tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46015432922747580692024-02-07T15:41:18.297+08:00a country wifeMy life, as I see it, living in the wide open countrya country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-59157578742279908892012-02-20T21:25:00.002+08:002012-06-12T00:08:17.697+08:00Miss Goodie Two Shoes custom orders<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A memo to my regular <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">A Country Wife</span> readers; I apologise for this shameless interlude in transmission. It seems that lately my life is no longer that of a country wife, but more of a miss goodie with two shoes. Well the creator of, and many. I have spent many months repeating the following words in my head, over and over, in a thousand different formats. Trying to grapple with my rapidly changing business and the long list of orders that never seem to shorten. I have been avoiding the document shortcut on my lovely big iMac screen, the one that says "custom orders 2011", for I know it is already 2012 and the list has barely halved. Alas, there is only so long you can think about how to tackle things, you need to just do it.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />So here it is, all done.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53GIPtQPxnLK7ny8oBnVwEojptdva5aOyOB8zhGC6PokCbDyM3oN46dMJNY0IRw3dIIaAG8poRYYQmAg7bMLjX6DKkLCkHH2jETCMyGbi_hvSGz97hKb9os31wXgVHYcRROnW3NHdvRUz/s1600/two+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53GIPtQPxnLK7ny8oBnVwEojptdva5aOyOB8zhGC6PokCbDyM3oN46dMJNY0IRw3dIIaAG8poRYYQmAg7bMLjX6DKkLCkHH2jETCMyGbi_hvSGz97hKb9os31wXgVHYcRROnW3NHdvRUz/s400/two+shoes.jpg" width="316" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To my dear, wonderful, patient and utterly amazing custom Miss Goodie Two Shoers;</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2011 was an incredible year for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns" target="_blank">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a>, but also an incredibly steep learning curve. I entered the business world with my heart on my sleeve, my head in the clouds and my arms open wide. My business plan was to create beautiful dolls and make our little ones grin with happiness. Unfortunately whimsical dreams rarely translate to reality on paper. There are never enough hours in a day, nor days in a week to create the handmade items needed to meet growing expectations. In my effort to fill each household with its own unique beauty and laughter, I opened a generous waiting list for custom Miss Goodies. Precious girls made from antique lace, felt shoes with ballerina ribbons and layers upon layers of ruffles. In my little wonderland I promised I’d complete them all in 9 months. Little did I know that a single custom Miss Goodie would take me two - four weeks to complete from planning stage to posting. In my ill-prepared plan on pretty pink paper I had circled 2 - 4 day turnarounds in glittery coloured pen. I figured if the dream was beautiful then reality would surely follow suit?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />My disappointment is that a year on from opening my arms to over fifty lovely custom homes, I'm only half way through my custom list. There were months when I tried my darnedest to create as many Miss Goodies as was humanly possible so I could feel the load lighten on my weary shoulders. Those months only served to crush my creativity and tear me away from my family. Days became night and nights became day, I ate cereal at 2am and drank strong coffee at 6pm. I lived on barely 4 hours sleep a night and could only converse in a language of fabric, lace and thread. It wasn’t long before I realised that my hobby business had spiraled beyond my control and I ne</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">eded to put away the glitter pens, file away the pretty pink paper and take my head out of the clouds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2012 marks the birth of a more realistic, much better organised me. Still a little crazy in love with pink glitter and whimsical dreams, but without the Miss Goodie creations keeping me up until 3am sewing. I still want to fill your households with pretty girls, perfect for tea parties and sharing ice cream with sprinkles, but I can only conquer my dream one day at a time. I will be keeping my custom list published until each and every one of my gorgeous, patient and loyal custom homes have welcomed their precious Miss Goodie Two Shoes, but I am no longer able to guarantee a timeline for completion. If I were a famous artist I could quote something silly about never hurrying a masterpiece. Instead I’ll explain how much love and fulfillment I receive from making Miss Goodies for your little girls; how I like to spend 2 hours deliberating over that final accessory to ensure it’s in just the right place, or how I will sew the same skirt four different ways to ensure it fits like a glove. And how sometimes I just admire your Miss Goodie for a few days before I’m happy that her ballerina ribbons are sufficiently pressed and perfectly tied. I’m a perfectionist after all, and a little crazy obsessive about the pretty things in life.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />So where does this leave us? For now, with a small but manageable custom list of lovingly created and impeccably dressed Miss Goodies. I aim to complete one - two customs a month, but as with anything in life even that isn't a given. You are welcome at any time to opt for VIP access to an upcoming market night if you need to ensure your Miss arrives in time for an important occasion. Miss Goodies do loathe being unfashionably late. VIP access enables you to choose exclusively from a Miss Goodie collection before they are released for sale. But as with my custom list, VIP passes are subject to a waiting period as only two passes will be awarded each market night.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />At this point I should reiterate that I am not taking any new customs, and that any previous "expressions of interest" for a custom Miss Goodie have been sadly cancelled. 2012 is the year that I focus on market nights and celebration sales, so that I can create as my heart desires and have Miss Goodies available to each and every one of you. For it is with the warmest heart that I say thank you; thank you for your love, support and generosity, thank you for your patience, understanding and thank you for your all-round wonderfullness xx</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Customs February - December 2012</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span>Janelle Curry</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stacie Sinclair</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Janet Lovett</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dafina Rexha</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lorissa Sharpe</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tina Murray</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jess O'Halloran</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Deborah Tomalin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tina Gibb</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tammy Hughes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lynda McIntyre</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Terri Foote</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rachael Rew</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Simone Nuroo</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vicki Jackman </span><br />
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">VIP access to Miss Goodie market night 2012</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span>Rachel Platt<br />April Ure<br />Sultan Seyis</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nicole Duvet<br />Crystal Bard<br />Bianca Webb<br />Katie Bashford<br />Samantha Tio<br />Amanda Warren<br />Jane Syme<br />Maddie Hinwood</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Customs January - December 2013</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span>Roz Borg<br />Cathy Atta<br />Joanne Powell<br />Kerrie Brooking</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Monika Burnside<br />Emma Woods<br />Marlena Alesci-Favaloro<br />Jo Schofield<br />Monique Edginton<br />Jesamine Sargent</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Kristy Mansfield<br />Jen Kennedy<br />Jade Kennett<br />Slavica Ciffolilli<br />Kylie Abu Jaffar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />The full custom list can be found <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=198222026889109" target="_blank">here</a> under the notes section on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> page. You will note a few extra names on my custom list above as they are winners of custom Miss Goodies through charity auction in 2011.</span></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: auto;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-17218120325434044232012-01-17T00:02:00.001+08:002012-01-17T00:07:34.430+08:00The changing of the seasons<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">It's been a long</span> 2 long months of harvest. We've survived rain, deluges, flooding, storms and bogged headers. After what seemed only days ago to be a season we wouldn't survive, today there was a light at the end of the tunnel. White fluffy clouds in a bright blue sky and paddocks of stubble as far as the eye can see. This bittersweet season of harvest is finally coming to a close. Soon there will be no dust rising from an overworked header, no flash of green tractors speeding past the gate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soon we will be on holidays, and this year we will relish every step in the soft white sand, every spray of ocean and every sip of ice cold beer as we say goodbye to a season we hope never to meet again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuhk89OPsMNH8z6zfN6ZI-vAKnQsqElnaXdhdCnCdWryiQISU3jALdx0OyHEOQNAxaJ8SkiRS2VxX1AS_VwU5Q14PsrP7VN3l_Tlfy_MB4XEVCIfVFIzF6uTgiwHTHU-I9DXVB1ljq3iT/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuhk89OPsMNH8z6zfN6ZI-vAKnQsqElnaXdhdCnCdWryiQISU3jALdx0OyHEOQNAxaJ8SkiRS2VxX1AS_VwU5Q14PsrP7VN3l_Tlfy_MB4XEVCIfVFIzF6uTgiwHTHU-I9DXVB1ljq3iT/s400/IMG_5318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-64853301679773278602012-01-14T23:24:00.002+08:002012-01-14T23:32:23.531+08:00Grateful for..... a chance to be creative<div style="text-align: center;">
With harvest dragging on so slowly, we have spent a lot of this week at home, giving hubby lots of moral support and cooking up delicious batches of whoopie pies, cakes and slices. And instead of busy nights sewing custom <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns" target="_blank">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a>, I have had the chance this week to leisurely create some new designs and sew some pretties for my friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7HIIUqhjXF59JDh3SEeIfUXSCyuXl2dmgnna4uKGBn5b5-wjgKwnAEm0JwOOP5E9ALdbSgb0y34tnBhdKuuza0aKd8qrRwweKtT0V4-2DzjtIIU5oNhaRP9qrjs6nvv-sALPuBaJJ0cD/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7HIIUqhjXF59JDh3SEeIfUXSCyuXl2dmgnna4uKGBn5b5-wjgKwnAEm0JwOOP5E9ALdbSgb0y34tnBhdKuuza0aKd8qrRwweKtT0V4-2DzjtIIU5oNhaRP9qrjs6nvv-sALPuBaJJ0cD/s400/DSC_0011.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight while perusing my fabric stash it occured to me how grateful I am for this chance to relax and recuperate from such an insanely hectic 2011. In sewing I have found my new love, my little niche in life. I get immense joy from crafting and creating for little girls (and big girls alike!). It is with great excitement that I plan the release of Miss Goodie's new collections and new designs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But for now, I am so very grateful for the chance to sew at whim and for the special little people in my life. To catch my breath and prepare for another incredible year of Miss Goodie Two Shoes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you too are having a week to be grateful for, I'm playing along with <a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maxabella Loves</a>. Why don't you pop on over and join in too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-79971819855348889382012-01-05T10:18:00.001+08:002012-01-14T23:27:23.384+08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMIeMGscdV05fFcrWnla0rxMYdB7U7qqc275KtQxddpFfI5c2zksSeEcf3DNu7M_kQSqNuxjfUJxI9SE23snNoqB_MEupw4zOcGIpsqF6OQwIvH1JxjAvMGC_hGBY4SWe1e0dIVLfhw9C/s1600/tumblr_lx3cui2BwD1qmxbzeo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMIeMGscdV05fFcrWnla0rxMYdB7U7qqc275KtQxddpFfI5c2zksSeEcf3DNu7M_kQSqNuxjfUJxI9SE23snNoqB_MEupw4zOcGIpsqF6OQwIvH1JxjAvMGC_hGBY4SWe1e0dIVLfhw9C/s400/tumblr_lx3cui2BwD1qmxbzeo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow, where did 2011 disappear to? In a flurry of fabric, ribbon and paper we powered through christmas and into a new year, with barely the blink of an eye! It seems to be the pace of my life lately, full steam and lead foot with nothing inbetween. 2011 was a truly amazing year, and I still pinch myself with the realisation <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a> is loved by so many. I have a journal full of exciting plans for my Miss Goodies in 2012 and can't wait to start creating and sharing again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the meantime, January is a month of quiet and relaxation with my poor neglected family! I miss the days spent playing with tractors in the dirt, games of tickle and giggle, cooking delicious cakes and healthy meals and laying on the couch reading books. I miss having a spotlessly clean house and drawers full of folded clothes. I miss all the 'normal' things in life, and for that I have resolved to manage Miss Goodie Two Shoes differently in 2012. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There will still be plenty of gorgeous girls making their way into excited little arms, but my family, my home and my health will be taking much needed precedence. No more 2am sewing marathons or getting up at 4am because I'm too excited to sleep. I resolve to have sparkling floors and happy kids before I fire up the sewing machine. I will create beautiful girls when I can, not because I have to. I resolve to lead a much more organised life!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really am looking forward to an amazing 2012, I hope you are too.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-63090688391544854812011-11-16T23:43:00.002+08:002011-11-16T23:50:51.939+08:00Harvest "the act or process of gathering in a crop"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BRK2umpvjXPWKgCQpFBYDiVdueC9jCHtR7wLR-CmFxuV1HvA59W84ifkT8Kx-sqNzV5UnhFoD3DPY6Use8UkVVd_FT7xCkg9Z6EabuW6O1uKlF3Ew21o9g5pdzKXhsf-HDD3py-QKmSG/s1600/IMG_4683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BRK2umpvjXPWKgCQpFBYDiVdueC9jCHtR7wLR-CmFxuV1HvA59W84ifkT8Kx-sqNzV5UnhFoD3DPY6Use8UkVVd_FT7xCkg9Z6EabuW6O1uKlF3Ew21o9g5pdzKXhsf-HDD3py-QKmSG/s400/IMG_4683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9-9rHFrFpUWmBuER2hIbJ7xdMDKS2b8DQwsbvSm1hjBZ21twmtrUpkB8EaSeEWmPzT-SMh12XLvLyy-N9p2ZYY4Zv8DIhMgaMheVH9KlXkjvAFIkN1mTljW7kf9RCVF8fpk9YZOMK4s/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9-9rHFrFpUWmBuER2hIbJ7xdMDKS2b8DQwsbvSm1hjBZ21twmtrUpkB8EaSeEWmPzT-SMh12XLvLyy-N9p2ZYY4Zv8DIhMgaMheVH9KlXkjvAFIkN1mTljW7kf9RCVF8fpk9YZOMK4s/s400/IMG_4684.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Pop on over to <a href="http://faithhopeandawholelottalove.blogspot.com/">Faith Hope & a whole lotta Love</a> to share in Wordless Wednesday xx</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-14305116097052569252011-11-12T23:46:00.000+08:002011-11-12T23:46:25.843+08:00This week I am grateful for.... a healthy living challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17443910/260153_227302627304619_224388840929331_780085_6096574_n_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17443910/260153_227302627304619_224388840929331_780085_6096574_n_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404; font-family: cuprum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Earlier this week</span>, I blogged about an exciting offer from </span><a href="http://www.thesoup.com.au/" style="color: #d1737c; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Soup Marketing</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> to take part in a new program hosted by the Heart Foundation. </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/wearemumsunited" style="color: #d1737c; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mums United</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> is encouraging Mums across Australia to unite in their quest to raise a healthy, active family. This project couldn't have come at a better time and for that I am very grateful! I have been ummmming and aaaaaahing for months now about returning to a healthier and happier lifestyle. With a burgeouning </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">business</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> and two little cherubs I just haven't been able to set a date and commit. Oh how simple in form motivation can sometimes be! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When my Soup pack arrived I excitedly set a number of healthy living challenges for myself and my family for the month of November. Starting with me, and my dream for months now: getting off the couch and into running 5kms. The </span><a href="http://www.c25k.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">C25K</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> program is very simple in premise, and amazingly simple in execution. Start with 20 minutes, three times a week and alternate 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking. The program follows the concept of interval training and promises to have you running 5 km in just nine weeks. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you're like me and feel a little allergic to running, I guarantee you will be surprised! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I downloaded the C25K iPhone app (there's many, I chose the one from Bluefin software) and it gives me handy prompts while pumping out my favourite tunes. E</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">arly Monday morning</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I pulled on my trusty joggers and set out for my first run in........ erm five years....? By Wednesday I was already addicted to the rush of early morning exercise. Ahhhhh adrenalin, how I have missed thee! Week 2 of C25K is much the same as Week 1 and I'm secretly hoping that this fresh burst of exercise will help me in my ultimate goal of shedding some unwanted kilos just in time for summer.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you too are having a week to be grateful for. Why not pop on over to </span><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maxabella Loves</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> and share in the fun xx</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404; font-family: cuprum, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-76309624347735817292011-11-09T13:27:00.000+08:002011-11-09T19:04:18.374+08:00Wordless Wednesday: grey skies are gonna clear up!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BdrX_-i0FwXKHjFmk4AcBKlQSAp_bV5TiIQcaWknYXyov_F-OwF1iFAnZ6a_X0LtzBYr56m_0F05ialil6XK8QTlTQR_XdEsTFR_O7Zq7GEfcgjCdTyBykHmEXi8tAErumH64h_XrfBp/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BdrX_-i0FwXKHjFmk4AcBKlQSAp_bV5TiIQcaWknYXyov_F-OwF1iFAnZ6a_X0LtzBYr56m_0F05ialil6XK8QTlTQR_XdEsTFR_O7Zq7GEfcgjCdTyBykHmEXi8tAErumH64h_XrfBp/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pop on over to</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://faithhopeandawholelottalove.blogspot.com/">Faith, Hope and a whole lotta Love</a> to join in the delight of Wordless Wednesday xx</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjQlohuQxGDSxFJGZtd-gD_S729kZB8IY5qwdfuKetf0frpHNo1ms_tOReiMwIWqcoPqBA8y4H7o8YVAMhALXDQDMSsBh6ZKI495D4k6U8YSFB-m4sk27FKoXDsGp5FocraEa8-fTX3Bt/s1600/wordless_Page_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjQlohuQxGDSxFJGZtd-gD_S729kZB8IY5qwdfuKetf0frpHNo1ms_tOReiMwIWqcoPqBA8y4H7o8YVAMhALXDQDMSsBh6ZKI495D4k6U8YSFB-m4sk27FKoXDsGp5FocraEa8-fTX3Bt/s1600/wordless_Page_01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-48902577574312121832011-11-07T11:24:00.003+08:002011-11-07T19:43:45.045+08:00Mums United and a healthy heart challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfQ7S0kjSWEl_mliQ-lZ6kx6DFjYZoqpZXAvplYMg_mg99KHGK7jT0vNFRGeCkK0T8OBww17elGIopnAHIS0lS4kPJporbeCFP6_BwSiiUgjY4rv5QNcRmKOe5Dap2MnLVoHjnePld8KZ/s1600/mumsbanners_484x118_about.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfQ7S0kjSWEl_mliQ-lZ6kx6DFjYZoqpZXAvplYMg_mg99KHGK7jT0vNFRGeCkK0T8OBww17elGIopnAHIS0lS4kPJporbeCFP6_BwSiiUgjY4rv5QNcRmKOe5Dap2MnLVoHjnePld8KZ/s400/mumsbanners_484x118_about.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life, in the most part, has been overtaken lately with a flurry of fabric, needles and thread. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a> has been a life changing and exciting challenge, but as my business has evolved my healthy living has been the first to drop off the list. Gone are my early morning walks and weekly sessions at the gym, to be replaced with bleary eyes, a strong coffee and evenings spent sewing arms and legs. Healthy lunches for the family have been slowly replaced with muesli bars, peanut butter sandwiches and arrowroot biscuits... beans and spaghetti have featured on the dinner menu more often then I would like to admit. With the weather warming I have been promising myself a return to healthy eating and daily exercise, but where is the motivation and enthusiasm when bedtime is rarely before 1am?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then came a very exciting offer from <a href="http://www.thesoup.com.au/">Soup Marketing</a> to take part in an exciting new challenge hosted by the Heart Foundation. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wearemumsunited">Mums United</a> is encouraging Mums across Australia to unite in their quest to raise a healthy, active family. Through my project with Soup I have been asked to set some healthy living challenges and to report on my progress, the perfect opportunity to remain motivated! We got off on a good start today, replacing our usual sugar laden morning tea with some sliced fruit and these delicious raspberry muffins from the Heart Foundation website.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Raspberry Muffins</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZKuQKSgCSfvHjXcsehi_VOr0gPnIErC-wXviyy_enySImjSYJ8CLLCfaqc8JDa2wn_QSR04JHDqASHBtIMZyKhYfudF-HlyDAXJC3VZD81SN5xKvMueRKThyAZe9JBLAvdLHc8C0ztmk/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZKuQKSgCSfvHjXcsehi_VOr0gPnIErC-wXviyy_enySImjSYJ8CLLCfaqc8JDa2wn_QSR04JHDqASHBtIMZyKhYfudF-HlyDAXJC3VZD81SN5xKvMueRKThyAZe9JBLAvdLHc8C0ztmk/s320/IMG_4608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 3/4 cups self-raising flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup caster sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup blueberries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
60g (1/4 cup) margarine spread, extra</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup (250mL) reduced fat milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 egg, lightly beaten</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon vanilla essence </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Directions</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a 12-cup non-stick muffin tin with muffin cases.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a bowl. Mix in sugar and blueberries. In another bowl, combine margarine, milk, egg and vanilla. Mix the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined, using no more than 16 strokes. Spoon mixture into prepared tin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out cleanly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you too are having a healthy start to the week. Be sure to keep an eye on my blog for details of how you can join me in Mums United, and be in with a chance to win $350 in Myer giftcards thanks to Soup!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
<br />a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-60555380794085418902011-11-06T21:04:00.000+08:002011-11-09T13:23:06.723+08:00Life in the country<div style="text-align: center;">
Grey skies in November and the thunderous roar of a lightning storm aren't something to celebrate when you live on a farm, but there is something about the magical landscape. Golden crops against the blackest of skies, pitter pattering of rain and that delightful smell of wet gravel roads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Harvest will be upon us all too soon, for now I am drinking in the peace, quiet and tranquility.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmxrSjnX_bvWkDTM72moYvYubRDPDwH7e18NzCBlGEtEZc3IadV4x4uD4Wi6yeaXdR6lDGhyphenhyphenCCjY-rS4HaFJAi8pE1GHxjIxucfQcggWXm4GVlsYaVDKnT7W9prKPREfnd1PJ83JW4gdK/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmxrSjnX_bvWkDTM72moYvYubRDPDwH7e18NzCBlGEtEZc3IadV4x4uD4Wi6yeaXdR6lDGhyphenhyphenCCjY-rS4HaFJAi8pE1GHxjIxucfQcggWXm4GVlsYaVDKnT7W9prKPREfnd1PJ83JW4gdK/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmqhzc48qT7mDGvdZQVz5DnnNKss85osHUKNhBp2Ta74TsgMc53L1bHV8u_y5fsrisbfyyXOffSCsEOcE4F1K2JPLtBRVNHBmOu_NirsemP1yh07p5X5ukc7IWCxxMc07S_V6LCI5cs_6/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmqhzc48qT7mDGvdZQVz5DnnNKss85osHUKNhBp2Ta74TsgMc53L1bHV8u_y5fsrisbfyyXOffSCsEOcE4F1K2JPLtBRVNHBmOu_NirsemP1yh07p5X5ukc7IWCxxMc07S_V6LCI5cs_6/s400/DSC_0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Nv6QBIVaTnU-Stq76OGEvsm7treVEfvXBXPz5s7S0NDhiptmsm8BqlAs_AY3200956kA50dM1VmXV1Lj-Fwvs0Llp4kFaz-GxEPJLSbdui2B3gCycVcXgbTXMSSL-ax1Ld_I3-q7kmQg/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Nv6QBIVaTnU-Stq76OGEvsm7treVEfvXBXPz5s7S0NDhiptmsm8BqlAs_AY3200956kA50dM1VmXV1Lj-Fwvs0Llp4kFaz-GxEPJLSbdui2B3gCycVcXgbTXMSSL-ax1Ld_I3-q7kmQg/s400/DSC_0015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BdrX_-i0FwXKHjFmk4AcBKlQSAp_bV5TiIQcaWknYXyov_F-OwF1iFAnZ6a_X0LtzBYr56m_0F05ialil6XK8QTlTQR_XdEsTFR_O7Zq7GEfcgjCdTyBykHmEXi8tAErumH64h_XrfBp/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc33xvV2CDcM_oGvW15OBCXqS_dq_ELZh6VWxTelhTMA2LgLkA0nIZeZv1gVrHlWmrP4hHtzhZSogozi6qjSmTw5BUP195eP5JMn7LwseCasP0696GYcMa9JNGmNr08ibM_iaSS2Kw7Uus/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc33xvV2CDcM_oGvW15OBCXqS_dq_ELZh6VWxTelhTMA2LgLkA0nIZeZv1gVrHlWmrP4hHtzhZSogozi6qjSmTw5BUP195eP5JMn7LwseCasP0696GYcMa9JNGmNr08ibM_iaSS2Kw7Uus/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-2215453505510767492011-09-08T00:35:00.000+08:002011-09-08T08:34:54.964+08:00I heart the handmade community: episode II<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">When I created </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a>, I anticipated I would meet some gorgeous and talented girls across Australia and develop a network of 'business' friends. I was so excited about becoming a part of the handmade community. What I didn't anticipate was developing some very close and valuable personal friendships. Friendships with girls who have enormous hearts, amazing talent and inspiring lives.<br />
<br />
I have previously <a href="http://thisfarmerfoundawife.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-much-blogging-catch-up-on-soooo-many.html">blogged</a> about some of these beautiful girls and the delightful businesses they have created. It's high time I shared with you a handful more. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the first spot is a very special girl who takes the hard work out of shopping handmade. My gorgeous friend Kristi from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livvysloves">LivvysLoves</a> stocks a stunning range of handmade goodies, enabling you to shop till your hearts content all in the one place. At LivvysLoves you can buy beautiful handmade clothing, dolls and everything in between!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276990_181579765195529_6448897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276990_181579765195529_6448897_n.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The second lovely lady I'd like to introduce you to is Monique from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/willowmaeclothing">Willow Mae</a>. She makes the most beautiful dresses, skirts, ruffles (just the mere mention of ruffles sets my heart aflutter!) and accessories. Monique and I are currently working on something very special for Miss Goodie Two Shoes fans, and I have to tell you I am very very excited to be creating with someone so talented!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCj_18IUMsUa1DLulEYleqlcaPFF1v-JXjJpiK3vMf3w8jwMco3BxGo1EnQxk2bjZ4jY7on4cnVzOXNF7PDyPAxkKTJCStYLKqV3Ry4-GmABWiwcBVg5zIwf5x5hJTqnmVPedmw2rJY7G/s1600/283197_247015841977102_198330793512274_1045039_79261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCj_18IUMsUa1DLulEYleqlcaPFF1v-JXjJpiK3vMf3w8jwMco3BxGo1EnQxk2bjZ4jY7on4cnVzOXNF7PDyPAxkKTJCStYLKqV3Ry4-GmABWiwcBVg5zIwf5x5hJTqnmVPedmw2rJY7G/s400/283197_247015841977102_198330793512274_1045039_79261_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A final mention for the week is my beautiful friend Kristie from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/boodesigns">BOO! Designs</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">She makes absolutely stunning, fantastically unique clothing for little girls. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47;">The attention to detail in Kristie's clothing is exceptional, and as a testament to her talent, her fan base is booming! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You must take a peek at her recent collection of spooky outfits especially for </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47;">Halloween. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1auMWDxjwko9uBG3X6-d213PCQgQGUON86b3w8Ra4ZGWWyfcfHnSRElYlbd2xRFgJ2uVmycY18jOXNVHEElb_9TKcJo2PCLHroKDm82CUnR4qPKH7ztR394a0eH8c2mXloXn_BJP1ndp7/s1600/298935_10150284337979043_208864019042_7489113_3938452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1auMWDxjwko9uBG3X6-d213PCQgQGUON86b3w8Ra4ZGWWyfcfHnSRElYlbd2xRFgJ2uVmycY18jOXNVHEElb_9TKcJo2PCLHroKDm82CUnR4qPKH7ztR394a0eH8c2mXloXn_BJP1ndp7/s400/298935_10150284337979043_208864019042_7489113_3938452_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have so many more businesses I'd like to mention, so I'll be back again next week with another sneak peek of some handmade beauties and the gorgeous girls I'm so lucky to now call my friends xxx</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-80362352146910486652011-09-02T12:30:00.002+08:002011-09-03T20:58:37.682+08:00This week I am grateful..... that spring has sprung<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Spring has sprung</span> and noone is more excited then me! The first day of spring marks one of the most exciting days of my life, the birth of my little boy Oscar. How can he be three already?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring also means our farm is a burst of colour with vibrant signs of life. What better way to celebrate an extra special birthday and the first day of spring then with a frollick and some fun in the gloriuous sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GNyf33ZUuzRiHJwR5hH19b8W8Uh_n2sXqnSVoFy0tmGACd92c9LDdhfmWCMHlBBy8JpMBsBodFcohsY3TL1TsBUVozzEco7VVsoSi2iimRwlw5EUodLvUG1x8raQ7e5l1WEcVdYbbPD3/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GNyf33ZUuzRiHJwR5hH19b8W8Uh_n2sXqnSVoFy0tmGACd92c9LDdhfmWCMHlBBy8JpMBsBodFcohsY3TL1TsBUVozzEco7VVsoSi2iimRwlw5EUodLvUG1x8raQ7e5l1WEcVdYbbPD3/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW-cs-UR0ATYgiLGY2gCeF-yM60Rr5xDsxzaZ6lDc2cx7e_45AQBk9E7Jr00Jn3e3nqoLBpKWenqPUaL4jBkb1hsoaZwiKKHpO3LEChf1aC4C_G0paMjt9c7zZt7liA2A5XEgJMG500_4/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW-cs-UR0ATYgiLGY2gCeF-yM60Rr5xDsxzaZ6lDc2cx7e_45AQBk9E7Jr00Jn3e3nqoLBpKWenqPUaL4jBkb1hsoaZwiKKHpO3LEChf1aC4C_G0paMjt9c7zZt7liA2A5XEgJMG500_4/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYlXswk5_eju8qBu0iZuwxTKdyNLYuL640jtyNN1ktAeHLF5OdKqalj2IWlLc9ZHCUgKK6O5Mcs-bFYdgJ2wnduuYZC3_uWfsj6TTyOy2RHq_MLlR_Y4zk1FuWDB_vrna7nNJxT7dV3h4/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYlXswk5_eju8qBu0iZuwxTKdyNLYuL640jtyNN1ktAeHLF5OdKqalj2IWlLc9ZHCUgKK6O5Mcs-bFYdgJ2wnduuYZC3_uWfsj6TTyOy2RHq_MLlR_Y4zk1FuWDB_vrna7nNJxT7dV3h4/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Wd91KSHedLwSnyukXrMCF6_h5qCo0LYlyOJxzqEUZZFAG8BlFQB9A_B-5fpUetOJ2DqxHaLJqQDu5DlekGVOUyifSAzswPVsYuvs18T5hg_oAJtB3FIS4pvQ8EZqxdEDP04QVeADaXO/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Wd91KSHedLwSnyukXrMCF6_h5qCo0LYlyOJxzqEUZZFAG8BlFQB9A_B-5fpUetOJ2DqxHaLJqQDu5DlekGVOUyifSAzswPVsYuvs18T5hg_oAJtB3FIS4pvQ8EZqxdEDP04QVeADaXO/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<img alt="Grateful.png" src="webkit-fake-url://CBC979AD-B533-44B7-A778-16FAA85D0ED8/Grateful.png" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you had an enjoyable start to spring, and you're getting some of this gorgeous weathe. I am playing along with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_894930763" style="color: #e06666; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maxabella</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/" style="color: #e06666; text-decoration: none;"> loves</a>, this week</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> hosted by the lovely Emily from <a href="http://thebeetleshack.blogspot.com/">The Beetle Shack</a>. Why don't you pop on over and share in the fun x</span></span>xx</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-71507316547932390342011-08-10T08:40:00.002+08:002011-08-10T09:15:51.513+08:00Wordless Wednesday: Miss Goodie Two Shoes<div style="text-align: center;">This weeks wordless wednesday is dedicated to some of my favourite Miss Goodie Two Shoes creations, recently auctioned for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oscars-Law/135173789844136">Oscar's Law</a>. It's been an incredible three months since the Miss Goodie rollercoaster began. I have made so many gorgeous friends, and learnt so much about myself. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next three months is going to bring.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-b-PKxwlqy1gReMuQ4BzRqaHT9jzeeG00NT-wDloqsPz0O2iIPbV-R-0knmLxQdgStjhyphenhyphenhK1KxaXrey1T4tfjio48L0PHA-oQ3lu4O9sLtLaAU27J7S9iGhg7QHSFkTIwn6zPhtyS4B2/s1600/Miss+Koko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-b-PKxwlqy1gReMuQ4BzRqaHT9jzeeG00NT-wDloqsPz0O2iIPbV-R-0knmLxQdgStjhyphenhyphenhK1KxaXrey1T4tfjio48L0PHA-oQ3lu4O9sLtLaAU27J7S9iGhg7QHSFkTIwn6zPhtyS4B2/s400/Miss+Koko.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhlRmBVPNvR5kVdvcWGAd7JC18ULQSgGHX0tvSzKd_avCtzTnKQhgon-JEXFwkwFgP78bf1XZun3cdL_3Rde3zoFgY_P6qw0VjZEpBaTyC3pBlWZh5AnRYSB0BKlAnKeuKKmhvpyAxLaX/s1600/Miss+Poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhlRmBVPNvR5kVdvcWGAd7JC18ULQSgGHX0tvSzKd_avCtzTnKQhgon-JEXFwkwFgP78bf1XZun3cdL_3Rde3zoFgY_P6qw0VjZEpBaTyC3pBlWZh5AnRYSB0BKlAnKeuKKmhvpyAxLaX/s400/Miss+Poppy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmiCETvevxKvRY5wDXnc0DfnbDpqRfkbYypU6LpY9OkvV347ae2x7m1ogjwH_WYoNA1fP_htiDfF-bstiYIS18RjYQDJTY26NJYHGq95Y_c8JjhcLQFSKlVHxWeVD7A67MycauaMx8ure/s1600/Pirate+Pete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmiCETvevxKvRY5wDXnc0DfnbDpqRfkbYypU6LpY9OkvV347ae2x7m1ogjwH_WYoNA1fP_htiDfF-bstiYIS18RjYQDJTY26NJYHGq95Y_c8JjhcLQFSKlVHxWeVD7A67MycauaMx8ure/s400/Pirate+Pete.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pop on over to </span><a href="http://faithhopeandawholelottalove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d1737c; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Faith, Hope & a whole lotta Love</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> to join in the Wordless Wednesday fun.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4VmEr3a3ps/TZmnn_-63qI/AAAAAAAAIQw/861SwWhjlpw/s200/wordless_Page_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4VmEr3a3ps/TZmnn_-63qI/AAAAAAAAIQw/861SwWhjlpw/s200/wordless_Page_01.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-59265048668961424012011-08-10T00:47:00.001+08:002011-08-10T00:50:51.844+08:00We reap what we sow<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Okay, I'll be honest. </span>I don't have a green thumb, I tend to either kill plants from kindness, or from neglect. I don't seem to find that perfect balance in between. I dream of being surrounded by the gorgeous sights and smells of a rich country garden, just so long as someone else knows what they're doing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> So you can imagine my delight this winter as I've watched my little vegie patch grow and flourish. We've had a few hiccups along the way with some pesky aphids and hungry caterpillars, but I'm pleased as punch to be finally picking delicious, vibrantly coloured vegies from my garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today's harvest was some yummy broccolini, cabbage and beetroot. Yum!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAxVn9XF6o5f-uUHVKuiUjJ2TthYc72ug7eb_1yNaTAcoTYMlQiePh2HvP5OxcARj7V5H5DbtaaofU3JpdRWhF_cHLh9goiKLwfmc3f2RXDTJoFFnrgeS5_wUBsPfTEFkRC5MH1etxN98/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAxVn9XF6o5f-uUHVKuiUjJ2TthYc72ug7eb_1yNaTAcoTYMlQiePh2HvP5OxcARj7V5H5DbtaaofU3JpdRWhF_cHLh9goiKLwfmc3f2RXDTJoFFnrgeS5_wUBsPfTEFkRC5MH1etxN98/s400/IMG_3964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-72928810806097362762011-08-03T10:14:00.002+08:002011-08-03T17:50:26.791+08:00Bathtime fun<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Where has the time gone?</span> This month my little princess is turning one, and a few days later my little prince will be three. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Three of the most amazing years of my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There isn't a moment I don't reflect on how truly blessed I am (and yes, even when I'm up at 2 am, or spending two hours convincing a toddler to go to sleep!).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfq6UE9lkAaIQT4Q5qH6Bc6xJTo5yehbEs5S8H5zRC18S1NTsmKuVs9pCdsr1Ub65LPpBZoTkKf07WbWWWzuxz3Jw4LYg3NP3ivVJvDtb9d-9dKGmFNGe7zHRuRfO2qc-EBcUkua465h3/s1600/DSC_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfq6UE9lkAaIQT4Q5qH6Bc6xJTo5yehbEs5S8H5zRC18S1NTsmKuVs9pCdsr1Ub65LPpBZoTkKf07WbWWWzuxz3Jw4LYg3NP3ivVJvDtb9d-9dKGmFNGe7zHRuRfO2qc-EBcUkua465h3/s400/DSC_0489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXjwiVKFg9Pxrmii0dh95TmYfU0CHq-LMp8qKn_8Ue44jQ5cf0SiOLOH8ccZgQPu03IQvRH3Ric9Q3XRFGiDqXEK2YnueyBG7Z8brLFlQIkpIEzYgJLXFegzueuslF-1V2u4NkBMxFCOy/s1600/image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokxbnqUh9hhZV6g_-s7gQN0JlbUbJtJv3WZ39DU2QXZq6U9pvSvykyOnjzfSSxJSunAzowGZq4836g_1icac8IXdQKdQIy5mIMxSzIAY8Z__8LQ1WDDXLr8zxL5Oh0_OON5caxjrQlESl/s1600/DSC_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokxbnqUh9hhZV6g_-s7gQN0JlbUbJtJv3WZ39DU2QXZq6U9pvSvykyOnjzfSSxJSunAzowGZq4836g_1icac8IXdQKdQIy5mIMxSzIAY8Z__8LQ1WDDXLr8zxL5Oh0_OON5caxjrQlESl/s400/DSC_0493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHGQ6bAV7aJXwKvMAIn383ZXzxiUjapJD0HqYs3ADic37fhSkFTpUvw47OihaEycfP5EZKth8f826_w-myPn_j1At9TPe-jsxMSzOZx5Gvg5NXZEjL54vc_iQSDPRL33QrsnwG2MUe-oI/s1600/DSC_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHGQ6bAV7aJXwKvMAIn383ZXzxiUjapJD0HqYs3ADic37fhSkFTpUvw47OihaEycfP5EZKth8f826_w-myPn_j1At9TPe-jsxMSzOZx5Gvg5NXZEjL54vc_iQSDPRL33QrsnwG2MUe-oI/s400/DSC_0504.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXjwiVKFg9Pxrmii0dh95TmYfU0CHq-LMp8qKn_8Ue44jQ5cf0SiOLOH8ccZgQPu03IQvRH3Ric9Q3XRFGiDqXEK2YnueyBG7Z8brLFlQIkpIEzYgJLXFegzueuslF-1V2u4NkBMxFCOy/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPtQ5BfwMLg/TfnmeMpysWI/AAAAAAAAInQ/nHGCE-7CbFo/s187/wordless_Page_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPtQ5BfwMLg/TfnmeMpysWI/AAAAAAAAInQ/nHGCE-7CbFo/s187/wordless_Page_01.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-70411063254101632222011-08-02T23:37:00.002+08:002011-08-03T03:13:43.836+08:00Oscar's Law<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">There are times in your life </span>when you see and hear something that affects you so profoundly you can't breath. You carry a knot in your throat and a feeling of sickness in your stomach. You cannot escape the overwhelming feeling of sadness, hopelessness and rage.<br />
<br />
I saw and heard that something this morning, and I am still haunted by the images and sounds. If you don't have the strength to watch this video, I don't blame you. I'm not entirely certain why I chose to watch it myself. I normally shy away from ANY depiction of animal cruelty because I quite simply do not cope. Animals are like children, they are loyal, kind hearted and innocent. I passionately believe that ownership of an animal is an honour, not a basic right. I was raised to believe that animals are an integral and important part of a family. They deserve love, respect and protection; protection from people who harm and more importantly, protection from people who exploit. Sadly, the laws and regulations developed to protect companion animals in Australia are grossly inadequate. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/H7n6yoQOhO8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
As much as I am regretful for watching this horrifying video, I am heartened to learn there is a campaign attempting to abolish the factory breeding of dogs.<br />
<blockquote> <a href="http://www.oscarslaw.org/">Oscar's Law</a> is a very simple campaign: it enables everyone to make a stand and tell the Government that "we do not want companion animals factory farmed anymore” and "we no longer want the pet industry to mislead us about what is acceptable for our animals”.</blockquote><br />
<a href="http://www.oscarslaw.org/images/uploaded/Deb-hands_web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.oscarslaw.org/images/uploaded/Deb-hands_web.jpg" width="213" /></a> <br />
<br />
Oscar's Law aims to abolish the factory farming of dogs, ban the sale of animals from pet shops and online, and insist the Government run a proper campaign on responsible animal care. What I think is most important to distinguish between, is the breeding of dogs and the farming of them. It is downright unethical to treat dogs as a commodity rather then a treasured friend. <br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly support the abolishment of pet shops. I have seen firsthand the consequence of irresponsible and callous breeding for the pet shop trade; seriously malformed dogs that have resulted from generations of inbreeding. Its frightening to now realise the environment these poor animals were bred in. If there is just one message taken home from this post, I hope it is how powerful we can be in abolishing the ill-treatment of these poor animals. Next time you, or someone you know, are looking for a new member of your family please consider adoption from a shelter. Take a stand against the farming of companion animals. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please join me in rallying for Oscar's Law. </b></span></div></div><div style="color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_890089569"></span><span id="goog_890089570"></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-25216490299009356472011-07-31T15:31:00.002+08:002011-07-31T15:39:21.772+08:00Collaborate for a Cause<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Apologies for being so quiet here at A Country Wife. </span>It has been calamity jane in our household the past few months. Despite my love of winter, and the delightful weather that it brings, the sudden change from balmy days to freezing nights has brought with it continual illness. Our run of bad luck began in May with a nasty virus, and has just ended with two cases of whooping cough, and a horrid flu complete with ear infection. To say I am looking forward to a few weeks of peace, quiet and happiness is an understatement!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite days and nights of coughing, fever and tears, I have managed to continue creating and building <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1312095689">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a>. I was recently asked by the designers from two of my favourite handmade businesses; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yumminess">Yumminess Textiles</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Giovannafashion">Giovanna</a> to collaborate and create some special donations to a charity auction called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/collaborate4acause">Collaborate for a Cause</a>. The amazing Jen from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ainsleefox">Ainslee Fox Handmade </a>is the brainchild of C4AC, and she has done an <b>outstanding, inspirational</b> job of pulling this auction together. One small idea is now a charity auction featuring over 200 businesses, 114 items and an astounding $14 000 currently raised for some well deserved charities! To say Jen is a superstar is an incredible understatement! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The auction finishes tonight at 8pm EST and I'd love if you could pop over and support the generous work of my beautiful and talented <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ainsleefox#%21/media/set/?set=a.220796834619814.60007.214175851948579">friends</a>. Amongst the gorgeous items on offer, you can find my Miss Goodie Two Shoes <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ainsleefox#%21/photo.php?fbid=233979629968201&set=a.220796834619814.60007.214175851948579&type=1&theater">here </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7ch5kUUy9c9h83uuxqdljp0MWRJPQNiUK4Vi_mKKGwbv8_2rKwGT_Y3aGYtNoIjw3fB8qgUCd6uXEvG26sx99m-TddAKjIep2bkx3KLlKaEl8fdldyAVhlT5Zyb3B7oL-yFGwkBz5f3c/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7ch5kUUy9c9h83uuxqdljp0MWRJPQNiUK4Vi_mKKGwbv8_2rKwGT_Y3aGYtNoIjw3fB8qgUCd6uXEvG26sx99m-TddAKjIep2bkx3KLlKaEl8fdldyAVhlT5Zyb3B7oL-yFGwkBz5f3c/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ainsleefox#%21/photo.php?fbid=234966719869492&set=a.220796834619814.60007.214175851948579&type=1&theater">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pT8XiPIg5VdY1eZ812nTXnCSaoaAXFHXLrz5VePMBmXFVd6fmVIbhjJY-AuoAe1mIQFDT62rn6HouA4QEzyjTUNUqNAPFkq2KJxPwkr-PhPEP6cJebgB7fuwXI7r89zbgtzp6e1qKjeD/s1600/252072_233979629968201_214175851948579_751916_2737321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pT8XiPIg5VdY1eZ812nTXnCSaoaAXFHXLrz5VePMBmXFVd6fmVIbhjJY-AuoAe1mIQFDT62rn6HouA4QEzyjTUNUqNAPFkq2KJxPwkr-PhPEP6cJebgB7fuwXI7r89zbgtzp6e1qKjeD/s400/252072_233979629968201_214175851948579_751916_2737321_n.jpg" width="363" /></a></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-71522297747142148372011-06-11T13:41:00.002+08:002011-06-11T13:47:16.985+08:00Today I am grateful for... watching the sun rise<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Most people hate</span> winter because it's cold and often inclement, but that's exactly why I love it. I love to rug up in front of the fire and eat lots of yummy comfort food. I love that when I get up in the morning, my view is of fog rolling across the paddocks and a winter sun rising. I love getting dressed in soft wool jumpers and oversized coats. Most of all, I love snuggling under the doona with my warm as toast little man and giving him eskimo and butterfly kisses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning, I love that we got a little visit from our neighbours, and despite the freezing cold underfoot I creeped out to say hello.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeu2eik-PiIEuwLz3K3p1XaRAfu-CUrbPDYjYLQ2iQDf4Q3EkOV0l0y8C_JwZud-L_i0EBTtJqkasl2gn-96t-IbzOxi8A9blo7gUd48C1GIbQdLG6hoYotsreW-Br5l2Qkzkgdz8VmA2/s1600/IMG_3196_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeu2eik-PiIEuwLz3K3p1XaRAfu-CUrbPDYjYLQ2iQDf4Q3EkOV0l0y8C_JwZud-L_i0EBTtJqkasl2gn-96t-IbzOxi8A9blo7gUd48C1GIbQdLG6hoYotsreW-Br5l2Qkzkgdz8VmA2/s400/IMG_3196_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #311404;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you too are having a day to be grateful for. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am playing along with</span><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d1737c; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Maxabella Loves</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, come along and join in the fun!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/search/label/Grateful"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-88015429143254166042011-06-09T00:24:00.002+08:002011-06-09T00:49:30.881+08:00Celebrating 100!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8376983/4111736149_3c9bae0ff7_z_large.jpg?1301544430" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8376983/4111736149_3c9bae0ff7_z_large.jpg?1301544430" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Well look at that! </span>A Country Wife has reached a very magical milestone - 100 gorgeous followers! Thank you so so much to everyone who joins me here each week to share in my life and love of the country. I can't believe how much my life has changed since joining the blogging world. Inspired by so many of you, my inner creativity has bloomed and I literally bounce out of bed each day (okay, well most days!). A Country Wife has been the start of so many special friendships and such an exciting future.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought as a little tribute to the number 100, I'd share some 'top 100' trivia with you.</div><ol><li>The most beautiful woman of all time is Audrey Hepburn, followed by Liv Tyler and Cate Blanchett. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you have no arguments from me.</li>
<li>According to IMBd, the most handsome man in Hollywood is Jonathan Rhys Meyers, followed by Brad Pitt and Jude Law. No surprises then that Jude Law is welcome to park his slippers under my bed any time he likes!</li>
<li>The number 1 box office film of all time is Avatar (2009), yet I won't mention that I'm actually still to see it *blush*! When adjusted for inflation, the top film of all time is Gone With the Wind (1939). Goes to show you can't beat the golden oldies.</li>
<li>According to Rotten Tomatoes, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002) is the number 1 worst movie of all time. I guess it's just as well I've never heard of it!</li>
<li>The most popular dog breed of all time is the Labrador Retriever. Oh absolutely, who can resist a cuddle with a big fluffy bear?</li>
<li>The most popular girls name of all time is Mary, whilst the most popular boys name is James. Now doesn't that give new meaning to 'biblical proportions'?</li>
<li>According to Forbes Magazine, the worlds richest person is Carlos Slim who boasts a mere $74 billion fortune. He trumps Mr Gates for the second year running, of whom has a lowly $56 billion to his name. So tell me, what on earth does one do with that sort of money?</li>
<li>Perhaps they buy a few of these. At a recommend retail price of $1 700 000, the Bugatti Veyron is the worlds most expensive car. </li>
<li>If you're looking for a career change, now is the time to become a software architect. It is the top ranking job in the US according to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> level of pay, growth prospects, stress levels, security, flexibility, satisfaction and benefit to society. And here I thought being a mum would have trumped the list!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>And finally, a top 100 list dedicated to... blogging of course! With an impressive daily traffic count of 820 000, or 24 million people a month, <a href="http://www.digg.com/">Digg</a> is the most successful blog of all time. So what does it mean that I've never heard of it? <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/">Political ticker CNN</a> and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">The Huffington Post</a> follow behind with 303 000 and 283 000 viewers each day. Blogging really is a technical revolution!</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;">So while I doubt my life will ever reach a top 100 list, I'm just super chuffed that I've reached 100. I can't wait to see what the next 100 followers will bring xxx</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-26851705005032268312011-06-06T11:58:00.001+08:002011-06-06T13:58:13.085+08:00I heart the handmade community<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">So much blogging</span> to catch up on! Soooo many things to say, I didn't realise just how much I'd missed my little blog until I'm now starting to write again. To make it easy, I thought I'd start with a tribute to some delightful handmade businesses and the beautiful girls behind them. Some I knew before the creation of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a> and have been blessed with getting to know them better, others have welcomed me to the handmade community with open arms and have been an amazing inspiration and given me endless support. Most of all, each and every one of these girls creates the most divine handmade goodies!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">So without any further to do.......!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">In the first spot is a gorgeous girl that I have previously blogged about, but who needs another mention simply because her artwork is the most gorgeous I have seen. Jess from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/artcandyboutique">Art Candy</a> creates the most beautiful canvas boards and prints, I have a twelve strong collection of her artwork, and I'm still greedy for more!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LcJdMqHpPqe_F5WbVDmllr5ROCGNnqf9sSqj1gL3EvykiDf4U0JxLKSByw49xSzB9F2OgdKu01hYigeYCMnMeu5r3urY9jCEcyOIAVptJK1oAYrjVvQtUyEQCNssmgHy1-OvTbi68I-J/s1600/240029_228271477199506_141765075850147_953827_7608461_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LcJdMqHpPqe_F5WbVDmllr5ROCGNnqf9sSqj1gL3EvykiDf4U0JxLKSByw49xSzB9F2OgdKu01hYigeYCMnMeu5r3urY9jCEcyOIAVptJK1oAYrjVvQtUyEQCNssmgHy1-OvTbi68I-J/s400/240029_228271477199506_141765075850147_953827_7608461_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The second lovely lady I'd like to introduce you to is Alana from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yumminess">Yumminess textiles</a>. She creates the most beautiful ruffles and coordinating outfits, and never ceases to make me smile with her cheeky sense of humour. I was lucky enough to snap up four pairs of her divine ruffles during her last market night, and I'm counting down the days until I can buy more!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICCLo_o9QG21dz8XHGI-IWxU5GgKy0eXF_OnOFhe0swT1rsZ9n1xH5conR4NjkKnXEQDdFZh8l8vTQO5dFNk9YFpn6ID6PRJ7pGxiFQinp3VbvlSx0hiKzhds_cDi2yaSd4hhjYO2021V/s1600/242342_177364125652459_118979304824275_404570_4806433_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICCLo_o9QG21dz8XHGI-IWxU5GgKy0eXF_OnOFhe0swT1rsZ9n1xH5conR4NjkKnXEQDdFZh8l8vTQO5dFNk9YFpn6ID6PRJ7pGxiFQinp3VbvlSx0hiKzhds_cDi2yaSd4hhjYO2021V/s400/242342_177364125652459_118979304824275_404570_4806433_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="307" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">While on the subject of ruffles, I must pay mention to the divine Lisa Lou from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LittleLouLou.Handmade">Little Lou Lou - Handmade children's fashion & gifts</a>. She recently opened an online <a href="http://www.littleloulouhandmade.com/">store</a> amid a frenzy of excited ruffle fanatics and is responsible for my ruffle obsession!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBrPWHWhT8C-arZ7bgHHIUCjKnts5QUcNojReRchCJi12XwMKUPu9Of4jUoOOaG-TAg_EyOA9sDdyK5Qa5oEQmpp5NFm_ipGqSWutrmIxDleygvjLDnTV86bIfK7Oxpo5L7X9iSQvfFpk/s1600/251557_214845121880240_154987961199290_715392_4057687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBrPWHWhT8C-arZ7bgHHIUCjKnts5QUcNojReRchCJi12XwMKUPu9Of4jUoOOaG-TAg_EyOA9sDdyK5Qa5oEQmpp5NFm_ipGqSWutrmIxDleygvjLDnTV86bIfK7Oxpo5L7X9iSQvfFpk/s400/251557_214845121880240_154987961199290_715392_4057687_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">A final mention for the week is my beautiful friend Kate from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MissKikiofCherryBlossomLane"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MISS KIKI of Cherry Blossom Lane</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. She gives life to the cutest little cloth dolls who are just bursting with personality. My favourite little girls are from her recent 'English Cottage' collection, and I'm pleased as punched to say we now own a little Miss of our own.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBtBZBNQZ5ZVidkzGMZVB7hEojgEf5_1H73a_qbhm3SmnEwPv0h0nEXrSn9avsjnJlUMapcMvu9hsxP0eqarbtYHmH9ZaA5rFVOShrmDC09z0Kn68qi9jFish3xoXJIXD8x_R4UFaLQiX/s1600/251049_206832159354176_180553651982027_525757_6828011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBtBZBNQZ5ZVidkzGMZVB7hEojgEf5_1H73a_qbhm3SmnEwPv0h0nEXrSn9avsjnJlUMapcMvu9hsxP0eqarbtYHmH9ZaA5rFVOShrmDC09z0Kn68qi9jFish3xoXJIXD8x_R4UFaLQiX/s400/251049_206832159354176_180553651982027_525757_6828011_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I have so many more businesses I'd like to mention, so I'll be back again next week with another sneak peek of some handmade beauties and the gorgeous girls I'm so lucky to now call my friends xxx</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c2a47; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; cursor: move;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-13419818860802983482011-06-03T17:26:00.000+08:002011-06-03T17:26:36.179+08:00A Country Wife returns... with her Miss Goodie Two Shoes<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">My poor neglected</span> little blog. Ever since the creation of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a> I haven't had a chance to relax with a cuppa and visit my friends in blogland. Now when I jump on to the computer it's to update my business page, answer queries and a long list of emails, and catch up with the goings on of all my fellow businesses. I am loving every minute of my new life and feel so blessed that I am creating treasured friends for little girls and boys.<br />
<br />
I do miss blogging though. After all it was the gorgeous girls amongst us who inspired me to channel my creative side. I made an early decision not to post about Miss Goodie Two Shoes as I wanted to stay true to the reasons for developing A Country Wife. But sadly that has meant a complete lull in blogging! I've done some reflecting and have decided my blog should embrace this new chapter of my life, and share the excitement with you all. <br />
<br />
Here we have the latest of my precious girls<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NPW7-FcfwJ3Ig69zCEsRDSwFiMLcJfBwQzsVtcMg91iyU1g45XiyLwp0BFLjfDZKQMnmd31yz9vjaj27Eip4an7D-x7FKGjYgfhzgIx6RJVcYfuxVoEQU2dFOo64puz_NiKol97LWVeP/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NPW7-FcfwJ3Ig69zCEsRDSwFiMLcJfBwQzsVtcMg91iyU1g45XiyLwp0BFLjfDZKQMnmd31yz9vjaj27Eip4an7D-x7FKGjYgfhzgIx6RJVcYfuxVoEQU2dFOo64puz_NiKol97LWVeP/s400/IMG_3096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJskVb_Od_o-TyaMjd_RYhj-UiFIFGOWY4Uhv1Sck3EXEjh9iZRKhqgpUT2hVRinSUjKkiK017vOwceklsghu_AIvDLYGJK-YAlMb2ndF0BqnjnQFbNstiuVI_nDLxsotYoCSfAy0EwUL/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJskVb_Od_o-TyaMjd_RYhj-UiFIFGOWY4Uhv1Sck3EXEjh9iZRKhqgpUT2hVRinSUjKkiK017vOwceklsghu_AIvDLYGJK-YAlMb2ndF0BqnjnQFbNstiuVI_nDLxsotYoCSfAy0EwUL/s400/IMG_3094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Looking forward to catching up with you all again! xxxx</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-42057138321776435582011-05-18T23:50:00.003+08:002011-05-19T08:49:35.615+08:00Testing out my birthday pressie<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">My gorgeous hubby</span> bought me a 55 - 200mm Nikkor lens for my birthday last week. I absolutely love it! Now I can finally take photos of Oscar, aka pocket rocket, without him being just a blur in the distance!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cgvgDIK3fR6PcgKIQQ6xXRXpPUDcLztJsWadbVrTkb0-6eUl-hIWgx0s0oHb1MCDExb2F98QNmcBVn0ikbwZkSnps36YLL5_aFNv4amNKx8yZll-qIFbqXBxGe9YiFLtS5fJpqy9sPfx/s1600/DSC_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cgvgDIK3fR6PcgKIQQ6xXRXpPUDcLztJsWadbVrTkb0-6eUl-hIWgx0s0oHb1MCDExb2F98QNmcBVn0ikbwZkSnps36YLL5_aFNv4amNKx8yZll-qIFbqXBxGe9YiFLtS5fJpqy9sPfx/s400/DSC_1035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcrBmSvMOpQWsk3hhyBQrZ_bNWz2HxW3cHNTnZQXY1MApqBbTA0REdKC7XgQX8YQJgmMZqokFBFHCYGjHZi6mNfK_hglNuTzkTI7cREn2Z5f1euNcAIRGRrek2iTv6pE3EGDli_ksilKg/s1600/DSC_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcrBmSvMOpQWsk3hhyBQrZ_bNWz2HxW3cHNTnZQXY1MApqBbTA0REdKC7XgQX8YQJgmMZqokFBFHCYGjHZi6mNfK_hglNuTzkTI7cREn2Z5f1euNcAIRGRrek2iTv6pE3EGDli_ksilKg/s400/DSC_1047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p7QibbKToRUfJl_aYue5lbpoNWSAD7ObBEEes_Mh5GE-KREWyXiGMBR2TqfhM6B8RuboztLmVJwMTT7p23GCcNKGXS4jhh8bnQsMY2xkcUVBnSYjQ5M9SuDV7mrAlf9-h5mSPJgnTlYN/s1600/DSC_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p7QibbKToRUfJl_aYue5lbpoNWSAD7ObBEEes_Mh5GE-KREWyXiGMBR2TqfhM6B8RuboztLmVJwMTT7p23GCcNKGXS4jhh8bnQsMY2xkcUVBnSYjQ5M9SuDV7mrAlf9-h5mSPJgnTlYN/s400/DSC_1055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU7FhfA7RwcdY_p7UnVy7DeOHWv2cc0MFyWEM_2xs9de_fIUfEjKtg7zjPigH64okAcBEYdG59FNUj1Tyn3aJoUIvdK05NBfIJ2_EjukKkU-8iBTkDWu4jJMriV7-k3FNVgJVGQih0goH/s1600/DSC_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU7FhfA7RwcdY_p7UnVy7DeOHWv2cc0MFyWEM_2xs9de_fIUfEjKtg7zjPigH64okAcBEYdG59FNUj1Tyn3aJoUIvdK05NBfIJ2_EjukKkU-8iBTkDWu4jJMriV7-k3FNVgJVGQih0goH/s400/DSC_1056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlUd-izHEJE/TZPqA00-jZI/AAAAAAAAIO4/6zohLLN98m8/s1600/wordless_Page_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlUd-izHEJE/TZPqA00-jZI/AAAAAAAAIO4/6zohLLN98m8/s200/wordless_Page_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-26047527823893486872011-05-15T09:35:00.002+08:002011-05-18T23:15:41.550+08:00This week I am grateful for. . . . . my family and friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/9585887/3_0u1e9659_large.jpg?1304900480" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/9585887/3_0u1e9659_large.jpg?1304900480" width="265" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">May is my favourite month</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> of the year, I get to celebrate my wedding anniversary, mama's day and my birthday. This year I was extremely spoilt for all three occasions. My gorgeous hubby took me on a blindfolded treasure hunt for our anniversary, with the end surprise a beautiful hand made card and an eternity ring. We celebrated our night with a bottle of 2001 vintage black dog shiraz and an evening of laughter and reminiscing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> On mama's day I was awoken to the sweet voice of my little man wishing me a very special day. I enjoyed french toast and coffee in bed before dozing off again for another two hours. Oh what bliss!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday, and was showered with love and best wishes by family and friends. I am so very grateful for the special people in my life, who never cease to make me feel loved, appreciated and so very blessed. The icing on a fabulous May was toasting my new business with a glass of Chandon in the Royal Doulton champagne glasses I was given by my mum.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Did I mention also that I might be a little bit spoilt... *blush*? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you too are having a week to be grateful for. I am playing along with</span><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Maxabella Loves</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, come along and join in the fun!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/search/label/Grateful"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFhf5-lJCL4Xg4u2o5oTMm9Tdaa-5FzRV_lYopiejwvgwuuWm7HSN22XGO6VOFoYmPVyZpj0upOcdkpPHnEPwnp9oKv-Emg0vZuFqIFIzactt3sE1OQFGRGsOO8ZAxfh6iwHaY5vG9B73/s1600/Grateful+button+working.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-84592456383793601332011-05-04T08:59:00.003+08:002011-05-07T00:00:50.327+08:00Our fourth wedding anniversary<div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Today my gorgeous husband</span> and I are celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary. I feel so blessed that our love is even stronger today, then it was on that magical autumn day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIWNIux21CwLTpWQd6Z4rQLs6vyy_5tFIwWuT0lKt53KnFVchZWoa165dvWUdGDO1jaTsGWOPxg9kbQ11yiUMNQrPkjRZbZ-Tz1eDkoBltp6f8Z5Y7PtgbQ9MpUU5gWt5BeXK01cruHip/s1600/n656557216_253551_9051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIWNIux21CwLTpWQd6Z4rQLs6vyy_5tFIwWuT0lKt53KnFVchZWoa165dvWUdGDO1jaTsGWOPxg9kbQ11yiUMNQrPkjRZbZ-Tz1eDkoBltp6f8Z5Y7PtgbQ9MpUU5gWt5BeXK01cruHip/s320/n656557216_253551_9051.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0Cdv24qpvX0kMEr_lXV8Dl4GukdYu2KYupSaE8SyfswbXSRCtuPe6c7yHGKQN4PTtWmvRKkpNxWBAc3wNF0FzX1zhIyBNvl0_bPZZViyfTahl1M80zjkqyglKm2-faEya6mfLXhdrcQ2/s1600/n656557216_253553_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0Cdv24qpvX0kMEr_lXV8Dl4GukdYu2KYupSaE8SyfswbXSRCtuPe6c7yHGKQN4PTtWmvRKkpNxWBAc3wNF0FzX1zhIyBNvl0_bPZZViyfTahl1M80zjkqyglKm2-faEya6mfLXhdrcQ2/s320/n656557216_253553_9744.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_KYuL6ekqv7Jw_s7Zg-lDPKaI0Ea9kF5dtFTCH-pcIv-I_1KbtrKxlSTBkrgSTMvIRCtN7kB3_noiZ6sTns__qjGD39wOcZGHo7rx1th2FZZ0pv1_b-9hYuTI7c4SH9IwTfIFAgA2yGv/s1600/n656557216_253567_4564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_KYuL6ekqv7Jw_s7Zg-lDPKaI0Ea9kF5dtFTCH-pcIv-I_1KbtrKxlSTBkrgSTMvIRCtN7kB3_noiZ6sTns__qjGD39wOcZGHo7rx1th2FZZ0pv1_b-9hYuTI7c4SH9IwTfIFAgA2yGv/s320/n656557216_253567_4564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mE5sKJIUx67JYejS1lI5rMxpXhyphenhyphen5SgTAi7wv1XdHy2c4mQevct2chC29BzqUoUXp6jmBG-CzuUfTY9gP6MxZtjjQDcochAHUeLX03uAAB7qrgoOmGGD9IrYWyDxiat5MNq_DDSAPHrRL/s1600/n656557216_255769_1462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mE5sKJIUx67JYejS1lI5rMxpXhyphenhyphen5SgTAi7wv1XdHy2c4mQevct2chC29BzqUoUXp6jmBG-CzuUfTY9gP6MxZtjjQDcochAHUeLX03uAAB7qrgoOmGGD9IrYWyDxiat5MNq_DDSAPHrRL/s320/n656557216_255769_1462.jpg" width="238" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX2T5v_Ul3uuDchokkrWkjFq-06NpF5986fFbMxNdNzJCJNgJBV9oJh_6OoK6u0ojLJsn7LBhnZDmhwbCq0f10oHIBY6Mbma1o59XHKtVLczunft1O5gINC8IZxYv6fTz6AHAccQEQPO7/s1600/n656557216_253519_7982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX2T5v_Ul3uuDchokkrWkjFq-06NpF5986fFbMxNdNzJCJNgJBV9oJh_6OoK6u0ojLJsn7LBhnZDmhwbCq0f10oHIBY6Mbma1o59XHKtVLczunft1O5gINC8IZxYv6fTz6AHAccQEQPO7/s320/n656557216_253519_7982.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtQYSjLuLF3wIhrSY8gsSz_NO5OmjLBI-EFbEeS6yctU80Bq_SWVJ4FMeRwEW9zWmPXBWIS5A-ARSZ458dqMI4PzRMAc9RnnM2zIRw6LzvOvvGAW6-VhTGrKMKyShCuYYN0NpSFqAUjeW/s1600/n656557216_253532_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtQYSjLuLF3wIhrSY8gsSz_NO5OmjLBI-EFbEeS6yctU80Bq_SWVJ4FMeRwEW9zWmPXBWIS5A-ARSZ458dqMI4PzRMAc9RnnM2zIRw6LzvOvvGAW6-VhTGrKMKyShCuYYN0NpSFqAUjeW/s320/n656557216_253532_2783.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqYFRvngr16iNBiSsTWuSpU74hCxhQltgCZnddEccgLXlztpEYURaQqPSuo3Uq-gtfeKa6cvgQX8hQtc00CUCPpYP53FhiGlSwnBZZoIdUzBfTz9MRuRsYICV-Ow22V-uszqRz-mOBwnO/s1600/n656557216_253533_3107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqYFRvngr16iNBiSsTWuSpU74hCxhQltgCZnddEccgLXlztpEYURaQqPSuo3Uq-gtfeKa6cvgQX8hQtc00CUCPpYP53FhiGlSwnBZZoIdUzBfTz9MRuRsYICV-Ow22V-uszqRz-mOBwnO/s320/n656557216_253533_3107.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqYFRvngr16iNBiSsTWuSpU74hCxhQltgCZnddEccgLXlztpEYURaQqPSuo3Uq-gtfeKa6cvgQX8hQtc00CUCPpYP53FhiGlSwnBZZoIdUzBfTz9MRuRsYICV-Ow22V-uszqRz-mOBwnO/s1600/n656557216_253533_3107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdQ6wuDG98Z5YvcJdr31phWkAiMCQaeUOIScpk0b1jCgAal8j0qI-hhkHwVO-xYe4fERVHGcjnrZa-1szXxu7XLR66kEmtfCUe6rP7_q1eQb3GAoAd23SNIxC420ZGZAaPTEarS2LuO3/s1600/n656557216_253522_8931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdQ6wuDG98Z5YvcJdr31phWkAiMCQaeUOIScpk0b1jCgAal8j0qI-hhkHwVO-xYe4fERVHGcjnrZa-1szXxu7XLR66kEmtfCUe6rP7_q1eQb3GAoAd23SNIxC420ZGZAaPTEarS2LuO3/s320/n656557216_253522_8931.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZWa91W0RnCfePtNqCjunzMTg687Bq2oyN6JUWUJOBXEYsgDzagenCG487IHOxAJMNSZvDcLaJYYfFc_M0ikBwwLYF8NGWao11NugH24rhE_FEH3J5Lrj1tackjwjm56SdL8H-Fr_4yL8/s1600/n656557216_255792_9621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZWa91W0RnCfePtNqCjunzMTg687Bq2oyN6JUWUJOBXEYsgDzagenCG487IHOxAJMNSZvDcLaJYYfFc_M0ikBwwLYF8NGWao11NugH24rhE_FEH3J5Lrj1tackjwjm56SdL8H-Fr_4yL8/s320/n656557216_255792_9621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm playing Wordless Wednesday with <a href="http://faithhopeandawholelottalove.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordless-wednesday.html">Faith, Hope and a Whole Lotta Love</a>, pop on over and add your special memory xx</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-59495132263981940032011-05-01T23:34:00.001+08:002011-05-02T07:58:46.608+08:00This week I am grateful for.... two very special friends<div style="text-align: center;">With my fourth wedding anniversary only days away, I have been reflecting all week on two very special people in my life. They are my best friends; two amazing and inspirational girls with a heart of gold. I am truly blessed to have grown alongside them, had their wisdom to learn from and their friendship to gain strength from. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week I am so very grateful for my best friends, my confidants, my strength when I need it, the two people whose laughter never ceases to make me smile.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyYV5g4hxhag6cIVVxRVXBJU2HNPERi7WnEmyBe_z3MPflnujEtd8UuHcVLWQO0zUSYfmJucMsrgOXOrJjHgWeGQtUNENq9SMiKwfbNAfPpZ_zdOVp1ZHqBXKe6u2twUAZoOWXuL2S1lO/s1600/n656557216_253546_7395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyYV5g4hxhag6cIVVxRVXBJU2HNPERi7WnEmyBe_z3MPflnujEtd8UuHcVLWQO0zUSYfmJucMsrgOXOrJjHgWeGQtUNENq9SMiKwfbNAfPpZ_zdOVp1ZHqBXKe6u2twUAZoOWXuL2S1lO/s320/n656557216_253546_7395.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFOr56WPry02cJSbXp40IzzaNw6QvCuMWfrfup6s1Xezn0fDBU9GqGf8VqTWY2CmScFPRNsdggkOaeawsdYW4y_-mpbW-2pXIlcl84qjoyv2XmBzKtUBArayx9F8du5jpQy7CTVjwft6d/s1600/n656557216_253535_3814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFOr56WPry02cJSbXp40IzzaNw6QvCuMWfrfup6s1Xezn0fDBU9GqGf8VqTWY2CmScFPRNsdggkOaeawsdYW4y_-mpbW-2pXIlcl84qjoyv2XmBzKtUBArayx9F8du5jpQy7CTVjwft6d/s320/n656557216_253535_3814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpYZv7PG08UlxwwFp24LKkmjVAKsudVp7KcIuj0FeOu7wj8xaYK15B8Kss2sdqJvy03t_2RMYqZzf569iokqkNWl9wuCIgR89oW7oTbIjcZKWGvparjbZfTAGnTeMucDYagsQvv4YqkTw/s1600/n656557216_253538_4777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpYZv7PG08UlxwwFp24LKkmjVAKsudVp7KcIuj0FeOu7wj8xaYK15B8Kss2sdqJvy03t_2RMYqZzf569iokqkNWl9wuCIgR89oW7oTbIjcZKWGvparjbZfTAGnTeMucDYagsQvv4YqkTw/s320/n656557216_253538_4777.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope you too had a week to be grateful for xxxxx</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601543292274758069.post-26878674413118306872011-04-28T23:55:00.001+08:002011-05-18T23:54:41.751+08:00Miss Goodie Two Shoes<div style="text-align: center;">*pops head in sheepishly*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes it is I! And I promise there is a very good reason for why my poor little blog was abandoned so suddenly and, seemingly, without remorse! I have been busy.... exceptionally busy.... but in the most wonderful, crazy, exciting kind of way!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So much has happened in a mere short week. I am still reeling from the excitement, surprise and overwhelming support. On a whim, I decided to create a Facebook Page for my handmade dolls. I thought I would get a few people popping by and perhaps, if I was lucky, a few sales. It was never in the forefront of my mind that in those few short minutes it took me to create <a href="http://www.facebook.com/missgoodietwoshoesdesigns">Miss Goodie Two Shoes</a> I was in fact creating a business enterprise.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHN-TR2MMPuqycv7Xq0mJA0DYSFPcZD6w9LaKmXZ6SPqCC_SXrqg94drpIfJOrqP2img0KWxrt-XHnw7HLQ3zWuy9-YpPpH7saeu3CM-jBhr0P3a8r1XoZ8wxM4rHrjsNs6z1KcJg7Ske/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHN-TR2MMPuqycv7Xq0mJA0DYSFPcZD6w9LaKmXZ6SPqCC_SXrqg94drpIfJOrqP2img0KWxrt-XHnw7HLQ3zWuy9-YpPpH7saeu3CM-jBhr0P3a8r1XoZ8wxM4rHrjsNs6z1KcJg7Ske/s320/IMG_2462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcF5uK-7aaO-tLFvRvcif_AlGkETSe1uiQAPM3vWpgj41ayv8cjFobm_D6-CFHaC01qNLi06B7UBRWEBlkx6DuwfCIKhr7mXtVY5vuoczfLj0Y4CjeA-8i5WsroAzFbJMHZ-O-Q_12J-k/s1600/IMG_2452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcF5uK-7aaO-tLFvRvcif_AlGkETSe1uiQAPM3vWpgj41ayv8cjFobm_D6-CFHaC01qNLi06B7UBRWEBlkx6DuwfCIKhr7mXtVY5vuoczfLj0Y4CjeA-8i5WsroAzFbJMHZ-O-Q_12J-k/s320/IMG_2452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxKi-KgZIHM6E5CPhvfPtOYjLadUkKNO2_8uKC9r5PrAZH-IExRRsVfnbFtc0Zb5UkUL3-groUatW1PgCb-misbngm99wSwy-j-w8AQdM8FrcfkBP6JG7xxYF4o_QhLsdhjGufTh58LMk/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxKi-KgZIHM6E5CPhvfPtOYjLadUkKNO2_8uKC9r5PrAZH-IExRRsVfnbFtc0Zb5UkUL3-groUatW1PgCb-misbngm99wSwy-j-w8AQdM8FrcfkBP6JG7xxYF4o_QhLsdhjGufTh58LMk/s320/IMG_2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0Qm8eKXPcYWwRw0BNob_SbXN71biuXKyAbP6XFDZm6oEOqY6rLUUzaB5FUrfkpMhVDZ6Wyri13P1DWSpcuqaj2DPMABJHwUv3Uz3gioSQtmMHStbp25zKQwxtLdAA7kMj3o8YmLiwSmi/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0Qm8eKXPcYWwRw0BNob_SbXN71biuXKyAbP6XFDZm6oEOqY6rLUUzaB5FUrfkpMhVDZ6Wyri13P1DWSpcuqaj2DPMABJHwUv3Uz3gioSQtmMHStbp25zKQwxtLdAA7kMj3o8YmLiwSmi/s320/IMG_2625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On the night Miss Goodie Two Shoes was born, a gorgeous girl and her business - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yumminess">Yumminess Textiles</a> came upon my little page and sent a post to all her likers. The rest, they say, is history! In merely a day I had 12 custom orders, by weeks end I had 40 and two requests for wholesaling my dolls.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd told me a week ago that I would be creating something I love, and sharing it with people who love it even more, I would never have believed you! I still cannot fathom the amazing support, overwhelming generosity and incredible joy I have felt and received this past week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just call me Miss Goodie Two Shoes!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85861/chrissykerin/3856269b4ea3b0eba626c7456d0d4ee4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>a country wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593703199419375016noreply@blogger.com11