Never too old for a doll

 

 

Here she is, arrived in the post yesterday.  It honestly felt like Christmas opening the parcel.  My very own Tiny Eyes doll.  Handmade by Dee.

I have been a fan of Dee's dolls since seeing them on her blog a while back.  I contacted her a few months ago and ordered two dolls.  One each for my boys.  I said there was no hurry as I would be putting them away for Christmas.  After constantly stalking her doll albums I contacted Dee again and asked when she had a custom spot free if she could make a doll for me.  She said she had come across a retro sheet that she thought I might like.  Perfect.

Even though Bell is now a teenager (and more in love with One Direction than dolls) and I have two boys there was no way I wanted to miss out.

I love this doll and keep sneaking looks at her.  Look!  She has leather shoes and her face is hand painted.

I got the eye rolling from Bell.  Mr H does not "get it".  I'm not sure if Mr H will allow her on the bed so she can sit on the draws and stare down at him instead, ha!

I can't wait for the boys dolls to arrive.  I will give you a tiny sneak peek before they are wrapped up and put away for Christmas.......

 

Do you ever buy things for your children that you secretly want yourself?

 

What are you coveting right now?

 

I wonder if I WILL actually give the boys their dolls.....?

 

 

 

*** This is not a sponsored post, just wanted to share Dee's clever handmade goodness!

 

 

One year on........and they said it would'nt last!

Ok - no one said that but I was certainly thinking it when I started my blogging journey.  I kind of thought that I would probably do a couple of posts and then lose interest.....how wrong was I?!

I've just realised that I have been blogging for 1 year.  It crept up rather quickly.  Before I started I had only recently even heard about blogs.  I was introduced through a very lovely friend by reading her gorgeous blog - and from there I discovered others.  Then on our move to the country I thought it would be the perfect time to give it a go.  I registered the name in March and then finally hit the publish button in September 2012.

And I must say that I am well and truly hooked.  I had no idea how much I would love it.  The surprise of online friendships made from shared interests.  The joy of finding so many like minded people online who share the same loves and likes.

It has for me also made my time of being a stay at home mum that little more special.  Finding magic in the everyday.  The mundane.

So to my readers, thank you!  Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.  Thank you for your encouragement and always kind words.

I have enjoyed this journey so much and look forward to saying thank you again in another years time.

 

So tell me, how long have you been blogging?  Why did you start?  Any surprises along the way?

Yellow

 

 

 

Spring has sprung and with it the motivation to freshen things up.  I've been making lists of what needs sorting and cleaning around the house - the Spring clean is upon us.

I'm going to have a mini makeover in our bedroom.  Nothing grand or expensive.  Just using what I have.  I'm going to introduce some Spring colour.  Yellow in particular which I'm really loving right now.

I have my flowery op shopped pillowcases, my gifted "Better Together" pillowcases*** and scraps of retro wallpaper - that I thought I could frame along with some retro vintage sheeting.

 

Do you like to change and freshen things when new seasons come about?

Does the Spring cleaning bug hit your house this time of year?

 

*** you could win a pair of these by entering this giveaway.

36/52

 

 

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

Bell - Sitting back.  The teen years are here.  When out and about she joins in less and less.  I'm thinking she will appear here less and less overtime......if that is what she would prefer.
Tom - Hello blue skies!  A sunny morning spent out and about.  Favourite playgrounds and time spent at the beach drawing lines in the sand.

George - feeling better.....loving the sound of crunchy shells underfoot.

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

 

 

 

Elephant and Bird linen giveaway!

 

 

Matt and Jo's own illustrations and designs feature on the awesome products from Elephant and Bird.  All are screen printed onto their increasing selection of organic clothing for adults and children. 

 

Wooden toys are appearing too!  Make sure you check out the camera here!

 

They make small batches of their products and where possible use sustainable and organic materials.

 

And their line of pillowcases are beautiful.  Matt and Jo sent me the "better together" slips shown below and the cotton is excellent quality.  Lovely and thick and the colours in the screen print are so vibrant.

 

Would you like to win a pair?  I have one set of "better together" pillow cases to giveaway.

 

To enter the Elephant and Bird linen giveaway all you need to do is:

"Like" Elephant and Bird on Facebook and comment back here.
(for some strange reason this link only works if you are logged into Facebook)

(Not on Facebook?  Visit their website and tell me what product you like!)
 

For optional bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

Bonus entry #1  Be a follower of "A little bit country" via Google Friends Connect.

Bonus entry #2  Follow "A little bit country" via Blog lovin or Feedly.

Bonus entry #3  Share this giveaway via Social media (Facebook, Twitter, blog).

 

 

This is an International Giveaway.

Giveaway closes on Thursday 12 September at 8:00pm (NZ Time) - Winner will be announced the following day and will have 1 week to get in touch or a new name will be drawn.

This giveaway is now closed!  Click here to see who won.

Good luck!



Check out Elephant and Birds other products here!

 

 

 

Weekending..........and a list

Come back blue skies - I miss you!

What a rotten weekend!  It was a shocker.  Sick children, the aftermath of a mini flood Friday morning (ankle deep water right through Bell's room) and an unbelievable amount of rain coming down since Thursday night.  I'm hoping this week fairs a little better. 

Loving this list which is doing the rounds at the moment:

I am.............

making: plans and essential appointments for the Christmas season.  Some days are booked already!
cooking: beef and mushroom stew, chicken soup and delicious muesli bars for the baking tins.
drinking: tea, cups and cups of tea.  And in the evening a couple of glasses of bubbles.
reading: Tom's pirate book.  It's a bit gruesome to read to the boys so I'm enjoying it instead.
wanting: new dining room chairs.  I found the ones I like.  Just need to convince Mr H.
looking: at summer dresses online.
playing: with the mega blocks.  Building towers and fire stations.  Essential rainy day distraction.
sowing: the seeds of ideas in Mr H's head about an overseas holiday after next years wine vintage.
wishing: for the safe arrival of my sister's baby due in the next few weeks.
enjoying: chocolate once the kids are tucked up in bed.
waiting: for the sunshine to return.
liking: Insurance!  All of the flood clean up is being taken care of by the professionals.
wondering: when the seasons colds and bugs will disappear.  George seems to be in the thick of it.
loving: warm blankets, a roaring fire and movies in the evening.
hoping: the flood clean up and restoration will happen quickly.  Things are a bit cramped inside!
marvelling: at modern day dads.  I would be lost without Mr H.  He often swoops in and rescues me.
needing: some "me" time and "couple" time.
smelling: spring flowers in vases.  Such a strong yet sweet smell.
wearing:  sheepskin lined boots indoors and gumboots outdoors (I was in jandals last week?!)
following: UK friends updates on Facebook - new babies galore at the moment.
noticing: that the apricot trees pink blossoms have started to show.
knowing: that the warm weather will be here again soon.
thinking: about dusting off my sneakers......and start doing more exercise......maybe.
bookmarking: overseas holiday destination ideas.
opening: Bell's school notices - 2 weeks after she has been given them!
giggling: at Tom's "verbals" - some of the things that come out of his mouth....hilarious.
feeling: grateful..........always.

Have a great week!

35/52

 

The black and white edition..........

I switched my camera on today to find that someone has been playing with it and switched it to black and white.  The following conversation took place:

Me: Strange, my photos are coming out all black and white.

Mr H: That is because the setting has been switched over.

Me:  If I had known my camera did that I would have been taking a whole lot more photos in black and white!!!

Mr H: **Shakes head and rolls eyes**.

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

Bell - The ski jacket we bought for her school trip has been given a workout this weekend.  Unbelievable amounts of rain (and cold) in the last few days which has also resulted in a mini flood in Bell's "teen retreat" which is now a "teen resort", complete with indoor swimming pool!
Tom - Feeling better - off outdoors with Bell to walk Maybell.  He can't wait to return to kindy this week.

George - poor thing....a weekend of being unwell and a trip to the doctors.  Lots of time spent staring out this window, wanting to get outside to get muddy and wet.

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