Jikana Damaru

come walk with me

through Melbourne town

past intimate tables for two

along cobblestone lane ways

amongst art & colour & light

to little shops full of life

past buildings & ornate gates

that's Melbourne for you

a place where around every corner

you will find something amazing different fun enchanting

& always a little something to eat

This week I'm grateful for... trying

We have a saying around our house: "Don't say can't, say I'll try". It's a necessary saying because if a child has ever uttered the words "I can't" more than Maxi and Cappers, I'd like to meet them. Every time they say I can't, I bang on with my favourite saying and 9.9 times out of 10, they'll give something a go (the other 0.1 times they moan something about 'not that again, Mumma').

I like to think that I'm a trier myself. I hate to think that I'm a can'ter, that's for sure. So, when I stepped out last Saturday with the intention of walking for the duration of Maxi's OT session (45 mins) and found myself running the route instead, well, I felt like I was walking the talk, that's for sure. As a matter of fact, I was running the talk and that's even better.

So, this week I'm grateful for...

133. Trying - just getting in there and giving something a go. Like we remind our kids 27 times a day.

134. Running - for the first, oh, five minutes I just had the biggest grin on my face. It had been such a long time since I'd run at any kind of pace and the feeling was absolutely joyous.

135. Rest days - after those first deluded minutes, I really had to drag my sorry self around those mean streets. And the next day, sheesh, why on earth were my inner thighs in agony? I must have such a weird run to make that happen. In my head I'm smartly running along as if I should be wearing lycra. In reality, it's a very good thing I'm not.

PS - It's the Badoo's 3rd birthday party so I apologise in advance that I won't be around much to visit you. I'd love it if you'd visit one extra Grateful blogger on my behalf today, just to show we care. I'll post about the Pink Party (yes, she just wanted 'pink' - how's my life?) on Sunday! x

So, what's making you smile today? Add your I'm Grateful For post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is a Grateful one and not just a random), add the button (grab the code from my sidebar and paste it into your post) and pretty-please add a link back to me. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.

[Image by Brittney T via Flickr]

Friday Feature - Anne Naumann

Today I start a new series of posts, called Friday Feature. I will be sharing with you the work of some of the most talented artists I find. First up is German photographer, Anne Naumann. Her photographs have such a beautiful, tranquil quality to them. You can check out more of her beautifully soft photos in her portfolio and on Flickr. Enjoy!

Happy Friday sweets!

Comfort

It occurs to me that above all else, the blessed ones in this life are the ones who reach out and offer the quiet gift of comfort.

Of reassurance, of taking time to notice, of hearing.

Such a warm, golden, often-overlooked treasure.

How long has it been since you've comforted another?

[Image from here. The girl in the picture needs a sandwich. Even a cracker might help. Some comfort food? Just saying.]

Cake Pop LA!

This week on "Wonderful World of Etsy" I bring you the prettiest whimsical cake pops from Cake Pop LA. The cutout pie pops are so cute and ingenious and I am swooning over the adorable ice cream cake pops!

Have a sweet day!

Personalised Owl Onesie - a hoot!

I've been having a lot of fun working on some new stuff for boys this week... I have a brand new range that I can't wait to share with you next week, but today I made this onesie and I can't help but share it with you. It's a customised owl made from layers of fabric, felt and cord appliqued onto a onesie. Mismatched buttons as 'eyes', embroidered legs and the letter or number of your choice stitched onto the front makes for a very fun outfit (if I'm allowed to say so myself?!)

I made this onesie for my step-mother who wanted a gift for a friend with a newborn. His name is Benjamin, thus the 'B' on the front. But I think it would be really cute with a '1' for a first birthday, don't you? And I loved the pics of Elliott wearing the suit so much I'm going to make him one, too! What a hoot!

Here are some of the pics from today, where my darling sat still for 13 seconds -- enough for me to snap a few shots (and yep, I couldn't help but give THAT hat another workout!):

my dad, stepmother Wendy and Elli-Boo. Can you tell it's all Wendy can do to hold onto him?! :)

The customised owl onesie is available in either short or long sleeves in all sizes. If you like it and would like to put-a-ring-on-it, please visit my store!

xo

Sweet Style has arrived

Finally it has arrived. After many months of planning and loads of encouragement from family and friends I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new website and online store.

Sweet Style is really a dream come true for me - what began 2 years ago as a blog about a new house we were building somehow has turned itself into something entirely of its own and it has nothing to do with building a house - funny the direction life can take when you find something you are passionate about.

Mrs A In the Cove - the blog - will continue as I hope to be able to take everyone along with me on this journey into the world of Sweet Style. I will continue to blog about the girls, Mr A and life in general, as well as work on my photography, create more dessert tables and show you new and exciting products in the store. Somewhere in there I hope to be able to find time for some sleep!

I must also add a word of thanks to some wonderful people who have helped me along the way - my gorgeous friend Natasha and her husband Daniel who have not only designed and built my website, but have also been an incredible sounding board for all aspects of setting up a business and always full of enthusiasm for my little hobby that has turned into something more.

To my lovely online friends who have been so encouraging - Katena, Sharnel, Tracey and Millie. Thank you x

And of course to my biggest critic but biggest supporter Mr A - if there is a spelling mistake - he finds it. If there is a sentence or picture that doesn't look right he tells me - he loves this blog as much as I do. He is currently travelling in the US for work so missing my launch party (nothing big - just me and the girls) but checks in regularly to pick up anything I may have missed.

So without further ado I invite you to take a visit to my new website and store

www.sweetstyle.com.au

As a special opening offering I will be offering 10% off everything in the store from now until Sunday evening.

Yes this includes the milk glass cake stands as well (they arrive on the 12th June so place your order and they will be shipped out to you on arrival). Enter the code "Launch" in the coupon box to receive your discount.

Finally, don't forget to like my Sweet Style facebook and twitter pages to be kept up to date with all the news including special offers and new products that will be arriving in the coming weeks.

Enjoy having a look around.