A Home Craft Market..Part 2

I had a great time last night. I met some lovely ladies and bought a very funky beanie, this is J my husband posing for the camera. I am happy to say that my pin wheel hair pins were a hit, as were my coasters and pillows. I got asked to bring some of my creations to one of the ladies hair salons. They will help me get Kazza's Happiness out there, spread the love and help with some sales. Thats exciting for me. This is my little table that was kindly set up by Lindy's daughter Sage.

In other news last night, Ethan had his second footy game of the year. Our team won and Ethan got 2 tries. A famous face was there also. One of the Bronco's players nephew is in our team. The poor fella, he couldnt really watch the game because heaps of kids were asking for an autograph off him. But, I guess thats how the cookie crumbles when your an A Grade footy player.

A Home Craft Market

Tonight, I am off to 'Home Craft Market Night' at a friends house. Lindy knows a nice bundle of people that like to create and make lovely things. She was talking to my sister (as my sister loves to do..talk :) Nicole told Lindy that I have Kazza's Happiness, hence my invite. A little 'market' will be set up at Lindy's house. I think its a great idea. I cant wait to see what tonight brings!

I can't believe Easter is next week. I can handle Easter but not 100% sure I can handle the Easter holidays. With my lovely, warm, wonderful yet 'very active' 5 (nearly 6) year old boy Ethan, I think its going to be a challenge. I am very sure the school holidays will be interesting. I think alot of planning and trips to the park is in order. On the topic of Easter..Our school had a family fun night last night, there was an Easter Egg Raffle and Ethan won!!! He was a happy little man indeed.

Here's some things I have been up to. I finally thought of a way to make hair pin pin wheels. I love pin wheels. Its my little obsession at the moment.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. I am sure I will :)

Bonkers..absolute bonkers

Arh children. I have 2. 2 boys. I have Caleb, who is nearly 8 and Ethan (he's the ones in the photos), who is nearly 6. Being a mum is a wonderful, wonderful thing and love being a mum. Ethan, however, he has a habit on how to push every single button in my body. He is in yr 1 this yr, which is great. He has great teachers, nice school and is a smart little kid. However, nearly every single day at school he gets in trouble for something. It doesn't help that there are 2 little boys in his class that stray Ethan away from making good choices, therefore he gets in trouble. Me and the husband have been over and over with Ethan on how to act, how to make better and right choices etc. But nothing seems to get through to him. BUT, this year Caleb and Ethan has started to pay football. Ethan loves his footy, you give him anything that looks like it can be kicked, then he'll kick it. So, after speaking to his teacher this afternoon, I told him that he is not going to footy training tonight. Oh, did he go off! I have never seen a boy get so angry before. Now, this is the part of being a mum I don't like. Seeing your little boy cry and scream and cry and cry. I was almost crying because I could tell how much this meant to him . But I learnt from my parents that sometimes you just have to be mean.

I am hoping that he has learnt a huge lesson from this and that he will make better choices at school and stop getting into trouble. I will keep you updated.

Market Wrap Up

I had a wonderful morning at the markets yesterday. There was sun, but the rain made an appearance a couple of times. But other than that, a good morning was had. My lovely friends, my sister and my bro in law came down to check it all out, which helped boost my confidence alot. I also got alot of feed back from people (family, friends and strangers) which I have taken on board. So all, in all, a good morning was had.

I have already started on 'the next big thing' for Kazza's Happiness. Lots of surprises to come.

After...

I did it, I went through with it, I was nervous as all hell and stressing a little bit, but I did it. I shaved for a cure. I think I will like having my hair short. One of the reasons why I kept my hair long for so long was for my wedding day and I good my hair looked when it was straighten. But now, I am short. Short, short, short. I feels great, and the feeling that I have for doing it for such a worthy cause and for such a wonderful person makes it even more worth while.

If you ever want to take a challenge and you don't mind losing a bit of hair, Shave For A Cure. I am pretty sure I have raised about $1,000, which is well worth the effort and its great knowing that all money raised is used to help people and families touched by Leukemia.

Before.....

So I get my head shaved tomorrow. One of my friends shaved her head yesterday and she looks great. She said that its such a great change and the feeling you feel is amazing. I cant wait to get rid of my hair, if I wasn't shaving it, my hair would have been cut ages ago, so in a way its going to be good to get rid of y hair, but I am feeling great that I am doing this for a great person that is dearly missed and that makes it all worth while.

In other news, I am hoping it doesn't rain on Sunday for my 'debut' market stall. I think I am all set, although I am stressing a little because I am not sure weather I have enough 'creations', so I am madly sewing just incase for back up. Although I am sure that I will forget something.

Only A Couple Of Sleeps Left

A couple of more sleeps until when you ask? Well, there are 2 things that I am most excited about. On Saturday the 13th March, that's next Saturday, I will have no more long hair, I am shaving it for The Worlds Greatest Cure, I am very excited, this week I plan to straighten my hair and do some crazy styles with it. I only realised the other day that I wont have my hair this long again for some time, I am pretty sure I will shed a tear and also lots of laughs when it all happens. For all the Brisbane people out there, if your on the northside of town, the lovely ladies at the Hairhouse Warehouse at Strathpine will be doing 'the cut' at 9:30am. I will have my collection tins down there aswell.

The second thing I am excited about is that Kazza's Happiness will be having it first ever market stall at Ferny Grove, Samford Rd. There is a Facebook Kazza's Happiness group and I have received some kind comments from people, that is what gets me going (and awake) when I lie in bed at 5:30 on a cold a rainy morning. My head runs and thinks a million miles an hour sometimes though, I start something, then while I am doing that, I think about what other stuff I could craft and then that idea is great, I finish what I am doing then go onto what I thought of but think of something else. Its a good thing, but I think I have to get into the habit of writing everything down and a timeline for the day ahead.

So this week, I am finishing things that I have not yet fully completed, (because of the above), checking that I have everything on my Market Check List, thanks to Curly Pops for the Bad Skirt link of what I need for the day. I also have to do a banner and a sign, I am hoping that it could be sunny in Brisbane for just one day, sunny enough for me (with the help of my kidlets) to paint the banner and the sign. Its all very exciting.

So if your over the northside of Brisbane next weekend, be sure to check me out, (without the long hair), it would be great to meet you.

Its Raining Its Pouring

Its crazy weather at the moment isn't it?? Its been raining in Brisbane for about 2 days, non stop. Sunday, was good. There was just enough sunshine for my washing to dry, which on a Sunday, makes me happy. I love the rain and the cold, although saying that, I don't do very well in winter. Summer, I cant stand, its so hot and I always get sunburn even with tons of sunscreen on. Winter will be interesting this year. I will be shaving my head (number 3) for Shave For A Cure on the 13th March, so I do believe that I will be feeling the cold more than usual this year. All for a good cause though. I'm looking forward to it.

I have been working on my 'debut market stall'. I have uploaded some pics on Facebook aswell. I am constantly thinking of ideas and what I can make and create next. I have to thank my sister in law Lisa. The poor girl, every time I create or finish making something, I run down to her room and ask for her opinion. She's a champ that girl...Thanks Lisa. :)

My aim is to create things that are different, unique and will make people smile. I like to think as myself as a fun and happy person, so that's what I create. Fun and happy things for people who like to smile.

Speaking of happy and smiling. Have you heard the new Train song? Hey Soul Sister..love it!! Its one of those songs that get in your head and you sing it over and over again. Its great!!

Busy as a bumble bee

I have finally made a date for my first market stall. I will be at the Ferny Grove Markets (Samford Rd, Ferny Grove) on Sunday 14th March. I am so excited and a little stressed. The day before I will be shaving my head for Shave for A Cure, so hopefully that wont scare some people off. I will have a hat on anyway.
I have done market stalls before but that was me and my mum selling all our unwanted household items and some clothes. This time it will be all about my crafts and making a new connections and gaining heaps of feedback (hopefully). I have been busily making and creating, I am making double of what I need because I plan on doing the Petrie Markets about 2 weeks after Ferny Grove one.

I have my notebook, full of 'things to do this week' and I add to it about every half hour. Handmade business cards, a handmade banner and Spotlight is on the agenda for tomorrow and Tuesday. I have been waking up at 6am for the last week, I think I might have to wake up earlier. I love the mornings.

If anyone has any tips on holding a market stall, it would be great to hear from you.

Kazza's Top 5 Inspirational Songs

For Christmas, Mr Happiness got me an ipod cord for my car, now I can play my ipod through my stereo, which is really neat. Because I don't catch the train anymore to work, my ipod wasn't really getting a work out. So this was the perfect gift.

Given the recent events of sadness that has happened in my family over the past 2 weeks, I thought that I would share with you my 5 tops inspirational songs that are always on my ipod. These songs always give me some sort of strength, they also have a way of making me feel better and I get a tingling feeling after I listen to them. I know that you know what I am talking about.

Number 1: Unwritten - Natasha Bedinfield. When I'm down and think the world has it in for me. This song always picks me up.

No one else - no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Number 2: The Luckiest - Ben Folds. This song is the ultimate love song. We had it playing at our wedding while signing our marriage certificate. I was doing so well trying not to cry until this song was played, the the tears started flowing.

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

Number 3: Walk On - U2 This song holds a special place in my heart, I choose it to be played at my Dad's funeral. It has the most wonderful words, you can interpret it anyway you like. For me, it reminds me of my Dad, how much he meant to me and how much I love and miss him.

Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...

Number 4: Lose Yourself - Eminem Ok, ok, so maybe Eminem might put you off, but this dude is a pretty good song writer. This is my only favourite Eminem song. If you listen to the words, they actually make a little sense and you think about it and it may relate to you. This song is all about taking an opportunity and making opportunities for yourself.

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo
You can do anything you set your mind to, man

Number 5: Tiny Dancer - Elton John Its hardly inspirational but its my favourite song in the world. I could listen to this song all day. It was also on the radio on my wedding day driving to the photo venue. That's gotta mean something right?

But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly slowly
Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
you had a busy day today

If you have any songs that are inspirational to you, I would love to know about them. Oh, and a family update - all is going fine, we are slowly moving on with life but never forgetting the memories and we all have each other. I am also going great on my fundraising efforts for Shave For A Cure...follow the link if you would like to donate
http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=90671

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

Shave for A Cure

I am shaving my head for the Leukaemia Foundation Shave For A Cure. My mother in law suffered from leukaemia for the past 5 years and has very recently passed away. She was a wonderful, wonderful lady and will be missed so dearly by so many.

In a way to show my love and support, I am shaving my head and taking part in Shave For A Cure to raise support and gather donations as Leukaemia can effect so many people, young and old. That, and the fact that I loved my mother in law so much, shaving my head is the least I can do.

I do believe that I am going to look like a woman prisoner, either that or I had a huge case of head lice and shaved my head. I don't mind either way though. I have my husbands full support, it took him a while to get his head around the fact I wanted to do it, but he came around 5 mins later. I think he was scared that people may think his wife may have just come out of prison or that I had a bad case of head lice. he he

It would be great if you could help support me and this cause, I have attached the link to the Leukaemia Foundation. Here's a photo of me on my wedding day with Mr Happiness and my beautiful Mother In Law - Robyn, who is finally at rest...Love you. You will be cherished now and forever always xo

http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=90671

Almost Over

Holidays are almost over and I hate to say it, but I cant wait till my 'mosters' go back to school. I love being home with them, (when the aren't fighting) but then I hate that I haven't 'occupied' them enough. 6 weeks is a long time for holidays. When I was a kid, I thought it was the best thing in the world, watching movies all day, hanging out with all the kids in the street and having a few outings with my parents during the week or over the weekend. These holidays haven't been that bad. The boys go to vacation care once a week, to socialise with their friends and for me to have a day to myself, they've gone bowling, movies, have caught up with some friends, Christmas, Boxing Day, then there is the lead up to Christmas and Boxing Day, trips to Sandgate for walks on the beach and a swim, fishing, crab potting. I am sure there is more fun that was had, but the holidays have been so long I cant remember what we have done. But I (we) have nearly 2 more weeks of holidays to go to pack lots of fun in..a trip to the museum and Southbank is on the cards, then my mum is taking them to the movies and another trip to the beach is in order as well. Then theres covering the books, putting names on every single school item..and before we know it, holidays will be over and then back to school, back to some 'normality'. Normality in our house means - making school lunch's, finding socks, finding shoes, school uniforms and then theres a mission to actually get out of the house and into the car. Oh yay, I cant wait until school is back :)

Here are some pics of what I have been up to. I am still planing on going to the markets in mid February, I cant wait..I am buying myself a beach umbrella as the gazebo I want is about $110. Maybe I will buy 2 or 3 beach umbrella's. I have a list of many more things I want to create before the 'big day'. I have found that if I make a list of what I want to achieve by the end of the week works really well. I just wish my head would stop popping ideas into it so much all the time, because I have trouble catching up.

Op Shop Spree

Today, I treated myself to a op shop 'spree'. Now, when I say spree, I'm not talking heaps of $$, just 20. Which is my little treat for working 12 hrs on a Sunday at work. So I had $20 in hand and had a few things in mind as to what I wanted to buy. I went in the same shop a week before Christmas and saw a girl guide sash with all the badges on it and a collection of Sesame Street Encyclopedia's, 13 encyclopedia's for $5. BARGAIN. At the time, I didn't have enough cash as they didn't take eftpos, then I totally forgot about going back there..silly season and all.

So I went back there today with $20 and my 2 little monsters, which were on their best behaviour believe it or not. I think someone had snapped up the Girl Guides badges and sash and the 2 metres of elastic (for $3). But I did find a metre of ric rac ($1), a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle curtains, a Noddy sheet and a great notebook. Oh and I searched and searched for the Sesame St Encyclopedia's, which I found, down side to finding them was that the wernt $5 the lot they were $10 the lot.

I have read alot of blogs and craft interviews recently and have found that ALOT of people go to the op shops for their materials. I think that this is a great idea. Makes your work very unique. I love op shops, always have. I remember living at the Sunshine Coast when I was younger and every Saturday me, my mum and my brother would hit all the op shops that covered the coast, I loved it. I am so happy my mum taught me to be 'thrifty'. Since having kids, I am a huge op shop (and flee market) shopper more than what I already was.

I have put some pic's up of my $20 Op Shop Spree. Not sure what I am going to do with the TMNT and Noddy material/sheets. I am thinking of nappy boomers (covers) or cute library or tote bags..will let you know what the outcome.

Oh and big things to come for Kazza's Happiness...! Watch this space :)

Ready for 2010 ??

Goodbye 2009 and welcome 2010.

This is the first year in a long time that I actually know what I would like to do (I shall keep you updated when (or if) I actually have much luck with any of the below). I am almost certain that I have forgotten many more...but I shall keep you updated with those aswell.

Meanwhile, these are just some things that I would like to achieve during 2010

Spend more time with my family
Being healthy
Attempt Pole Fitness & a hip hop dance class
Create and explore more
Learn new skills
Getting Kazza's Happiness out to the big scary world
Have market stalls
Having fun and laughing more
Complaining less

2010 will be my first year as a wife, and part time worker. Working part time is a huge step for me, I am no longer stuck in the '9-5 Grind' which will be an experience in itself.

So a huge CHEERS to you all and may 2010 bring you whatever you wish for (and a bit more)

Christmas in pictures

Family, kids, presents, yummy food, photos, toys, Christmas wishes, eating to much and lots of cuddles. Christmas 2009 was, like every other Christmas, special. Hope you all had a great Christmas, just like us.

Keith's in town

Ok, so I will be the first to admit it, I am not a country music fan. I'm more into pop, rock and a little bit of old school punk.

In saying that, I am more than happy to open my music vocabulary to a well known Australian county music singer. A great friend from Bundaberg told me that she had a spare ticket to the Keith Urban concert and invited me to join. At first I wasn't sure, but I would have hated to knock back the experience to see such a well known, Australian (living in USA) country music singer that every one knows, so I accepted the invite and rushed to the library to get Keith Urban Greatest Hits CD. The concert was last night and I will admit that Keith Urban is one hell of a guy. I wont go into all the details, but bottom line is that he is a great singer/entertainer. It was also a treat that Pete Murray was there and had a sing-a-long aswell. So next time, if someone offers you something that is out of your comfort zone, accept the offer because you may have found a new HAPPINESS that you never would have thought of before. Now, I'm not saying that I am a country music fan, Keith Urban will do me just fine for now.

I know that this is meant to be a craft blog and should be updating my crafty-ness but I have had so many distractions at the moment and Christmas is this coming week,the kids on holidays, not getting normal work hours yet, blah blah blah. I have however got many ideas, snipping, tracing and sewing to be done after the holidays. So bring on the holidays and let the new year begin so I can get my crafty butt into gear.

Tis the Season

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I go totally over board with all the decorations, wrapping presents, buying presents and generally getting into the Christmas spirit.

This year however, has been a huge year for myself and my family. At the beginning of the year I got made redundant from a job I was really starting to enjoy at a promotional company that was 5 Min's from home, although that put me back a bit, I found probably the best short term job I have done, I worked with 2 wonderful, lovely ladies, Julie and Philli in a very uneventful call centre. The job was cruisy but I think I only enjoyed going there before of those ladies.

In May, my husband and I decided that we should do something drastic, as in pack up and move 400kms away from Brisbane. So that's what we did. We moved to Bundaberg QLD (4 hour drive from Brisbane). We loved it, it was like starting a whole new life, Mr Happiness and I got great jobs, the kids school were one of the best in the area and best of all we met great people and got some great friends. Due to a family illness we moved back to Brisbane 6 months later.

So we are back in Brisbane, it is true what they say, 'you don't know what you got till its gone'. So, Brisbane, don't worry, I think that the Happiness Family is not moving anywhere outside of Brisbane for a long long time. I am very happy that we did move, even if it was for only a few months , we all grew and learnt from our experience, at least we know were our heart is: with family and friends.

Anyway, Christmas....due to lack of employment, Mr Happiness is still waiting for a transfer from his department, which is annoying as I for just once would like to be a stay at home mum, while working part time. So Christmas in the Happiness household this year is simple, laid back and full of family spirit. Whats good to know is that nearly every gift that was bought is handmade. Which is what makes this Christmas very special. That, and the fact that my big brother is coming up from ACT. So, if I don't say it before the big day...MERRY CHRISTMAS. Have a wonderful day with all your special friends and family

Welcome, to me.

So instead of following everyone else's blogs, I decided to make my own. It has taken me about 2 hours to work out how to edit and create this blog. I still have to figure out how to put photos on here but I am sure I will learn that in due time.

I started my own blog as I am getting addicted to looking at everyone else's. I have started a huge love affair with craft and other cool things that can be made. Oh and fabric, if i see wonderful, well priced, great looking fabric, I just have to get it, and do I know what I am going to do with it? Nope, not really, I just 'collect' it until I find that perfect project.

I have decided, that after working full time since my eldest was born (7 years ago) I am going to have a bit of time out and work a couple of days a week and concentrate on doing what I love, ie: making and creating. We will also be saving in child care fees and I get to drop off, pick up and actually talk to my kids teachers instead of having messages given to me thats has be sitting in the bottom of the school bags for 2 days. I feel myself very blessed to have this happen, as some families cant or are unable to stay at home. But while I can, I'll give it a go and fingeres crossed it all works out.

My aim is to have regular market stall at markets around Brisbane area,(a few trips to Bryon Bay would be good) Would love to be successful, the list goes on, but baby steps at the moment..Baby steps

So, enjoy, I am hoping to work out how to add some photos some time soon.