Love This Quote

I am an artist at living.

My work of art is my life.

-Suzuki-

Thank you to the Positive Thinking Group on Facebook.

Fiiiinally!

Ok, I've managed to get my act togeher just before the year draws to an end and to the lovely ladies that entered my giveaway here, here is a sneak peek of the type of gift you'll be getting. It may suit you or your daughter. I believe you all have daughters? Either way, whether it's for you or your daughter, I hope you'll enjoy them. I've done more but my camera batteries died and need recharging.

Please ignore my bad hair and breakout. I'm booked in for a new style next week and I hardly ever wear make up but maybe I should start if I plan on taking close ups. Yikes.

P.S. The Random Act of Kindness Challenege Giveaway launches this weekend. Stay tuned for the details!

Feeling Like Life Is Too Short

So here are some wise words to live by.

The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.

-Joan Borysenko-

Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might and when you laugh, laugh like hell and when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.

-William Saroyan-

The Ups and Downs of Parenting

Being a parent is not for the faint hearted. I forget that some days because for the most part I tend to have really good kids that just do as they're told. Yeah...most days. The past two days have thrown me through a loop but I'm back on top. Nothing I can't handle. Can't keep me down! Positive thoughts sent my way are much appreciated. Still love my life but I'll say this, someone feel free to come visit soon. We miss you all.

On the bright side, here are some photo's I snapped today of my eldest and youngest playing together. I love how much love there is in this home. I really have nothing to complain about.

How to Write, Make a Portrait or Mural on the Wall

You've decided you want something unique on your wall. Maybe you're wanting to draw something on a nursery wall but don't actually know how to draw or maybe you're wanting to enlarge a sketch you've produced. Or maybe you want to use this as your guide on how to write a special quote on your walls. Whatever you're out to do, here is a basic 'How to' that can be used by everyone.

What You'll Need:
Paintbrushes

2B or 4B Pencil

Paint

Permanent marker
OHP A4 Film (clear paper)
Overhead Projector

Directions:

• On the OHP film, use a permanent marker to trace your favourite picture, sketch or write the words you wish to have on your wall. Be careful not to smudge. Let dry.
• Place the OHP opposite the wall you wish to write on.
• Put your drawing on the OHP and adjust the OHP mirror to get the image the right size for your wall.
• With your pencil, draw the lines on the wall that have been projected.
• Paint over and fill in the lines. Easy!

10 Gift Ideas For Christmas

It's the season of giving so here are some ideas on what to give your loved ones this season. Something to suit everyones budget.

A digital camera. This one in particular is mine and I can't recommend it enough. Canon Powershot SX10IS.

Personalised stationery. You need to visit this site. A lot of the time you can get your order for free excl shipping. You can't do better than free.

Bodywash, moisturisers etc. I LOVE these. Bodywash in particular. When shopping, I sniff every bottle before I buy it, then I put it back and grab one at the back of the shelf. Just a weird trait of mine.. I especially love travel sized shampoos etc as they're great to put in your make up bag and always seem to come in handy.

Lip gloss!!! Every shade, every brand. I love it. You should too.

How about some Perfume? StrawberryNet is an online store offering all the leading designer frangrances at discount prices. For both guys and gals.

Some home furnishings from Laura Ashley. I particularly like this lamp.

How about some freakishly gorgeous jewelery like these key necklaces from Tiffany's. Uh huh. I think so. Take notes guys.

Ok, now this is the ultimate gift. Can I hear a YES PLEASE. Through Total Experience NZ you can find the coolest things in NZ to do. From Sky diving, to V8 driving, 4WD excursions, Day Spas, Flying lessons, Abseiling.... Everything you ever wanted to do. This is the place to get yourself the best deals. Hook yourself (or a loved one) up.

The DVD/Book of The Secret. I learned of the law of attraction after some of my own experiences before this whole phenomenon began but I'll let you in on a little secret. I watch this allll the time. I've even got it on CD and will play it some nights as I drift off to sleep. You know what...it works a treat! I wake up really positive and my day's are just easier. If you haven't learned of the awesomeness that can come from the principles taught in this DVD/Book then you don't know what you're missing out on. Be a critic all you like but I speak the truth.

I was first introduced to this book by my brother when I was 19 years old. It changed my life. Not a word of a lie. Thanks Daniel. It is because of the knowledge I gained after reading this book (and others in this series) that my life has changed in leaps and bounds over the past 6 years.

My life is awesome by the way lol.

Happy shopping Santa's helpers!

A Sneak Peek Into Bostons Designer Nursery on a Budget

Ok then guys, you requested it so here's a little preview. Warning, the following content may cause viewers to want to want to run away screaming and set their eyes on fire due to explicit ugliness.

The Before Shots:

Curtains removed and furniture shifted to the middle of the room

Opposite side of the room. Scoring the wallpaper, prepping for removal.

Boston playing and watching. Big kids cleaning their rooms.

Getting down to business. 1 layer off.

Some of the aftermath.

Then we found this:

The 70's wallpaper

The wallpaper from the 80's

Remnants of the 90's wallpaper...and of course the original blue layer was late 90's/early 2000's wallpaper. 4 decades haha.

So that's where we are now. It was a lot of fun ripping down all the paper. The only gross thing was when we were wetting it down with the water stripping mixture and it was dripping down our arms. Apart from that it was pretty easy. The kids were great, letting us just get on with it. Love their easygoing nuture.

AND THIS:

Is an awesome trademe find. I had to ask the dealer directly to make it and list it but it was totally worth it. So much so I'm going back and ordering more. This is a 40cm Plain text capital B. I originally bought it to put inside a LARRRGE yellow frame on a white background. I was going to paint this yellow to match the frame but have since changed my mind because I love it so much. I may do the frame thing on a smaller scale because it's cute but this large letter rocks my world. You'll see what I have in store for it at a later date.

I Just Discovered...

That Disoriented Dayream was voted Peoples Choice in the NZAG Challenge for 'Dream'. I'm shocked! Happy shocked :). Glad people are enjoying the piece. Thank you.

The Tender Art of Love

Have you ever felt that heavenly love,

the kind that brings tears to your eyes?

Have you ever had such strong emotions,

you dreaded to say goodbye?

Have you ever had that moment,

where you knew you'd found the one?

Have you ever found that place in life,

where you finally knew you belonged?

I've felt all these because of you,

and as confusing as it is.

I wouldn't change it for the world,

this tender, art of love.

-Copyright Chavah Kinloch-

A Day Full of Surprises

My New Canvas Print

Well, I just have to share what happened to me today. It's just to strange not to. I've contemplated whether or not I should post this over the past few hours but oh well, I'm doing it. I had a regular morning, doing my Mum stuff and some art stuff including launching my new website (see post below) then headed for a physio visit. When I got home though I checked the mail and can you believe this...honestly... I still can't but there was mail for me and inside was a big fat cheque. Seriously! In what world does that happen? What a bonus!!! Totally unexpected.

Carried on as usual and then there was a knock at the door. It was the courier guy. I couldn't remember ordering anything until I saw the package. It was a canvas print that had also come my way unexpectedly and been ordered only just last week, I swear. All the way from the UK! It looks fantastic and I love how quick it was all processed so thank you Bags of Love. I'm in love with your efficiency and the quality of the print. Now just to find a spot to put it in my house. I highly recommend you look around the Bags of Love website. You can create your own WALLPAPER! Love love love it.

Now for the random part. I don't know if you've ever watched The Secret but there's a bit in it where an Australian guy is talking about visualising cheques in the mail. My hubby and I actually did this about 2 years ago and it happened (REALLY IT DID). Last week I took some time out while I was at home doing my thing and focused on cheques arriving in the mail. A week later... Coincidence??

The Secret Revealed - Chavah Kinloch Dot Com!

No, not THE secret but my little secret squirrel project. It's my new website! Including a store with cards, canvas prints and photo blocks. Be sure to check it out. A BIG thank you to my hubby for doing the hard work while I got the easy jobs. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know!

I Have Decided.....

That I need a shoe closet. Much like this one. Yes, that's what I have decided. Oh...and more shoes. Got that Honey? Over and out.

Thanks Everyone

For the awesome suggestions on a title for this painting.

Here's the list of great names suggested:

• Disoriented Daydream
• Dreaming Revolution
• Twisted Fairytale
• This Way Up :P
• Universal Reincarnation
• Only in my Disoriented Daydreams
• Precious Moments
• Memories
• Dreams Fading
• River Moss
• Beautiful Dreamer
• The Orientalist
• Orientations

And so, the one I ended up using??

DISORIENTED DAYDREAM

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions, I hope you don't mind me filing them away for future use.

Wishful Thoughts for a Nose Job

I've been sitting around reminiscing today. Remembering how when I was younger I had a real complex over my nose. I would get mocked over it.

Nowadays I've grown into it and really don't mind my nose too much but there are still some days I'll blurt out "Maybe someday I'll get a nose job. Along with a breast lift, tummy tuck and maybe they can somehow make my feet smaller" lol. You see, my nose is a real mixture of my Mum and my Dad. My Mum is Samoan and has a flatter, broader nose and my Dad is of English descent and has a long nose with this funny shape at the end. My brother somehow managed to get a cute nose, whereas I, ended up with the mixed up funk. I can laugh about it now but man, when you teased me about it while I was growing up, it hurt! What's funny is that now all four of my children have inherited my nose and I think it's gorgeous on them! Go figure.

Did you know that there's an actual name for nose jobs? It's called 'Rhinoplasty'. The name sounds a little creepy to me. Images of some giant Rhino-like nose pop into my mind. I wonder if that has anything to do with it lol. Ok, so I just looked it up on that link 'Rhinoplasty Information' and apparently it's Greek - Rhino means Nose and Plassein means To Shape. I wasn't far off.

I watched a documentary saying that in Iran, it's common practice for Persian women to get nose jobs. It can't hurt that bad if it's the norm? Also, have you seen thoose women? Beautiful! I'm a whole lot more comfortable with my nose now. After doing a bit of reading it says that the procedure should be done after facial growth has completely finished. For guys thats 16-17 and girls that's 15-16. How funny, that's when I finally became ok with my nose! No wonder I always thought it was big....It was lol.

I think I'm good for now and would really only look into Rhinoplasty for repair work if there was a need but I would ensure I did a lot more research into finding out the practices surrounding it and put a lot of effort into finding a quality physician with a great track record. I think it would be wise if everyone got a lot more rhinoplasty information before taking on the procedure. I couldn't imagine anything worse than somebody rushing into changing their physical appearance without doing some research. I'm sure there are plenty that do though, sadly.

9 o'clock at Night in Invercargill

And this is how light it is.....

I know.....! It's insane! The weather outside is horrendous, hail, freezing etc but it's still incredibly light. People can mock Invercargill for being backwards as much as they like but if it's this bright on a bad day, can you imagine what our summers are like :) That's right, they're freakin awesome! The sun doesn't set until about 11pm and for the first couple of weeks you find yourself heading to bed at 3am because you just don't realise it's so late at night. Your body doesn't register that it's tired until a few hours after the suns gone down. It's a blessing and a curse. The pro is that you get soooooo much done in your day and you're always happy. The con is that you miss out on a bit of sleep and your kids try to stay up later because it's still sunny outside. You adjust though and when you do you realise how awesome it is that you live in a place so quiet and untouched as Invercargill.

Latest Painting and an In Home Gallery

I finished this painting today. It's one of those pieces that has been sitting around for half the year that you look at every now and again and say "I'll get to you". So I finally did. No name yet and I'm still trying to decide whether or not I'll resin this piece. It'd look great resined but I also don't want to take away from the texture. I guess it's back to sitting around while I stare at it a little longer haha.

I was one child down today and oh-my-gosh-how-that-made-my-life-so-much-easier. So we decided while she was away to get our cleaning mitts on go for it. We rearranged some furniture then took to the walls. I've been living with bare walls for about a month and figured today that I would make my hallway an in home gallery. Why not right? I have like, the longest hallway I've ever seen in a regular house, which means tonnes of wall space, I also have really good lighting. I may as well use it. It'll make it easier for me to show people what's for sale when they come over to pick up pieces. They're not safe from getting attacked by paint in my studio, this makesmuch more sense. There's no mistaking an artist lives here now!

The Artists Way

There's been a lot of talk lately on the NZ Art Guild about a book called The Artists Way. It sounds intriguing . I believe it's based on a 12 week program to get your creativity flowing overcoming blocks like limiting beliefs, fear and self sabotage. I can TOTALLY relate. In fact, I'm yet to meet any creative mind that can't relate to this! The NZ Art Guild is starting a support group for any of it's member's interested. Also, I found the book for under $3!

Need a Logo for Your Business?

Why not check out Logo Design Guru. The process is dead easy and easily accessible to everyone, wherever you may be located. I spent a long time Googling earlier in the year for the best deal from a reputable company and it's so overwhelming. Everyone claims to be the best and offer the best prices but this company seems pretty good in quality and price, prices start at $99. I'm not in the position to need a logo right this second maybe next year, but I know others that are, so here's a link. Hope you find it helpful. Logos are essential to branding your entire business, definitely an area to seek help in... first impressions and all!