Christmas Giveaway

As I continue on my homemade Christmas Journey, a thought occurred, possibly in the wee hours of the night, when most creativity strikes....a little handmade giveaway.  I've not done a giveaway for so long, which means it must be time, and what better time than the season of giving.  So to say thanks for for spending time here on this special little place of mine, I'm offering one person a package of my handmade goodies.  Some things I've been making for ages, some just now...but all I love to make and fill my need to express my creativity in all sorts of ways.

The Christmas Giveaway Package will include

:: 1   An Oh So Handy Key Fob - in true MiraNarnie style, my favourite yellow and grey fabric on black webbing.
:: 2   Set of 4 napkins made with light weight cotton, with rolled edge.
:: 3   Clay bead necklace strung on leather strap in gorgeous hues perfect for summer!
:: 4   Pin cushion - a cute double sided fabric pin cushion filled with poly fill and adorned with ribbon and buttons.
:: 5   Boy's Movie Quote Print (A4 size) - Don't forget the boys in your life...for those that love the movies, this will provide loads of fun!
:: 6   Six Christmas tags decorated with Christmas washi tape and red twine - all your need to do is write on them and pop on a gift! 

You could keep them all for yourself or this little package might help tick a few last minute gifts off your list!

Ok, so how to enter?  I was going to make it a random draw, but apparently that doesn't comply with our States Gaming Requirements. So it has to be a game of skill.  These are the T's & C's of this here giveaway.

Please, make sure you are a follower of this here blog and comment answering the following question:

              Tell me why you need or would like this Handmade Christmas Package?

The Giveaway will be open from 8.30am (EDST) on Wednesday 5th December and close on Tuesday 11th December at 12 midnight (EDST).  The prize winner will be judged by my darling husband whom I will read out only your answers so he wont know who said what! This is a game of skill and the most interesting/entertaining comment will win.  The giveaway is open to all Australian Residents, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 12th of December and contacted by email or via your blog, so be sure to make sure I can contact you.   Decision is final, and one winner will win all of the above and package will posted directly to the winner.

Good luck

xx

*** Competition now CLOSED!  winner was Em from Tea cup too  - Congrats Em xx

I'm grateful for {inspiration}

This week I've come across some wonderful inspiration to be grateful for....

Gratefulness can't always come from within...perhaps sometimes it needs to be an external source that makes you take stock and go "gee...that made me think!"

A girlfriend stopped by earlier this week and provided the much needed friendly face, coffee and chat that we both needed.  A gentle reminder that friendship is so importnant. Value it, hold it and don't take it for granted.

I read this wonderful post, and my heart broke into a thousand pieces and made me want to rush and hug my children and whisper secretly in my mind that they would never experience this type of hardship but still be mindful that some are not so fortunant.

I found not one but a few lovely new(ish) blogs that I love exploring and feel the excitement I did when I first started blogging and finding kindred spirits in the blogging community.  This post made me value motherhood at its core and I really appreicated the honesty with which it was written and could relate on many levels.

So this week I'm grateful for inspriation from near and far.

Joining in here.

Happy days to you all

xx

blog gone....

Source: thesitsgirls.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Ok yesterday the strangest thing occurred.    I turned on my computer and typed in my blog address and I met with an error....

My blog address could not be found.

It disappeared. Poof!  Gone....

I typed it in again, and again and again but to no avail, that little message read that my blog had been deleted and the address could not be re-used at this present time.

Oh dear.

Strangely enough I felt really odd.  I think I may have panicked slightly.  A lot of things are on this blog that I want to keep, like a journal, a record....of sort.

Never fear..the fact that you are reading this post suggests that the problem was solved.  Thanks Google!

Ever lost your blog?  or even something else in the depth of the www?

Did you freak out just how cyber space can loose something but then magically find it?  Can it help me find all my odd socks?

Should I be backing up the stuff I post on my blog (the stuff I really really want to keep?)

xx

I'm grateful for...{fairies}

Source: camillaengman.blogspot.com via Jonahliza on Pinterest

Oh I'm so excited to be joining up with my fashionista friend Kymmie who is delightfully hosting Grateful day on behalf of Maxabella (whom we miss heaps!)

So, today I'm grateful for...

1. Fairies - well to be specific the Dummy Fairy, who I came last week and took all my daughters dummies to give to other little babies who needed them.  The Dummy Fairy left a small little present (jar of glitter, some Lark Daisy Lane swap cards and a little money).  This softened the blow of dealing without those much loved dummies, and to my surprise, my daughter hasn't looked back.

2.  Winter boots - seriously I don't think there is a winter item I love more than winter boots.....I've come back from a European Summer to the bitter cold of Melbourne weather.  But in the gloom, there is the silver lining of being able to wear my boots just that little bit longer....

3. Photos - they help explain memories and are nice way to reflect on times past.

what are you Grateful for today....Please pop by our host for this week and join in.

xx

{and the winners!}

Source: delaneygates.typepad.com via Connie on Pinterest

Ok, so my birthday has come and gone....

And the Giveaways on my blog have ended....

So the exciting part of finding out who each of the prizes were going to....

I used a very technical system - a vintage bingo set!

So it's time to reveal the winners

The Bakers Delight Giveaway - $5 voucher coming to these winners

1 - Lioness Lady

7. Lou

9. Frog goose & bear

13. Eco MILF

14. Kymmie

The doMore $150 voucher goes to comment 9;

Kymmie

Hubby got the draw the winner for the $100 Myer voucher which is number 43;

The Provincial Homemaker

And the pack of crafty goodness goes to comment 8;

Emma @ Frog, goose and Bear

Congratulations to all of you!  And two multiple winners!!  

And thanks to all of you who stopped by to enter....

I'll be in touch with the lucky entrants to discuss getting your loot to you! 

xx

i ♥, u ♥, we all ♥ - Maxabella L♥ves

HELLLLLOOOOOOOO BLOGLAND!


well, have you heard?


Maxabella Loves is having one HUGE giveway to celebrate her epic achievement of 1000 followers.  This acheivement in itself it awesome, and an inspiration to just how fantastically powerful blogs can be.

I remember when Maxabella Loves was a newby, a little fresh up-start blog, and *ahem* had fewer followers than me!

Hhahahahahah!  How weird does that sound now.  Look at her now!  All popular and, well, amazing.  But that's not to say it was easy.  I reckon it takes a special someone to have an amazing blog.  To make us want to come back, time and time again, day in day out.  To make us laugh, cry, wonder, ponder, think and decide.  To write critical words to get the message across, as if, she's sitting in our lounge room with us (kids running havoc of course), and just having a chat.

You may remember the celebration when Maxabella Loves hit 500 (yes little MiraNarnie was apart of that) - So of course, the natural progression when one hits 1000 has to be something just slightly more momentous!

So, whilst I'd love to just talk madly about Bronwyn, lets get back to the point at hand.

Bronwyn has totally outdone herself here and is offering one lucky winner an amazing Party Outfit from a selection of gorgeous fashionistas (Leona Edmiston, Shoes of Prey and Elk).

wow!  Amazing right.

So click on the button below.  Get commenting. Enter. Enter. Enter Enter.

Congrats Bron on hitting the mark!
xx

image

a fancy afternoon tea {for a great cause}

What an afternoon.  Talk about stuff myself silly on sweets and treats of every description.
Bump into bloggers new and old.  Meet blogg-less people who are amazing, and that should blog, and be surrounded by a fantastic bunch of creative women all for a wonderful cause.

The talented Cathie from Melbourne Epicure was the hostess with the most-ess - with tables lined with baked cup-cakes, cake bombs (oh these were divine!) and my ultimate - lemon tart!

Their were cups of tea, in real tea-cups from real tea-pots....

And amazing donated crafty prizes that were raffled off and just a great time all round...

off course Cathie sent us all home with a little box of love!

Thankyou Cathie for a wonderful, wonderful afternoon!   I think I had to unbutton my jeans when i left!!


 Oh, and I'd thought i'd link up with this fancy girl, who has been getting fancy all week!

wearing;
jeans - Sussan
top - Asos
Cardi - Portmans
Belt - Dotti
Shoes - Siren
Bangles - gift from a friend (thanks Sarah!)

xx

a reason to join in {wordless wednesday}

Join up here....

xx

I'm grateful for....meeting bloggers

I know this post is a long time coming!   I've been meaning to post for it for a while, and then have a missed a few Gratefuls....so

Today, I'm grateful for.....

1.  Meeting bloggers in real life.

During the school holidays I got the chance to arrange a little catch up with Kymmie from Day in the Life of Us and Cate from Keep Cate Busy!

Wow - what a whirlwind of a morning with the three of us (and a combined seven children!)  and Cate having to overcome a flat tyre and long wait for the RACV.  And what lovely ladies they are in real life. I'm grateful that through blogging, I've been able to meet some wonderful, inspirational and truely talented folk, that I otherwise would not have had the privilege of knowing.

It was like we were already acquainted (well, in the virtual sense) and we just picked up conversation like old friends, shared breakfast, helped each others kids with what ever it is they were requesting, and had a good belly laugh!

I'm lucky I even have these snaps, as it wasn't until I was leaving that it dawned on me, that not one single photo was taken!  I quickly shoved the camera into my son's hand.....

and this is what he produced.....

Kymmie and I were like a giggling pack of school girls, for he was trying so hard to get a picture of our heads.  I resorted to trying to take the picture myself, but we couldn't control the laughter!  Lucky he had taken the very first picture perfectly and I didn't realise till i got home.

Thanks lovely ladies, for making meeting bloggers so much fun!

Join in with this special blogger (whom I'd also love to meet in real life) as she has her own meeting bloggers story to tell!


xx

fancy pants {the what-ings}

Jeggings!  Have you heard of them, got a pair yourself, seen them on others or in the store.  They are everywhere right now.....

And to tell the truth I'm loving them.  I wasn't always convinced, but as with a lot of items, it pays to try things on, and a few weeks ago I found myself doing just that whilst I only had one child in tow.

Jeggings are the love child of Mr Denim having a raunchy affair with Ms Leggings.  So comfy, practical and yet oh so versatile.  I've already dressed these babies, up, down and sideways. Today, with a little splash of sunshine it was perfect with a loose tee and some wedges.

 Oh, so comfy for lounging about with one's feet up.....

These fancy pants will certainly get a lot of wear this season!

And just to let you in on a secret - no longer will I have to refer to our gorgeous host as just a bloggy friend - we're catching up in real life this week!  whoo hoo! So join up with this fancy girl and show us your outfit!

Wearing;
jeggings and top - both Sussan
wedges - Betts
beaded amber necklace - an old one I restrung.
bracelets - Tilkah

Fancy Pants - The Copycat

Fashion inspiration can come from many a place.  The least likely for me is now a fashion mag - I hardly buy them or flick through them at the checkout because to me, it's not real. 

The blogging community has also become a great fun for fashion creatives.  I have lots of blogs that I love to check into for the latest on how they put together a stunning outfit. 

I also get inspriation from websites like here, and even certain stores will give you inside scoop on what's  On Trend for each season.  Besides, there's also the lovely sport of people watching and catalogue flicking which is free and gives you nothing but ideas (instead of bombardment of advertisment!) 

This outfit was inspired by a glimpse of a fashion catalogue my local shopping centre made up.  It was free and contained some great ideas for Autumn/Winter.  I didn't buy anything for this outfit - i had everything already.  So there's proof that sometimes you don't need new clothes, rather you need to arrange them differently! 

And this cheeky smile is for our host - who always has the most stunning smile each week! 

where do you get your fashion inspiration from?  

Join in here! 

Wearing:  Pants; Portmans

Blue singlet - Dotti

Black Cardi - Portmans

Scarf - Sportsgirl

Belt - Susan

Boots - Target

my creative space...{admiration for handmade}

...I've had a little influx of handmade goodies come my way lately.  So instead of showing you what I'm making, I'll show you some others' goodies that have found their way to my place...

I think once you start opening up your mind and eyes to the world of handmade, and once you start giving handmade, and little cycle begins....

...These are some lovely treasures that have been bestowed upon me...

My crafty bestie Nicola  has returned from living in WA for four years is now only a suburb away....we have known each other since we were in nappies and our mum's were drinking tea from fine China and discussing perms, nylons and the best slow cook recipes from the Weekly.  Nicola and I have been busy chatting away our next crafting projects, have plans to do an upholstery course and have already planned some thrifting expeditions.

Nicola surprised me the other day with a gorgeous set of hand-crafted coasters and a lovely oven mitt.

A gorgeous bloggy friend known to many of you, also surprised with some very sweet handmade delights.  This gorgeous embroidered artwork takes pride and place near my dressing table - embroidered are the words 'somewhere over the rainbow' - and seeing it everyday really brings a smile to my face.

 I also have this little gorgeous garden ornament which is made using recycled materials - including an old railway nail!  Given to me by another gorgeous friend. 

What's happening in your space - check out more creativity here!

a fancy award!

A week or so ago the lovely Tamara from One Craftee Mumma awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award and I was tickled pink!  So I thought what better way to celebrate this award than during a fashion post, linking up with stylish diva Kymmie with her Fancy Pants link up.....

And instead of detailing seven random things about me, I'll make them all "style" related.....so here goes.

1.  I've always loved fashion and would make scrapbooks filled with outfits I loved, cut out from magazines - unfortunately due to no ability to draw, my attempt at fashion design was all but a dream.

2.  I've learnt to know what suits my body shape - this can take some time (and it's ever evolving - kids will do that to you!).  When so many stores are dictated what is fashionable (and then repeated in every store), it can be difficult, but I try to be true to my shape, and don't buy into the craze  - instead opting for accessories.

3.  And on that point, I think accessories make a great (and cheap) addition to any wardrobe.  Be it a belt, cocktail ring, large hoops or thrifted scarf - you can turn any drab outfit into fab!

4.  If you're not sure - take a photo!  Of yourself that is - since doing these fashion posts on my blog, I've learnt sometimes the only way to really see what you look like is to snap a pic....

5. I enjoy injecting style into our home too - from photos, to antique furniture and home-made artwork.  Creating a personal and warm home environment is just like creating a nice outfit.   It's fun to think outside the square - and blogland offers endless inspiration!

6. I plan on making more of my own clothes this year.

7.  A bright coloured winter overcoat is on my wish list!!!

Now I have a duty to pass this Stylish Blogger award on - so here are a few blogs that are indeed - very stylish!


notes from holly st
model mumma
green apples
kitchen maid

Photos taken by;  my 4 year old son!

Wearing;
Maxi Dress - from local dress shop
Cardigan - Portmans (because Melbourne had a typically cold day!)
Sandals - Target
Earrings - Diva
Sunglasses - Versace (my splurge from 6 years ago!)

Come and join in some fashionista fun here!

One Year Ago....

Today my little wee blog turns 1 - yep a whole year of blogging from MiraNarnie headquarters!! 

  I remember the night well - It was late - Australia Day Public Holiday nearly over and our movie for the night had finished. I was on the computer, searching a bit of Etsy, a bit of crafty stuff....and checking out some blogs that I knew about but had to memorise in order to go and visit....

"could I.....hmmm.....really?  Surely I couldn't blog?  erh...I'll give it a go.....

And so I did!  It was really late - and I turned to my husband and said "I think I just started a blog!"
"A blob?"
"No a blog..."
But to this day darling dearest still refers to this little creative outlet of mine as The Blob!  I think it's cute...he often asks, "what's going on blob today?"  

365 days later and I'm having a ball!  It has opened my world to a lovely bloggy community, a place where crafty, vintage-y, fabric loving, young at heart, high spirited and all round fantastic people hang out!  I do so often put an open palm up to my forehead and say "why oh why did I take so long"

But the main thing is I'm here now.  Here are few snippets of what I got up to over the year. Some highlights for me; opening up a shop on Etsy and Made It; booking a stall at various markets; meeting some amazing bloggers both face to face and virtually; having some great giveaways; receiving some lovely handmade treasures; participating in swaps; being motivated to get out of the trackies and take pictures of myself,  finding awesome recipes that make you stop whatever it was you were doing (which was finding the recipe!) to go and cook/bake said recipe; being inspired, sharing stories, but most of all...

just feeling part of a great community! Happy Bloggy Birthday Blob!

xx