1000 Homes of Happiness

Gidget

2012-02-28T07:44:00.000+11:00

Take a peek at our excited lil' Gidget.
She is all smiles right now.

Home 289: Gidget - Vic

Shallows

2012-02-26T17:52:00.000+11:00

Down by the shallows

The setting sun brings some relief from the heat of the day

Little ladies dip their toes

Snorkeling amongst the old bollards

We eat our dinner by the waters edge

Thankful for the weekend and this wonderful warm weather.

Hope you are having a lovely one.

Home 288: Shallows. Beach

Letters

2012-02-25T12:12:00.000+11:00

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Before we started texting.....

Bloss and I were decluttering wardrobes yesterday, at the top of mine, in a handmade wooden box, I have a stack of hand written letters from my youth. Little Bloss' curiosity and my reflective mood had the two of us laying on my bed pouring through bundles of letters. Piles from friends, from my adolescence, old boyfriends and the Spunky man in our life.

She was captivatd by this much loved box of treasure that I hold onto and protect. I miss the days of hand written letters and wonder, what do the youth of today do now that we have texting and email?

Do you have a box of handwritten letters in your wardrobe?

Home 287 : Letters - Post box Vic

Jetlag

2012-02-22T21:53:00.005+11:00

We wake on Wednesday mornings like we have flown a marathon flight to Europe and back. The busy of Monday and Tuesday, the newness of school, the sheer exhaustion that comes from little minds learning, of early mornings, washing and housework, cooking and new job challenges creep up on us.

I dream of spending the day in bed, of sleep-ins and quiet.

The to do list scrawled in ink on the palm of my hand creeps its way along my arm. I can't help but visualise the list across my chest as it makes its way back down my other arm. I tick my way through swimming lessons, school assessments, dinner, school uniform shops, emails and clutter.  Up one arm, across my chest and down the other.

We drive across town and my body does the journey on automatic. Post it notes litter the floor, work and school documents pile up on the passenger seat of my car. Three little ladies in bathers, with goggles on, all prepared for a swimming lesson succumb to sleep in the back seat.

I contemplate driving down to the ocean, parking in the shade and allowing sleep to creep its way up on me. I'm sure it wouldn't take long.

We are flying great distances right now, across vast lands and new territories. Exploring and navigating our way though all the busy that comes with living.

Ever felt jet lag without having been on a plane?

* Jet lag.... one word or two, like jetlag?
* Little home Jet lag is sitting on my kitchen bench with my phone that was forgotten and my purse
   that was required to pay for school uniforms. Pop back tomorrow, have scrawled 'release little home'
   on my arm'

   Night xx

Home 287: Jetlag - Vic loving this little domestic robot.

Thoughtful

2012-02-18T11:41:00.003+11:00

Image - Love the very clever Freya x

All smiles for a quiet weekend pottering at home.

Little hands are busy picking cherry tomatoes as we prepare to rotate the vegetable patch, re-mulch and re-plant for a new season.

We have a batch of chocolate chip cookies filling this little home with a delicious smell. Three eager girls desperate for them to come out of the oven

Lawns begging to be mowed

Hems to be sewn on school uniforms

An afternoon tea party on the freshly cut lawn beckoning

Two excited girls with school library books ready to be shared

A cup of tea and time to reacquaint myself with my crochet ripple blanket

And a movie on the couch with my man tonight.

Hope you are having lovely one.

We are thrilled to share a guest released little home with you today. Say hello to Jenny at Just Plodding along. Thanks Jenny, love the word Thoughtful and the images of your little man plodding around your local library. Gorgeous xx

Home 286: Thoughtful - NSW

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Little Bloss excitedly pulled out Posie's name from the hat this morning! Thanks to those who entered our Valentine's day giveaway via our blog or on our facebook page.

Hope you like you little garland of hearts Posie. Send through your postal address here and I will pop them in the mail next week.

Giveaway

2012-02-14T16:16:00.001+11:00

Happy Valentine's Day from our little home to yours xx

I've had fun with pencils and the hook the past few days! My other loves. We are giving away a garland of crochet hearts! Leave a comment if you would like them to be yours.

HOW TO ENTER

1. You need to be a follower of 1000 Homes of Happiness or a friend on our Facebook page here.

2. Leave a comment on our blog under this post or one under the Giveaway thread on our Facebook page.

3. Entries close 9am Saturday 18th Feb. The winner will be drawn at random and posted here.

4. We are happy to send the garland anywhere.

Good luck!

xoxox

Home : Giveaway - Nursery. How cute are these loved up Elephants xx

Give

2012-02-13T16:45:00.002+11:00

Little hands are preparing to give tiny symbols oflove in celebration of Valentine’s Day tomorrow.

The girls are creating these little origami hearts and spentmuch of the weekend making paper piles to give to their friends.

These are so very simple.

Do you give onValentine’s Day?

Pop back and visit here tomorrow, we have a cutesy littlegiveaway on Valentine’s Day.

*I am pleased to say 48 hours after my pampering my skinlooks and feels a m a z i n g. George, I sincerely apologise for doubting youand Jen, I think you are on to something and clearly have the jump on me. I may become high maintenance after all ;) p.s... I loved reading all of your fabulous comments!

Images

Home 284: Give - Gift Store.

Pamper

2012-02-12T12:33:00.007+11:00

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I received my Valentines present from the Spunky man in this little home a few days early. I like to think of myself as a pretty low maintenance kind of gal, and have in the past been known to be quite proud of this accomplishment. Never had a pedi, a mani only for my sisters wedding (avoided one for my own) and have never really indulged in facials, massages and all the bits that come with that.

So yesterday, after declaring quiet frequently to Spunk that one day, I would in fact like to be pampered just a little, I was chuffed to be treated to my first ever facial and massage.

Off I trotted to the spa place ready to spend the next hour or so in heaven...so to speak. Now for those who do this kind of thing on a regular basis, tell me, my surprise at finding a middle aged man lets call him George cause he kind off looked like a George greet me and confirm my appointment was well, normal?! Here was George surround by an array of beautiful women and here I was stuck with the middle aged man ready to perform my massage and facial. Strange.... is it?!

He took one look at my skin in the waiting room and sighed... oh this is a positive start I thought. The other women hiding behind their magazines in the waiting room sympathetically nodding along... like they new what I was heading into. 'Oh, I've stepped out the door with no make up on George, I don't always look like this, and my hair, I chucked it up into a ponytail thinking this would make your job a little easier'. He gave me that look, like he had heard all of these lines before.

'Take a seat in this chair here Kellie, I think we need to take a picture of your face on the computer and upload it so we can see what we have to work with'. My self esteem plummeting the more he spoke.

Sitting myself down I rested my chin in this odd little box where the computer snapped away. And then, in a matter seconds there was my face as an extreme close up on the computer screen. I notice the women in the waiting room peek up above their magazines. 'This is the part where all the women swear'. George tells me. 'Oh', I say. 'Like as in holy shit is that what I really look like'? He just nods and I decide to listen and stop babbling, especially inappropriately.

George uses the mouse and highlights the cheek, nose and eye area of my face which then causes the computer to kindly acknowledge that I have a few wrinkles in the eye area. These are highlighted in yellow for all the room to see, 'terrible UV sun damage' he declares, 'that is at least teeeennnn years worth of being in the sun and surprisingly the oiliest skin I has ever worked with'. 'Thanks George', I say in a smart arse kind of way and then nod along with him at how terribly I have neglected my skin. He decides there and then that I need more than a facial!

He starts talking about sandblasting my face....no joke! Micro Dermabrasion, threading, tinting and a language I have never heard of and I continue to nod away. I grab my bag and with my tail between my legs wander into the room ready for god knows what?!

George asks me to undress and slip into the gown, and I wonder if this is a little odd and then he follows it with 'do you mind if I massage your decolletage'. 'Umm, sure... but I think I will keep my bra on just in case, I think to myself.

Laying down on the bed he grabs the light box and shines it in my face, then spends the next few minutes washing away. 'Kellie, what do you wash you face with?', he questions and I doubt my Aldi face cleanser is the answer he is looking for. 'Oh, just some face wash and if I have time a scrub George'. He sighs...again, then brings out the sales pitch on the cleanser they use and how I much it could do for my skin. I'm not sure whether it is the right etiquette to ask how much this wonder cleanser costs, so I go ahead and do it anyway. 'What, what price is this George?', I stammer. 'It's what it can do for your face Kellie, surely that's worth investing in. It retails for $235'. Oh is that all, I think to myself. 'We'll see George, at the end we can talk about this' I explain, after he has done my treatment.

He pats dry my face and starts up the sandblaster! Or what sounds like one anyway. 'These fine crystals spray across your face and I rub them into your skin with this rod', he outlines. 'We remove the top layer of your skin back to the more youthful one underneath'. 'Go ahead' I say, gripping the bed. He does his work and spends the next half hour sandblasting my face. At the end I'm left feeling a little raw and sunburt. Shining the fluro light back into my face he takes out his tweezers and cotton bud where he gets to work picking out my blackheads. Oh so glamorous I know. 'Jeez, Kellie you have loads of them!'. 'Thanks again George', I mutter.

Pulling out what looks like a cotton thread George gets to work removing the unwanted hairs ahem...on my face. He discovers hair in places I never new I had hair and places I think I would rather not know I had hair.

With my face starting to cool down he begins the Micro Dermabrasion on my decolletage. 'An added freebie, just between you and I' he says. Oh great, I think. He begins sandblasting my chest.

Dimming the lights George ducks out to get the bits and bobs for my facial. I prop myself up on the bed and take a peek in the mirror behind me. It feels soft and unusual, like I have lost that crusty layer I previously had on top.

Turning up the whale music George gets to work on the 'relaxing' part of my appointment. He massages my head and rubs lotions across my face. Applying a mask soothing my sun burnt feeling skin. 'I'm happy to include a hand to elbow treatment and massage as well Kellie'. I nod away trying to shake the feeling that George is yes.... Still. A. Male.

The next half hour I jump head first into the 'heaven' part of the appointment and don't want to leave.

'All done Kellie, like a new version of you', states George. 'Put your clothes back on and I will meet you in the waiting room'.

George explains that now I have had the Micro Derma, whatever it is I should really have it done fortnightly now for 'optimal youthful results', and that hair he removed, it will grow back, possibly thicker, so that will need threading at least every three weeks. He tries his sales pitch on me one more time as I'm re booking my next fortnight appointment.

I've gone from no maintenance to high maintenance in a matter of one appointment, I think, as I reluctantly hand over a small fortune.

I stumble out of bed the following morning and take a close peek at my face in the mirror.... looking back I still see me, the same skin, still a little red and shiny and the same wrinkles in the same spots they were yesterday.

I laugh to myself, take out my cheap face wash and fall comfortably back into my old habits.

Are you a high maintenance or low maintenance kind of gal?
Pampering? Do you indulge?
and George....a male, would you be comfortable with this?

Glossary of terms, I would have needed them prior to this experience....
* Microdermabrasion
** Threading

Home 283: Pamper - Health Spa. Oh dear... I wonder if George found it?!

Pink

2012-02-10T21:36:00.000+11:00

With her big sisters now at school this little lady finally has her Mumma all to herself. It's taking sometime for little Bloss to adjust to not having her two besties around all the time. 'Mumma, is it time to go and pick them up yet?'

Today we scoured the house for all things pink, by far her most favourite colour, this little lady spending most of the time hanging out in her sisters room, just because she could.

I love these colour hunts over at Pickle Bums and so does little Bloss.

I wonder who will find our little home amongst all these pink bottles of nail polish?

Home 282: Pink - Nail Polish

Tuesday

2012-02-07T21:21:00.001+11:00

Tuesday is......

: : fraught with the perils of co sleeping. (Pop over and visit And then there were four.

C describes the turmoil so beautifully xx)

: : embracing my five hours sleep after a cup of tea and mentally preparing for work and a presentation I will

be delivering to three hundred people Eeeeep for half an hour. (at the end of their workday just before knock off time. Tough

gig?!)

: : chaos before the calm, little Bloss having a tanty over the seams in her socks.

: : two little ladies super excited about heading to school

: : A solitary shower such a rarity in this little home while the girls munch away on Vegemite toast playing

puzzles

: : learning to embrace red lipstick and loving the way it can transform your persona. Thanks for the

the tips Fox in Flats

: : kiddie drop off's and a blissfully quiet car

: : Meetings, meetings and more meetings....

: : IPads, IPods and IPhones, basically anything with an I in it

: : Walking into the 'room' to present to find a humongous conference centre

: : praying my technology cooperates for my presentation

: : admiring all the paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling

: : 'mermaids swimming in my tummy'.... pre-presentation

: : Smiles and passion for my work!

: : The commute home

: : heels kicked off, sore feet and barefoot driving

: : sharing the load with the man in my life

: : walking in the door to a group cuddle

: : the here and the right now.

How was your Tuesday?

I'm curious, do you dare to wear red lippy?

Public speaker? Yes or no?

Home 281: Tuesday - Conference Centre

Lunchbox

2012-02-05T14:53:00.002+11:00

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Happiness is......

'Inside my lunch box Mumma'.

It seems the most exciting part of school at the moment is the school lunch! My little ladies are obsessed with discussing the contents of their lunch box. They prop themselves up on the kitchen bench of an evening (yes, we make the school lunch the night before....wondering how long that will last?) and natter away, busy deciding on ingredients while Spunk or I cut sandwiches and slice fruit.

I love that the girls school require an extra little container of 'Brain Food' to nibble away on while they work.

Pop over to My Green Australia for a list of wonderful lunch box ideas. We spent the weekend making the delicious Home made muesli that can eaten at breakfast time and then we added it to a simple cookie dough to make crunchy school biscuits.

I've discovered I'm not one for novelty shaped sandwiches but don't mind slipping in a little 'post it note' heart or happy face.

I'm wondering, will the novelty wear off?

What's inside your little ones lunchbox?

Home 280: Lunchbox - Victoria

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* Have you noticed our bloggy changes? We are nearing 300 little homes and I was feeling swamped from our list of words on the side column. You can now find our list of released happy homes in the tab under our header (Released happy homes). Feeling much better now it's simplified. Hope you agree xx

School

2012-02-04T09:28:00.003+11:00

And off they go without ever looking back......

These two little ladies have transformed before my eyes. Their sense of self and independence at times overwhelming this Mumma. It has been a big week in this little home and one that has filled our hearts with absolute joy.

Little Ava described it so beautifully while putting her school uniform on for the first time. 'It feels like I have mermaids swimming in my tummy Mumma'. Filled with nerves and excited anticipation she tentatively says her goodbyes. Poppy, excitedly waves us off, ready to take on the world. I take a peek over my shoulder as I leave the classroom and see our little Poppet sidled up to Ava with her arms around her shoulders, reassuring without having to say a word.

Walking out that door and to the car park I shed a few quiet tears in the arms of my man. Then we spend the next five minutes laughing, 'cause lets face it, we knew I was going to cry at some point.

* I'm reminded of this post written not long after starting this little blog. I have my fingers crossed it will be all this and a whole lot more xx

Home 279: School - The school playground.

Summer

2012-01-31T20:42:00.002+11:00

I'm feeling a little melancholy this evening. We said goodbye to a fabulous summer today. Six whole weeks of holidays together and so many wonderful memories. Tomorrow life takes on a new direction as I head back to work and we prepare for the introductions of school life on Thursday.

I have this little fortune cookie note from my birthday dinner earlier in the month tucked away in my bag, a constant reminder of where my priorities lie for the year ahead.

A snapshot of our summer through the eyes of instagram.

Hope you had a fabulous one!

Home 278: Summer - Ocean Grove

Knot

2012-01-29T20:29:00.001+11:00

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We are busily preparing two little ladies for the beginning of school this week and all of the shenanigans that come with it. I have this little knot in my stomach that I can't quite verbalise, and then, if I think about it too much, that little knot causes my eyes to well up and ends with me picturing my little babes as newborns snuggled tightly in my arms.

I'm going to be one of 'those' parents aren't I!? You know, the one that lingers at the school gates as I bid them farewell on Thursday morning, the kind that wears my sunglasses from the moment I wake up until way after I drop them off.

We are ticking our way through lists of school bits and bobs and I'm in a panic that our school shoes we ordered (3 weeks ago) are yet to arrive, all those labels I need to stick on their belongings...where are they? And those bloody chair bags and library bags that I have left to the very last minute. Our bedtime routine at getting three little ladies to sleep at a reasonable hour is lost amongst the 'Mumma, it's still light, Mumma I'm not tired and Muuummmmaaa, I just need a little drink.'

Poppy and Ava, oblivious to my angst, are counting down the days. 'I've got one more week to grow into a school girl Mumma', Poppy declares.

'Yes you do my little Poppet'.

And this Mumma has one more week to get herself together.

To prepare to let go of my little babes.

Oh dear, I'm starting to well up again.

Tell me please, how did you manage at that first ever school drop off?
Am I being ridiculous? Actually, don't answer that one.

Home 276: Knot - Vic

Theatre

2012-01-25T17:20:00.006+11:00

Melbourne is bursting at its sequined little seams as hundreds of miniature ballerinas flock to the city to see Angelina and her friends perform at the Arts centre.   A mass of tutu's, mouse ears and sparkle excitedly fill the theatre in anticipation of this much loved mouse.

The little people in our home were beside themselves with excitement as they prepared to meet Angelina in person and be part of the photo shoot for the promotion of the show. Thanks to a wonderful sis who worked in PR and her lovely connections. You are a star Jess B xx

On a warm Melbourne day little twinnies danced hand in hand with Angelina in front of the Arts Centre beaming! Learning to pirouette and saute while being coached by Angelina's personal choreographer.   Surrounded by a team of media savy onlookers (and tourists taking their pictures!!!), Poppy and Ava were swept up in all the magic and awe that comes with dancing alongside this much loved mouse.

The theatre experience was breathtaking, with the girls and their cousins captivated as these characters from their book shelf  jumped from the page and performed in front of them. Little Bloss was quite perplexed that the tip-toed mouse didn't talk but the older children were quick to decipher the plot through it's beautiful dance....and who said pink ears and pirouettes were just for girls, the magic of the show mesmerised all little people alike.

The cutest dancing mice ever...

* Disclaimer... this little post is a non sponsored one.

Home 275: Theatre - Arts Centre Melbourne

Delight

2012-01-22T14:02:00.004+11:00

In our home.....

The crochet continues as do these wonderful lazy days. My first ever colourful cushion is nearing the final stages. I discover, as I near the end of a crochet project, I tend to begin another. With crochet blankets on my mind I finally take the leap and immerse myself in all this ripply delight.

Hours are spent trying to perfect, well almost the ripple. I unravel and rehook, curse my left handedness and the confusion between a US DC and a UK TR. And then, the rhythm of the hook, the pattern and the ability to recognise the stitches come together to my absolute delight.

I have high expectations for this little basket of colour. My first crochet blanket for my dear friend and the little babe she is expecting. Her pregnancy gently reminds us that there are moments of beauty even when it seems the world has gone dark. The rhythm of the hook and the love this little blanket will hold serves like some kind of welcome therapy as I sit on the couch working the hook in and out of the yarn.

Meanwhile, in the garden, the first fruits bare themselves on our two year old fruit trees. We take delight in all five of these delicious nectarines. Little Bloss has the pleasure of picking the first and devouring it.

This little lady has sailed her way through her first week of Kinder, reminding her Mumma of her uniqueness. We take great delight in celebrating this milestone and are thankful she has her special moment and is not overshadowed by her bigger sisters starting school in another week. She makes me giggle little Bloss, her husky voice and her warm personality. Right now you will find her outside picking tomatoes, patting herself on the back for nurturing her little plant and feasting on these juicy delights.

It's hard not to smile at the last load of holiday washing drying in all of this wonderful sunshine.

What delights have you enjoyed this weekend?

Hope it's been a good one.

Home 274 : Delight - Local Church Vic I adore these blue doors.

Landscape

2012-01-20T16:43:00.000+11:00

A Postcard from Buchan.....

With each and every place that we visit in LHOW (little home on wheels) I feel as though we are exploring wonderful new landscapes. As we navigate our way around these unique and special places we form layers of memories based on each of our experiences. We notice the open fields and the sometimes harsh landscapes that we walk upon. In the very same little town we compare the lush forest and bask in the Snowy River on a sunshiny day. Little ladies oohhh and ahhh at the grandeur of trees hundreds of years old as they cycle down the dirt road like tiny little specks on the landscape.

We talk about the traditional owners of this land, the Gunai Kurni tribe and meet with an Elder who takes us 400 meters underground to explore mythical caves from another world.

This landscape of ours, its history and beauty has us mesmerised. Three little ladies tread gently on the earth and for this I am thankful.

Little Home 273 Landscape was released on the final day of our holiday - Buchan

Nothing

2012-01-18T16:50:00.000+11:00

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A little home released in Denmark. I'm not sure I need to say anymore other than thank you M. Your honesty here is beautiful. This little home was not captured as a photograph but I so love the thought of your Dad releasing it.

Thankyou for sharing.

xoxo

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I was 35, and I rang my father and told him I loved him.

I had not told him in fifteen years.

For fifteen years I had been unaware of the meaning I had attached to every single thought, action, interaction and feeling I had had - that I was not wanted.

I first experienced this when, as a 3 year old, I was hiding behind the front door of my grandparents' apartment. Mum was newly pregnant with my little sister, and dad was leaving us.

I was not wanted.

This feeling was supported every time I heard or felt something that made me feel uneasy.

When Dad joked 'it was lucky I was born the year before abortion was legalised in my country'.

When, after totally trusting my friend and her older sisters by using eyeshadow on my way to the school party, my Dad sternly declared that I was 'not going anywhere looking like THAT'.

When I saw the disappointment in my Mums eyes as I tearily shared my fear I might be pregnant at 17, the age she was when she fell pregnant with me.

I was not wanted.

I now believe that No-Thing in this world has a meaning, only the meaning I attach to it.

I rang my Dad and told him I love him. And he cried, and hugged Mum tight.

To me he is everything.

My Dad released little home 272- NoThing at Sallingsund Færgekro, on the island of 'Mors' in Denmark.

Hooking

2012-01-17T20:09:00.001+11:00

Hooking fun am I the only one that grins when I read that?! Not that type of hooking, the crochet type...

I have been working on this little piece of bunting pre holidays. It sat idle for some time, on top of the yarn basket niggling away at me. After making this earlier piece for Bloss it was time to finally finish Poppy and Ava's bunting.

The pattern for this easy(ish) bunting comes from Nicki Trench's book. I have mentioned that before here as well. A gorgeous book for those starting out in crochet.

I am ticking my way through unfinished pieces and gearing up to start my first crochet ripple blanket. Ahhh, aren't holidays wonderful! Will give you a peek soon.

Do you have any holiday projects on the go?

Home 271: Hooking - Local Bowls Club

Betty

2012-01-13T19:48:00.001+11:00

Our little love affair with bicycles continues (thanks for the inspiration Sis x)

My birthday bike

Aptly named Betty

Given with excited smiles and love

We couldn't resist her, the basket, the leather pouch and the white wall tyres

Betty is scrawled in cursive writing across her frame. 'Some kind of omen or something' say Spunk

My late adorable Nan's name.

The girls watch from the sidelines

squealing with excitement

Blue sky

Sunshine

A loyal companion

Fresh enthusiasm

: :

Home 271: Betty - Vic

Living

2012-01-11T21:54:00.004+11:00

There is something about living in a small space for an extended period of time. I think I have said it before, the way one tends to be more reflective when we are holidaying in LHOW (Little home on wheels). I adore making plans, setting goals, dreaming, however big or small of resolutions for a new year ahead.

We are keeping it simple this year and intend to live, sounds a little odd when I write it. Spunk and I have spent the past few days questioning this one word. What does 'living' really mean to us, to our little family of five and how do we plan to spend 2012 ensuring that we are in fact, living? We lay on the grass while three little ladies pedal bikes and explore around us and we make plans plans for the year ahead.

: :

We plan to live;

In LHOW's more often. Our little caravan is by far one of the best things we have ever spent our money on (Other than our twinnie IVF babes of course).

With more music in our lives.

More simply, declutter the home and the mind

And make more time for friends and each other (I'm dreaming of a few more date nights with my man this year)

On a Pacific Island with palm trees (at least for a week or two)

With more space in our little home. Oh to have an extension and a little room where I can escape.

In the outdoors more. It seems that is where my three little ladies are happiest.

More freely, with less busy. I intend to learn how to use the word 'no' more.

And to love

In the moment.

: :

I think we have made a start.....

Linking up with the lovely Bron over at Maxabella loves for the New Year.

What one word do you choose to live by in 2012?

Pedal power...

Taking a dip in the coldest pool in the Southern Hemisphere is a sure way to remind your body it is alive xx (A wonderful pool at Buchan naturally fed from the mountains)

Home 270: Living - NSW

Tide

2012-01-10T22:18:00.002+11:00

The days blend naturally together while on holidays. We have no where to be and no deadlines to meet. All we know is the sun rises and then sets again and the tide, it washes in and then drifts its way back out. We contemplate our favourite times to swim, surf and play all based on the incoming tide.

These long sun soaked days merge together and eventually we forget what day it is as they all blend into one long holiday. We are gently reminded that a New Year ticks over as we celebrate with family by the beach. I blow out a cake full of birthday candles marking another year gone by, thankful for the here and now.

It is on the final day of our break in LHOW (Little home on wheels) that time slowly creeps its way back into our lives. We have holidayed with family, enjoyed the company of friends, then taken some time on our journey home to explore, reflect and plan for a new year ahead.

'I'm not ready for a new day Mumma.... to pack up and go home'. Says Ava. 'I tend to agree little Miss, these past few weeks have been wonderful.'

A special way to end all that 2011 was and a fitting way to welcome 2012.

I will pop back tomorrow to link up with Bron over at Maxabella Loves for our One Word for 2012.

A special thank you to Christie from Childhood 101 for including us as one of the Blogs to read for 2012. You have me feeling all warm and fuzzy now Christie xoxox
Pop over and take a peek. I adore Christies Blog.

How have you welcomed 2012?

Home 269: Tide - Little Bloss used this happy home as a feature on her Sand castle. NSW

Chapters

2011-12-23T21:40:00.001+11:00

A memory captured....
An intimate hug and cuddle
Between our dear Ava and our sweet little Poppet

Shared between the two of them, unaware of Mumma's camera, Poppy and Ava give each other a special embrace before we head out the door for their kinder graduation last week. This moment, this chapter in their life (together) draws to a close. A year where my three little ladies begin to forge their own path in this world.

I've been thinking a lot about the chapters we have closed and have begun to write this year, how each us, in this family of five, grow together, evolve and support one another. Our traditions and beliefs in the way we live embed themselves a little more strongly with each passing year and in the midst of all the emotions I have experienced in 2011, the busy, quiet, chaos, utter sadness, loss, admiration, excitement and pure joy that is living, my three little ladies, they keep me grounded.

This embrace above, it sings out that they are ready to write their own chapters. That the path before us lay unknown and in a way, the simplicity in that makes my skin tingle.
xoxox

Merry Christmas from our little home to yours.

We plan to spend a few weeks soaking up each others company as we head up the coast of New South Wales in our LHOW (Little Home on Wheels).

I will pop back early in the New Year with a special happy home release and then return mid January.

Thank you for reading, commenting, releasing little homes and being wonderful friends. I adore this little space.

Love and Light.

See you in the New year.
Kellie and her happy little team.
xoxox

Little home Chapters will be released over the break. See you soon xox

Re- evaluate

2011-12-20T22:45:00.004+11:00

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From my couch.....

I sit and enjoy a cup of green tea

I soak up the quiet

It has been a while since I have done both.... at the same time

I can hear little ladies breathing deep, in a cosy slumber after a busy day of 'lasts' Final day of kinder today...x

I make plans in my mind for 2012

Re-evaluating the year gone by

I choose to live a little more simply next year

To walk away from drama

To remember to breath and to pause....often

I can smell cinnamon from the gingerbread we baked earlier in the day

And see the twinkling of fairy lights on the Christmas tree

I can hear the crickets singing outside the living room window

At my feet the crochet rug has an entire little Lego city made by three busy ladies this afternoon

I am thankful for guest released little homes, especially Jen's one. Jen released a happy home back here in April. The perfect word for our little home this evening. Take a wander over to Jen's blog Let it go and say hello. I apologise for the delay Jen, thank you for sharing.

All from my couch.........

Home 266: Re-evaluate - NSW.

Creating

2011-12-18T12:46:00.000+11:00

In our little home......

Crochet snowflakes litter the table tops. Ready to be hung into garlands.

Hand made baubles adorn the tree.

Spunk and I create lists.... setting goals and making plans for the new year ahead.

Little ladies enjoy their kinder concert, proudly carrying in Mumma's lopsided snowmen eager to be devoured.

Evenings are spent wrapping gifts and writing Christmas cards.

Today we prepare a family meal with all the trimmings ready to be enjoyed this evening.

One more week of busy and then life moves towards a more welcomed slower pace.

This little birdie was discovered on Pinterest. A perfect match with our Christmas cards. Now to hunt down a pattern.

What are you busy creating in your little home?

Home: 264 - Creating - Christmas Lillies

Christmas

2011-12-13T15:33:00.002+11:00

It is starting to feel a lot like December in this little home! There are baskets of Christmas I can't believe I didn't use this word last year?! craft scattered around the house, crochet snowflakes ready to be starched and pinned will show you soon, Christmas concerts and kinder breakups approaching.

Little hands dip into the advent calendar each morning counting down the days. The excitement is contagious and we are reminded to see the joy through their eyes.

We return to some of the traditions we started the year earlier and three little ladies meet Santa one still yet to overcome her Santa phobia and ride the carousel with their cousins.

Spunk potters outside, cleaning LHOW (little home on wheels), preparing her for a summer adventure. I stand at the door of the van watching him, breathing deep, LHOW, she has the most wonderful smell of togetherness. I am reminded of all the adventures we have had this year as I stand there breathing.... soaking up the smell. With one week of routine left I am all smiles as we make our way towards a much longed for break. The five of us ready to spend some time with each other... to breath and relax.

Take a moment today to see December through the eyes a child....x

Home 263 - Christmas On its way to the North Pole!

Presents

2011-12-11T16:12:00.002+11:00

Swamped in little Christmas birdies........

We have our own Christmas production line going on this weekend. Drawing, painting, sticking, writing. Everyone with a role as we mass produce little birdie presents for Kinder class mates.

We have adapted last years Christmas card idea here and combined it with this fun piece of art play we did earlier in the year here. These little birdies are soooo simple.

The girls have been coming home from Pre-school the past few weeks inundated with class mate gifts and cards. Independent little twinnies are not satisfied with giving a joint card and so we churn out sixty of these....argh, sixty of them! Might have been easier to go out an purchase sixty cheap Christmas cards, yes?!

Can you spot the reindeer impersonator?

Here are some other ideas that have caught our eye.....

Bron at Maxabella loves with her cute reindeer noses
Sweet treats at Mrs A in The Cove
Snowman soup at From an igloo (minus the cold winters night for those in the Southern Hemisphere)
The girls received magic reindeer food from a kinder friend and love it...all ready to scatter Christmas Eve. My Chic' n Scratch.

Are you mass producing Christmas presents/cards?

Home 262: Presents - Craft shop

Kindred

2011-12-09T21:30:00.002+11:00

Bless this gorgeous family and a happy little home in NEPAL....

We were thrilled to meet the lovely Tanya and Grace back here, when special little home Grace was released in Vancouver. You really must pop back and read her beautiful story.

And now.... a few months down the track, we are besotted with this little family and a happy home released in Nepal, Neeeeppppaaaaallll! Can you believe it?! I keep coming back to Tanya's picture of our little home sitting there, on the counter, at a cafe in Nepal!

We are captivated by your breath taking pictures and I especially adore the picture of you all with Raju and his beautiful family.

Three little ladies have had the map out this evening, tracing the journey that this little home has been on as we live vicariously through its travels.

Thank you for taking our little home into yours and sharing this very beautiful story Tanya.

Kindred spirits indeed xoxox

Read Tanya's gorgeous story below.

__________________________________________________________________________

Hi Kellie,

I didn't really realize how special this word was to me until I was actually in Nepal. I knew we were going to visit family so that is why I chose the word, but after going back to Pokhara with our daughter, it was the realization of how my life was instantly changed the first time I traveled there, and how my own nuclear family was born.

Life is so funny isn't it? I initially decided to go to Nepal because I knew I wanted to finally meet someone and have a family and I thought I would have to do a big trip like that before I settled down. I think it was the first time I ever traveled and didn't have the slightest hope or idea that I would meet the man of my dreams..... and low and behold there he was!

It's so true that love happens when you least expect it!

Never in a million years did I picture myself in this wonderful and amazingly different culture and family, but I can honestly say I feel so blessed that I am.

I thought I was choosing the word Kindred because we were going to see my husband's side of the family, but once I got there I realized it was because that is the place where I started my own.

We released little home Kindred at a coffee shop called AM/PM Organic Cafe in Lakeside (Pokhara Nepal) that Raju and I went to every day the first 4 months of our marriage. (it's a pretty relaxed life style if you're a tourist :) I would have released the home in his village but I knew there would be no hope of anyone finding it there. The cafe was also a special place for us.

I'm also attaching a few more pictures of our trip and our family :) The second one is in the village where Raju grew up and where his family still lives.

I hope you and your family are doing well. As well as your new job!!!

I'll look forward to reading more in your blog,

Love Tanya xo

A big Namaste to your girls from Grace :)

Home 261: Kindred - Nepal

Soul

2011-12-07T20:41:00.003+11:00

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Blogging is good for the soul.... as is a little hiatus!

It seems I dropped off the face of the earth for a while there and after a mini blogging break, it kinda feels like it too.

After an unprepared and unannounced blogging hiatus I have returned today, gently reminded about why we started here, just over a year ago. Amongst all of the busy, the new job, the end of year, the kinder break ups, the general chaos of life, something had to give before this Mumma lost her sanity. I have not been able to face my laptop to blog the past few weeks and well, we disconnected for a little while.

Instead, I have done some of the things that seem to get placed at the bottom of the list....

I have plonked myself on the couch with my man of an evening

Filled out endless piles of school transition paper work and enrolment forms

Cuddled my little ladies and read them loads of Christmas stories

Cleaned out the linen cupboard

Battled with bedtimes and encouraged (and pulled my hair out) three little ladies to PLEASE sleep in their own beds. To no avail!

Thrown myself into work head first and am now coming up for air

Talked to dear friends on the phone of an evening...the old fashioned way...no emails, no texts.

Spent hours with the hook in my hand making crochet decorations for our Christmas tree

Cooked, like I used to, before all the busy

Put myself to bed before 10pm

Woken up feeling all the more better for it

I have spent a lot of the time in tears as I mentally prepare myself for two little ladies ready to start school

More tears because I got to a point where I was utterly exhausted

And even more when I realised I was drowning in mothering guilt.

And today.....the sun shines, we potter in the garden this afternoon and I am reminded that this little space here, my blog, our happy homes, they are ever so good for our soul. They remind us to reflect, to stop, to notice the moments. They remind us to give and to sit and to breathe. They remind me that this little family of mine, they are all that matters.

Blogging, I'll tell ya, it's good for my soul.

We have some little homes to make for some ever so patient friends and some wonderful guest released homes to blog about. Not to mention all of our clever and creative friends whom we have missed in the blogging community. Apologies for the delay. xoxox

Kellie...x

How are you surviving the end of year busy?

Home 260: Soul - Ocean Grove

The playlist linky...

2011-11-27T21:09:00.001+11:00

The sky turns from blue to grey and the heavens open

Little ladies enjoy a pj day

Fungi thrives in the rain soaked garden

Clouds break, sunshine peeks through

A little Poppet, still in her pj's, plants lettuce

'Perfect planting weather' she declares

We fold little homes ready for release

Waiting for the rain to ease

________________________________________________________

Join us each Sunday as we tick our way through the playlist. Encouraging outdoor, imaginative, free-ranging play. Thursday nights we pop the playword for the week on our blog, link back with us at 1000 Homes of Happiness on Sundays as we share and celebrate our little people at play with nature

Fascinated

2011-11-26T11:52:00.002+11:00

The view from our deck has these little ladies fascinated.....

Mumma birdies now with little ones

Not fearful of my little ladies, they come nervously closer, ready for bread from little hands

They spend forever standing here, watching, wondering, fascinated

Little chicks at Kinder hatch from their incubated eggs

Perfectly timed with the wonders happening in our own backyard

Curious girls want to know more

We head to the library in search of books that explain and encourage the girls curiosity.

Miss Ava was chuffed to see this little home just like her dress! Found and then created from the lovely piles of paper generously donated by Marelle.

Thankful for the weekend.... time to resurface and take a breath after what has been a super busy week.

Happy weekend.

xoxox

Home 259: Fascinated - Library

_______________________________________________________________________

Don't forget to join us for the the playlist linky tomorrow....

Where we plant something and watch it grow........

See you tomorrow...x

Teach

2011-11-22T11:03:00.001+11:00

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A little home released and a little home found.....

I am besotted with this little home that has warmed my heart this morning. It seems particularly fitting given the past few weeks we have had in this happy home.

It is fair to say I believe being a teacher is by far The. Best. Job. In. The. World. Other than being a mumma of course. I have taught students for many years now, across different sectors of education and yesterday (in my new job) I welcomed my first group of University students ready to take on this amazing role. I pinched myself and took a deep breathe and at that moment felt this sense of awe and responsibility at now being in a position where I get the opportunity to teach the next generation of teachers. I watched them walk in the door of a school for the first time no longer students but ready and eager to become teachers. Eyes wide, big smiles, eager to learn and soak up all the wonders of education.

I am gently reminded that these are the teachers that may one day come across my very own little ladies in a class room and lend them their wings and teach them how to fly.

Bless all the amazing teachers out there.

Pop over and say hello to Denyse (Denyse Wheelan - Educational Specialist) who requested little home teach some time ago and beautifully described her desire to become a teacher here. Happy home teach was released in her daughters (a Teacher) classroom and we were thrilled to read it has been discovered by her gorgeous grade three students. Even more chuffed to see 1000 homes of happiness up there being taught on an interactive whiteboard! (That is the teacher in me being most impressed with your classroom use of ICT) You have made my heart sing this morning Grade three!

'Look girls, here is a picture of a class of school kiddies learning all about your adventures'. Three little ladies were beaming. 'Did they read that we don't like getting our hair tied up Mumma?' enquires little Bloss.

Denyse has this fabulous blog focused on all things educational. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to education and schooling.

Thank you Denyse for releasing happy home Teach. Thank you to you daughter and her adorable Grade three's for letting us know they found our origami home! This little home has a special place in our heart.

How many wonderful teachers have you known who have lent you their wings so you could fly?

Pop over here to see the little home released.

And here.... a little home found!

Home 258: Teach - Grade three Classroom (NSW)

Ride

2011-11-20T22:32:00.001+11:00

Sunday is......

Three little ladies spending the day on their bike
while a spunky Daddy casts a line or two into the ocean.

Their favourite place to be right now.

Take a peek at some of their earlier riding adventures.

Here, here and here.

Happy Sunday.

Are your little ones avid bike riders?

Little home ride to be released soon.

Mail

2011-11-17T20:36:00.003+11:00

What's in our mail box?

I have been eyeing off this gorgeous crochet book for some time after first seeing it here. The heading was the first clincher for me, the fact that it read cute and easy had me sold. I ordered my online copy and was absolutely thrilled when it finally arrived.

I have peeked through a few crochet books of late and often get confused between the US and UK terminology and somehow find myself lost when following the pattern, especially when my finished piece bares no resemblance to what is in the book. But this book, it is ideal for the crochet novice! It is laid out in sections including starting out, practice makes perfect and confident crocheting.

It seemed fitting to start at the bunting given we have a little bunting obsession right now. They are soooo easy. Three stitches in total. Take a peek and stay tuned for the finished product.

Crochet on my deck in the sunshine...bliss. All while rocking away in this thrifty rocker Spunk discovered on the side of the road.

So many beautiful projects to work my way through.

Next project..... loving this gorgeous crochet cushion.

What's in your mailbox?

Do you have a favourite crochet book?

Home 256: Mail - Post box

___________________________________________________________________

Join us this weekend as we tick our way through the playlist.

Take the little people in you home out for a bike ride. This weekend is all about pedal power!

History

2011-11-15T20:27:00.002+11:00

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A beautiful guest released little home today...

The lovely Sarah from Fig Nut Mum has had origami home History for some time and today shared with us her release of this very special little home.

We are touched by her story.

Not so long ago, my three little ladies and I took a wander in the most beautiful cemetery to remember a gorgeous blue eyed little boy. I agree Sarah, there is something very special, thought provoking and historical about cemeteries. My little cherubs were filled with questions and I was amazed to see they had the intuition to understand the level of respect and compassion that consumes you as you wander around a cemetery.

Thank you for sharing.

Pop over and say hello to Sarah and take a peek at the story behind little home History....x

xoxox

Home 255: History - Goulburn NSW

Trees

2011-11-13T16:04:00.001+11:00

An afternoon spent wandering through trees have these three little ladies mastering the tree climb

The art of tree climbing....

Good sturdy tree climbing shoes

Pants instead of skirts

Knickers instead of none We made this discovery when little Bloss was up high in her skirt

Trees with knots and thick branches

Smooth bark
Soft foliage
Nervous steps
Strong arms
Big smiles and loads of encouragement
Screams of delight
Seeing the world from up high
Tree climbing bliss.....x

Home 254: Trees - Park

*Spunk is away this weekend and has the camera... Thankful for instagram.

The Playlist linky....

2011-11-10T21:26:00.000+11:00

Join us this weekend as we tick our way through the playlist.

Take a wander outside and have the little people in your home climb a tree this weekend.

It seems we have some reluctance at letting our little ones climb trees. A recent report by Planet Ark 'Climbing Trees: Getting Aussie Kids Back Outdoors', reveals that only 1 in 5 kids climb trees. While 64% or their parents enjoyed doing so.

Do your little ones climb trees?

Were you a tree climber?

Argh!

2011-11-08T15:13:00.002+11:00

Argh..... It's a word, isn't it!?

It has been one entire month in my new job and one month of crazy around this little home. Spunk thinks I should have used the word normal instead of crazy, because our crazy seems to have become our normal.

I am a b s o l u t e l y thrilled with the new job, the challenge and the enormity of it all; work....love it!

As for this little home, it is fair to say snippets are sending me a little nutty.... and I thought I had the patience of a saint? I have since discovered at 8am, rushing out the door, That. I. Don't.

These little monkeys above and their hairdo's prior to leaving home of a morning three days a week, are sending this Mumma loopy! On a good day I have clothes laid out, breakfast set up on the table the night before, lunches cut and backpacks in the car...but the hair, I can't seem to get it right.

'Mumma, I would like a ponytail, with this brush, not the hurting brush and this hair tie with a pink ribbon. Poppy is not to have the same hair or people will mix us up. ' Ava declares

Mumma glances at the clock, it's 7:30 am, plenty of time I think to myself... fool. Gently pulling Ava towards me, sitting her on the stool, I start brushing with the gentle brush. Hair filled with knots, sticky with yoghurt from the night before, I fast discover the gentle brush is useless. I switch to the hurting brush without being noticed. The knots are coming out as Ava declares I am being waaaayyy too rough. I give up with her request and put her hair up in a ponytail, ditch the ribbon and move onto Bloss.

Bloss states, very matter of factly, she would like a three ponytails, fashion fairy style and two of them plaited. 'Why of course' I say, matching her matter of fact tone . I discover Bloss, a constant avoider of getting her hair brushed has hidden the hurting brush which leaves me with the useless gentle brush. Glaring at the clock it reads 7.45 am.

I yank, tug and plead with Bloss to stand still. She begins walking off, my hands filled with hair as I trail behind desperately trying to wrap the elastic around a few more times.

The toast pops from the toaster and sits there waiting to be buttered, Bloss marches on towards her room, me following behind with her ponytail in my hands. She proceeds to shut the door. I give up and she is left with the slept in looking ponytail, 'Mumma, is it fashion fairy style?' she yells from behind the door'. YES! Of course it is', I declare. Poppy, ready for her turn, announces that it isn't fashion fairy style at all! I hear Bloss stomping her feet as I walk away from her closed door.

Poppy senses my patience is wearing fast, the clock reads 8:05 am. I give up with the brushing, butter the toast, put it on three plates and tell them to eat it in the car. A quick peek in the mirror, I clip my undone hair back with a clip, throw on the heels, grab my bag, laptop and pile of books and stumble out the front door. Poppy picks up a headband amongst the million hair ties and headbands from the floor of the car and we pull out the drive....

I make a metal note to tackle the hair first thing tomorrow morning and plead with the Gods to not send my little Poppet with unruly hair home with headlice.

Argh....

My lovable little urchin children, with wild hair and Vegemite smeared faces, grin at me from the back seat.

Do you have hair dilemas of a morning?

Are your little ones fuss pots with their hair?

Home 253: Argh - Cafe

Mudpie

2011-11-06T10:59:00.001+11:00

The Playlist...

Encouraging outdoor, imaginative, free ranging play.

Immersing yourself in nature.....

I have such fond memories of baking mudpies with my siblings when I was younger. Three little ladies spent their weekend pottering in this simple mudpie kitchen.

A lil' mudpie lovin this weekend.

A collection of opshop bits and bobs to bake in

An outdoor kitchen bench

Mud and eager hands ready for stirring

Jars of garden treasure ready to decorate muddy pie tops.

Simple out door play...x

Go on, give it a try this weekend.

Is there a mudpie kitchen in your little home?

Little home Mudpie to be released soon. Pop back and take a peek...x

The Playlist linky.....

2011-11-03T22:10:00.002+11:00

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Dreaming of a mudpie kitchen?

Three little ladies are going to get their bake on this weekend as they set up their very own mudpie kitchen in the backyard.

Take a peek at some of these muddy kiddies and the imaginative kitchens they have constructed, then join us on Sunday for some mudpie lovin...x

Irresistible Ideas

Let the Children Play

Tinkerlab

Wild

2011-11-02T17:55:00.001+11:00

A Postcard from Lorne....

I am besotted with these little ladies

Wild and carefree

They spend forever stomping through mud puddles

It rains... e n d l e s s l y

They run along the shoreline teasing waves as they advance upon little feet

They laugh and they laugh

Curious, older caravaning neighbours enquire of their age and comment on their wild spirits

I suspect they are reminiscing of youth gone by?

We bunker down inside when they rain pours down, hammer like droplets noisy on the tin roof.

Drawing, crochet, eye spy

We call into shops in our muddy clothing

Not quite fitting in amongst the BMW's and those wandering out of resorts

We arrive home

The washing machine rumbles away for days....

Home : 252 - Wild - Lorne

Untouched

2011-10-30T10:29:00.003+11:00

The Sunday Playlist.....
We have taken off in LHOW (little home on wheels) for a few days. Packed up the van and made our way down the Great Ocean Road. There are so many wonderful places of untouched beauty in this magical part of the world and yesterday, we ventured out for a 4 km bushwalk with the aim of showing three little ladies how special nature really is.
Especially in those areas that are difficult to access with little change since pre-historic times. Trees dating back centuries, moss covered rocks, unusual fungus and fish jumping from the stream as we hiked on. We wandered past waterfalls and lakes of pure beauty. Big breaths soaking in crisp, clean air.

Here is the moment we bumped into some other hikers and they 'kindly' informed us to 'beware of leaches'. Take a peek at Miss Ava's face when she heard this news.

And.... here is Miss Ava for the remainder of the hike. Refusing to touch the ground for the last 1.5 km or so in fear of leaches. Bless her daddy and his big strong arms.

A little home untouched to be released soon.
Fingers crossed my linky works. Two little ladies are looking out across the ocean sipping on bubbacinos here in an internet cafe in Lorne while Mumma types away. It is pouring rain and we have the entire day ahead of us. We will be back early next week with a postcard. Pop back and say hello.
Hope the little people in your home enjoyed some time with nature this weekend, visited a National Park, the bush, a nature reserve or simply enjoyed nature in your very own backyard.xoxox

Home 251: Untouched - Lorne

Bunting

2011-10-27T21:31:00.003+11:00

A happy little team of bunting helpers......

Little helpers cutting shapes

The sound of the sewing machine whizzing away

Measuring and adding until we are all happy with the length

Hanging

Admiring

Cheerful bunting flapping in the wind

Home 250 : Bunting - Park bench

______________________________________________________________________

Sharing the Sunday playlist word with you.....

This week we are celebrating Nature.

Join us each Sunday as we tick our way through the playlist. Encouraging outdoor, imaginative, free-ranging play. Thursday nights we pop the playword for the week on our blog, link back with us at 1000 Homes of Happiness on Sundays as we share and celebrate our little people at play with nature.

This weekend take the little people in your home outdoors. We are packing up and heading away in LHOW (little home on wheels) for a few days. The girls will tick off experiencing a National Park, the bush and loads of fresh air. Join us in taking your little ones outdoors this weekend. Visit a national park, nature reserve, local bush or simply have your little ones out experiencing nature.

Hope you will join us!

Have you experienced a national park with the little people in your home?

Are you a bushwalker?

Do you have plans to head outdoors this weekend?

Surreal

2011-10-25T20:21:00.000+11:00

Wowee! A little home released in New York.

This happy home excitedly found its way into Jen's suitcase to join her family on their holiday of a lifetime. Lucky little home. Pop over and say hello to Jen at Life's like a cupcake. We have been followers of her blog for sometime and adore it. You are such an inspiration Jen....x

We were thrilled to have our little blog reviewed by Jen last week on Hope 103.2 FM and touched by those who emailed in to say they heard it on the radio. Thank you!

You have me dreaming of a snuggle with my hubby in Central Park Jen. What an amazing holiday.

Our first little home in New York and what a wonderful place to release it.

Surreal indeed Jen.

We are so smiley about this special release.

xoxoxo

Images here

Home 249: Surreal - NEW YORK State Library.

Rain

2011-10-23T09:43:00.002+11:00

The playlist...

The rain has been constant the past few days. Spring blooms and green shoots return to bare trees creating shade and colour. I adore this time of year in the garden.

Three little ladies head outdoors in the humid weather not afraid to get wet and muddy. When the rain eases to a drizzle little Bloss, impatient as always, turns to the hose to create her own shower. Jumping in puddles, dancing and chasing her sisters desperate to drench them.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend in your part of the world. We are spending ours together soaking up each others company.

Do your little ones get out and play in the rain? How do you encourage water play?

Home:248 Rain (at the water tank store)

The playlist linky....

2011-10-20T21:32:00.000+11:00

Dropping in to share the Playlist for this Sundays linky...

This week we are celebrating the Rain.

Join us each Sunday as we tick our way through the playlist. Encouraging outdoor, imaginative, free-ranging play. Thursday nights we pop the playword for the week on our blog, link back with us at 1000 Homes of Happiness on Sundays as we share and celebrate our little people at play with nature.

This weekend take the little people in your home outdoors to dance in the rain, jump in puddles or play with water. If it is not raining in your part of the world pop on the sprinkler or fill buckets with water for play.

Hope you will join us!

For more water play ideas take a peek here and here.

When was the last time you danced in the rain or jumped in puddles?

Cake

2011-10-19T16:14:00.000+11:00

Little Bloss turned four yesterday and was smothered with birthday love. She has had her heart set on a rainbow cake and here it is, the gigantic rainbow layer cake. It seems these cakes are everywhere at the moment. After popping rainbow cake in a google search we were inundated with images of these brightly coloured layer cakes.

Bloss was thrilled with her coloured rainbow.

Mumma was slightly over baking each layer as we neared the end and certainly not the best at icing, but oh my.... clearly with this cake it is what is inside that counts! Check out all those colours! (eeek! on the food colour needed to get the cake this bright)

Wishing my baby girl a very happy fourth birthday.

She melts my heart...x

Any one else had a go at this cake?

Home 248 - Cake (We left this one at the restaurant where we took Bloss for dinner)

Queenscliff.

Should

2011-10-17T21:30:00.001+11:00

I should be ironing my work clothes for work tomorrow

I should be cutting lunches and packing kindy backpacks

I should be sending off emails

I should wash my hair tonight and lay out little peoples clothes ready for an early start

I should push send on our online grocery shop so I don't need to call into the store on the way home from work

I should be helping Spunk with the dishes
I should be icing a gigantic rainbow layer cake ready for tomorrows birthday girl

I should fold a little home ready for little Bloss to release

I shouldn't have started that granny square because now I have to finish it

I should take one more peek at my baby girl, 'cause in the morning she will be a big girl

I should have an early night

: :

night night xo

Home 247: Should - Wrapping paper section of the newsagent.

Little Bloss turns 4 tomorrow...x

Sand

2011-10-16T09:58:00.008+11:00

We are a little excited in our happy home this morning. Today we begin ticking our way through the playlist. A wonderful initiative developed by the WA Government we mentioned in our previous post.
Three little ladies and their cousins spent hours reaquainting themselves with the sandpit. This little team busily co-ordinating roles as they build castles and tunnels. Little toes squirm in sand puddles as they strip off and get grubby.

Do the little people in your home love playing with sand?

Take a peek at Richard Louv's views on outdoor play. He makes me smile.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend xoxox

Home 246: Sand - Beach. Little home down by the sand and then left at the doggie bag dispenser for someone to find..x

Playlist...

2011-10-13T20:30:00.002+11:00

When was the last time the little people in your happy home went barefoot, wet and dirty? Remember the days when childhood seemed more free range, outdoor and imaginative? When you collected tadpoles of a weekend and baked mud pies in your imaginary kitchen?

I was thrilled to read Western Australia is leading the charge in encouraging its parents to re-adopt this style of play for its children. The average Australian primary school kid spends less than two hours outside, that includes weekends and school holidays. It seems little people who spend more time barefoot than in shoes are more clever!

Leading the change is the WA Government, encouraging kiddies to play free range and get muddy, all in the aim of making them smarter, wiser and more resilient. They have developed a list of 15 things to do before you turn 12 encouraging kiddies to tick them off as they complete them. What a brilliant initiative and even more wonderful to see a Government that is driving the idea!

Do the little people in your home play with mud, ride a bike, climb tree's, jump in puddles, explore nature, watch something grow?

What was your favourite memory of outdoor play as a child?

Join us each week as we embrace outdoor play and tick our way through The play list....

This is about returning children to the outdoors and celebrating it!
___________________________________________________________________________

The idea

1. Thursday we will post the play word for the weekend

2. Between Friday and Sunday capture the little people in your happy home at play related to the chosen word

3. Blog about it on Sunday and join our Play list linky posted at 1000 Homes of Happiness every Sunday afternoon.

4. Pop this button on your blog, spread the word and please link back...x

Hope you will join us this Sunday.

5. Simple....right!?

Our first word on the Playlist is Sand....

Join our linky this Sunday afternoon and share a pic/idea of the kiddies in your happy home interacting with sand.

Home 245: Play-list - Local Watering hole

Mini

2011-10-12T14:30:00.000+11:00

Three mini chefs have been busy baking mini cakes. This gorgeous idea (above) caught our attention. Using our accumulated collection of tin cans, the girls went to work mixing carrot cake and the recipe above. Take a peek at the end result.. simple small batch baking. xox

What's cooking in your little home?

Home 244: Mini - Stone and grain Ocean Grove

These mini Poppets reminded me of my three little ladies...x

Earthy

2011-10-11T20:51:00.003+11:00

Ahh, bless a guest release....

Double bless a guest release when it is the first week of my new job, a little miss who is out of sorts after four year old immunisations and a happy home that looks like it has been robbed.

and.... it is only Tuesday, isn't it!?

Pop over and say hello to Kirsty, remember little home earthy? I mentioned it back here. The lovely Kirsty at Bowerbird Blue has released little earthy at a park near Melbourne perched on a gorgeous wooden frog.

Fingers crossed it has been discovered. Kirsty's blog makes me want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Especially this post here.

1000 smiles.... what a lovely thought Kirsty.

Thank you for joining in...x

* Thanks for the new job well wishes. I am absolutely loving the excitement and nerves that come with trying something new and challenging. xo

Home 243: Earthy - Park - Aberfeldie Vic

Saturday

2011-10-08T17:20:00.001+11:00

Saturday is.....

collecting eggs

shovelling chook poop and digging it into the vegetable garden

companion planting vegetable seeds and Marigolds

picking the first of our radishes ready for tonight's salad

being inundated with cabbages

pottering, watering, digging and chasing chickens

Happy Days.

: :

Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

Home 242: Saturday - Spunk left this little home out the front of a local house, where he met the curious neighbour wondering what this handsome man (just a guess that she though he was handsome) was doing leaving a little origami home on top of their egg box. The lady excitedly letting Spunk know she was going straight inside to look up our blog.

Hope you like it...and thank you x

Granny

2011-10-07T18:09:00.002+11:00

Finally......

My first mini granny square blankie for little Bloss' dolly. I have fallen in love with these granny squares. Don't peek too closely at my errors and the fact that each granny square appears to vary in size? I adore that crochet brings colour into our little home and allows for some experimentation. These squares are a little brighter than I anticipated, as I tend to stick closely to pastels, but I love these and the way they all seem to work together!?

School holiday bliss concludes today. A rare kiddie free day spent enjoying lunch with my dear friend, ice cream and a gorgeous walk along the beach. We plan to spend the weekend preparing for a busy week ahead. My new job starts on Monday....eeeeeek!

Little home Granny is released... but I have no photographic evidence to prove it. Instagram was being fickle. I did originally intend to leave it here, on our walk along the beach (see below) at Torquay and then changed my mind and left it in an adorable basket of babushka Dolls at Barwon Heads...with a failed photograph.

I wonder when it will be discovered?

Happy weekend and thank you for the lovely blogiversary comments xox

Home 241: Granny - Rigbys: Barwon Heads

Blogiversary

2011-10-05T16:18:00.006+11:00

Weeeeeeee, it's our blogiversary!

We are celebrating this week, and what better way to do it than to get naked, turn on the garden hose and jump around like lunatics on the trampoline!? (loving these little pixelated bottoms)

240 happy little homes
One entire year of blogging
Little homes thoughtfully released by supportive friends across the world
That = a whole bunch of happiness....x

Thank you from our happy home to yours, for reading, commenting, releasing and supporting.

We adore this little project more and more with each origami home released,

Love Kellie and her happy little team. (Poppy, Ava and Bloss xox)

Pop back and take a peek where it all began.... three little homes Happy Funny and Silly.

Home 240: Blogiversary - Store (Three Little ladies treated to ice cream cake tonight as we celebrate one year of blogging...x)

Unwind

2011-10-04T15:29:00.004+11:00

A postcard from Port Fairy......

We had our own little reunion of sorts while away in LHOW (little home on wheels). The girls Nan and Pop have been grey nomading it up to Darwin the past six months and we met them here, in Port Fairy, on their return. It has been a while in between cuddles for three little ladies.

We have had LHOW for six months now and Spunk and I would both agree, it is all we imagined and a whole lot more. We have our set up organised to a tee. I adore opening her up after a lull between breaks. As soon as that little door opens, I feel like I am home.... a cosier, more carefree home.

Three little ladies spend hours exploring new surrounds, we walk, and walk, and we walk some more. Spunk spends half the morning running along side bikes with training wheels removed. He catches twinnies as they topple to the side and encourages them to get back on again. He receives a beautiful didgeridoo from his parents and begins learning to play it, three little ladies captivated by the interesting sound it makes.

The sun shines, we explore coffee shops and sample chocolates. We hike all the way inside an ancient volcano, and smother little Bloss in cuddles and kisses when we reach the top without having to carry her. We sit and admire the view.... and little ladies proclaim that we are on top of the world! We imagine dinosaurs wandering around below us in this unusual landscape and we pay our respects to the traditional owners of our land. Grateful it is still very much untouched and unique

We rummage through books stores, antique shops and admire gorgeous little miners cottages.

We eat out and are thankful for restaurants that encourage and welcome little people. We set off home and dream about our next mini break. As we pull in the drive with three little ladies fast asleep, Spunk and I declare our love for LHOW, he washes her and puts her back in the garage in anticipation of our next adventure xox

Home 239: Unwind - Port fairy (After a yummy breakfast)

Reunion

2011-10-02T10:00:00.014+11:00

Image

We were delighted when the gorgeous Kate contacted us to release a special little home. Little home reunion (wonderful word) has been thoughtfully placed at the airport in the hope that someone finds it. Agree Kate, this is the perfect spot for a happy home.

Thank you, this little release made my skin all tingly.

Love and light to you Kate xox

Homely

2011-09-30T21:46:00.003+10:00

I'm surprised I haven't used the word homely yet?

We have spent the past few days pottering around home. Baking, painting bedrooms, de-cluttering, crafting and drawing. It has been wet and windy, providing all the more reason to bunker down indoors.

My nights have been blissfully spent sat on the couch, with a basket of yarn at my feet and an increasing stack of granny squares almost joined ready to make my first ever crochet blanket. My first granny square project small and bright for little Bloss' favourite dolly. We found this gorgeous wooden cradle at the Op shop for $5 a few weeks back. 'It needs a blankie Mumma. to keep dolly warm', Bloss excitedly states.

Here's a peek. I love the bright cheery colours of this mini granny blanket and I adore that little Bloss has been busy counting each square, constantly reminding me how many I have left. All going well she will have dolly wrapped up in her cradle by the end of the weekend.

Whilst I have spent the past few days with the hook in my hand Miss Ava has been learning how to finger knit. Happily sitting herself on the couch mesmerised by the repetition of the yarn crossing her fingers and the increasing knitted bliss she is creating...x

We are heading off for a few days of cosy fun in LHOW (little home on wheels) I have a bag full of yarn ready for a new project and a book to make my way through. Three little ladies are tucked up in bed early tonight, while Spunk potters outside organising the van ready to hit the road. Fingers crossed it is not as chilly as our last getaway. With a forecast of hail and rain we are ensuring our little heater is packed and working, along with plenty of board games, pencils and paper.

Happy weekend....x

I will be back with a postcard from our adventures in LHOW soon.

Pop back over the weekend and meet Kate. She recently released a beautiful little home that will warm your heart. All going well with my scheduled posts this should be up on the weekend. xoxoxo

I have carried this little home around with me in my bag for the past few days and confess to forgetting to release it. Here it is...little home homely propped up on the treadmill. I have a treadmill obsession at the moment and love putting on my headphones and tuning out for an hour at the gym.

Hmmm....I wonder who found this little home?

Home 237: Homely - Gym

Bake

2011-09-28T15:08:00.004+10:00

We have been getting our bake on this holidays...

We have dabbled with making our own bread on and off for years now and have never really quite found a recipe that was convincing enough to avoid purchasing loaves from the store.

Then the lovely Tania at Ivy Nest posted this a few weeks ago.... That very day we gave her daily bread recipe a go. Every second day we have baked this gorgeous bread and devoured it! It is so very simple, no kneading required and delish! Yummiest straight from the oven with butter and jam.

Take a peek at Tania's gorgeous blog. I adore it xox

Have you dabbled with bread making?

Home 237: Bake - Store

Imagine

2011-09-26T21:26:00.002+10:00

Image

Imagine......

I'm dreaming of a date night with my man.

Just the two of us.

I'm not fussy on where

As long it as involves just you and me I will be happy Spunk.

Pop over and say hello to Down That Little Lane. I adore this gorgeous blog and the wonderful ideas it captures. We were very excited to see little home Imagine released in such a beautiful spot, celebrating supportive hubby's who share the load. Agree, they are the best!

You have me craving some one on one time with my hubby now T. Thank you for sharing a snapshot of your life and releasing little home Imagine. Such a wonderful word....x

Are you dreaming of some one on one time with your man?

When was your last date???

Home 236: Imagine - NSW

Time

2011-09-24T17:10:00.002+10:00

Exhale.......

After a busy week, a little home full of head cold and night after night of interrupted sleep we have stumbled our way to the weekend.

Ahead....two whole weeks of holiday bliss.

Wishing.....time can stand still, just long enough for us all to catch our breath as we head towards a busy few months.

Reminded....that day turns into night and life continues to move forward.

Longing...for the weight of the world to be lifted from my dear friends shoulders

Dreaming....of land and a little shack surrounded by veggie patches and fruit tree's

Loving...cardboard boxes and the hours of entertainment they provide three little ladies

Smelling...home made bread cooking in the oven

Choosing....to surround myself with people that make me smile

Avoiding.... those who make me doubt

Thanking...the Spunky man in our life for sharing the load.

We went out this week and decided it was time this little home had a visible clock. (After relying only our mobile phones for the past few years). Three little ladies were surprisingly captivated. Here they are (above) eating their cereal in front of the clock....mesmerised! Not wanting to move an inch for fear of missing the hands turn. And this has been where they have spent each morning for the past few days.... squeals of delight every time the hands tick forward.

Time....it feels limitless when you're this little and free.

* Poppy and Spunk enjoyed some one on one time together today. A little home in Poppy's pocket to be released with her Daddy.

Home 235: Time (Train Station...on the door near the train timetable)

Truancy

2011-09-19T15:51:00.002+10:00

Some days, are just too beautiful and sunny to be anywhere else......

We are ditching all things busy today, just because we can.

xoxo

Do you play truant and have days like these?

Home 234: Truancy - Down the beach

Forget

2011-09-17T09:13:00.001+10:00

Weekend bliss......

The sun is out and it is oh so mild...yippee! We have a lovely weekend ahead. The first family BBQ for the season, a catch up with the extended family and little people parties.

We are also on the countdown to school holidays. One more week of busy and then some time to regroup and relax.

A gorgeous guest post from a wonderful supporter of ours, Angela. You have us craving some time in our own LHOW (little home on wheels). Spunk has the map out and is dreaming of where we can head off to next.

Thank you Angela, Stanthorpe looks like a very beautiful spot for some rest and relaxation.

Fingers crossed for a little home lost now to be found.....x

Happy weekend!

*Glad to hear there is someone else as equally forgetful as I can be.
________________________________________________________________________

Hi Kell,

hope you are well!

It was so great to see baby Lewis and little home Share as post of the day recently, & lovely to read all the comments.

I have finally released our last happy home, which didn’t quite turn out like I had planned, but that is kind of the nature of this project that has its own life right? I had originally intended for the word to be Granite, which would relate to our trip in our LHOW to Stanthorpe in Qld’s Southern Downs district.

However, true to form which seems to be occurring more often these days I forgot to pack said home..oh no! I was really cranky with myself, because I was really looking forward to sharing some things from this area with you & the girls. I am still including some pictures so that you can still enjoy this lovely part of our state.

Stanthorpe is a very popular weekend getaway especially for folks from Brisbane. It’s also our local wine growing area. There are lots of cellar doors & not just wine, there is cheese, olives, specialty chocolates, liqueurs, fruit orchards of all kinds, lavender, a maze, mushrooms, pottery and all the handmade crafty/arty goodness you would expect of a quaint little place like this & last but not least the must see Bramble Patch berry farm. At the Bramble Patch you can have a very delicious berry based treat & yummy coffee. They also sell all sorts of berry related produce, jams, coulis, savoury condiments, liqueurs...I’m sure there’s more I’ve left out, it’s got everything.

Girraween National Park is just down the road and it’s also well worth the visit. Of everything we did & looked at in our four days, our kids loved the National Park. My 6yr old son was in tears when we made them leave after two hours there. I was so surprised, because it was free & the adults enjoyed it, so everyone was happy. I really didn’t expect the kids to like it because that wasn’t really my idea of a good time when I was a child.

So, since coming home I decided to use my misfortune to my favour & change my word to Forget, which seems very appropriate given the circumstances. Trying to keep track of everything these days with three littlies under my wing & husband by my side, I forget more than I remember..I think! Then lady luck smiled on me the day the “lightbulb” went off to release our home forget at our daycare centre(Redcliffe), in the Lost Property Box…seems appropriate no?

Love to your family
Angela.

Home 233: Forget - Redcliffe QLD

Wish

2011-09-14T14:04:00.002+10:00

This little lady.....
she melts my heart right now
She is curious, ever exploring and collecting
Helpful and considerate
She has this wonderful habit of rubbing Mumma's forehead or gently patting my shoulder
Forever reminding me she is near
Her ability to empathise makes my heart skip a little beat
I am mesmerised by her wisdom
You will often find her laying on her top bunk bed, with the window open, pencil in hand, drawing
The wall above her bed is filled with post it note smiling faces
Her Kindy bag has treasured photographs of her little family, when she misses us she opens her bag and reminds herself we are always near
Never far

Make a wish sweet Ava
The world is yours.......

xox

*Mumma heads out the door today for a very important work meeting and Ava recognises my nerves, kisses me goodbye on the cheek and rubs my forehead. 'A magic touch for you Mumma, remember in your important meeting my touch on your forehead and that I love you. Good luck.'

Happiness is.... the colour yellow.
Three little ladies in our happy home fill my heart with yellow...x

Home 232: Wish - Geelong

Mystery

2011-09-12T20:36:00.002+10:00

We have a handful of random mysteries keeping us entertained in our little home right now.....

Desperately seeking suggestions or answers, if you will;

: : We have an enormous chook pen wired from roof to ground. Lately, when we go outside to collect the eggs, we have noticed that one egg has mysteriously made its way outside the pen, with the top cracked open. Spunk has scanned the pen searching for holes or escape routes puzzled as to how this one egg continues to be on the outer.

I suspect we have a mouse who heads out in the morning, makes her way into the coop, sneaking into the nesting boxes. She rolls the egg out of the box and down the run of the coop, all without cracking it. Clever mouse. The egg makes its way along the tunnel system little mouse has thoughtfully designed and then finds itself on the outside, at least a good metre from the pen? Possible!? Isn't it? Spunk thinks not, laughing his way through my entire theory. We are baffled, perplexed and a little bemused at one little chookie egg appearing on the lawn every few days?

: : The girls have been busy pottering in the garden. They came home from Kindy with loads of unmarked seeds in little packets and went to work planting. We have pots and garden beds full of these little seedlings. They are popping up everywhere?! (A vegetable of some sort?)

: : I am starting yet another crochet project after declaring to everyone in our little home that by the end of the week I will have one of these projects complete. Much of yesterday was spent learning how to join granny squares....oh my it took me forever to figure this out. I have also discovered I am living with permanent numb finger tips since crochet became an obsession of mine. Any one else experience this? Spunk thinks sitting on the couch until midnight with the hook in my hand may be responsible. I am thinking his theory possibly has some merit in it.

: : We continue to send out our little homes across the world thrilled with the mystery that we never quite now where they will ultimately find themselves. Recently we received a message from Kirsty at Bowerbird Blue letting us know her little home arrived. Whilst digging in her potato patch she made this quirky discovery and quickly noticed the similarities with our little homes. What is this quaint, rusty, little home thingamabob?

We have been pondering this one for a while now Kirsty and I am still baffled. Kirsty also has some beautiful ideas on where to release her little home Earthy great word. Pop over to Bowerbird Blue to have a peek at this gorgeous blog. I love that you are now viewing the world with potential home release glasses on Kirsty.

There is possibility for a little home to be released everywhere in the hope that someone discovers it....x

: : Excited about the opening of a second hand book store in our little town. We popped in this afternoon to browse the shelves and were a little late. Little home Mystery was kindly placed in the information box. No mystery here...we are just desperate to take a peek inside and thought that such a wonderful haven needs a happy little home.

Home 231: Mystery - Second Hand Book Store

Looking forward to a visit when it is open tomorrow.

Transform

2011-09-10T22:22:00.001+10:00

Transform......I adore this word and all it stands for.

I am besotted with this little project Same Hill Different Day by Paul Octavious . It is this image above that first captured my attention. There is something so free and cheerful about kite flying. We have a variety of kites we fly with our little ladies. You can't help but smile out there in the open, wind flicking your hair about, everyone excitedly looking up towards the blue sky.

This concept of the same view on different day is mesmerising. I have also noticed Lucy at Attic 24 my latest obsession takes a photograph from her attic window on a regular basis where you can witness the transforming English country side as each season passes her by.

A lovely guest release this weekend. Visit Beans Mummy and discover what this word means in her little home. The delightful C is a wonderful supporter of our project. While visiting her take a peek at her photography. Beautiful!

Thank you Beans Mummy. We think you are great....x

xoxox

Happy Weekend.

Image - Beans Mummy

Home 230: Transform - Victoria

Fresh

2011-09-07T16:26:00.001+10:00

Love, love, loving Wednesdays......

Fruit and vegetables don't last very long in our little home and of late we have found we tend to top up the fruit and veggies a few times a week. This means we pop into the green grocer (not always easy with three little ladies toddling along with me) at least twice a week. It also means that while we are out we tend to spend unnecessarily on things we don't really require.

We have quite a few veggie patches in our garden, chooks and fruit trees but have discovered these are not always abundant enough to keep us all going from week to week.

As we prepare our little family in the lead up to my new part time job, we decided high on our list of priorities was ensuring we had regular fresh fruit and vegetables. After a few recommendations from lovely friends we are now into our second week of our Aussie Farmers direct fruit and veggie delivery and oh my....I LOVE it! Our lovely 'Milkman' knocks on our door and in he comes with this amazing box of fresh goodies. And take a peek.....there are bananas! Three little ladies won over instantly.

We have ours delivered weekly and have so far found it perfect. Spunk is hooked on the fresh herbs given that he is the better cook in our little home.

It also comes with some suggested recipes. I adore that each week we are not exactly certain what the box will contain, it allows us to menu plan our weekly meals pending what is in the box. It has also reminded me that we tend to purchase the same fruit and veggies week after week and how thrilled I am to be reminded to try new things. Not to mention it is all Aussie made supporting our local farmers. And we are then left with this fab box that entertains the girls for hours! This one has been converted into a pretend kitchen bench that served up mud pie cakes outside.

Hmmm, a huge bunch of rhubarb in today's box....not a regular in our fridge. Any cooking suggestions?

Does fresh produce last long in your little home?

Home 229: Fresh - Store.

(We purchased a huge tub of local fresh honey on the weekend from the market and the girls are hooked. Honey is being drizzled on e v e r y t h i n g. After explaining to the girls that this is a different stack of honey they were not convinced and the three of them agreed this should be the resting place of this little home. So here it is.... little home fresh.)

* oh...and do I need to say that this post was not sponsored by Aussie farmers direct?

Leap

2011-09-06T20:19:00.001+10:00

We are leaping into spring in this little home....

The past few days have been sunshiny with loads of outdoor play, pottering in the garden and a little home with windows open and a fresh breeze blowing through. I adore the warmer weather and the lifestyle it brings.

We are also in the process of preparing for my new job and organising our life to make this transition easier for all of us. (Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions in my previous post) We have a growing list of chores we are busily working our way through. High on the list is a thorough spring clean. With the sun deciding to take leave for the next few days we turned our focus to the indoors. Our wardrobes were de-cluttered today with bags of clothes and toys delivered to the op shop. Tomorrow we tackle the linen cupboard, and a pots and pans de-clutter.

Do you spring clean?

Are you working your way through any lists?

Home 228: Leap - Nursery

Fathers

2011-09-04T21:38:00.002+10:00

Image

A morning sleep in

Cuddles and handmade gifts

Bacon and Eggs

Fishing with his three little ladies

The most devine cottage pie and coffee

A trip to the Moriac Makers and Growers Market

An afternoon relaxing in the garden

Fathers day bliss for a special Dadda in our little home........

Three little ladies are tucked up in bed, the kettle is on and I am about to join my man on the couch and indulge in a few of these delicious macaroon's we picked out at the Market today....x

Happy Fathers day to all the wonderful Dadda's out there and hugs to the special two men in my life.

I wouldn't trade either of you for the world.....

Night xoxox

Oh dear....with three little ladies jostling in front of the macaroon's while a special Dadda made our selections I cut our little home out of my photograph. Just below the strawberry centre's was little home Fathers.

Home 227: Fathers - Moriac Makers and Growers Market.

Thankful for a little home 'Shared'......

2011-09-02T17:41:00.002+10:00

I love the warm fuzzy feelings these little homes bring....

We are thankful for a happy home discovered. Remember Share, back here? The lovely Angela hid this little home in a baby shower gift for her best friend who was expecting her first bub after years of trying to conceive. We were delighted to hear about the safe arrival of baby Lewis and even more delighted when Tara contacted us to say she discovered her little home.

Thank you Tara, you have made us smile today...x

Read Tara's email below......

______________________________________________________________________

Hi Kell,

This afternoon I have sat and cried in front of my computer...got up and cried some more....and then when I thought about what I'd just read...I cried again! What set me off in the first place? Changing my 4 1/2 month old son's nappy of course. As I grabbed the clean nappy from my 'nappy cake' my BFF Ange made me, ...a cute wee origami house fell out. I glanced at it curiously, then turned my attention to more potent things (we've started solids ;-) Ten minutes later while the wee man had a snooze, I looked up the website written on my 'house' and was introduced to your world.

What a world it is too, what a lovely concept. I started to explore your site, got the gist of 1000 Homes of Happiness and clicked on my word, 'Share'. I didn't finish Ange's story before I sat wiping tears from my face feeling humbled that someone loved me so much to do this for me. After I did manage to read the whole post, I explored some more and read Ange's other posts, saw the photos of her gorgeous children and then I read your 'Drive' post. Oh how I understand your story. I salute anyone who has to undergo assistance in falling pregnant, it is a difficult, arduous journey, but for those of us who are lucky enough to succeed, my goodness it's so worth it.

All my old feelings and memories of my IVF journey returned, and I was reminded again how incredibly lucky I am to sit here with my baby boy asleep in the adjoining room.
I would like to 'Share' 3 thoughts I had since finding my 'house';

1. How lucky I am to be surrounded in life by such thoughtful people, with beautiful hearts.
2. How blessed I am to be the Mummy to my gorgeous little boy.
3. How I could never have got through the dark times trying to create a family without my husband by my side.

I have included a few photographs of my 'house'. I snuck into L's room while he slept and took some photos as he woke up. Needless to say, he tried to eat it, but I saved it.

Thank you again

Tara & Lewis x

Challenge

2011-08-31T20:59:00.004+10:00

Image here

There have been loads of big smiles in our little home these past few days!

This Mumma has landed herself the most amazing job and still can't believe she made it through the application stage, followed by the intense interview stage where she then she received that magical phone call saying it was all hers! Squeal.....!

Remember my post back here...about being a working Mumma? This was written at the freaking out point where we realised our little life is on the verge of changing. And now....well, I think the reality of it all has sunk in, now I am floating around on this fluffy cloud soooo deliriously happy.

I'm hoping women can have both the dream job and happy functioning families, that we can keep a healthy balance in our lives?

This job is going to challenge our little family and this excited Mumma. Thankfully it is still part time with flexible options where I can do some work from home. You will find me working at the University with Pre-service teachers and Academics and at the School where I currently work! You may even find me doing my Ph.D.......holy moly!!!

Three little ladies came home with a big box of chocolates for this excited Mumma and Poppy had this adorable speech all prepared thanks Spunk.... 'Mumma, these chocolates are from us to say congratulations on getting the new job. You will be great....can we have a chocolate?'

I went out today with my little ladies and purchased some celebratory heels. Those who know me well know I'm a flats kinda gal...I'm pretty certain I haven't purchased a pair of heels since kiddies came along. I put these on and instantly felt all grown up.

We have one month to prepare our little family and re-organise our life. I'm excited about the challenging road ahead!

Have you had the dream job and when was the last time you felt deliriously happy with a touch of freaking out all at the same time?

Any suggestions on organising our life in the lead up to work?

Home 226: Challenge - Shoe Shop

Grace

2011-08-30T20:47:00.002+10:00

How gorgeous is this little lady holding happy home Grace!

Grace is such a beautiful word as is the story behind how this beautiful little one came to be named. Thank you Tanya for releasing a little home of ours all the way over in Vancouver! We were so thrilled to have received your email and send this happy home on its way.

Read Tanya's story below and take a peek at this origami home now in Canada! A perfect location and sharing of happiness...x

xoxox
_________________________________________________________________________

Hello Kellie, Poppy, Ava and Blossom!

We released the little home Grace yesterday.

I chose to release the little home Grace at a statue in Vancouver called 'Inukshuk'. The meaning of the statue can be found here. It's located in English Bay which is just outside of Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver.

Two days after my dad passed away from cancer, I discovered I was pregnant with our little baby girl (she's 8 months old now). The Inukshuk is a traditional statue from where my dad grew up (Northern Territories) and I wanted to find a place here where I could bring them together. I didn't even know this until now but one of the meanings of the Inukshuk is to 'mark a place of respect or memorial for a beloved person'.

The last year of my dad's life was one so full of love and grace that I had to name my little girl Grace in honor of him.

Thank you for sending these beautiful little homes to us and letting us be part of your adventures!
who knows, maybe one day Grace will meet your girls in their travels.

Thanks again,

love Tanya and Grace xo

Home 225: Grace - Vancouver Canada!

* We look forward to Tanya releasing another little home soon all the way over in Nepal! What another amazing story she has to share. Thankyou Tanya...we are so very grateful xoxox

Jump

2011-08-29T14:52:00.003+10:00

Look what Daddy came home with during the week....

A sunshiny weekend and a new trampoline set up in the yard. At the crack of dawn, still in their pj's, three little ladies make their way outside and that seems to be where they stay at the moment.

I have been reminded this weekend past how fabulous it is to jump around on the trampoline like a lunatic. While Spunk has reclaimed his youth showing the girls all sorts of back flips and forward somersaults...(Mumma cringes...eeeeeek!)

Two big girls are learning to skip and a little Bloss seems to have almost mastered it on the trampoline... 'Doesn't count on the trampoline', I hear her two big sisters echo. 'Oh yes it does' she declares right back at them.

I think it's fair to say little Bloss is a trampoline hog...

It's a new week and the sun is shining....we are hoping for a quieter one in our little home.

Happy Monday...x

Do the little people in your home have a trampoline?

Do you get out and have a jump around with them?

Home 224: Jump - Spunk left this little home on the box at the trampoline shop

* For those who have been patiently awaiting a little home delivery...we sent off a stack this morning xoxo