Sanna Annukka Soul Birds

Aren't these lovely? I have been a big admirer of Sanna Annukka's work for the last few years. Even if you haven't heard of her you will have seen her work. Remember the folksy Christmas bags, store decorations and packaging that M&S used last year- yes that was her. And I love her stuff for Marimekko, and would kill for more of her Kanteleen Kutsu mugs (I have one!). She is also Finnish- a beautiful country I would love to visit and she uses much of its folklore and heritage in her designs.

These Soul Birds are a tradition in Finland -that you keep them at your bedside to protect you- how sweet and meaningful as a gift for a new born or loved one.

You can find her here.

This week

Its been all about the kids this week- the most important things. Often on my days off we go to Milgavie town centre, mooch around the shops, the park and then have coffee. We have our favourite cafe and our favourite seats, where the two of them can stand up at the sofa at the window!

Mamas and daughters

I love my Mama, that's me and her up top. She loves my brother and I very much. I am very lucky to have such a great person as my mama. My daughter has been ill for the last two weeks and finally yesterday we got to the bottom of it. She is now on the mend and giving her sweet smiles again. How I love her and her brother and how hard it is to be a mother when your wee ones are poorly. Thank goodness for families and the support they give you. xxxx

Park Antics

Another weekend, a wee bit of sun and this time Victoria Park. Poor bubba has terrible teething just now so the sling is definitely the way to go. Lots of cuddles required. Small boy has already been on this slide but I missed it so was really happy to see him go! So much more confidence these days- a year ago he would never have gone on this!

Hopefully some more sleep tonight after all the fresh air- teething gel at the ready! Happy weekend!

The Glow

This is from The Glow an amazing website that shows super fashionable mamas

and their kids. I love this picture and I really love the artwork. Is it Linda Hamilton?

Anyone know?

(via Jen at A Merry Mishap)

Owls again!

A recent find- kind of a totem of owls! A wee broken ear but never mind- strangely there are baby owls

inside each big one. Finn and I painted the gold eyes!

By Bjor!

 These are pictures from Bjor's blog and shop. You can find her here. Her blog is a real inspiration to me as it shows her beautiful home and family. She lives in the Netherlands and makes lovely jewellery out of buttons. It must be great if your hobby becomes your work- I too like Bjor love buttons. I wish I had kept my Nana's button box!

Her home is a crisp white backdrop to amazing textiles, pottery and other vintage finds. I slipped in a few pictures of her home too. Beautiful!

Bigger pics

Trying out picture size- what do you think?

St Louis

St Louis is our favourite place to eat and have coffee just now. Suzanne that owns it lives next to D's Mum. Its got a great bohemian interior and super friendly staff. In fact when Finn lost his special dollar coin from his Grandpa Cal they hunted for it and delivered round to D's Mum- fab service.

We did a little bit of thrift shopping- the usual Saturday morning visit to the Salvation Army- just for the spectacle and the amazing furniture they have. A slightly rainy park visit and ended up in St Louis for lunch. It reminds D and I of how Cafe Cherubini used to be when the Italian family owned it- you just can't beat a family run neighbourhood cafe which does evening meals. One of these days we will get out alone in the evening for the music nights they hold!

Norwegian Pottery

Well what do you think? I found these in the charity shop last week, although I love them the orange is just not my colour. I am thinking of adding them to the ebay clear out I am currently working on!

A Cuppa

Mmmmm this is just what we have had. A nice cup of tea, dark chocolate and tiny amaretto biscuits. Did I just take this pic- No as its pitch black and pouring with rain here! This is one evening a few weeks ago. Sadly it shows how the nights are drawing in. A wee bit more summer please.....

A Merry Mishap

 A Merry Mishap is one of my favorite blogs. Jennifer who writes it is a super nice person and makes great jewellery. I was very excited when this little parcel arrived all the way from Idaho! Great summer jewellery, the pale taupe Geo necklace in the top pic is so sweet and the grey earrings go with everything. Take a look at her blog, great style inspiration. Oh and the shoes... my current favourites.....

Is it just me or is my neck a bit giraffe like!!

Nuptials

We had an amazing day at my brothers wedding. The bride was beautiful and they were so happy, and we are so happy for them.

Me, the dress and my bubba. She was a bit poorly but soldiered on through the day, the wee soul. Finn was a great page boy and performed his duties admirably. Such a special weekend and great to see both families together and catch up and meet new faces.

My Red Dress

The picture at the top is like a touchstone to me. Its a tiny old picture I have of my Dad and I outside my Granny's house. I have kept it with me since I left home and it has helped me through so many difficult times. I have tried to analyse what it is that makes it so special to me; and I think its the hand clasp that just showed I was loved and its something to do with the expression on my face- quizzical, cheeky, shy and defiant all at the same time. Its kind of like the essence of me in one expression.

Recently my Mum brought me the red dress, washed and ironed and now my daughter can wear it.

When I got married I wore red. It wasn't a grand statement on my part it was just what I had always known I would wear and for me it was perfect. In my Dads speech he talked about the wee red dress pictured here and it seemed like some things had come full circle.

This weekend I am excited as my brother and his partner get married and again I have a red dress!