Stills

1. Holding hands.
2. Collecting stones.
3. Playing games.
4. Climbing furniture.
5. Tidying mess.
6. Awaiting mama.
7. Asking questions.
8. Pulling trolleys.

This has been our week, on repeat.  And yep, pulling trolley bags has been a fave.

Joining in with Em of The Beetle Shack for Stills - A Weekly Collection.

Memory game from Mama May i, Ball Vintage Jar from Pop Roc Parties, Mothers Day card from iDear, Trolley Bags from Gooie.

Twenty

So, nearing the halfway point for the 52 Portraits project, which means I may actually reach the finish line on this one, woohoo!  It was a spontaneous decision to join in, but I'm glad I did.  Today's portraits for instance, I wouldn't have taken if it weren't for this project and my sudden awareness that I had no portraits to post.  I'm looking forward to collating all the portraits at the end of this, fun!

This week:  Garland is just about the cheekiest wee boy I have come across, don't let that butter-wouldn't-melt expression fool you.  And Eleanor, calmly resorted to book-reading at the best possible moment.  I was juuuuuust about to suggest a game of some kind as a diversion from what was currently goin' on, but she found her own quiet-time activity.  Whew.

Joining in with Jodi of Che and Fidel for 52 Portraits x

Curvy Style Friday

You know, before I started this series, I was still pretty much stuck in a post-having-babies cycle of rotating the same four dresses over and over, with jandals in summer and tights in winter.  It was a conscious decision to start giving more thought to my wardrobe, and to give myself a clothing allowance.  It's a really hard thing to do, when you have little kiddos and a single income, but I'm so glad to have done so.  And I'm grateful that I have an understanding partner, who mostly gets how important it is for me.  Ug, so conscious of how first world I'm sounding right now.  Moooooving on.

Outfit Details:  Feather Bone Carving - Alan Gale (I gave it to Zan for one of our anniversaries), Top - Neiel Vintage on Etsy, Singlet - Glassons, Tights - Blackbird Tees, Jandals - Havaianas.  I also got these new glasses from Zenni Optical - recommended by Angela of Striking Keys.  I don't love these frames as much as my old pair, but really they're pretty much the same.

So I figured that if I'm going to wear tights again this winter, I might as well love them.  These were a splurge, but worth it I think.  I don't often buy clothing of Etsy.  Actually, this is the first time.  But I was really pleased with both items - new favourites.  I have found some great clothing stores on Etsy, so these won't be my last purchases.  I will also be back to Blackbird Tees, I reeeeeally love their designs.

And feel free to laugh at my silly posing.  I usually ham it up, what with my photographer mocking me the entire time anyway... ;-)

On a separate note, a couple of people have asked if I would be interested in adding a linky to these posts.  I'm not that tech-savvy, but I could try and remember how to set one up, if there's any more interest.  I've been joining in each week (belatedly) with Wardrobe Wednesday, but I could definitely be convinced to host a linky here as well. The only thing better than embracing and loving your curves, is convincing your friends to do the same.  And meantime, if you do a Curvy Style post, please leave a comment so I can come and visit! x

May

April was just a bit too crazy in some ways, and I was in no way prepared for how much quieter May would be.  I guess there's always an expectation that life will slow down as the weather cools, but we're in a weird interim at the moment, between the anticipation of a very busy June & July just around the corner, and this super quiet month of May.

This month has been made quieter due to a bunch of lurgy outbreaks in our hood.  Whooping Cough and Strep Throat, of which we are quite keen to avoid both.  So we have been laying low, and nursing our sore throats and sniffles with utmost care (and doctor visits, to be honest).  I have also, very recently (as in yesterday) decided to give up sugar.  Which makes life feel very boring indeed.

I want to say that I am loving the slow pace, and I'm totally living in the moment yada yada yada, but... I'm kinda not, that much.  I think that I am much more of a people person than I realised.  I think that I feel more energized when I have a good balance between social and solitude.  I think, also, my kids might be a little bit the same.  Because boy oh boy.  We've had some times.   

In the meantime, we are spending lots of time at my Ma's house while she's away (actually, we have literally moved in and set up camp), and try to pop down to the beach every day, and I'm trying to find it really exciting to sit on the sand for ages while they play.  And I consider it a huge success if I can convince myself that I'm having as much fun as they are, but if I'm honest, I feel pretty relieved when I know that we're all ready to head home (even though the journey home is always the hardest bit).  I think I need to take up crafting again.  For reals.

Mama's Day Picnic

Mother's Day was simple and sweet this year.  My guy packed a basket full of yummy treats, and we drove around the countryside until we found a spot where we wanted to stop.  The outing involved climbing someone's fence, scrambling down muddy banks, and perching on not-our-land (don't worry, neighbours of my pop, they would never mind) to eat our goodies.  

Afterwards, we climbed down the bank and dipped our toes in the water.  Our One Day dream is to permanently live on a plot of land that has a river running across it.  Both of us had this very privilege as children, and... well... dreams...

Meantime, there are plenty of creeks for us to visit, and beaches to run across, and all the rest of that country-ey goodness.  I really don't want to take this life for granted.  We are lucky, soooooo flippin' lucky, to have all these wide open spaces to explore.  

 Whereas this little guy has never known any different...

Sponsor Feature: Delbrook Quilts - Online Quilt Shop

I'm so pleased to welcome my newest sponsor Delbrook Quilt Shop to The Golden Adventures.  Christine was such a delight to e-chat with, and I love the look of her online store, filled with fabric and kit sets and sewing notions, and a couple of really cool looking classes (including the Quilt In A Day class where you come home with a completed quilt top, whaat whaaaaaat?!!).  Here are some of my faves (spot the Croutons cat!):

Jessie's Bag Kit, Beginners Class, Robyn Pandolph Avocado Dots, Wool Felt Bucket Bag Kit, Home Is Where Your Story Begins Table Runner Kit, Forest Friends Fabric, Cot Quilt Class, The Henley Studio - Mocha fabric, Hollyhock Sewing Kit Kit, Riley Blake - Blue Polka Dot fabric.

I can think of lots of lovelies who would be stoked to receive a craft kit for birthday or Christmas, and I am desperately in need of some of those classes, starting with the Beginners Class.  Eeep!  Imagine learning how to actually quilt properly!!  It would put some of my previous, sad attempts at quilting to shame (but how much fun would that be, for reals!  Hanging out with a bunch of other crafty gals, snacking, chatting and learning how to quilt together).  Maybe next time I'm in the Hawkes Bay, I'll book myself in :-) They also sell patterns, fabric, and notions.  I'm kinda smitten with all those polkadots, in case you didn't notice!

Christine had this to say (cut and pasted from an email, I thought it was too lovely not to share):
"I just love the whole warmth and love that goes into making something for someone else and quilting is perfect for that - large and small projects.  A very family oriented craft I think."

Having gifted the odd (small) quilted project, I totally agree.

Do go and have a look at her lovely online store.  You can also follow her on twitter, pinterest and facebook (the best way to keep up with news, sales and other exciting things).  And she has also begun a blog filled with quilty loveliness, pop by and say hi!

Boy babies and baby dolls

I couldn't resist sharing these pics of Garland and his little pallies.  The doll on the left was made by my mama, and is kept in the collection of toys for them to play with when they visit.  Eleanor's doll won't reappear until her birthday in October, but I thought I'd let the little guy have a quick cuddle before she disappeared.

It's enough to warm any mama's heart, seeing a little chap so taken with his babies.  He was so chuffed, his giggles so sweet.  I immediately swore that he would have his own baby on his second birthday, which is still quite a way away.  It's going to take every ounce of patience I have to wait for those birthdays.

I wish I had the skills and patience to make my own Steiner dolls.  I really loved my doll-babies when I was little, all handmade by Mama.  Sometimes I would sneak them to school in my schoolbag (we weren't allowed to bring personal toys to school), it seemed so cruel to leave them at home.  But alas, I really don't feel a strong desire to hand-make my kids their first Steiner dolls, so I am turning to the experts.  

And the experts are pretty alright.  Right?  And just FYI, that most adorable bonnet was handmade by Jannelle of Heartfelt, so so gorgeous.

Curvy Style (Sunday)

Outfit Details: Sunglasses (prescription - my everyday glasses just broke *sadface*) - Zenni Optical, Scarf - Urban Outfitters, Necklace - Whimsy & Grace, Cardigan - Glassons, Singlet - Glassons, Jeans - ASOS, Gumboots - Skellerup Red Bands.

Pretty typical country girl outfit! Red Bands are too easy to slip into, I would wear them every day if I could.  Well actually, I can.  And mostly, I do.  I also love these high waisted jeans, and extra long singlet.  It's so nice to feel sufficiently covered up - there's nothing more annoying than high maintenance clothing that calls for constant adjusting (for comfort, warmth and propriety).

Just wanted to let y'all know that I don't wear dresses every day.  Just most days.

And look at that!  Yesterday, a post about how I'm finding it hard to post at the moment, and today, THREE (albeit short) posts!  I'm a Gemini, for those who are curious.  And this is very normal behavior for me ;-)

Winner!!

Eeeeeep!!  Congratulations to the lovely winner!!  

I am preparing another exciting giveaway, so if you missed out (and okay, quite a few of you did), you will have another opportunity to win some fun stuff.  Meantime, if you liked any of the beautiful items in my previous giveaway, do pop over and visit their stores - perhaps a sneaky Mothers Day purchase is in order?

Floral Stickers from Pop Roc Parties

Starry Night Pendant by Twenty Fingers

Blog or Facebook Profile Pic by Rosa-May Rutherford

Pretty Floral Paper Straws from Pop Roc Parties

Sleepy Head Hand Screen Printed Pillowcase from The Art Room

Ball Vintage Blue Pint Jar from Pop Roc Parties

Warrior Arrows Wool Cushion Cover from NZFinch

Crocheted Slippers by Aimankaki

Gray Ombre Cotton Flour Sack Tea Towels by 2Jacs

Tainted Love Hand Creme by Tokyo Milk from Olive & Pimento

Make A Wish Hottie Cover by Big Little

Linocut Block Print (your choice) by Sappling

Nineteen

So I removed yesterday's post :-/  After a good vent I felt a whole lot better, which often happens.  And then I removed the vent-post, because I often do that too (you'll get used to it).  Anyway, I thought I'd pop these cuties back up.  Perfect for the 52 project huh!

They spent an entire day where all they wanted to do was hug.  It was very sweet, and we were hopeful the phase would stick.  It didn't, but I'm glad we have some evidence.

Joining in with Jodi of Che & Fidel, for 52 Portraits.  I'll be back soon to announce the giveaway winner

This and That

With some real wintery weather rolling in, we have laid pretty low this week.  There are nasty bugs everywhere, and general coldness and raininess.  Thank goodness for good books and snuggly blankets.  Today we went on a spontaneous, short road-trip with my sister, and part of me was glad to get out of the house, and the other part of me was like, 'we were comfier at home'.  It's been one of those weeks, for sure.

I've been planning a few things too, upcoming blog posts and little projects and another big giveaway (don't forget to enter this one!  Two more days!).  In all that planning, I suddenly realised that I rarely write spontaneous posts these days, and that made me kinda sad.   So here it is.  A spontaneous, unplanned, going-nowhere post.  Maybe it's not such a bad thing I don't write them very often anymore ;-)

Anyway, these are some images I worked up when my drawing tablet was still a shiny new toy.  I haven't used it for a couple of nights now, but I'm sure I'll be back, as soon as I have a new idea...  The fairies were fun, that top one was for Jannelle of Heartfelt, and of course, Garland below.  And that's my wee, part French niece who hasn't yet visited Paris (though her lucky sisters have).  Pretty fun!

Okay, better hit the hay, wishing you a lovely Friday night friends xx

The Handmade Series: Eszter Budal Nagy

Recently I was sent this absolutely stunning Steiner doll (Waldorf to those in the US) to review, and my heart totally melted the minute I opened the parcel.  When we were little, we had a small array of Steiner dolls, and I literally considered them to be my children.  There's something SO special about a Steiner doll, it's softness and simplicity.  They seem to stimulate a natural desire to want to mother/father (baby G was OB.SESSED with this doll when I showed him, E hasn't seen it yet, I intend to give it to her for her next birthday).  Actually, my ma (Steiner doll-maker herself) and I were totally smitten ourselves.  Like, crazy smitten.

As far as Steiner dolls go, I have never come across one quite like this.  Incredibly well made, and with the softest hair (perfect for plaiting) I have seen on a doll.  Her clothes are all handmade - stitched and knitted (she has some gingham bloomers underneath her dress too, cute!).

Beyond that, there's just something so special about this doll.  How sweet and earth-mama and just a little bit wild she is (I like that).  With those rosy red cheeks (I have temporarily named her Rose Red, which was the inspiration for the series of illustrations, in particular the bear ^) and soft brown eyes.  She is soft and cuddly and I know she will be a well-loved addition to our family.  Honestly, she is even cuter in real life than these photos depict.

Doll-maker Eszter is a stay at home mama based in Hungary, and creates all of her dolls from scratch.  Each doll seems to have it's own sweet personality, and none seem to last long in her shop before they are snapped up.  She currently has two listed, but she also makes custom dolls which is a totally exciting prospect.  We may just have to get a boy doll for Garland at some point.

We are thrilled with this doll, so much so that I couldn't do a plain old review for her.  She is just as sweet as her little forest friends are, and I think they are pretty sweet too.  

Find Eszter's Etsy shop here, and facebook page here.  Thank you so much Eszter, we feel so very lucky right now x