THE WISHLIST: mama

When we were kids my brother used to keep a scrap of paper in his wallet with the titles of films he wanted so that when he had some money and could afford one, he knew exactly what he was going to buy. At the time, I thought that was pretty lame. But now, now I see the genius in it. I spend the whole year swooning over things in magazines, on blogs, in other people's homes, yet when it comes to my birthday or Christmas I can't thing of a single thing I want. 

In three weeks exactly, it's the last birthday of my 20s. And this year, on the super tight budget we're currently surviving on, I want to make sure that I really put some thought into what I ask for. Because there ain't no money in the bank to be buying myself anything at any other point over the next few months. 

So I'm taking a leaf out of my brother's book and am starting The Wishlist. A place I can add links to clothes, books, tableware and art that I'm coveting. And I'm going to set one up for Phiney too - 'cause there's plenty I'm wanting for her too right now. 

WANT
a home is made print
scandi flowers print
triangles tape
NEED
fjallraven kanken bag
moomin tray
vintage platter
WEAR
american apparel skirt
READ
kinfolk

What's on your wishlist right now? 

*GIVEAWAYS*

This is my 250th post and I can't believe it. So much in our lives has changed since I started writing for this little space and it's so lovely to have a diary of the amazing adventures Ben and I have been on over the last two years. Almost two years exactly, in fact. I just realised that next week it's the second anniversary of On The First Day Of Marriage too. Happy Birthday to you blog, old friend!

More than anything, I'm so grateful for the beautiful friends I've made through this awesome community. Across the seas I've found people to rely on for great advice and plenty of laughs, as well as the chance to catch a glimpse into the lives of some very lovely people.

So to say thank you to all my lovely readers, new and old, I've got a couple of little giveaways and awesome discount codes for you to enjoy.

First, a brilliant discount offer from Lazer Baby Vintage. I found this little store thanks to this lady and her tip to purchase Josephine that simply amazing blue and white striped romper up there (which obviously I did!) along with some cute little bloomers and a floral denim dress and beautiful white embroidered dress for Phiney to grow in to. Owner Lindsey has stocked the shop to the rafters recently and there are some really great pieces on offer. I'm talking coolness like this, this, these and most definitely these. And as a special treat to all you lovely people, Lindsey's offering a very generous 20% discount for the next two weeks. Just enter the code FIRSTDAY when you get to the checkout to claim yours. You won't be disappointed!

Next up is a chance to win a copy of the very cool Papier Mache magazine. Through a chain of rather uninteresting events I ended up with two copies of the latest issue and so I thought I'd pass the spare on to a worthy winner. Packed with pretty pictures, lovely stories and plenty of wish lists that will send you into a shopping frenzy, it's a great read. If you'd like to be in with a chance to to win just become a follower of the blog and leave a comment below.

Finally, I couldn't miss the opportunity to offer some Happy Circus goodness to you all. And this time it's a double whammy. Firstly we're giving you the chance to win a piece of clothing from the shop, in the size and colour of your wish. Choose from this, this, this, these and these. All amazing pieces for any baby's wardrobe, believe me. Phiney has one of each (if not more) and rocks them all. You can see Josephine wearing her brown version of the dungarees here and her patterned cardigan here.

All you need to do is become a follower of the blog then leave a comment (separate to the one for the Papier Mache giveaway if you're entering both) letting me know which item you'd like and in what colour and size.

We're also offering a very lovely 20% discount off all Happy Circus items for the next two weeks. Again, just enter the code FIRSTDAY at the checkout.

Both competitions close on Sunday 24th June and the winners will be announced the following day. The discount offers also end on Sunday 24th June at 12pm. The offers and giveaways are open to all readers.

Once again, thank you so much for all your support over the last two years. We can't wait to share the journey we'll be on over the next two.

Much love,
Ben, Nell and Josephine xx

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These are a few of the crazy felt creatures my sister Dora and I spent Wednesday and Friday evening crafting. Two for our nephews for Christmas and one for the bub, plus Dora made one for her god daughter Zen and Zen’s brother Edyn, who’s due next month. What a rabble of friendly monsters for the kiddos in our lives.

The templates and instructions to make these are by the genius Felt Mistress in this month’s Mollie Makes magazine, one of my new favourites. Packed with ideas, patterns and interviews from crafters, bloggers and generally very clever creative people, it’s a darn good read.

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A parcel arrived yesterday from the always awesome Bianca. She picked up these magazines for me when she went home to Oz a few weeks ago and I’ve spent the day loving every page. So thanks bud for this lovely bundle. I’ll treat you to a slice of cake in July xx

And in other news, some recent charity shop finds that I’m rather pleased with. A pretty, pretty dress that’s perfect for the summer and some vintage pillow cases that will brighten up the bedroom. All for the grand sum of £9.

Over the last couple of days a few fun packages have been arriving at our front door.

The first was a big box from eBay packed with Christmas goodies for B. I know, organised right? In fact he's now got a whole stash of Christmas gifts buried in the wardrobe. Don't peak now B! A little gift for myself may have also sneaked in too. This beautiful tapestry knitting bag is exactly what I've been looking for. I love it lots. And so do my knitting needles.

I also got a package from the super duper Jaclyn and my first ever copy of Frankie. Ever since she offered to send me over a copy I've been waiting excitedly and when it arrived I happily read it from cover to cover. OK. So maybe I flicked through and looked at all the pretty pictures first, like a 6 year old.

I love this magazine. The clothes were quirky, the writing cool and the mix of features really entertaining. Huh, kinda like Jaclyn’s blog actually. My awesome mate wrote a really lovely and too true post about how bloomin’ nice it is to make such good blogging buds and how despite the miles between us, you can really connect with someone and feel like you’ve known them for years. So thank you chuck for this most fun of parcels. And for being such a downright stinkin’ cool blogger buddie. You pretty much rock and (once it’s finished) there’s a parcel heading down under with your name on it.