Let's go Moerkabout

Pretty wallpaper

2012-03-13T08:50:00.001+11:00

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It's been a busy weekend.

A long weekend.

We went camping with friends.

We stayed on a block with an old shack on it.

The shack is going to be tizzied up a bit.

We took heaps of before photos.

I can't wait to show you.

One of the features was ghastly orange wallpaper.

So I decided to post these wallpapers today instead.

I am not sure which is my fav.

One minute it is the red, the next, the soft pink, then

the green.

Which is your fav?

Guest Post:Decorating Modern with Granny's Furniture

2012-03-09T09:59:00.000+11:00

Good day everyone.
If you visit Let's go Moerkabout every now and then you might know I have a fondness for bringing out my "inner granny".
Well today, the lovely Kelli from Luxeyard is going to share with us some of her tips for decorating with Granny's furniture. I would love to hear if you have inherited or repurposed some Granny furniture.

..................................

All things old are new again! What’s more wonderful than having furniturethat one remembers from their childhood? Pieces may be re-purposed or may be so great to begin with that they aretimeless and useful as is. Here are sometips to create a warm and comfy home full of fond and beautiful memories.

EclecticIs Always In

Many styles return after a time or never really goout of fashion. Today’s eclectic stylescan be a mixture of old and new.

Sitting right next to that sleek new couch could bean antique side table in a rich wood tone or covered in a fresh coat of paint,depending on what look you are going for – shabby chic or more traditional.

Re-purpose

Just because you already have a dining table ormatching end tables, doesn’t mean you can’t make use of pieces that are fromyour family’s past. Many people todaywork from home and need an office within their living space. A good option for your computer might be aroll-top desk or Grandma’s old kitchen table. You could even add old tins tohold pens and pencils. A single DiningRoom chair may look lovely in a corner with a side table or at your desk. Add acushion for comfort and/or color, if desired. How about using that Hope Chest as a coffee table or at the end of yourbed for extra linens? Stacking oldluggage may also be used as an end table. Who doesn’t need more storage? Becreative. Think beyond the “box” ortable, as it may be!

Reupholsteror Not Reupholster?

Some of Grandma’s upholstered pieces may be worn outor not to your liking. Furniture canappear updated by a simple fabric change. While this can be an expensive option, fitted furniture covers work wellor sometimes just arranging a throw over the piece can make it fit into theroom better. That doesn’t mean you usesome old unwanted blanket, however! Alightweight throw or a quilt with pleasant colors that match the rest of yourdécor will work well.

Final Touches

Now, what do you do with those little items? Antique cigar or jewelry boxes make greatremote holders and small china bowls work well as soap dishes. Treasured heirloom knick-knacks used eitherin groups or as a single piece may be mixed in with your current items and willadd to the warmth of your home. Thepossibilities are endless!

Anything goes these days so decorate with what makesyou feel comfortable. Remember, it’s yourhome!

Kelli McDonald is a hard working writer for manyblogs about interior design and home furnishing. She also works with LuxeYard on changing the way people approach home furnitureshopping.

Do you need a Girly fix?

2012-03-07T07:00:00.000+11:00

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With a house of 3 boys and only 2 girls, I can be excused for needing a girly fix now and then.

A bit of time on Pinterest,

away from footy boots and basketball socks

is very refreshing.

source

If I had long hair,

I would be doing this.

source

Eating girly food out of these lovely bowls.

source

I probably wouldn't leave the house in these.

Imagine the look on my boys faces.

But,

I will ask my daughter to read this.

And hope she gets it.

source

What to you do when you feel like a girly fix?

Do you wonder about your colour scheme?

2012-03-05T08:26:00.000+11:00

Do you sometimes come across blogs that just make you swoon?

I felt like that when I found this one.

It is called Where your heart is.

I stumbled across it when I was looking around on pinterest

Boy is that a time gobbler.

I was looking for pictures of crochet poufs. To show you what I might do with my great market find.

These pictures are so pretty and the light is lovely.

I look around my house and see way too much brown and dark timber.

The light doesn't seem to bounce around.

I embrace neutrals, but some days I do wonder how things would look with such a white backdrop.

I love the pops of pastels and the odd splash of red.

all pictures where your heart is

Then I remember boots covered in mud and chicken poo, shaggy scruffy dog and little boys with dirty knees and I think maybe I can live a little longer with the neutrals.

Although, it is nice to dream and to have lovely blog homes to visit.

Do you do that, do you find yourself questioning your colour decisions, or is it just me?

Pouf.... market find...

2012-03-02T08:18:00.004+11:00

I scored this old pouf on the weekend from the market for $4.

Bargain.

Actually Mr M. spotted it.

He knew I had been looking for one.

Big boy did the bargaining for me.

Team work is good!

I am planning to do something like

this

via flickr whereyourheart is

Or this.

as art up via with love linda

When I saw this one.

I peeked inside and was pleasantly surprised.

Further investigation revealed colours I can definitely live with.

It is a little worn in one patch.

I think we will live with it like this for now and when it wears through I will put the calico liner back on and then make a new cover.

It fits in nicely with my shabby patchwork throw rug.

And is even passable on the rug!

Our burly blokey neighbour said it was "very retro and he didn't mind it".

A fine endorsement.

I tend to agree with him.

Colour popping in the house tonight....

2012-02-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

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Hi, can you believe it is Wednesday already?
The week is flying by.
So far we have managed two days of work, a pilates class, (Oh my aching abs and thighs) and Mr M played underwater hockey.
That is such a rough sport! Not for the faint hearted. He now wears a mouth brace after losing a tooth.
All that and still 3 more days, a dancing lesson, basketball, football and netball training to go. Ridiculous!

source

Our little silky chooks have settled in very well.

The kids are loving them.

They pick them up and pat them and talk to them.

They are great with them.

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What do you think of the riot of colour?

I could live with the first one, maybe the third, but no way the second one.

Did I mention we have been test driving 4wd's in preparation for some more travels? Any thoughts? We are looking at Prados and Patrols, all suggestions gratefully recieved.

Our chooks have started arriving.

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000+11:00

Yay, happy days, our chooks have started arriving.

The first two have settled in.

Our two little silkies. Yet to be named.

This greyish white one is a bit feisty.

She squawks and clucks and protests when she is picked up.

The little gingery brown one is very friendly.

She loves a cuddle.

This is fortunate, because they have been on the receiving end of hourly cuddles and pats.

It's been 40 degrees over the weekend so lots of checking was a good idea.

Welcome girls.

Does anyone else think these lights look upside down?

2012-02-24T10:46:00.001+11:00

nicetylivejournal.com

I love the kitchen with the subway tiles, the bench and I am also liking the neutral walls.
The chairs I like, but the lights????

Is it just me, or do they look upside down?

Just letting you know, I played 2 matches of squash last night, that means 8 games. I know, that is too many, I am too old. My butt is tight now, imagine what it will be like by 4 o'clock this afternoon!

I am telling myself it was good for me. Anyway,

Back to those lights. What do you think?

Little shop in the middle of the wide blue yonder.

2012-02-22T19:58:00.000+11:00

We were driving home from the beach marvelling at the great blue yonder when we came across this little old shop.

Out on the very edge of the remains of a tiny town.

Lined up, out the front, these chairs were begging us to stop and pay them a visit.

I am not sure about the mushrooms but the trike is cute!

This was by far, my favourite. I didn't even look at the price. I was in travel mode. I knew we could not possibly fit another thing into the car.

It's a beauty isn't it?

Farewell little shop.

I'll be back.

To see inside visit here.

5 white bedrooms to love.

2012-02-21T07:00:00.000+11:00

bucketsofburlap.blogspot.com

After all the horrible nasty business lately I just want to spend some time looking a pretty, serene white rooms.

tinywhitedaisies.com

Let's escape from lunchboxes and dirty socks just for a little while.

Care to join me?

whimsicalworldoflaurabird.blogspot.com

hibnerfamily.com

I am feeling calmer already.

Emma Schaffrath

I am also loving that pop of colour, and oh my, the texture.

Picture 1,2,3,4 or 5.

Which is your fave?

I can't decide between 1 and 3.

Miss B says 1.

linking

here

Murder, Mystery and Arson

2012-02-19T12:35:00.001+11:00

Murder, Mystery and Arson, a very dramatic post title for a little blog about home life, pretty interiors and a bit of home made goodness!

Our little sleepy hollow has been having a torrid week.

I was out for dinner last night with my Mothers group. We have been meeting for 13 years. We always have a wow of a time. We know each others Proposal tales, Wedding tales, Birth stories (in graphic detail). We know who is town is doing what with whom and there is generally an opinion on everything, including which smartphone is the best and at what age girls should start waxing their legs.

Dinner started off well with our driver providing champagne for the pick up and after a couple of margaritas things were great. Our meal was excellent but by 9.30pm we starting to flag and someone mentioned maybe we should have an early night. Then we got on the the topic of the murders.

Tragically there had been two murders in the district on the previous weekend, unheard of in these parts. Shocking. This was the sort of thing we read about happening in the papers, not here.

Then we discussed the mystery of the missing kayak-er. A chap had been kayaking on a lake some time ago and had disappeared. There was a lot a speculation about whether he had drowned or "done a runner". Unfortunately, his remains had been uncovered the day after the shocking murders.

Honestly it was starting to feel like we were living in an episode of Midsomer Murders.

Then jokingly as you do on a girls night. Someone said we need a little drama then we can all go home.

Well a car drove by and backfired, very loudly. There drama done.

NOT.

I got home, was just about asleep when I heard a noise outside. We live on a busy road and it is not unusual to hear groups of people walking home from a night out. The noise didn't stop. Then it seemed unusually bright outside. I knew I had turned the porch light off.

I peeked out the window.

The house over the road had its beautiful cypress hedge ablaze.

It was just awful. We felt so helpless. It took forever for the fire trucks to get there and when they did it was almost all gone.

So sad.

It was unbelievable, we couldn't take in the amount of people driving past, parking, stopping to look.

I was furious, a car actually drove infront of the firetruck and slowed it down.

It was all over in no time.

Eeery,

no noise, no smoke blowing in our direction.

Luckily the house is fine.

The elderly gentleman, Bob and his wife are shattered.

He told Mr M, he aged 10 years overnight.

Bob has been outside sitting on the white chair hosing the remains of his garden.

My heart bleeds for him.

Next Saturday night,

our hedge

Will be getting a very good water.

We will be keeping this handy.

Mr M says our hedge is privet and it won't burn like the cypress.

Our neighbour lost a tree a while back in a similar manner.

You can read about that here

What is the world coming to?

Chook progress and free tickets giveaway.

2012-02-16T10:15:00.000+11:00

I think I may have mentioned before.

We love Better Homes and Gardens here on a Friday night.

It is not unusual to find the 5 of us snuggled together on the couch.

We love Ed the best,

The kids love his cooking,

I ahem... am entranced by other things..

I have been given 10 double passes to give away to you lovely bloggies.

Now, the good people and BHG would love them to be used so don't be shy.

Leave a comment if you would like some and I will email you the codes.

Too Easy!

You will find this great family day at BetterHomes and Gardens LIVE 24th - 26th February 201 2 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne.
Thisfabulous LIVE event brings to life the pages of Australia’s favourite magazine,providing home makers, DIY enthusiasts, keen gardeners and aspiring cooks withinspiring new ideas for their home and garden.
Don’t misslive stage shows from your favourite TV presenters, inspiring ideas, workshopsand products for you to try and sensational shopping from over 250 exhibitors. Plus,with plenty of entertainment for the children, this is an unbeatable day outfor the whole family!
All yourfavourite Better Homes andGardens TV experts will be there and you can see them LIVE! Graham Ross, Tara Dennis, 'Fast' Ed, Karen Martini, Jason Hodges, Rob Palmer and Johanna Griggs willtake to the stage to share their creative and original ideas to help you makeyours a better home and garden! Click hereto view the stage timetables.
For tickets and more info visit bhglive.com.au

Just to prove we are avid DIYers I will leave you with an update on the great chook pen build.

Click here for previous info on the great chook house.

The frame is going up.

Big boy and Mr M are working on it together.

There has been some lovely Man to teen talk going on.

"the girls" are waiting patiently for their dream home.

Don' t forget to claim your tickets and have a happy day.

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000+11:00

I know it is cheesy.

But I had to do it.

My little valentines.

A string of crochet love.

Forget the chocolates and flowers.

Just a little string of handmade granny goodness.

Just to say,

thank you,

I appreciate your visits and your thoughts.

Have a spectacular day.

Linking up with Jami

at A Freckled Laundry

Love, love love

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000+11:00

My advice to those currently without a love interest.

For more of the delectable Mr Darcy

including

THE lake scene

click

here.

If you already have your one and only,

Perhaps you would like to make them some of these.

source

source via

Foto Friday.... The old bedford.

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000+11:00

This year, I thought I would try something new.

Something for Friday.

Just one photo.

Taken by me.

Something I like.

Something I would like to share.

Some will be old,

some new.

Old Bedford truck photo taken on my iPhone, Killarny, Victoria, Jan 2012.

Macarons. In search of the elusive foot.

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000+11:00

via CountryStyleChic

The other night I recieved a very excitipated phone call from a friend.

She had mastered the elusive macaron foot!

After much screaming and congratulations both husbands were left wondering just what was going on.

Have you attempted the macaroon?

Did you achieve the foot?

Tell me please.

All tips and tricks gratefully recieved.

In the meantime, some lovelies to make your mouth water.

Bravetart.com

See those lovely feet.

WeddingChicks.com

weheartit.com

Next time I make my delicious chocolate ganache ones I will post a pick

These are oh so delectable but never ever have a mangaged to produce one with a foot.

I have purchased the Donna Hay pack from the Supermarket,

but,

I kinda feel that is cheating.

Spill people, tell me your secrets please.

And, what is the correct way to spell it?

Preparing for our new arrivals and Sunday stuff.

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000+11:00

We are extremely clucky over here at Camp Moerk. We have recently decided to take the plunge and add to our family.

EXCITIPATED!

google images

Before you go thinking, surely she's a bit long in the tooth for babies.

We are getting some chooks.

source

We have had silky bantams before. Click here to read more about lovely Delores and beautiful old dog Bramble sharing a bone.

We have been thinking about chooks for a while and wanted to wait until Lulu was a bit more mature before taking action.

Last time we had a movable home for them, but this time we want some serious egg layers as well as pretty bantams.

So today Big Boy and Mr M started the dirty job of clearing out the compost and utility area. ( The messy spot hidden behind a little fence).

They decided to start by making a clean entry and using up some of the old bricks stacked behind the fence.

I have been doing extensive internet research on nesting boxes and optimum numbers of chooks per box etc.
I think between you and me, my research hasn't been well received by the workers.

This is Delores on the old nesting box.

I had forgotten about the shredded paper.

They uncovered the daddy of all scary redback spiders. I wish I had grabbed the camera!

Doesn't that look better!

At least we should be able get into the gate.

I call Mr M the "human bobcat". He loves paving, It always comes out as he plans.

That's phase one down.

I'll let you know what happens next!

In other Sunday news.

I washed and ironed, covered books, checked lunchboxes and did all the preparations for our full on return to work and school this week.

Made a healthy slice if you don't count the raw sugar.

Used my superior cooking skills to pour jelly into a mould.

I have had the tupperware mould for ever and have never used it!

Will it come out, just like in the little brochures?

And spent more time than was probably warranted, lamenting the loss of our lush green grass.

Wind and heat and lack of rain have taken their toll.

I hope your week gets off to a superb start.

The beach and the bruise.

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000+11:00

Well hello! If you hadn't guessed by my lack of tweets and comments we have been away.

Tripping the light fantastic down by the beach.

It was fantastic timing.

Home was unbearably hot and dry.

The beach was perfect beachy weather.

I spent some time, hanging out with my favourite people.

There was some surfing involved.

The kids and Mr M took lessons.

I attempted a try or two on hired boards.

Oh blimey!

It hurt.

I have a massive bruise,

rather spoilt the look of my new groovy shorts!

Next year I am going to suck it up and have a lesson!

We camped with a big group of friends.

On of the best bits about camping, is people watching.

We had the whole area around us pegged.

We had the Yummy Mummy group, perfect hair, perfectly dressed kids, buff looking Dads. We had the daggy travelling campers, single dad on an access with two kids and independent mum with little ones and grey nomads in various states depending on whether the sun was over the yard arm or not.

From under the protective canopy of shade we watched them all come and go.

We saw the experienced ones who set up and get organised quickly,

the fuss pots who took ages and the thoroughly disorganised ones who took forever to get their act together.

I am sure they thought we were the loud daggy ones.

And they probably wondered how that poor lady got that terrible bruise on her leg!

Friday Flowers from the Farm again....

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000+11:00

A Country Farmhouse

I love the idea of these open shelves .

I, unfortunately am not disciplined enough to keep them looking so neat and tidy.

I do appreciate this beautiful picture though.

And the colour of those delicious flowers.

A Country Farmhouse

And these hydrangeas remind me of botanical prints.

It is one of my favourite flower photos.

Love it, love it.

Have a fab weekend, whatever you are up to.

Pink stripes

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000+11:00

source

Source

source

There is something wonderfully fresh about pink stripes. I always think they are so fresh and girly and look wonderful with a clear blue sky.

I am not sure I would get Mr M or the boys in the stripy tent in a caravan park though!

Stamp carving tutorial

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000+11:00

IF your creative juices are running and you are looking for fairly simple craft idea, then I have found a simple tutorial you might like.

source

These clever little stamps are made by carving an eraser.

Head over to Ishtar olivera for the full tutorial.

I am hoping to give it a go, if I can lay my hands on a lino tool.

Friday flowers from the Farm.......

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000+11:00

Oh how I wish these were from my garden.

And I wish I had taken this beautiful photo.

It comes from A Country Farmhouse.

I think it is magnificent.

And the symmetry here, just divine really.

Also from A Country Farmhouse.

Hope you have a good weekend planned.

I hope to do some boogie boarding.

Wahooooooo!

I'm in blog love

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000+11:00

It started with a gasp, then a rumble then full on desire.....

This beautiful blog.

Gorgeous clear pictures.

She even makes a bunch of dirty carrots look amazing.

It's called A Country Farmhouse.

You may have already seen it.

A Country Farmhouse

In which case, I do apologise.

Well sort of,

because,

a beautiful home

with such beautiful pictures

should be

visited quite often.

3 Top pins

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000+11:00

Source

Today I am talking about top pins.

I just threw the legs in because sometimes legs are referred to as pins.

My Nan had excellent pins.

I never ever saw her wear trousers of any kind.

Always a dress or a skirt.

And always a modest heel.

Source

These pins are very pretty too. We call them safety pins in Australia. I am not sure what they are called elsewhere.

Anyway, I disgress.

I just wanted to show you the three most pinned pins on my Pinterest boards.

Source

Coming in at number 1, is this blue and red room.

I must agree, the colours are lovely.

Source

These are the number 2, most pinned pin in my collection.
Scrabble cushions.

Source

And number 3 is this pretty pink bike.

If you would like to see more pins, click on my pinterest button on the side bar.

That would be the new one I made all by myself.

I still haven't managed to link up the email button, but I am getting there.

While you are clicking, try the twitter one I also made,

I know, I am very impressed with myself.

Do you pin?

Do you keep an eye on your pins every now and then to see what people are liking?

linking in here

Escape to the beam country.

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000+11:00

I feel like saying,

Welcome to another episode of "Escape to the Country"

Today I am showing John a retired Policeman and his Nurse wife Joan a stunning cottage in County Wicklow.

John and Joan both said they had a passion for beams and neutral decor.

Well, this house has it in spades.

Of course they wanted and inglenook fireplace, and whilst not huge, this one should fit the bill rather nicely.

via The Paper Mulberry

Although they said they did want a conservatory, they might find this open plan area with stunning beam work the perfect place to relax and enjoy the superb outlook.

Will it be to their taste.?

Join me on "Escape to the Country" to find out.

(apologies to Jules and Alistair for my pathetic script and to any readers who don't have a clue what I am talking about)

Grey textures

2012-01-12T08:45:00.000+11:00

Souce
It's January in Australia, and I should be lying in front of the airconditioning hoping for a cool change.
Sadly it's cold.
The kids are huddled under rugs and I hate to admit it, but, I have just turned the heater on. (just for 5 mins to take the chill off, I promise).

source

So my thoughts turned to these lovely images I have been collecting.

source

Lovely lovely grey textures.

See that velvet above. I want to pat it and dig my fingernails into it a little. Is that wrong?

source

And, oh, the texture of that grey rug.

Can you hear my heart?

Boom, boom.

Which one is your favourite?

CWA stories.

2012-01-11T09:49:00.001+11:00

"She can't swim, she's a bit afraid of the water and she's also got two bung knees. But she just gets in there and paddles. And that's the character of the CWA, isn't it?"

Helen Wall, Caniambo CWA, Victoria

CWA stands for Country Women's Association and it is a network of women spread all over Australia.

If you like a book about strong characters, overcoming obstacles and a bit of a chuckle then I can recommend this book to you.

My sister in law gave it to me for Christmas and I read it straight away. I have always been in touch with my inner Nana (ie I enjoy making sponges and crocheting) so I was interested to see what the CWA was all about.

Turns out, they do a lot more than knit crochet coat hangers and make scones. They do a lot of work with drought relief, rural health, caring for newly arrived immigrants. They seem have have some political clout as well, they were instrumental in leading the push for big shopping centres to include public toilets.

I was saddened to read that the older women were concerned that the numbers were declining all over the country. Although there seems to be some hope with younger women starting to be attracted to the organisation. Evening branches of the CWA have been springing up and these tend to appeal to today's women.

So what does that all mean for me.

Well a couple of days ago I made the CWA brandy snaps (from the included recipes). Master B raved about them and declared for the next two days it was the best dessert he had ever had. (love that boy).

I felt after reading the book that I should join. These women have set up a very impressive network and do so much to help rural women and their communities. City branches are also gaining in popularity.

I googled our local CWA branch and they do have an evening branch. So, when school goes back, I am going to check it out. I am reminding myself of all my other commitments. But, I also believe in the old saying, "ask a busy person and you will get the job done".

If it turns out it is not for me or the timing isn't right. No problem, at least I will have calmed a little voice in the back of my head telling my to do my bit to preserve this wonderful institution.

Have you had any experience with the CWA?

Girly ruffly bathroom accessories, Could you?

2012-01-08T10:55:00.000+11:00

We are breathing a sign of relief today.

It rained yesterday and the temperature dropped 10 degrees.

It is such a pleasant change.

The birds are chirping again in the fig tree,

They must have been feeling the heat too,

The upside of the unpleasant heat, was that I had plenty of time to look around at pretty pictures on the net.

What do you think of these?

There is about a snowball chance in hell of something this girly making it to our bathroom.

As pretty as it is.

source

The boys would vote with their feet.

And very dirty feet those would be!

Although maybe the laundry bag could.

It is very pretty.

Would your mob let you?

Afternoon hooky - My creative space

2012-01-05T10:04:00.000+11:00

Whilst we have endured the heatwave, I have been busy on the couch with my first little crafty project of the new year.

It's a slightly wonky pincushion.

It took ages to work out the blasted pattern.

Once I got going though, it was fine and dandy.

See the grass. See all the brown bits. That is what happened during "the heatwave"

IF you are into a bit of granny goodness the inspiration and pattern link can be found here.

Also linking up with Our Creative Spaces.

(if it is happening so early in the year),

And at the Freckled Laundry

The lovely Tiff from Mrs Tiff Living Creatively has passed this award over to me, here is what she had to say about the Liebster award.

Liebster is a German word meaning "dearest" and the award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. The award has a few stipulations:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it you.

2. Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Hope that people you have sent the award to forward it on to their favourite bloggers.

Now its my turn to pass this award on to five bloggers that I love to pop in and visit.

1. Zippy Zippy

2. Georgy G Design

3.A Welsh Girl in Australia

4.Life in the Country Lane

5.Country Style Chic

Thanks Tiff for sharing the bloggie love.

Meanwhile I am trying to nut out another pattern for a very big project.

I'm a winner and a grinner! White doona love.

2012-01-04T08:29:00.000+11:00

Just before Christmas I was the lucky winner of a giveaway over at Kyandra.
I won a lovely cushion that Kym made and a lamp from one of my favourite stores. Provincial Home Living.

Kyandra

Kym had them so beautifully wrapped I couldn't bear to open them straight away so they sat happily under the Christmas tree.

letsgomoerkabout

When I did open them I popped them onto my bed straight away.

letsgomoerkabout

Don't worry the tea light is a fake! A good fake. It sort of flickers and dances.

Do you notice anything about the Doona covers?
Yes, Kym and I share the same taste in doona covers. Along with Ness from Marley and Lockyear who helped my find mine.

Marley and Lockyer

letsgomoerkabout

Thanks Kym, I love them both.

Just wondering, What colour is your doona cover?

Mum's old sewing patterns.

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000+11:00

I was up in the Attic this morning pottering around.

I had to go up very early because today is a scorcher! It's already 35 and it is tipped to be 42. Arghh.

Anywho, it was hot as chops up there. I was ferreting around looking for a pattern for a summer dressing gown to make for Miss B. She has decided she would like a little robe to wear around over her summer pj's.

I came across my Mum's stash of patterns she had passed on to me.

I thought I would share a few.

These ladies all look so well groomed.

Hello "Happy days"

I think we have used the skirt part of this pattern to make some 50' circle skirts.

I love the knee high socks.

I might whip one of these up for squash next season.

Ohh cute, must have been used for my sister and I.

Yeah baby!

This is the pattern I unearthed.

Hmmm, might work.

I might just make a pot of tea and have a little think about it.

Well hello 2012. The sky's the limit.

2012-01-01T06:30:00.000+11:00

via Chunky Chooky

Greetings 2012.

A new fresh year. Full of promise.

The slate is wiped clean.

Ready to fill.

With, what ever you want.

I'm thinking

Time with family.

Time with friends.

Time with myself.

Run regularly.

Improve my squash.

Blog more consistently.

Open an etsy shop.

Maybe even start a new blog using my knowledge and skills built up over the years.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T06:30:00.000+11:00

Hi there. The house is quiet for a little while. Mr M has taken the kids to the pool.

I have made a pot of tea and am about to review my year in pictures.

January

Our new year got off to a pretty ordinary start with floods and other nasty things happening.

Thankfully a beach holidays cheered us up no end.

February

was much better.

Lulu approved of the homemade pasta.

March

Was quite productive.

I finished my stripey crochet bag.

Started on the phone table seat.

Yet to be finished.

April

The obsession with star garlands began.

And the evenings got longer.

May

Lulu had a kennel makeover.

And the boys started footy.

(Yes, I do feed him, and no he doesn't have worms

You can't fatten a thoroughbred!)

June

Um err, well, new boots. Best footwear investment of the year!

We marvelled at the stick shed.

July

We huddled under cosy rugs.

Saw a great old farm.

August

We kept ourselves toasty by the firepit.

September

I spring cleaned the bathroom.

I still love that new rug.

October

I baked.

And visited the beach.

November

Miss B did her tutorial.

Thank you for being so kind and supportive.

December

I had a thing for garlands.

Old maps.

And Stars.

Thank you to each and every one of you who came along for the ride this year.

To those who took the time to comment. A huge thank you. Those comments are great to receive and motivate me to keep going.

To those who didn't comment, thank you for reading and maybe, just maybe in 2012, you will come out of lurkdom and leave a little message.

So for the last time this year.

Thanks for reading Let's go Moerkabout.

I hope your 2012 is excitipating!

Christmas wrap up.

2011-12-29T20:30:00.000+11:00

I thought I was ready to let Christmas go. Turns out I just needed one more post to let it all out of my system. Sorry, it's a long one.

Here we go.

Family Tradition - Gingerbread House
It is a family tradition for us now to make a Gingerbread house on Christmas Eve. We love it. The kids get very involved.

This years house had substantial modifications.

Outdoor toilet facilities for one.

Addition of gingerbread child proof fencing.

And, boiled lolly leadlight windows.

Stars.
At the last minute I had the urge to make some star garlands. So Christmas eve saw me watching Carols by Candlelight and furiously crocheting and starching.

Excuse the didgeridoo. I don't know how that got in the shot.

Christmas table

Christmas Day here was stinking hot.

These poor birds were lying on the grass with their wings spread to try and cool down.

So I went with white and bright.

This was the thrifted damask tablecloth I picked up a couple of weeks ago at a bargain price.

If you have made it this far. Well done.

In the meantime,

I'll be playing with this.

Hanging out on Twitter

And chilling here.

And nibbling on this.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas

from

Our family to yours.

Quick Deco tour and Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:44:00.000+11:00

Good morning. It's Christmas Eve morning and it is just me and the little guy up.

I can hear the corellas screeching down along the river and the gentle hum of the washing machine in the laundry.

Time for a tour of our Christmas decorations I feel.

Now, photographers look away.

The camera battery is flat.

So they are dodgy ipod photos.

First you will ring the doorbell.

And, come on in.

through the hall.

Past my blackboard. My best ever organising tool!

I'll show you the tree.

And you will see my dietes are flowering again.

We'll check out the mantle.

And, say gidday to Santa.

You might humour me by taking a peak at our art gallery.

And the homegrown tree.

I'll pop the kettle on.

You can have the bean bag.

Or the couch.

Just be careful not to spill on my new cushions!

Have a fabulous Christmas!

Cleaning out the schoolbags.

2011-12-23T15:24:00.001+11:00

Today is our first day of school holidays.

Hooray.

It is stinking hot outside.

At least it is a clear, dry hot heat.

I love emptying out the school bags and finding all the treasures.

The half finished word searches.

The multitude of spelling and writing books

and half written notes.

Big boy introduced me to CamWow.

It is a bit of fun.

I am going to try and scan in the sick reindeer story complete with vomiting reindeer.

A special treat!

I think I have everything from the Supermarket.

I think I have got to the point where it doesn't matter if I haven't.

It was crazy down the street this morning.

The big kids and their Dad have gone water skiiing.

I am hoping the little one falls asleep so I can do some present wrapping and juggling.

Are you under control?

I think I am.

Exhaustipated

2011-12-20T21:04:00.000+11:00

carrottspc.com

I don't know about you.

crystalinne.multiply.com

But I am feeling a bit tired.

The Moerk technical term is "exhaustipated"

another very satisfying word.

Especially if you use a whiny tone.

Try it.

via pinterest

I am going to let myself be a bit tired for a day.

source

Then pop my party frock on and continue enjoying the party season.

source

Please Mr M, no snoring tonight.

Go on tell me how tired you are.

It will make you feel better.

Spill..

Colourful happy Christmas cushions

2011-12-17T16:31:00.000+11:00

I recently found this rather cute material in Spotlight and decided to make some happy Christmas cushions.

The owl and the birds were my favourites.

I decided on pom poms and giant ric rac for the trims.

I was in haberdashery heaven.

The kids were less than impressed.

They like snap shopping decisions.

Does this print make you happy?

I love turning a pile of this, into

A pile of these.

It is bucketing rain here.

I think I will have to change my plans for what I am wearing out tonight.

Glitter lips might just wash off in this deluge!

Click on glitter to read more.

What ever you are up to this weekend.

I wish you much

and

linking here

NO such thing as TOO much glitter!

2011-12-15T11:10:00.000+11:00

purse 'n boots

I believe there is no such thing as too much glitter!

Why not throw some about your person to spread the Christmas cheer.

How about glitter eyelids.

(Perhaps not a good idea if you wear contacts) ;)

purse 'n boots

Here's how to do it.

In case you were wondering.

delish

I wouldn't mind a little sparkle on my drink.

Please just tell me if any gets stuck between my teeth.

And Here I am LouLou can show you how to

make sparkle glitter shoes

source

If you want to learn how to make your own glitter lips,

go here

Yours in sparkliness.

5 cute Christmas ideas

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000+11:00

source

I really don't know why I resisted pinterest for so long.

I love it now.

It is an endless source of inspiration.

And a terrible time gobbler.

I love these reindeer beers.

We love to give teachers alcohol for Christmas.

Mr M and I reckon they deserve it for putting up with the kids all year.

source google.com

Isn't this one simple yet effective.

JOY

We all know about my baking this season.

Perhaps I will give this one a miss this year.

source

And this tree.

Again, simple but effective.

source

You know I love the pom pom.

These are very cute.

I might try them next year.

source

And these are just way too cute.

I think these are healthy ones.

You can find out more by clicking on the source above.

I want to try them with cream in a can.

The kids would think I was Supermum.

Hope your week is going well.

A bit of dodgy Christmas baking.

2011-12-10T19:35:00.001+11:00

It's a bit of a sad but true fact, that I am in fact not the worlds greatest cook.

I don't really like cooking all that much and something nearly always goes wrong.

No matter what.

I quite like baking.

Well, I have to confess, I like the idea of baking slightly more than the actual baking.

Any who.

I spent the morning dutifully reading the latest Donna Hay magazine and drooling over her gorgeous biscuits.

Not one to follow an established recipe, I decided to make some stained glass window biscuits.

It started well with boiled lollies.

Big boy had a wow of a time crushing them for me.

I didn't factor in the high humidity today.

Our climate is usually hot and very dry.

So the bits of lollie clumped together.

Bugger!

I rolled and cut and placed.

Threw them in the oven,

and,

well, literally forgot about them.

These are the "not so burnt"ones.

With a bit of "fancy twine" (that's what the label said on the box).

Up they went.

They taste OK.

Oh well, at least I tried.

How is your baking going?

Quick and easy burlap wreath tutorial.

2011-12-09T14:57:00.001+11:00

Hi there, this post comes with a WARNING.

Burlap is extremely messy.

If you have just cleaned and swept, you may want to think twice before embarking on this adventure.

Before I begin, I have to mention the ruffled wire star.

This is a remake of last years hessian heart.

See here for the tutorial.

I just asked Mr M to bend some wire into a star shape and threaded on last years ruffles.

Easy peasy!

To make the covering for the wreath.

I cut strips of burlap (or hessian as we call it here in Australia)

into 3 different widths.

I fringed the edges a bit by pulling out some threads.

This is where it got very messy and I ended up putting on an apron.

Join the ends of each width into long strips.

I just used two widths of the fabric for each size strip.

Piled them one on top of the other, with the narrowest layer on top.

And zoomed down the middle with the sewing machine.

I fluffed them out a bit.

Then as I wound them on to the wreath I kept twisting the fabric so the ends stood out.

I then wound some battery operated lights around the wreath and

here it is.

linking in with

Excitipated, local bloggy gals.

2011-12-03T20:27:00.001+11:00

source

My neighbour and I have developed a bit of our own language.
A language born of each raising 3 babies and sharing many cups of tea and the occasional blog read.
We often speak in FF language.
If you don't know what that is, pop over to Faux Fuschias blog for a visit!
We often rate things 11 out of 10 and action domestic duties.
The universe also often directs us to consume champagne or red wine. Lucky us, it just tells FF what to cook.

One of our favourite words we have developed is "Exhaustipated". You should try saying it out loud. It is very satisfying. Perfect for when you are beyond tired. I should also add, it has nothing what so ever to do with bowel movements.

Anyway, to cut a rather long story short.

Today I was totally Excitipated!

I went to a local market and met 4 other bloggers.

One was a lovely very talented girl who lives across the road, who I already know. Her name is Jacquie and she make the most beautiful buntings and personalised santa sacks. Check out her blog ZippyZippyWorld.

The other was one I had heard about, and it turns out I have known her sister for years.

Her name is Lisa and she makes beautiful quilts and little bags and purses. You can visit her blog here.

And the other two are up and coming bloggers.
One was Ivy loves Jack. She has some great vintage finds and makes adorable dresses for her daughter.

And the other was The Apprentice Extrovert. Here are some of her wares.

These chairs were divine.

If only I could have smuggled them home.

Courtney even shows you how to make these pretend books and the book ends on her blog

here.

Joy oh joy!

What a great way for Miss B and I to spend the morning.

Checking out the crafty business of the local talent.

Guess where we went on the way home?

Yep,

Spotlight.

Stand by for

Lets go Moerkabout

Gets Christmas crafting!

Introducing Polly and thankyou.

2011-12-01T11:26:00.001+11:00

First of all I would just like to say a huge thank you to you lovely bloggers.
Thank you for supporting Miss B by reading her post and making a comment.
I have one very happy girl.
She will be thanking you herself when I show her how to reply to comments.

She did very well in her assignment and was delighted to present it to the class via the blog on the digital whiteboard.
Boy, things have changed since my days at school.

I still remember the teacher writing everything up on the board with chalk.
Some of my teachers used to do the most amazing chalk drawings as well.

Now, ta da,

Introducing Polly.

A much loved and welcomed addition to Moerkland.

She sings a very happy song to us when she boils.

I often stop to gaze at her lovely shine when I pass by.

Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I give her a little pat as well.

In other news,

these bon bons lept into my basket the other day.

I love the colours.

I was kind of thinking, wouldn't they look good on a beige tablecloth with white dots or maybe a white with red stripes, sort of like grainsack stripes.

No, we haven't won tattslotto.

Bananas have come down in price and we are making the most of it.

Cheerio,

Have a great day.

And, once again,

Thanks for sharing the bloggy love with Miss B.

Miss B's felt book cover tutorial

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000+11:00

Hi, this is Miss B here, today I want to show you my
Felt book cover tutorial!!!!

You will need:

two pieces of felt

(one for the pockets and one for the cover)
sharp scissors

a button
some decorations, I chose felt butterflies from Spotlight.

photo album or note book.

thread and needle.
and a sewing machine

First you will need to measure your first piece of felt around your book with one cm excess.(for the sewing)
Sizes may vary from book to book.

Next you will need to measure the pockets for the cover leave, about two or three cm from the middle so you can slip the covers in nice and snugly.

Then cut your felt neatly.

And place your decorations where you plan them to be.

Chose your thread colour. I chose white.

Sew on decorations first.

Then sew on your pockets.

Cut all the excess off.

Hand stitch a beautiful button on.

Cut the button hole and..........

Viola!!!

Your felt book cover is complete.

I did this for my school passion project, I hope you liked it.

Good bye

From Miss B.

And also linking in with Mum's favourites

Maptastic

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000+11:00

Lets go Moerkabout

I am a fan of vintage maps.
Up until 4.30pm yesterday, I didn't have any decorating my house.
That is until I whipped up this baby.

via skimbacohome

I often look at pictures like these and marvel at the colours.

source

It takes me back to my schools days.

Hours spent pouring over the Jacaranda Atlas..

source

Some of the colours are so pretty.

source

There is an easy to follow tutorial over here at Skimbaco showing you how to make the map vase.

You don't need a tutorial for my garland.

Just cut out a bunch of circles.

Whiz them up on your trusty sewing machine.

Wrap them around a globe like object. ( I will tell you more about the globe in a later post).

Or dangle them from your chalkboard.....

If you wouldn't mind popping back tomorrow.

Miss B is doing a special tutorial post for her school passion project.

She gets to make something,

tell us how she did it and then she will show the blog to her class on the electronic whiteboard.

How good is that!

I would really appreciate it if you could show her some blog love.