Hello 2012 :)

Happy 2012 everyone! I hope 2011 treated you well. For me, it was spent in constant study mode which involved high levels of procrastination accompanied by frenzied bursts of writing as I worked to complete my honours thesis for my final year of uni. I'm really proud of the work I put into cultivating my own research project (with the guidance of my supervisors) around a contemporary issue that, in the words of the external maker, contributed a relevant and much needed perspective to my field of practice and if I can toot my own horn, resulted in a High Distinction :) I still have one more assignment to go but I'm almost there.

In other exciting news, I completed a three month field placement during October to December and have been offered a full-time contract beginning in a few weeks' time. I'll be working in a different team so hopefully the people there are just as welcoming as the ones I worked with during my placement :)

And because this wouldn't be a proper blog post without some thrifty goodness, here are a couple things I received for Christmas including an old copy of Betty Crocker's Hostess Cookbook and some vintage cocktail forks.

The book is inscribed to Sue and Stuart, May your lives together be filled with much happiness and good meals! although it seems as if Sue and Stuart were not fans of Ms. Crocker :/ I, on the other hand, can't wait to try out the recipes for 'Gay Supper Parties' and 'Two-table Bridge Luncheons'. Toasted pecan waffles anyone?!

The year has started on a really positive note and with that in mind (and because I love lists) I thought I'd share some of my goals for 2012. They're not huge resolutions but goals that I think are manageable and that I'll be able to feel a sense of achievement from completing :)

- Start new full-time job and do well in my role
- Reconnect with old friends
- Grow nice nails and get a manicure
- Write a journal article from the results of my research and submit for publication
- Officially graduate!

I have another sneaky goal which I will hopefully share at a later date! I love the beginning of the year when there is a sense of anticipation for what's ahead and hearing about other people's goals and resolutions. What are yours for 2012?

Deck the halls

Hello everyone! I hope your preparations are coming along for Christmas. Only two weeks to go now so not long at all. One of the things I love most about Christmas are the decorations so I thought I'd share some pictures of our trees (yes, plural haha) and other bits and bobs we have around the magic cave house.

Each year we rotate through different themes for our Christmas tree. This year's was decorated with all the ornaments that we've accumulated over the years, including some from my Gran and Mum when she was a little girl. It's my favourite tree with lots of memories attached to each decoration :)

We have lots of old decorations hanging on our tree including a few of the apples pictured above, kitties with candy canes, snowmen, angels, little wooden people... you name it!

Mum's quite proud of this mini pink Christmas tree that she rescued from the opshop and decorated for the lounge room.

I found this old Kruger advent calendar from West Germany in an op shop recently for 20c. There are little pictures under each of the windows. I have to confess that I love chocolate advent calendars and still get one every year haha.

Lastly, here is a mini plastic Christmas tree that belonged to my Grandad, pictured with an old reindeer ornament that was found in the free box at an op shop. At the risk of looking like a crazy Christmas lady, I've taken a few more photos of our decorations which can be found here. What are some of your favourite Christmas decorations? If you have any photos feel free to share the links :)

Spring is in the air

Hello, remember me? It's ok if you don't. Since my last post I've had a hair cut and a bit of colour, got some new clothes, shoes, skincare and had a leg wax, so I wouldn't blame you if you didn't recognise me. I'm practically a new woman. I submitted a year of my life my thesis last week and start a three month field placement tomorrow, so thought I'd pop in while I have a bit of a breather!

I found these flowery items awhile ago and it seemed appropriate to share them with all the nice Spring weather we've been having lately :) Apart from the days where it's been raining with gale force winds of course but anyway...

The first is this sweet framed drawing of some wildflowers. I love the shabby frame which is now hanging all pretty-looking on the wall above my desk :)

Continuing the theme of wildflowers is this Australian Wildflower Diary that I picked up for $2.50 at Vinnies. I really liked the illustrations inside for each month that are accompanied by a poem for the different seasons. Plus underneath the dust jacket, the book is a mustard colour that I'm kind of addicted to at the moment.

That's about it from me for now. Hope you're all enjoying the lovey (or not so lovely) weather wherever you are and I shall check back soon with some more finds :)