For the creative mind...

I know I may be a little late to the party here, but I recently purchased my first *bespoke* zine. After Stella had gone to sleep, I banished myself to bed and snuggled up with a hot milo and a million propped up pillows to read this little book of beautiful creativity. With heatpack on shoulders, I lost myself for a few moments in tutorials, interviews and inspiration from some of Australia's most talented craftswomen and men.

One of the articles that really struck me most has been bookmarked (with a tea-stained paper doily of course!) and re-read many a time. Written by Meegan Cornforth, 'Caged Creativity' discusses the 'Peril of not reaching our potential'.  

"When we ignore our creative urges and stumble across another who is creatively expressing themselves in a way we admire...we feel a surge of jealousy." 

Her words really felt at home with me, as I too, often feel restless and slightly envious when I am in a creative rut and I see others seeking fulfilment and self expression via creativity. For some of us, self-actualisation comes most importantly from fulfilling our creative desires.

Writing, making, dreaming and creating are very important aspects of who I am and the way in which I seek happiness. Do you feel the same? You don't necessarily need to be making a living from your ventures to be gaining satisfaction from them.




I thoroughly enjoyed my little creative escape into the world of *bespoke*, and I cannot wait for the next issue, I feel a subscription may be on the cards for my Mothers Day wishlist! I am sure all my fellow crafty minded mamas will enjoy it also, head on over and see what the fuss is all about!

Now, I'll leave you with some more wise words from Ms Cornforth to ponder...

"Personal growth comes from embracing the uncertainty of a blank page, stage, plate, project or canvas. Sitting with that sense of uncertainty and taking a giant leap of faith into the unknown requires maturity, and a certain degree of confidence which deepens with every brush stroke, dance step, stitch, recipe or new idea"

Thankyou *bespoke* for a lovely evening in!
Plenty of love,

Mama Reads...

Gracing Mamas nightstand this week is...

1. Studio Bambini magazine- Getting my fix of children's designer fashion is all too easy with this magazine, I float away to a land of wishes and dream about spending a fortune on sweet little coats, shoes and nursery decor. This magazine is both dangerous and beautiful at the same time.


 2. The Training of the Child- I picked up this old and weathered beauty at an antiques shop out of town recently, and it was like striking gold! Dated at 1912 and published in London, this little book is an old fashioned manual for parents on raising respectable, well behaved and intelligent children. I am in complete love with the classic and old-fashioned views on parenting and intrigued by how vastly they differ from todays methods. It is rare to find a book written on how to morally train children in this century, based on old family values and it is so interesting reading how parenting has changed through the years. This book was an incredible find! I can't wait to share with you some excerpts as I read and discover more!




3. Benny and Butch. A $2 find, this sweet little book is full of beautiful colour illustrations. It's about two naughty little twin bunny rabbits, confusing their mother by switching places with each other. Perfect for my naughty little bunny to read over the Easter break!




What are you currently reading? And what about your bouncing babes, what is a favourite in their library at the moment?
Plenty of love, 

Mama reads...

This is my current reading list, although I may only read a paragraph a day or a page here and there I am trying to make the effort to do a little more reading in my 'down time'. Maybe one day soon I'll move away from the mama orientated books and read something purely because it looks like fun!

1. What to Expect; the Toddler Years. This book goes through chapter by chapter from age 12 months to 3 years outlining what developmental milestones your toddler should reach and how they are physically and psychologically growing. It also gives examples of worries and concerns other parents have and answers to those niggling questions. I find this book to be my saviour when Stella goes through an attitude change or I have struggles with sleep and eating.



2. Your Pregnancy week by week. This is the book that kept me company during my pregnancy with Stella, I find it not only keeps me informed of all the physical changes in my body and my baby, but it brings back warm memories of my first pregnancy.



 3. Shop 4 Kids magazine. This magazine is my indulgence in the world of glossy covers. I like to read parenting and pregnancy magazines as well as ones that revolve around health and homemaking. I find it totally hard to relate to the latest Cosmopolitan now that I am a parent and often find they leave me feeling deflated. Combine kids style with fashion and shopping? You have a magazine mothers can relax with and drool over.





And that's whats gracing mamas night stand this week. Hoping to share with you some more reads as I fulfill my goal of 'me time'! What are you currently reading? Do you find it hard as a mother to read something that isn't related to parenting?
Plenty of love,