links to love.

My head has been a lot clearer this week. My home productive and energetic. We have all been more settled and centred. It feels good. Some of the things I have read and loved this week.

/ this recipe for chicken soup for the soul is on my meal plan this week- doubled to have plenty of leftovers and even some to share with a friend who could use some soul food.

/ speaking of recipes...I cut out rice, pasta, bread etc. this past week and have been searching for wholesome recipes to fit the place. this pete evans rice-less cauliflower fried rice more than fits the spot.

/ winter means a lot of time playing inside. the girls cannot get enough of our anamalz, endless games of memory, and reading old favourites.

/ a reminder of why yelling is never the answer.

/ this ny times article about living with less got me thinking a lot about the stuff we have. piper and i donated a pile of her toys to some children with a lot less and it felt so good to teach her + remind myself about how nice it is to let go of stuff. i urge you to read it.

/ a very cool diy ladder wardrobe.

/ this print has been in my favourites on easy for a while. it never fails to make me smile.

Enjoy your week. Get out there and savour life. That's why we are here after all.

On losing my dad.

I wasn't going to write this post. To share this part of my life. But this means something to me. So here it is.

It was just over a fortnight ago that I lost my father. Cancer slowly deteriorated his body and mind until it was his time to leave. For me, the loss has been both healing and devastating in equal doses. Knowing he is no longer in pain but having to watch my girls grow up never having felt his love. It kills me.

I lived on the other side of the world from him for years. Having lost contact here and there for a few months at a time as I explored and spread my wings. As I dove into my ocean. Every time I would come up for air, he would be there. With a smile that glowed with pride, his eyes sparkling when I told him stories. That is the part that hurts the most, knowing I will never have anyone sparkle about me like he did. A dad is something pretty amazing for a girl. When they exist in your world you are safe. You are protected. It is quite a shift to lose that feeling.

About a week before we lost him, I was driving to work and realised I couldn't remember his voice, his face. I sobbed with the fact that I was losing him already. Then I stopped, took that breath I so tragically needed and shifted to the real stuff. His voice is not the memory I need, neither is how he looked. It is the sparkle on the inside. The feeling he gave. He was larger than life, he laughed and lived and not for a moment will he ever be forgotten.

This space has been quiet of late. Because I was busy saying goodbye. Being torn apart by that horrid cancer and the people it leaves in it's wake. And then putting back together the pieces. Being the person I know would have made those eyes sparkle. His girl.

To my dad. I will never forget you.
♡ ashley

my threenager.

In all her surly glory. Anyone else have days like these?! The beer in the shot...well earned by this mama.
♡ ashley

hunting for george // goodies filled with goodness.

Have you been to hunting for george?

It's a shop that cares about their products, where they come from and who made them. They help search out amazing small artists and feature them alongside some equally awesome larger names. All with ethical materials, many printed and sculpted by hand and designed by some of the finest creatives. Feast your eyes loves.

milo hanging pot.
lumière art & co mandala pillowcase.
flower weave marigold rug.
teal velvet quilt cover from kip & co.
mini triangle studs.
multi-strand necklace.
toy wooden camera.
oyster print.

Some ace goodies and all 25% off until the end of June with the code EOFYS14. Run and devour.
Oh and free shipping on orders over $100 to Australian peeps. Sorted.
♡ Ashley

We give you much love for supporting the businesses that help to support us. 

weekend links to love.

Some truly inspiring finds around the web for your reading (and viewing) pleasure.

:: The Socialite Family is my new haunt for spying inside homes of others. Lots of interior and lifestyle inspiration.

:: The coolest design shop for small folks... Les Enfants du Design ...dreamy.

:: Do you know your temperament? This quiz is pretty nifty.

:: Working on more independent play. This article helps blast the myths that discourage is.

:: Lieschen Mueller has the most amazing patterns from dolls to dresses for those feeling crafty. This bunny is perfection.

:: Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe. Yup.

:: One of these bunnies is on it's way for the big birthday around the corner. Cloth & Thread, an Australian business, making hand-made dolls is amazing.

:: This Banksia Scent Pot is making it's way to me. I can't wait to place it on our bedside table with my favourite oils in it.

:: I cast on this project last night for Piper. She has been wanting a mom knit treat for a long while as she outgrew her last vest. This wool is my choice this time.

:: Have you read The Goldfinch yet? My copy is on my bedside table, taunting me.

As a teacher, this week is the least of my favourites every year. My class reports due now. Report writing is one of the most tedious tasks for a lady that would rather curl up and read a book or play with the girls. But I am getting there and counting down to the last full stop. So as you can guess, my weekend is set to be thrilling!

Hope yours is more of the latter and none of the former.

♡ ashley

winter blues // staying cosy.

There is something about living in a place where winter brings storms and dark that at times can lose it's gleam. I find winter a hard season to face. Cooped up inside and worrying about the cost of constantly running heaters and noses. This winter in particular has already been relentless

I have to try very hard to keep my chin upwards and focus on the goodness that can come from nesting in a home. Sinking your teeth into making space. Cooking warm meals like this and lingering under throws with the t.v. ban completely thrown out the window. Frozen has been on repeat around these parts...

This flu fighter tea recipe is both a winter warmer and one of the most effective ways to help heal illness here. I have it scribbled down on a doily that lives under a fridge magnet all winter long. 

flu battler

3 cups water

juice of half a lemon

stick of cinnamon

3 slices ginger

quarter tsp. cloves

half tablespoon turmeric

pinch cayenne (I use more, the kids less)

one and a half tablespoons raw honey (this)

Put all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Strain and add more honey as needed. 

Sip, hands wrapped around your comfort mug (what?! doesn't everyone have a mug they adore?)

We are constantly burning a mixture of essential oils (clove, wild orange, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary) as our humidifier goes into overdrive to pump the air with good and ward off the bad germs around here. I have stolen dear kellie's trick of half an onion on the bedside table when my little girl's are snotty, it is pure magic. 

This balm is a blessing for stuffy noses and chests.

These are some of the things we are coveting around here in our bid to ward off the winter nasties. Greer's amazingly beautiful knitted bonnets. This throw rug. These house shoes. But mostly, I covet summer.

♡ ashley

Piece Together Our History Competition // Mother's Choice.

tiny Poppy- babies are so awesome. no other word for them!

I am a true believer in supporting Australian businesses big and small when making decisions to buy. Mother's Choice is an Australian baby company that are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Creating quality products, they are reliable and a safe and classic choice for parents. In 1989, Mother's Choice lost all of their historical documents. This year, to celebrate their 40 years of business, they are piecing together their history with a little competition to win $5000 cash or one of two $1500 gift certificates. To enter, simply like them on Facebook, upload your photo of a Mother's Choice product in action on the competition page here.

Mother's Choice will be at the Brisbane Pregnancy Baby + Children's Expo taking place over this weekend {Friday the 20th June- Sunday the 22nd June} at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank. More info and tickets here. The Mother's Choice booth will be set up at L20 and offer visitors both the opportunity to test out some amazing baby gear and products but also some lucky goodies.

If you get the chance to visit the expo, enjoy.
Cluck Cluck!!
♡ ashley

This post was created in collaboration with Mother's Choice Australia.

wanting // winter style for mum.

1 // merino boyfriend cardigan.

2 // moonstone ring.

3 // hobes.

4 // quilted + chambray = adore.

5 // a classic tote.

hint hint monsieur, someone has a birthday just around the bend.

♡ ashley

park life.

 Going through my endless snaps from our recent time in Canada, it struck me just how much time is spent in parks with little people. It is the best therapy for all. Feeling overwhelmed with mess? Go to playground. Kids unsettled? Go to the playground. Tired? Coffee and the playground. Seeking peace? Go to the playground. Playground for the win. These faces say it all really.

Happy end to the week. May it be filled with running, laughing and endless play.
♡ ashley

weekend links to love.

Happy Weekend lovelies.

A few places to visit if you, like us, are in hibernation mode this weekend.

This home. The nursery walls...swoon.

This article made me all carpe diem filled.

Did you pop in to read about essential oils? Would love your input.

I am ordering this, and this and this for winter wellness after far too many sniffles around here already this year. I would also love one of these (on sale). My littles both have one, I think they are a bit magic.

This online kids boutique is charming indeed.

A great little craft tutorial for Father's Day (for my friends in the North)

♡ ashley

essential oils around the family home // a users guide.

I have been learning about and using essential oils for quite a while now. A few have remained favourites around these parts. Their uses amazing and purposes many. Many probably know these ones, but for some, there is hopefully an aha! moment to be found in what follows.

Here are a few of the essential oils to have on hand in any home.

Lavender Oil.
We love this one. -we keep two bottles, one in the first aid kit and one in the laundry for cleaning and washing-

1. Soothes insect bites and irritations.
2. A few drops on the pillow help little (and big) people fade off to sleep more quickly and peacefully.
3. Add a few drops of lavender to the mattress when you change the sheets. The aroma will linger in the bedroom for a sense of calm and fresh.
4. Helps relieve cuts and scrapes.
5. Pamper you and yours in the bath tub with 5 drops in a hot bath in the evening.
6. Put a few drops in your dish soap and linger at the sink for it's aromatherapy benefits and antibacterial properties.

Peppermint Oil.
Keep it in your first aid kit.

1. Just a drop rubbed on an upset tummy can soothe and settle.
2. Add a few drops to your morning shampoo to perk you up and energise for the day.
3. A few drops rubbed into your temple, neck and sinuses helps to ease tension headaches.
4. Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water to scare off ants, aphids and even cockroaches.

This one is lovely and zippy.

Jasmine Oil.
A lovely organic oil here.

1. Apply to the abdomen to help battle against PMS.
2. Apply to pulse points to soothe nervous tension.
3. Put one or two drops in your moisturiser and apply to fine lines and wrinkles (ahem.)

Eucalyptus Oil.
This is our other "go to" oil. A bottle under the sink and in the laundry. Ours come from here.

1. Combine with peppermint and lemon to make a divine cleaning spray.
2. Mix with sweet almond oil to make a chest rub to help clear breathing.
3. Massage on sore muscles.
4. Apply to a moistened cloth and use to remove the sticky residue of labels and stickers.
5. Mix into your dogs shampoo to keep fleas away.

Do you have a favourite oil/ use? Would love to hear it!

♡ ashley

read it // free subscription to My Child magazine.

I remember stumbling upon My Child magazine in my new mum bag when I left the hospital after having Piper. It is a gorgeous magazine full of both inspiration and information for mamas.

The brainchild of a very inspiring mum Lise Taylor, My Child came to be following the birth of Lise's son, in 2006. Realising the gap in the market for a parenting magazine which would cater to mums searching for substance and lovely design, Lise created her own. With endless devotion and energy, Lise continues to create a magazine that will inspire mums around the world.

The June issue, found here, is filled to the brim with great reads. Articles focused on things like: planning an environmentally friendly kids party, bedroom inspirations (which is obviously a personal weakness), kids clothing (again, hello happy place), preparing for birth + pain options, and a recipe for the most divine avocado sushi, there is little reason not to jump on board.

Subscribe for free to the digital-only format here.

You're welcome.
♡ ashley

20/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014." 

Poppy: This month you learned to get in, and out, and in, and out, of a trampoline. Another hobby of yours is pouring the contents of zippy cups down your shirt. You are rocking your toddler title.

Poppy: Baking with grandma. Her famous smarties cookies. Just like your mom before you.

My 52 project is a mess. It all fell behind when I was in Canada (and focused on being with family, nothing else) and now I have random photos. Life has been a bit funny lately. Serving up some challenges and hiccups but all in all, helping me see a much bigger (and for moments more peaceful) picture. I will catch up someday (maybe) but it doesn't really stress me. I am busy catching memories of the non-tangible kind.

♡ ashley

linking up with jodi. 

ps. we are drawing the Miomee giveaway tomorrow morning. Have you entered? Go. Now.