Sunday 6 January 2008

ROSES

ROSES

Love these Pierre de Ronsard Roses that I picked the other day. Such a lovely colour and sweet scent. They look oh so pretty on this little table next to the photo of my girls


Only problem is after only 3 days they are already wilting. I know it has been really hot here but I still thought they would last longer Anyone have any clues on making them last longer in the vase. I have been changing the water daily.





I WON A GIVEAWAY FROM Heather of Jeweled Elegance.

Look at these beautifully wrapped gifts.

Inside were 2 gorgeous crocheted flower brooches, a pair of pretty earrings and a Mini Scrapbook kit. See the lovely card she wrote on too!
I am so lucky. Thanks Heather.


TAGGED by Natasha
I have been tagged by Natasha to list 10 weird or interesting things about myself.
Gee thanks Natasha that’s a hard one.

1. I am a mother of 4 children AND am still sane. Well I think I am.
2. I used to sell Tupperware.
3. I was a Telemarketer – thankfully not one that annoyed people at home (I rang businesses).
4. I am scared of heights – because as a child my father and siblings left me in the middle of a swing bridge and had it swinging. As a little girl clinging on I thought I was going to fall – it felt a bit like Donkey in the Shrek movie going across to the castle.
5. I spend way too much time in Blogland – I have 186 blogs listed in Google Reader and more waiting to be added.
6. I remember way back when I worked as a Bank Teller and people could line up at the teller they wanted to serve them instead of joining the one line. It was fun to have the longest queue waiting to be served by you. Some dear little oldies would refuse to be served by anyone other than me-so sweet
7. I love Shabby Chic and my husband Max doesn’t. I am now working on getting the kitchen/family room turned into shabby chic. I want to at least paint my table and TV cabinet white(see ironing photo in post below). Just have to convince Max or just do it while he’s at work.
8. I love living on the Mornington Peninsula. Check out this tourism site. There are so many special places to visit.
9. I like cats but it creeps me out when I pick them up and can feel their ribs
10. It is 15 years since my Mum passed away but I still tear up when I hear the music that was played at her funeral.





I will pass this onto Mandii of Shabby Vintage Mandii. Some of you will know Mandii from Ebay - Shabby Vintage Dreams

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm scared of heights too, though I'm not sure why. The roses are so pretty. I wish I knew how to make them last longer. The only thing I can think of is to maybe cut the stems again?

Jessi Nagy said...

fun stuff!
happy new years
jessi

shabbyfufu said...

We have a lot in common Alison~although I DON'T HAVE 4 KIDS (lol!) I have had many jobs in my life including early on as a bank teller and telemarketer. My husband (aka Mr Shabbyfufu) doesn't care for shabby chic either but put's up with it. XO~ Janet

Amy said...

Pretty pretty roses. When they have finished flowering why not hang them upside down in a cupboard and they'll dry beautifully for you?

Artifax said...

So glad you like your giveaway goodies! Enjoy!

The flower food that florists give with cut bouquets is the best stuff for flower longevity. If you don't have any on hand, try adding a bit of sugar to the water, re-adding it after every water change :)

I'm with you on #5 there - I also spend WAY too much time in blogland :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

How fun to learn more about you! When you cut the roses, did you cut them with the stems under water and on an angle? That might help...
hugs,
Penny

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

I loved reading more about you! You must post pictures of your kitchen as you transform it into shabby wonderfulness :-)

Those roses are lovely too! (((hugs)))- Jenny

Anonymous said...

Hi Alison, Thanks for the tag!!! it's my first!! YAY! Will make my tag list 2morrow when I post!! I love your roses by the way GORGEOUS!! Hugs mandii

CatieAn said...

hi allison
i haven't been to your site for a while i love the covered deck. ours is covered too and an adamant NO from john and the contractor denied my idea of a chandelier type light out there. So instead we have the can lights five of them to be exact.
thank you for signing up for the giveaway. I am so awed by everyone who has visited. I love your blog and feel bad the holidays kept me from visiting for a while
catie

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Hi Alison,
Your roses are beautiful. I'm not sure if this works but I always dissolve a pinch of sugar in the vase of water before adding the roses becasue this is what my gradmother did. She was from the bush and a lot of her bush remedies and cleaning tricks really do work.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

roseroomnz.com said...

I put a teaspoon of sugar in my flower water and change it daily. The heat is hard to beat though. They looked so perfect too.
Gorgeous gifts from Heather, lucky you.
Loved reading your tag, its interesting finding out little tit bits about others.
Rachael:)

cherished*vintage said...

Hi Alison! Love the roses, such a pretty pink! I've always added an aspirin and a drop of bleach to the vase water. Cuts down on the bacteria that grows I guess. Probably an old wives tell. Seems to work well for my roses though.
-Karoline

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift you rec'd! I enjoyed your list - too funny! (and sweet too) :)

Joy

bluemuf said...

Beautiful roses and great treasures from Heather.

Karen

The French Nest said...

I love your roses...gorgeous!

Congratulations on winning the giveaway, the goodies are adorable!

Kate

My little footprints said...

Hi!
I havent been here before! Love your blog!
Beth

love.boxes said...

I just change the water like you.

And, I love to watch Pride and Prejudice while ironing or listen to books on tape.

Dee said...

Your roses are beautiful. I agree, drying them upside down will be a wonderful way to enjoy them later.
I am in awe that you have 4 children and are still sane. As a working mother of a two year old, I feel a bit out of it at times!

Cheers!
Dee Dee

Sarah and Jack said...

I think consumer reports says the only thing that works on the flowers are those packets of flower food.

Sadie Lou said...

Hi Alison!
I'm addicted to blogs as well.
*sheesh*
It's just such a great way to keep in touch and keep updated on the art scene--ya know?
I'll never give it up.
(just added you to my blogroll)
~S

Linda said...

Hi Alison, pink roses are my favorite and these are lovely...your girls are sure pretty.
Loved the tag and learning some fun things about you...I use to sell Tupperware and was a Telemarketer too...I called homes~not fun. Have a nice day. Linda

Sugar Bear said...

Fun to learn new stuff about you! I'm not much of a heights fan myself.
Karla

SweetAnnee said...

Oh you are so lucky to have those MOST wonderful roses!!
Roses make me happy, just to look at them
then stick my nose DEEP inside and inhale.

smiles, deena

Sweet Remembrance said...

Your roses are so pretty!
They look so delicate...
Priscilla

Fete et Fleur said...

The roses are scrumptious!!
The sugar is a great idea but when it gets really hot I put cold water in with my flowers and will sometimes revive them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.

Hugs! Nancy

Rosemary said...

Hi Alison,
When it's hot roses don't seem to do well. Changing the water is good as well as recutting the stems a little bit each time, at an angle.
Congrats on winning the giveaway!!
Love your list!
Rosemary

Christi said...

Hi, Alison! I have just spent a bit of time catching up on your blog...it has been entirely too long since I visited...I need at least 6 more hours in my day.

I can totally see you having the longest line at the bank...you are one of the nicest people that I know. Those roses are GORGEOUS! I have no idea how to make them last longer, but I would be tempted to print that photo up and frame it and then they would last forever!

I love your little white desk...I too love shabby chic, but am married to a man that says "no way!" You have to sneak it in where you can and I totally think that a chandalier would be gorgeous on that new deck!!

I love your blog...it's like visiting a good friend that has a wonderfully, pretty and cozy home. Thank you so much for visiting me and all the wonderful comments that you leave!!! smiles...

Adeline Country Cottage said...

Congrates on your win what a wonderful "Suprizes" for you, I love your roses you know mine only had one bloom on it this year, oh last year, I am growing those roses or trying to grow them up my porch, Only one bloomed, But I treasured it. The decking looks great. Bat your eyes, a few smooches and then tell him you bought the lights for your deck (chandelier)"LOL" my hubby pretty much lets me have free run, I just say to him don't worry honey everything will look beautiful when it's all finish....specking of finish, your white desk looks beautiful....Oh in this weather I can't iron, I hang my clothes out at night, then with the cool air at night and morning dew, drag the clothes down by morning there dry and straight, fold them at the line in the basket then in the draws, you would think I have ironed them. And thank-you so much for your wonderful comments Alison. I have enjoyed catching up on your blog...you have been very busy.

talk soon!

Hugs
Kirstie.

BittersweetPunkin said...

Congrats on winning the giveaway! I wish I knew how to preserve roses...but I don't!
I hope you have a fabulous day!
Blessings,
Robin

blessings said...

I also have 4 kids (not too sane anymore though). I used to sell Mary kay and I was a telemarketer for Merrill Lynch. I'm terribly afraid of heights. About the roses..I've heard this tip: Take them out of the vase and put into a sink of lukewarm water. While in the water, give the stems a new cut. Separate each of the stems and wrap them in newspaper (individually) and use a rubber band to keep them from unraveling. Then soak them all in a tub of lukewarm water for a couple hours. If it doesn't work, you didn't get this tip from me. =) Blessings... Polly

Laura Bray said...

I'm one of four kids and I'm not sane, so it's pretty impressive that you've managed to keep your wits about you. LOL!

Reginas Cottage said...

I love roses everyday.
Have a nice week
Regina

Michelle said...

I love your roses. I miss mine, but they will be back!

I loved reading your list..I'm afraid of heights too (mine was a ferris wheel incident).


Have a great day :)

Michelle

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Alison, the roses are beautiful, my favourite shade of pink! Apparantely you're not meant to change the water, just top it up, you can recut the stems on an angle every few days, you end up with short stemmed roses but it does keep them alive for that little bit longer. I enjoyed reading more about you.

kecia deveney said...

i allison! wow, love the new construction going on - how exciting!would love to expand the back of our house (and my studio!)

Dena said...

Okay, I teared up as soon as I read your entry about your mom. It's been 20 for me and I can cry over at the drop of a pin. For the roses, I usually cut the stems under water and then add one aspirin tablet to the water in the vase.

Hugs,
Dena

Joy for the Journey said...

Hi, Alison! Just had to stop by and say that at least your wedding topper was broken in a sort of sweet/accidental/poor elderly person kind of way :( I bet they felt AWFUL !!Maybe one day you could find something similar to bring back some fond memories...(sigh)
Sarah :)

Siobhan said...

Hi Alison,

If you cut the roses on and angle and put some sugar in there they should last a bit longer, by the way they are beautiful :)

Siobhan xoxo

NeereAnDear said...

Hi Alison... glad you stopped by my blog... taking a break from packing ... and saw your post... I hope you signed up for the second chance giveaway... if not... please do....everyone is invited.... it ends on Friday so you have time... you may not see your comment right away but I promise you will be entered..

LOVE those beautiful roses... they are such a lovely color... please come back and visit..

HUGS
JO

Anonymous said...

Alison,

I hope you show us your shabby chic makeover. I too, love it, and my husband doesn't. I did the nursery in it and I hope to do the upstairs family room someday in it.

I loved reading your info and learing a bit more about you.
Very cute table display. Your girls look lovely!

We share the blog addiction, now if I only had more time!

Sandra Evertson said...

Great stuff and what beautiful roses!
Sandra Evertson

Dede Warren said...

I can't offer any help with lasting roses, but had to say how beautiful your girls are!!! absolutely beautiful...

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful roses...we read somewhere one time about putting an aspirin in the water...mmm...?
We have six children between the two of us (4 belong to kari!) Loved all the facts!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Unknown said...

Alison,
You always have something lovely here. Such lovely pink roses and congratulations on winning the give away. I have something to give away to you too. I have an award on my post today for you. Stop by with a cup of tea and take it home. Blessings, Karen

P.S. I'll send you some snow...we have tons still.

Merci-Notes said...

Beautiful Daughters and roses! Ah, that wonderful rose scent wafting thru your home is lovely!
I noticed in the first Shabby Chic book by Rachael Ashwell there are some rooms that lean some to the masculine side. Maybe start there? Or go for it while he is at work like you said! hehehe
I am off to see the post below.
With Kindness,
Mary

Bristol said...

Alison- Those roses are just beautiful. Fun giveaway stuff.
Bristol

Anonymous said...

Alison, Love your roses!! Just beautiful.
Loved reading your '10 weird things'.
Had to laugh when I read that your hubby is not into shabby chic, my hubby calls all my pretty thing 'poofey' & dust collectors....but he is slowly comming around, he even finds shops to take me to while we are out, so I guess theres still hope.
Sarah xx

Kathleen Grace said...

Your roses are almost as pretty as your daughters! You got some lovely give-away goodies, it is the nicest thing to get a package in the mail isn't it?
I love these 7 interesting facts about you things. They always give us such interesting glimpses into how we all have so much in common and how we differ in so many fascinating ways:>)
Blessings!

kari and kijsa said...

Thanks for posting all that fun stuff...love the one about you having the longest line at the bank...LOL!

smiles, kari and kijsa

Mosaic*Queen said...

Count me in as one of those that is afraid of heights!
Nice gifts you received!
Hugs!
Michelle

p.s. I say paint the cabinets when he's at work!:-)

Roxie Morrow said...

I love your roses, absolutely beautiful! You have them displayed so nicely too.
I used to be a bank teller. What ever happened to the good ol' days where you'd get great customer service from people like you and me? I'd have people asking for me too. All the other tellers were so rude and impolite to people. I especially liked it when "the cute guy" would come in and ask for me. LOL

Unknown said...

So great learning a little more about you! Hey I say paint while hubby is at work! I'm scared of heights!

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

Beautiful roses!!! I usually dry mine by hanging them upside down and then enjoy them tucked here and there in my cupboards.

Loved hearing the facts about you!

Anonymous said...

Your roses are so pretty.... it is so nice to be in the middle of winter here in Texas ...but with a click I can enjoy the summer flowers down under...
Linda

Elle Jay Bee said...

Everything about your blog is so beautiful...it is an inspiring place to visit! Thanks for always being so kind when you visit mine...

Happy New Years, Allison!!

Anonymous said...

I just love these kind of post because you find out that you have 4 kids!! Why didn't I know that! :) I love the bank teller story....so sweet!

Susan Tuttle said...

You can try adding an aspirin to the water--it should prolong the life of the flowers a bit.

Such lovely gifties--wrapped so prettily!

I am afraid of heights too.

Susan
xox

Kingswood Food and Craft Market said...

Oh Alison your list was so sweet and funny too.
I laughed my head of at the cats ribs thing but...thats hysterical. You'd be no good at my place, i have 5 cats ! LOL

Oh and i say PAINT THE CABINET. hee hee.

Luv Shann

Lori said...

Hi Allison!!! i thought I had a lot of blogs listed in google reader, you have WAAAAAY more than me...are you ever off the computer:} the roses are just gorgeous and congrats on your win with Heather!!!

Debra from Bungalow said...

Fun post! I am terrified of heights & am not so fond of cats. It's fun to learn more about other bloggers.

The roses are so pretty ...it's sad to see them wilt. Congrats on winning the great giveaway.
Hugs, DebraK

Just Between Us Girls said...

Dear Alison,
I can certainly understand why people would line up to have you serve them. You are so thoughtful and you always take time to leave me comments. Thank you so much. I also think your husband should give you a free hand decorating...lighten and brighen things...oooh yes that is the ticket...it is better for everyone don't you think? I love all the pretty things you won....and please keep bogging away...I would miss you if you did less.
Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Alison, Those roses are gorgeous...the perfect shabby pink. Did you grow them?

dawn said...

am all caught up now...
i am so impressed with the new construction
and can't wait to see the photos.

i have heard that putting sprite in rosewater makes them last a bit longer.

xoxoxo

Michelle Frae Cummings said...

I love all the random stuff about you! My hubby is so not into color on the walls! I want to paint the kitchen/ dining area a light green with clouda and cherubs on the celing. I think I'll have to do it when he travels which is oh so rare.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

That is a fun list!! Hey, I don't mean to be butting in, but on painting the furniture in the previous post white, maybe you could compromise with your husband and paint it a different color? With that leather couch, white might be too much, but the table and cabinet have such great cottagey lines, maybe you could do a warmer shade that compliments the sofa and your shabby chic style?
Or just do it while he is gone, that is what I do, and my husband doesn't even notice.

Ali said...

What a fun read. Congrats on the winning parcels. Fun, fun. and who knows if that will be the final design on my website lol. I have put a couple of designs on Miss Ali's for sale now which has got me back in the mood for desiging. Not sure that is a good thing lol. ox take care cutie and talk soon, Ali

Nina In Norway said...

A lot of nice eye candy. Thanks for sheering.