some end of year cheer for the little people // an AMAZING giveaway!

What a year 2013 has been. Filled with many highs and lows. As it draws to a close I love to look back and smile. Oh, and look forward and get excited at what a new year holds. So many magical things to come. I have been so lucky to have such amazing people popping by here all the time. I have made some beautiful friends and been inspired by so many through this little space.

As thank-you for being here, with me, I have teamed up with some of my most favourite businesses to offer one lucky winner an amazing prize pack for your little ones, or perhaps to share with many little ones. The choice is yours!

So, cue the excited tummy butterflies!

Here we go...

1 // Sunshine & Rainbow Garland {rrp $44.95} by Happy as Larry. Bring imagination home and brighten their bedroom. Made of 100% wool and approximately one metre long. Happy as Larry also make the most amazing felt ball rugs. Have a peak.

2 //  Honeybake mixer set {rrp $54.95} from the beautiful shop Oliver's Twisty Tales. Manufactured by Toy Le Van this wooden set is made from renewable timber and finished with non-toxic paint. It features a turning handle, an egg that can be "cracked", a wooden bottle of milk and a pretend bag of flour & sugar. Delightful!

3 // One pair of soft leather baby shoes from All about Heidi. {rrp $39}. We love these shoes. Crafted from one piece if soft leather, the seamless shoe offers absolute comfort for little feet. The winner can choose a pair in the colour and size of their choice. Look here for all the options~ a rainbow of baby goodness.

4 // Toddler ride on from Dudley & Co. {rrp $89} Hand crafted and individually screen printed using water based inks. With solid rubber casters toddlers can navigate their way around in any direction. The seat is built narrow enough for little legs to go go go! Available in three designs, the winner can choose their favourite!

5 // Organic change mat cover in navy stripe from Eco nino. {rrp $34.95} Manufactured using the softest 100% organic cotton GOTS certified jersey fabric. Fits over all standard changing pads and super stretchy.

6 // 1 x toothpaste in organic raspberry flavour, 1 x hippo toothbrush, 1 x sleepover bag from Jack n' Jill Kids {rrp $18.75} Australian made. The toothpaste is BPA/sugar/fluoride/colour/preservative/& SLS free with organic calendula to soothe gums. A compostable, biodegradable handled brush + a pure cotton case with a water resistant lining.

7 // A bonnet from Urban Baby Bonnets. {rrp $36} My girls quite literally LIVE in these bonnets. They are funky with a design that is reversible [2 hats in one!] with a big brim [which also helps for discrete breastfeeding] & an adjustable snap closure so they stay on! Designed and handmade [by mamas!] in the USA. Winner can choose a bonnet of their choice. They even have designs for the lads.

8 // A T-shirt & Bonus Eco Shopping Bag from Arkadia. {rrp $29.95} Arkadia is an Australian childrens clothing label focused on childhood nostalgia. Each design inspired by a childhood memory & story. Up for grabs is an eco shopping bag in the 'While you Sleep' print + the winner can choose a t-shirt in the design of their choice! All items are ethically made in the USA and labelled/ designed/printed & tagged in Aus.

9 // A Muslin sleeping bag in cute squirrel design from Plum. {rrp $44.95} 100% cotton muslin sleeping bag. With a tab to cover the top of the zip & protect chin, re-enforced shoulders for strength, upside down zipper for easy access this sleeping bag is sure to lead to peaceful [and comfortable] slumber. Plum is an Australian family owned business creating beautiful baby products.

10 // Dusty grey & mustard hand crocheted blanket from And the Little Dog Laughed the brainchild of Australian designer Kylie Platt. {rrp $74} Measuring 90cm x 90cm and made with 100% pure cotton and grosgrain ribbon trim combining old and new into a beautiful keepsake.

To enter follow the prompts below. You have up to 13 entries available!!!! Open Australia wide. One winner will be drawn at random next sunday night and announced on this post. If we can't contact you within 48 hours of the draw another winner will be chosen.  All prizes sent directly from the participating businesses. Any questions? Reach me at [email protected]

a Rafflecopter giveaway ♡ ashley ps. like stuff for big people? don't worry! we got your back in the coming weeks!!!! x

a guide to early waking // for toddlers and babies.

I have to be honest. I am tricky in the making of this post.

You see, you may have stumbled here thinking I have a solution for your early waking little souls. Which is partially true. I do and I don't. This is because there is a good chance that my solution will be less than music to your ears.

Are you ready?! Stop fighting it!

Sure, some little ones go through a [short] stage of waking with the sun {or as my lovely friend says "with a sparrow's fart"} but not all babies and toddlers are the same. Repeat after me, "that would be boring." So if you find a quick and painless way to keep them asleep do it, but if not, read on!

I went through a lot when Piper was a baby in an attempt to crack the early to rise code. I actually bought ebooks on the subject that promised to save me from watching the sun rise. Most of the advice was what you already know {even with little sleep}. Act like it is still nighttime, keep it dark, try feeding them, ignore them, keep the room dark, DO NOT make eye contact, use white noise, keep it quiet. Whatevs.

We then bought a clock. With the promise that my toddler would see a moon all night until the screen changed to the sun, signalling time to wake up. Great. Except even on it's dimmest setting it was so bright that she used it to find her toys and play, loudly, at 2 am. So we replaced it with another clock. This time a little monkey closes it's eyes at bedtime. Then opens it's eyes when it is time to wake. It worked for about 2 nights. Until my clever kid worked out how to make him open his eyes. She would wander through at 4 am and tell us "the monkey is awake, time to get up guys!"

My point?

IT DIDN"T WORK. NONE. OF. IT.

Even now, I still have the kind advice given from people everywhere~ try feeding them in the dark and putting them back down, leave them to sort themselves out, hmmmm. You see Poppy is on to that one~ she won't fall for it. I know this because I had a sparrow fart adorer already. But thanks!

Here's what has worked. A little while ago something amazing happened... I got over it.

My kids are early risers. I am not {traditionally} but I was also never a woman that ate crusts of soggy [ick] bread discarded by children, or a snot wiper, or a bottom wiper for that matter. I am learning to change as a mother. To adjust and accept. Sometimes that means my eyes are forced open before 5 am. I accept this.

My advice then if all else fails and clearly the books aren't written about your kids {the ones who just wake up early}...

1. go to bed earlier- then you get more {total} sleep.
2. drink coffee, or tea, or whatever you enjoy immediately so you feel you are getting a special treat too.
3. savour watching the sun move through the sky first thing~ it is a bit slow and wobbly like the rest of us~ but also beautiful.
4. appreciate the extra time you get to sit and stare at your kids, husband, the wall before the day swoops you up and makes you move.

Finger nails on a chalkboard? Maybe, but so is fighting kids that just are what they are.

My two cents.

♡ ashley

oh... last day to enter this super giveaway!

taking stock // right now.

I love these posts. 
Especially looking back and seeing what's new/ repeated/etc. 

making // granola and endless cups of tea.
cooking // pizza.
drinking // water.
reading // christmas magazines.
wanting // new shoes.
looking // tired.
playing // with my favourite little people.
deciding // on our future.
wishing // for more time in a day.
enjoying // solo parenting this week & surviving.
waiting // for my love to get home.
liking // my three year old's views of the world.
wondering // which direction we are heading.
loving // each other.
pondering // life.
considering // change.
watching // sons of anarchy.
hoping // that someone i love keeps finding his strength.
marvelling // at how quickly time goes the second time around.
needing // a hug.
smelling // strawberry perfume spray ~ reminds me of junior high!
wearing // maxi dresses and saltwater sandals.
following // tons of blogs on feedly...do you use it?!
noticing // my garden grow.
knowing // things always work out.
thinking // too much.
feeling // inspired.
admiring // my mom and how well she cared for us growing up.
buying // on santa's behalf.
getting // less than enough sleep.
bookmarking // inspiring room designs.
opening // parcels from said role as santa's elf.
giggling // a lot more than I have ever been.

I  found this list at Pip's. Jump on board if you like to share!

♡ ashley

postercandy // the modern photo album.

As a kid i remember mom pulling out the old pentax {not old at the time} and taking photos of us wherever we wandered. She was keen to keep memories with piles of photos printed and sorted. In boxes, in albums, in frames. As a teenager I would flip through and my memory would jig. The sounds, the smells, the feelings, would all come flooding back. I think it is this reason that taking photos is one of my biggest passions.

Nowadays we tend to have our phone {occasional camera} with us wherever we roam. Snapping our kids, our friends, our lunch. Sharing in the virtual world of facebook, blogs and instagram. Often we forget to print them, to hold them, to use them to remember. In the past few years, I have made some photo albums, & some photo books as well. We adore them all.

But now we have another current favourite way to keep the memories.

Postercandy. Gosh, I adore these.

You can use images on your computer, facebook or instagram.  The designs can handle from 6-368 photos {hold moly!}. It is super easy to use. You can crop, randomize and move around your photos until you love the poster. They are even working on letting you make posters from your phone. Too easy!

I love how piper points out her photos and constantly tells us stories about each. I love staring at the photos and remembering my own stories. It is pure magic and on your doorstep within 8 days from clicking your order through! I also love the distraction from the TV screen that takes up far too much wall space. Another story!

So go on...make some memories.

♡ ashley

ps. This post ain't sponsored. The amazing guys from postercandy did donate a poster for piper's room. We loved looking at it so much we kept it out in our living space for all to see.

pps. Postercandy are offering a freebie trial size 18cm x 24cm poster. [Australia only]. Cause that's the kind of guys they are + they know you'll be back for more!

ppps. postercandy may {wink, wink} just be joining a very special giveaway happening at a blog {ahem} near you in the next week!!!

pppps. speaking of giveaways...be in it to win it!! x

stills.

1 // 10 months. already. i have to be sneaky to get the shots as that little chalkboard makes a very tasty chew toy {apparently!}.
2 //  eggs. 6 chickens. many eggs. all yummy. frittatas, lemon butter, scrambled, poached, with soldiers. our menu.
3 // my big girl. i love that when i look closely she still has chubby wrists and fingers. the baby is still there despite her insisting to be called "big girl" and taking shocking offence to being told she is little. by anyone.
4 // a christmas gift. the recipient will be over the moon i am sure!
5 // salad dressing supplies. salad season is upon us.
6 // this stuff is amazing. pitango risottos. free range. organic. fast food. who needs takeaway when you can heat it up in a pan and dinner is served. bonus when the kids eat it!
7 // apple slinkies. they are like lollies here. 2 a day. keeps the doctor away.
8 // christmas star. december is kitschy craft heaven.

i go back to work the end of january.
part time but not home full time anymore. makes my tummy ache a little but has also made me all antsy to fill my days with joy + things i want to be doing.
which is such a good thing.
we have been having tons of laughs around here.
getting the to do lists done.
playing.
it's been one of those good life waves, washing up what matters to the surface.  not drowning but floating. on a lilo. with a margarita.

♡ ashley

linking up with emily.

Don't forget to enter the Trojan tools giveaway! Whoop!! 

47/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

~these photos have been used in posts already this week~ apologies but they are very special and need to be in my 52 project~

Piper:: You are a tiny tornado and it is rare indeed to capture you, sitting contemplating. you do it beautifully my dear.

Poppy:: honestly, that smile is at it's best when you are in the water.

want to win the DIY tools giveaway? enter here.

linking up with Jodi.

Splish Splash.

These two are the biggest hams. Every day their relationship gets better and better. Sure, Piper still has moments of trying out Hulk Hogan style hugs {squeezes} and Poppy occasionally uses Piper's arm as a teething solution, but as a whole there is nothing but sweet love between them. Bath time shenanigans is their favourite part of the day. Mine too really!

♡ ashley

p.s. have you entered the GIVEAWAY?! FREE TOOLS~ get on it!

A DIY Giveaway // Top Ten Trojan Tools.

G'day guys! I am so excited to share a little DIY love with you today! After finishing the first two projects in operation make this house a home, I realise that having good tools makes the job a gazillion times easier. 

The folks at Trojan Tools provided me with a few tools that made my DIY projects 100% awesome to do, and the best part? Trojan have very generously donated their top ten tools for you to win here, now!!! Details below for entering to win the whole set to keep, or give for the perfect gift to your hubby/wife/mum/dad. Hooray!

1 // 2 in 1 Stubby Wrench

2 // 6mm Wood Chisel

3 // 560g Claw Hammer

4 // 6 in 1 Foldable Screwdriver

5 // Twin Pack Multigrip Pliers {175mm & 250mm}

6 // 8M Tape Measure

7 // 8 Piece Allen Key Metric Set

8 // 190 mm Combination Pliers

9 // 400mm Combination Square

10 // Turbo Knife X 

Valid Australia Wide. Winner Drawn 30/11 and notified on this post within 48 hours. If not contactable another winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♡ ashley

the top 5 christmas books for kids // as chosen by piper.

We take Christmas seriously around these parts. I am from a place where snow pours from the skies, it is dark early and you need to roast chestnuts on the open fire {or something like that}. I still get caught up in the magic of it all, the excitement, the food, the sheer joy.

With my little people savouring the festive season has bubbled over. I am true to the old laws of waiting {while tapping my feet} to put up the tree until the 1st of December. Getting started with planning is a great idea though, especially when it comes to making the magic come to life.

We have a lovely advent calendar that we use each year and have been collecting Christmas books for a few years now with the goal being to have a new one to read each night in December, building up to the night before Christmas {ahem, something tells me many creatures will be stirring in this home...yawn...}.

Here are Piper's 5 favourites. They will keep your little one entertained from start to finish and perhaps bring some magic {and smiles} to you as well.

1 // Sad Santa // boxing day is the saddest day of the year for the usually jolly old fat guy. nobody, not even the reindeers seem to be lifting his spirits. will he ever be jolly again?

2 // The Christmas Quiet Book // even though the holidays can be noisy this book brings all of the quiet sounds of christmas. like searching for the presents quiet!

3 // The Stick Man // the stick man lives in the forest with his stick wife and three stick children. when he gets separated from his family the stick man dodges dogs, nest builders and fireplaces to eventually meet up with santa and get the chance to help save christmas.

4 // Father Christmas Needs a Wee // as santa makes his way from house to house and drinks all the drinks left for him he feels the need to wee. so distracted he forgets to drop off the presents. so he rushes around to drop them off and finally gets home, but he forgot his key! will santa ever get to wee?

5 // Christmas Wombat // the lovely wombat goes head to head with santa's reindeer to eat carrots. he wins. a very sweet aussie classic.

Now to work out how to make it snow here.

Have a favourite Christmas book out there?

♡ ashley

Kid's Room Tour // Piper's Precious Pine Forest.

I am so excited to finally complete this project. Piper's room is a dreamy space for a dreamy three year old full of wonder and adventure. 

This room started with a Dulux Paint wall design inspiration {instructions for the diamonds effect can be found on the Dulux site here}. The pastel colours were chosen as I love the vintage feel they give and Piper already has a lot of pastel and vintage things. The walls are painted in Dulux's Natural White.

The monogram circle wall sticker on the door is a wall sticker from 41 Orchard. The giant black mushroom wall sticker inside the door is also from 41 Orchard and is a chalk board! How clever is that?! Above the mushroom we painted 5 dresser drawer knobs with the Dulux colours used on the feature diamonds and drilled them into the wall. The perfect spot for Piper's ever changing favourite jewellery and bags.

On the floating wall shelves sit storage vessels by KohLiving. They are from the Danish designed OOhh range. They are handmade by women living in poor communities in Western Sri Lanka. The initiative allows the women to earn a living from their home while  also being able to care for their children. They are made from natural rubber and recycled materials. Divine. 

The little owls are from Adair's homewares range and Piper claims they help watch over her while she sleeps. I made the crochet dream catcher for her, the doily is an old family keepsake. 

The print above the dollhouse is the 'I live here A Little Forest' art print by the amazing Mara Girling from Print Space. I love the way the trees share the geometric shapes around the room. 

The Love Mae 'Let's go camping' wall decals again add to the shapes used around the room but mostly stole my heart as they remind me of my childhood, growing up in Canada, where I spent the majority of the summer days camping with campfires, tents and amazing huge pinetrees. 

Piper's doll house was bought at a garage sale for $5. We repainted it using Dulux paint and a few Love Mae decals. In it sits some of her most precious toys and books. 

Her bed was also bought secondhand and was a dark navy originally. We used Dulux Spray Pak in off white enamel. The bedside stool is from Ikea and was also painted with the Dulux feature colours. The dried lavender is to help her sleep. 

Her bedding is from Adairs. The duvet cover is pure bamboo and cotton and the sheets are a crisp, soft & pure cotton. The throw and gold cushion are also Adairs. I "upstyled" the throw with some homemade pompoms. The gold cushion is Adairs. The love heart cushion and rag doll are from Fabrik.

Above her bed is an Ikea spice rack again painted with Dulux feature colours. Hanging over her bed is a dream catcher sent from her great Grandmother in Canada. It is surrounded by wall decals by Love Mae.

Her tutu is a precious third birthday present and is also from Fabrik.

She adores her new space {as do we}. It is like a little daydream and she can let her imagination run wild. Thanks for visiting! xx

Source/s

Paint〫
Dulux Australia. Walls :: Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen Plus in Natural White // Skirting and Doors :: Natural White AquaEnamel // Wall Feature :: English Rose, Corn Kernel, Ice Pack Quarter, & Grey Pail.

Bedding〫 
Adairs 

Wall stickers〫
41 Orchard monogram circle & chalkboard mushroom 

 I Live Here a Little Forest Print〫
 Printspace

Wall stickers〫
Love Mae Let's go camping set

White Storage Vessels〫
KohLiving

Rag doll, heart cushion, tutu
Fabrik

Rabbit Alphabet Print
Lucy Player

〬denotes items generously gifted for the room makeover.

♡ ashley