Around here

All photos taken by Mr H.

I can feel it.  Can you?  I feel autumn all around me............taking time to stop and feel the changes around us.

The first week of our school holidays has flown by.  I feel like we have done so much yet my "to do list" still looks very full.  My vege garden is still full of weeds.........

I'm adjusting to the extra workload with having Maybell and Kevin around.  Extra mouths to feed and I'm always on poo patrol.  I keep having visions of someone stepping in something yuck and walking it through the house.  I have been bathing them too, as there have been some "unearthly" smells coming from the pooches coats after rolling in something foul.  Even with all of that going on they are such a pleasure to have around.  The boys are outside even more now, so they can run around with Maybell and Kevin, often well past sunset.

Last week we had swimming lessons, sleepovers and outings.  I did another overhaul in the playroom, this time being ruthless.  Alot of the plastic toys have made their way to the op shop and broken toys (quietly) into the bin.

This week feels a little slower.  My mum looked after the boys this morning so I could pop into town for a hair appointment and pedicure, bliss.

One constant over the last week or so has been our morning and often afternoon walks.  We go next door into the vineyard.  I'm a night owl so am not my best in the morning.  Mr H has been hauling me out of bed to join the kids and pooches for an early morning walk.  It works wonders, fresh air is SO GOOD for the soul.

Week two of our school holidays is well under way now.  Then term two and with it the colder weather.  I'm ready for it.  Looking forward to hibernating a little.

Wishing you a wonderful week x

17/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Magical afternoon Autumn light......... 

Bell - A new winter hat arrived from family in the UK, a quirky owl.  Not quite cold enough yet, but wearing it all the same.

Tom - Have you noticed?  We made a visit to the hairdressers this week.  He sits so quietly and patiently in the chair.  He looks so much like his Dad.

George - Georgie is not a fan of having his haircut, it was'nt as groomed as I had hoped for.  But is was the best the (poor) hairdresser could do under the "circumstances".

Very happy to be joining in with Jodi's "52 project".

Things I'm loving............blog friendship

One of the big surprises about blogging has been the meeting of like minded souls through other blogs.  Other amazing ladies who "get you".  Who understand your need to have so many cups and saucers, enough even to host a WI morning tea, to collect things that you remember seeing at your Gran's house, that made you cringe back in the day but now make your heart flutter and knees go weak when you spot them in an op shop.

About 18 months ago I started reading a friends blog ( I had never heard of them until then)  and after a few months I added another three or so to the list.  Then when we moved out to the country I thought it might be a fun idea to start one.  And about 7 months ago I did just that.

I had no idea how much I would love it.  Love the comments, help and advice from many who I now consider "friends".  Finding ideas and inspiration when you feel like you have none.  And then when you scout around a bit, you find other blogs.  Blogs that when you read them you could be reading about yourself!

Blog friendship is new to me but I love it.

This week I received the most amazing parcel.  It's always a treat to open the letterbox and find a parcel (not a bill) addressed to you.

Allison from the blog Just Underneath sent me all of the treasures above,  wrapped up in a tea towel with string.  Inside the bundle and carefully wrapped up (in washi tape might I add!) was a beautiful vase, which will be displayed in the granny cabinet, two lovely doilies and the most amazing retro apron I have ever see, the colours are a knock out and even better still it fits!  She has obviously read my post on retro aprons, so has cottoned on to the fact that I love them.

If you pop over to Allison's blog you will see that this lady has a "knack" when it comes to op shopping, she finds the most amazing treasure.  Wait till you see all of the retro Johnson ware!  You get to see glimpses of her two gorgeous kids and corners of her home which are filled with op shopped finds.

So a big, big thank you Allison, you so made my week!

And if I'm ever in NSW, we will have to meet up for coffee and a treasure hunt!  xo

Happy weekending!

"I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for..no matter how simple it is."

Joining in here

 

Always room for one more............

Introducing Kevin.........

I missed out on this little guy over a week ago and then received a phone call the day after we bought Maybell home saying there had been a change of plans and that he was available again.  We were introduced and after finding out his name was "Kevin" how could we NOT take him.  I love people names on dog's so have also given him the middle name of Murray.............poor chap.

He is a miniature foxy cross and a big sook.  I had an afternoon snooze with George yesterday and woke up to find Kevin in between us.  He does'nt like being on his own and follows me everywhere.  He is working out to be a great little mate for Maybell.  They chase each other around outside like crazy and will hopefully keep each other company during the day if we are not home.

The kids love him and he gets lots of "squeezes".  He is another great addition to our home.

Dreaming of............a retro caravan

 

 

 

 

 

All photos from Google images.

I'm dreaming of................. a retro caravan.

 

It's been on my wish list for ever!

 

I dream of finding an old beauty and restoring it.  Inside and out.  Renovating it with original features, fresh paint and pretty fabrics.  I would park it under our trees in the garden.  And then at the start of summer tow it out to the beach.  We have Freedom camping here on the coast over summer season.  All you need to do is buy a permit (fairly cheaply) from the council and from October till March you can park up your caravan for the summer.

 

It would make a great extra room in the garden for visitors or somewhere to go with a good book and a pot of tea (or a bottle of wine) and relax.

 

Are you lucky enough to have a retro or vintage caravan?  Is it on your wishlist?

 

 

Thirteen!

Happy Birthday Bellarose!

 

I can't believe you are thirteen today..........time flies.

 

You are:

 

A patient and caring big sister

Smart

Funny

Loud

Forgetful

Drama Queen

Messy

Creative

Sociable

A dancer

And we love you....................

 

I hope I am not only a good mum to you in what will be some tough teenage years (I'm sure) but also your friend. I have been there too and I know it ain't easy.  I will always be here for you Bell.

 

xoxo

 

These are my favourite photos of you from summer...........gorgeous girl!

 

 

School holidays, mushrooms and Maybell

It is the first day of school holidays here in New Zealand. I love the term break, even more so when everyone behaves! We have swimming each morning this week which will be a good motivator for getting everyone up and out of the house each morning.

And the rain has come, the damp conditions I think have been a factor in the arrival of the vast amount of mushrooms which are growing in the back yard. I need to do some research to see if they are edible.....will test them out on Mr H first.

We don't have any huge plans for the coming 2 weeks. Friends over to play, baking with the kids and some craft are on my list as is the need to get into the garden. My very overgrown vege garden needs weeding and planting up. Now that the much needed rain has arrived - the timing is perfect.

Most exciting of all around here is the arrival of Maybell. Mr H and Bell travelled south on Sunday to pick her up. She is a farm dog who has no interest in sheep or cattle so they could'nt keep her. She has the loveliest nature and is lapping up all of the attention with the added bonus of being allowed to sleep in the laundry. She was a working dog, so she is in heaven with all the fuss we are making of her.

Have you had or are you in the midst of school holidays? What are your plans? Any great holiday fun suggestions?

Do you have a vege garden? What are you planting?

16/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

 

Bell - One very happy girl - we have a new addition - Maybell.

Tom -  This cheeky chap is hard to photograph.  It's very often a case of me hiding and leaping out with the camera to get a photo of him.

George - We need to visit the hairdressers this week!

Very happy to be joining in with Jodi's "52 project".

PaperVine giveaway winner!

 

Hello and welcome to all the new followers of A little bit country.

Now....

The lucky winner of the $30 gift voucher (includes free shipping)  for PaperVine is...........

 Lisa

Congratulations!!!

Please drop me an email with your contact details to: alittlebitcountrynz (at) gmail (dot) com so that Lowri McNabb from PaperVine can organise your voucher.

 

Lowri McNabb, owner of PaperVine has kindly offered to sponsor this giveaway for my readers.

Thank you Lowri!!!

 

Take a look here for PaperVine's craft tutorials and ideas.

 

And shop here for all your crafty supplies - be sure to take a look at the washi tape.  There is a HUGE selection!