Fromthekiwigirl

Day 28 + 29

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Did you know that @fatmumslim is continuing on with the photo journey into February?

Happy snapping!

Day 28 - Light

Day 29 - In my freezer.

Two days left of January and they just happen to be my first days back work...how am i feeling...sad.

I have had a wonderfully, fantastic time spent with friends and family. So thanks to those lovely angels ...you know who you are, for being generous and loving peeps. xxx

Lets rock on to those February challenges...have you posted, written, declared, planned yours yet?

Just to let you know..well i have to tell somebody..only just looked at the results. My time for the Australia Day Fun Run was 39.26.

WoW big deal baby!!!!

Looking for inspiration for those of you physically inclined, I watched the Hawaiian Ironman 2011 yesterday. Talk about strength and power over the mind. Amazing personal stories of endurance and courage.

Here is a link for us locals.

Day 25 + 26

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:33:00 +0000

Happy Australia Day

Today marks an important milestone in my life: ticked one off my list..my first 5km run!

It was HOT....close to 30degrees. We started at 7:30am and nothing was going to stop that sun beating down on my skin. Past the 3km mark, felt a creepy crawling sensation run over my scalp..thinking 'oh no, i don't want to spew up and pass out...must keep going'. I did it!

I was buzzing, adrenaline pumping through my body. Took me a while to calm + cool down. What a brilliant feeling. Hugged my friend when she came over the finish line. :)

Already got my next run planned...yeah baby.

BBQ Breakfast by the water with family and friends.

Listening to Triplej's Hottest 100 and trying to stay cool....drinkies.

Have a good one where ever you may be.

Something I made - Brunch.

Colour

Day 24 - Guilty Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:02:00 +0000

Please don't laugh....Ginormous marshmallows from the lolly shop in Bridgetown.

While eating try saying.."Five fluffy bunnies".

I couldn't even accomplish that, let alone speak.

DON'T DO THIS WHILE DRIVING KIDDIES..CAN CAUSE CHOKING!

Day 21 - 23

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:03:00 +0000

Days are counting down to the end of the month....three days to go to my personal goal of running my first...ever...5kms. What better day to acheive my first goal but on Australia Day. Bunbury holds a 'funrun' on this momentous day. Will definitely keep you posted on that milestone!

Day 21: Reflection

Wanted to serve up some deep, meaningful delight but didn't pan out that way.

Day 22: Your Shoes

This crafty tip is not mine but belongs to my dear friend who pinched it from someone..you know how it goes. Insert wine bottles into boots so they stay upright...wicked!

Day 23: Something Old

and a bit of a giggle.

FatMumSlim is holding a February Photoaday Challenge for all those ready to join in or continue their photographic journey.

Day 20 - Someone you Love

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:53:00 +0000

Yes this is my someone special who I love...my offspring!

Very rare moment captured in time..bit of editting in Picasa and viola!

Today was the fourth day out of a possible 5 day shopping week that I op shopped.

Got a call from a friend who loves op shopping.."Salvos have got a half price sale on".

I was sitting in a car park of another op shop which was closed due to the school holidays.

What was I going to do?

What comes naturally..drove to my destination and rang my friend who is soon to be Mum that I was here and would find what she needed for her hospital stay...size?

Yep no worries...

The choices were slim but the bargains were abound.

Women with garments draped over arms and shoulders took to searching the racks.

By the time my expectant friend arrived I had already acquired space for my goodies on the front counter.

The climate was muggy and yet we kept searching for items..I wanted leggings, summer pants - 3/4 ..funky style of course and clothes for the offspring ( which is a bit tricky these days).

Walked away with one pair of Sportsgirl grey pants, Jeanswest white + grey singlet, striped purple + grey scarf and a CottonOn apricot top.

My sweet friend bought things for her loved ones but not what she had initially wanted ...the hunt continues!

After styling advice check out Nikki Parkinson's blog @StylingYou.

I would have to say that I love Nikki's down to earth approach and shares some awesome tips for those of us not so savvy in the fashion department. I asked for tips on layering and used her styling technique for wearing horizontal stripes and balanced it out with a vertical scarf, just like she demonstrates on her blog. Also writes about beauty products too! Clever girl. :)

Day 19 - Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:16:00 +0000

Luscious locally grown fruit.

Sweet apricot 'Valley Girl' dress

St Vinnies score.

Sleep over...awww!

Day 17 + Day 18

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:54:00 +0000

Day 17- Water

Busselton Jetty

Day 18 - Something You Brought

Shoes from the Match Factory Busselton

Twitter follow #janphotoaday

Say hi to fatmumslim

OpShop Love

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:37:00 +0000

Armed with goodies to donate to my fav Op Shop - Red Cross, I had an idea of what I wanted..summer pants.

As you can see I did not achieve that at all..

Tabitha Cat Address Book with whimsical fairies. $1

Sunnies. $4

SuperWoman cup. $2

Foosball: $6

Pookie and the Gypsies: 20c

(What a delightful find and the story about the author)

Hop over or fly to my new Facebook page..I know I'm getting out there baby...

Day 16 - Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:52:00 +0000

Day 14 - What are You Reading?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:34:00 +0000

What a fantastic day....baked bread from scratch. Walked with my friend. Monarch butterflies sightings in abundance. Thoroughly enjoyed the first season of Parenthood...well Disc 1. Cups of tea + chocolate. Sewing Rose Cushion. Listening to fav tunes...Soundgarden, Fugees, Guns n Roses and John Butler Trio.

Blogger bugs delayed this post..worked on last night but now here it is.

*Working on some new stuff over at facebook with my own page for all you cool styling opshoppers. Now you can post your love for your fav places to shop, outfits and general opshoplove.
Still working on bits and fine tuning...wow learning curve..trying to put up a "like box"..help!

Day 15 - Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:51:00 +0000

Day 15

Its Sunday...too hot man. How many days of 30 degrees can we have? Rain please.

This pic shows me HAPPY!

Styling my fav colour grey + silver. It use to black but grey has alot different shades. Silver jewellery and perfectly manicured nails from Divine Beauty by Jade.

Happiness comes in all shapes and forms...here are a few:

Listening to triplej

Billy from 2011 MasterChef is part of the #Janphotoaday and I agree with his happiness.

Day 13 - In Your Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:13:00 +0000

Well its your basic important things one would need in a handbag.

Bag: Ecochix
Pen: Prize for coming second in corporate 'Outrigging'.
Notepad: Special Friends pressie from church.
Mints: Regular accompaniment.
Moleskin: Gift from E too many christmas's ago
Tissues
Merchant Sampler: Bought it as a fundraiser for a uni radio station.
Highlighter: Pink...so no more.
Loyalty Cards: a few held in the side pocket..Muffin Break + Smiggle(great gifts for 8 year olds)
Tupperware purse pack : Pill holder, compact mirror, Burts Bees gloss and tweezers.

It was interesting to find the similarities in people's bags...check it out here.

Day 12 Closeup

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Hands: Looking down at my hands I think of the times I use them...to many to count.

Have you thought about how many times you have used your hands to tell someone you love them ...just by touch.
Holding my boy when he was a baby.
Washing him.
Wiping tears away.
Cooking.
Keeping clean.
Playing patty cake.
Making mud pies.

My hands are used for so many things...giving, caring, loving, banging a tambourine till the next day had a bruise to show for my enthusiasm...(well thats the story I'm telling you!)

Take a glance down and remember how wonderful we all are...through something you have created, shaped, built, polished and shined.

You can join in ..its not to late to add your flair with a camera @FatMumSlim January Photoaday 2012.
See you there :)

Where I Sleep - Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

Catch Up Day 4 - Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:13:00 +0000

Day 4: Mailbox

I was travelling to my friend's wedding, down south and saw plenty of mail boxes worth snapping but needed to keep the pedal to the metal. One of a cow with four legs would of been an ideal candidate, well a milk container with metal pins and painted white with black spots.

Day 5: Something I wore

Favourite jeans and pink nail polish.

Day 6: Makes you Smile

Well, this one is obvious...my boy!

Day 7: Favourite

This hand cream is so delish...shared it with my friend and now she luvs it too!

Day 8: Your Sky

Not many shades of the blue in the sky that day and ten minutes after taking it, the clouds won.

Day 9: Daily Routine

Cuppa tea.

Day 10: Childhood

On my twitter account I shared my early start in OpShopLove.

Day 3 - Something I Adore

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:41:00 +0000

My training buddy, panting after our 5km walk.

via youtube

Music:

Arrested Development

Sly and the Family Stone

Electric Empire live @ the Evelyn Hotel ...omg these are guys are my ultimate new love..soul groovin' home grown aussies.

Girlie Stuff:

DKNY - Be Delicious

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss

Planet Earth Cocoa Butter Shimmer Moisturiser

Gucci Guilty

The Written Word:

Every Thing is Going to be OK by Chronicle Books

Op Shop Love:

Salvos

Red Cross Australia

Signed Finds

Day Two - Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:44:00 +0000

breakfast, a photo by fromthekiwigirl on Flickr.

Morning everyone..tasty biscuits for breakfast!
Well for my dog it is!

Follow us on with fatmumslim's #Janphotoaday on Twitter and say hello to me on fromthekiwigirl and share photography talents.

If you would like a worthy day-to-day activity to join here is another one at Meet Me At Mikes.
Oh I so like knowing what good deeds are being done.

Warm Fuzzies to you.

Day One January Photo Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:22:00 +0000

meok, a photo by fromthekiwigirl on Flickr.

Day one - Me xxxx

Yep this is my favourite way to spend my time,especially on the holidays.

The gorgeous bbeingcool got me on to this....say hello to FatMumSlim with her welcoming of 2012 January PhotoChallenge.
I love Photo Challenges, it stretches the realms of your perspective and launches you into a space of imagination. Happy Snapping and join us through the first month of the New Year.

Heres to the New

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:58:00 +0000

Dear little readers,

Yes its me. I know its been a long time between drinks.

I thought I would write to you wonderful folks to let you know that I'm still alive and still op shopping, sharing my finds and other little bits and pieces.

My mission was to find an outfit for a wedding in the New Year..aww.

Salvos was the best place...a dress/top and two pairs of shoes. I stood there debating whether I actually needed two pairs but who am I going to argue with...so in the end I won.

I'm sure that a few psychologists would love to get their hands on me with that reference.

Rubi shoes $14

$10

The helpful shop assistant answered my query, "What can I wear underneath this cute top/dress?"

"Leggings, three quarter would look great", smiling pleasantly.

I was grateful to get a young person's take on fashion and left with an OpShop glow. (sorry no photographic evidence of this look..next time.

Hat - $4

Red Cross finds...Sussan blue stripe dress - $8

Now I have two lovely, sweet and comfy outfits to wear for my friend's beach wedding... depends what mood I'm in at the time as to which one I choose!

Salvos to Secret Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Have to mention a Cherry HO HO to the lovely Martawrites, she has helped me with stuffing Christmas...I mean 'Christmas stocking stuffing'...hang on..lets get it right 'Christmas stuffing stockings'!

Marta has arranged this funky list of goodies to fill those tights from the local supermarket.
Comprising of the most delightful, simple and creative ways to give, it stops me from racking my brain as to what a small child or lovely friend would like to receive on December 25th.

$5 finds ..easy ideas to fill the sock or 'Secret Santa' staff pressies.

Sweet fairy angels from the florist, they have the best trinkets and decorations as well as floral arrangements.

This little gem was found while perusing Salvo's and the person who popped in to mind is a friend who can shake her maracas?!!

Op Shop Love - Kiwiana

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:17:00 +0000

Katchafire - Groove Again via youtube

Could not resist sharing this gem with you ..Katchafire playing tonight in Bunbury!

What I'm Reading.....

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Meet Me At Mikes
You know when its a long time visiting when you've completely forgotten what you did a year ago.

Pip holds/organises/facilitates/posts/gives/shares this every year for a while now and when I read it I knew I had to share it too.

Making softies is an amazing gift you can give to some one who loves cuddles.
Mirabel Foundation is for children who need support, care and nuturing so in my love of compassion towards others I jumped on the bandwagon and made cute offerings for these little people.

Sorry for late notice 2 weeks to go before sending in your bundles of joy..December 5th but I know you can do it!

Even consider getting ready for next year's campaign..every stitch, pom pom and sequin will be appreciated. Get the family involved and be inspired by the craftiness...see who can make the most!

This is "Hello Kitty". My first softie for Mirabel.

Tis the Season to be Saving

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Only 35 days left to Christmas and the behaviour in shopping has changed.

No more buying in a relaxed state of mind, the rush is on. People shoving in front of others with their trolleys..tis the season to be ..pushy?

No I am not a "Grinch" but when you know the season to be "Jolly" is just around the corner, why do we act like insane seekers of consuming crap?

Are we on auto pilot?

Are we programmed to stuff ourselves senseless and to make others happy?

Why do we shift gear in to a nervous frenzy of buying?

I don't know the answer to these questions and really who cares!

Op Shopping was on my agenda, yes has been a while since I shared my finds with you guys unless you follow me on Twitter but I enjoyed my time perusing through what Salvos had on offer.

I had a couple of items I was looking for ..a flannette shirt for a child, size 8 and an outfit for a wedding I'm attending next year.

I found the first one and found myself in Maternity...no, no don't get excited..not me but my friend who is due in February. Talk about score..rang her and she was already on her way into town..yay!

She tried on a pair of pants and a black top, 3 quarter sleeves with the shop tag still attached. Smiling as she came out of the changing room, looking stylish and stunning, we had found one complete outfit for work.

I hadn't forgotten about my own task, a summer hat displayed on a polysterene foam head looked appealing and I envisioned myself draped in a frock of some sort looking blissfully unaware ......sunset and champagne! (got distracted)

Back to reality...in the middle of the shop, festive and Christmas delights were abundant.

Thanks to all those lovely people who work in charity shops.

I LOVE SALVOS

We Baked. We Op Swapped.

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:50:00 +0000

We baked some delicious cakes to share. I made gluten free cupcakes. There was an upside down Apricot cake and Blueberry Muffins. We raised $70 for the Australian Red Cross, even got a donation from my young fella..well he was asked to donate!

Will definitely be a part of Buy Nothing New next year.

My cute sign.

The girls rocked out their style, took home some goodies and what was left over was dropped off at the Salvos Store.

The event was a success and we have decided to make it a regular occasion to Op Swap at someone else's place next time!

Charity begins at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Well this month is almost at an end, which means the challenge of "Buy Nothing New" in October will draw to a close.

I don't think you can go back, revert to old habits especially when new ones have been created, spending I'm talking about, slightly philosophical I know..

Tomorrow is my charity event. A few conscientious, savvy-styling friends who can bake will be attending the Big Cake Bake raising funds for our community on behalf of Red Cross Australia . I have organised an OpShopSwap to coincide with this event, asking friends to bring along items they no longer want from clothes to homeware, books etc.

Looking forward to a cuppa, cake and a natter!

Let me know if you have done anything during the Buy Nothing New challenge!

Stay tuned for photos + more.

Make it your Own!