Is it still only January?!

Hi Ladies, Happy belated New Year to you all! Wow, so much has been happening here at our little Jacaranda Cottage over the last couple of weeks that it feels to me that we're a lot further into 2010 than we really are. Firstly let me tell you that the double surprise party we threw for my mum's 70th and our daughter's Sweet 16 went off with out a hitch and was truly a wonderfully magical night for us all! We had over 80 guests turn out for the party, and everyone seemed to have a terrific night, especially the birthday girls. We were all completely worn out the next day, but all that work was just so worth it, I'm really glad that we did it.

Then just after the party we had a funeral to attend for a close family member. Such a sad time, and one that has really rocked my mum and her sisters especially. We've also been dealing with what Princess would be doing this year, and helping her look into choices for her future.....schooling, college courses, working. Finally today we came to a family decision and now it's a mad scramble to get things organised for her. On Thursday Princess will officially turn 16, so we've got a lovely day planned for her birthday, then on Saturday night we're taking her out to a surprise destination as another part of her birthday present. Then next week I believe that we're going down to the Transport Department for Princess to sit her learner's driving test. I think we're all nervous and excited at the same time, although I'm the most nervous about having a learner driver driving my new truck! lol Oh well, that's why we have insurance........right? Right??

Anyway, after the party we finally got all the Christmas decorations put away and then it was time for me to start playing house...........with some newly acquired items.......


The wire rooster was a Christmas gift from my sweet hubby. I bought some raffia balls from the local dollar store to tumble inside for some texture.....


The lamp was bought in December from a yard sale, 2 lamps for $20. Bargain! The glass vase was thrifted for $3, the Paris plaque was thrifted, 2 for $5, and the dark round Paris candle was bought at the local dollar store from the throw out table for $2............


Here's the other Paris plaque, and the glass pears were also bought from the dollar store. They were the most expensive item at $4 each. The candle sticks in the background were also thrifted, painted white and I added some black candles to tie them in to the look.


Do you like it too? My taste seems to be changing yet again. A girlfriend of mine is just like me, with too many different tastes, and we're always saying that we need to have a few different houses so that we can decorate each one in a certain but different style. Now if we could only win the lotto it might happen! lol Until then, I'll just keep playing and changing things out here in our little Jacaranda Cottage!

Wishing you all a wonderfully happy week. I'll be around to visit with you soon, after Princess's birthday celebrations!

Love Amanda xxx