Lately.....

Writing.....I wrote a few words about being a working Mum for the lovely Trishie over on the 'Under Lock and Key' blog. I really enjoyed writing this little piece and hope you enjoy reading it.

Loving.....these 'handcrafted bali dolls' from Pigeon Pudding. These were an Instagram discovery and now a certain little someone is getting one for her 2nd birthday. I love supporting 'handmade', 'fairtrade' and 'small businesses'.  These dolls are handmade in Bali by the Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak (YKPA) foundation. YKPA is a not for profit organisation and registered orphanage which provides much needed care, shelter and education to neglected and abused Bali street kids.

Eating.....I've been pinning lots of dinnertime ideas over on Pinterest. Our evening meals were becoming somewhat predictable and I was desperate to try some new recipes. The yummiest dish so far has been this 'Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken'. You should try it!

Buying.....I managed to buy myself one of the last few copies of issue 1 of 'Hundreds and Thousands' magazine. I can't wait for the postman to deliver it. Handmade at its best!

Anticipating.....the new homewares collection by Beci Orpin. arrohome.com.
 
Growing.....lots of lovely lemons. I love their imperfections, they say 'homegrown' and make them seem more 'real'.

Sending.....my very first pen pal package. Hopefully the first of many more lovely exchanges. I'll post some photos of my parcel next week.

Baking.....Millie and I made this 'Banana Cake with Greek Yoghurt Frosting' today. I'm loving our little joint baking adventures.

What have you been writing, loving, eating, buying, anticipating, growing, sending or baking lately?

Happy days to you!

Melinda x

2014 {you're looking grand}

For the past few years I've been compiling a list of goals that I would like to achieve over the year ahead. Nothing huge or overwhelming, just simple, fun goals to keep me motivated. 2014.....you're already looking grand and I can't wait to see what adventures you have in store for us.

 
Here are my fourteen fabulous fun goals for 2014.....
 
1. Rekindle my love of drawing.
2. Use some of my many dressmaking patterns to make clothes for Millie and myself.
3. Buy local and handmade where possible.
4. Write more letters and send more happy mail to friends and loved ones.
5. Go on more family adventures.
6. Start a journal for Millie containing her artwork and special letters/cards.
7. Make more handmade gifts.
8. Spend more time journalling.
9. Re-plant our vegie patch.
10. Experiment with some new recipes - inspired by a lovely vegetarian feast my Mum and little brother prepared on New Year's Day.
11. Design and make some new products for my Etsy shop. Explore some new avenues for selling my wares.
12. Grow and expand this little space.
13. Dance like no one is watching. Approach each new day with open arms. Laugh often. Love wholeheartedly.
14. Continue our search for our dream home.
 
Do you have any fun goals for 2014? I'm joining in with the delightful Sophie over at Her Library Adventures. Pop over and leave your link if you've shared your goals/hopes/dreams for 2014 on your blog.

Happy days to you!

Melinda x

A Christmas Wish

I can hardly believe that it's that time of year again. A time to reflect, a time to give and a time to be thankful for all that we have. 2013 has seen me wandering the path of motherhood with my first baby. There's been periods of regular blogging and periods of not-so-regular blogging and I thank you for your continued support throughout it all.

I am so very grateful for the sense of community you bring to this space, the comments you leave and the kindness you've shown. I'm looking forward to doing it all again in 2014 and I hope you'll join me on my adventures.

My Christmas wish to you.....may your hearts and homes be full and may you find joy in simple pleasures this festive season.

Happy Christmas to you!

Melinda x

Note: I spotted the idea for the little 'puddings' in the above photo over on the @twirlingbetty instagram feed. I thought I would make some for the lovely girls I work with. They were so easy to make. All you need is some Arnott's Royals biscuits, some melted white chocolate, some jaffas and a few lolly mint leaves. As @twirlingbetty said, they basically make themselves!

Daily Reads

A snippet of my inspiration board!

I'm so excited to be back blogging regularly in this little space, making an online journal of my day to day adventures. I've really missed the sense of community that comes with having a blog and the people you meet along the way. I not only enjoy having a blog of my own but I also enjoy reading the blogs of other creative people.  Blogs provide a glimpse into peoples creative and personal lives and it is truly inspirational . These are some of my favourite daily reads.....

Her Library Adventures - Sophie's blog was the one that really inspired me to get back into blogging. I've been reading it for what feels like an eternity and it evokes a sense of adventure with every post. There's vintage delights, creative inspiration and encouraging words. Sophie really lets you into her world, you feel like you know her personally and if you were to run into her in the street you would greet her like a long lost friend. 

One Claire Day - I only recently stumbled across this blog (I know, where have I been?) When I saw this beautiful Christmas wreath that Claire had made from bits and bobs from her garden I instantly added it to my list of daily reads. Before having her beautiful daughter Eulalie, Claire was a Stylist and she definitely adds a stylists touch to her blog. The photos are beautiful!

Handmade Romance - This is another blog that I have been reading for quite some time now. Evie creates magic with fabric and thread and shares her adventures on her blog. Her fabric creations are amazing, you can check them out in her Etsy shop if you are interested. I also get the feeling that Evie has a very kind heart and that always keeps me coming back for more.

The Beetle Shack - Since becoming a first time Mum last year I have really sought solace from this blog.  It is very real (if that makes sense), Emily really says it like it is. If she's having a bad day, she tells you, if she feels like she's failing as a parent, she tells you. I like that! It's comforting to know that you're not alone with the day to day feelings of being a parent. This blog is open and honest, the photos are beautiful and I'm in love with Emily's colourful home.

Hey Look - This blog is full of pretty things. Pretty decorating and styling ideas, pretty party ideas and lots of pretty DIY projects. What's not to love?

What are your favourite daily reads? Do tell, as I would love to check them out.

Happy Friday x