Our favourite books ....

The little man loves his books; I have mentioned this in many posts.

We have decided for Christmas that we will focus most of his gifts around his love of books. This then got me thinking recently about the many and varied books that we adored growing up.  I distinctly remember loving Dick Bruna books, 'Miffy' and 'Tilly and Tess' both made lasting impressions, as did 'Mr Archimedes' bath by Pamela Allen. Mum has kept many of these books which are now read to the grandchildren when they visit. The Avocado baby' by John Burningham and 'The Friend' by Bob Graham were also firm family favourites.

 

There is a long list of favourite bedtime stories in our household at the moment. Many of them, for example 'Dear Zoo,' have been read to ad nauseam (I am joking but you surely get what I mean!) and anything to do with 'Spot' is also a huge hit. There are a few books that are my personal favourites that I sneak into our pile where possible. This is usually because of their illustrations (seriously, how cool are the illustrations in Maisy books? - she is the coolest mouse ever!) or funny little story lines. The collection of books about the 'Little Wombat' by Charles Fuge are adorable and 'The Pigs Knickers'

by Jonathon Emmett and Vanessa Cabban (a gift from the bestie) is hilarious!

 

 

What are some of the books you loved to read as a little one? What are some of the books that you read to your little ones now? I would love to know some of your favourites so I can start compiling a beautiful collection of books for our family to enjoy in the years to come.

 

PS. I also got thinking about the books I loved growing up. Did any of you love Trixie Belden and Judy Blume books too?

 

PPS. Sorry about the lay out of this blog. I did initially have loads of pictures of our favourite book covers but it would seem that the formatting, my computer and this ridiculous heat we are experiencing in Brisbane today, are not a good match. Seriously it is not even Summer, well not until tomorrow anyway :)  x

 

Christmas inspiration and wreaths ....

Today I am choosing to be a bit controversial. For those of you that know me well, you will be aware of my home decorating magazine obsession. I lust after magazines and beautifully decorated homes and have been so excited, possibly in a Kate, you need to 'get a life' kind of way, about receiving the December 2012 editions of all my favourite publications. But peeps, and this is where I might offend you, I have been left feeling a bit well, blah. Almost uninspired. I have been so looking forward to obsessing over perfectly decorated festive Australian homes but have found that a few of my favourite magazines ( I have chosen not to mention the offending publications) have been a bit well, 'too cool' and almost 'too chic' this festive season. In my opinion, which in the world of decorating I am well aware counts for nothing; Christmas is not a time for minimalist chic but a time for decorating, lights and most of all tradition. For the record, Country Style's Christmas Collectors edition revitalised my faith in Australian homes and Christmas decorating and Australian House and Garden, my heart just melted. As much as I love Australian House and Garden I rarely purchase it because well, it is depressing looking at homes and decorating ideas that are beyond our capabilities and budget, but my goodness they have put together 'a cracker' of a December 2012 edition :) - go purchase it right now!

Anyways so you may ask, where do I stand currently on Christmas preparations? Before I write any further you should know that I have it all planned in my head, that and thousands of other ideas, projects and things to do and read. Now you may quiz me ... :)

Have I purchased any gifts for family and friends? - No.

Have I started baking? - Nada... but I have thought about some scrumptious little things I am going to make as the perfect 'homemade Christmas' eating treat.....

Have I put up decorations? - Nope but I have decided on a fantastic colour scheme (blue and silver) and have purchased some great battery operated Christmas lights to put up for the little man to enjoy. Like his mum, Dominic goes crazy about a good fairly light display :) 

Do we have a tree? - Well no but I have something equally as beautiful and toddler proof! Photos will be provided in the upcoming weeks...

Are you beginning to feel excited about Christmas? - Yes, I am! It has only happened this week though. In fact, I am beginning to feel a little frazzled.....

Are you going to put a wreath on your front door?
And this readers is my current Christmas decorating dilemma. To me a beautiful Christmas wreath is the ultimate in Christmas chic, that and the most perfectly wrapped gift. I did find a very sweet wreath online but I am toying with the idea of making one. Surely that would be more meaningful?
I have also thought about getting some twinkly lights and a wreath from Big W and revamping this myself - I like to call this being crafty :) Anyway for some crafty, perfectly 'Christmas-eee' wreath ideas, I of course have turned to my friends at pinterest. They have not failed to disappoint - they never do. Over the next few weeks I will do a Christmas theme post each week so watch out!



Loving the felt balls.....



Sweet Paul says that this wreath is easily made? ...Hmmmmmm. It certainly is beautiful.



I am not sure what I love more, this front door or this beautifully rustic wreath?



Pink = perfect ....



This picture is so off the topic but how perfect are these little cookies?

So, are you making anything this Christmas? Have you got a wreath on your front door?
If you do, send me a pic of it at alittlehomewithfreesias@gmail.com I would love to see it!

feeling homely.....

Usually before I do a night shift, I feel this desperate need to make sure that the house is as clean and tidy as possible and that I have done some baking so I don't have to worry about food prep the day after - not worry about anything except staying awake to look after the little man of course! You really do appreciate a clean, tidy home when you are tired. It is kind of like having fresh sheets on your bed when you are feeling a little under the weather....so, so comforting. 

 

Recently the most beautiful florist has opened its doors near our home.

The little man and I made a mad dash to the florist this morning to buy me a bunch of flowers.

 

Who says that you need to spend a lot of money on furniture and art to make your home feel 'homely'? A gorgeous bunch of flowers, at least in my opinion, will do that on their own :)

 

 

 

Please note that when I say 'clean and tidy' I am not accounting for the piles of Mega Bloks, Spot books and toy cars that despite my best efforts, seem to by osmosis always end up back on the floor or in random places like the bottom of the bin, pantry or fridge!

You didn't honestly think I was going to include the floor of our living room in this lovely photo?

Sorry to disappoint peeps :) only pretty pics get included in this blog....

 

Hope your week is treating you well x

 

 

 

 

Jelly ballet flats

 

A quick end of the week post lovely readers. No you are not dreaming - these are quite possibly the cutest jelly ballet flats ever! My mother had purchased a pair of these shoes from Birds Nest c/o my sister for $29.95 and I had simply had to share them with you. Are they not gorgeous? I purchased a fab neon pink pair this afternoon. A definite purchase for your summer wardrobe. Get in quick - they won't last!

 

Have a great weekend - relax ....

x

News from the patch ...

What's happening lovely readers? I worked all weekend while my husband and the little man had some quality time together, doing boys stuff and riding the little man's 'bikey' (his new word).

I have been meaning to do a post on my raised garden bed for some time. I was wanting to post magnificent photos of a flourishing veggie patch like you would see in a magazine, but this is the real world people - lots of trial and error. Most mornings after breakfast, the little man and I venture out to the patch to investigate what has happened over night. Yes, although my little patch is on the smallest of scales, I am just a little bit obsessed :) Things with the patch however, have been a little slow. Once again I have been reminded of the importance of preparing soil adequately before planting.

The cucumbers and snow peas are growing at a great rate, as are the tomato trees. I have learnt the hard way with my tomatoes. Although I do have pretty good success in growing them, they are practically full proof after all, they can become a bit like a toddler - grow too quickly and without regular input and love and care, become totally unruly ... :) My baby beets and little carrots are also coming along with some gentle coaxing, but despite my best efforts and pesticides (unfortunately I did have to resort to the hard stuff) my baby spinach is still getting attacked by critters - so frustrating! My lettuces however are delicious and my herbs, well it would appear that herbs are my specialty. 

All photos taken by me with instagram...

 

I will post another couple of pics in a month or so with further progress. I hope all this garden talk doesn't bore you. A girl has to have a hobby people and our backyard is fast becoming mine. I could be a shopaholic but instead I love nurturing my patch and spending our money at Bunnings :) Speaking of which, I highly recommend visiting Bunnings during the week. I am not sure whether it is because there are no crowds or the fact that my husband is at work, but I highly recommend it. The little man and I love hanging in the garden section looking for bees and insects, taking our time and imagining all the beautiful things that we could grow.

 

Pinterest day dreaming...

There are some great photos circulating on pinterest at the moment. Here are a few which may tempt you into logging into your account. What, did you just say that you don't have one? Shame on you. Shame.... :)



Both pictures of these kitchens are fairly self explanatory .... they are divine.



Bathrooms.... don't talk to me about bathrooms. Let's just say that we have a bathroom full of asbestos and a terrazo floor. We may have under estimated the work and cost involved in renovating this space. We are now saving and going to try again for next year. All things come to those who wait - right?? (please...just agree with me).



Seriously love the Bally poster in this bathroom..



I did love my wedding dress but boy, if this beauty had been around 2.5 years ago, I think I would have had to have had this ...



I am not sure what I love more about this pic.... the fuschia dress or the models eyebrows?
Both are equally as fabulous.



Once again I find myself obsessing over hair. Loving this up style..



And finally Christmas.... it is getting closer peeps :)



Hope you feel as inspired by these pics as I do ...

Have a good week!

As usual... click on the photos for the pinterest links ...

My dream job ....

I absolutely love The Design Files blog. I get so excited when I receive blog updates from them in my email each day and today was no exception. These pics were copied from The Design Files this morning and are of Melanie Stapleton's beautiful florist shop Cecilia Fox in Brunswick, Melbourne.
It has come to my attention that she also has the most divine blog which is bound to be added to your weekly blog reading list ....



I love my job, I really do. I honestly believe I work with the most brilliant bunch of women. I feel so lucky (mostly) to have the kind of job where I can care for families and look after parents as they manage the many and varied challenges of parenthood but my goodness, I would LOVE to be a florist. The hours I am sure are horrendous and there is no doubt that you would work incredibly hard, but imagine being surrounded by flowers like these in the most beautiful little shop all day, every day. It would have to be a happy place to work for sure .....
There is no doubt from these gorgeous pictures that Melanie is one clever chick. I am thinking that Cecilia Fox is a must check next time I am in Melbourne - sigh .....

What is your dream job or are you already working in it?

 

all images copied from The Design Files