Paper dolls

Did you play with paper dolls when you were young? I did. I've still got a vintage one tucked behind my buffet and hutch that my Grandmother gave me when I was young. I've never managed to bring myself to open it. Yesterday I stumbled upon these sweet Paper Dolls. They are lovely and it brings back so many memories to see Hannah playing with them as I did.

So far it's been a good start to the week, but not at all how I planned. My Mondays are usually reserved for a top to bottom house cleaning but I had a severe case of procrastination instead. I did manage to clean the oven and do some baking!

Anyway, no little pixie came in the night and did it for me so I'd better get back to it now :)

Today

Out my window... Beautiful sun streaming onto the deck - beckoning me to grab a blanket and sit outside.

Thankful for... Olivia warming to Mum and Dad over the last month.

Inspired by... The thought 'serve with joy'.

Listening to... The microwave defrost tonights meal - other than that... blissful silence!

Looking forward to... Playing a board game with the girls tonight.

Making... The girls some blankets. I'm embroidering cute little mice on them.

Reading... Lots of books on the go at the moment - need to choose one to settle down with.

Wishing... That this headache would go.

Mermaid Cake

I don't have a lot of time to post right now, but I just wanted to show you some pictures of the 'mermaid cake' I made for my daughter's 5th birthday.

The pattern is one of Debbie Browns from her 'Enchanting Magical Cakes' book. I was really pleased with the way it turned out too considering if didn't take as long as I would have imagined.

Sweet knitting!

I recently stumbled upon these cute knitted cupcakes at Patchwork Pottery. They're made by RecycleMicol. I've searched the Internet for some knitted cupcake patterns and found this one. I think I'll have to leave it on Mum's coffee table with some yarn - although I think these one's here are just incredibly cute in their little box! I love that crochered flower! Does anyone know if they're difficult?

Organisation inspiration.

The past few days have been hectic so I've got one thing on my 'to do' list today - get some organisation back into this home :)

First two photos unknown - sorry.

Lovely Design

My little koala

Olivia is such a little koala.

Anyone who has been around her for 5 minutes will have observed that Olivia does not easily let go! She holds on to our clothes and wraps her legs around us. I'm sure this comes from being carried around by the girls. She holds them so tight they can't drop her!Here's a layout I did yesterday. It's inspired by Elizabeth Kartcher my all time favourite scrapper! I love how she uses colours and embellishments. In her ask Lizzy column in Creating Keepsakes she talks about how she chooses colours. I had a major 'a ha!' moment and am keen to give her ideas a go. As for my seven things this week...I've so far managed to:
1. Give family lots of hugs and kisses - but can always do better!
2. Relaxed bedtimes with a story and snuggles - most nights - but not all.
3. Scrap a page for Olivia - yep!
4. Get into the garden - ah, no :(
5. A meal from my new slow cooker - made a beef casserole was really nice but a bit too tender!
6. Try an animal from fondant - tried elephants and failed. Will try an easier one next week.
7. Cooking with the girls - making butterfly cookies this afternoon.

Seven things...

A little reminder to get my priorities in order this week :)

Seven things for the week are:
1. Lots of hugs and kisses for the kids (and Hubby too!)
2. Relaxed bedtimes with a story and snuggles
3. Scrap a page for Olivia
4. Get into the garden
5. A meal from my new slow cooker (Thanks Pam!)
6. Try a farm animal from fondant
7. Cooking with the girls.

Sounds easy enough?!

Have a lovely week!