** at the sound of rain on the roof...so soothing!

** with the chance to expand my skills and experience in particular areas of my life

** at how our neighbourhood comes together, especially in times of emergency - like when the 3 remaining town ambos have to head off on a call and all the kids end up at one place to be looked after by the remaining parent. It's very heart-warming to know that people have got your back and just how well we all band together as a community.

** when I get a random chat with my Dad - doesn't happen super often so it's nice :-)

** eating Camembert cheese and crackers

** when I receive exciting news and are blessed with the generosity of others...stay tuned - all will be revealed in good time ;-)

** slipping between fresh sheets on our bed. Ahhhh....zzzzzz ;-)

** sitting around a bonfire enjoying drinks, toasted marshmallows and great company

What are you grateful for this week?

I actually really enjoy seeing pics on social media of where people are standing and the story of where they are, what they are doing/experiencing; it's fun to see and read about people's journey through life and the everyday.

Hello Friends!

Here's another round of...

1. Such a compelling story of unwavering love and commitment!

2. Interesting read on the loneliness of motherhood. Sometimes you can feel alone and unsocialised and stuck in a rut. But it is important to remember that it's a season; it's temporary. And, you are not alone!

3. Everyone has a story to tell. Here is some ways to help in writing it down or sharing your story.

4. Are you like me and struggle with how quickly time goes by. I found this article that demonstrates how we can reset. June is the second January people!!

5. So! Have you traveled enough??

Every Sunday, I aim to post about things that I am grateful for.

Here is what I am grateful about this week --

* seeing my kids get up and give it a go!

The school my girls go to, had their 2nd term assembly this week (a bit earlier than usual due to other activities happening over the next couple of weeks).

Both my girls got up and did items. I loved seeing their happy faces as they performed.

Little K as one of the 'five little ducks who went out one day' and Miss J singing, her beautiful voice ringing out sweetly and perfectly in tune.

It filled my heart with joy!

* celebrating our little ones 4th birthday.

The joy on her face and the excitement in her heart about everything her special day brought about, presents and a party and fun with friends, was beautiful to watch.

Our baby is growing up FAST!

* that my home is starting to take better shape and fit more into my ideals and hopes for how I want it to look and be organised.

Declutter and minimise is my goal.

* when other people reach out and check that you're going along ok in life.
It means so much to know that there are those out there that have your back; that care about me.

* that the rain has finally come and we are getting a nice water over the land.
Farmers have been wanting it!

* a new dentist. a new treatment plan. and the ball is rolling towards getting my new smile :-)

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I found this article through the week too and wanted to share it here. 
It's a great reminder to not take the smaller things for granted because they also make up your journey through life, making it special, more vibrant, and more magical.

What are you grateful for today?

Hello!

And welcome to another week of...

1. Loving some of these bedroom decorating ideas!

2. The power of make-up! Check out THIS video.
Quite interesting.
I wear make-up. I like make-up. I have never worn it that thick and glam before...mine is more a simple day look. BUT it would be interesting to see what I looked like glammed up like that - probably wouldn't recognise myself! HAHA!
Personally, wearing make-up can be a confidence booster, it does enhance your look in areas that are usually naturally lacking. I do believe though that once your make-upped look becomes your 'true' identity - there is a slight problem; there is a misplacement of truth and sense of self happening.
I believe that one must also feel comfortable in their own skin, al naturale too.
Plus, it's good for your skin to be free of any product on it. That's why it's healthy to have a good skin care regime - cleansing, toning, and moisturising your skin daily is important.
But, it is nice to dress yourself all up sometimes and this girls transformation is quite impressive.

3. I have printed this list off. I believe that just starting, no matter how small, is the key. There are many little things in our home that can be done to create some more order, space and freedom.

4. I could see us implementing some of these diy backyard ideas! Some great projects!

5. Organisational Tips - here's 10!

I like to join in with something that Kellie Winnell of Give A Girl A Blog does - where, every month, she lists 15 favourite things.

This month, the theme is 15 of your favourite movies.

Now...I could list WAY more than 15 I can assure you, but for the purpose of this challenge, I will attempt to pick only 15 amongst my faves :-)


*I will list the movie then underneath will write some favourite lines or moments of mine from the movie, if I can think of any - and try not to give too much away (in case you haven't seen it yet!)

*Listed in no particular order, just as they come to me!*

1. Sweet Home Alabama (Josh Lucas, Reese Witherspoon)

** "Why would you wanna marry me for?"
"So I can kiss you anytime I want!" **

** "Do we know...Moe?" **

2. A Time To Kill (Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson)

** My favourite part is the rebuttal that Matthew's character gives as part of the closing arguments to the jury. It really kicks butt - I fist pump every time!! **

3. Anne of Green Gables (Megan Follows, Jonathan Crombie)

** "It's not what the world holds for you, but what you bring to it" **

** "Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it!" **

** "I don't want diamond sunbursts, or marble halls. I just want you." **

4. Someone Like You (Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman)

** "What is on your neck?"
"I bit myself shaving!" **

** "These are PEOPLE, not cows!!"

5. Divergent (Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet)


** "You're different. You don't fit into a category. They can't control you. They call it Divergent. You can't let them find out about you." **

** "You alright?"
"You cut me."
"I meant to."
"You meant to?"
"You think he's going to let you get off without a scratch? You'd still be standing there if I hadn't hit you."
"So am I supposed to thank you?"
"You're supposed to be smart. If I wanted to hurt you, I would've." **

6. Music and Lyrics (Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore)

** "It doesn't have to be perfect. Just spit it out. They're just lyrics."
"Just lyrics?"
"Lyrics are important. They're just not as important as the melody."
"I really don't think you get it."
"Oh. You look angry. Click your pen."
"A melody is like seeing someone for the first time.The physical attraction. Sex."
"I so get that."
"But then, as you get to know the person, that's the lyrics. Their story. Who they are underneath. It's the combination of the two that make it magical." **

7. Pitch Perfect (1 and 2) (Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson)

** "What's your name?"
"Fat Amy."
"You call yourself 'Fat Amy'?"
"Yeah, so twig bitches like you don't do it behind my back!" **

"You must really sweep your girlfriend off her feet."
"Oh, I don't have a girlfriend."
"What? You have juice pouches and Rocky!"**

** "I ate my twin in the womb" **

** "I light fires to feel joy." **

**"You have a little something behind your ear."
Leave it. It fuels my hate fire." **

** "Crushed it!" **

8. Two Weeks Notice (Hugh Grant, Sandra Bullock)

** "What did I tell you that defines an emergency?"
"A large meteoroid, severe loss of blood and uh...what was the other thing?"
"Death. And you're not dead!" **

**"George, I think you are the most selfish person on the planet!"
"That's just silly. Have you met everyone on the planet?" **

9. Never Been Kissed (Drew Barrymore, Michael Vartan)

** "Sorry I'm late. It took me forever to get here."
"I know what you mean." **

** That ending and THE KISS gets me every time!! So romantic! **

10. Crazy Stupid Love (Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Steve Carell)

** "Seriously? It's like you're Photoshopped!" **

** "I'm so mad at you. I'm really mad at you for what you did. But I'm mad at myself too. Because I should not have jumped out of that car - I should have fought for you. Because you fight for your soul mates."
"I miss you" **

11. The Vow (Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams)

** "How do you look at the person you love and tell yourself it's time to walk away." **

** "I hope that one day I can love you the way you love me."
"You figured it out once. You'll do it again."

12. Six Days, Seven Nights (Harrison Ford, Anne Heche)

** This is an older movie but I crack up every time. Anne Heche's quirky lines and the way she talks with her funny facial expressions, and the handsome Harrison with his one liners makes this movie rather entertaining for me. **

** "I'm the best damned pilot you'll ever get."
"Hah! I've flown with you twice, you've crashed half the time!" **

13. Safe Haven (Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel)

** " If you stay I promise there's no safer place in the world than with me. You don't have to be scared... I love you... please stay." **

14. The Proposal (Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds)

** " What am I allergic to?"
" Pine nuts, and the full spectrum of human emotion." **

** "I am not getting in that boat!"
"Fine, see you in three days."
"You know I can't swim!"
"Hence...the boat!" **

** "Don't take this the wrong way."
"OK."
"You are a very, very beautiful woman."

15. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey)

** "Our love fern! You let it die!"
"No, honey, it's just sleeping." **

** "C'mon, blow. Nobody likes a Mr Sniffles." **

** "Benny boo boo...boo boo boo." **

** " I don't think I can be with someone who doesn't like animals and thinks I'm a mental person." **

** "That's what I'm talking about. Where's the sexy, cool, fun, smart, beautiful Andie that I knew? The one that wanted to be a serious journalist? You're up, you're down, you're here, you're there, you're like a frickin' one woman circus!" **
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So there you have 15 from my list of favourite movies.
And to end with, I thought I'd post a clip of a movie that I am really looking forward to seeing...

You've heard it before...

Gratefulness is good for you.

Many therapists/counsellors/health care workers have seen how positive the act of being grateful is to one's health, especially for mental health; even going as far as implementing a 'gratefulness journal' into the care of their patients/clients.

Many individuals have professed that focusing on the positive and adopting an attitude of gratitude, transformed their way of thinking and changed their lives!

And I totally agree.

No matter how bad your day is, there is always SOMETHING that you can pick out of it that is good - even if it's something as simple as 'the sun came out'.

When I was in college/university, I made it a priority to write something on a piece of paper at the end of each day and pop it in an envelope; something good about my day. That way, I went to sleep with something positive on my mind AND I slept a whole lot better in that state of mind!

And this is something, I want (and need) to establish more solidly into my life.

This year, my One Little Word is HAVEN, and part of my physical intentions for this word is to create a haven for good health.

I believe GRATEFULNESS plays an important part of this.

So, every week, I intend to write a blog post containing a list of things that I am grateful for at that moment;

things that make my soul sing.

And HELLOOOO my lovely readers!

Let's get stuck into another round of...

1. I thought this post would be super handy to come back to when we are planning our Canada/USA trip hopefully in the nearer future :-)

2. Loving the idea of the new Fuse tool by We R Memory Keepers - Stephanie shows a page she created using it HERE.

3. I absolutely love this Ramona cardigan that Mel of One Crafty Mumma has finished. I have purchased the pattern and am keen to make one!!

4. Oh my gosh - I cried watching this. #loveyourbody

5. I really like the big bow headbands by Crown of Eden. And the site Kodo Creative did a photo shoot showcasing the headwear...the blonde chick is one of my 1st cuz's!!

Be Happy my friends!

This month's mood board was created for us all by Natalie.

It's fresh and fun! I love it!

I really loved the two tones of green with splashes of the pink and red mixed in there! 
Such an awesome mood board.

Be sure not to miss checking out the other Jot girls samples AND we would love it if you joined in.
You can do all that HERE!

There is always extra excitement in Jot land when the release of a new issue of the mag is near.

Then, when it is released - an explosion of awesome goodness happens online!

Jot Magazine never ceases to amaze and inspire.

The very recent release of Issue 10 is no exception!
Check it out...

Hello to all my lovely readers!

Let's get stuck into some...

1. This is just a little bit sweet what this man does for his Mum :-)

2. This was very interesting and super emotional to watch. I teared up.
What an incredible idea though - to take a glimpse into the future.

3. In an attempt to live more with less, the issue of the kids toys and the condition of their room is quite a common topic in our home. I totally agree with what Joshua Becker writes about in his article about the benefit of fewer toys for children. In the past, we have sorted toys and placed them in the kids rooms on a rotational basis so they are not getting sick of toys and it feels like new toys all over again every time. It was working but we have slipped somewhat since. My aim right now is to clear the kids room and limit the toys and accentuate more activity and creative based play.

4. Sisterhood is so beautiful. You have a best friend for life! I love this series of photos named 'Barely Different' revealing the bond of unity between two sisters birthed on opposite sides of the world.

5. These Dark Chocolate Detox Bites look super yummy. Keen to try them out!

Have a super fun and safe weekend.

It's the first day of Winter.

Some people absolutely hate this season, the colder parts of the year - but I actually...don't mind it.

I love layering on the clothes, having bonfire night and toasting marshmallows, snuggling up on the couch watching a good movie, drinking hot chocolate.

I love the crisp mornings - you know the ones where you have to count yourself out of bed and once you throw off those covers you gotta run around like a mad person in order to warm up!

That's the magic of Winter.

And I like it. A lot.

With the beginning of this season, I like to create a Winter Manifesto.

So here it is...

1. Make chicken and pearl barley soup.

2. Knit a beanie for each of my two kids and hubby.

3. Go star-gazing.

4. Make mulled wine.

5. Write in my journal, preferably everyday!

6. Catch up on Project Life.

7. Participate in Ali Edwards' WEEK IN THE LIFE.

8. Do some ambo shifts in town.

9. Do some home-decorating and organisation.

10. Knit a cowl/scarf.

11. Write a short story.

12. Get active everyday eg. dance around to groovy music, get on the cross trainer, go for a walk.

13. Watch soem old chick flicks I like from my high school/early workforce days.

14. Make spiced hot chocolate with REAL chocolate - not the powdered stuff!

15. Bake my own bread.

16. Have a bonfire party.

17. Sort and re-organise linen + bathroom cupboards.

18. Make a cubby house with the kids.

19. Make some candles.

20. Do a themed photoshoot.

Do you have a Winter Manifesto?

Do share!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

So this post marks the end of the month of May, therefore the end of my challenge to blog everyday in May.

HOWEVER...I'd like to keep it up. More regular blogging that is!
I can't promise it will be every day but hopefully 3-5 posts a week.

Anyway...
Onto this post.

Last week, we took a walk around our little country town.
I took my trusty camera with me and snapped away as we went along.
Cos I just can't help myself ;-)