Weekending

As a stay at home Mama with a breast fed baby, a toddler and a school boy, it's very rare that I go out without children. Where I go, they come. One, two, or all three of them. I had been going to yoga one night a week until the class time changed and I couldn't make it work anymore. That had been my time-out, my 'me time'. But a month or two have passed, and 'me time' just hasn't happened. 

I scheduled some time out this weekend, booking my husband in to solo-parent while I spent the day as I pleased. And it was wonderful. I felt guilty initially. But given the amount of time my husband spends surfing and playing golf, the feeling soon faded. First, I wandered a Sunday market with all it's trash and treasure. Without interruption I browsed the stalls and brought myself a couple of books and some potted herbs, all for a few gold coins. Next I wandered through Freedom Furniture and brought a new throw, a ceramic house and a vintage style light bulb to feather my nest. Most luxuriously of all, I stopped in at a cafe for brunch. eating and drinking my tea alone, before wandering through Ikea and emerging with a cushion cover, a set of wine glasses and a note book. 

Oh how I love my three babies. But how necessary it is to have a little time to ones self, to be oneself, every now and again. I was delighted to see them again, and they were delighted to rummage through my market basket and discover all that I had brought home with me.

I shall be booking in my husband again soon - there is an antique center that I have been wanting to visit.

Sponsor Spotlight - Alexandra MackeNZie + Giveaway CLOSED

I thought a few fun questions would be a lovely way to get to know the people behind the blogs and shops that sponsor my blog (thus enabling my knitting and handmade addiction). My next guest in the 'Sponsor Spotlight' chair is Ellen from Alexandra Mackenzie blog and shop. I first discovered this talented New Zealand based crocheter through a crochet-along of her beautiful round cushion cover. You may remember that I made one each for Cohen and Emerson, which they both love and sleep with each night. I'm so pleased to be able to share some of Ellen's beautiful work with you today and point you to her easy to understand patterns. So, please welcome Ellen, and do pop over to her facebook page for a visit and a little chat.

Where did the name Alexandra MackeNZie  come from... Alexandra Mackenzie are my middle names, both are family names and I always thought they sounded a wee bit fancy. So when choosing I name for my little empire I didn't want to use my name, but didn't want something completely random either so Alexandra Mackenzie fit perfectly and the hidden NZ in Mackenzie was an added bonus.

My Shop Is... Something I am really proud of, know that people from all over the world are browsing buying and now making my items gives me a huge kick, there are hottie bottles all over the world keeping toes warm with my covers on them.

I now have two shops, one full of ready-made and custom made home wares and accessories and a brand spanking new one for my patterns.

Seeing people create with my patterns... Is fab and a little freaky, still quite new to me as I haven't been selling the patterns for long. I love seeing other peoples colour combos, like Christina's cushions, love them particularly the green one, I could take that one home with me!!

I learnt to crochet... From Youtube, just a couple of quick granny square tutorials and I was away, I had tried to learn from books but had failed miserably. I didn't learn to follow patterns, rather just try and make my own ideas a reality.

Some of my favourite things I have made are... Quite often the last thing I made, tend to fall in love with things pretty easily but have to tell myself I cant keep everything.

Lately its the hexi potholders, I am making one with hearts at the moment which I suspect might knock the Hexis off their perch. The hottie bottle is always a favourite and the most popular thing in the store too.

The Giveaway!

Ellen has been besotted by the adorable crochet hearts below of late, and who could blame her? This sweet rainbow heart bunting has been crocheted by Ellen's clever hands and would be especially perfect in a nursery or craft room. Ellen has generously offered it to be given away to one lucky reader. 

To enter, 'like' the Alexandra Mackenzie facebook book page and leave a comment below. While you're at it, I'd love to know - what's your most loved crocheted or knitted item you own? 

Is it something you made? Something from your childhood? Something from a special occasion?

The giveaway is open Internationally an will be drawn on the 13th September.

Many thanks to Ellen for supporting my blog this month!

If you are interested in being featured in a 'Sponsor Spotlight', please check out my Sponsor Info page or email me - christina-lowry@hotmail.com
Advertising spaces range from  $10 - $20 for 30 days and begin any day of the month.

(I've had to put the price up a little recently, as Passionfruit Ads, who I run my ads through, have changed their structure and are now costing me more. Given the time and energy I put in to supporting my sponsors though, I think the prices are fair. Thanks for understanding.)

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And the winner, thanks to Random.org, is comment 1!

Congratulations Amy!

Thanks to everyone else who entered. :)

8 Little Things

 

1. New additions - a thrifted boy wearing clogs and holding a duck (who could resist?) for $1, and a 10 pound ball from Freedom

2. 'Great Expectations' - my latest book club read. I love an excuse to read classics.

3. My first piece of Anthropologie - a gorgeous paisley cowl I won in a giveaway on Mother Down Under - thanks Caitlin!

4. Chocolate Cake Beard!

5. Brooch friends - One for the Pot and Erin's window

6. Broccoli in bloom - so pretty

7. A new thrifted cushion for $2 - a little bit of early Spring

8. Phase two partially complete on the Doll House - first coat done

 

What lovely things have you been making, growing or doing lately?

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day three

Mellie Lang recently moved to the Sunshine Coast from the UK, where she was a clothing designer. With a creative dream and notebooks full of designs, she left her day job to set up a studio in her house, where she could indulge her passion as a designer and maker. Here she puts her love of natural materials to work on her knitting machines.

Partridge and A Pear Knitted Cushion 

Mellie's work combines a love of nature with a conscious commitment to using only sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. From wool to packaging, each item Mellie sources needs to suit these requirements and wear well over many years.

This beautiful cushion, A Partridge and A Pear, was inspired by the traditional Christmas song Twelve Days of Christmas. It seemed the perfect choice for today's giveaway.

For the opportunity to win this beautiful cushion, which retails at $45, leave a comment below telling us your favourite thing about the Christmas season. Open Internationally. The giveaway will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Mellie Lang, or purchase her beautiful designs, by clicking over to her shop or blog.

Let's support our local talented crafters this Christmas!

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And the winner of the third giveaway, care of random.org, is comment 18!

Tammi Nepia - Hmm, there are so many things to love about the silly season but my favourite would have to be watching the excitement of our kids as they decorate the tree.

Gorgeous cushion.
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