a little bit of second hand (and a birthday)

The fun and satisfaction that comes from finding goodies at a second hand store so surpasses that of going to the shopping centres, don't you think? On (and for) my birthday recently I picked up these cup set, a frame and this wonderful lamp stand with tea resting place . The cups are a bit small when it comes to needing a comforting tea but with friends and a continuing supply from a large pot they would do very well. The lampstand I love but didn't buy when I first saw it but somehow it ended up next to the lounge on my b'day morning (Thankyou honey!).
I had a very special b'day thanks to all my specials. I enjoyed myself so much I didn't get many photos but here are a few sweet memories.

a last week post

'The light was so beautiful outside today, I couldn't help but get out the camera.
The afternoon really is great time of day; after the work of the morning, craziness of lunch and the lull of rest time you head outside and sometimes the smell of light sweeps over the frazzled soul, the children are playing nicely ( for a few sweet minutes) and the world really is a beautiful and amazing place. Fresh air and soft light truly is medicine to the soul.'

a homemade valentine

Daddy's hot chocolates make a valentine afternoon tea just perfect.

Chinese New Year

My boys have a real thing for China and I guess why wouldn't they with Marco Polo and Martial arts its right up a boys alley. And what girl dosn't feel empowered by the bravery and fighting spirit of Mulan.
This week we have had our own little Year of the Tiger celebration. A few good books from the library, some music from itunes, a little look on the web and lots of red paint & tissue paper and we are dancing round the house in a New Year Parade.

the smell of old

I picked up a whole bunch of books recently at a second-hand bookstore. The ones above and a whole bunch more plus an old typewriter in such good condition. I was in that store for an hour and a half having such fun-and bringing htem home seeing them all paired of with a new owner was a very kind of wonderful.

summer

around the world

After reading this book and this book and marking the world map we played a variation of the old Twister game. It's called Globetrotter and not only a great way to learn continents but also left and right.

In the kitchen

the girls on this side making peach cobbler,




and the boys on this side...making some strange concoction with pretty much anything they could find in the pantry.

valentine crafting