onto painted timber for gorgeous wall art.  I might even use one of these for my very first ever "drum roll please" ................. give away.  Just trying to get a few more followers and how do you do that also?

I am also busily preparing for the first of my permanent stalls at the Silky Oaks Carboot Sale, Manly Rd, Manly West.  Next one is on 24th July and are monthly I think 3rd Saturday of each month.  I am offering delish shabby chic wares that I have picked up along the way.  Sometimes loved and adored by me and sharing the love.

Just some teasing little picks of items that are now for sale in my ebay store

Before and After Cane Chair

Just to change the subject completely I just have to share this bargain with you.

Well the lighting was not great when I took this pic.  It is a about 80cm high and is an exquisite embroidered piece professionally framed behind non-reflective glass and cost the grand sum of $7.00.  I will show a better pic when it is on the wall in Miss Ally's bedroom.

Now back on track.  A couple of weeks ago I bought a cane chair on ebay for $6.74.  Funny story as not long after it closed a friend messaged me on facebook?  Did you just buy a cane couch on ebay. 

So we painted it with plain old primer.  Bought a chair cushion from a little op shop down the road which was $8.00 and then bought the two beige striped ones at a department store (they cost more then the chair and floral cushion)

Then bought this wicker chair on ebay for $20.50 - just looking for the right cushion now.

Drooling still now.  Hope you all have a lovely weekend

My Latest Op Shop Finds

Even though it was school holidays here in chilly Brisbane, I managed to steal a few minutes here and there to sneak a look into a few different op shops.

these lovely gems ranged in price from $1 to $5 OMG!!

Have a fascination with carousel horses - bought these at two different stores.  The jug looks divine with roses in them and as for that beautiful flower have no idea but I LOVE it.

this is a front and back view of a sweet cushion - $1

More bits and bobs

I believe this lovely painting was only $5 and it is a painting

$2 woohoo so love this

So did get some more but these are the most photo worthy.  I also tortured my husband and kids this afternoon by insisting on trawling through the junk people have put out for the council clean up.  Pick up some great stuff which I will reveal here later.  Also was talked out of some stuff by my patient long suffering husband.  I should have ignored him because with a bit of elbow grease it would have been so worthwhile.

We did manage to get in a yummy pizza at Oxford St, Bulimba and took our darling Master Clay to a Model Train show.  We are thinking of joining this club.  They meet Friday nights at Carina right beside where my main man plays baseball.  I think it would be great for our son who is totally fixated on trains.  (part of his wonderful autistic quirks).  However, the boredom for me and Miss Ally will be tough.

Out With the New In With The Old

I am overhauling my bedroom.  I have decided to go back to my true love with is a combination of shabby chic, french provincial with a touch of contemporary.  Basically, these days everything works.  So I am putting this on ebay today.  It includes black fitted sheet, pair of black euro pillow cases, pair of black plain pillow cases. the queen size quilt and matching pillowcases (purchased from Kmart) 3 Black & White Scatter cushions, one sham black with diamante strands (some of the diamantes are missing) a faux fur cushion and matching faux fur throw and the lovely grey shade lamps (purchased from Ikea). 

Prefer pick up from Manly West/Wakerley but will post to winning bidder for Australia Post cost plus cost to register.




Stay tuned for shabby chic look to come.

Sometimes you have to cry

This morning, after I dropped the kids at school I toddled off to the grocery store to pick up some ground coffee for a friend.  I was then going to spend the day with my friend who had just had a shoulder operation.  For no reason, I was very tearful and could barely hold it together in the grocery store.  I struggled to keep the bottom lip from trembling and the tears from rolling down my face.  Then, arriving at my friend's house I just completely lost it altogether.

Why?  Well I have had a tough week with my 8 year old son, who is autistic.  He has not been well with a cold and this seems to make his behaviour far more challenging then usual.  I am not good dealing with his oppositional behaviour.  I tend to withdraw and then get quite depressed.  Not good when you have to also run interference with your 6 year old daughter who sometimes needs protecting from the lashings out of Master Clay.

I rarely do the woe is, why did kind of banter but today I just could not stop thinking that this has been my life for 8 years now and will continue to be my life and nothing will change.  Mostly I am positive and upbeat but today I just could not fathom another minute more.

Then it is all too easy to dwell on all the negatives in your life and the self-hatred escalates until you no longer have one friend and one thing worth being loved for.

Now while all this was happening in my poor muddled head, I was arriving at my life long friend's house and she does have the ability to really help put things into perspective.  'Thanks Ms S' 

So now am going to count some of my blessings:

1. A husband who loves me unconditionally and will always put me and our kids first.
2. Beautiful children who are mostly a constant source of joy
3. Parents still alive and a sister who are always supportive
4. Friends that make me laugh and scare away my black dog
5. Roof over my head, bills paid and food in the fridge
6. A chilled glass of sauv blanc when the kids are in bed
7. Self-employment
8. A gorgeous Grandmother still alive who can still whip me at cards any day

So at times I have 8 more blessings then many others.  Why is it that you cannot remember these things when you are so full of self-loathing and unhappiness.

Tomorrow, I will ignore the negative thoughts, light a cinnamon candle, turn up the music and sing loud and proud.

All things old and beautiful

Mr JM did not disappoint.  As mentioned in a previous blog, I was picking up some goodies for ebay.  Received a treasure trove of authentic vintage clothing from 60's through to early 90's.   Most is still in my garage waiting for me to sort, iron and photograph.

This darling old and ancient high chair is in need of much tlc - buy it on ebay and treat it right.

How about a gentleman's grooming kit for the gentleman in your life.

Vintage Clothing

Spent the arvo at Mr JM's house and have a treasure trove of vintage clothing from 60's through to 80's - some of it true gems and some maybe not.  Am going to have tonnes of fun getting it on ebay.  Also have a pair of 1982 Humphrey B Bear Lamps.  Some other quality vintage pieces; far too many to itemise here but will put up pics as I get them onto ebay.

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend and look forward to a week of ebay listing.  Am also teaching a friend of mine how to list on ebay and believe she also has some beautiful crocheted rugs.

On the home front, my lovely man is manning the bbq cooking up krabby patties as my lovely Master Clay likes to call them.  Sold at a Krusty Krabs near you.

Vintage Crocheted Throw

You know you want this gorgeous made with love throw - go on place a bid

Ebay on Sunday

So, today am off to Mr JM's house to help him get his stuff listed on ebay.  I am not sure what he wants to sell but think it might include guitars and interesting furniture and clothing as Mr JM is a well travelled, musician who digs great clothes and vintage pieces.  So am a bit excited about what will be unearthed.

While I am busy working, my lovely husband and kiddliwinks are off to my Sister's house for cousin T's birthday party.

Miss Ally at one of Miss T's birthday parties a couple of years ago

SILENCE!!!!!!

We recently celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary.  Decided to drop in to our local for a 2 for 1 meal deal.  Usually we do not venture out on school nights as our bubba kids need their beauty sleep.  However, we thought we should mark the occasion.  So, we had yummo Angus Beef Burgers and the kids had their usual chicken nuggets & chips.  We let Master Clay have the odd pink lemonade and it has never really affected him in the past.

Well 'note to self' the syrup used at this establishment sends him off his rocker.  My little man was in the back seat of our car yelling and telling us to all be quiet.  Of course Miss Ally just sang louder and we ignored him.  So , crossing his arms he yells our "Silence" - omg did I nearly wet my pants laughing.  Not the best reaction for him.  We endured him screaming "Silence" the whole way home.  Living with a child on the autism spectrum can be challenging but sometimes you can thankfully laugh.

Testing and pics

Faffing around trying to work out adding pics

This dress is going on ebay today 

ok - back in the saddle

Taking the time to read some blogs and steal/borrow fantastic layouts etc. Very very inadequate skills with inserting pics - have to learn - will ask my lovely friend from "These Things I Love" to help