Jikana Damaru

Happy winners!

Dear lovely blogging buddies

I'm back refreshed and rejuvied from my bipolar week away with the Tsunamis and LOML. The highest highs, the lowest lows. Holidaying in Tsunami prone territories are never dull.

I also enjoyed my week away from the computer far more than I thought I would. It helped that I had such fabulous guest posties amusing and delighting me each day (via the Crackle- some things never die!). Thank you once again for the break Not Drowning, Mothering, Fat Mum Slim, Pink Patent Mary Janes, And then there were four and Cocktails at Naptime. I could tell by all the comments left that you all enjoyed the week too.

Without further ado... the winner's of Gillian and Emma's book Cocktails at Naptime are...

Curvaceous Queen and Bubby Makes Three.

I'll be in touch to arrange the send out of your new book. Enjoy!

Much love
Maxabella
x

One of those little moments....

First lesson back....it was a proud moment for all of us!

Lots of bubble blowing, kicking, singing and giggles....oh, and "look at me"

♥ Loving Simple Shapes

How fab is this wall decal from Simple Shapes? A sweet way to leave a message or an inspirational quote for the day. You know I'm getting one as soon as it's a buying day.

Justine at Ms Dilemma put me on to this new etsy store and I just love it. I know wall decals are a bit faddish, but they're not permanent so I say FAD AWAY!

Simple Shapes is full of clever ideas.

Stick them up then blu tack your fave pics up for easy updates whenever you like and everything looks fresh and stylish. I can see these floating along the hallway in Maxabellaland. As soon as I manage to get any recent pictures developed. What year was the digital camera invented again?

And how's this for a fantastic idea - a wall calendar that you wipe clean each month for a fresh start. They include 2011 and 2012 decals too so it's good for a couple of years.

They also have loads of reasonably priced, cute kids' decals.

Easy to love, right? Have you got a fave etsy find to share?

PS - This post is part of Anna's ♥ Much Love ♥ Mondays... pop over to find more gorgeous things to love.

Skull & bones ice cubes

Make your ice cubes super creepy by adding a little dash of natural pink food colouring to your water when making ice cubes.

Halloween party skull ice cube tray

Pour sprite over the ice and add a skeleton straw to finish off!

Have a sweet day!

This Saturday I'm grateful for... wharfs

Here in Maxabellaland, Saturday is traditionally a sport, shop, sort the clothes, sweep the floors, strangle the Tsunamis (insert other 's' words here - no pun intended) kinda day. But it's nice to pause to appreciate the things in your life that are positive and affirming, whatever they may be. I thought it might be nice for us all to do a Saturday Grateful post and link up for lovely bloggy visits.

This Saturday I'm grateful for...

1. Easy, breezy days. Nothing to particularly do. No one to particularly answer to. Particularly lovely.

2. Sand. You have kept my children amused for hours and hours over the years. I know I complain a lot about the fact that sometimes my house feels like an extension of the beach thanks to your gritty little self, but I really, really appreciate your input to playtime everywhere.

3. A wharf. Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the tide rolling away. Sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time. (Thank you Otis Reading.)

What's making you smile today? Join the linky and the pop over to other grateful bloggers to share a little sunshine on a cloudy day.

[Image]

Spider decor

This week in my series of posts, "Fridays Finds", I bring you a selection of creepy spider decor for Halloween.

Have a sweet day!

Little moments that made me ...smile... this week

Snuggles in our bed early in the morning and reading our favorite book....Goodnight Moon...by Margaret Wise Brown. The illustrations are bright, simple and we have fun trying to find the mouse on each page.

Oh, how I love baby feet....my beautiful niece kicking about on a rug in the park.

Sunlight....I can't get enough of it at my house...I made this paper bunting a couple of weeks back. It is currently hanging in the lounge room above the sofa. It's a fun way to spot pictures and sing the ABC song!

The joy of discovering Santa Clause in our this little thrifted Golden Book that I picked up for 25c

(and hearing my little one asking Santa for a board) that's SURF BOARD! hmm at 2 years and 2 months old....influenced by a very keen daddy.

Happy Friday and thank you all for the very sweet words this week....

this post by the lovely Emma who's fun posts always make me smile

and I was tagged by the creative Melissa ....thank you for thinking of me and yes...I would love to join you for a cup of tea in your English garden x