Sunday, December 22, 2013

And Here's To You

(Selfie of Milla found the next day on my phone)

Whenever I put on lipstick Milla requests a "waindewr nose"

We are in full Christmas celebrating mode, little parts of it popping up around our lives.

I'm almost certain that Milla thinks Jesus is a Christmas Tree.

Pre kids I always wondered why parents bothered doing anything for their kids before 5 years old, it's not like they'll remember it... but now, all this stuff is so much fun. She may not remember the advent activities, or the grotto, the stories, the music etc, but these little experiences now help grow her into the lady she will one day be.

It's beautiful, really, seeing all this joy.


A kiwi Christmas - the antlers, sun hat and sun glasses. Passed out behind the couch with a pile of washing to fold. 

Here's to you and yours, have a safe and joyful week. I hope you're surrounded with some love xxx


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Little Aprons


I forgot to show you, a bunch of months ago in the thick of baby haze and a self imposed crazy need to create I made a bunch of these aprons for some special little 2 years olds in our lives!

They're reversible with an elastic neck and tape for the strings. They made a sweet little gift, hopefully they are getting lots of wear out of them!!

(Guys, seriously, you should have told me to take a chill pill!!! Rest and all that stuff.)

Katie Update: Month 5


(Just pretend like I'm not posting this almost a month later, these photos were taken on her 5 month old celebration day!)

Tatie!! The sweetest baby that ever did live! You are our little precious! Maybe it's because you're the youngest, but I just want to keep you little for as long as I can! 

I was always so eager for Milla to grow up, always dressing her in bright colours and big girl clothes, always looking foward to the next milestone. But you? You're often in whites and baby pinks (something I never dressed Milla in). You just look so sweet as a little bubba. So innocent and precious. Ahhh you melt my heart!!


You're still a socialite and show no judgement to whoever has you. You're much more alert now and will spend a whole Toddlerock or church session awake, smiling, looking around, just being you. And then when we get home, crasssh, you'll sleep the hours away.

You're still having around 3 naps a day if we're able to stick to our usual day. Waking around 6am and going to bed for the whole night at around 6pm. Yes, I have it very very very lucky!!! I've been going out a bit at night this month and it's so nice to do so while I know you're sleepy soundly and happily without me :) 

You've been planking this last week, you get right up on your tippy toes like you're doing push ups. You're SO strong!! 


You've also tried your first (pureed) solids; rice cereal, pumpkin, kumera and pears. Yum yum to them all I think you're saying! You like to grab the spoon and do it yourself and you will gobble up as much as I give you! Milla loves to watch you eat your food, and when i'm not looking she'll try and slip you a cookie or fruit bar!


Stay strong little Katie! And eat eat eat, you're going to need lots of energy if you're going to crawl soon! 

We love you, xxx

(click on the "katie updatie" link below to see previous months)

Saturday, December 14, 2013

December Night Update



Saturday night, we meet again. Cookies and wine, a spot of crochet and blogging.

I haven't been finding the time to open my laptop these days, Milla is soaking up all the attention I can possibly give her and I can see her demeanor change when a device is around; the TV, laptop, phone... She fights for attention, of which I will happily give her. Laptops have been staying closed until the evening, and by then there is a husband to socialise with. 

So here I am! A moments peace to turn out some sort of marker in the internets history.

The most pressing news to share is that we have found a home to live in next year. It will do us just great. Despite having to move out 4 weeks early (and continue paying rent) we are feeling very provided for and looked after. All has worked out in the end, and hopefully all the packing and moving will go smoothly after our Christmas and New Years celebrations!

Our new home is a block away from Nanny and Poppas house and backs on to a domain with a play ground and playing fields! We also have an -actual lounge- which we are excited to have people in soon! (if anyone has been to our current apartment you will understand our excitement!)

We've been doing advent activities in the lead up to Christmas, its so much fun having a little pre-planned activity to spice up the day. Milla loves excitement no matter the subject! If something is "special" then it is THEBESTHINGEVERRR! 

This week we've had special Milos during book and bible time (I know right, lucky!!), been to visit Christmas lights, had pancakes for breakfast, been at Christmas parties, made cards and a bunch of other things!

I l.o.v.e Christmas. So so so much.


Last night I wrapped our gifts, it's safe to say that Kmart has the best (and cheap!) wrapping paper around! It's awesome. I love our little pile of gifts :)

Camilla took the photos in this post and applied the filters to them. I have a whole lot of them in my phone, I love to see what she takes when she sneaks off with my phone.


I hope to see you later on in the week, I have a trillion things to share with you!!

So tell me, how is everyone doing out there???


Thursday, December 5, 2013

From the CHCH Bloggers Xmas party


HELLO WORLD! The Christchurch bloggers are swapping gifts and eating treats (while I post this at the same time!!)

I love these ladies.

(And I'm going to miss Miriam SO much when she departs our fair city soon! *whimper*)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Wearing Breastmates at HAZED Launch and Giveaway!


Last week I was lucky enough to attend the launch of the first printed HAZED magazine!

Doesn't that sound so swanky?! Magazine launches and all, as a Mama! Who would have thought?

The invite told me to wear a "frock" so I wore this cute number from Breastmates! It's the RaRa dress, and is just as bright and fun as it looks! It comes in a bright blue too, but I just love this little pop of orange down the bottom on the pink version! 



When deciding what to wear I discovered that my pre-feeding dresses all have tight waists and can't be lifted up / pulled down to feed, but more than that, I discovered most of the dress straps just didn't work with my nursing bras!! I searched high and low on the internet and in malls for something feminine that had thick straps and was feeding friendly (the top flap lifts up to feed) and this was a winner!


So far I've worn this out to a mag launch, birthday date, birthday party and you'll see me in it through Christmas celebrations too! 

(and no matter what kind of day I think my body is having, it covers and forgives all! Bring on the Christmas Pav!)

It's nice to know that I still have a resemblance of a social life and I actually need nice to clothes to wear out, despite my mother badges! If you need a nice maternity / feeding dress this summer, definitely check out the range from Breastmates. (this one was designed by Franny herself, love!!)

Look! A maternity dress without a bump!


(I posted this picture on FB and Instagram, thank you for all your super kind compliments!!!)

I had such a great time at the HAZED launch, it was lovely to be out all dressed up with other put together people! 

I'm also crazy proud of Hazel for putting out such a beautiful magazine, it's first time in print after being published online for over a year!

Inside HAZED you'll see an array of interviews of NZ talent in the indie world, along with our own Sisterhood column! Huge thanks to Hazel for offering it to us and being such an avid Sisterhood supporter! 



GIVEAWAY::

*giveaway now closed* Congratulations Kimberley A!

Leave a comment here with your email address (or have it linked to your blogger profile) and let me know if you'd like to be in to win a copy of HAZED! 


[[I have one to giveaway, and will draw the winner on Friday 6th December, you'll be announced on FB and will be emailed. NZ entries only please.]]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Random Second Baby Related Thoughts



  • I still cannot believe how well my second birth went. I thought the first went well enough but I had no idea how it could be even better. I'm so so grateful and thankful for that experience. I almost wish I had it filmed now, I wish I could show you it (but also not, you know).
  • I never knew If I was "a baby mum" or not. You know how some say they loved the baby years, and others say they were so glad to get out of it. Well now that I have a toddler and a baby, I can definitely say I prefer the baby moments. She's just SO EASY guys. All she does is sleep, eat and smile. It's crazy adorable.
  • Some times I wonder what the heck I did as a first time Mum. Why did I feel so busy?! But then I take the guilt off, I -was- busy. It's all relative. I'm sure if I had 10 kids I'd be thinking the same thoughts for when I "only had 5 kids".
  • I'm kind of in mourning for the last 5 months. Where did that time go? Seriously guys, it's getting me down. Why on earth was I so concerned with to-do lists and keeping busy!??! I know. Deep down I was trying to feel like I was achieving something. When each day seems to be useless, so "busy" just living its nice to have an acomplishment. But now I wonder, did I cuddle my baby enough? Did I smell her? Did I kiss her cheeks enough? It worries me, I'll be honest. That other -stuff- I was doing, pointless in comparison. 
  • I'm learning so much more about myself as I get to the end of myself. Who am I really?
  • I'm also trying to learn what fills me up. What fills my happy cup? and focussing on that. I'm in need of some serious filling to overflowing these days. It feels like my cup has holes in the bottom and its all draining out. My crochet mix blanket helps, I've mostly ditched the lists, I've created more space in my day, I've been on a few runs by myself, I've started reading a fantastic book. And when I get a smart phone again (hopefully soonish), I'll be back into reading The Word more regularly again. It all helps to clear some space.
  • I love my girls so so much.
  • It's awesome to see them growing together as sisters. There are definitely extreme moments. It's not all cute instagram pictures around here. Some times Milla has just had enough and who knows what she's capable of, other moments she's laying down with Katie telling her about the sky outside. Being 2 is very hard, did you know?
  • It's all learning and it's all life. Let's all just take a chill pill and let it happen, okay?
No need to comment, I'm just thinking out-loud here :)

I hope everyone reading this is feeling well and having their happy cups filled. Love to you xx

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Coming Up In The Sisterhood

Hey Sisters! This is a bit of a house keeping post :)

I'm still on a bit of a high after the Ninja Cookie Bake! It blew all my expectations and was such a success! Thank you for being part of it and making it what it was. That's what the Sisterhood is, it's all of us. So we couldn't have done the Ninja Bake without you!

I'm looking forward to the Craft Love Festival coming up at the end of November in Christchurch. They'll have a giving tree there collecting gifts for The Sisterhood love bombs. I'll also be there to hang out and talk to people! I had all these grand dreams of a craft table for card making for the love bombs etc but it all just started to stress me out. So I scaled back and make plans for what I could actually achieve. And that was turning up on the night. So that's what I'll be doing!! Ha ha.

Hazel, who also runs Craft Love Festival is the editor and creator of the Hazed magazine. She's given me a regular column spot in her mag to write about The Sisterhood / encourage her readers. It's been published online for over a year now, but this December is being released for the first time in real-life-print. I am SO excited for Hazel (she really works the hardest out of anyone I've ever known!!!) and I'm excited to see The Sisterhood in print! Yippee!! I'll let you know how you can get a copy when I know :)

In the lead up to Christmas I'm also scaling back. Some time about a month ago I realised I had a very little baby, a toddler starving for adventures and attention and a house to look after. That filled my "achievable cup" so I've decided to go light on Christmas in regards to The Sisterhood this year. If i'm going to do anything, I want to do it well.

Also, we've been given our notice and will need to be shifting at the end of January. With the housing / renting market in Christchurch this worries me a little and we aren't sure what sort of place we'll get next. Hopefully we'll have some spare room to house the sisterhood HQ, but in the mean time I'll be making Love Bombs up to my hearts content to use up what we currently have (then I also don't need to shift it!) and whatever we gather from Craft Love Festival and sending them before that happens. (no need to send anything new in, except perhaps Chocolate. We always need chocolate! ;))

I'll be going through my emails / past nominations to find people to send them to, but if you have someone in mind as you read this then send me an email on sophie AT moo2.co.nz to refresh my memory! :)

So in summary, The Sisterhood is an exciting place to belong to, and we couldn't do this without you!! I'll be at Craft Love Festival on the 29th November in Christchurch and I'll be making up Love Bombs before Christmas as and when I can using what we already have. The Moo2's will be moving at the end of January, location unknown, if you know of anywhere affordable in Christchurch for our little whanau let me know! Until then, The Sisterhood may be a tad quiet while we sort our lives out and focus on doing it well!

Love to all of you xxx


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Happy 25!


Oh hey, today is the 13th of November! That means its my BIRTHDAY! Yahoo!!

25 years on this planet, lucky huh!! 


Honorable thanks go to my parents for bringing me into this world. Being a 5th kid, i'm pretty lucky to be here really! 

This morning I've been to our church womens group, they all sang me happy birthday and gave me flowers, then had lunch with my dad, sis in law and niece.

I'm about to clean up the house and will await my handsome hubs coming home from work! I have a new dress from Breastmates and everything to wear tonight! I hope something exciting is happening!

No pictures from this year to show you, this photo above is from the champagne breakfast I threw last year for my birthday with my closest girls. (I never ended up showing you sorry!) Except I ended up drinking sparkling grape juice and announcing to them all that I was with child! Exciting! No news like that this year! ha! 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sunday Thoughts



  • This weekend MrMoo, myself and the girls went to join the Young Adults from Church at their retreat near Akaroa this week. We only went over for the day, arriving at 10am and getting home at midnight but it was well worth the trip, I'm glad we made it for some of the weekend.
  • Today is Nanny's birthday. She's really good to us, she is. It's a pleasure to celebrate with her. We sat under a tree all afternoon and got to hear all about Poppas long hair when they were young and just met. Yeeeow! 
  • Our house that we have rented for the last 2+ years has sold, and we've been given our notice for the end of Jan. I'm terrified of moving. Of the finding a house that we can even afford (is that still possible!?) in Christchurch, the time frame, the kids, the packing. Since we moved last a lot has changed. If I think about it I feel sick, can't think about it, can't. Bleugh. Help? BUT you know, we've always found a place in the past and it's always been perfect for the season we're in at the time, so just trying to remember that. Pray for us? Help us find a place? Help us pack? Please and thank you!
  • It's my birthday this week, my only request has been that MrMoo dates me. Like a real, actual date. I plan to wear a dress. Wine and dine me, Babe! 
  • I've been going to our Church's womens ministry morning on a Wednesday. Lots and lots of ladies, all different ages together to worship, pray and do studies. AND. They run a creche for all our offspring. Booyah. 
  • I realised this week that I have a MONTH of giveaways for you in the lead up to Christmas for fabulous partners! Take that, Ellen! I hope there's something you like!
  • I am just SO crazy proud of Sarah and Simone for both self-publishing and releasing their books this month! I've bought both of them and can't wait to read them to Milla! Lots of people have grand ideas, but these ladies actually set about doing them. That thrills me! HOWAWESOME! 
Here's to a good week, girls! Keep on breathing! 

xxx


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Pretty Birds Jewellery GIVEAWAY

Pretty Birds are back on Sophie Slim! It's a pleasure, really. Pretty Birds were the first small business to advertise with Sophie Slim and have been a huge Sisterhood supporter ever since! I love em, love em I do!

In fact, when Lee saw a picture of my little Sisterhood office area she sent me a photo of this necklace that she had made and sells in her online store and asked if I'd like to give it away to one of my readers. She's thoughtful like it.

It's my Sisterhood mantra, the strong words sum up who I would like to be as a woman, one of strength and dignity with the ability and lightness to laugh without fear. These words can be found in Proverbs 31, a beautiful chapter of The Bible that leaves much to be desired for my own life. 


Proverbs 31:25  "She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future".  Attached to the quote is a small image of a magnolia flower, a flower that symbolises dignity; and a swallow charm, signifying freedom (from fear).  The lucky winner is able to choose either an antique bronze or antique silver setting.

This would make a perfect Christmas gift for someone in your life, or could adorn your own neck and provide a reminder of strength and courage. 


**Giveaway now closed - Congratulations Angyla!**


TO ENTER:

Be in to win a Strength and Dignity necklace with a choice of your setting (antique bronze or silver) Simply visit the Pretty Birds online store and leave a comment with your email address telling me what you love! 

For extra entries you can:
Sign up to the Mailing List here (get the info on new releases, discounts and sales!)
[leave an extra comment for each extra entry]

Giveaway closes November 13th 2013 (oh hey, my birthday!! ;)) Winner will be announced on this post, on the Sophie Slim Facebook Page and will be emailed.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Octobers Month


(just a few gift Ideas incase you want to splash out on me ;) )

October, you went by so quickly. It got far too busy and when I think about it my heart beats a little too fast just remembering the pressure. Ninja bakes, babies, all that stuff. As a result, this is a few days late, whoopsies! The good news is I've reassessed and prioritised. Good girl, Sophie.

I'm looking forward to Christmas, my gifts are already being bought. This year I'm buying from local and New Zealand small businesses. The gifts so far have been of an exceptional quality and i'm excited to be able to support someone else's Christmas too!

And that wee break at the end of the year? Its in my sights!! I can't wait!


Katie Updatie Month 4


I'm a little bit late with this 4 month milestone, but these photos were taken on the day of. 


4 short months, only a whisper in the grand scheme of a life time, but it already feels like you have made your mark. I can't imagine life without you, Katie. You are so precious, so lovely, and have stolen my heart. I love you so much.


This month you've been chatting more, infact some times we can't shut you up! You blab on and on, and love to be spoken to. You have real conversations with us, we love our chats! 

Your favourite position is standing face to face on someones lap. You value eye contact and will respond with smiles, giggles and joyful squeels to anyone who will give you some time in their day. Anyone, really. You are a people person! It's a delight.


You're sleeping in your cot now and sharing a room with your big sister Camilla. It's going well so far, and you don't seem to wake each other up. You're sleeping through the night which I am so thankful for! It means your Dad and I can go out at night and know that you will stay in bed. Long may that last! You wake around 4am for another feed and then go back to sleep till Milla inevitably wakes you up. 


Your hair is a beautiful rusty red or dark brown. It has different sections of each. We're not sure which way it will swing, but I think you'll end up just like your Daddy. Whatever it is, it's completely beautiful. And your eyes, woweee, a beautiful brilliant blue, just like your Sisters.

And a teeny tiny dimple impressed into your cheek, melt my heart why don'tcha Katie.



Milla loves to hold you, you try and kiss her / suck her face and she giggles and giggles! She also pats your head and says "hi precious""Hi Tatie", or when your crying she'll rock your bouncer and say "go to sleep tatie" haha! She's learning to be gentle and is a great Big Sister in the making!

Well, we made it out of winter together, high fives for that! I'm looking forward to a fun summer with you, filled with sun hats, sun screen, parks and adventures with our family.

Love you Baby Moo2.


 READ MORE:
Other Katie Updaties
Milla at 4 months
Katies Birth Story

[Romper sent from Aunty Amy in London]

Monday, October 28, 2013

Meet The Sisterhood: Vanessa



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)




Introducing Vanessa!


Vanessa emailed me last year wanting to specifically respond to one of the families we were planning on sending a love bomb to, and she has been with us ever since. She's also a blogger and baker, and has the most delicious looking blog you'll lay your eyes on. Don't read it hungry, you might find yourself in the kitchen whipping up some of her fab recipes (or do, you wont regret it)! 

I met Vanessa earlier this year and she's just as lovely as I imagined! She's also announced recently that she is expecting another baby! Yahooo!!


How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I think it was through Facebook somehow – 2 degrees and all that!


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?



I am a firm believer that the world is bigger than our own problems, there are very real needs out in our community that we never hear about: the non-newsworthy stuff is real. I LOVED the fact that this wonderful organisation could let me make a small difference in someone else’s life.  I think my first involvement in The Sisterhood was when I sent a box of goodies to a little girl who needed some extra attention.


How did that make you feel?

It made me feel so overwhelmed to know I could be a part of making that wee girl feel cared about.  Usually when I read stories of people needing assistance from The Sisterhood, I get a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes and wish that I had more resources to give to all these people who need it.


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
That through this group, there is an avenue to give, anonymously, wholeheartedly and as and when you’re able. Everyone has something to offer, it doesn’t have to expensive or large, it’s often something as simple as a block of chocolate or a tin of cookies.  That, for most of us, is achievable.


What would you like to see us do in the future?
Keep on doing what you’re doing... I think it’s a wonderful initiative and I’m honoured to be involved.



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sunday Thoughts with a Wine


I am currently in my happy place [Harry Potter, crochet, glass of wine and cookies in the oven] so thought I would take a moment to pop in here and leave my mark.

Here are my random thoughts from a Sunday evening on a long weekend:

  • I'm very grateful for all the emails, advice and experience I have received on this new hitting phenomenon. I don't even like to type that word, it feels so dirty. We are giving Milla lots and lots of positive attention, firm and direct leading when situations turn to custard, chanelling her mothering and gentleness into her Dolly and trying to live a great day at a time. I think it might be working / helping. She is certainly responding to it well! 
  • I've been busy lately, my family, home and personal self have suffered because of it. Thankfully, its all self imposed busyness, which means I have the power to control it. Say no to the Rushing Woman! 
  • I have had a 14 year relationship with Harry Potter. I still enjoy it as much as I did back in Form One (year 2000) when all the cool girls were reading it. Mrs Drower, if you ever read this, I still have your Chamber of Secrets book I never returned!!! 
  • I've started a new crochet piece of art. It's fabulous, and I'm learning SO much about crochet in the process. It's filling my hands and my mind with colourful happiness and its good for the soul.
  • Milla and I are attempting to grow strawberries. I don't know if they do already, but society should promote growing things as a help for depression. Watching these little plants grow has brought me immeasurable joy and wonderings into the fullness and meaning of life. Another good for the soul activity.
  • I can't believe its nearly the end of year! My birthday is approaching, along with Christmas. I'm already pondering advents, activities and things to be done with Milla regarding the whole Jesus being born thing. Any fun ideas?!
  • Christmas gifts this year are being bought from local or small NZ businesses, I've already started online purchases. It feels good knowing i'm also being able to help someone else local buy their Chrissy presents! 
  • I miss you all. What have you been up to lately?!


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sister Files: Sharing Bedrooms



The girls have been sharing a bedroom for the last few weeks now, if you had asked me a few days ago how it was going I would have said perfectly. Everyone told me they would share fine, that they wouldn't wake up to each other, and everyone was right. They do share and they don't wake. 

Even though we have a room for Katie to potentially use we decided to keep it as a spare room / sewing area / office / Sisterhood storage area. Also there's a big possibility we'll need to down size to two bedrooms next year so we wanted to get the sharing a bedroom thing in from the start.

Milla loves to have her sister in her bedroom, she whispers whenever she goes in there, and I'll often find a blanket on Katie that wasn't there in the first place.


Katie has transitioned from the basinet in our bedroom into her cot just fine. Infact, I don't think she even noticed a change. I'm still figuring out how to tuck her in, I'm unsure if I should be wrapping her, sleeping bagging her or just letting it all flow. Whatever I do, she gets off to sleep just fine, usually with a thumb in her mouth (adorable). 

These last few days Milla has suddenly struggled to keep her hands to herself. It caused problems last night where every 10 minutes we heard a shriek from Katie, only to rush in and find Milla with her fingers in her eyes, nose, mouth, hitting her, pulling etc each time. Oh my heart, it broke for little Katie. I felt so bad for her, and sad for Milla. Katie ended up in her basinet last night to give Milla some space.

Unfortunately this trend has continued today, so i'll be spending today cuddling my biggest, letting her pour the washing powder in the machine (such a treat!) and giving her lots of attention. I'll also be praying for lots and lots of patience. 

The trouble with sharing rooms is there's only one place to send them, and if they can't be together then... whats the back up plan?! 


I do love this arrangement though, and for the most part I'm glad they have each other. It'll be nice when they're a little older and can have a chat before they go to bed! Cute!

Whats the sleeping arrangements like in your house? Any tried and true recipes for success? I'd love to hear them! Leave a comment and let me know :) 

READ MORE:
Sister Files


Monday, October 21, 2013

2013 Ninja Bake Weekend Complete



This weekend hundreds of women pulled out their cooling racks, put on their ninja head gear and prepped the hubbys on the best places for a drop off and getaway.

Some waited in cars for the kids to come running down the driveway, others had a getaway vehicle running ready to go.

But at the heart of all the excitement, it was hundreds of women baking in secret for hundreds of others. Some were known to them, others were nominated and they were trusted to bless other peoples loved ones. But whatever and whoever, we all know one thing - it was a heartwarming, belly filling weekend of blessings, kindness and love.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this weekends Ninja Baking drop. Over 400 batches of baking were delivered in stealth (or not so stealth). Some were baked in the dark of the night, others with a group of cousins or work mates, or with little kiddo fingers pinching dough.

As a recipient of baking, I know that what you did was a good thing. You made someones day, or week. You released tears and brought about smiles and heart flutters. Thank you!

Here are a few photos and quotes from the weekend - photos sent in by bakers, and quotes pulled from comments left on our Facebook page over the weekend. Thank you for joining in on the Facebook page over the weekend too, there were lots of visitors and you welcomed them so well!

Check out our Facebook page here because this is just a very very small selection of what is on there!

"We've just received some lovely baking in our mailbox! Thank you to whomever nominated us, and thank you to whomever baked for us! It's been a big year, with the arrival of baby number three, a business to keep pushing and volunteer work to keep going. Knowing that we've been thought of in this way by someone is really appreciated." -Erin


"Oh my gosh! I just got ninja cookie bombed! Except the lovely ninja stayed and I got to give her a hug. Thank you!!!!" - Holly


"What a lovely surprise I got yesterday! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much " - Louise


"Ninja Baking received after I had just received a phone call about my mum being rushed to hospital.....so the importance and meaning is always, ALWAYS more than baking....the note meant everything too, and knowing the effort and love that went into the baking.....and the effort to drop it off!....made it all the more special. Can't thank everybody enough." - Andrea


What might have been the trickiest Ninja drop of the weekend (hehe! would you believe they got in and out without being seen?):




Honorable mentions go to Treena-Marie for helping me so much with emailing and behind the scenes admin, to Katie for asking to ninja-bake for all the other bakers in her city and to everyone who registered as a baker or signed up a nomination! Thank you for caring beyond yourself and reaching out to bless someone else. You make this world go 'round, no doubt. 

Love to you all.

READ MORE:
Here's what some bloggers have said about the Ninja Bake weekend:

Meet The Sisterhood: Cyndi (*LJ)



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)




Introducing Cyndi (also known as *LJ on our FB page)!


I first met Cyndi through blogging a few years ago. I sent her some coffee through the post and hooked her into The Sisterhood foreverrr. I knew the way to that ladies heart! Hehe!

Cyndi helps me admin the Sisterhood facebook page, and chimes in every now and again to give me advice on my hairbrained schemes. She has a beautiful boy, Monkey, who is probably the smartest kid I've ever heard of, and Cyndi has to be the strongest woman I have had the pleasure of knowing as I have watched her blog her way through divorce and hard change this last year. 


She is a blessing to The Sisterhood, and its a joy to finally introduce her as she has been know as *LJ for so long!!



How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I received a care package from you before The Sisterhood started officially. It was a simple gift of love and I treasure the memory of it. The simplicity of the idea made it appealing.


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?

I got involved by sending some things down to Sisterhood HQ and then nominated two deserving mums I know and had a ball getting them some local treats. After that I got in touch with bigger companies to get larger donations... Especially some cool things from The WotWots for our Christmas parcels.

How did that make you feel?

I felt like I was able to help other women and families in the smallest way, which would make continuing to contribute easier. Knowing that they would feel special and loved and, above all, SURPRISED is a great feeling too!


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
That it's accessible to so many people. It's not just "rich" people giving and "poor" people receiving. It encourages a richness of spirit that allows us to give what we have to complete strangers who are in need of something. It also allows for paying it forward which is amazing!

What would you like to see us do in the future?
I'd like to see us do more "Love Bombs" and maybe set up some local chapters once the Sisterhood becomes a charity ;)


If you want to make friends with Cyndi, you can find her here:




Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Bathroom Declutter


More dirty laundry to be aired, more dusty, toothpaste covered bits and pieces to share. Lucky you. 

This is my bathroom, containing a stack of towels that just never fits in the cuppboard (even though you can clearly see a space that would fit them perfectly), an upside down baby bath that hasn't been used in over 10 months (we shower 'round here. The bath is just obviously there so visitors will think we're real parents who bath our children). Toilet paper in a basket on the floor and a tonne of products on the counter. 

Ack.

Out goes the bath (now stored under the cot - it'll come in handy.. one day. It will.) and in comes another shelving unit. Toilet paper in the bottom, flannels hand towels and Camillas moisturiser in the top. Inside the green draw is stuff we use, but not every day. Likkkeee razor blades, different moisturisers, samples of things.. other stuff.

Under the counter more space has been made by throwing out products we never use, getting rid of the flannels and handtowels (into the shelving unit, you follow?), and exporting the medicines and first aid kit to the laundry. 

That made room for all the stuff on the top counter to go back into the orange baskets, one for me and one for MrMoo.


Thats the last of my Organising Declutter series, lets all keep our fingers and toes crossed that I win the awesome Tupperware set from Simone at Greatfun4kids


Spring Declutter


READ MORE:
Decluttering my Laundry



Monday, October 14, 2013

Meet The Sisterhood: Amanda



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)

Introducing Amanda!


I first met Amanda at our Plunket's Pepe mornings. We live in the same area and were lucky enough to be in the same group with other lovely mums. Over the last two years of knowing her she has been an incredibly honest, kind and generous part of my life. She's been to my place for play dates, Sisterhood meetings, and even the home birth of my most recent daughter! 

I have huge respect for Amanda, and that's why its my pleasure to introduce her to you today!




How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I am lucky enough to have a daughter the same age as Sophie's eldest so we met through our local Plunket group. Sophie and I quickly became friends (as did our wee girls) and so when the Sisterhood was 'born' I was excited to jump on board straight away!


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?

I'm sitting here trying to think what the first 'moment' was. Maybe it was a family in need of clothing after a house fire??? I honestly can't remember and I think that is what the Sisterhood means to me. It's hearing the 'call' from Sophie and finding a way to help...whether it is donation of items, money, thoughts, messages.... It's actually really nice to find a practical way to help others in need.


How did that make you feel?

I am lucky enough to have nominated two beautiful women ... both mothers who despite what they face on a daily basis are so awe inspiring! Being a mother is the hardest job even when things are going ok... I feel so privileged to be part of a community of sisters who are able to show women just how special they are. It sends me warm fuzzies to bless and support complete strangers.


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
I  love knowing that what I gift is getting to the women, mothers, families who need it. I love the secrecy of it all. I love the excitement of being blessed and the love that comes pouring out of each and every love bomb. I love knowing that there is a little 'wow' moment for the person receiving it, to know that they are being thought of. I love that I know Sophie... the kindest most warm hearted person I know!!!! Basically I just loveThe Sisterhood!!!!


What would you like to see us do in the future?
I love the blessings that I can involve my daughter in.... we enjoyed the Kindness Day where together we wrote letters to our special friends in our lives and did baking for our doctors and plunket nurses. I'd love to see more ways in which we can empower our tamariki to think outside of themselves.

But in saying that... everything that The Sisterhood is amazing. I can not believe that from a small idea grew something this outstanding!! Big ups to you Sophie and all the Sisters out there xx



If you want to make friends with Amanda, you can leave a comment for her here:

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