TIME FOR CHANGE

Hello Lovely Ladies,

Well it has been 7 months since the pink door closed and yes I do miss the boutique and my lovely customers but I honestly believe the change has been a good thing for me.

Soooo with this in mind, I think it's time for a new blog. I would like to start the new year with a blog about me, my life, friends and family, my little house which I'm happily in planning mode for renovations, cooking, gardening, sewing and so much more. I want 2010 to be a year of exploration on discovering who I am, what I love and accepting all these things.

I hope you will come back and join me. I will keep you posted.

Until 2010, I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. May 2010 be a year of peace!

Lisa xo

I'M STILL HERE... I PROMISE

Hello Lovely Ladies,

I know it has been ages since I wrote a post - can you believe it has been over a month now since I closed the pink door at the boutique.

There is still lots going on there, as I try and find a new tenant to take-over the lease, sell all of the shop fittings and finish packing everything up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as we speak (it's making typing very hard :-P ) I may have found a new tenant and we're currently going through the whole legal thing which is a heap of fun!!!

I'm now working in the City (Brisbane) which sees me up bright and early to catch the train. I am really enjoying the change of scenery and discovered a farmers market every Wednesday which is full of yummy things.

I promise to get back into my posts once things settle down, oh and I need get my computer all set up. I'm still reading my favourite blogs and I'll be back soon. Until then, take care lovely ladies.

Lisa xxoo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A BEAUTIFUL NIECE

My beautiful niece, Tayla, turns 10 today!!!

It's such an exciting time in a young girls life. To venture into the double digits, it's the beginning.... so to honour this time I wanted to do something extra special for her so after a lot of thought I decided to make here a print for her new bedroom. It's a collage of everything she is and all the things she loves, centered around her name.

Tayla, I hope you like it and have a fantastic time at your party today!

Lots of love, Aunty Lisa xx

VISION BOARD

Being a visual person I thought I would put together a vision board on the different themes I found in my interest list. I popped onver to a variety of blogs and Etzy sites I love to put together this board. This one is a combination of print, embellished tees, felt, handbags, print and packaging.

I like this board.

Lisa xo

PINK DOOR CLOSING

The day has finally arrived!

The Gloss Boutique pink door will close this Saturday, 16th May at 4pm.

If you live in the area I hope that you'll pop in to say goodbye and have a glass of bubbly with me - it just wouldn't be a Gloss Boutique event without bubbles.

EVERYTHING MUST GO!

REDUCED BY FURTHER 10%
DRESSES, TOPS, JEANS, SKIRTS, PANTS, SHORTS, HANDBAGS, SHOES,
JEWELLERY, HATS, FASCINATORS, SCARVES, GLOVES
plus FURNITURE & FITTINGS
TIMBER COAT HANGERS $9 FOR 10
TIMBER PANT HANGERS $14 FOR 10
WIRE COAT HANGERS FREE
JEWELLERY CABINET $90
BUST MANNEQUIN $60 each
FULL MANNEQUIN $120
CURTAIN $30
MOBILE CLOTHES RACK $25
BOOKCASE $100
JEWELLERY STANDS FROM $5
ROUND TABLE $120
plus more

Lisa xo

PART 2: TALENTS

Like I mentioned in yesterdays post, we tend to only focus on the things we can't do. Here I want to try and list the things I'm good at - it's hard being this upfront

• Organised
• Planning
• Procedures - love to set up and following but not be restricted by them (if that makes sense)
• Learn computer programs pretty quickly (taught myself how to build the website using coding)
• Colour coordinating
• Sew
• Design - graphic design
• Buying for the boutique (I enjoyed planning each season and coordinating pieces across a variety of labels/brands)
• Accounts - yes I'm one of those people that actually enjoy the books (personally and for the business)

Basically, I loved every aspect of the business, from the buying, financials, merchandising, website, marketing, etc. I enjoyed the variety but also the day-to-day tasks.

So what next....?? What am I looking for in a job/career/work environmant and what I don't want.

Lisa x0

I'M HOOKED

I might be a bit slow in picking up the Twlight series to read but let me tell you, now that I have I can't put them down. Sitting right beside me is the 4th book 'Breaking Dawn' and I'm trying very hard to take my time reading it because I know it's coming to an end. I think I read the others in less than a week - it really does pull you into their world!

PART 1: INTEREST - THEMES

I took a good look at my 'Interest' list last night to see if there were any common themes and I did see something but before I say anything I want to take the next step... later today I'll sit down and write a list of what I'm good at. It's funny how we tend to focus on the negative or what we can't do, when we really should focus on the positive and the things that we are good at. That's the plan for today, make a list of my talents, what I'm good at.

Lisa xo

PS: I have to say I'm enjoying this process, I have a good feeling about this :-)

COULDN'T RESIST

I almost forgot to show you the fabric I picked up at the Stitches and Craft show on Sunday.

'Sumor' by Ink & Spindle

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this one from Ink & Spindle yet - I just had to have it!

'Frogs' from Peppermint Stiches

This was just to cute to pass. I'm thinking I might do something for my nephew.

'Sweet Spots' by Moda from Peppermint Stiches

This one was chosen by my neice - she's wanting a new library bag (she's a BIG reader).

PART 1: INTERESTS

What a lovely day! (actually it was when I started to write this but now it looks like its going to rain soon and it's getting colder). I did take a cup of tea and sit outside the boutique in the sun earlier to start on my list. Shall we take a look...

I was going to take a photo of the page but I don't have the camera with me today so instead I'll type it out here which is probably a good way to see if there any theme.

fashion particularly skirts, dreses, jeans

embellished tees

classic styles, elegant

accessories, brooches, hairpins, bracelets

handbags and clutches - love small handbags

favourite colour has always been purple but I love green

stationery - anything and everything

felt

fabrics - cotton, linen

france, paris - anything and everything (fashion, lifestyle, food, etc)

tea, coffee - yes I like both

prints and packaging

graphic design, website design

cooking, italian food, pasta, sunday brunch

simplicity

movies LOVE!

flowers, gardenias, hydrangeas, ocean, rainforest, smell just before it rains

I'd really love your feedback. What do you see? Are you seeing a theme at all?

The next step in the journey is interesting... We don't generally like to point out the things we are good at doing, we only seem to focus on the things we can't do so this is where I need to be honest and make a list of my talents, what am I good at. That's the job for tomorrow. Until then.

Lisa xo

CHANEL MOVIE

You have to pop on over and visit the littlebrownpen blog and watch the Chanel movie. It's a only short but beautiful!

Lisa xo

OK LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

After my post yesterday I decided I need to get straight into it today so I've grabbed a notepad and pen ready to get started.

First things first... today I'll start with making a list of the things that interest me - I plan to write down as many things as my mind comes up with. I might even take a cup of tea and sit outside the boutique and soak up the sun.

This list will obviously be scribbles to start with but I plan to then break the list into different categories and see if there is a common theme.

I'll post my list later on today. I don't want to hold back, I want to open myself up completely here to see what I find - this is a little scary for me because I don't normally share this side of my life with many people but I feel that I need to do this right now, it's time for a change and who knows I might just find what I've been searching for.

OK, lets start.

Lisa xo

TIME FOR A CHANGE

As you know I'm in the process of closing down Gloss Boutique, well the physical bricks and mortar store anyway (unfortunately my landlord wont let me out of the lease so instead I need to find a new tenant for the shop before I can move on).

I visited the Stitches and Craft show on Sunday in Brisbane and it go me thinking.... I really need to use this time more wisely to plan my next step. I think I need to go back to the beginning and work out what it is I want to do, what I want in a job and it's environment, the type of people I want to work with or maybe by myself (though I would miss that creative environment) and see what it is I really want to do.

I need to get brutally honest with myself here and discover just what it is I'm passionate about.

With that, I plan on using this blog as a kind of diary to jot down my thoughts and hopefully a plan will unfold. I hope you don't mind me taking you along with me? I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you taken the journey yourself? Did you find what you were looking for?

I'll keep you posted.
Lisa xo

CRAFT SHOW

The Stitches and Craft Show has arrived in Brisbane, yippeee! The show starts today and runs until the 3rd May. Don't miss it - I'll be there.

xo

COLOUR FUN

This was a lot of fun!

I stumbled across a website called COLOURlovers that basically allows you to play with colour and patterns using templates to create your own prints and colour charts. There is a lot more on the site including forums, etc but I found myself playing around with this pattern and completely lost track of time. It's funny how quickly time passes when you find a new toy to play with.

I think this print would look great in other combinations like orange - will have to head back and play some more :-P

Be warned, it can become addictive, I should know!!

SOMETHING TO MAKE

I really want to make these little pop cakes - don't they look fanastic! The recipe is from the Bakerella blog and we all know how much I'm loving this blog after the success of the layered cake.

SUNDAY... ANZAC DAY

Yesterday was Anzac Day so this week I would like to dedicate the usual 'Sunday...' mosiac to all of those people who have served our wonderful Country here and abroad. We are very lucky to live in such an amazing country and sometimes we take it for granted but on Anzac Day, WE ALL REMEMBER.

1. Anzac Day, Lest We Forget
2. Anzac Day, Australia
3. Anzac Day March, April 25th 2007
4. Anzac Day March
5. Anzac Day March
6. Anzac Day March
7. Anzac Day March
8. Australia Flag ~ Anzac Day
9. Australian Red Cross
10. Anzac Day 25th April 2008
11. Under the Shrine
12. Anzac Day
13. 2008 Anzac Day Service, Anzac Hill
14. 2008 Anzac Day Service, Anzac Hill
15. 2008 Anzac Day Service, Anzac Hill

SOULFUL VOICE

I saw Duffy on the Australian 'So You Think You Can Dance' show a couple of weeks ago - now I had heard the name mentioned over the radio and even heard parts of her songs but I hadn't heard a song all the way through or even seen one of her video clip so I took myself over to her website to check her out.

WOW! Her voice is amazing. It's soulful, I love it!! I'll be heading out to buy her CD (yes, I still prefer to have the actual CD in my hands).

ANZAC BISCUIT

With Anzac Day tomorrow I HAD to make a batch of ANZAC biscuits.

I did forget to take a photo so I searched Flickr for a photo that looked like the ones I made. This photo is from tristanf Flickr photostream.


Actually, because I made these as I was making dinner, they went perfectly with coffee/tea. They are at their best when they first come out of the oven.

There is much debate though on if they should be hard or soft. I prefer mine to be a little crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. My family all have their preferences so I had to put a small batch back in the oven to crunch up a little more (note to self: make the crunchy batch a lot thinner so they will be nice and crunchy).

How do you like your ANZAC buscuits?

I'M IN LOVE

What can I say really... I'm in love with the new Mini....

IT'S OUR HOME... REMEMBER

I have been doing a bit of reading the last couple of days on the environment and looking at ways I can help, no matter how small. Things like the amount of electricity I use at home and at work. I do turn appliances off at the wall - those that I can reach anyway (OK, I just got up and turned off the air con in the shop, it's not really that warm in here today), I try to recycle as much as possible, buy direct from the growers for fruit and vegetables, walk to work, just to name a few.

My sister is even doing her bit. She's currently designing her new home and is looking at ways to utilise the 5 acres and be more self sufficient.

I regularly visit the Martha Stewart website and I came across the article 'Just Do One Thing'.

Now I know there are lots and lots of articles and websites dedicated to this issue so if you have a favourite please add it in the comments to share - I'd be really interested to read more.

PACKAGING

I've always loved packaging and recently I came across a website called The Dieline - it's now a favourite in my long list of blogs to read.

WHITE WONDER

I was wondering my way through the Etsy website the other day and these three pictures jumped out at me. I think it's the white - I'm drawn to everything white at the moment and I love buttons. xo

Mini Art Feeling by Artmind

Sculpture by Mudpuppy

White Buttons by Blacksheepyarns

INVITATION WITH A DIFFERENCE

Continuing on from the chat about party themes from yesterday...

We all like to find fashion that is different but have you thought of doing the same thing with your next dinner party invitations?

I stumbled across a blog this week called Jordan Ferney and in making my way through the blog I came across these message in a bottle invitations.

They are such a fantastic idea, I love them!

CELEBRATION FOR MUM

My mum is celebrating her birthday next month so the party planning has begun.

Mum and Dad took a trip to Vietnam last year and had a fabulous time so with that trip in mind it has been decided that the party will have an Asian theme, it's perfect!

I've been going through various cookbooks tagging lots of pages with various recipes for Mum to approve or not.... Mum isn't a big fan of cakes so we'll need to give the birthday cake situation some serious thought. Dad had his birthday last December and because he's not a cake person either he chose one of his favourite desserts, profiteroles with custard and toffee sauce. It took me a while to search the internet for a recipe but I finally found one. They looked great served on two 3-tier cake stands (I'll see if I can find a photo for you) and I'm happy to say they were a big hit! The recipe now sits in my Kikki-k Recipe Folder.

To help with the planning I'm working on a vision board with various pictures to suit the theme. It's not finished yet but you get the idea of what we're thinking.

SUNDAY... AUTUMN COLOURS

I wanted to do a Mosiac on Autumn because of all the wonderful colours and yes technically it is Autumn here in Australia but in Queensland we are still experiencing warm weather. We don't tend to get cold until late April/early May. The weather is changing though, you can feel the difference in the air, particularly at night but just this week we had cold, raining days followed by a blue sky with 30 degrees temps. Strange but very true.

1. Bye, Bye, Autumn
2. . Autumn Story - The Liquid-Rust Ship .
3. Japanese Maple Autumn Colors
4. Goodbye Autumn... (explored!)
5. Autumn in Paris
6. Autumn mosaic
7. Autumn Rainbow
8. Autumn
9. AUTUMN MELODY
10. Before The Autumn Wind Blows
11. Autumn colours and bokeh; Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
12. Autumn berry in Australia
13. the autumn poets sing ...
14. Autumn-landscape
15. Autumn In the Water

I LIKE IT FAST

Some people might be a little surprised to know that I like, no correction, LOVE, fast cars!!

You can imagine then that I'm soooo excited that this week sees the release of the new Fast & Furious movie with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker (OK breathe Lisa).