England: Dover

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I wish I could say I have been away to some tropical island, sipping Pina Colada's on the beach, but unfortunate I have not.

Winter is starting to kick in here in Australia, with cooler mornings and windy cold days. We live in one of the coldest regions, close to the Snowy Mountains but not too far from the beach either. We are planing a trip to the snow this year, so I will takes lots of photos.

I pulled a few photos of Dover beach, to share with you, and add a little warmth to our chilly days. Driving into Dover was one of the most spectacular views, and I am sorry that I was unable to capture it in a photo. 

Enjoying some chips (eaten with a little wooden fork) at the beach under the white cliffs of Dover. The little forks were genius, we have to use our fingers..haha.

India looking out to sea, on the pebbly beach.

Here is a view of the Castle from the town below. While walking around the grounds of Dover Castle I was asking when we were going to see the castle, apparently we were in it. Dumb I know, but you have got to laugh.

The King was not amused that I did not know which king he was, and he said that I obviously didn't learn my history, oops.

 
















A view from the grounds of the Castle. The fog had set in.

Kade and my parents on the way into the Tower, which I might add nearly killed us climbing up all the steps to the top!

After the castle we visited the Dover Museum and saw the Bronze Age Boat. The museum was incredible. Below is a photo of a French prisoner of War ship, build from bone, c1802. The Roman Painted House was also worth a visit, and the volunteers were lovely.

Before leaving for England, we purchased a 2 week Overseas Visitors Pass from English Heritage. It was well worth it for value and convenience. We picked up the pass from Dover Castle, and used it to see many Heritage listed sites along the way.

I'll leave you with this photo I found of India, of our first night in England....cute!

Collections: Marvel Legends and Barbie

When Kade was born (2002), Marvel and Toy Biz released the first series of Marvel Legends. I started a collection for him, something that he could keep and put away for a rainy day, unopened of course. I bought as many as we could find, always looking for rare variants, of which we have a few.

The number of Marvel Legends grew with each series, and after some time and hundreds collected, we stopped buying more. We have had them packed away in the cupboard, and Kade has been very good to view them every now and then and put them away. Now 10 years has passed, and some have increased in price. One of his figures alone is now worth $200, a great investment.

Last night he pulled them all out to give them the once over, they will be packed away safely again. I took a few shots.

Not to be left out, India has a small collection of Barbie's, DC comic ones of course.

The kids love collecting things, it's in their blood, from shiny stones to cards, to littlest pet shops to Bakugan, to books, they have collected them all. The only problem is storage!

Do your kids have the collecting bug too?

Thanks for visiting!

Its a Stamp-ede...The Borneo Collection

Damn, its good to have the internet again after four days without. Also pressures of work have ramped up and will remain so until the end of the year, I will be the team lead for the next few months, but I will try to keep up with blogging and making jewellery. If I am a little quiet, please don't think that I don't care.

I have been beavering away making more necklaces. I have fallen in love with the North Borneo stamps, so these are the latest collection. I will also be making earrings and cufflinks for the guys, but will show you how they turn out once my supplies arrive. Click for bigger view.

The North Borneo Collection

The Queen Victoria stamp dates to the early 1890's.

More Australiana

Japanese art stamps

The longer pendants are made with two stamps, selected for their colour combinations

I have purchased two of the stamp below for my sister and myself. This monkey always reminded us of our dad when we were growing up. It was the nose. He had a good laugh when I showed him the stamp and that we will be wearing it around.

On a final note, wishing all Mothers, Grandmothers and Morthers-to-be a wonderful Mothers Day tomorrow.

I shall bid you adieu, until next time, take care, Tam x

Happy Birthday India

Yohio and a little bit of PopAsia

Have you heard of Yohio? He is a visual Kei artist, a Swedish 16 year old boy, and can play the guitar like nobody's business. He just released his first single Sky Limit in Japan on the 25th April.

We think he is fabulous and wanted to share with you if you haven't already heard him play. We do have eclectic tastes.



Kade is just learning to play the guitar and would love to play like this:



Our other favourite band is SHINee from South Korea.





and Girls' Generation with The Boys:

 
Hope you have enjoyed something a little different.

Goodbye for now, 지금은 안녕히, Tam x