The Studious Stitch

how are you?

2013-04-04T02:19:00.000-07:00

This girl looks way hotter than me sick. Far out. How do people do that!?

I've been sick
Wait, I work with kids - when am I NOT sick!?

Seriously. One cold leads to the next.
But colds I can deal with, a little cough is fine.

But FLU’S! AGH FLU'S!
Fever, migraines, silly achy body- all mixed with cold symptoms.
Ew.
A week of flu conks me out unworkable for a week.

So. Not. Fun.

I'm not a very fun sick person, I winge. ALOT,
But hey, until I'm a Mumma and I’ve just got to get over it, it's all good.

To be honest though, i live in a share house, with just me and one other.
We aren't too often home together.
So i get NO sympathy votes, or extra love on that front.
Actually she did put my washing out and make me dinner on Monday.
I've been a little spoilt this time.

Currently:
My bedside/ Coffee table/ handbag somewhat resemble a pharmacy
My pillow and blankie are my besties... I'm like a wandering toddler.
No joke.
That and a box of tissues, in my hands at all times;
Ready for the apocalypse of phlegmageddon.

Wait- too much info?

Sorry.
Just count your lucky stars you haven't had to hang with me this week.
Seriously.

How have you been?

Has the nasty flu hit your house yet!?

Good riddance I’d say!

soul food.

2013-02-26T02:29:00.001-08:00

Seek

Always I am seeking.

Joy.

Heart is pressed into a battle of outlook.

To see the glass half full, the glass half empty.

Lips pour what the heart sings.

The souls search.

Vibrations creep through reluctant lips.

Muscles cringe at the tone.

Positivity is a force to be reckoned with.

Joy.

Putty in the palm of hands,

Slipping, grace catches the hem.

Word speaks of such pleasures.

There. Here. Now.

Grace, joy.

Flippant in the wind.

As a flag dances through seasons.

Perseverance through unknown

Utterances of pleasure.

Goodness.

Kindness

Hope.

Peace.

Grace.

Joy.

I am seeking.

A Wet-n-Wild Sunday School - Noahs Ark lesson with PDF

2013-02-23T00:40:00.000-08:00

LESSON PDF

Last week in Sunday school We started our new theme of Super Heroes.
The idea is that children learn all about each bible characters Super powers as we make our way through the bible. Super Powers are actually Character Qualities. Basically we want to teach our children to not just talk the talk but also walk the walk. This weeks Super Powers were: Believing, Obeying and Patience.

It was a very wet week as water play, shaving cream and paint found a way into our shuffle groups. But the children were more engaged and connected to the content than they have been for a while. One of our youngest chickadees (3 years old) went home and couldn't stop talking about "painting the big boat with all his kid's" as well as the "2 lions, 2 giraffes and water all around the boat". Cuteness factor is high!

I decided on reading a story book again, to allow those young ones an extra week of gentle breaking in. I wasn't exactly keen on the way the story was written and paraphrased and added things in a lot. But none the less it has good visuals and fun lift-the-flaps for the children. We then moved on to shuffle groups.

During our 'Shuffle' groups children move between three spaces encouraging an engagement of all brain areas to reinforce the weeks concept. These are entitled: Create (craft activity), Imagine (Role play/hands on imaginative activity) and Explore(sensory activity).

Create today started with a white hand drawn template made by me. A little tacky but i knew it wasn't the main focus so i was not concerned. The children then pasted on an ark i cut roughly from paper bags (I've provided a template for you in this weeks PDF) and sponged blue paint over top for the water followed by a little man stamp made from left over craft foam and a milk bottle top (hot glued together). The Kid's loved this and it was particularly good for those younger children. The older children also chose to draw/colour a little on it with texta.

Imagine was a lot of fun and super popular. Children colored purchased ($3 from crazy clarks- similar ones also available at K-mart for the same price) animal masks and then acted out the story of Noah in the big cardboard cut out i had made the day before. I had also provided a little tool bench with toy tools and blue cellophane for the children to use as water. This activity was very well received and children spent alot of time here.

Explore was messy to say the least, the squeals of delight and gushing flow of water off the end of the table was enough for me to judge that the kids really loved it. I started this activity with big tubs of soapy water with containers animals and laminate pictures of noah, the ark and a rainbow. I got my pictures from the hyperlinked sites. About halfway through the first group rotation i noticed it was enjoyed, but a little dull... so i added shaving cream... which upped the enthusiasm times 1000000.I'm just glad i had wonderful helpers who were very dedicated in the clean up ! I'm amazed how sparkling they got the room after the big flood.

Although Noah is a beautiful classically told bible story I've been amazed how little i teach it to the chickadees, i have so much resource for it and there are a lot of create ideas available. Sometimes getting back to basics is so essential in realising God's love and sacrifice for us.

A day in Sunday School: Child of God Lesson with PDF

2013-02-16T05:55:00.001-08:00

This year I want to try and share with you a little of what I do on a Sunday morning.

It’s hectic.

It’s messy.

It’s busy.

It’s crowded.

It’s love.

It’s Jesus.

It’s compassion.

It’s culture.

It’s colourful.

It’s impacting.

Two weeks ago I did my first lesson of the year – which is usually a get to know you kind of lesson, super easy, super basic, usually just about Gods amazing love.

The first lesson of the year is when older crèche kids move up. Basically, 3 and 4 year olds [who’ve never sat in on any type of lesson in their life] join the [was settled at the end of the previous year] group. I’d call it a party week; you never know what’s going to happen.

Our lesson this year included an interactive reading of “God knows all about me” – the children love this book I get them to do all the actions including shouting and jumping.

If you don’t have this in your collection – Go buy it – NOW! It’s heaps affordable at $9.99 from Koorong.

I recommend for creche (0-3years) up to Year 1 (3-7 years).

Similarly in the past I've also read "One special me" which i have an incredible soft spot for- as do the kids.

It's a wee bit more expensive at $17.99 from Koorong, but totally worth the investment. This book is also recommended birth to 8 years and could fit easily into a primary curriculum.

During our 'Shuffle' groups children move between three spaces encouraging an engagement of all brain areas to reinforce the weeks concept. These are entitled: Create (craft activity), Imagine (Role play/hands on imaginative activity) and Explore(sensory activity).

This particular week i made things VERY simple. I didn't want to overwhelm the new little dears.

SO
Create involved making a collage craft of themselves on Pre-cut body cut-outs. Aren't they just the cutest!

The children pasted these onto a piece of paper with the bible verse 1 John 3:1 on them.

I have provided a downloadable PDF document with five different variations for you.

Children were able to use small fabric cuts, texta's, wiggly eyes and buttons to make the craft.

Imagine was not a structured activity today, i allowed children to have free play in the play corner for there turn at this station. This was for a nice transition for the creche kids who are used to playing the entire time.

Explore was also a very simple activity today with just play dough, rollers and cutters and a laminated body cut out for children to make themselves in play dough. This simple play dough activity i do a variation of quite frequently and children love having the body laminate as a guide.

You can use page 3 on the available pdf to use as your play dough laminate, otherwise i just cut up some of those "family" people cutouts, stuck it to a small square of coloured paper and laminated - no printing necessary.

We ran out of time for a song at the end of this particular Sunday but i would've probably only sung a beautiful classic with the young ones: "Jesus loves me this i know".

I loved this lesson! Children were excited and engaged, they loved the story, the opportunity to play, spent a long time at play dough and all wanted to make sure they got to make a craft of themselves. They left knowing that they were children of the most high God, and he loved them eternally no matter what.

This guilt.

2013-02-12T02:55:00.003-08:00

I am worn.

When am i enough?
When is my work enough?
My service enough?
My friendship enough?
when have i done enough.

Last Friday i found myself taking on the stress of my own issues. You know not letting go, not letting God.

I listened to my friend bring up one of those God box topics and pry.

That's what it was, it was prying- she was trying to stir me into action, but hadn't heard what had already been done.

enough.

It's a God situation - not an Emily situation.

But something she said stirred me- i took up what had already been laid down.
my strained voice, choked with emotion whispered. There's just nothing that i haven't tried, I've done everything i can.

I never uttered the word enough

never spoke positive words into being.

No i let myself sit in filthy guilt.

But guilt isn't welcome in my life, it eats me alive.

The fact of the matter is, my burdens are too heavy for me.

But they aren't my burdens to carry.

I've given them up- handed them over to someone who's already paid the price.

Guilt, be gone.

I couldn't do my life without salvation.
Guilt would encamp me, for guilt leads to stress and stress breakdown and breakdown leads to health decline.

Simplify, declutter.
Let guilt be passed on the those whose shoulders are strong to bear.
His life paid the price.

From little things big things grow...

2013-02-03T02:57:00.001-08:00

I've got this learnt talent.
Something to do with the teaching of chickadees so often.
I've learnt to block things out.

You know the relentless Miss Emily, Miss Emily, Miss Emily - it eventually just get's beyond annoying.
Sometimes i feel a little like the pied piper, often with a trail of kid's following close behind -offering helpful hands, showing off little masterpieces, asking permission to use the bathroom/wash hands/ breathe.

It's not that i don't offer enough encouragement and support - in fact perhaps it's because at times I've tried to spread myself too thin. There's usually a lavish supply of willing and able helpers- they just aren't Miss Emily you see.

Today we sat down, we settled, we were in a semi-settled/ semi-distracted state, discussing things that needed prayer. Are these the same Kid's that i had to baby step through prayer less than two years ago !?
Healing, thanks, praise and needs- no prayer area was missed. In fact i was thinking I'd best try to hurry along to the praying part so the planned lesson wasn't wasted. It was at this point where in my heart i was amazed at the difference this past year had made in our little prayer allocated time. These kid's were no longer just trying to tell me whatever stories of what had happened the past week, or what they ate for breakfast. They got it. They asked, offered thanks, praised, believed for healing. But my head was telling me to press forward, we needed to get things done, the younger ones were probably getting bored- my leaders probably unimpressed by what seemed like babble out of these babes mouths. Those scraped knees, birthday parties, friends with asthma- they are real and BIG in their world.

"Okay" i said "let's pray, eyes -" i was interrupted by a young boy, who is known for speaking up at inconvenient times, "you didn't hear what i wanted to pray about". I was on a mission, we were going to pray- NOW. "How about you tell me later, and we can pray about it later" His eyes pleaded with me, the sincerity and determination in his voice unwavering "it's a thank-you prayer, i want to pray about it now".

MY mind and my head did some serious somersault wrestling. "how about later?", "it needs to be now" my head caved, my heart won over- "okay, what is it?".

"I want to pray to say thank you for my Mum, Shes been given a baby in her tummy- my family has been praying for a long long time, so we need to say thank you".

What an incredible thing to be thankful for - the gift of life. What a faithful and committed family. What a beautifully blessed child, had my ears been shut, closing out all those fiddly things that keeps me from my schedule- i would've missed out on the greater blessing.

Sometimes when our heads are set on one goal, we miss out on the greater blessing that the holy spirit has set aside [in the little nudges] for our lives. IN the midst of chaos, as the BIG stops from seeking joy in the little, are your ears open to the greater blessing from seemingly little things; are they placed in the too hard, too busy, too stressed, too much, too annoying, too distracting box!?

Let your children speak the holy spirit into your hearts, let coffee catchup be an opportunity of impact, let trips to office works be an opportunity to bless the lady who's struggling with the photocopier.

This Kid get's it, he gets it because his parents recognised the power of prayer, he gets it because (after heart/head debate) his Sunday school teacher gave him the opportunity to share his thanks. He can Rise up and call his mother blessed and in doing so bless others.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” [Proverbs 31: 25-18]

The one where I run from my woes and don't apoligise

2013-01-06T15:28:00.002-08:00

I'm not going to lie- in fact I'm going to be the first one to admit it. I'm Emily and I'm a terrible procrastinator. I'm traveling again with a pile of stuff that I've got to do both whilst I'm there and when i get back, aren't i just a treasure.

Miss E

I'm jumping on a plane again, heading over to see my sisters and their families. Christy and Luke and Miss E have just moved, so will be delighted with my company amidst the chaos (wink) and Jess and Andy- well they're ganna drop a baby any day now.I will be the cherry on top hanging around in the final days like a hot red rash [I'm really in the mood for beautiful analogies today].

Christy and Miss E

Jessica, Christy and Miss E

Having sisters is the best, most the time when we're all together for extended periods of time, we blow a few fuses. But all in love. we're all so far apart that when we get together, we spend a lot of time together- so the blowing fuses thing - totally understandable and that thing that you don't get to do with normal friends, so yep that too is nice- in retrospect.

Christy and Miss E

On the plane with Cand Miss E- Travelling to a wedding.

The majority of the time though when i travel across Australia, we just do normal things, a lot of shopping, a lot of coffees, a lot of chilling out and that is the best break from normal crazy life.

Jess, when she was only growing a mango- now it's a watermelon.

I miss the little things when we are apart, the coffees, the dropping in, the having someone to do your hair. I miss seeing my neice (soon to be neices) grow up, their early steps and words, their giggle and hugs. It's all a challenge but it makes seeing them all the more valuable.


Jess and Me at my birthday dinner

The old me would have pre-apoligised to you my dear readers, but I've moved on from that.
Here's the facts - it's my crazy busy stressful intense life. I do what i need to remain a normal person. I take time away from blogging- alot.
But blogging isn't my life, it can be a reflection of what goes on in my day- but it's not my life, it doesn't define or control me.
So I'm on holidays, i may be a horrible blogger whilst I'm away, i might be amazing but at the end of the day what matters most is that I've managed to take time to truly live.

The one where I steal colour swatches

2012-12-29T00:09:00.005-08:00

If you're anything like me purchasing paint, decor, linen and interior items must both be purposeful and connect with the current colour and pattern themes in the home.

Somewhere along the way I went paint shopping and brought home a stack of swatches that matched the colour theme I had already/ aspired to create.

I widdled Down my stack to three core- beige, white tone and aqua colour (my colour theme has since changed, with the third colour being a variety of colour flourishes). Then because I was obsessed with laminating I decided to laminate them because well- there was nothing else to laminate ...

This is where the most brilliant of ideas was birthed.

Why not have laminate swatches in my wallet, for those times when interior design is somehow worked into my day !

I trimmed those swatches until all three fit onto a credit card sized laminate- and now they play a truly essential role in shopping for pretties !

Merry Christmas

2012-12-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday JESUS!

On the go wrapping

2012-12-23T19:57:00.001-08:00

My absolute favourite thing to do at the moment is wrapping a gift. It's not the fact that I'm good at it - I'm not, I'm quite a terrible wrapper really it's the design part I can't get enough of . Life's been busy to say the least so my creative time is few and far between, but gift wrapping oh precious gift wrapping ties me over !

You know those times when your not quite as organised as you thought or your days fly into one another- well recently that's been me - all the time !! I've got the wrapping stuff organised at home into a basket and some wee little jars, but when it comes down to it, I'm often seen running into stores to grab some ribbon and wrapping paper so I can wrap in the car.

Well after buying a third set of wrapping scissors and sticky tape enough was enough I decided on a solution... The wrapping centre - travel sized !

I've included in it just basic essentials: scissors, sticky tape, curling ribbon (usually though I would use fabric ribbon) , tissue paper, paper gift bags as well as a variety of cards and gift tags. It all fits nice and snug inside a plastic ziplock document envelope and in my car glove box ! I've never been so excited about on the go gift wrapping !

[hashtag] insta connect

2012-11-12T02:43:00.001-08:00

Source: thenorba.com via Tancredi on Pinterest

If for some reason you've missed my previous gazillion posts where i tell you where to find me around social media land. You really haven't missed anything. You see, my facebook page is neglected, twitter non-existant, pinterest makes me giddy- but instagram, oh instagram how i love thee.

FIND

studiousstitch

ADD

COMMUNICATE

done.

You see instagram is my precious. i connect with fellow bloggers, follow their story in real time as they follow mine and somehow learn about my readers on a whole new level. You add me, i add you. That's how the story goes. The rest is history ;).

@studiousstitch

#operationcommunication

#connectedbloggers

#bloggercommunity

My challenge this week is to connect with 10 blogger's and readers if possible on instagram by adding, commenting and spreading the hashtag love.

you should definitely join the challenge :)

[in other news pinterest now has secret boards. they've regained my trust]

When it pours, He reigns.

2012-11-12T01:49:00.001-08:00

There's this saying that's been in my mind these past few weeks.

When it rains, it pours.

My body has felt as if it's been dragged behind a trucks for several hours.

Right now I'm fine, my body seems as though it's going to work itself out- but I'm facing the carnage of physical pain.

People who face real physical pain and find joy in their days, you are STRONG, you are COURAGEOUS, your beauty is worth far more than rubies.

If there's one thing this season of pain has given me, it's a fresh passion for life- for wholeness and health.

Don't get me wrong i probably won't go out and start running marathons and eating organic. Probably because quite frankly i still am not allowed exercise and i wouldn't be able to afford organic even if i wanted to.

But i have a fresh energy for valuing self. valuing age, skin, body image, time, relationships, money, our hearts, God.

Dealing with physical pain has a mega impact on self worth, and truly does mess with your mind.
It's not so fun sitting in the doctors office wondering whether or not you will be able to continue working, whether you will have the money to sustain doctors visits, tests and medications if need be, whether anyone would find you attractive with this kind of medical history and for some the question Why God !? would frequent the thought radar.

You don't really realise how important an individual body part/ function is until it's taken away. When something so foundational as your knee starts to fail you, you can't walk, you can't jump, you can't bend, you can't kneel, your can't get down on the floor without help, you can't get into the car without severe pain, you may not be able to drive, you can't sit with your feet on the floor, you can't pick up a child, your can't stand up to worship with the church, challenging is the nice way to put it.

Did you also know, that after the first initial complaint- people expect you to not complain- and still continue normally with life. That's right, life doesn't stop- it just get's more challenging.

This post isn't supposed to be from the complaining perspective but from the informative one. People are in more pain than i have been, all the time, everyday. To top it off, instead of the pain eventually dissipating, people are given a hopeless prognosis. Pain increases, life rapidly decreases. It is not fair that the rest of us look on and say, yeah they probably won't live- but hey that's their lot in life.

I've learnt that a word of encouragement is sweeter than honey. I've learnt that people who don't pity or judge for how your react to your pain- allow you to grow inside. I've learnt that a brave face is not always an option, but a necessity. life goes on.

My pain is nothing compared to the price paid for my sin.

I have no right to complain, my word's fall on hard ground.

This week i have been challenged to stand firm. to stand in the rain. to seek joy. to seek conviction and connection.
I am humbled by the abundance of grace, the healing in His presence and the blessing of taking a break.

IN the midst of the storms, in the midst of pouring soaking rain, God's word and promises are exuded and planted into and out of my life. His purpose ensues.

Joshua 1:9
Have i not commanded you be strong and courageous; do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

7 Christmas Sensory Ideas you probably haven't seen before.

2012-10-20T03:14:00.002-07:00

* I co-ordinate the children's ministry for my local church. This involves 3 different groups 0-3.5, 3.5-8 and 7-12 years. My focus group is the 3-8 years. The following activities is used for this age range. *

Searching around the net for sensory idea's relating to Christmas proved more difficult than you would imagine. It's not the fact that their aren't a trillion idea's floating out there, because believe me there are. It's the fact that most of them would only engage my kid's for about point 5 seconds and that is not long enough.

It is a little maddening having to come up with innovative idea's all the time. But somehow i managed to do it!

So here's the 7 sensory activities that will be keeping my Kid's busy this term:

1. Christmas Feast: Rice and green lentils with a few cooking/ eating utensils.Children can make their own traditional Christmas feast.

2. Decorating the tree: This is a handmade tree out of card stock with grooves to place decorations on, i placed one on highest branch, two on middle, three on lower. This way it mixes number with fine motor skills and Christmas topic of choice. For decorations I'm using a bunch of handmade candy canes i got the kid's to make in 2010 that have been sitting in my store room.

3. Make an Angel: this box is a whole bunch of little ribbon off cuts i found lying around (who knew i had soo many!!) with dolly pegs, children can use the ribbon to decorate the dolly, or just feel the various ribbon textures.

4. Making Garland: This activity stems from having a box that was labeled Pasta and rice but ended up being left over necklace making supplies! Children can practice their threading skills with the pasta and patty pans.

5. Preparing presents (or Stuffing the stocking): This Activity uses leftover beans from a bean bag, baby formula scoops and random gift bags I've had lying around for two years. Using the formula scoop kid's transfer beans from tray to bag.

Beans are the most incredible sensory objects I've used, kid's just cannot get enough of them!!

6. Christmas noise: Rattling seed pods and bells make up the Christmas noise box, kid's can explore their sounds, texture, shape or just have a play with them.

7. Celebrate Jesus: This is probably my most random tray, bet you've never thought of using tassels in a sensory activity!!!!! Well neither had i until i found quite the stash of them left over from costumes for church plays over 10 years ago!!! I used assorted size and colour pom-poms, tassels, pegs and cups (for sorting) in this tray. In this activity children can sort pom-poms/ tassels according to size/colour/type using hands or pegs to pick them up with.

So there they all are my 7 sensory trays you've probably never seen before, I've randomly lined each tray with Christmas wrapping paper to really keep the Christmas theme going!

This is the little poster i pop up so leaders know what kid's can do with them.

Comment AWAY!

* Do you know of any super awesome sensory idea's for kid's (specifically in the 3-8 year old age range)

* What Christmas activities are you doing to get your Kid's excited for Christmas?

Mozzarella, semi-dried tomato & chorizo filo pies

2012-09-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

So somewhere within the student lifestyle I have gained the ability to cook a repertoire of lazy unhealthy foods. This annoys the poop out of me!

I really would love to cook more healthily and with a wider variety in meals but I have three major factors against me: time, money and fridge space.

So I’ve given myself a little challenge as of late: to cook at least one thing from a recipe a week.

I cannot commit myself to anymore than this partly because of the above mentioned and partly because some weeks I find I’m out 7 days a week early morning until late night.

This week’s recipe I spotted in the latest Delicious magazine.

Mozzarella, semi-dried tomato & chorizo filo pies.

How would you describe the end product:

A fluffy quiche like centre with a crumbly filo outside. This recipe is Flavoured with a strong Mediterranean taste from the combination of chorizo and semi-dried tomato.

How accurate was the recipe:

5/5 Exceptional.

What was the difficulty of the recipe:

1/5: quite simple and straight forward.

How much did you spend on the recipe:

$33 all ingredients purchased from Coles with plenty left over for a second batch.

What challenges did you face:

This week I was more daft in my decisions and the recipe had nothing to do with that. It was quite a straight forward recipe.

I filled up the filo a little too much and it spilled out absolutely EVERYWHERE! Leaving the house smelling like I’d burnt it pretty hectic instead of a heaps yummy wafting scent.

What did you differ from the recipe:

I didn’t have a Texas Muffin Pan so decided to just use a regular muffin pan, this made 7 smaller portioned filo’s instead of 4 but I could have made another 2 and avoided the mega explosion. For the filo I cut in half the filo sheets again (quartered normal sheet x4)

I accidently forgot to add semi-dried tomato to 5 filo’s and only remembered before the final two. This made a blander taste but was still quite scrumptious.

What would you do differently next time:

There is definitely potential to add more ingredients into the filo it has a Mediterranean type taste so anything along those lines would work.

I may add salt and pepper as well.

How would you most likely use this recipe again:

As a Lunchbox meal (Although suggested as a dinner meal).

One word to some up the end product:

Delicious.

Parting comments:

Although these are scrumdidliumptious they are also super crumbly (thanks to filo) I highly suggest little fingers or even biggens eat OUTSIDE !!

Make these little gems ahead of time freeze, then defrost as required.

putting burdens to rest.

2012-08-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

I need not rant about busy days, i need not speak of exhaustion and weariness.
We've all been there, For Mummas it's endless, for workers monotonous and for the timid it can be overwhelming.
But in the busy, if we are able to seek Joy- It is something so special and time soon becomes a rich array of enjoyable activities, the mundane- exciting.

Isaiah 40:31
"Even youths grow tired and weary, even young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

I'm not sure if I've told you this, but I'm working now. I'm a working woman, and still i have the same other commitments as before. so somewhere and somehow i have simply found an extra 24 hours!? How this happens i don't know, but as i dwell in the Lord fuzzy days become clear, Studious nights productive, sunny mornings restful, Saturdays productive and Sundays reflective.

I am at peace with the fact that i can no longer blog as i please, visit friends each day or i can no longer say yes to everything. The sheer magnitude of God making me Able is both a reality and my dependance.

Foundations.

If i were to put my trust in time, it would soon fail me.
If i were to put my trust in money, it would quickly dry up.
If i were to put my trust in life, death would have a hold over me.
If i were to put my trust in leaders, wayward decisions would sway me.
If i were to put my trust in relationships, my heavy laden heart would overcome.
If i were to put my trust in religion, legalism would encamp me.

If i were to put my trust in rest, life would escape me.

Foundations is what you trust to build your life upon.

Matthew 11:28-30
”Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

My Hope is Built on Nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.

tired.

2012-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm tired. Not from life, hold your horses!!!
I've just finished putting together my new bed !
Remember this post- yeah how could you forget i haven't posted since then and that was almost a month ago.
Well i finally decided on a bed after many hours looking and searching and wandering and thinking.
I walked into a store I'd walked into a million times over with no intentions of actually purchasing, happened upon a mega bargain on a bed I'd never before gave a second glance, total opposite to my fussy "requirements" and handed over the cash that instant!

Even though I've been looking at bed's for quite some time, i would most definitely call it an impulse buy.
But for the first time since searching i stopped thinking about what others would think or say about my choice and why i wouldn't love it in a year etc. etc. I just went ahead and bought a bed i liked at a bargain price- not actually sure if i love it, but i definitely like it.

Yep i bought i metal frame i specifically emphasized the fact that i would never get a metal bed again! I think God must be having a giggle. But rest assured i made the salesman promise and prove to me the bed would not squeek or money back garuntee. Yep he's a salesman so you betcha he persuaded me!

I bet your wondering how much i ended up paying for it seeming as i shared all my financials in the first post.
okay here goes- i paid $399!!!!! you want to know what i would've paid full price? sure you do - $950!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy amazing more than 50% off bargain!!! admit it you would've bought it just for the discount too!

So now i will ask What do you think?

Don't freak out about the bedside and bookcase these are on my list to replace before the end of the year (bedside actually belongs to housemate and i bought the bookcase for a grand total of $15 to match when i had an ensemble).

Also excuse the chaos under and on the bedside/bookcase. I live, therefore i create more mess than i can keep up with!

On a side note i actually have a double mattress on this queen frame as i decided to purchase my mattress separately next week, this way i wouldn't be swayed by the salesperson.

Is it a bed you would buy? Does it look childish? does it look grannyish? tell me your thoughts, it's okay I'm tough i can take it (that and the fact there is no way i would pull it apart to return it just because people didn't like it)

Follow me wednesday

2012-07-26T01:55:00.002-07:00

You guys are too good to me! I mean seriously- i've been completely hopeless at blogging at all this past 6 months. I guess my priorities have changed. So of course i haven't yet posted follow me wednesday... and it's a thursday... because that's how awesome i am!

Link up peeps!!!

Welcome to Follow Me Wednesday Blog Hop!

3 Four and Under The Studious Stitch The Fontenot Four are proud to bring you {Follow Me Wednesday} Please remember to tell your friends! The more the merrier! Thank you for linking up each week, we really appreciate it!

This is a wonderful way to meet new people and follow some awesome blogs!

Here is what you do!

1. Please add your blog address to the blog hop list.

2. Please follow the host and co-host blogs! 3. We would love you to tweet about the blog hop.

4. Please place the Follow Me Wednesday button somewhere on your blog

5. If you are new to this hop, Welcome, and please leave us a comment and we will be sure to follow you back!

6. Then, visit the other blogs on the list.

Follow them if you would like.

Please leave them a comment telling them you are visiting them from {Follow Me Wednesday}!

We all love comments!

Please link up family appropriate blogs only, any blogs that are not family appropriate will be deleted

HELP please

2012-07-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Alright i need opinions ... and help
I need a new bed, but on a tight budget.

But i'm totally OCD about these things and have a few factors i keep in mind at all times.

* Budget is $500
* I would love to be able to afford "quality" timber - none of this miss mash rubbish, but chances of that happening are quite slim.
* I might possibly go for an ensemble if i can't find the right timber one
* White would really match my style and room but the only ones i can find are made from poor quality timber.
* I really want a bed head, I've only had one for a few short months before and was so sad to go back to a standard ensemble after- theres something comforting about knowing your bed's got your back... and not the wall.
* If i found the bed i loved and it was second hand within budget i would buy it (only the base though, could never ever do that for the mattress, EVER!)
* I would like it to elude a sense of elegance and class... none of this student or poor person look (even though i am probably actually classed in that category.)
* Metal is REALLY NOT an option, i had a very very bad experience on one involving having literally no sleep for months on end!
* It needs to be queen in size.
* Locally the two most affordable furniture stores are Fantastic Furniture and Super Amart - but these have literally no range. I can also drive to IKEA.
* I already have the mattress sorted, on a separate budget

Here are a few i don't mind and tick A FEW of my boxes

BIRKELAND bed frame from IKEA - $539

I like the colour and the classic style, but am concerned about the quality and the price seeming as it would cost an extra $60 to get it home.

$100 over budget

HEMNES bed frame from IKEA -$299

I feel as though this is the same (not so crash hot) quality, of almost equal impressiveness and 200 less! I also need to factor in around $60 to get it home though!

I'm loving the fact it doesn't look as bulky, but on the downside i think it does look a little cheaper (not student cheap though- yay!)

$140 under Budget

ASPELUND bed frame from IKEA $189

Cheap, most probably nasty- But hey at 250 under budget (after travel expenses) you can't go wrong... or you can and just upgrade in a few years time.

$250 Under Budget

SVELVIK Bed frame from IKEA $339

I actually love this old "antique" style, but alas- it is metal and inevitably will end in me sore and sleepless... never a good combination mixed with an Emily- so it's just here to look pretty.... maybe you can purchase and i could live vicariously though you?

$100 Under Budget

ELEGANCE bed frame from FANTASTIC FURNITURE $499

I guess the name kinda fits my criteria right? I really do love this bed, but when i went in store i was super disappointed by just how poor quality it was. I guess when you have a tight budget you've just got to expect that. But other than that i love the style, i actually almost marched in and bought it the other week, but decided to wait.

Right on Budget

DRIFTWOOD Bed frame from FANTASTIC FURNITURE $499

For a while there i was also super keen on this one, thinking i loved the rustic colour- more recently though i've been having second thoughts. I'm not sure whether or not i wan't my bed frame to have colour in it? I've never actually owned a bed frame only ensembles, so am a little sceptical.

Right on Budget

NORMANDY bed frame from FANTASTIC FURNITURE $599

Now this one i'd buy because of how solid it is, i'm serious. I went in store and this one was just so sturdy! That extra 100 really does make the difference, i really feel i'd buy this one to last the years, not so much to suit my current style. I do like it though...

$100 Over Budget

RIDGE bed frame from Super AMART $249.95 (on sale- limited stock)

I like the fact that this one looks as though it's made out of real wood (as does the previous bed), but i'm really not sure my OCD would like colour... and i still think it looks a little cheap- if i'm going to get a cheap looking bed, it's got to be pretty :)

$250 under Budget

ASHANTI bed frame from SUPER AMART $449.95 (on Sale Limited Stock)

I'm loving the mega 300 dollar discount on this one, and it's a pretty cool interesting bed. I'm not 100% sure about the dark wood colour, but more recently my furniture has been this colour (due to my borrowing of others furniture - that's a story in itself), and i actually haven't minded the change- my only concern is i won't like it in a few months/years time.

$50 Under Budget

PINEHURST bed frame from SUPER AMART $449.95

Another "solid" bed - not for looks, it' definitely not as solid as the FANTASTIC FURNITURE one though, but i still categorise it similarly. Not so sure i would purchase this one, but it's always an option.

$50 Under Budget

GLACIER bed frame from SUPER AMART $429.95

Ahh the old motel style bed, i think this would annoy the OCD in me. I don't mind it, but i really really don't love it- you get my gist? But hey it's white, but probably made from miss mash wood under all that gloss. Not really a winner but it's not the worst i've seen by a long shot.

$70 Under Budget

SO now this is where you come in, I'm stuck- do i got for looks or practicality, do i get the cheapest and save money now or do i go a little over budget to ensure it lasts the years (but i guess even then no garuntee), have you seen any other affordable bed's around the inter web that i need to check out, what's your favourite ????

Comment below, let me know - HELP ME!

Big decisions obviously aren't my forte' !

W&T#1- Tyre Pressure

2012-07-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever discovered something that should really be, profoundly obvious?

I have just finished sending my car off for the last off repairs following my negligence to maintain something so simple even i could do it.

have you ever seen one of these things... you know those funny little boxes with hoses coming out of them at the petrol station?

In Australia this is a pretty typical one at a BP. Aren't they clever even labelling it with AIR.

Well good old me thought you only needed to worry about that if you had a bicycle, maybe even a motorcycle.

But as for a car, i thought it just magically retained tyre pressure.

That was until i heard a ticking noise every time i went around corners..

lot's of mulah later and a new CV joint thingy.

But it wasn't then that i discovered i had neglected my poor tyres it was the following day when i put my car in for a rotate and balance when i realised i also needed three new tyres (replaced less than a year ago), a rack arm and a wheel alignment.

Apparently you need to keep your tyre pressure a lot higher than 16 on a Honda Civic ... try double that - 32.

The mechanics stared at me in absolute disbelief when i told them i had no idea how i was supposed to put air in my tyres but only proceeded to tell me the damage it does to your car and that once it's below 20 it pretty much ruins everything. who knew!?

So i went home a little bewildered, a twensy bit embarrassed but pride still in tact - i am a woman you see, i'm not expected to know this stuff- and asked my housemate how it is air get's into tyres.

She started in hysterics but eventually this lead to understanding, where she explained it all in woman language.

So that AIR sign and the funny little box with the hose attached is not just for decoration.

Nope - you can put the number that you need for your tyre pressure on the screen (in my case 32), get the little hose- unscrew that little nozzle that comes out of your tyres and pop the end of the hose on securely. Then guess what !? The little box beeps when it's done, how easy is that!!!

I asked a friend who knows a bit about cars how often i'm supposed to do this.... after they too had a giggle they explained that once a month was adequate. Wouldn't you know!!!

Here's a little diagram i found on the inter web showing what over, under and normal inflated tyres look like:

Oh i feel quite daft every time i miss something as essential as this, but there's no better learning than from experience i'd say. that and i guess learning from others daft mistakes.

Take it from me, the idiot who spent more than her cars worth fixing things that were avoidable, tyre pressure is apparently important.

Under the Bonnet

2012-07-11T18:32:00.003-07:00

Let's face it, us women tend to be disadvantaged in the whole auto department.

From a young age we just aren't taught what's what and who's who under the bonnet.

Nor are we expected too.

I could never say this about all women, because i would probably be interrogated by one or two of my friends. But i think it's safe to say it about myself and many other women i've met.

Over the past few years, i have learnt a lot about my car- all from experience.

You see there's no car keen guy in my life and as for me i putter along clueless about how to maintain the simplest things... which i have learnt can cause much bigger problems.

Have i got some stories for you...

I'm going to begin a little series entitled "Whatchamajigs and Thingamabobs" including everything that stereotypically should be done by the men in our lives.

It will be more of a background series than the blog focus, so don't freak if you don't see a Whatchamajigs and thingamabobs post every day- it's okay there are ALWAYS more stories to come when we're speaking about me and automotive's ... ALWAYS!

What funny car stories do you have?
Share and discuss below :)

Window Shopping is dangerous... particularly from the comfort of the couch.

2012-07-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

So i've got a little "addiction"- well not so much an addiction as a dream land.

I've taken quite the liking to online shopping, more specifically online "window" shopping.

You see i could never actually afford to click the buy button even if the money were in my account.

Such is the life of a student. Currently on my "you must be dreaming, because you will never actually afford it" list is:

1. FOSSIL key-per tote

I may or may not be totally and utterly ridiculously obsessed with anything FOSSIL. Where do i start... the pretty colours... the pretty everything... the super convenient and brilliant pockets. I pretty much could not find a fault with FOSSIL anything!

Source: fossil.com via Emily on Pinterest

2. FOSSIL Key-Per Zip Clutch

What!? you mean i've already mentioned my obsession with FOSSIL - MUST ~~BUY~~ resist temptation!

Source: fossil.com via Emily on Pinterest

3. JIGSAW Print-on-print scarf

You can never have too many scarves... right!?

Source: jigsaw-online.com via Emily on Pinterest

4. KYLIE GARTSIDE "honey" earrings

... either that or anything from "a little piece" range. Simply stunning.

Source: kyliegartside.com via Emily on Pinterest

5. KIKKI-K 2012/13 planner

Kikki-k a leader in all things stationary for a while now, this is no secret. I think a cute planner is definitely required for my (hypothetical) new FOSSIL bag!

Source: kikki-k.com via Emily on Pinterest

6. ROCHELLE COOPER Lounge throws

I felt like i hit the jackpot when i found this neat handmade seller !!!! Needless to say eventually i will most definitely support her handmade business endeavour!

If your going to spend the winter snug, you may as well do it in style...

Source: rochellecooper.bigcartel.com via Emily on Pinterest

7. NORDIC HOUSE Linen Cushion

I don't know how they've managed to do it, by Nordic House has matched my new cushion requirements to a tee... this will look just delish on my over-cushioned bed!

Source: nordichouse.co.uk via Emily on Pinterest

You see- i have a problem, but a pretty problem.

Oh to dream.

2012-07-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Follow Me Wednesday Blog Hop!

This is a wonderful way to meet new people and follow some awesome blogs!

Here is what you do!

Please add your blog address to the linky list.

Please follow the host blogs! We will be numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the link list! If you are new to this hop, Welcome, and please leave us a comment and we will be sure to follow you back!

Please place the Follow Me Wednesday Button somewhere on your blog!

Then, visit the other blogs on the list. Follow them if you would like.

Please leave them a comment telling them you are visiting them from {Follow Me Wednesday}!

We all love comments!

Please link up family appropriate blogs only, any blogs that are not family appropriate will be deleted

Did you miss me?

2012-07-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

You know when somebody you care for goes away, you can't wait until they get back.

There's always that chance of a gift returning along with that person.

Well, I'm back- but i haven't managed to prepare a gift for you. Nope i fail.

Instead the opposite happened this time, i returned from holidays and much to my delight there was a gift awaiting my arrival.
What a lucky duck i am.

The gift was from super talented mumma Trisha, from 3 four and under.

This year i decided to participate in her Spring Gift exchange and got quite the thrill out of it...
Picking the gift (even if i failed at that as well), packaging the gift and heading to the post office to send the gift (even if Australia post is SUPER SUPER expensive to U.S).
Trisha and i communicated through email what our interests and likes were... and i just bought the total opposite of what she asked, how awesome am i!?
So here's my gift to her, if your cheeky you can totally just hop on over to her blog and see what she bought me (she beat me to the blogging part- dang!). But i totally trust you to be patient and wait :)

Here is is all packadged and ready :)
It just screams- AMERICA HERE I COME!

The scarf and Brooch is from an organization called trading table that sells items handmade and important from impoverished families to give them a source of income and livelihood. These were bought from my church bookshop.

The cup and saucer i found quite reasonably priced at my favourite local shop - Little Polly and the blackbird- which sells unique and handmade items.

...and because i'm totally not on my computer all in the name of no internet and leaving it somewhere about town I'm going to steal Trisha's pictures of my present to her (either that or i didn't take good picture's of the individual items, and even though I'm using a uni computer i still have my camera ... and a basket of cord... but I'm going to pretend for 5 seconds i don't )

The Gift exchange had a spending limit of $20 which was so great as it made me feel a little less stingy, however there is a chance i went over budget ;)

Next time you will have to hop on over and join in on the fun! It is just so wonderful to get something from someone else around the world! Kinda like a pen pal!

Guest Post: Cardboard "tin" stars TUTORIAL

2012-06-07T07:12:00.001-07:00

Hi Lovelies, Whilst visiting my big sisters and family over the other side of the country I'm not even attempting to keep up with blogging, however I'm opening up the blog for featuring bloggers(or guest posts)until next Friday June 15th. If you have a post you'd like featured email me the html coding here.

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I'm so stoked to welcome our very first guest post by the lovely Brie from Breezy Pink Daisies with an awesome tutorial! I won't spoil the fun by giving you all the details, but i will let you know she's awesome and you need to follow her! here goes...

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Hi, I'm Brie from Breezy Pink Daisies and I am so excited to be here at The Studious Stitch! Thanks so much for having me here! I'm going to share one of my favorite posts...so get excited and ready to be motivated!! :)

I'm sure you've all seen these beautiful tin stars and have probably wanted some yourself, right? Well, yikes, these stars can be expensive! But have no fear - you can make them yourself!

The inspiration: stars that will cost you about $50 - $75...

And my fun and frugal version: cardboard stars which will cost you, well, just about nothing!

It's quite simple actually. You just need some cardboard (I used a cereal box for the little one and a pizza box for the larger one).

First, trace and cut out your star. Don't have a star to trace? I used lined filler paper (because you can see through it) to trace a star I found on google images - then I traced that onto the cardboard.

Next, score the star 5 times, from each point. I pressed hard with a pen to make the creases. (You can see the creases in the above picture if you look closely)

Now, fold on all of your creases. It should look like this!

Now it's time to add the paint! For the little star I just mixed some green I had with white to get a color I liked. (It looks flat here - but I just popped it back out when it was dry and it looked great again!)

If you want to hang them up, add some string (I used embroidery floss) to the back with tape. And then, to be honest, I used tape to hang them up too because I didn't want to make nail holes!

And....here they are! The decorating possibilities for these little guys are endless! Have fun!

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How gorgeous is that!? I bet your all figuring out where you could put them when you make them! How super is Brie, go follow her and send her super kind word's over at her blog, also don't forget to email me ASAP to guest post this week !!

follow me wednesday

2012-05-31T02:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Follow Me Wednesday Blog Hop!

3 Four and Under
The Studious Stitch
The Fontenot Four
are proud to bring you {Follow Me Wednesday}
Please remember to tell your friends!
The more the merrier!

Thank you for linking up each week, we really appreciate it!

This is a wonderful way to meet new people and follow some awesome blogs!

Here is what you do!

Please add your blog address to the linky list.

Please follow the host blogs!
We will be numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the link list!

If you are new to this hop, Welcome, and please leave us a comment and we will be sure to follow you back!

Please place the Follow Me Wednesday Button somewhere
on your blog!

Then, visit the other blogs on the list.
Follow them if you would like.

Please leave them a comment telling them you are visiting them from {Follow Me Wednesday}!

We all love comments!

Please link up family appropriate blogs only, any blogs that are not family appropriate will be deleted