...sew...ouch...sew...

Newbies!

2009-03-29T20:43:00.003+11:00

Ok, I'm pretty excited about my purchases....! I'd gone to Priceline to get some Avene, however I side-tracked and got these instead:

Neutrogena Wave !
Olay Regenerist !
Eulactol Heel Cream (cringe)..

I can't believe how I'm now on drugstore brands, seeing that I used to be such a snobbish skincare junkie! I'm currently on Natio, and am slowly moving away from it. Nothing nasty about Natio, just that I'm a brand-hopper. But you already knew that... ;)

I miss those days of reckless spending and the rush in making purchases and swaps with Glo. Ahh...

Back to the purchases though.... I truly, truly love these 2 products! Drugstore brand and all! Well, drastic times requires drastic measures. Er, or whatever.

So the Neutrogena cleanser is using the same principles as the home microdermabrasion kit(which works, btw). It definitely does not produce crazy suds, no suds at all actually, unlike the advert. It seems to do a good job cleaning, although it requires at least 2 washes to remove my tinted moisturizer. Will use it again tomorrow morning and see how it feels. Smells good, by the way.

Regenerist is great too! Just the thought of it out performing even a $350 cream made me feel good smoothing it on! The smell is indeed very nice (thanks Liz!) and it does moisturize but does not leave a clinging, oily film on my skin. Will definitely re-purchase for these factors. However, it has a rather ouch-pricetag. Priceline had a 20% off, so I got it at $10 off the RRP.

I'll have to admit though that I think over time, the Neutrogena facial cleanser is going to bite the purse. Was thinking that I could perhaps use Dove's cleansing puffs as replacement? Dove's 28 pieces is selling at $10... whereas the actual Neutrogena refills at 30 pieces is at $14. Not much of a difference is it? I'm just being a cheap-skate. Although I would really love to purchase Dove's puffs to compare how it performs against Neutrogena.

Yeah, I shall do that. Next item on my list would be that. And perhaps some other products from the Regenerist range...? Perhaps a Day Lotion with SPF, and a serum?

Of course this would all happen only when good 'ol Priceline does a sale on them. :D

Have a good week!

Sincerely,
Frugal Pamkin

Walk the walk

2009-03-26T15:18:00.010+11:00

I did it. I walked to and from work. 45mins/way it took me. And yes, I was sweaty by the time I got to work. Wasn't fantastic but overall, it was alright. I meant my sweaty condition, not the walk.

The walk was actually pretty good, didn't expect to like it that much actually! Although I have to say, I'd really love to reach work earlier so I can jump into the shower. That would be a lot nicer!

On the way back for work, we'd pass a St Patrick's Cathedral and there is this particular white rose which is just so.. flawless!

Back to the cathedral, here's a small section of the ginormous building..

It's really lovely!

Anyway, we have had very little news about the poor car. It has yet been repaired, and I believe the insurance people are still deciding on where the vehicle would be sent to for servicing. Apparently it is because it is rather major. The impact has messed up with some other major bibs and bobs (aka: engine). Man-oh-man-oh-man.

Knitting wise, Tasha's cowl is looking rather well! Very happy with it, and the single-coloured yarn certainly shows off the pattern! (Sorry Tash, but this certainly isn't any surprise birthday present!)

Crash

2009-03-25T15:35:00.006+11:00

As Jay and I were travelling home from work yesterday, we got into an accident. A ute changed lane and didn't see us. Sigh. One of those things that happens. No one was hurt, although I think that the other driver was in shock. The car was towed away, because it was impossible to drive. The wheel had become somewhat oblong, and the car does the humping (tee-hee!) motion when it is forced to move.

Neither Jay and I are agro about it at all, however reality sank when I realized that we would not have a car to use for the next fortnight or so. Especially when I have a 6am start.

I had a late start today so I took the train. Jay decided that he was going to walk to work. Yes. Walk. And walked he did. It took him 40mins, and he quite enjoyed it. He walked home as well.

I've reluctantly agreed to walk to work with him tomorrow, actually, he would be accompanying me because I start at 6am, whilst he starts at 7am. Let's see how it goes. If I get all ugly by the time I reach work...... well, I'll only do the walk home.

Being a sad day, we took comfort in Dillon & Dexter. We took them to bed with us for a little play time, and thought I'd share this pic of Jay trying to make Dexter smile.

Stay safe people.

Bonds galore!

2009-03-22T15:37:00.006+11:00

Ok, the shop was rather fruitful! Didn't get anything from Myer, but got the Bonds goodies from BigW instead. I can't believe the price difference between Myer and BigW for the same Bonds items.So this was what I got for the little man. Felt like I bought a lot at the store, but looking at them now, it is only a few pieces. Will have to go hunting for more stuff next weekend.

Liz gave me an Easter gift.. awfully sweet of her, and this is what I got! (Thank you Lizzie!!!)

Check out a blow-up of the Japanese facial cleanser.... It says FACE SLIMMING FORM. Gotta try it out tonight! It is so unusual!

We went to Priceline as well and Avene is on a 15% discount (whoot!!!) so I'm DEFINITELY going this weekend. Hahaa! I had a play around the products and umm.. they smell great!

New work shoes!

2009-03-22T09:19:00.004+11:00

So, I had to retire my nearly-a-year-old Simply Vera flatties that my sis so kindly bought me when I was in Hattiesburg last year. I truly exhausted it, the threads at the sole are not only gone, but has worn. YEAP, the seams and all are all exposed, and are furry from all the friction.

So, I thought I'd purchase a cheap $20 pair of black flatties from BigW. I did see it, but I saw this Grosby instead. It was $39, leather upper and has a paddier sole than the $20 pair. Bargain I reckon... ka-ching! I went for a walk with it last night for dinner at Lygon St. It does rub at the ankle area but I was prepared with stickies. So, that was good because my skin was not irritated. :) Gotta break into them...

I've got a pair of Doc Martens mary-janes which I wear for work as well. Have worn for a good say, 7-8 times now? And I have not broken into them yet. :( A workmate Norah had told me once they are broken in, they feel much more comfortable than a pair of sneakers.

And oh, I've finished Jay's cowl, I'll need to hunt for buttons now. And seeing that I've finished his cowl and it turned out great, I'm going to knit Tasha one as well. A grey one for her birthday in June. Plenty of time to go... I've actually cast-on and have knitted about 13 rows of ribbing.

Have I mentioned how much I'm loving the new work? Not only is the workload lesser, I get a whole lot of me-time. :) Which translates to knit/crochet/quilt-time! Pay is still the same, which is ok I guess, as long as it doesn't go lower! Anyway, have had some spare cash lately as I've given a few of my dollies up for adoption. Hence the new shoes!

Today I'll be meeting Liz up for lunch and we're heading to Myer for some Bonds baby-wear shopping for Asher. I will be buying one-size up for him based on the measurements sis had given. This boy grows as quick as the magic beanstalk!

Boy is it great to have spare money. You can get whatever you like without even thinking too much about it!

No money = no life. Seriously.

Thermis Cowl

2009-03-15T15:26:00.006+11:00

Thanks to the gazillion knitting podcasts out there, I still bitten by the knitting bug.

To anyone out there who's into quilting, could you please-please-please start a new quilting podcast? Pleaseee...?

Bug has bitten deep 'cos last year, I have knitted (and completed, mind you) quite a heap of knitted items that went away as birthday gifts, baby shower gifts, and Christmas gifts.

I'm still quilting though. I don't think anything can pull me away from quilting. :)

Currently, I'm knitting the Boy a Thermis neck warmer by Kristen Patay. Saw this on Susan B Anderson's blog and fell instantly in love with it!

He's chosen this army camo yarn from Carnival, which is nice, however I'm not too sure whether the stitches would show as well.

December 11th

2007-12-11T11:36:00.000+11:00

2 weeks to the holidays! YEEHAR!!!

Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait!

Yarny goodness

2007-11-23T11:06:00.000+11:00

Knitting is good. Crochet is good too. I love knitting. I love crochet too.

Boy oh boy. The past few weeks have been a yarn-frenzy! From the time I last posted, I have made a dozen hats (seriously) in both baby and adult sizes, half a dozen of Blythe-sized beanies, and am in the midst of a crochet square pillow and a runched throw. I even made an iPod cozy for my nano! And also have swatches on the cork board. It doesn't help that my Ravelry invitation finally came. Oh man, so many projects, so little time!

And I have not even finished Gloria's wedding gift. But I have perfectly good explaination for that though, the shade of polar fleece I'm after is not available in stores right now.

Heck, not forgetting to mention the Housewarming Quilt for me and Jay. It's taking eons to hand-sew the edgings, it's starting to be quite the penance-project. Actually, it is a penance project. Everytime I pull it out to work on it, Jay would curiously ask "is it almost done?". It's been 7 months now since we moved in, and the darn thing isn't done yet. I have to admit, it's a gorgeous quilt, and I can't wait to use it too.

So while the weather is warming up like mad, and I'm busy with the knitting projects, poor Jay has to put on a brave head to try out the adult beanies that I've knitted for him. I've made him two merino beanies, and have made a mohair/acrylic beanie for myself. The rest of the beanies are for tiny heads. Seeing that my sister has not found out whether Peanut is a boy or girl, I've knitted beanies for both genders. Just to be on the safe side. Besides, babies are popping like mushrooms, I'm sure if Peanut is a girl (or boy), someone else would eventually have a baby in the other gender. Gloria, you reading this?

Next project though: socks. Not that I have any idea on how to work on the heel bits.. but I shall endeavour to find out. And then, crochetting granny squares. I used to dislike them, but funnily enough I seem to have new-found respect for this funny pattern. Am I getting old? Gosh I feel a lot older now with the birthday that just passed.

Speaking of which, I have a gazillion photos to take and load up. Gosh, buying batteries is such a drag..

X-Box / Crochet Night

2007-10-07T12:56:00.000+10:00

Last night Jay and I hosted a X-Box / Crochet Night at our place, and it was quite a blast! We had a pot luck dinner (Quen & Grace made some kick-butt claypot chicken), Jack and Eva bought a beautiful Laurent cake, and Jay and I made some lasagna. Jay was also the barman, shaking cocktails with the shaker that Tasha got us for our new home!

Tasha got not only the shaker (but some vanilla scented

candles as well, but that's not where this is all going..), she also bought me my birthday gift! Mono Comme Ca! Yeahhhh!!!! Thank you Tasha, am loving you a lot more now, you know that don't ya? *winks* Yeah, my birthday isn't till next month, however she has purchased MCC for me from Eva, and she brought her over last night! I'm naming her Natasha, simply because.... *swoons over Natasha*.

Eva asked me what her new name was, and she reckons that the name suits as well. Little Natasha was previously known as Sophie, however seeing that there's already a Sophie in the house, she has to be renamed.

MCC seriously has the most kick butt stock outfit, at least her straw hat fits. The straw hat from Candy Carnival is quite a joke. Seriously.

Oh Little Natasha... I love youuuu.... *coos*

*Ahem*

Right, back to the night. So whilst the boys were roaring their way with the X-Box, Grace and I had were crochet students for the night. Eva taught us how to crochet, and man, am I ever grateful to her for teaching me. When she showed me a beanie and said "you can get this done in 2 hours", I was horrified. That is just too quick for such intricate design!

So off Grace and I went, crochet-crochet-crochet until we each had a beanie all knitted up. We even learnt how to make the flower, and that was just all too cool!

Earlier this morning I got up and thought that I had to pen down the steps, else memory will fail me (Chia Ying can testify to this), and I ended up making the 2nd beanie in an hour. ONE HOUR. Holy moley, this totally ROCKS. Hahahahaa!!! After shuffling around the house for a while after breakkie, I gave in and made the third beanie, this time with a pom-pom.

By the way, whatever it was I said previously about not liking knitting, etc.. is no longer valid. Knitting (and now crocheting) rocks!!!

Jay seems to be quite supportive of the new found passion, seeing that our apartment is now overflowing with quilt tops.

Quilter not Knitter

2007-09-18T12:32:00.000+10:00

I can officially claim that I am indeed a quilter and not a knitter. Apart from the larger number of quilted stuff that has been made over the years as compared to the knitted stuff, I really do love quilting and patchwork a lot more! Although I really, really want to enjoy knitting too...

Why do I love quilting? Well, the entire quiting process is a lot more enjoyable! It's quite a joy selecting and buying bolts of fabrics and selecting the designs to patch! Cotton fabrics are nice to touch and they behave very well. And cotton, who doesn't love cotton?

Knitting yarns on the other hand is predominantly either animal or synthetically derived. Not that I have any trouble with these products at all! I love my baa-baas! Hihii! However yarn shopping is quite a chore at times! Too many selections to choose from, warmth level is difficult to gauge, and some wool can be irritably itchy!

I have to admit though that knitting wins hands down with its portability. It would be ridiculously silly to be lugging a sewing machine around on a train ride, or to sew in bed while watching Star Trek. *Live long and prosper*

Last Friday night I attempted knitting a pair of trial baby booties. Let's just say that it wasn't too successful. Knitting tightly with 5 sticks is quite an eye opener indeed!

However I will be persistant and try again... after I complete a new quilting project. Hiak!

The stork is flying to Mississippi!

2007-09-12T20:50:00.000+10:00

Now that it's confirmed, I can now go loud and proud! My sister is the lucky woman who's having a baby! And that would be MY niece or nephew! WHEE!!

Congratulations to Sissy and Bro-in-law! I'm sure everyone is still on Cloud Nine at the news of our little peanut!

This is really exciting, I am dying to be an Auntie! Wow, imagine that! Hahaa, this is really going to get some getting used to!!

There's going to be lots of fun planning ahead of this little fella on their end. And I know I will be busy with projects on mine! At the moment I can only envision projects in creme or neutral colours, but once we know whether it's a little girl or boy, the colour scope will broaden a bit! I am hoping to be able to knit some stuff as well apart from quilting, however at this stage, I am only able to knit rectangle/squares... I'm hoping by May next year I would have known how to knit in circles, decrease and increase stitches, otherwise our poor peanut is going to be wearing angular hats and clothes!! Hahhaa!!

This is all too exciting!!

September!

2007-09-10T12:15:00.000+10:00

In the blink of an eye, it's September. Actually, it's almost mid September. Daylight is a lot longer now, and it's not as much of a drag to go to work. Wait. Actually it still is. Har! It always is a drag. Am truly counting the days where I can tender my resignation letter. Yes, I know I've been procrastinating about this since day five when I first started (and that is nearly two and half years ago!) but I've finally set a deadline to leave. No more empty words, it's time for some action. What's planned after is still under lots of thorough planning, so that will all be revealed in due time.

About two weeks ago, Jay and I made a trip to Mt Hotham along with Amy, his ex-colleague. I didn't exactly go for the skiing or snow boarding, but took it as a relaxing getaway. The three-day, two-nights stay turned out really well, despite the accommodation itself put a damper into our moods. We stayed at the Arlberg, and it was quite a shocker. Sorry to say this, but it truly was. Unlike its name, it was more of a YMCA hostel kind of place rather than a nice quiet hotel. Nevertheless, it was quite a good holiday! I took all my UFOs and had what I wanted to finish all done up! Jay and Amy enjoyed it too, they snowboarded their rear-ends off, and came home all achey. And the view, umm.. it's absolutely breathtaking.

The knitted throw is still in progress. I'm starting to get a little impatient with it, seeing that I have some other projects in mind which I'm really anxious to start! Someone I know is expecting a baby, so I'm wanting to move to the next step and learn more to knitting. Not just the basic knit and purl. I know there is a yarn store in Malvern which offers knitting classes, but they are scheduled for Tuesday afternoons. And of course a quilt for the new addition as well! Whoopee!

Speaking of knitting, there is are two additional podcasts which I'm subscribing to, and that's 'Sticks and String' and 'Knitters Uncensored'. Am truly enjoying Sticks and String, and if you're into knitting, crochet or even spinning, chances is you would enjoy it as well.

Shiver Shiver

2007-07-18T16:52:00.000+10:00

What a cold week it is here in Melbourne. Yesterday, temperature was only 5 degree celcius at midday! Not sure how true this info is, but that was what I was told. Whether or not it was truly 5 degrees, it certainly felt like it! Frosty frosty Melbourne! And it hailed too. It's not normal to have temperatures so cold. A few places in country Victoria reported 5cm snow!

Tick-tock to the move to the new office! Can't wait to be in the new place, but I'm sure I'm going to miss the current place. Took some pictures of the office today, and will have it uploaded when I get home.

It's been a really nice and quiet week than usual, no complaints! Kids are back to school so I guess parents' are too involved with them at this time. Thank you kiddies!

It's Colombian Independance Day party this Saturday and I've got nothing to wear!!

Question: How do you look bubbly and party-ish in the middle of dead winter?

Great Saturday

2007-07-15T09:47:00.000+10:00

Had a really wonderful Saturday this week. We had a Blythe meet and a fabric purchase shortly, and later in the arvo, Grace & Quen, Jooli and Jack, Jay and I, along with Quen's brother Selwyn went for the Human Body expo at Flemington. It's really amazing, and strange as it seems, they don't feel like corpses, more like plasticky exhibits. http://www.amazinghumanbody.com.au/

Back to lovely bits... Got to see Gentle River in the flesh and she's really well made! There is quite a lot of attention to detail in creating her and Christina (of Team Sibley) said that the crocheted hats for the dolls are handmade. HANDMADE. Jeeps! Piccie on the left is the original Gentle River, who won the competition.

Well anyway after dinner, the guys had a night-long XBox session while the girls did what we know best (apart from crafting); talk. So the boys playeeeddd the whole night... and the girls chatteeeed the whole night.... Hehehh!

See you again soon Jooli! Have a safe and pleasant trip home!

Good Monday

2007-07-10T06:58:00.000+10:00

I found my METcard! Gee! And I didn't think I was going to find it!

I made a mental note to scan the entire 2km walkway that I take to work, and it completely slipped my mind until I was 2 houses away from the office. After some @*(&#! session in my head, I spotted a METcard on the floor, and that was MY METcard! Mine! Mine! Mine!

It has been drenched in the rain, and I think the magnetic strip is gone. But no worries, I'm sending it back to the MET people, and they will send me a replacement! Yay! Yay! Yay! Couldn't believe my luck!

Had a rather fulfilling weekend too. Grace came over for a stitching session and we stiched-chatted-stitched-chatted-shopped-chatted-ate-chatted a storm! We both made a bag each in the morning, and in the arvo Quen took us fabric shopping. She was telling me how Quen would rather sit in the car waiting, and funnily enough Jay would rather do that too. When Grace interrogated Quen as to his wait-in-car decision, he failed to convince us of the male-mind logic. I went home that night and asked Jay too, and his reasoning wasn't any better.

07-Seven-07

2007-07-07T15:14:00.000+10:00

It's 07-07-07 but I can't help feeling blue. This is supposed to be a good day, seeing that a lot of weddings are set on this date, and most of all, 7 is my favourite number.

Maybe it's just me and my slacking organisational skills, I feel I now have very little time for everything! And geez, Jay and I have no kids yet. And to think to have a monster or two to manage as well. Yikes!! At this rate I don't think I would conceive in bizzilion years. So, sorry honey you would need to coo at other people's babies; cos it just ain't happening with us anytime soon!

And I really wanted to do everything (crafts, meet-ups, shopping, house work, relaxing, organising) during the weekend, but lo and behold, I have to do some work from home. It's tax time and with the office moving, there is suddenly more things to do. I seriously wish we only have a 4-day work week. 2 day weekends is HORRIBLE!

And I stupidly lost my monthly MET card. My monthly train ticket which I had just bought 2 days ago. $100 down the drain.

I need some chocolate..

On the lighter side though, we went to Ikea to furnish our place a bit more and bought some shoe shelves. Uber cool I must shameless-ly say, and we also got a cork-notice board for my craft space. Am very excited and am still blank as to the bits of papers that would go up there.

And I finally finished Jay's double-layered flanette PJ pants. It's super-heavy, and I hope the elastic is strong enough to hold the pants at the waist! :X

The new quilt top is coming really well as well, so that's really good. The centre bit is all done, and am working on the borders. Will take some photos once it is all nice and ready. Which I will think will take several weeks (I hope not!) seeing that there's buttons that needs to go on the quilt as well. Egad!

And an update of the s the other (!) project. ..

Have a good day everybody!

Super Long Entry..

2007-07-04T20:51:00.000+10:00

And so, it's been a while again from my previous entry! Seeing that so many things has happenned since then, this will be a mega entry. So grab your cuppa and wriggle your bum deeper into your seat..

First off, the poker night went well! The guys had good fun and played a total of 3 games that night. I took the opportunity to knit more of the blocks for the throw and am happy to say that I'm currently on the 20th block (I think)! Am aiming to make somewhere along 100 - 144 blocks, and that very well depends on how determined I am!

In the meantime, I'm on two new quilt projects. One quilt will be for Jay and myself, a dark checked quilt and a pink quilt for a little girl. Not sure what I'm going to do with the girl quilt, will keep it for someone special, so for all you girlfriends out there, start having baby girls ok?? Actually, baby boys will do too... heh heh! Although I don't think boys would be too crazy about pink quilts (raises one eyebrow)...!

Oh yes, a big holla to my best friend Tasha, who had her birthday on 22th June! Happy Birthday best friend! She have some photos up on her blog (link available form my Buddies List) so check it out! And she has tons of fashion photos, so if you're into what's cool/in or what's not, you'd have to visit her site for ideas!

Speaking of birthday too, Makoto (my first Blythe) has turned 2 years old on 23rd June, and coincidentaly it is also Blythe Kenner's birthday! The Australian Blythe group nationwide organised state meets nationwide and we Victorians had ours in Malvern. The meet turned out really well, more than a hundred plastic girls attended, and there were a lot more who stayed at home! It was such a great meet, everything went flawlessly and all of us got to put-faces-to-names! Jamie and Sarah did a great organizing the meet so kudos to them! Jooli from www.jooli.com is in town for about 4 weeks, and she attended the meet as well. AND, last Sunday we were at Camberwell's 2nd hand market selling stuff, anything from 2nd hand goodies to handmade crafts. There were quite a bunch of us girls; Jooli, Grace, Kim, Wendy and myself. Grace is selling her Pollipop buttons and brooches, and you can find her on Etsy under the Pollipop name. Really cool stuff!

Next big news, I am now a mummy to a Kozy! Thanks Simone for letting me adopt her! Love youuu both! I have yet had time to take pictures of her so will have pics soon! She's named Chloe, just because. :)

Next month will be really exciting as we are moving office. The new site will be further from the city, BUT will be nearer to the train station! So that's really exciting! Shorter commute time for me, so that's really fantastic!

And the next exciting thing, SNOW! We're going to Mount Hotham this year, but as to when in particular.. no set dates yet. But yay, we're going! Am taking little Chloe for photos! That would be good!

Thursday tomorrow, 2 more days to the weekend! Oooh!

Clothes

2007-06-13T20:23:00.000+10:00

Hello bloggy world! Made a few pieces of items for the girls with the weekend fabric and am absolutely happy with them! Been busy at work, traffic is slowly coming in again.. grr.

This weekend Jay is hosting our first poker night at the new apt for the guys. That will be interesting... Needless to say I'll be a happy chook in the sewing room with more projects! My knitted throw is coming on really well, am on to my 12th block now!

Fabric Purchase

2007-06-10T16:37:00.000+10:00

Hahaa, what a funny day! The expo on at the Malvern Town Hall today wasn't a dolly expo, but of vintage collecting! Anything from stamps, newspapers, magazines (inc Playboy!) and biscuit tins!

Anyway it turned out a good day and I got some flanelette for Jay's PJ bottom and scored some cool mini buttons! Placed a pencil so you could just see how small these buttons really are!

And later on we went to Patchwork On Central Park and I picked some fabrics. I have *GOT* to make some dresses for the girls. It has been ages since I made anything for them!

Even though I didn't get my Betsy McCall, it wasn't so bad. I guess today just isn't her birthday!

Dollies

2007-06-10T07:10:00.001+10:00

The dinner with Amy went real well last night. We had Gurkha food and it was darn good! I've had my first (and only) Gurkha at Malvern 6 years or so ago and it was quite bland and I simply didn't like it. So I'm really glad that Amy took us there, Jay and I are so loving Gurkish (is this a word?) cuisine!
http://gurkhas.com.au/

This piccie is meant for Chia Ying, here are the girls in their full glory. Everyone is in their stock outfit, except for Sophie (seated right), she's FaPa. Tash, Brownwyn is seating chica in white boots and Yukita's the one with the two flowers on the sides of her head! Ashley is the one in the bear get-up. :D

And here's a current pic of Monica, she is donning her new Singapore Airlines uniform, and I think it's simply great (thanks Nat!!), just what I wanted!!

And, and oh! Just a little plug for KeyMistress' amazing new zakka store http://shop.zakka-zakka.com/ The fabrics are absolutely mouth-watering delicious!!

Long dismiss..

2007-06-09T09:06:00.000+10:00

Gee. So it has been a million years since I last posted! If it wasn't for Tasha's suggestion to post a fashion-based blog, I wouldn't have wondered into my Blogger! I think I owe it to everyone to go through some updates in Pamkin's life.

Nothing much has changed, still holding the same interests in the "My Favourite Things" department, still at the same job (and am truly starting to enjoy it!) and Jay and I have just purchased our first home together.

It's a 1 bedroom, 1 study city apartment and we are simply loving it here! We have not hosted a proper housewarming yet, but quite a few of our friends have popped over. Jay and I are planning to take some photos of the place, and have been meaning to do so for WEEKS. Geez, I am so slack. Yeah, I would say if there is any difference from the old me and the current me, the current me is so slack. Chia Ying would have dropped her jaw seeing that I was an organizer-neat-nut back in school.

This weekend is a long weekend, Queen's birthday falls on Monday so I'm very pleased with that (haha!). Haven't have much planned out, will most probably lounge at home knitting. Am currently on a living-room throw project. The idea is to knit 25sts square blocks and to then sew them up ala quilting style. So far am on my 8th block. Yeah,.. a long way to go!

Yes, yes, still into quilting, as a matter of fact I made a totally new zipper quilt from reproduction fabrics which I bought from www.patchworkoncentralpark.com.au and I have to admit, the project did burn a large hole in my pocket. Nevertheless, it was worth it. Now to have a professional quilter to machine quilt it for me... There you go, another item to my non-existant "To Do List". And another hole to burn. Jeeps!!

This will be a good long weekend. Have plans for dinner with Amy (Jay's ex-workmate) and tomorrow Eva, her husband Jack, and I will be heading to the Malvern Town Hall for a dolly expo. Me-want-get-Tiny-Betsy. Hiak!!! Jay's cousin, Arles will be popping over for breakfast tomorrow with his son so gee.. come to think of it, I do have my weekend all sorted out!

Hmm..

2006-05-13T12:28:00.000+10:00

I
A new dress for Monica.. :)

It's Mother's Day tomorrow and Jay and I are going to get Mother an electric blanket. Sounds like a funny gift I know, since everyone would have one, but she simply doesn't. It's one of the things that she shrugs off, something she doesn't need. Fair enough, but the fact that she gets cold so quickly doesn't sound like a sleep-bliss to me.

I haven't actually prepared much for my own mommie. I am definitely sending her gift to her very late, maybe late enough to coincide with Father's Day (the June one, not Sept!) because my old man's birthday is also around then. Anyway I was thinking of Dermanew home microdermabrasion kit. I have one and I absolutely love it. But I'm not sure if mommie will be any keen to use it. *ponders*

The prelimenary interview went great. Thank sissy for the job guide book, I have to say I overprepared, which is a good thing because I had a script to casually read out from. :) I'll have to wait till end of next week to get the results!

Today is a rather cloudy day. Charlotte is finally assembled and she's taken the opportunity to frolick in the backyard while Monica gathers more lavender. I'm so proud of Charlotte, I think she looks fab! Here's a shot of her taken by Monica.

Friday

2006-05-12T08:24:00.000+10:00

Ahh, it's Friday. My day off. But am feeling kinda crabby. Maybe it's because I have quite a few things that I need to get done today, and because I have a telephone interview for a new travel agent job with Flight Centre. Surprisingly, I'm not nervous about it (yet), however I do feel crabby. Maybe it's time to treat myself to something-something?

Speaking of which, I got myself a Coco and a Good Neighbour Cafe! Coco arrived yesterday and she is just soo lovely (and big!). She is the same body-size as Barbie so they can wear a lot of the same clothes. I made Monica her first dress yesterday, but I think it's too revealing in this chilly autumn weather. :)

The Blythe should arrive sometime today, and she's also part of my To-Do List. It's only 8:30am and I'm dragging a heavy heart. Nooo....

Saturday

2006-04-29T20:01:00.000+10:00

Whooeee! Got myself a pair of boots, yee-har! Am pretty happy with it, as you could probably tell.. :) It's black, knee-high, heeled (not wedged) and I just love it-love it-love it! Can't wait to wear them out! Speaking of legs, I wasn't too happy with the Leona Edmiston hoseiry that I bought about a month ago. Although it is pretty with the lacey bit that hugs the thighs, it's darn annoying. It does hold it up, it's just that it's annoying when walking, the darn lace just rubs on each other so much it's *annoying*. The Ambra one was wayyy better, and its very opaque as well! Such a shame though, I'd really wanted to like the Leona Edminston ones..

And seriously, while we are on legs, I wanna get myself (and Jay) a pair of bedroom slippers. Saw some nice ones from Peter Alexander's catalogue, I really have to get down to a store and see for them for myself beforehand. Why oh why are those darn ugg boots so expensive? And not forgetting to mention, very unfeminine?

And oh, guess who's wearing new boots now.. :) Lovely Chia Ying surprised me silly with this cute boots and my very first set of Sugar Mag clothes! Thank you so much Chia Ying! I loveee youuu so much, and the girls love you even more!!! (Note: Mandy's hogging them boots right now, will get a pic!)

After the successful birdie bag, I decided to give it a go with the polka dot one. It didn't turn out as nice as I expected, but oh well I'm happy with it.

I don't know what bag I'll make next. Earlier today on Knitty Gritty, I saw this creative British lady who creatively knitted a bag from plastic bags! It didn't look very tacky and it is such a good recycling thingee! That inspired me to knit bags from rafia strings, or nice ribbons, but erm ribbons are darn expensive to knit with! Perhaps I'll make and all-white one.. *ponders*

Am pretty glad with my crafty works this week, finally hemmed that new jeans and the leftover fabric became mini skirts for my dolls, hihii! And got cracking on the zipper quilt as well. I think I'm going to rename that Zipper Scrappy Quilt. As much as I hate making scrappy looking quilts, I am trying to use up my fabrics. I'm

Birdie Bag

2006-04-25T18:56:00.000+10:00

Ah, fantastic ANZAC Day. Man I love holidays!!

This is a birdie bag which was from the bag book, I'm pretty pleased with it and I'm actually gonna use it! It's rather 'soft' though, so for anyone out there who's gonna give it a go, put some kinda padding or fusible interfacing. And oh, don't skip the button part like I did. I ended up sewing hidden clasp-like buttons inside. *groan*

At the meantime, I'm debating on whether to get a Latte, Assa or Greggia Pullip. Grace's Rovam swooned me over about 2 weeks ago, they are just such darlings in person! Assa first grabbed my eye, but I've decided on Greggia. However Latte was always at the back of my head.. Jay confirmed that he prefers Greggia and Assa. Can you put your 2cents worth, just to help me decide? (Although I have a sick feeling I may end up getting all of them eventually...ARGH!!)

...sew...*ouch*...sew...