Heart Felt

Mum

Mum passed away early Sunday morning after a very long illness. 

 We have spent the week with my brother and sister looking through family photographs and giving her a final send off. 

A beautiful woman inside and out who will be greatly missed.

Turning 40.....

There - I've done it! 

Instead of putting my head under the bed covers and pretending it wasn't going to happen, I've embraced turning 40 with my beautiful family and my most amazing friends.

I've been so darn spoilt that maybe 40 won't be so bad after all.

Cafe life

Thought I would update you on how the cafe has been working out for us.  It's hard to believe we are into our seventh month already.   Three months ago I decided to resign from my library job and now I'm working with Ian during the day.  You dont' get the chance to own your own cafe every day, so we thought if we were going to do it properly I had to be more involved.  I'm loving it, it's been great working with Ian everyday, bouncing ideas off each other in how to improve things and perfecting our coffee making.  

Going into it we wanted to put our own mark on the place immediately, but it didn't take us long to realise that it's a gradual progress that takes time and money, but we are definitely moving ahead with a solid following. 

So far we have introduced a new logo designed by our friend Geoff Francis.  Ian wants to introduce a good selection of gluten free cakes, cupcakes and pizza bases.  We also want to try and promote a 'green' image where we try to use as much biodegradable products as possible.

I have started up 'The Makery', a place where I host craft sessions for birthday parties and school holiday programmes for children.  I'm now thinking how I can do something similar for adults.   Crafts and cafes seem to go hand in hand.

My Makers at Home group has also hosted a handmade goods ~ music ~ local art and food night a few weeks ago.  The place was lit up with tea lights and we had a brazier burning out in the courtyard.  It was a wonderful evening.  It turned into a real community event.

Life hasn't changed too much for the children.   We try to have a meal at the cafe together once a week which they look forward to.  Charlie and Sadie love decorating the 'specials' blackboard for me with their quirky little drawings.

Thanks to those who have already popped in to say hello, it's lovely meeting you.  

Follow us on Facebook if you would like to keep updated. 

 ~ our new signs ~

 ~ Ian at the coffee machine ~

~ Ian's G.F chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes ~ 

 

 ~ Cuckoo's marinated olives served in a vintage tea cup ~ 

 

 

~ me setting up the Makery for a craft afternoon ~ 

 

 ~ Makers At Home event ~

 

 

~ Pear and almond tart ~ 

 

 

 

 ~ The Makery in full swing ~ 

Savoring summer afternoons @ home

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drawing with Sadie

 

We have the most wonderful art shop in Greytown ~ The Village Art Shop. I bought Sadie art supplies for Xmas and the next day I found out I had won their Facebook competition.

I haven't had nice art supplies for a very long time, so it's been lovely to be able to draw together.

She can teach me some things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new hat

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet & Simple inspiration

Still here waiting.  I'm really enjoying the time I have, especially now winter seems to have set in.  

Today was a perfect day to settle in front of the fire with my recent purchase, Sweet & Simple Handmade by Melissa.  

The book hasn't disappointed, pure Tiny Happy inspiration.  

This baby is going to be most snuggly when he arrives.

 

This piece I have hand dyed in navy blue and added the little embroidery detail.  Just hoping it doesn't look like a funny looking Xmas tree, but I love the colours.

 

This little yellow set I found at the thrift store for $1.50, super cute with a little embroidery.  

The back is a bit messy, but it was fun to do.

 

39 weeks

39 weeks and I'm feeling great.  I think the little one is feeling quite comfortable where he is right now, still with room to wiggle about.  I have a feeling he's in no hurry to meet us quite yet and I'm just kicking back enjoying all the free time I have.  

I have started my 14 weeks maternity leave and under no illusion how precious this time is.  The house is in the process of having a top to toe clean, but it's more of a 'now or never' feeling rather than nesting. It's good to get jobs done that I just don't seem to find the time to do normally.

On the top of my list was to get his things ready, his hammock up and dresser packed with winter woollies for when he arrives.   Oscar is enjoying this process too, I've been showing him photographs of him when he was a baby sleeping in the same hammock with 'Buddy Polly'.  At the moment he's enjoying tucking up soft toys into it and turning off the light, shutting the door and telling every one to 'shhhhhh ~ the baby is asleep'.

I've  been over whelmed with the amazing generosity of family, friends and blog friends who have given us their 'hand-me-downs' and beautiful handmade gifts.  Basically I haven't had to buy anything new which is very much appreciated.

A year of photographing other children

It's been a year since offering my photographing services to friends and family.  By no means do I call myself a professional ~ because I'm simply not.  I just love my camera and enjoy capturing children in their natural environment and also experimenting with various looks and styles.  

With winter looming and the baby due soon, I'm just starting to wind up and trying to squeeze in the last few bookings. 

It's been challenging photographing other people's children, but I've learnt a lot.....  and capturing those 'perfect moments' has made all worth while.  Just wanted to say 'thank-you' to all my friends and I appreciate your encouragement and support. 

I will look forward in starting up again in the spring. 

Jxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knitting on a hot day...

We found out last week that we are expecting a little boy.  

The children are super excited and have be coming up with suggestions for names.  I was a bit unsure if I should find out the sex or not ~ but I'm quite an impatient person and like to get on to things, so we decided to ask.  I'm pleased we did ~ now I have a list of projects I want to make for him over the next few months.

Since he will be arriving for our winter, I've started with a small and easy knitting project.  A little vintage pixie bonnet from Hadley Fierlinger's book "Vintage knits for modern babies".  After this I might make the modern baby bonnet on page 44.  It does seem strange knitting with wool on a super hot New Zealand summers day.  

It's quite exciting, I've never had a winter baby before and the thought of snuggling up with a newborn, soup cooking on the stove top and the fire roaring is making my heart feel warm and full.