Though I had decided to postpone a much-thought-about proposition with my boss (my sunny holiday is imminent: who am I to ask for less hours?? LOL)…but we talked it through, all very impromptu which was nice :)

So…it’s been “decided” that I will only work school terms – therefore alleviating me the stress and anxiety of arranging care for my girls when they are on school holidays — and I can focus entirely on my family and Monsoons and Mangoes work for weeks on end which will be wonderful!

hooray!! :)

hmmm….now to write myself a contract. I have been back at work for year, so I think it’s about time! :)

Since I quit smoking in March this year, I’ve gained about 7kg. With my wonderful Sunshine Coast holiday rapidly approaching, I decided to *gulp* diet.

I say that loosely – as all I’m doing is vaguely following the Weight Watchers point system. I figured out how many points I was allowed and try to stick to that every day.

Of course, that glass or two of wine tips me over my points allowance every time, but I’ve still managed to shed 3kg in 3 weeks! I’m pretty pleased with myself.

I found this awesome recipe blog which has recipes categorised by their points value – so great for when I’m left with say, 5 points for dinner!

http://weight-watchers-points-recipes.blogspot.com/

I’m struggling with getting enough exercise. I work a “real” job 3 days a week. I could walk in the afternoons from 3pm with Lily but it’s just so hot. I just have to stop making excuses and get out and do it!!

However, I AM doing some crunches/sit up variations most nights and have just yesterday discovered how much FUN it is to *run* laps in my chest-deep pool with Maisie clinging to my back!!

I’ll get there in the end…but I seriously doubt I’ll be a rippling, bronzed goddess in two weeks time. the people on the beach at Mooloolaba will just have to avert their eyes when I land on the beach LOL

Today we received our beautiful skirt from our lovely friend Kate (Eviegreenpixie).

Just like a burst of rainbows and sunshine when we opened the package, and SUCH a joyful skirt!!

In other exciting news, my skirt should arrive within days! I chose a funky snow white skirt :)

even more exciting news: we’re off on holidays in a few weeks, and hopefully if the planets align and all that – Kate and I will finally get to meet after being good friends for 3 years! we first met when we sold on ebay and discovered each other and our own unique – and often uncannily similar designs and style. Just love that girl and it’s gonna be the BEST to finally sit and go crazy together! :D

I love how the dresses turned out. I have three to list, plus the little skirt.

Suddenly soooo tired. I wanted to use the afternoon to take photos of Lily in the bigger dresses, but I’m very tempted to have a lay down. I’m not going to though – I’m better off heading out to pick Maisie, then come home and fall over :)

Some little summer dresses coming up!!!

First giveaway is finally up at The Veater Family blog!

Go now and drop a comment (or three – see the instructions) for the chance to win your own custom-made Monsoons & Mangoes original :)

Hooray! :D

I was featured on Etsy’s front page with other Etsy DUSTers on the weekend! Was for only a few hours and I missed the actual screen shot, BUT I did find this in the vault.

When I was lucky enough to see it (and I thank the lovely Linda from JaEmArt for alerting me!! xx) My dress was actually in the main screen.

Needless to say I was very, very excited and soooo honoured!! :)

Seems it’s the done thing, so I’m giving away a baby dress, over at The Veater Family Blog :)

I’ve already posted their tinybabygirl her brand new dress so she can pose for some special photos, and am offering a free “butterfly dress” up to girls size 6.

How fun!! :)

You really should check out their website as they have lots of fantastic give-aways! Including to win a pair of AWESOME switch-flops!

should have googled longer… I have just booked my machines in for long-overdue servicing ($75 ea, local home-based Darwin business, 2 day turn-around max – providing I don’t need new parts)

Googled “serger home service tutorial” and found this page full of basic information about tension.

Most of that info is new to me! So I’m thinking that since I’ve done a lot of sewing with thicker and layered fabrics lately, I’ve muddled something up?

First thing I’m going to do when I get home from work is check under each thread spool…and go from there.

I think I’ll still book both machines in for service. o’locker never been serviced and nearly 3 years since the sewing machine was. I remember when i got that one serviced – it was like a new pair of shoes :)

Was on a roll making some beautiful little baby dresses, and about to start on another rainbow fleece skirt when my overlocker decided to be mean to me. No idea what it’s problem is! I fiddled with the tension as per book (why it suddenly doesn’t like 3, 3, 3, 3 ??), unthreaded it, cleaned, oiled, readjusted needles and rethreaded it. It’s possibly even worse than before!! :(

So sad as i was loving those dresses and one is possibly ruined.

Anyway, the first one came through unscathed, so here is a preview :)