I love Christmas!

I love Christmas, I love the decorating, the glitter and glitz (but no tinsel).  I love seeing my children's faces on Christmas morning.  I don't love my face waking up to them though after wrapping presents all night (but that's another story)

So here is a little decorating in our home.  I won't even apologise for it being pic heavy. 

I love Christmas x

Thank goodness I have this buffet.  We don't have a lot of walls in the living room ( two sliding doors + window = no real walls)

 

We have an angel for anyone no longer with us. 

 

 

 

We also add a new decoration each year.  This tin Santa is from our Bali trip.  'Joy' was last years.

 

 

 

Our Christmas Countdown corner.

 

 

 

A little dining table love

 

 

 

Miss Matilda's room.

 

 

And finally...our tree.  This year I went with just red decorations, I usually have a mix of red and gold but never with tinsel.  I use gold or red ball garlands.  Love!

 



 

 I should have gone with more lights..oh well, there's always next year.

xx Bec

 

 

 

 

 

Gran's 90th & a Dessert Buffet

Hubby's Gran turned 90 recently which is a pretty amazing milestone and one we definitely wanted to make a big deal of.

We hosted a family bbq at our home and as Gran is a bit of a collector of things, namely tea cups we chose a high tea themed dessert buffet.  The centrepiece of which was a stunning cake made locally which had amazing detail right down to the fondant teacup. 

Gran recently gave me some stunning heirlooms, lace doilies which belonged to her Mother and Grandmother and I decided to use these as bunting.

As Gran's eyesight isn't the best at the moment, I described some of the details to her including her wedding photo and she loved the teacup which she got to see up close after the cake cutting. 

She had a lovely night surrounded with love.

Some photos of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Felt Play Box

I found this really great idea on Pinterest (of course)

Something to keep Miss M entertained on the plane or in the car.

So simple.  You need a wipes container, a sheet of felt and you can either make felt shapes/animals etc or do what I did and borrow the 'bits' from a set Matilda already had.  Oh and either a hot glue gun or spray adhesive.

 

Cut the felt to size, glue to the container, add ribbon around the outside and Ta-da!! Just don't look too closely to the glue work!

 



 



Halloween Round Up

A little late but here is our Halloween round up.

Miss Matilda had a few friends around for a little Halloween crafting session.

Nothing too full on, just some paper plate ghosts and pumpkins.

I first started with the paper plate, cutting a circle from the centre.  Keep this and use it to make the ghost. 

 

Cut out a circle of contact a little larger than the centre plate you cut.  Remove the paper, turn over the plate and pop the contact onto the back. Turn the plate back over and cover the contact centre with the paper (make sure you put the paper shiny side down or the paper will stick to the contact).  Using contact is so much cleaner than glue.

 

 

We used orange tissue paper for the pumpkins and cotton balls for the ghost.  Matilda missed out on a contact plate so she had fun with glue instead.

 

The girls had so much fun making their ghosts and pumpkins but it was over way too quick with one girl dumping everything on her plate!  They enjoyed themselves though and then it was time for snacks.

 



A little decorating around the house.

 

 

I am ok with the spiders if they have smiley faces..no scary Halloween here!

 

 

Printables thanks to Amandas Parties To Go (formerly Shindig) and The Girls at Eighteen25

 

 

 

Each little girl received a drink cup to keep. 

 

 

The snacks were the best part, if you ignore the smudged pumpkin face (these are fruit jelly cups). 

 

I love the rice crispie ghosts! 

 

Halloween can be lots of fun, no scary stuff here and no trick or treating.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Blogiversary

It was this time of night 12 months ago when I hit the publish button on my first post and wow what a year.

It was my intention from the beginning to be a sharer rather than a blogger and I'm happy with that.  I really wasn't going to write my deepest thoughts but rather organising tips, party planning ideas, the "look what I found" photos and things I love. 

I said I wasn't looking to be famous but would be happy to have a few readers along the way.  Well I'm blown away by just how many readers ~ I'm still not famous and that's ok :-).  I'm ecstatic to have so many readers interact on the page, sharing their stories and tips.

I've also 'met' some gorgeous bloggers who have given me their support and answered oh so many questions (thanks Kel!).  I was also thrilled to make it to the Top 30 Aussie Mum Bloggers.

The most recent milestone has been the First Blogiversary Giveaway Sponsors coming on board.  Their support and generosity was such a blessing and I so appreciate them.  I was so so happy that my readers got to celebrate my First Blogiversary with their gorgeous gifts.

I'm sure there's more I want to say and no doubt it will come to me after I hit publish (always the way)!  But I do want to say thank you and I look forward to the next 12 months with you.

x Bec

First Blogiversary Giveaway Winners!

OMG I'm so excited to announce my First Blogiversary Giveaway winners!  I had butterflies clicking on the Choose A Winner button. 

Before I announce the lucky winners, I'd like to say thank you so much to my Sponsors.  Such fabulous ladies to work with and I so appreciate their support.

Thank you too to my amazing readers - you are all gorgeous and I love your interaction on the page.  I look forward to seeing you around long after the giveaway.

Without further ado.....drumroll please

Congratulations to ~

Amberelief Amber Baby Set Winner ~ Keegan Rigby

Bright Star Kids - Agent Tenille Webb Teapot Chalkboard & Chalkboard Texta ~ Toni Sieg

Giggle'n'Groove Tweens Whimsy <3 Garden Pendant ~ Hannah Nix

My Obsession Designs $40 including postage Voucher ~ Jill Troy


Two Little Blue Birds Custom Design Invitation & Party Stationery Pack ~ Melinda LeClergcq

Lime Tree Kids Water for the Week Bottle Set & 2 x Neoprene Sleeves ~ Melissa Gasson

Cavania Australia 4 x Greeting Cards chosen by the Designer ~ Jess Davey

Congratulations to all the winners.  Please message me via my page Because Everything Counts to arrange delivery of your awesome prizes.

Thanks again for your support

x Bec
 

First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Cavania Australia

I'll admit, I have a little bit of a crush on this gorgeous store.  When I saw the work being done on an old building in my favourite part of town I got very excited.  I visited it on their first day and fell in love big time.

Oh it is so pretty and much of it is made by the uber talented Karen.  This beautiful brooch followed me home that first visit.  I love it and wear it all the time.

Cavania Australia also stock brands Belle & Boo and Miss Rose & Sister Violet.



I've watched the store grow and blossom and the work Karen and Christian have put into resurrecting the store front has certainly paid off.  Stunning is the word.  It looks even better at night when the chandeliers are on, and the pom poms and lace doily bunting crisscross the windows.

Their mission is "To inspire with our greeting card designs and collection of retro and vintage goodies. ♥ Imagine ♥ Create ♥ Believe ♥ Inspire ♥" 

One lucky reader has the chance to win 4 beautiful cards from their range as chosen by the designer.  This is just a small sample.

Good luck x

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

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First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Lime Tree Kids

I have owned the fabulous Reduce water bottles for a little while now and I absolutely love them.  So when the gorgeous Shelley from Lime Tree Kids offered to send me a set for Miss Matilda I was very happy to say yes.

Just like any Mum I have tried so many drink bottles for Miss M, they either are too big, they leak, they're ugly! or they just take up too much room in the fridge.

Enter the Reduce Water for the Week drink bottles.  They are fab!  There are 5 bottles holding 470ml each. They take up less room in the fridge thanks to the tray they come with.  You just grab a chilled bottle and go!

Miss M chose the spectrum style because she liked the pink stripes!  She's quickly learning how to open the bottles herself which is great. 

So what's the low down on these babies;  they are leakproof, dishwasher safe, handbag/nappybag size and bpa free. 

But the best part is they save you money, never buy bottled water again.  I took ours to the Circus recently, I saved $5 per bottle and I was drinking rain water.  Win/win

 

My fridge before, see the collection of bottles, we have steel ones, Disney ones, straw ones. 

All trying to find the best style.

Taa-daa.  So much better. 

 

 

So, would you like to win a set of your own?  Thanks to Lime Tree Kids you can! 

 

You can choose a set of your liking. Naturals, Spectrum or Whites

 

And just because Shelley is super generous the prize also includes 2 neoprene sleeves for your bottles.  These sleeves are fantastic, they have a carabina so you can hang it off your nappy bag or pram.  They stop 'bottle sweat' or condensation and keep the water cold.

 

Good luck x

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

 

 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Two Little Blue Birds

Are you looking for a blog makeover or logo designed, thank you cards or invitations?  Look no further than the super talented Gem at Two Little Blue Birds.  Oh and she's just a little chevron crazy too!

Gem has done some gorgeous work and I'm thrilled that she's a sponsor of my Blogiversary.

Check out these creations

 

Invitations

 

Logo Designs

 

 

Gem has also created some seriously cute printables for you to download free!

 

 

Thanks to Gem, here is what you can win!

 

The prize is open to everyone! Yay including non Australian residents. 

The prize is the custom design printables sent to you as a pdf.

Good luck!

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

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First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ My Obsession Designs

Another giveaway from another gorgeous lady whose work I admire.  Introducing Tracey from My Obsession Designs and I'm lucky enough to call her a Sewing Sister.  She is a lovely lady, generous and oh so creative.

One look at her online store and you'll see just how talented.  She creates gorgeous fabric baskets, nappy pouches, swimming back packs, pencil cases...

Gorgeous Fabric Basket, perfect for the nursery, playroom or car.

 

  

Beautiful wallet for Mum

 

 

Super cute kids Messenger Bag

 

 

So what can you win?  How does a $40 including postage voucher to spend at the My Obsession Designs online store sound?  And just in time for Christmas!

 

The winning recipient of the voucher will receive an exclusive code to redeem at the online store.  The voucher is to be used on ready made items only.

 

Good luck!

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

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First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Giggle'n'Groove

Here is a giveaway sure to elicit ooohs and ahhhhs.  And another sponsor whose work I love.  I am lucky enough to have won a pendant of my own in a naming competition, I called it  Groove Is In The Heart.  I love it and wear it often.

Having a handmade piece is so special.  Lisa at Giggle'n'Groove makes the most gorgeous hand stamped pieces for every member of the family and they make great Christmas gifts.

Here is what one lucky reader can win

The Tweens Whimsy ♥ Garden pendant can be worn from 8+ years, as they aren't super large, around the same size as a $1 coin.

This little pendant features a range of birds, flowers & insects - it is on a 1" disc in Sterling silver & it will be strung on a black cord. Custom designed individually, the pendants will slightly vary.

"I LOVE making these, they are super fun as they always look so beautiful. My girls adore these & every time I make them, they oooh & ahhh" Lisa tells me.

Good luck!

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.


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First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Bright Star Kids

I love Bright Star Kids products, we have quite a few including the gorgeous pencil labels and bag tag I've put aside for when Miss M starts kindy next year.

A revisit to their website showed me that they sell SO much more than school labels.  OMG they have gorgeous Wall Art for the kids rooms, for the living room, the kitchen..the list is endless.

The lovely Tenille a Bright Star Kids Agent has come on board as a sponsor of my blogiversary and I'm so thrilled.

Tenille has provided this fabulous Teapot Chalkboard for one lucky reader to win.

 

 

It has so many uses, pop it on the fridge, cupboard door or kitchen wall.

 

Use it to jot down notes, to do list or the shopping list.  It would be great for your menu plan too!

 

This would be super cute in a little girls room too especially if you don't have the room for a full blackboard.

 

To complete the giveaway we also have a Chalkboard Texta in white.  It writes like a texta, looks like chalk and can be used on the chalkboard as well as whiteboards, windows, tiles!  So versatile. 

 

 

 Good luck!

 

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter. You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

   



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First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Amberelief

I'm so excited to begin my First Blogiversary Giveaways and with some amazing sponsors.

I'd like to introduce you to Michelle from Amberelief.  I've known Michelle for years and Miss M was the lucky recipient of an Amber Baby Set.

Can I just say I loved it!  Matilda cut her two year old molars without me even knowing.  No teething gel, no pain relief needed.  Just the necklace.  I didn't even think about it until I took it off her one day and omg I noticed the difference in her being grizzly.  So back on it went!!

But did you know Amber is not just for teething babies?  Read on;

"It is a natural remedy used for rheumatoid pains, migraines, general aches and pains, colds, sleeping, snoring, mastitis, arthritis, general well being, it can be used by everyone, not just teething babies"

You can get more information here

Here is what you can win.  An Amber Baby Set

Good luck x

Remember you need to complete both portions of the Rafflecopter.  You must click on both entry options even if you're already a liker of either page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sand Card Fun

We met the lovely Jo and her gorgeous kids while we were all on holidays in Monkey Mia and got talking about her business.  The Sand Card Company offers kits of beautiful cards which you colour using sand.

When Jo offered to send me a kit for Matilda and I to play with I jumped at the chance.

The kit we received had a super cute Bambi design with sachets of coloured sand.

The idea is to peel off layers of the card to reveal the adhesive backing, one layer at a time. 
You then colour the card using the sand.

 

 We peeled off the sky and Matilda chose the dark blue sand to sprinkle

 

Then the ground.
We tapped off the excess sand in between layers.

The smaller layers were a bit fiddly for Matilda so I got to have my turn. 

This is where you can see it really coming together. 

 

 

The finished product.  Now this was seriously sweet until Matilda insisted on playing with the black sand.. Still cute though and the greatest thing is we had so much fun doing it together.

 

 

Would I get more kits?  Definitely.  I think these make great Christmas or birthday presents or just for a crafternoon of fun.

Would I do anything differently? I'd probably find a different way to sprinkle the sand (the instructions did suggest a spoon which we'll try next time) as it was a bit hit and miss but the best thing is...practice makes perfect.  I'm off to order some more kits.

The Sand Card Company also offer kits for corporate events, fetes and birthday parties.  Check out her Facebook page for examples of other cards.

Thanks so much Jo x

This was a sponsored post but the opinions and fun are ours.