The Best of Intentions

***

Ah, life it can get so complicated sometimes can't it. 

Especially if you have a child with special needs.  We decided to intensify our little man's therapies both at sessions and at home, and exhausting as it has been for me with his "homework" and taking him to and from his therapists, the fatigue has been worth it as we have seen a remarkable leap in his development.  He is a real little star and we love him to bits.

We are about to start phase two by bringing a therapist into our home for 10 hours every week.  The idea is that by the time he starts school in 18 months that he will no longer need the "shadow" he currently has at preschool and that he will have caught up with his peers.

As it turned out despite all the best intentions of keeping up my daily posts, if only to provide a bit of "me" time with pretty pictures, it became impossible to keep abreast of other blogs let alone keep mine up to date.

But I do miss you all both my readers and also the blogs I like to read and I am determined to  return to the blogosphere. So, I'm back but it won't be daily and it may not even be weekly or monthly but rather intermittently, I hope you don't mind.

In the meantime, here are few pretty things that I'm loving a lot:

To carry my bits and bobs

By day

And by night

It was really wet a few weeks ago

Wishing it was summer

We're off to Fiji in a fortnight, this would be lovely for evenings

Sexy Scandi style

The most stylish height chart ever

And just to end the post with some family stuff:

The boys on their first day of school earlier this year

Comparing their Easter egg finds

On a day trip to the Zig-Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains

Have a happy day and see you soon.

Dear Santa ...

***

I have been pretty good this year and have almost completed my gift buying and have begun the wrapping stage as well.

I am often inspired by Gift Lists in magazines and now of course in blogs,.  In fact a few lucky people in my life will be the recipients of gifts found on blogs as far away as Paris and New York.

I thought I would do something a bit different and put together a list for you, the wonderful woman that you are.

I have listed things that are predominantly Australian as there are plenty of overseas blogs that have other nations covered (my faves this year are Simple Lovely, A Cup of Jo and Design Sponge) and my apologies to non-Sydneysiders, there are a few things found only here, but you can find similar things in your neck of the woods.

So herewith my Chrissie list and happy shopping!

***

You are a mum, nan, sister, girlfriend, no matter who this lady deserves some special stuff

Like a bit of silver and classic pearls

This calfskin shopper

An annual subscription to one of these companies

Some delicate smalls

This beautiful silk linen jumper

A degustation here or any other excellent restaurant

A day spa in the country

A subscription to your favourite magazines

Special letterpress stationery (not Australian, but Suann ships to Australia and I think this is the most beautiful stationery I have seen and deserves to be on my list)

And finally, my favourite way to be spoiled, a sleep in and brekkie in bed - pure bliss*

No matter what you receive ladies, I hope that it makes you feel special.

Have a happy day.

* Image from here

A Look Inside

A post by Jane at My Pear Tree House prompted this house tour. Dana of Yellowtrace lives here and if you look at the first image you will recognise it from the cover of the book which was the subject of Jane's post yesterday. Dana lives in Megan Morton's previous home.

I really like how Dana has injected colour into her home and of course I love the industrial and vintage touches, like he magazine box. I like her quirky vignettes as well, the chooks and the pirate ship.  Oh and I have that white ribbon vase in my family room, it is actually a lamp, it produces a beautiful effect when lit. A fun, yet welcoming home.

Have a happy day.

Images via Apartment Therapy

LMNOP Issue 11

The latest issue of my favourite parenting magazine is out, you can download it here.

Happy reading.

My Sweet Prints

My friend Janette is having a great sale at her store - 40% off every print. This could be the best time to get that print you have had your eye on. I've nabbed myself this one for the boys' playroom.

Be quick it ends midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time tonight, 30 June 2010.

I hope you're having a happy afternoon.

A Look Inside

Do you recall this pillow I posted about? Well I took the plunge and bought it recently for my bed.  I love it beautiful quality linen and hand printing.

Well the owner of the shop Uniform Natural is Martha McQuade and I recently stumbled upon her beautiful home on Flickr.  I thought I would share some of it with you.  She has two boys and I am quite in love with their bedrooms. I also like her vignettes. I hope you enjoy the peek.

You can see more images of her home including her amazing workroom/studio here.

Have a happy day.

Pretty Things for a Birthday Girl

This is my niece, she turned one today (picture was taken back in January).  I think she is gorgeous. She moved to the US with her mummy and daddy in March so we can only send her our birthday cuddles via the internet and phone.

Thought I would send her a gift the same way.  Here are some of my choices for a very special little girl.

I love the use of vintage material in this dress and the pretty crochet detail

Such a cute clock

Bunting, pink, cakes and balloons - what could be more girly

A beautiful dolly

And her dolly's best friend

Paper dolls, just like I had as a girl

A cardboard dollhouse for them

A wise scandi style owl

Cute vintage style pillows

Finally, some beautiful books to add to her bookshelf

You probably wouldn't be surprised to read, that I play out my dreams of having a little girl vicariously through my sister, even if it is only through the internet. T I hope you like what I have chosen for you little B. I hope she has a lovely day full of lots of kisses and cuddles from you.

Happy birthday B.