dragonflyinteriors

House & Garden Magazine Feature

2011-10-23T22:20:00.003+10:00

Hello friends, its been very busy lately now as we are into wedding and party season, and I haven't had any time for blogland :-(

I wanted to share this picture of our beautiful lanterns and ribbon featured in Australian House & Garden Magazine (November issue). I love it!! Did any of you see it???

Hope to see you all again soon!!
Cheers, Karen

Blog neglect!

2011-08-05T19:58:00.006+10:00

Hello friends,
I'm sorry for my absence. First I was in China for 3 months, and now since I've been back I've been really, really busy. Its just been all business, no time for play - but hoping to change that soon!

I now have professionals helping me with the photography for the business - such bliss!! We even spent a half day at the beach working! Everyone was happy, as the hardworking assistants Patsy & Frankie came too!

What do you think of the photographs!! So fabulous, and taken at my local beach in Brisbane!

Hardworking assistants helping to find a suitable location to place the stock!!

I have been blogging on the business blog, but will be back on this one soon I hope!
See you all again in Spring! Only 3 weeks to go ......
Cheers, Karen

A step back in time

2011-07-16T15:09:00.008+10:00

Have you seen any of these Chinese movies? Winter Jasmine, Lovers grief over the yellow river, Master of taichi, or Wordless love? I haven't yet, but I plan to.

I spent a day Cuan di xia, the historical and beautifully preserved Ming dynasty village where these movies were all shot. It was a beautiful day spent in the mountainous countryside, and was a really nice break from the craziness of Beijing. The village is located on the mountain, so it was actually a day of exercise as well, and of course, there was delicious fresh food to enjoy too!

Of course, I had to include a lantern pic!

I had such a great time in China, and took so many pics! I will post more as soon as I can!
Its been so busy since I've returned, and another container of lanterns is arriving next week for Lanternshop!

I hope you all have a lovely week!

I'm back!!!

2011-07-02T11:56:00.003+10:00

Hello friends,
After 3 long months, I'm back from China!! I've missed so much in blogland as its not possible to access Blogger from China - so much catching up to do!!!

I had such an amazing time - a truly awesome experience.
The first few weeks were spent working (shopping for Lanternshop and organising the next shipment), then the rest of the time studying, immersing myself in the culture and food, and playing tourist!!

When I get over my tiredness in the next few days - I'll post more pics and details of my adventure!

Here I am in Zhejiang province with my friend Mary playing dressups!! So much fun :-)

China Visit

2011-03-19T19:40:00.003+10:00

(image from blog.chinatraveldepot.com)

Hello Friends!
Its been ages since I've been here .... and it will be ages until I'm back again!!!

Soon, I'm heading back to China for a long trip, but this time (fingers crossed) I'll be having some fun and tourist time too!

I'll be doing work for the first couple of weeks, then spending a couple of months studying and immersing myself in Chinese culture. I'm planning to do some homestays and English teaching, and I'm expecting/hoping to improve my Chinese and enjoy myself at the same time!

Thankfully, Mr Lantern will be assisting with running Lanternshop while I'm gone so I won't have to worry too much about the day-to-day business stuff!

Will miss you all, but will be unable to visit you while I'm away as I cannot sign into my blogger account from China .....

See you all again in July!

Happy New Year

2011-02-24T18:19:00.003+10:00

Hello Friends,
Happy New Year, Happy Chinese New Year .... and everything else in between that I've missed!!! Its been ages since I've blogged here, but time has been flying this year and I can't keep up!!
Patsy and Frankie are doing very well and working hard too! I'm still studying hard with my Mandarin and am planning my next buying trip in the next couple of months!
So, I probably won't be back on this blog for a little while, but plan to still keep blogging on my business blog Lanternshop.
Hope you are all healthy and happy :-)
Cheers, Karen

Happy Xmas!!!

2010-12-24T08:46:00.004+10:00

Hello friends!!
Xmas has come early for me - I've just seen that we have been mentioned in Australian Home Beautiful Magazine (January 2011) edition! WOW!! What a nice surprise!

Patsy, Frankie and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Xmas and New Year!! We hope to be back to blog-land more frequently in 2011!!!! (this will be my resolution)!!

Cheers :-)

Quick update!

2010-11-16T19:59:00.002+10:00

Hello friends! Its been ages since my last posts ..... where does the time go?? So here's a very quick update!
Things have been busy at the Lanternshop - my assistants have been working very hard too!!
We've had a container arrive which has been fully unpacked - lots of nice new paper lanterns and lighting!!
Behind the scenes we have been working on the new website! A bigger, better and more beautiful site which is going to run much more smoothly than the existing one. Hopefully this will be launched in the next week - and ALL of the new products will be available then too!!
The next container has been finalised - this should be here at Xmas! What an awesome present for myself!!! :-)
My Chinese is progressing nicely (but slowly) and I'm proud to announce I can now write my name in Chinese characters from memory!. My name is Ying Hua (cherryblossom). I'm planning another trip in the new year ..... so had better keep studying ferociously.

Just one picture today - its my new favourite colour in the paper lantern range - EMERALD! Love it.

Wishing you all a very happy week ... and I'm hoping to be back to regular blogging soon xo
Karen, Patsy & Frankie

Silk Lanterns - Special Offer

2010-11-09T17:50:00.003+10:00

Hello friends,
Now is the perfect time to decorate your outdoor living spaces! Beautiful Vietnamese Silk lanterns in the traditional (cylinder) shape, with LED battery operated lighting string!!

They look stunning by day, and create a serene atmosphere at night! These would make a very unique Xmas gift!

While stocks last, only $99 plus $12.95 delivery anywhere in Australia!! Visit us at www.lanternshop.com.au

Beautiful Vietnamese Lanterns

2010-10-02T11:38:00.004+10:00

How beautiful is this???? This his how I dream my garden will look soon ........

Every day, I'm lucky enough to get my little glimpse of daily life in one of my favourite places, Vietnam, courtesy of http://saigon-today.blogspot.com and http://hanoi-today.blogspot.com.

A big thankyou to Simon for taking such a spectacular lantern picture, and allowing me to share this photo with you all. I must also mention he was also kind enough to advise me on the best places to get great coffee on my last visit!

Visit Simon's blogs for more great real-life Vietnam pics!
Have a lovely weekend, and Happy National Day holidays for my Chinese friends!

Moon Cake Day!!

2010-09-22T15:45:00.006+10:00

中秋节快乐 - Happy Mid-Autumn Day!

Today is Mid-Autumn day, also the Moon Festival Day, so tonight my friends, is the time to eat the delicious moon cakes!

Here's my box of moon cakes - so beautifully packaged and presented!

Of course, we are having a little party at my place! (the hardworking assistants are VERY eager to participate)!!!

Best wishes to you all!!!!

Beauty Shopping ..... Saigon Style!

2010-09-15T11:37:00.003+10:00

One of the great things about Vietnam that I love, is you can buy absolutely anything you may need (or didn't even think you may need) from street vendors!

No need to go into exclusive and expensive stores ........ but if you are game, here's the best way to get some incredible bargains!

This lady has a mobile beauty products shop - nail polishes, creams, lotions - and more!

and, after buying all your products, how about a new hairdo??? There's even room to park your motorbike!!!

Everything a modern girl needs when travelling :-)

Have a lovely week my friends!

I spoke too soon .....

2010-09-09T19:19:00.004+10:00

Yes, just one day after blogging about Patsy being such a 'good girl', here she is today, joining her little sister in trying to destroy the couch. And I thought they were supposed to be my hardworking assistants .........

Its nearly the weekend :-) Yay!! Hope you are all having a lovely week!

Frankie

2010-09-08T20:39:00.003+10:00

I can't believe Frankie (hardworking assistant Number 2) is nearly 6 months old!!

Here she is doing what she does best - destroying the lounge and cushions.
Note, Patsy is no-where to be seen in these pics, she's such a good girl ;-)

Lucky for Frankie its hard to be cranky with something sooooo cute :-)

Wishing you all a very happy start to Springtime (or Autumn for some)!!

Its a busy time for us now, but am hoping to visit you all soon!!
Cheers, Karen, Patsy & Frankie

Just in time for Spring .....

2010-08-27T15:32:00.004+10:00

I'm back! Its been ages since my last visit to blog-land. I've been submerged in boxes and stock for the last 10 days, and have only just come up for air!

Here's some of the new goodies!!

Many new designs and colours in the paper lanterns, parasols, fans and more - just in time for Spring .... only a few days away now!! :-)

Have a lovely weekend my friends!

Feeling lucky???

2010-08-08T14:53:00.005+10:00

Hello friends, hope you are all enjoying a relaxing weekend!

Here's a great opportunity for someone lucky!! :-)
My talented friend Mimi of Bonjour Romance is having a great giveaway! Make sure you visit to check it out!

Part of the prize is a subscription to her new e-mag Belle Inspiration. The first issue will be launched 15 September! I can't wait to see it, and I'm extra excited as I've written a really interesting and exciting ?!?!? (hopefully) article that I hope you will all enjoy!!

Here's a little preview to tempt you .......

Good luck!!

Makeover day!

2010-07-28T17:22:00.003+10:00

Yes!! Today was beauty parlour day! Don't we look gorgeous!

Laughing in the car on the way home :-) We got the 'giggles'

Chinese Greeting

2010-07-21T18:52:00.007+10:00

Ni hao (hello) my friends - Yes, I am learning mandarin Chinese!! I have only had one lesson so far, and wouldn't call myself fluent yet ...... but I am working on it with great gusto!

When I was in China recently, I found it incredibly difficult to communicate and get my way around - and as I will be returning again soon, this time I'm going to be much better prepared! I'm even learning the Chinese characters too!

Prior to my last visit, I could only say 'hello', 'thankyou' and 'lantern', and, as you can imagine, this didn't get me too far!!

So, wish me luck - I'm gonna need it!! (and lots and lots of study, practice and patience too)!

Thought I'd share a couple of pics of my trip. This one is my favourite.
A very studious young man doing his homework outside his parents market stall. I really admire his dedication!

and I love the way the Chinese can nap anywhere!!

Wish me luck my friends - I'll keep you updated on my progress :-)
Have a great week!

Dedicated to Lanterns!

2010-07-11T17:35:00.003+10:00

Hello friends, hope you are all well!! A busy business has kept me away from blogging (sigh), but I'm back now :-) As my days are all about the lanterns now, I have made a brand new blog, dedicated to the Lanternshop.com.au business.

Click here if you'd like to have a look!!

Since April, I have wound down the decorating business, and the importing of dragonfly ceramics, etc. as I just have not had enough time to do it all well, so the main focus now is Lanternshop. :-)

I am still keeping this dragonfly blog as I have made so many great friends here, and wish to stay in touch with you all! I will still update when I can, and of course, keep you informed of life with Patsy and Frankie.

Hoping to visit you all soon xoxo

Sneakie Peakie ....

2010-07-06T14:46:00.003+10:00

Hello friends! I can't believe its been two weeks since I've been in blog-land! Where did the time go???? .....
I've been buried deep in admin and IT stuff, and working on a new blog too (details coming soon). And of course, my two fluffy babies have kept me distracted :-)

My next shipment is just about to hit the high seas - and here's a sneak peak of the new wedding parasols!! 9 colours coming, including my new favourite - Mango!!
I personally picked these colours last month in China, and cannot wait to see them arrive in Brisbane, just in time for Spring Weddings! I am taking pre-orders, so contact me via the website www.lanternshop.com.au.

More pictures of other goodies to come soon (I Hope)!!!

Have a lovely week!!

Textile and craft tours

2010-06-22T09:22:00.004+10:00

Hello friends,
I know many of you share my love of travel, silk, fabrics, craft cooking and eating! This might interest some of you .....

Yesterday, my lovely customer Narelle from www.2worldtours.com.au came to see me to collect some lanterns. We got talking, and I'm fascinated with what she does - I think she has the best job in the world! She organises and accompanies small group humanitarian and cultural tours to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India and Africa. These tours specialise in hands-on textile and craft classes, markets, silk embroidery, weaving and cooking with local villagers.

This has caught my eye - learning how to make the silk lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam!!

Images from www.2worldtours.com.au

The Textile Arts Festival is on this weekend 25-27 June at the Convention Centre. If you are in Brisbane and this interests you, pop in and see Narelle.

I think I'd like to spend some time in Cambodia or Laos as I haven't been there yet! Who wants to join me????

What a great week!!

2010-06-18T15:09:00.004+10:00

Aside from getting up at 4am to watch Australia get thrashed in the soccer, we all had a very lovely week.
Frankie is settling in very nicely, and Patsy is very happy to have such a sweet baby sister.

We have put her to work straight away - she has her own little bed set up in the warehouse in case she needs to nap!

Patsy has been showing her around!

And teaching her to check the paperwork!

Sooooo tiring though!

We are busy preparing for the next shipment - only 6 weeks away, but so much to do. I can't wait - there's so many new things coming!!! More on that later!

Keeping my fingers crossed Australia can win their match this weekend .........
or at the very least give us an exciting match to watch!!!!

Happy weekend :-)

Meet our newest assistant!

2010-06-08T12:34:00.003+10:00

Hello friends! Meet Frankie :-)

She is our new assistant to my hardworking assistant Patsy!! She is 10 and a half weeks old, Shihtzu-maltese and has just joined our little family today!!

So, now I am a busy mother of 2!!! - when am I ever going to get time to blog!!!! ;-)

My new favourite .....

2010-06-03T19:50:00.003+10:00

Hello friends - thanks for all the birthday wishes!! I had an especially nice day!

One of the reasons I enjoy travelling so much, is the excitement of trying new foods! And I was not disappointed on this recent visit to China. I discovered a brand new fruit I have never tried before - YANG MEI.

I spotted the lady selling this interesting fruit, and decided I must try this immediately :-) So my friend and host Mary bought me a bag to sample!

Mmmmmmmm - they taste as delicious as they look!!! Sort of like a cross between a raspberry and strawberry!!!

I have not seen this anywhere else in Asia that I have been, so was very curious ....
This is how it looks after a bite :-)

Have any of you tried this before?? I hope you get the opportunity one day!!! I even brought back home with me a bag of dried yang mei which I'm saving for a rainy day .... or a day very soon i think!!!!

Wishing you all a very lovely week!!

Custom-made silk signage

2010-05-31T15:45:00.003+10:00

Hello friends! Look what I got in China!!

A custom painted silk scroll in Chinese characters for 'Lanternshop'. I just love it. Its now proudly hanging on my office door - I'm positive it will make me more prosperous!! :-) I also have some other styles which I'll show you when they are photographed - these will go in my warehouse/shop!

And here's my happiness hanging - love this too :-)

I've just about finalised the details for the next container!! So many great new designs of solar, led, paper, metal lanterns, fans, party decorations and more!! Very exciting .......

Also, its my birthday tomorrow!!! :-) Yippeee!! I'm having a 12 hour sale at www.lanternshop.com.au to celebrate!
Guess this means I'll be extra busy on Wednesday!! Have a happy week!!

Tranquility ....... Chinese Style!

2010-05-27T15:53:00.004+10:00

Luckily, I had one and a half days of free time in Shanghai at the end of my very tiring trip! And in a busy city of a few hundred million (feels like it, anyway), its just about impossible to find a quiet place!! But I did!!!! :-) - and here's the proof.

I got up very early, and it was raining, so thankfully the gardens were quiet! Although, after about an hour it was pandemonium when the thousands of tourists started to arrive.

Located in the old town, the Yuyuan gardens are stunning - definately my favourite place! I was able to recharge my batteries before heading to Nanjing Road - the famous shopping strip, which is approx 10km long of shops :-) More on that later!

Have a lovely day - I hope these pictures give you a lovely feeling of tranquility! :-)

Back from China!

2010-05-24T22:39:00.004+10:00

We're back!! Its been a long absence, as I couldn't access my blog or any others from China - I've missed you all!!

Got lots to tell, but I'm too tired right now. A big thankyou to sweet Patsy, who worked so hard while I was away taking your orders and running the business (with Mr Dragonfly's help)! Here she is with her souvenier Panda. She loves it!!

So many great new lanterns and wedding accessories are on their way to Lanternshop. More details soon!!!! Will share my China pics too as soon as I can!
Have a great week!!

Wedding flowers and lanterns!

2010-05-10T19:03:00.006+10:00

Brides to be in Australia ........

Look at these stunning wedding flowers!!! Images courtesy of www.weddingbloomguru.com.au

Meet Lisa, the creator of these fabulous designs at the Bridal Fair - 22/23 May, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf site #62 - Weddingbloomguru.
Lisa will also be featuring my silk and paper lanterns in her display (even more reason to visit her!!!!)

Well, its nearly time for me to be in China!!! Very excited :-) I've got so many great items lined up for me see, and hopefully loads more great stuff to be available at Lanternshop soon!!! I'm planning to blog while I'm away, if possible. If not - I'll see you all again in two weeks!!!

Skeleton staff of Mr Dragonfly and Patsy will be taking care of orders while I'm gone :-)

Hello from Patsy

2010-05-04T09:54:00.005+10:00

Hello friends! Its Patsy here today :-)
We have been too busy this last week to visit blogland, sadly :-( So I thought I'd post some pictures of myself to let you know what I did last week!!

I spent 2 days eating this magnificent treatie!!

Then I rested,

I snuggled with my favourite friend Dolly,

And I cuddled with my second favourite friend Monkey!

We hope to visit you all again very soon :-)

Floating flower

2010-04-25T22:38:00.005+10:00

Hello friends. Tonight is a balmy, tropical evening here in Brisbane (unusual for Autumn). We have been outside enjoying a lovely BBQ and a couple of cold ones :-)

Perfect opportunity for me to try another sample lantern I recently received .... the floating flower.

I put it in the pool in time for the first late afternoon drink, and enjoyed watching it float around during sunset.

So peaceful ..........
What do you think? Should I order these for my next shipment???? I'm thinking so. I really like the look of these floating paper lanterns!

Summer garden parties!

2010-04-20T12:23:00.004+10:00

Battery paper lanterns for night garden parties! It looks like fairy-land to me!!

Here they are surrounding my Ganesha! (a little hard to tell in the night shot!)

In response to the many requests we received, we now have white and pink for garden weddings!

I'm so loving these .... pity there are so many mosquitoes around after all our rain - I was eaten alive last night in my quest for the perfect photo!!

7 colours now available in these lanterns (PL15B 15 x 20cm) - white, pink, fuscia pink, blue, green, yellow, red. As the lanterns are small, the light is very bright! Visit us at www.lanternshop.com.au for more information! These can be found in the rice paper lantern page!

Good luck & Prosperity Fishes

2010-04-18T14:54:00.003+10:00

Hello friends! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

The waiting is over - the new lantern shipment is here! It arrived Friday in the pouring rain, which wasn't too much fun unloading. But, good news, we have had lovely sunny weekend weather in Brisbane, and I've cranked up the camera and taken loads of pics of all the new goodies!

I'm very excited that the prosperity/goodluck gold fish is back (the orange one in the middle). They were really popular for Chinese New Year and we sold out very quickly. Now available here.

I also requested some samples: new styles of fishes in green, blue, yellow and purple. So I'm wanting to ask my blog friends with impeccable taste and style (yes, that's all of you)! which, if any, I should add to the range.

Personally, I like the green and the purple the best. What do you think??

My customers tell me they use them as xmas tree decorations, in their kids bedrooms and for parties. I have my goldfish hanging in my office for prosperity! How would you use them??

Thanking you all in advance!!!! More rice paper lantern pictures to come soon ....
Cheers, Karen & Patsy www.lanternshop.com.au

Dress Lanterns

2010-04-15T09:38:00.004+10:00

Rice paper lantern shipment is coming any minute now! We are literally waiting for the truck drivers phone call ...... So, while I'm waiting, I've been browsing the web for lantern inspiration - and look what I found!!

Isn't this such an amazing picture by the very talented Tim Walker. Sadly, I'm a little late for the calender which not only features this stunning pic but plenty of other inspiring shots too! I love, love, love his work!

Have a lovely day my friends! I will be adding pics of the new lanterns in the next few days .... so exciting :-)

Chillin Out

2010-04-08T14:06:00.005+10:00

Patsy and I are relaxing this morning!! So lovely :-)
We are making the most of a little 'down time' before the next paper lantern shipment arrives next week!!
I wanted to share this cute pic with you all I received in an email - it put a big smile on my face :-). Hope it gets you smiling too!

Modern offerings for Tomb-Sweeping Day

2010-04-04T08:25:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow is Tomb-Sweeping Day (also known as Pure Brightness Festival) for my friends in China! This is a traditional Chinese festival for people to remember and honor the departed at gravesites. Its also a long weekend!

The tradition has always been to burn paper money and houses, which are sent to the ancestors for the afterlife. This year, there is a new range of 'modern offerings'. Paper bras, cosmetics and shampoos are now available. In fact, you can get just about anything now! Cars, motorbikes, TVs, wines, servants, cigarettes, seafood, pianos.

There is a whole street dedicated to paper items in the old quarter in Hanoi. Last time I was there I visited and couln't believe just how much is available! I wanted to bring some things back with me, but they were all too big (see pic below of the lady with the paper house). So I just settled for some paper money instead!!

Picture from here

Wishing you all a safe and happy long weekend, enjoying your traditions (whatever they may be)!!

Planning for China

2010-03-28T16:34:00.010+10:00

Hello my friends! I can not believe its been a whole week since I've been in blogland! Things have been very busy!

Well, I'm starting to plan my trip to China (see my post below). I'm hoping to have a few days of sightseeing in Shanghai, I will go to Expo for sure. I've also been googling for some fun places to visit, and as I'm a big Hello Kitty fan, I've found the perfect places for me!

First up, Hello Kitty Castle in Shanghai!

Look at the fabulous food you can have here!

And, there's also a Hello Kitty Portrait Studio in Shanghai!

I'd better wear my prettiest frock!

Photos from here

So, who wants to go with me? I know the Duchess does :-)

I'm hoping to have time this week to get back into blog land. Patsy and I have missed you all!

Now for the work stuff, here's the updates squashed into one post!
* Dragonflyinteriors.com.au website will be incorporated in Lanternshop.com.au this week. Maybe changing the name of the blog to reflect the merge ... more on that later!
* New wholesale pricelist to be released on April 1 with everything merged. Good news - it will be much quicker and easier for ordering!
* Another shipment is on its way. Expecting to arrive approx 20 April. New colors are coming in the rice paper lanterns - fuschia pink, dark blue, cream. More 35cm paper lanterns, and a new style of white paper lantern for weddings and little girls parties! The white LED Tealights will all be sent out to waiting customers with pre-orders as soon as possible.
* Sadly, I will not be doing any more decorating contract work :-( There's just not enough hours in the day.

Lanternshop is keeping us very busy right now with parties and weddings in Brisbane and the rest of Australia. Patsy and I are burning the candle at both ends ..... Looking forward to a few days off over Easter!

See you all soon :-)

Wedding & Party Planners - I'm taking requests!!

2010-03-21T14:58:00.004+10:00

Event, party, wedding planners and decorators - I'd love to hear from you!
I'm planning my next trip to Asia - and would like to know what colours or styles of paper lanterns etc. you'd like me to add to the range. Feel free to email me k.dragonfly@yahoo.com.au

Stock update - more tealights arriving in April. Also new colours on the way in the paper lantern range: fuscia pink, dark blue, cream, and more battery LED colours for weddings!

A big thank you for your continued support!

Cheers, Karen

Images from here.

Asian themed party!

2010-03-16T12:05:00.002+10:00

A very big thank you to my friend and talented artist (and blogger) Sophie, for not only recommending my Vietnamese silk lanterns to her sister for her big Asian themed birthday bash, but for also sending me a great picture of the party.
Don't the lanterns look stunning! I love the marquee too - what a great combination! It almost makes me want to throw a big party too :-)

Visit Sophies blog to see more party pics, listen to some music and see the amazing cake! Aaaaaahhh - wish I had been there!

Have a great week!!

Pinks for the little girls and the big girly girls!

2010-03-11T17:31:00.003+10:00

Hello friends,
After nearly 3 weeks solid of rain in Brisbane, we have had a sunny day! :-)
So Patsy and I raced outside, and have been very busy taking pics of the new silk lanterns. We now have a lot more colours, so its a fairly big job this time.

Today we are featuring the 'pinks'. My second favourite colour range!
We have 3 new colours in this range - powder pink, watermelon and hot pink.

Sadly, no time to attempt another collage today, but I hope you enjoy these soft and pretty pics :-)

Its technically not a pink, but I added this one as I love it so much - Mulberry!

I hope its sunny again tomorrow - we have so much more to do!!
Hope its sunny in your world too :-)

All lanterns now available at Lanternshop.

Look what I found :-)

2010-03-07T12:32:00.003+10:00

As you all know I'm on my way to becoming a computer nerd! Well, I'm trying hard anyway!
So today, for the first time in forever, I visited the computer mega store ...... and look what I found .....

quite unbelieveable to me - a mini mouse in my favourite colour purple!!!

Who would have known such a magnificent item existed????!! It even has a retractable cord - so magical :-)
I can even tell that Patsy, the hard-working assistant is impressed!!

There will be no stopping us now!!!!!!

Have a lovely weekend my friends. We are still waiting for the rain to finish so we can photograph the new silk lanterns!

Look what I made!!

2010-03-04T07:24:00.003+10:00

I'm feeling so incredibly clever!!! Now, this is not something that happens frequently for me, as I'm very technologically challenged (to put it mildly).
Join me in celebrating :-)

So, here it is ........... my first ever collage in photoshop!

I'm thinking a great achievement! Next time I'm going to try using borders, etc. I didn't want to over-do it on my first go. After all, this took a long time, a few coffees, some comfort chocs! Sigh!

Maybe I can become a computer nerd after all!!

Have a lovely day :-)

Wanting to throw a great party???

2010-03-02T12:20:00.003+10:00

Hello friends!
Recently I met the lovely Anna from Halo & Halo events here in Brisbane when she visited me to organise some lanterns.

Anna plans fabulous parties, weddings and events (private and corporate) for all occasions in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coasts. She's also a very nice lady - so keep her in mind for your next event!

As you can see, my lanterns are looking fabulous. (Green and white paper lanterns, a mix of 20 and 35cm). They co-ordinate perfectly with the glasses, don't you think?

images courtesy of www.haloandhalo.com

If you'd like some of these fabulous lanterns for your next bash, click here

Have a lovely day :-)

Welcome Autumn

2010-03-01T09:12:00.005+10:00

Hello all! We are back :-) Looking forward to catching up with you all again!!

Today, I'm celebrating the start of Autumn! We seem to have had the longest, most humid summer ever!
Right now, its raining, and the temperature is cooler. We are all smiling here!
Yesterday we transplanted into the front garden this beautiful bromeliad (pictured)! It was in a huge pot by the front door, and didn't get much sun or rain. I checked it this morning and it looks so content in its new position, covered with rain droplets!

We have spent the last two weeks sorting through the silk lantern shipment, and can you believe it - I'm still not finished?! We have been really busy with brides and party planners - there's so many weddings this time of year!! Hopefully, we can get back on track now that Chinese New Year celebrations are finished!
Thankfully, Patsy has been a big help to me!

Happy Spring for all my Northern Hemisphere friends! Will be visiting you all soon :-)

a quick hello ....

2010-02-24T07:46:00.002+10:00

Hello friends. Things have been crazy busy here (but in a good way)! The house has been completely overtaken by silk lanterns!!
Here's Patsy trying to find a space to play with her second favourite toy 'Monkey'!
We haven't had time to blog, not to mention we have been having big internet problems too :-( - but we hope to get around to visiting you all soon and catching up!!
Wishing you all a very happy week :-)
Karen & Patsy

New silk lantern colours!!!!! :-)

2010-02-18T16:17:00.005+10:00

Well, I'm still wildly excited! I've been madly opening boxes for the last few days! I think I'm about 1/3 of the way through!!
Thought I'd share some pics of the new silk colours.
The weather here in Brisbane has been raining and very windy the last few days. We had about 30 minutes today of sunshine, so I raced outside and quickly took these pics!
I can't decide which is my fave - they are all so beautiful!! Maybe the bronzed gold? or the emerald ocean? or the silver? ......

bronzed gold, mulberry, turquoise

silver, emerald ocean, hot pink

mulberry, watermelon, burgundy

mauve, hot pink, lemon cream

champagne, black, grey

olive/blue, blue, dark blue

What do you think? which ones do you like????
Have a great day all. Sorry I haven't been to visit - will get there soon!!

Insane excitement!!!!!!

2010-02-16T10:06:00.004+10:00

Finally, after soooooo long waiting, the container of silk lanterns from Vietnam has arrived!! My excitement levels are completely out of control!!! :-)
Due to delays with typhoons, customs documents, port strikes, etc. etc. I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when the truck finally arrived!!
Here it comes ...... mmmmmmmm such a big truck - is it all going to fit??????

20 foot container door is open - its just like Xmas day!!!!! If only Santa was here to bring it all inside for me!
Need the step ladder so I can climb up and in. My job cause I'm the weakest and smallest is to pass down the boxes. I tell you, its harder work than any gym visit!

Oh no ....... it doesn't all fit inside the double garage. Will have to squeeze it down the hallway, in the lounge, in the spare bedroom ....

Here is a very unflattering pic of myself after unloading the container. Unfortunately its over 30 degrees again today and humidity over 80% too!
Thankfully I had two other keen helpers. Thanks Wayne and Eric. Patsy just watched this time (not so helpful)!

Well, my arms are like jelly, and every muscle is aching... Going to have a little rest, a coffee, and a choclate reward - then start to open boxes!!!! The adrenaline rush of new stuff will overcome my fatigue (I hope).

Will post pics of all the new stuff soon.... Yipee :-)
Hope to have it all available in Lanternshop in the next few days!

Boing, boing, boing ......

2010-02-12T19:19:00.005+10:00

Here I am bouncing and prancing about on my favourite beach near my home today!!!
We actually took the afternoon off! It was soooooooo nice.
Its our last little break for a while - I hear a container with 10,000 silk lanterns is arriving on Monday. As if we haven't already been busy enough with the madness of Chinese New Year!!!

I did so much running and jumping I had to rest for a while in my own little sea pool.

Hope you all have as much fun on your weekend as I had today.

Cheers, Patsy xoxo - big licks to all my blog friends!

Start preparing for Chinese New Year!!

2010-02-09T17:25:00.008+10:00

Hello girls! Here's some tips for you all for the perfect preparations for Chinese New Year!!

On the days before the New Year celebration Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning. It is believed the cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. Brooms and dust pans are put away on the first day so that luck cannot be swept away.
Homes are often decorated with paper cutouts of Chinese auspicious phrases and couplets. Purchasing new clothing, shoes, and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start.

The biggest event of any Chinese New Year's Eve is the dinner - consisting of fish.

On New Years Eve, it's customary to make dumplings. Chinese Dumplings look like silver ingots. Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during New Year celebration, more money you can make in the New Year. (this I really agree with)!

Its also necessary to make a new year cake (Niangao) after dinner and send pieces of it as gifts to relatives and friends in the coming days of the new year. Niangao literally means increasingly prosperous year in year out.

Not many days left to make your preparations!!!! So get busy :-)

Images from here.

Patsy and I have been so busy sending out lanterns for everyone's parties. Here she is after the end of a hard day's work (sleeping on my handbag)!

Have a great week :-)

Sunday Vietnam Tour - Halong Bay

2010-02-07T18:27:00.004+10:00

Hello my friends! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend! 3 hours from Hanoi (where we were last week) is this World Heritage Site.

Ha Long means 'descending dragon' - the myth is that a celestial dragon flung herself headlong into the sea, her swishing tail digging deep valleys and crevices in the mainland. As she descended into the sea, these filled with water creating the bay!

Of course, in Vietnam you can shop anywhere! There's always fresh fruit for sale, even on the bay - the vendor will come to you!! I love this service :-)

The fruit sellers and fisherman live in these cute mini villages on the bay!

Hire a boat, to take you wherever you please!! You can even sleep on these if you want to stay a while!

The scenery is beautiful. Even on a cold, dreary, rainy day - its such a lovely part of the world! Next time, I'll go in summer so I can swim from the boat!!

This is 'duck rock'. Don't you think it looks like a duck???

And here I am on 'my' boat. A little wind-blown and cold, but still having fun :-)

Hope you had a lovely time!! See you next week :-)

Lantern winners :-)

2010-02-05T13:01:00.004+10:00

Hello all, and Happy Friday :-)
I'm a little late in announcing the winners of the giveaway - sorry! Patsy hurt herself (while playing) on Wednesday night and had to go to the emergency vet! Thankfully, all is fine with Patsy :-) me, on the otherhand almost needed sedatives as I was distressed to see her in pain :-(

So, on a happy note, a big congratulations to my dear friends Caitlin and Mami!! I'll be in touch to get your addresses!!

Here's some lovely lantern pics (from Flickr) to enjoy over the weekend!!

See you all again Sunday for some more Vietnam touring. Hope you can join me!!

Come on a tour of Vietnam with me!

2010-01-31T11:06:00.009+10:00

I'm getting itchy feet again .... So thought I'd take a mini tour of one of my favourite places, Hanoi Vietnam - and bring you all with me!!! ***Note: these are not professional pics - this is Vietnam through my eyes!! ***

Hope you enjoy!!

Lets begin at Hoan Kiem Lake (lake of the Restored Sword). I love the story of this lake - In the 15th century, Emporor Le Thai To was supposedly handed a magic sword by a divine tortoise living in the lake, helping him repel Chinese invaders. After the country had been liberated, the tortoise snatched back the sword and disapeared in the lake!!

This is the Rising Sun Bridge - lets all stop and take pics of each other!!

I like to visit this peaceful lake of a morning, and watch the elderly people doing tai chi. Its so serene, and such a contrast from the rest of the crazy/noisy city!

Here is Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower) - dedicated to this mythical creature! Its a three tiered tower. I think it looks very mystical!

Next stop Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is my favourite pagoda in Hanoi.
Founded in the 6th century, but relocated to present site in 17th century as the original site was prone to flooding. This area was formerly the Buddhist centre of ancient Hanoi.

The buddhas and lotus flowers are so crisp and white!

I actually have many pics of this Buddhism pagoda, but for some reason in all my pics the tower looks like it leans (just like Pisa). But I'm sure in reality it doesn't!!!!

I love to do a lot of walking when I'm in Vietnam. You can stumble across the most amazing temples, shops, beauty parlours, eateries .... etc.

So, its vitally important to allow time at the end of your day for some reflexology and manicure/pedicure. There are 100's of places to choose from, and very cheap!!

I always get a design on my toenails ....

Here are some cute ladybirds on my fingernails!! Love these :-)

Hope you have enjoyed the mini tour. I've had so much fun I'm gonna take another one next Sunday.
Hope to see you next week. ***Don't forget my lovely follower friends to enter my giveaway (see post below). Prize drawn on Wednesday***

Lantern giveaway time!

2010-01-28T20:14:00.011+10:00

Congratulations to Patsy and myself and our little blog for having 100 dear sweet followers now! So, as promised, to celebrate we are having a giveaway to our loyal friends!!! We'd also like to thank you all for visiting us regularly and leaving your comments - we just love it (and have become quite addicted to the whole thing)!

We will be having 2 prizes :-) and the winners will be drawn randomly. The lanterns are all from our most recent shipment which arrived just after Christmas!
Plenty of choices - you can select your prize from the following. Oh, and I will post anywhere in the world!

I do apologise, the photos are not quite as I had planned, but as it has been over 30 degrees C every day lately and the humidity is very high I haven't been wanting to stand in the heat and take new pics!

A. Set of 9 20cm round lanterns (one of each colour as shown)

B. Set of 12 party lanterns in various colours

C. Set of 12 'happiness' lanterns (perfect for Chinese New Year - February 14)

D. Large cherryblossom lantern (35cm) with 1 20cm white lantern, 2 20cm red and 1 20cm black

E. Large dragonfly lantern (35cm) with 2 20cm white lanterns, 2 20cm black lanterns

My giveaway is open to anyone following the blog, and to enter just leave your selection in the comments section below - too easy!!!

All the lanterns are paper, and they all fold flat when not in use - so you can use them over and over again :-) All items from Lanternshop.

To give you all enough time to enter, we will draw the prizes on Wednesday night 3 February (Aussie time), and will post the winning details on the Thursday.

Thanks again, for making our blogging experience so enjoyable. Patsy and I have made some really great friendships with people (and animals too)!

Good luck - and lots of love to you all, Karen & Sweet Patsy xo

Happy Australia Day - drop in to my party!

2010-01-26T06:45:00.002+10:00

Happy Australia Day my friends. Its a public holiday :-)

So, grab your Aussie cozzie,

your Aussie thongs,

And drop into my place for celebrations!!! Grab a drink from my well-stocked fridge

Bring your furry friends

And have a great day!!!! Its stinking hot again here in sunny Queensland - so don't forget your sunscreen!

Cheers!

Pics from here.

What a hot weekend!!

2010-01-25T12:47:00.004+10:00

What a great weekend - but the heat has just been so incredibly hard to take.

Thankfully, we were lucky enough to spend most of the weekend in the pool.
Here's little Gracey (the newest member of the extended Dragonfly family), she's only 2 months old! Isn't she adorable - she's showing off her beautiful bathers! I think I'd like these in my size!! She enjoys the pool too!!

And my baby Patsy, who is definately struggling in this heat wearing her fur jacket!
At the moment, we only have one room in the house with airconditioning - my office. Unfortunately its incredibly messy :-( Here she is squeezed in amongst the mess this morning taking a well-earned nap!!

Isn't she just the cutest???

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!!
This week I'm going to photo the choices for the giveaway prize and post ASAP!

Happy Monday my friends :-) Australia Day holiday tomorrow! Yipee!

I'm inspired ... cupcakes for me and Patsy

2010-01-22T11:04:00.004+10:00

Happy Friday everyone! Wishing you all a lovely day and fantastic weekend to follow!

Patsy and I feel like making cupcakes!! We've found the best Etsy shop that can send us all the cutie things we like :-)

Edible dogs!!

Edible bones (Patsy's favourite)

I love anything paisley - so definately must add these to the shopping cart!

I have a bit of a thing for butterflys too .....

Valentines day is nearing - I can use these for my sweetheart!

Edible hearts :-) All items and pics from here

I'll be posting the pics for my giveaway soon. There are 99 lovely people following, so when I get to 100 I'm going to giveaway some of the paper lanterns from my new shipment (and I will post anywhere in the world)!!! Stay tuned :-)

I changed my background yesterday! I really like the glittery heart, and the soft watery blues. What do you all think?

Origami Tea Bag

2010-01-19T11:40:00.003+10:00

Yes, I'm supposed to be working on my tax receipts all morning ... yawn ... but instead I've been blog-surfing, and having a very enjoyable time!!! :-) (big smile)

Anyway, look what I've found!! I just think this is the greatest thing ever (well the greatest thing I've seen so far in 2010)!!

Designed by a very talented Russian lady Nathalia Ponomareva - what a genius!

As you all know I have a HUGE love of tea, and also anything with an oriental design.

This origami crane tea bag combines everything that I'm into - so cooool. I don't think these are in production yet, as I can't find anywhere to buy them. (I've spent about half an hour looking so far). But if anyone out there in blog-land has seen them for sale anywhere, pleeeeeeeeease let me know!

Image from monoscope.com

Now that this is out of my system, perhaps I can get stuck into some work ..... or perhaps I can blog-surf some more. Maybe I'll just pour myself a delicious tea (blackcurrant and peach is on the menu for today) and see what happens! :-)

Have a great day everyone - hope you enjoy this little find as much as I have!

Laughter therapy :-)

2010-01-17T08:38:00.002+10:00

Sunday morning - DAY OFF!!! Yay. I even have the house to myself for the morning. Double YAY!! Can the weekend get any better????!!!
I gave myself an early mark yesterday, and met up with my girlfriends for a little 'laughter therapy'. We had a lovely lunch, then went to the cinema.

If you haven't already seen it - I highly recommend 'Its Complicated'. It was very funny :-)

I was also very excited to see the party scenes featuring some beautiful white lanterns (just like mine at Lanternshop!!!).

Hoping you are all having a great weekend too, and can manage some time for yourselves to relax!!!

Tuesday Tea Party - Coffee and chocolates for you all!

2010-01-12T19:36:00.003+10:00

Hello my dear friends,
Welcome to Tuesday tea party. I'm very sorry I'm quite late, but as you know I've been rather busy (see my earlier post below)!!!

I haven't had time to do fruit sculptures or Vietnamese platters like I have in the past for you, sadly.

Instead, I'm serving two of my favourite things - delicious coffee and fine chocolates!

Please enjoy :-)

Visit Plumed Pen to see who else is participating this week!

Have a lovely day :-)

Photos from www.coffeeroastery.com.au and www.flickr.com/photos/territu

I've been working so hard .....

2010-01-10T22:05:00.005+10:00

Hello all! Hope you have had an enjoyable weekend!
I've spent the last 4 days solid updating the websites with the new stock, and typing, typing, typing, and I'm feeling tired and worn out! It's 10pm Sunday night and I've only just finished :-(

Then I checked my emails, and came across the funniest picture from my friend - and I decided I must put this one on my blog!

Maybe I'm just tired and delirious - but I couldn't stop laughing at this! Hope you all enjoy it too!!

This is just how I feel right now!!!

I'll be putting up the pics for my next giveaway next week ..... stay tuned!

Cheers :-)

New goodies just in time for Chinese New Year!

2010-01-09T07:01:00.004+10:00

Hello my dear friends! Chinese New Year is nearly upon us! February 14th 2010 (wow - coincides with Valentines Day) - Double Celebrations!!

The shipment has finally been unpacked - and here's a little sneak peak of some of the goodies! (still uploading some things on website - its taking ages).

Just in time - I have received the new 'happiness' lanterns. Perfect for New Year festivities!!

Some new colours in the very popular 20cm lantern - we now have purple, black and baby pink!

A brand new dragonfly lantern in black and white!

Party lanterns!

More designs in the wedding parasols!

All paper and silk lanterns are available at lanternshop ! Great news - the prices are all now cheaper with the new shipment as my order was so huge and the Australian Dollar favourable right now!

I must apologise for not visiting you all this week - it has been so busy here and we haven't even had time to scratch ourselves! But, I promise I have set aside a few hours today to come and see you all and see what sort of fun you've all been up to! I've missed you all!

Wishing everyone a very happy weekend :-)

A hard days work ....

2010-01-04T20:21:00.002+10:00

We are soooooo tired! What a long, long day of sorting through the delivery.
Luckily Patsy was a big help. Here she is inspecting the carton!

Over 10,000 items have arrived - yipeeeeee!!
I'm so excited to see some of the new colours in the lanterns - black and purple. Also a new dragonfly design and so much more.
When the weather improves (its still been pouring in Brisbane everyday) we will be outdoors taking new photos! Hoping everything is on the website by Wednesday night!

What a great way to start the new year :-)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:50:00.004+10:00

Gotta get myself one of these dragonfly outfits for next new years eve!!!

I wonder if they make this one in my size?

And of course, this one for little Patsy!!

Hope you all had a fabulous time! Wishing you all a very happy and sucessful 2010!

I had a very quiet new years eve this time around. Mr Dragonfly was unexpectedly in hospital the last few days (home now though thankfully), and we had a very early night!

I've had such an enjoyable last few months reading your blogs, and also reading your lovely comments on my blog, and look forward to a fun and exciting year of sharing in 2010. I'm hoping to get around to visiting all your blogs really soon. I've missed you all as I've been busy playing nursey!!

Next year I will party .... and I will definately need one of those fab costumes pictured!!!

Cheers :-)

Getting over Xmas feasting .....

2009-12-27T18:17:00.003+10:00

Yet again I have over-indulged this Xmas! But the food was soooooo amazing!
We had such a great day, shared with family and friends.

We had marinated bbq prawns (above) and moreton bay bugs (below). So delicious!!

Unfortunately, we have had a lot of rain :-( but as the weather is still so humid, it hasn't stopped as lazing in the pool. Here we are enjoying a sunny moment :-)

Hope you all had a fantastic Xmas day and are enjoying the holiday season!!
Cheers!

My ship has arrived!

2009-12-22T16:54:00.004+10:00

Finally ..... my ship is here in Brisbane (well, not actually my ship), but the ship carrying my container of paper lanterns and parasols!!! Yipee :-)

Sinotrans Tianjin (pic from marinetraffic.com)

I can't wait to have all these goodies in my hot little hands!

A little bit of bad timing as its almost Xmas, and now I have a heap of paperwork and organising to do, so I had better take this oppportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy and safe Xmas (just in case I run out of time).

I hope Santa is good to you and remembers everything on your wish-lists!!

Cheers!

My birthday party!

2009-12-20T16:47:00.004+10:00

Hi there! Its Patsy here! Last night was my birthday party :-)

Here I am wearing my party hat!

My very good friend Libby came to my party. It was actually a double celebration as it was her 1st birthday on Friday!

She gave me a present .....

Oooooh - look! A squeaky toy beer can - just what every little lady needs ;-)

We had a delicious meal of BBQ sausages, and had a lot of fun!

Love from Patsy

Happy Birthday Sweet Patsy

2009-12-16T20:21:00.005+10:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to the sweetest little girl in the world!

I thought I'd share some baby pics ;-)
She was only 6 weeks old when she came into my life and melted my heart! As you can see, she enjoyed her food from day 1!!

Here is Patsy helping me work in the warehouse! She used to be tri-colour (until her first haircut)!

Her favourite place - my bed!

She used to enjoy chewing the cushions .... thankfully those days are over now!

Her cozy basket - it only lasted a week until it was chewed up!!

Patsy is showing off her 'pirate' tooth ;-)

After swimming in the mud!!

Playing one of her favourite games with her Dad!

Bath time (she's not a fan)!!

Treaties! - Loves these :-) Can't get enough!

Happy birthday my sweet little angel xxoo We are having a party on Saturday!!!

Tuesday Tea Party - Pool Party!!!

2009-12-14T20:17:00.006+10:00

Wow, the last week has flown by!
Its still so incredibly hot here in sunny Queensland, so Patsy has decided we'll have a pool party this week!!

Sorry, she can't wait for the guests to arrive ..... she's already lazing on the surfboard!

No hot foods today - we are having cheese and fruits!

We've spent hours preparing fruit sculptures for you!

Firstly, here's the 'bug'!

The Melon Rabbit!

The birds!

The birds in a cage!

The watermelon swan!
Images from foodgarnishing.com

I must say, Patsy is very skilled with the paring knife!!! The sculptures are amazing!

Thanks for dropping in. I hope you stayed long enough for a dip in the pool!

Visit Plumed pen to see who else is participating this week!

Are you thinking of drinking this Xmas?????

2009-12-11T17:33:00.004+10:00

Beware my friends - this is what alcohol will do to you (as demonstrated by Patsy's friends)

After a few glasses of champagne!

A couple of beers,

A few cocktails,

A few wines,

A couple of cosmopolitans,

A jug of sangria! (I'm sure I've woken up looking like this on plenty of mornings).

Thankfully, Patsy isn't featured here, as she's just a sensible milk-drinking gal :-)

These cute and hilarious pics were sent to me in an email and put a huge smile on my face. I decided to post them here to bring a little cheer to my blog friends too!!

Have a great weekend (but don't overdo it)!!!

Dragonfly Xmas Decorations

2009-12-10T12:44:00.004+10:00

Naturally, I'm wanting some dragonfly decorations for my Christmas tree!
So, as I know some of your share my obsession and delight in all things dragonfly, here's a few goodies you might desire too!!

From: christmas-forever.com

From: recylart.org

From: christmasspiritshop.com

From: en.fotolia.com

From: kyledesigns.com

From: coolbugstuff.com

From: solarsanta.com

I'm finding it hard to pick a fave, but I think I'd lean toward the quirky light bulb! That being said - I want them all anyway :-)
What's your favourite?
Happy Decorating!

Tuesday Tea Party - Aussie BBQ

2009-12-07T20:07:00.008+10:00

Hello friends! We are participating again this week in the Tuesday Tea Party hosted by The Plumed Pen.
This week, we are having an Aussie BBQ tea party. Unfortunately, Patsy and I didn't have time to dress up for this party - we do apologise!

We have invited some native wildlife friends to join us :-) These roos really know how to party!

We will be serving an Aussie BBQ favourite - sausage and onion sandwich with tomato sauce! Very delicious :-)

And our beverage of choice this week - cold beer (it is summer-time after all). There's plenty to choose from ....

We even have dessert - the Lamington!

The lamington is a traditional Australian cake! Small squares of plain cake, dipped in melted chocolate, and coated in dessicated coconut! Very nice!

Thanks for stopping by - hope you have enjoyed the selections this week!! Cheers!

Next stop - China!!!

2009-12-05T21:16:00.006+10:00

One of my fave things to do when I'm not actually travelling is to watch the Lonely Planet Travel series! While watching yesterday, they featured this most beautiful amazing city in China - Suzhou!

Of course I love the picture above - look at all those beautiful lanterns!!

The city is known as the Venice of China as it also contains canals and beautiful stone bridges.
Some of the stunning classical gardens are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Its also famous for its silk - another reason for me to visit!!

Its only about 80km from Shanghai - so I reckon pretty easy to get to.
Have any of my blog friends visited this place???

Its definately on my list of must see places in the near future. When I get there I'll be sure to share with you!!

I found these pics on Wikipedia. I hope you enjoy :-)

Happy weekend!!

Welcome, dragonfly baby

2009-12-03T10:52:00.005+10:00

Great news - there's a new addition to the extended dragonfly family. Congratulations Ashleigh and Paul on the birth of your beautiful little Gracey yesterday. She's such an angel :-)

Recently when I was in Vietnam, I bought this adorable little girlie outfit - and now there's a little cutie who will be able to wear it!
I could even get my favourite colour - purple!!

After cuddling this angelic newborn yesterday, I'm feeling a teensy bit maternal ..... (don't tell Patsy - she doesn't want to share me)! So here's my dream nursery - isn't it just heavenly!!!!

image from thelennox.com

Have a wonderful day :-)

Vietnamese Tea Party!

2009-11-30T16:54:00.013+10:00

What a busy day of preparation - but we are finally ready for our tea party frenzy. We are participating in two great parties today: Firstly, Tuesday Tea Party hosted by The Plumed Pen, and the second is Mr Toast's First Annual Christmas Tea!

I thought it would be nice to do something a little different this week - so we are having a Vietnamese Tea Party!! Here is my Ao dai that I'm wearing - this is the traditional Vietnamese Outfit. Click here to see me wearing it! Patsy is wearing her dragonfly kimono (also bought in Vietnam).

Patsy is waiting for me to pour the tea ......

Lets begin with something savoury - Vietnamese Summer Rolls!

The highlight is the rambutan red bean cake!

Have you tried a rambutan before? Now is the perfect opportunity!
Its just like a lychee, and the skin is sooooo interesting!! This is what it looks like! Tastes nice too :-)

We are also serving moon cake. I know we are a little late, as the Mid-Autumn moon festival was on in October. This festival celebrates the autumnul equinox of the solar calendar and is the asian version of the harvest celebration! Moon cakes (which look like the full moon in the night sky) are eaten at this time when families get together and celebrate! Anyway, I'm celebrating the first harvest of my lettuce in the garden which I ate last night .... delicious!

They come in so many varieties.... even green tea!

Lets finish with a decorated fortune cookie!! Hope you get a sweet message!

Hoping you have enjoyed the green tea and exotic foods!! Thankyou for dropping in my dear friends :-)
Stay a while, enjoy the hot weather (35 degrees celcius today). Why not relax in the pool!!!

On our way to 'tea party'

2009-11-30T10:33:00.002+10:00

Well, Patsy is such a party animal - she has been accepting invitations from friends all over the blog world.
We are now on our way to 'Mr Toast's First annual Christmas Tea'. Click here to visit.
We are also participating in Tuesday Tea Party with the Plumed Pen. Click here to visit.
As you can see, we are having a themed party - we are doing a Vietnamese tea party. (I am in traditional dress)!!
We will be posting our party pics later today. So much to do, we are still preparing!!
Hope you can join us here, and at the other parties!!!

Saturday night party in my palm tree!

2009-11-28T19:09:00.002+10:00

I was treated at sundown today to a most spectacular sight & sound display in my garden! Hundreds of the most beautiful (and noisiest) colourful lorrikeets gathered in my palm trees feasting on the big juicy seed pods! What a party!

Have a great weekend :-)

Happy Feasting!

2009-11-26T09:55:00.003+10:00

Sadly, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia - I wish we did though. I love the idea of it!
I've seen so many great pics in blog-land of thanksgiving dinners - I've been drooling for days!!

I decided I must share this picture on my calendar for today (I have an American calendar)!!! Keep this in the back of your mind before getting stuck in (yeah right)!!
Happy feasting, happy thanksgiving and wishing you all the happiest times with your families and loved ones!

Here is Patsy after our 3 day tea party. Thanks everyone who visited. We had such a lovely time and will do this again next week. We have a special theme in mind for next week - stay tuned!!

Join Patsy and I - Tuesday Tea For Two!!

2009-11-23T14:34:00.004+10:00

Patsy and I are joining in on the fun of Tuesday Tea for Two Blog Tea Party!! (we are posting very early for two reasons: 1. I get confused with the time differences, and 2. I'm going to be busy Tuesday and don't want to miss it! ;-)

Tea Party is hosted by Plumed Pen.
Make sure you visit to see who is playing!

Patsy has chosen her pretty frock!

She's guarding the tea set!

To begin with - just two little cakes for me - 1 for Patsy!!

Funnily enough - here's the calendar page for today - very appropriate!! This is how I will feel at the end of the party!!

Have a delightful day my friends, and enjoy your tea parties!! Thanks for visiting :-)

Its sizzling .....

2009-11-22T20:41:00.004+10:00

Ooooh - the weather here is still incredibly hot and humid!!! I have perked myself up a little though - thanks to fruit cocktails like these!!
mmmmmmm - so refreshing and delicious!

Images courtesy of flickr

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend :-)

I need Traditional Herb Street

2009-11-20T13:01:00.006+10:00

The weather in Brisbane today is outrageously hot, and I'm feeling so flat and lethargic. Big sigh :-(

I've got so many things to do and no energy - I need a miracle herbal cure. Wish I was back in Saigon! I could take a trip to 'D Hai Thuong Lan Ong (the area of traditional herb shops). Here, you can purchase a natural remedy to fix any ailment or condition - now matter how big or small.

The sights and the aromas are like nothing I've ever seen before, and its such a busy place!!.

Each store has sacks and bags of goodies all spread on the pavement, and they have the very cute Chinese medicine chests which I love. To my untrained eye, all the stores seem the same to me - I wonder how you choose who to buy from!

This area is in the Cholon (China town) area, near some of the fabulous pagodas I blogged about recently (click here for pics).

Maybe, I just need a cup of green tea and a lie down ...... Its almost the weekend - help!!

Summer fashion

2009-11-18T20:42:00.004+10:00

I just love these outfits! Perfect for any much-loved pooch (just like our Patsy)!

So many to choose from .....

Here's Patsy after her day at the beauty parlour. She looks so beautiful and smells divine!!! She visits a wonderful salon in Brisbane - K9 chic. Many of these lovely outfits are designed just for this store, and are also available online - they will even mail internationally!!

Doesn't Patsy look adorable after her haircut!!?? I'm sure she is so much more comfortable now that summer has almost arrived!
I wonder which outfit she is wanting for xmas?! I like the second outfit - maybe Santa will too!!!

Romance ... The Time Travellers Wife

2009-11-17T16:15:00.003+10:00

Yesterday I watched a fabulous movie - The Time Travellers Wife. Fantastic movie, though I recommend you have a box of Kleenex at the ready!!
Well, I love a romance, and a wedding scene, but I especially loved this one, as it features the most beautiful white lanterns, (just like the ones I have in Lanternshop)! Sooooooooo romantic!!
Also features some very lovely eye candy, as the male star is the very handsome and talented Australian Eric Bana!

Patsy went to the beauty parlour today! I'll post the pics tomorrow!! She looks cuter than ever!
Have a great day!

Miss Dragon Fruit Fairy

2009-11-16T06:52:00.002+10:00

Very exciting!! My dragon fruit cuttings have arrived and are now in the garden!
I'll take a nice pic and post soon. We also received a jar of jam to try as well - and look what Patsy got ..... the 'Dragon Fruit Fairy' sash!!!

She's a little tired from the photo shoot!

The jam .... I just need some scones now :-)

This is what my harvest is going to look like!

and here's the cake I'm gonna make with my fruit!!! :-)
I can't wait!
Happy Monday everyone :-)

I spy with my little eye ......

2009-11-14T15:06:00.003+10:00

Today, I've had a lovely day! I had a client to visit at Boonah (one and a half hour drive west of Brisbane) in the countryside. Its such a great place, so quiet and serene, and a really lovely drive.
I saw lots of cows everywhere, (nice, but not that exciting), but then I spotted these beauties! I had to stop and take some pics to share with you all!

This first cow has been made from scrap pieces - 100% recycled goodies. I have a bit of a thing for animal sculptures!!

And this cow (you might need to enlarge the pic to see it well - sorry I didn't wanna go walking through the long grass as its snake season to get a close-up, and I got scared)!
This one is a burnt tree stump, and it has been decorated with white paint to look like a cow! Cute!!
Have a lovely weekend :-)

Mini makeover!

2009-11-12T11:43:00.003+10:00

Here's my little piece of paradise in my yard! It looks extra nice at dusk when the solar lamps light up! I enjoy sitting outside at the end of a long hard day, nice cold drink in hand, enjoying the serenity with buddah.

I moved into this house a year ago, and it was in some desperate need of some general tidy-up and tlc. I've added in this picture of Patsy cause it always makes me laugh.
This is what she thinks of the yard pre-makover!!! I'd have to agree with her too!

Have a lovely day

Burning money!

2009-11-10T21:56:00.003+10:00

Its tradition in Vietnam to burn 'paper money' for the ancestors!
Look at these sweet old ladies at the temple in the village! They were very happy to pose for me and give me lovely big smiles :-)
In Hanoi, there's an entire section of the old quarter dedicated to selling all the paper items for burning - money, houses, motorbikes - just about anything your dearly departed could wish for!
Such a fascinating tradition!!

The great outdoors!

2009-11-09T19:35:00.002+10:00

Summer time in Brisbane is nearly here! Perfect weather now to be out in the fresh air.
I'm going to dedicate a half-day on Sundays for my kayak! Patsy is also excited about this too - she loves it. She even has her own doggy-life-jacket (its in army camouflage colours). So cool ;-)
Only 6 more days to go ......... Happy Monday everyone!!

I've had a makeover!!!!

2009-11-08T12:28:00.004+10:00

Well, not me (but I could sure do with one), but Dragonfly Interiors website has!
We got up super-early this morning (0500) and have been working like mad all morning!
A big thank you to the long-suffering Mr Dragonfly for his help with photoshop, and coffee-making!!

To celebrate the new look, we are offering FREE delivery all this week (to Australian addresses only) for all orders on Dragonfly Interiors and Lanternshop! So exciting :-)

Still got a lot of work to do on the two websites, which I will slowly chip away at this week!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend - time for me to indulge in a couple of well-earned cupcakes!!!

I'm getting a dragon fruit!!!

2009-11-06T12:42:00.003+10:00

As you all know, my newest obsession is the dragon fruit (see my earlier posts). I've been putting it out to the universe now for two weeks that I want to be able to obtain some here in Brisbane - and guess what?! I've purchased two cuttings (one for red flesh (which I've never seen before) and one for regular dragon fruit), and they are on their way to me as I type!!! I can't believe I'm gonna have my own trees!! Such an exciting day for me :-)
If you are wanting more info on where to buy, click here!
Here's the beautiful flower

The flower bud

and the tree .... I hope mine looks like this soon!

Here's a few interesting facts about this unusual fruit:
* The plant originated in South America and the French bought it to Vietnam (where it's now one of their biggest export products)
* They are a member of the cactus family, so they need far less water and fertiliser than most crops. The stems can grow up to 7m!
* In Australia, the flowers will begin in October, going through til May - but when they flower its only open for 1 night. The flowers are 30cm long.
* The fruit is ready approx 40 days after flowering.
* They are full of Vitamin C - Yay!!

I will keep you updated with their progress! Have a great weekend all :-)

Huge storm coming .....

2009-11-05T20:39:00.002+10:00

There's a huge storm heading to Brisbane tonight. I do hope my brand new vege garden is going to survive!! I've spent several hours this week lovingly tending to it. If you look closely (or enlarge the pic), you'll see I'm even getting my first chilli. Wildly exciting!.
Please, please, please still be there tomorrow hanging on my teeny tiny tree!

My dream powder room ......

2009-11-03T21:46:00.002+10:00

Image from homebeautiful.com

Isn't this the most beautiful little room you've ever seen???! I found this image this morning whilst scrolling through blog-land and I'm soooooo in love!!! I've been thinking about it all day! Where can I put this most wonderful embroidered dragonfly wallcovering in my home??? (I know I'll find a place)!! I want it, and I'm sure I need it too!!!
Maybe I can ask Santa if it can appear in my stocking ......... ;-)

The winner of the giveaway is .......

2009-11-03T20:32:00.002+10:00

OK!! Here is Patsy modelling the prize one last time ....

OK, and here's the prize draw!

At the exact moment of drawing, lucky follower number 43 was drawn - and that is the lovely Lorenza from Mexico. Congratulations!! Its even more special as today is Lorenza's birthday, so pop by her blog and send birthday wishes :-)

I'm sorry about poor picture quality, but its getting late here and we are all a little tired after Melbourne Cup celebrations!!

Thank you again to all my dear blog friends for all your wonderful comments that I really enjoy reading each day!

Vietnamese cakes featuring the Dragon fruit!

2009-11-02T15:02:00.005+10:00

My new favourite fruit (since my most recent visit to Vietnam) is the Dragon fruit. Its has the most magnificent looking textured pink skin, and the most interesting and beautiful flesh!
The bottom pic is the whole fruit and the third pic (which was my breakfast snack) shows a slice of dragon fruit.

Then, on my last day in Saigon I spotted these amazing cakes, complete with dragon fruit decoration on top.
Mmmmmmmmm, my mouth is watering again as my mind drifts back to that wonderful day ....
Don't you think these look just incredible???!! and why can't I get this fruit in Brisbane???!
Quick reminder - my giveaway is drawn tomorrow night! Automatic entry to all blog followers :-)

Look what I found!

2009-11-01T16:07:00.004+10:00

Look what I picked up today at the Finders Keepers markets in Brisbane! They are officially now my new favourite hair clips and I can't wait to wear them!
Here's the link if you'd like some too.

And here's my special offer for this week (dragonfly tea set for 2) - there's only a limited number left so be quick! Visit weekly special offer page at website.

A most beautiful Parisian appartment!

2009-10-28T18:49:00.006+10:00

Here's a real treat!! Look what I found featured on decor8 blog today!

Here is one of the most beautiful display of paper lanterns I've ever seen!! Thankyou to Elodie for allowing me to share these great design ideas on my blog! Elodie is a designer/interior architect and photographer living in a very small appartment in Paris! Visit La Mechante to see all the pictures, and to read all about this wonderful lady and her fabulous blog!!

If you'd like lanterns like these to decorate your place - click here!

Giveaway to a lucky follower!!!!

2009-10-27T17:22:00.002+10:00

Look what Patsy, my hard-working assistant has got!!
Its a beautiful beaded hand-made bracelet, made in the north of Vietnam. As it doesn't fit her, we've decided we'll use this for our monthly giveaway!!

Entry is automatic for all followers of our blog, and will be randomly drawn next Tuesday 3 November, after we celebrate Melbourne Cup (the biggest horse race in Australia)!! Good luck!! Will post anywhere in the world!!

Pagodas - Vietnam

2009-10-25T12:55:00.003+10:00

Cholon District Saigon - Phuoc An Hoi Qua Pagoda, and Quan Am Pagoda.

Here's a few pics of a couple of beautiful pagodas I visited recently. Such serene and tranquil places, only metres away from the busy and noisy streets!

I'm having a lovely peaceful Sunday today, and it has taken my mind back to this wonderful place .....

Chinatown Lanterns - Manhattan!!!

2009-10-23T18:12:00.002+10:00

Image from http://moontree.wordpress.com

Isn't this a great pic! The red lanterns are stunning. I'd love to see this display in real life ......

My lovely friend Ingrid Inkala Images is fully aware of my lantern obsession, and emailed this pic to me - thanks!!

I'm looking forward to Chinese New Year - its a bit of a double celebration next time - it falls on Valentines Day!!!

Lanternshop news: *Loads of Vietnamese Silk Lanterns on their way - new colours and sizes!
* More designs/shapes/colours in the Chinese paper lanterns - some with LED battery lights!
* 3 new designs in the popular wedding parasols. I'll let you know as soon as they arrive!!!

We all need friends ....

2009-10-21T16:36:00.003+10:00

This is a wonderful little story sent to me by my Dad, that I wanted to share with you all. It will definately make you feel uplifted and put a smile on your faces.

The orangutan (Suryia) was in a rescue mission, depressed and not doing well. Along came the dog (Roscoe), who stayed with Suryia night and day until he was well again - now they are inseparable!!

They live together at Tigers Sanctuary, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Do any of my blogging friends in the States know of this place????

They like to swim together ....

And share many laughs!!!

Such a beautiful friendship :-) I love it!!

Dragonfly Kimono

2009-10-18T10:12:00.003+10:00

Custest dragonfly kimono I found at the Market in Saigon! and guess who it fits perfectly .......

My little Patsy!!!

Doesn't my hardworking assistant look soooooo cute and adorable?????!

She has decided this will be her mid-season jacket, especially needed after a haircut!

What a lovely smile she has!

This was definately one of my 'best-buys' in Vietnam!!

Sneakie Peakie!

2009-10-15T17:09:00.004+10:00

Hello! I'm back in Brisbane now, feeling rather exhausted! The trip was wonderful, and I even managed to have a few days of holidays this time - what a luxury!

Here's a little sneakie peakie of one of the new colours coming soon in the Vietnamese Silk Lanterns. This one is the silver! (the picture doesn't really do it justice, but I only have the tiniest little piece of silk at the moment). In a few weeks the shipment will be here, featuring all the current interiors decorating 'trend' colours popular in Europe this season - silver, grey, black - and many other new colours, not seen in Australia before!! I can't wait!
Also, many more colours, sizes and shapes suitable for nurseries, childrens bedrooms, and weddings - so exciting!! And of course, all of the popular styles and colours returning!