Heart Felt

Frost + Sunshine

This morning we woke to a light frost and beautiful sunshine......I just had to spend some time out in the crisp garden.

Autumn Rosehips

Frosted clover

Broadbean seedlings + Sweetpea shoots

Lichen on the old apple tree

It's been a beautiful Autumn. xx

A Woodland Walk

Charlie and I had had enough of the cold and the rain after four days straight.  Today we decided to brave the weather, put on our boots, hats, coats and scarves and venture outside.  It didn't take us long to warm up and we had an exciting adventure hunting for monsters, throwing stones into the river and exploring the woodland at Henley Lake.

We found some red gum from a Gum Tree.

Charlie thought it looked like 'jam'.

The colors of autumn are near it's end.

It was worth getting red cheeks, damp cuffs and cold fingers.  We soon warmed up with a cup of hot milk in front of the fire when we got home.  Keep warm. xx

Old family photographs

My cousin Erina has spent many years researching our family history on my mother's side.  It's been a project of passion and obsession. The rest of the family has reaped the benefits of her hard work and we now have a clear picture of our ancestry.  Last week she sent me a disc with some old family photographs, many of which I hadn't seen before.  I thought would share some of my favorite ones with you and you can see more on my Flickr. xx

My Grandfather

 

Daphne

 

Leonard and Flora

My Grandmother and Grandfather on their wedding day.

 

My Grandmother

 

My Grandfather

Cloth

One of my favorite shops in our region is a tiny little shop housed in this historic building in Greytown.

It's called Cloth and here you can find original and affordable handmade clothing for children made out of vintage fabric. 

In the past I have bought these pants...which she is still getting wear out of...

and last Christmas Sadie was given this beautiful wrap dress...

This time I couldn't resist this simple pillow slip dress.  The fabric is quite stiff, but it's made extra special with this gorgeous insect screen print and just love the little blue flowers and the chocolate brown lining.

To top off their 'thrifty' philosophy they don't put your purchase into a plastic bag, instead they have paper bags made out of old children's books!  

Already I have reused the bag as a gift to someone else, how's that for recycling?

The adorable little rabbit Sadie is holding is a gift from Lucy.  Check out her Felt shop, Speckled Egg, where she makes the most gorgeous things for little people.  The rabbit is a gift to our new baby due in November, but Sadie is babysitting it until then. Thanks Lucy, it's very special. xx

A willing model

I'm rather fortunate to have such a willing model in Charlie.  It does cost me, usually a lollipop or an ice-cream treat, but I think it's worth it.  How could you say no to that beautiful smile!  It's not all smooth sailing, for every one great photograph I get a dozen shots with him poking his tongue out...that's boys for you.

These knits plus some others are available for purchase on Trade Me. Hope your weekend has treated you well. xx

The Feijoa

The Feijoa is a fruit most New Zealanders can identify with.  Many of us have a tree growing in our backyards.   We unfortunately do not, but today we had the opportunity to collect some from a small farm. The children enjoyed not only the Feijoas, but also getting up close and personal with some calves and to feed some roaming chickens.

An impromptu visit meant we weren't quite dressed for a farm visit.

Charlie wanted to 'ride' the calves.

The calves didn't seemed too interested in eating the fallen fruit. {the trees are in the background}

Feijoa's growing on the tree

Charlie and Sadie feeding the chickens.

Having a Feijoa feast

Love for Love-stitches

Thank-you so much for all your overwhelming comments on our new 'expectant'.  The planning and excitement will keep me going over the cold winter months.  I have my energy back now and I should have some new Heart Felt knits ready list on Trade Me by tonight. 

Recently I had the privilege of participating in a 'swap' with Steph of Love-stitches.   Sadie was delighted to receive this beautiful felt crown.  We now call her 'Princess Sadie', (which she approves of.)   Steph's work is just divine, high quality with lots of love in each piece.  Check out her Etsy store here.

Heart Felt news

For those who haven't already guessed, we are expecting our third Heart Felt child mid November!  So far all is going well.  Charlie tells everyone he meets that "Mama has a baba in her tummy".  All very exciting in our little household at the moment. xx

Artist at work

Last week Sadie came home from daycare with this amazing drawing.  Her carer said she spent 30 minutes on this piece, using the entire page and a variety of different colors.  

At home she has been using an old diary and Charlie's old dried up felt tip pens, so I thought I had better take Sadie to the art supply shop and buy her her own art pad and some bright new crayons.  

She spent the better half of the afternoon drawing in her new pad.  To my amazement she was actually drawing 'things'.  She would do a scribble and then smell it (it was a flower).  Then she would do another scribble and bark like a dog.  This is such an incredible time of development and wonder....a special moment to savor. xx