Saturday, May 31, 2014

2014: May Portraits






"Portraits of my girls in 2014"


Sophie: Every week, we get comments galore on her curls.  "Blue eyes and ringlets, what a combination," said a lady in the queue at the newsagent yesterday.  "Some women would spend hours trying to get their hair like that," commented another old dear not long after.

Grace: If she isn't drawing or crafting lately, she's getting stuck into her Lego... watching and playing with her brings back such fond childhood memories of my own...


Joining in with Jodi

Monday, May 26, 2014

Back After An Online Break



A month ago, I decided I needed some time out from the online world... it felt as though I was juggling one too many things and so I cut out my use of technology and social media pretty much altogether.  A handful of minor health issues one after another left me needing some time away and space to take things easy... I stopped writing blog posts or reading other favourite blog reads.  Weeks passed without me logging into Instagram or sharing photos of my own. Emails were checked on the weekend only and left sitting unanswered in my inbox.  My laptop remained shut and I didn't go near the iPad for weeks. Photos taken were few and far between (especially when our camera decided to play up).

My self-imposed hiatus was so refreshing.  I focused on myself and my little family, on restful days and simple pleasures.  And while there were no pretty photos to browse through and no inspiring words to soak up, there were other benefits to be gained from my screen free break... disappearing for a little spell filled my days with so much more in so many ways.

With June on our doorstep, I'm looking forward to finishing off the first half of this year in a more balanced way... and hopefully continuing to do so over the coming months, focusing on what really matters in our days and what really matters to me...    

Monday, April 28, 2014

2014 Portraits: April






"Portraits of my girls in 2014"


Sophie: At the Valley Of The Giants... so much for an inquisitive little one to take in

Grace: A secret garden perfect for a nature loving girl to explore... collecting treasures of pine cones and unusual leaves to bring home


Joining in with Jodi

Friday, April 25, 2014

Unwinding



This time last week, we had just returned home from a getaway to our beloved Denmark... a place we escape to for fresh country air, peacefulness and slow living, a town I am always sad to farewell when the time comes to return to the city.  It is a break that always leaves us feeling fresh and rejuvenated, a place where we can all truly unwind...

On this holiday, different cafes were tried and old favourites re-visited.  Trinkets (both pre-loved and new) were purchased in town. Drives through towering karri trees along winding highways fed my soul. Rolling surf crashing onto pristine beaches was admired.  Our ninth wedding anniversary was celebrated.  Two little girls sharing a bedroom giggled well past their bedtime each night. Adventures through gardens sprinkled with hidden treasures were enjoyed. I was grateful for every minute of every day we spent away.



I did my best to soak in small details and to take in the beauty of my surroundings, to be inspired by the homes and lifestyle of the townspeople and to think of ways to incorporate 'a little bit of Denmark' into our suburban home.

Time to think and plan and dream, to enjoy one another's company and to simply be, just as I do when we are away on holidays, is something I am going to strive to make time for more often back here at home...




Sunday, April 13, 2014

Snippets Of Our Week...



1.  A sweet little pillowcase to pretty up Sophie's new big girl bed until her patchwork quilt is ready (we've said goodbye to the toddler bed she's slept in since 16 months)



2.  A few days earlier in the week were perfectly overcast... my favourite kind of sky



3. Sophie made herself at home in Grace's room as usual while her big sister was at school, wearing her shoes and playing with her toys... a box of craft 'jewels' kept her entertained for ages



4.  I smiled this week seeing my Dad's old childhood set of dominoes being played with by the girls (alongside farm animals and fairies)



5.  Asha seemed to be smiling in this photograph... I couldn't not include it here