A Year in the Life...

Hey Everyone,

Can you believe I've been blogging for exactly a year???

I know right? Where has the time gone...

I was going through my old posts last night in order to write up this post and some of them are so, so  cringe worthy!!!!

But its a journey, this blogging trip I'm on and you have to start somewhere and improve and learn as you go.

So in saying that...I decided to chronicle my year with you all - in pictures.....

My very first post was the Mini Chest Makeover - yikes - its awful! What was I thinking? But then I saved it later on by converting the same chest into a Cupboard....soooo much better....

Throughout the year I've done a number of crafts.... with loads of beach inspired projects

 Some fun furniture makeovers....featuring... a lot of White !

My all time favourite project is still the very first makeover I ever did. It was a major labour of love- and I still love this cupboard every time I see it

   I became obsessed with painting jars and vases, anything glass to be honest....

Shared photos of my beautiful hometown, the NorthShore of Auckland..

 I was blown away by the support from fellow bloggers when I wrote about my son's broken leg and the long long healing process...

I shared many, many jewelry tutorials...and launched my Etsy Shop

Which lead to my very first craft market - last week. Which was a fantastic experience...

But the biggest, most significant part of my first blogging year has to be the formation of Inspiration Cafe.

 

  We are started out as 5 bloggers who barely knew each other, but came together to share weekly doses of inspiration on each others blogs, and we have ended up the very best of friends.

We are there for each other for everything, successes, disappointments, struggles and happy moments. We catch up every single day and we watch out for each other. These 4 ladies, Mary, Sherry, Danni and Heather have meant more to me these past 6 months than they will ever know. 

We all get along so well that we decided to come together in a more permanent capacity...and so Inspiration Cafe - the Blog was launched....

  

 I need to also say that if it wasn't for my amazing family, I wouldn't get to blog, they help me with projects, painting, generally getting in the way - haha, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Love you guys...

And of course, I need to say a HUGE Thank You to all my readers and followers, its been a great first year and I've loved every minute....

And thank you to my great bloggy friends - you all know who you are!!! I love you all and appreciate your support so very much.

Take care everyone,


Don't forget to follow me on Facebook :-)

xxx

 

Linking up to some or all of these great parties 

and

http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/11/tutorial-tips-and-tidbits-23.html

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/11/transformation-thursday-no-179.html 

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/11/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-128.html

Key Frames from Sweet Little Bluebird

 

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are having a great week so far.

Today I wanted to show you what my fantastic blog friend Mary from Sweet Little Bluebird sent me.

I've had them a while already and they are loving displayed in my bedroom.

When I first "met" Mary, she had just linked up these gorgeous Key Frames, at a linky party.

I loved them so much and I actually tried to find the supplies here in New Zealand couldn't find the keys or anything similar so instead I made something  using hearts instead.

Well a couple of months ago Mary sent me 2 of my very own and I did a little happy dance...

 

Aren't they gorgeous? I bet you would do the dance of happiness too, if you received these in the mail...

Mary also sent me 5 "Choose Joy" wristbands from Lil Blue Boo - stop by the link and visit a while - you will be so glad you did.

Thanks Mary, you are a wonderful friend...Sorry it took so long to share my photos.

xxx

Linking Up To:

Craft-O-Maniac - Craft-O-Maniac Monday

Under The Table and Dreaming - The Sunday Showcase

Etcetorize - Make It Great Monday

Choose A Background for Me... Please

Hi everyone,

I need help!!!

Please help me choose a background for this blog - something to go with the header - I have the following choices narrowed down. .

So.. Please vote and tell me which one you like.... I'm a bit nervous of stepping away from my all white background, so be gentle with me....

Here goes....

No.1

No.2

No.3

No.4  

No.5   

No.6

So vote for your fav choices and let me know what you all think...

Thanks

xxx

What Does My Blog Want To Be When It Grows Up....

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm taking part in a very exiting Link party called "What Does My Blog Want To Be When It Grows Up...."

When I read Karianne's (from Thistlewood Farm) post about what her blog would be like when it grows up, it got me thinking. Thinking a lot....

 I truly love this new world of creative blogging and the fab people I have met and continue to meet, and the amazing blogs they write

I know I'm very new to blogging, with 16 weeks under my belt, it has been a great journey so far, but it can also be pretty hard work in terms of the more I learn the more I realise how much I still have to learn.

The future of my blog is super exciting. I have put in the initial work to get me started, now I can focus on how I want to move forward.... What are my goals, dreams, aspirations for my blog?

So... I have my list of 5 things....

1. I want to "Beautify" my Blog, you know, have a fab header, tabs, background etc. It may sound a bit silly for this this to be a goal, but I want to learn how to DESIGN my own stuff - and to have it look clean, fresh and inviting. There are some fantastic tutorials out in the blogosphere to help me achieve this - I just need to make the time to put in the effort. I have started a little here already.

2. Structure and focus - I want to put in a system to make my writing a little more structured, so it makes blogging easier and more enjoyable, for example - Mondays, write about a craft or project, Tuesdays, a story about my family, Wed- a link party etc.. You get the idea.  I need to sit down with my notebook (yep I have started a little bloggy diary for ideas and notes) and figure out a routine.

3. I would LOVE to host a Linky Party. I know there are loads being hosted everyday and i do love visiting and linking. I have an idea for a party but am a little worried that it may be too specialised, so I'm having a think about it and even if I give it a try and it doesn't work out... That's OKAY too. My mom always used to say to me "You never know unless you try" Right? I may even partner with another bloggy friend... the possibilities are endless...

4. Improve my photography and of course my photography and editing skills. This is pretty much in line with most blogger's goals.
My sweet little point and shoot camera has served me well but started to show signs that it wont be making it much further. So, my darling husband (he is the BEST) surprised me earlier this week, when a package arrived in the mail for me. A new flashy camera! I'm so excited (he was so super sneaky about it bless him) and I've had a little play but I know I have a LOT to learn.

5. Of course I want to grow my blog. That is a definite aspiration, But I think what's most important to me is that I have fun, and that it is portrayed in my blog. I want people to enjoy themselves whilst visiting and leave inspired and happy.


So there you go - now you all know what my adult blog will be like.....

Now your part - if you would like to join in...

Our lovely hosts:

Karianne from Thistlewood Farm

Kelly from Ecletically Vintage

Linda from it all started with paint

Karah from the space between

Andrea from The Cottage Market

Have invited you to write a post about the five things “You Want Your Blog to Be When It Grows Up” and link it up at the party this Friday.  Tell us your goals, your dreams, and your aspirations. Tell all - we would love to hear from you...

Don't forget to grab the button and  link up

Take care 

xxx

<a border="0" href="http://northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank"><img src=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH91nNJosIcZSR9p6ldbk7gjviYgFpT8pgwWLvCix_GvhQm3iHYXJwZr6mY2-l9lTk8QO1ISvTTLUetbXFi8rAvE-TGIMzJjwEgg60NwmPRw3ykPVBt_LS27qnq9BG-xsMrpm3UAYEirPe/s1600/Grow+Up+Button+FINAL_thumb