Announcement - Business for Sale.

This may come as a surprise to some, not so much to others.
Flourish ScrapArte studio is now for sale. Due to partnership issues and our personal situations, we've decided it's our best option at this point. So please take a look at the info below, and our website www.flourishstudio.com.au to see if it is something you or a friend or an associate might be interested in purchasing.

Flourish is a retail scrapbook store located in Brisbane, Queensland. It is in 270m2 shop space, elegantly decorated with an excellent shop fit (you can find photos on our website). There are defined areas for classes, office, kitchen, bathroom and kids play area. We are located off a busy main road near public transport and major shopping centres. The lease runs until Dec 2011 with options. Point of Sale and MYOB software and customer list are included. Training is available for the new owner. Price is all inclusive, negotiable for quick sale. Priced $60 000, walk in walk out. Please email scrapshop@hotmail.com or phone the store on 07 3843 1115 for more information.

We'd love the word to get out there, so please pass on this information if you can.
Thank you.

Girlie Favourites.

For the drive home ( by the 2 yo and the 6 yo):
"The girls Hey Ho song"
otherwise know as Hey Ho (on the Devil's back) by Katezenjammer


"Bush-tick-a"
otherwise known as Babushka by Kate Bush



Passing time in the new, hopefully low-allergen garden:

E: Playing on the tree swing. Leaning over it on her belly, facing the ground, and kicking off the grass with her feet.
I: Dad's just hung his hammock, so she's discovered the bliss of laying in a hammock and reading a good book with the sounds of nature (and lawnmowers) around you.

Literature:
E: Enjoys many, regular trips to the library required. Loves stories about animals, Hairy Mc Clary stories are in vogue at the moment. She loves any story though.

I: She has a few books on the go these days but currently nose is mostly in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Colours:
E: Blue and pink. Mainly blue, she's always prefered blue. Pink I think as that's what big sister likes.
I: pink and purple and blue. Blue I think, as that's what E likes.

Nicknames:
E: Essie - she likes being called this. "grandma calls me Essie" she often says. I think I'm supposed to as well. Big sister calls her Essie as well, otherwise Sweets. So cute.
I: Indi. Though she wants me to call her 'darling' more. Apparently I'm not doing that often enough anymore. Probably because she's been acting like a teenager who's been grounded for a month.

Funny quote of the week:
"wow...actually that's kinda freaky!" by the 2 y.o mimic.
There's a mix of mum and big sister in that statement.

More again soon.

Freaky Friday.

It's a very freaky sort of week.
Firstly, I actually read some news on the internet. Not something I do very often.
But, #%@#*@# and #@$@!%@#*!!!
What is going on in the world?
And why haven't I heard about the size of these before?
AND it's in Mackay!!
That's like about one giant spider step away from here!!
Not that it matters, as I'm going there next week!!! Bloody hell.
I'm vocalising all the profanities I've ever heard, said, thought, read and imagined very loudly in my mind right now.
This is what nightmares are made of:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,26025648-13762,00.html

But that's not all.
This is what I heard at the dinner table last night:
"Mum, Can I please have some more broccoli?"
WHAT THE??

Mother's worst Nightmares, part 1.

A situation you don't want to find yourself in.

Stranded at the Servo
On the way to school pick up
Sick and overtired
Tank filled with petrol unpaid for petrol
No wallet (who the hell took that out of my bag?!)
No phone (no phone means no phone numbers...and WHO'S BEEN IN MY BAG?!)
Toddler in arms
Sick toddler in arms
Sick toilet training toddler wearing knickers in arms
Sick toilet training toddler wearing knickers in arms and no nappy pack in car
Not permitted to leave Servo
Permitted a phone call but not knowing anyone's mobile numbers as they are all in my phone (except husbands)
Not permitted for husband to pay by credit card over phone
Not knowing anyone who could come within the hour on a Tuesday at 3pm to the servo to bail me out (remembering child waiting mournfully at school for pick up by very late mother)

Thankfully, Servo Guy was a very lovely patient person who, although he left it until I was obviously on the verge of a storm of tears, and I'd managed to pull out a very very old hospital photo ID that looked nothing like me and toddler had illegally demolished a few chocolate Kinder eggs, finally agreed to allow me to drive the 10 minutes back to my house to retrieve wallet. Though I did have to sign my life and body away first. Whew.

Thank you to the kind heart of that man who went against stict regulations to allow me to do this.
And a kick up the arse to those asshole people who steal petrol and add to such a distrustful society (yes, especially those ones who have done it with a kid in their arms pretending they've left their wallet at home).

Moments from the Dark of Night.

One late night chat with the funny two year old.
She'd wet through her nappy and I was changing her.

E: Is Daddy coming? In here?
M: yes
Dad enters room with clean sheets.
E: Hey Dude!
Dad: Hey
E: Hey, I wet the bed Dude!
She uses her demon possesed dude voice as she speaks.
Mum and Dad crack up laughing. Crazy child joins in.
Dad passes the sheets and prepares to leave.
E: Yeah, Go away Mate!

Other little trivial bits of info:

Favourite colour is Blue. Favourite number is 8. Esta LOVES Dora. Dora loves Boots. Boots loves Dora. Esta loves Boots and Dora. And she loves Diego's 'baby wawa-waa" (translation: baby jaguar). Often heard quoting Swiper by saying "Awww Man!" Like her parents, she needs an outing regularly in the forest, is a good eater, loves a good story and adores animals.

What the Girls are Listening to:

Ruth:








India:
She loves Kate Miller-Heidke too plus...







ESTA:

she loves to listen to all the above music. She also likes Wiggles.

Flourish News.

We were nominated for the 2009 South East Advertiser Business Achiever Awards recently, and this week we've found out we are finalists for the New Business of the Year Category. This is quite exciting news. It's really great to have this acknowledgement. We've had fantastic support from our customers and the community right from our opening, so this is a little icing on the cake for us.

Thank you to everyone for your support!

Quotable gems.

India: I really love it when I get to spend time with grown up friends. We play games and I wish they could be here more. (She said this when aunty Bec had visisted but was talking about all her aunties and uncles).

India: what do you call a tub watching TV? A teletub. (think Teletubbies...google it..lol) The latest of her very own made up joke which she is very proud of. She's very into jokes at the moment, and discovering what makes them humorous.

Esta:" I Essie. I Essie Mummy"

Mum: "Is that your name? I thought your name was Esta. Do you want me to call you Essie or Esta?"

Esta: "Call me Essie"

India calls her Essie. So now that is what she wants to be called. The decisiveness of a two year old.

She'll answer to Esta but if anyone asks her name she says she's "essie".

Esta: I scared *whimper*

Mum: Are you scared? What are you scared of?

Esta: I scared of the crocodile *head down eyes searching the room*

Mum: The crocodile, what crocodile? There is no crocodile here.

Esta: I scared of crocodile. Crocodile coming.

Mum: Well it won't come here. This is a house. Crocodiles don't like houses, they like water. Like a river.

Esta: And a pond.

Mum: yes and a pond.

Esta: crocodile in the pond. *smiles*

For the Book Lovers.

I've so much to tell, it's been a busy time since I last posted.

I aim to post more about that once I organise some photos and some time to write about it.

But in the mean time, I've found this long awaited for gem that I have my nose in every rare spare moment I get. Usually late at night as I try to get off to sleep. Enjoy!

Find out more here

New Stuff!

I've been missing in blog action for a bit. You know how it is, busy at work, busy at home, such is life for us all. And Esta continues with her illnesses, worrying us this time around. Sick little duffer she is. Anyway, family update another day. Today I want to show you the new Sassafrass Lass range of products we have at Flourish. They are truly gorgeous. Not unusual for Sasafrass I know, but it's always so much better to see these things in real life, rather than on the computer screen. The Vintage Yummy is my fav.

A moment on Sunday

Well we continue to be the House of Vomit.
Even Jasi has been doing it. Seems like there always has to be at least one person going around vomiting or feeling very like doing it in this house for it to be a normal day.
Just like there is always ONE fly buzzing around this house at all times. Just one. Sometimes more, but always ONE. Even if I kill it. Another one appears instantly. It's freaky. I'm developing super powers of the fly-killing type (think Mr Miyagi and chopsticks but better and with my bare hands), and still one more will appear. The house can be completely sealed and still...one more fly. It's like we are being haunted by a single fly. Seriously freaky...and annoying.
I'm the flippin' Fly Whisperer or something.
I've decided I need to get one of these:



Despite the vomit the girls are doing ok. I do believe we will have to put Esta back on her Losec though. Which is pretty disappointing.
India seems to be coping quite well with school, despite not really enjoying her teacher too much as yet. I believe it is more to do with not really knowing her yet. And I think she is still mourning the loss of the prep teacher. *sigh* she was quite fab, stilettos and all. Anyone who can run around in those heals with 20 five year olds and not sprain an ankle is quite awesome. Perhaps even worthy of a recommendation for Australia's Got Talent.

India is enjoying taking singing lessons though. She is also very sweet when playing with her sister. They are heading down to the backyard together and India pushes Esta on the swing. India says "come on Sweetie" alot. And even read her a book the other day. Real reading I mean, not making up her own story. She's been reluctant up until recently to actually read. Even though she does it extremely well for her age, always a reluctance. So it was music to my ears to hear her actually reading a story to Esta.



Esta has grown so much in the last few months. She struggling with me working though and as a result is quite attached, emotional, and less happy to be left at daycare. Also very emotional when MM and India aren't here. I think she's been dealing with a resurgance of the reflux though, so that may be exacerbating alot of things, as is it's nature. So hence, not alot of sleep going on here, still.
She has grown tall, is talking very well and has even been doing some wees on the toilet. Hooray!



So there's a little update.
I'll end today's post with 5 things I'm looking forward to this month:
1. Going to Rockvegas, catch up with friends and family
2.Doing some art journalling, someting new for me to dabble in
3. Having a landscaper take a look at our savage garden and make it feel less like the Day of the Triffods around here by removing all the nasty weedy plants before they devour our house, and all for an affordable price (am I dreaming?)
4.India's cross country school event. Although I'll be working, MM is going to be there and they've been doing a little preparation together and she's so keen for it.
5.I have a haircut appointment already made. Hopefully I'll be able and organised enough to get to it. *gasp* that will be TWO this year! OMG! Oh it'll be nice though.

Some Eye Candy for the admirers.

Awwwww they are so adorable.
Despite all the vomit we were wading through again last night!

Things to look forward to in March.

Here's something India and I are looking forward to.

Check it out here http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/RacetoWitchMountain/

Bring back memories???

India's hoping like crazy that the film rating will be suitable for her to see.
And so am I, it looks pretty full on. But we shall see.

I thought Harry Potter would scare the crap out of her. I mean, a huge dark scary wood with a huge dark scary giant enormous hairy spider! Wouldn't that scare everyone?

But it didn't.
She watched it, unknown to me, by herself, while Daddy was mowing, and nope, wasn't scared at all. Apparently. But is very very into Harry Potter as a result.

So we are hoping Race to WM will be suitable. India is worried they won't let her in the cinema if it is rated too high for her age...lol.....like those young laidback dudes who collect tickets would care, they aren't that much older than she is anyway. Any troubles and we'll bribe them with an icecream.

Edit: Ok Cool. I think it is rated PG. I think she can deal with that. Ratings are very subjective anyway. I mean, Lassie was rated G and he got badly beaten with a big stick by a robber (very distressing). So we aren't going to rely too much on ratings I don't think.

Quote of the Weekend.

"Oh Daddy!! Oh! Now we'll have to start a new game!"
"why? Am I being too nice?"
"Yes!"
Mark was teaching India how to play chess.

How to Help.

What a phenomenal country we are proving to be this week.
It's astounding to hear the survival stories, the hero stories and now the stories of this country rallying together to help. The Red Cross claim that in less than 4 days the Australian public have donated $50 million dollars! That's incredible.

But I've been thinking after we've donated money. What else? What else can we do?
Then I came across Sarah Gladman's blog. Check it out if you haven't seen it. It's a fantastic idea for the scrapbooking/craft/art community to get their teeth into. Donating almost completed layouts for Sarah to put together in albums to give to the families who lost everything. A small effort in replacing lost memories. So lets get into it!

Our new scrapbook store Flourish is getting involved. All Brisbane scrappers please know that we are a drop off point in Brisbane for layouts you wish to donate. If you drop them in by March 15th we will organise for them to be sent on. Remember, the layouts are to replace lost memories for the bushfire victims. So leave space for photo/journalling, that is, leave it slightly incomplete.
Flourish is open Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5pm so feel free to drop in to crop your page in our spacious workshop or just drop your finished page into us. Hope you all can help.

And now a thought for those in need...

When I was growing up Ash Wednesday occurred.
I still remember the devastation, the horror, the tv footage.
And now again it occurs ...but worse...ten fold worse.
Australia's worst ever natural disaster.
I'm kind of glad my girls are still so young that I can screen them from some of the horror of this.
Sending all our love and thoughts to those devastated by the Victorian bushfires, and also those up north coping with the floods.
xxx

School news.

" I just can't believe I'm in grade One!

I just can't believe it!

I'm a grade one-er.

I can't believe it.

I have a Panama hat!

I can't believe I have a Panama hat!!

I love my hat.

I love these brown shoes.

oooh I'm so excited about grade one."

This was the chatter on the way home from first day.

And what a grown up little grade one-er we have.

Have a look at this gorgeous girl in uniform.

Gosh we love her.

Ok Ok so I dropped the ball a little and left you hanging. Sorry about that. Things became quite crazy in our last phases of preparation. But here, now, you can see what all the mystery was about.

Introducing the fabulous and exciting and very dear to my heart..

www.flourishstudio.com.au

3/12 Kenrose St, Carina, 4152

ph 3843 1115

An exciting new venture birthed over 5 frantic, tiring, crazy, exciting weeks. And here we are now open for business. Jan and I have been planning this dream for quite a long time and it's finally come to fruition thanks to many fabulous and supportive friends and family.

It's our new scrapbooking store and more. A lovely stylish creative haven that we have established for all the arty scrapbooky people in town. We are quite aware of how chaotic and fast life seems to be for people these days, and indeed for ourselves, and our aim is to provide a haven, a sanctuary, a space to come and chill and be creative. We have a wonderfully large store so space is not an issue for workshops and crops. We've decorated with some flair, so we all can feel a little special and almost pampered when we spend time there. We have the products that we hope you will love as much as we do, and have all the new CHA goodies in our line of fire. We have the gorgeous Lorna and Briohny ready to share their many talents in classes. We have Babes in Arms Mondays crops for Mum's with pre-crawlers.....and much more to come. Sound enticing? Here are some photos of our opening night to entice you further.

Firstly, the ladies. Briohny, Myself, Lorna and Jan.

Our Flourish canvas. A momento of our opening, kindly decorated by all who attended.

A beautiful sight in our store...the rainbow wall. Bazzil galore.
What a dream come true, our very own rainbow.

A little corner of luxury, our entrance hall.

Retail therapy.

A little bit of this...




and a bit of this too...

A Sunday morning morsel...

Mmm what can it be?


A collection of bricabrac?



Do you love sneak peaks?
or do you just want to know, and you want to know NOW?
If it's the latter, then Christmas time must drive you insane.
And so will this...lol... but sit tight, just two weeks to go.

Happy Birthday!

I know a girl,
She puts the color inside of my world. (john mayer)




Highlights of the year ahead:
*losing teeth
*starting Grade One

Quotes of the day

On returning home after eating out for birthday dinner:

Indi - come up and have a cup of tea

Grandma - Oh I dont know that I can. I'm so full I might burst.

Indi - well do a wee, then you'll be right

On going to bed:

Daddy - I'm so tired. Tired of rubbing your legs every night for the past 6 years (sob)

Indi - Well you get about 20 hours off each day!

Ok, a teensy weensy peak, to whet the appetite.

A little bit of this...

and some bling you won't believe...

Shhhh...it's still a secret.

There is something exciting happening in Brisbane...

Sneak peaks coming soon.

A late night, some good friends, and a lot of motivation led to this...

This is using the Basic Grey Granola range. I kept this one simple as the man prefers it that way. The title is 'One Day...' which he came up with himself. The mountain is Mt Cook, and one day he hopes to conquer it.



This is the Basic Grey Ambrosia range. Orange is not a colour I'd normally work with. But I like it here. And I really LOVE the font. I think I might add a little touch of bling to this layout though, just to give it a little lift.

Christmas.

I know, I know, Christmas is so last year. But I've been hassled a little to show some photos. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to leave you hanging after the last post. I've been extremely busy with something very exciting, but more about that later.

Dear Santa

Daer Santa
For Chrismis I would like
pick and porple stuf for chrismis.
love India.

The second little note says 'India loves Santa'

And so that was Christmas...

And what a great Christmas it was too.

An eve of eating out and then viewing some christmas lights on the way home, setting out carrots for reindeers, leaving Santa a little treat (this year Rocky Road...lucky Santa) in a special little Santa box made by India for that purpose, and also a glass of water to break his thirst (and to give him a break from all the beer...india's idea). India also left him a couple of written letters of love plus a piece of 'beard fluff'. Seriously the cutest and sweetest things I've seen for a long time (have photos, will share soonh-ish). The 'beard fluff' she found (in the shopping centre i think or maybe in the garden???) a few weeks back and was saving it to return to him. Sitting on the couch as a family taking in the beauty of the tree and our christmas lights. Then tucking the kiddies into bed to have sweet dreams about what awaited them in the morning. Thankfully India has worked out that the sooner you sleep the quicker the night passes...which I remind her of each year.

Christmas morn dawned early...very early...very very early. In fact, I think dawn was skipped altogether. But we, as parents, managed to stay relatively prone until just before 6am. Thanks to the fabulous tradition of Santa stocking. The rule is Santa stockings are free game as soon as you wake. Help yourself to all it's goodies, quietly, but all other presents are untouchable until the whole family is assembled...and awake...around the tree.

So once the parents were conscious enough to remember what day it was, splashed some cold water on our faces, assembled the present-opening-tool-kit (scissors, phillips head, knife, wire cutters, batteries, band aids, bigger scissors, bigger wire cutters, direct phone number to the Incredible Hulk) (it's a parent thing, you'll soooooooo get it once you have little ones of your own), calmed India enough to see her more clearly than just an atomic blur around the room and explained to Esta that there was actually something MORE interesting than the singing Christmas Bear, it was time for the present opening.
But more on that later :)