Introducing Girl in Oslo

Why did you start your blog and what inspired you?

My blog started in March 2009. It started as a very little project but has changed, and grown a lot over time. From being just a little blog that was all over the place! I used to post about everything that was interesting...without any real plan.

It now has three main focuses: - Book reviews from authors...that contact me per mail/plus the books I read myself...- Music reviews, and my own photos from Oslo.- It is supposed to be a guide to Oslo...with a bit of a twist...Thats my business idea, and one day I will make money from it...

Why do I concentrate on these four things.. you may ask? The reason is that I truly believe the way to success is doing something you are REALLY good at. And these four things have always been a hobby on a small/large scale through my life.

As my followers/hits have increased I have become more and more concerned about quality posts/layout. Thats why this weekend I asked a friend for some advice on the layout...got an honest opinion, and from there changed everything.

Now here comes the personal reason why I blog...ready for it???? ITS FUN!:) haha :)

And I have found something that I am really good at, and the world of New Social Media is such an interesting world to me..You can build your entire business online using free marketing tools...The online world is so full of new ways to make money...that we have only seen top of the iceberg...And women are in the forefront!

The Girl in Oslo. http://www.girlaboutoslo.com/

Thank you to Girl in Oslo.

Michelle

Congratulations Design Elements Blog

#2

Congratulations Maria from Design Elements Blog.

I know you will love the Margaret River Wine and Goodies from the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

Thank you to all those that participated in the Giveaway.

Also welcome to all the new followers of Flourishing Networks.

Michelle

Saracen Winery

The entrance statement into the winery.

Relaxing lounge area - this will be beautiful to relax and unwind in winter with that large fire place.

Great food and atmosphere in the restaurant - staff very friendly.

Love decking - sitting outside beautiful.

The tasting area.

You can taste it!!!

Saracen Estate is beautiful the inside decor (which will show next post), food, wine and beer.

Yummy Steak Burger from Saracen Restaurant.

Hay Shed Hill is one winery my hubby and I love. This time we got to taste the cheese platter which was simply delicious.

My sister and I went to Greece and noticed the similarities with Margaret River in Western Australia. This picture is in Margaret River - beautiful beaches.

Chocolate and wine certainly go well. Margaret River has the Chocolate

factory where they make lots and lots of yummy chocolate.

GIVEAWAY

Also ensure to twitter about, comment or follow Flourishing Networks for the Giveway of Margaret River fine wine and chocolate from the last post....and good luck.

Michelle

Have a taste of Margaret River Giveaway

Have a taste of Margaret River, originally uploaded by michellechafin.

Margaret River is South West of Western Australia and is renown for it's finest food and wine.

This giveaway provides you with a chance to have a taste of some wine and chocolate. Also included in this pack is Cocoa Butter Soap made in Australia.

To Enter:

1) Tweet about the giveaway & let me know if you did.

2) Tell me (in the comments) why you would love to have a taste of Margaret River Produce.

3) Become a Follower of Flourishing Networks.

One winner will be chosen by Random.org. Giveaway ends Wednesday January 26th 5pm (Australia Time).

GOOD LUCK to everyone!

Michelle

Introducing 6 Bloggers to the Flourishing Networks Party

I love BLOGS....it is great meeting new bloggers and creating a strong relationship with them even when we are from other parts of the world....how cool!!

I would love to introduce 6 bloggers to the my Moet Chandon moment of blogging:)

Floresde Colores

Beauty Be Good

Barcelona Daily

Savvy Gal

Girl about Oslo

Thea and Sami

All these blogs will be added to my sponsors list so please visit them. It's great to see a mixture of Photography, Art, Food and Beauty - the best of everything. They are amazing people and I love their blogs.

Also the next post will be the first competition (and not the last)

WIN Margaret River gifts

Margaret River Chocolate from the Chocolate Factory.

Love Donna Hay - Add Style to your kitchen

Donna Hay I love everything Donna Hay. I love the recipes - simple but delicious.

Donna Hay also sells cooking products online.

Soy Candles beautiful scent.

Love this poster:)

Great Market Bag

Michelle

Free Advertising On Flourishing Networks

Moet, originally uploaded by michellechafin.

Flourishing Networks is a new blog, with a very creative and social author who wishes to provide FREE advertising.

The advertising will be from January - 3rd May 2011

If there are more than 8 blogs expressing interest I will use Random.org.

I am so very excited to have people advertising great products on my blog :)

If you are interested please email me flourishingnetworks@gmail.com or leave a comment.

Final day expressing interest in FREE advertising is 19th January.

Happy Friday!

Michelle

Floods in Australia

Floods in Australia - As you all know we went for holidays north of Western Australia, however a few days before we left the roads were closed to our destination due to floods in Carnarvon.

Carnarvon is one of our farming towns. As we drove through we saw mango and banana trees completely destroyed and many houses having to be gutted out. The photos below show how much water was still flowing in the river as we drove through - you can see how high it was from the railing at the bottom of the photo. As we drove through Caranavon there were a few detours as some parts of the road to Coral Bay were damaged.

Parts of the road were open however still lots of water on the roads.

Queensland Floods

When we returned home I went to our local bakery and picked up some fresh rolls; the owner had mentioned about the floods in Toowoomba - as we did not watch TV on holidays I had no idea about the devastation happening there.

One of our Cities Brisbane Queensland (over the other side of Australia) has experienced the worst floods in history. I have been watching the flootage on TV and can not believe how fast that water is rushing through Brisbane and surrounding towns.

Queenslanders are the most community spirited people I have met. When I worked at QANTAS I remember how friendly Queenslanders were - always made you laugh. So it just breaks my heart to see them going through this.

My heart and prayers to Queensland Community and we are making our donations to assist.

Our government had mentioned that a number of countries have stepped in to help out and as one mentioned "Australia you are always helping others its our turn to help you" this is just warming and shows the generosity of people all over the world.

Queensland Floods photos

Ningaloo Resort Style

Ningaloo Novotel Resort adds luxury to those wanting to discover the beautiful beaches in Exmouth and Coral Bay. Some people are lovers of camping, caravanning and others still love the luxury. I would say I love the mix.

Entrance statement to the resort.

The pool area is overlooking the ocean. There is a path to the beach for guests - best of both worlds beach and pool (with a bar).

I took this photo as I love the fishes art piece on the bar wall and love the bar design. Especially as we are in the process of creating our bar design - love getting ideas.

I love this table.

The huge sting ray in the restaurant. As you see a lot of baby sting rays swimming next to you in Coral Bay.

When travelling there is one thing that is must when I stay somewhere nice toilets. At home I add nice soaps, fresh flowers and colourful pictures - it really is another room in the house therefore it needs to look amazing.

What is your "must have" when staying at a resort?

Michelle

Majestic Coastline of Western Australia

We have the most beautiful coastlines in Western Australia; and as my family love to explore we took the kids to Coral Bay and visited a number of beaches around the area.

Our trusty Toyota Prado takes us everywhere this car is AMAZING to travel in. We have travelled many many kilometres in this car from the rugged Kimberley region to amazing coastlines (that only can be accessed by 4WD). It has never let us down and what I love about the look of our car is you can tell it gets used for its purpose of 4WDing.

Coral Bay Marina

Coral Bay Beach

As you can see it goes for miles. The fish swim right next to you...you don't even need to get on the boat and travel away from the coastline to see the beautiful sea creatures.

You will see more photos at my ETSY shop.

Also keep an eye on this blog as I will bring to you Margaret River Wines on my Wine adventure and I will have my first competition, therefore some lucky person will get to Have a Taste of Margaret River. Even Oprah will be jealous as it is one place she did not get to see on her trip.

Inspirational Blogs

Stylizimo Blog

Centsational Girl

Sweet Pea

Escapade

Made by Girl

As I only entered the blogging world in July 2010 I have been able to find blogs that have inspired me throughout this journey - including my top 5 above. Through their personal passion, interior design work, crisp photos and interesting posts each week - they are amazing people.

You will notice that I have added a number of blogs to my blogroll. As I want to share inspirational blogs to all that visit.

Michelle

Oh Kate Spade

Love the new range of Kate Spade for 2011. What a great time to start the year with pure style. Here are some of my favourite picks! Kate Spade also has some great items for sale!!

Michelle

New Years at Moore River

New Years at Moore River, originally uploaded by michellechafin.

What a great start to the new year. We headed to Moore River for the start of new year celebrations with the kids. Had a swim and lunch - total relaxation!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful start to the New Year celebrations!!!

MIchelle

Make Your Mark 2011

Happy New Year

I love this years theme

Make Your Mark!

2011 is about doing what you love and making it work for you!

Have a great start to the year with lots of laughter and adventures.