I first hit publish on this blog on 27 April 2010 with a random post about garlands. It was the first thing I had written that wasn’t for school or work in about 11 years. When I read that post again, there is such hesitation in my writing, such self-consciousness. Not in a million years could 2010 Bron have known that that first blog post about garlands, dear old garlands, was going to be the first of 1,311 posts on Maxabella Loves.
My blog has grown with me over the years. It’s somehow more personal now than it has ever been, even though I don’t write about myself half as much as I used to. Instead, I write about all the things that matter to me – all the things that make for a connected, heartfelt family life.
I reckon I’ve written over 1,000,000 words on this blog, so I wanted to pull out some of my favourite old stuff in the hope that you’ll read it. Because when else am I ever going to get the opportunity to pull out my old stuff? (Wrinkly sexual innuendo completely unintentional, I promise). Just skip to the dotted line if I’m boring you.
Raising darling and daring kids
- The one about wanting our kids to be someone they’re not because I think stopping that is just about the hardest thing we’ll ever do.
- How to play fly because I love the little video and video is something I’m into lately.
- How a village really raises a child because it’s one I’m still thinking about.
- How to go screen free because it’s the most important thing I think I’ve ever written.
- Enter the tiger mother because she needs to come out from time to time.
Raising good mums
- The one about being in the picture because it changed everything.
- The one about breastfeeding because it’s really a post about how we make this parenting thing up as we go along.
- The one about the kind of parent I really am because we all need reminding from time to time.
- The one about being a parent of the whole world because we are.
- The birth of me, every which way because we all need to tell our birth stories some time.
Getting our craft on
When I first started blogging, I thought I wasn’t very good at craft but was an ardent admirer of makers everywhere. Look at me go now! Crafting with the kids is something we do more and more and love more and more. Sharing simple things that even non-crafty people can enjoy making with their kids means a lot to me.
Taking nice photos
Another thing that has changed a lot for me in five years is discovering how much I love photography. Telling stories is both a written and visual thing for me now. I can’t imagine one without the other. I enjoy taking pictures for my Morning in the Life series and plan to make more time to keep it going. Taking time out to do the things we love is what life is all about, surely? If you are keen to get into photography, a good place to start with my absolute beginners series.
Party people in the house
The parties are winding down at our place – I always said I’d do them until the kids turned 10 and then we’d move on to quieter pastures. Badoo is still little, but this year is Cappers’ last big party and Max went out with a bang with his manic Minecraft party last year. My favourite parties so far have been:
Judge McJudgey Judge and other life matters
What is family life and life in general without its ups and downs and sideways? Every now and then I throw a random post into the mix, contemplating my navel and often the navel of others.
- Judging others and how to stop because while I haven’t quite stopped, I’m nicer.
- I’d rather be fat than nasty because I was slammed when this was published on news.com.au and I still don’t quite understand why it mattered so much.
- Sometimes I want to troll myself because I do.
- There’s a frog in my pants and Chinese laundry and Give a little bit because sometimes I write funny and I like it.
The next five years
Will be all about writing my Screen Freedom ebook because I reckon it will take me that long. Maxabella Loves will continue to be about connecting with your family, raising darling and daring kids and being proud of the person you are. I will also continue with the #inthepicture project because that’s such an important thing to remember to do as often as we can.
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Oh stop! Enough already! It’s time for the presents!
Because it’s not about me. It was never about me. The best part of my five years of blogging has absolutely, totally, completely been about the people that I’ve found. Bloggy people have immersed my world in creativity, kindness and that certain POP that happens when you know you’re living the life you always wanted.
One of the people who embodies all of that for me is my friend Pip Lincolne. I met Pip through blogging, have had the honour of working with her on Kidspot Voices for three years now and adore her to bits. She is sunshine in your computer. She’s got a brand new crafty book out right now too, which I have no doubt will be as delightful as her first two books. Probably even better, because Pip always ups her game.
A Blog Yay! or Blog with Pip (yay!) present for you
Anyway, Pip is so gorgeous that to help me celebrate my bloggy birthday she has offered a prize for two of my darling readers. Thank you Pip!
The first prize will be a place at Pip’s fab blog course Blog with Pip. The course if for new bloggers, thinking-about-it bloggers and experienced bloggers who want to shine. You can sign up for the June 2015 intake or make it another month. Up to you.
The second prize is access to Pip’s Blog Yay! program. Blog Yay! is pretty much everything Pip knows about blogging tied up with a neat, handmade bow. It’s a community and a resource all in one and you’ll connect with other bloggers who are keen to do the best they can using all of Pip’s knowledge and experience.
Either prize would be amazing and I’m so grateful to Pip for sending them our way. To win, all you need to do (and I’m being quite indulgent here), is leave a comment below telling me
- 1 thing you really love about Maxabella Loves
- 1 thing about Maxabella Loves that you are just not interested in (just tell me, I can take it)
- and 1 thing that you hope will happen for you in the next five years.
The two most honest, creative answers (as judged entirely by me and my family) will win! Entries close 11:59pm, Friday 1/5/15.
I’ve loved this blog and the blogging community for five years now. Considering how much has changed in my life since that first garland post (except my garland fetish, that is still very much with me), I can’t wait to see where the next five take me! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading.
Please still say hi in the comments, even if you aren’t entering the giveaway!
______________________ ♥ ______________________
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition – your feedback was wonderful fuel for thought.
The winners are…
Cathie from Melbourne Epicure has won the Blog with Pip course. I want her to start blogging again.
Kristy from Loulou Zoo has won the Blog Yay! access. Randomly drawn from many wonderful entries.
I hope everyone’s 5 year dreams come true. Start making them happen! x
di @ lime&soda says
Congratulations Bron. 5 years is an amazing milestone. I don’t comment anywhere near enough, but I love that your posts are so open and engaging. They’re real! I’m not entering the comp…just wanted to let you know that’s what I love. Here’s to another 5 years! xx
Maxabella says
Thanks so much, Di. x
Megan Blandford says
I have love, love, loved reading along for the last five years and can’t wait to see what’s next. Thanks for helping to give the blog world that certain ‘pop’, Bron. xx
Maxabella says
And you too, Megan. We have been bloggy buddies for a very long time. x
Zanni says
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS! This blog is one of my favourite places to be. You inspire with such rich, honest and ‘heartfelt’ posts. I come here more often than any other blog – and that’s not just because you have probably written more words than any other.
Now for your questions.
1. It is certainly hard to pick the thing I most love – your beautiful photography? Insights into your heartfelt life? Perhaps, maybe, it is your integrity. This blog is honest, raw, and so well put together, but essentially it’s you. And it never falters.
2. I honestly don’t know what I am least interested in – but possibly your party posts {as incredible as your parties are} are least relevant to my life. Our birthday parties are so slap dash and spontaneous – perhaps my daughters will be sad about this in the future. But I just don’t have it in me to ice the cake prior to guests arriving. Our parties are signified by me emerging from the kitchen with icing on my dress and in my hair just as guests arrive!
3. My hopes? To be honest, my greatest hope is to be a known and credited children’s author. I don’t only want to publish more books, but I want for them to be loved by children and their parents. Too much? I hope not!
Enjoy your celebrations! xx
Maxabella says
Gosh, that means SUCH a lot to me, Zanni. You know I am an ardent admirer of yours too. x
Dani @ sand has no home says
Congratulations Bron! Five years and so many words 🙂 You write a beautiful blog that makes a difference to people and their lives. Well done and thank you! i have just completed the Blog with Pip course, and it was wonderful. I’m not going to enter the comp, as I will probably do the blog Yay! thing myself anyway, and I would love for your Pip prizes to go to someone who doesn’t quite have any spare money for these gorgeous treats but would really benefit from them xx
Maxabella says
I’m glad you loved Pip’s course, Dani. She’s a very soothing guide, I think. I’ve enjoyed your blog these past few months and look forward to reading more and more. x
Georgia Madden says
Dearest Bron – huge congratulations on your five-year milestone! I have admired your beautiful writing from afar for years, and feel so lucky to now know you in person. Reading your blog is one of the best parts of my day, and I love that you make me stop and think and really ‘be’ in the moment. Thank you. You’re an inspiration. xx
Maxabella says
Aw, Georgie, stop! I’ll give you a thank you hug when I see you. x
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living says
Congrats Bron! What a successful blogging empire you have created starting with one humble post about garlands!! Love your work x
Maxabella says
Ha, I think ’empire’ might be pushing it, Ashlea. But cosy little house on the internet I’ll take! x
tash says
Congrats Bron. I can’t remember when I first started reading.. but you were one of my first Aussie blogs.. along with Pips.
What a cool prize! I won’t enter it as I have had the pleasure of both, but I will share!
xxx
Maxabella says
Thanks Tash. I think we’ve been kicking around a while together now!! x
Helen K says
Five years of blogging – that is a wonderful achievement, Bron!
I’ve been looking to enrol in Pip’s course, as I think this is the boost I need to move my blog from something I tentatively try to something a little more solid, so I think I will do so anyway (might be a good mother’s day present!)
But, as to your questions – I love your open and heartfelt commitment to the topics you cover, plus the fact that you really engage with your readers (you make us all feel very special :)) I am not a very crafty person, so I am less interested in those topics (however, occasionally, I think ‘yes, even the kids and I might be able to do that!) As for the next five years? – well, I will be approaching 50 (Yikes!) so I hope that by that time, I will have worked out which of the many things running through my brain I want to focus on, allow for new things to emerge, and just feel happy to be tracking along with my lovely family and friends x
Maxabella says
I think you would get such a lot out of Pip’s course, Helen. It’s been lovely to meet you these past few months – a real connection. Looking forward to reading your words. x
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) says
Happy 5th bloggy birthday Bron! How exciting. I remember the first post I read of yours was a quite opinionated piece that I didn’t quite agree with, so I left, and ventured back a month or so later. I haven’t left since. I love your diversity, your honesty and your love for life and others. Your blog shines as your smile does. Here’s to the next 5 years! Hip hip hooray!
Maxabella says
Me, opinionated? Ha!! I’m SO GLAD you came back, Jodi. That’s such a long time ago now, lots of deep, cool water under the bridge for us. I love reading your blog, you never fail to engage me. x
Veggie Mama says
Congrats!
Maxabella says
Thanks love!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Yay! It’s fab to be five! I’m relatively new to these parts so am looking forward to going back into the archives and enjoying the stuff from the good old days. Thank you for bringing such heart and soul to my screen and for encouraging me to think outside the box. Do you know I was writing a post about my mum and I could find about 2 photos of us together from the last 10 years, and I was thinking to myself, I wonder what Bron would say about this. I’m totally going to get my mum onto your blog and get her to get #inthepicture wrinkles and all!
The thing I love about Maxabella loves is that it’s honest and heartfelt and sometimes delicious. That’s actually 3 things (but I have commitment issues and can’t choose just one.) I don’t think there’s anything I’m not interested in, although obviously I’m most interested in the food, because all of yours looks so delicious (here’s looking at you Jamie’s pud!) In the next five years, I hope I’ll still be happy, healthy and cancer free and if I’m blogging and have a dog too, well that would be a bonus!
Maxabella says
It’s been a great pleasure getting to know you via our blogs, Sammie. Cheers to the next 5 years. x
Kirsty Rice says
One thing I love about Maxabella loves – is you, the blog is your authentic voice.
One thing that doesn’t float my boat *looks to the left and right ready for the scream* craft. Sorry Bron, I am not crafty nor interested in craft. Should I just exit the comment now and disappear to a dark craftess corner?
What I’d like to do in the next 5 years? I can’t pick one thing so I’l pick one of all the things. Finish my degree in Media Communications, grow my business BloggingME and hold the largest blog conference in the Middle East, keep growing our podcast Two Fat Expats (it’s the most fun I have ever had working) and to continue to write stories about expat life on 4 kids, 20 suitcases and a beagle.
Maxabella says
You’re doing such great things ‘over there’ Kirsty. I think your blog was one of the very first I ever read. Pink Patent Mary Janes, Annie’s old blog and 4 kids, 20 suitcases and a beagle. I’ve been there for so much of your family’s journey and I’m looking forward to more. x
jody says
Happy five years darling, I think you’re amazing!! xo
Maxabella says
Thanks Lemon Jodes. We’ve been amazing for ages, haven’t we?! x
Vanessa from StyleandShenanigans.com says
Happy blog birthday! Congrats on all you have achieved, discovered and revealed for your readers. I’m late to the party but I’ve loved everything I’ve read here. Looking forward to the next 5 years! x
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
I hope I learn to spell check before hitting post
Maxabella says
Me too! It’s been so good meeting you this past year, Vanessa. I’m enjoying your blog so much. x
shannon@ my2morrows says
Happy Bloggy Birthday. What a great milestone and a trip down memory lane. Looking fwd to catching up on some of these posts over and a pot of tea!
1 thing you really love about Maxabella Loves
Your authenticity. You keep it real and are so totally you.
1 thing about Maxabella Loves that you are just not interested in
Probably your craft posts. I love craft but just so time poor at the moment. I’m sure they will become more relevant as my2 morrows grow though!
1 thing that you hope will happen for you in the next five years.
I hope I’m still blogging in five years time but more importantly I hope I’m still enjoying it as much as I do now in my first year.
Maxabella says
Poor old craft – but that’s the thing about a blog, we can dip in and out and take what we like. Thanks for your kind words and I really hope you are still blogging in 2020, Shannon. x
Dhanya Samuel says
First of all congratulations Bron; to sustain a blog and take it to new heights every year is no mean feat. A well deserved pat! I am going to be honest….this is my first time here so I really cannot answer any of your questions. But now that I have discovered your blog, I ain’t leaving either. And whether you decide to include me in the giveaway or not, I just want to tell you that Pip is someone I have also admired for the longest. She indeed is sunshine in the computer. Congrats again.
Maxabella says
Welcome Dhanya! You had me at Tandoori salmon skewers… x
Jo @Countrylifeexperiment says
I love reading your blog because it feels like catching up with a like minded friend.
I can’t really think of anything I’m not interested in that you write about – though possibly I’m less interested in the parties etc, mainly because my kid’s birthdays are a lot simpler (because there aren’t that many kids around here to have a big party with).
In 5 years time, I imagine we will be running the farm solo (that sounds scary). I have big ideas about doing a farm cooking/growing your own food/self sufficiency school &/or farm stay. At the moment I’m doing the groundwork designing our kitchen and learning as much as I can about farming. Perhaps my little blog might give us an audience to start it off. Whether or not it happens, we will be farming, growing our own food, and living a simple life.
Happy wooden (5 year) anniversary!
Mrs W says
Oh my Jo, I would so want to bring my little family to your farm if you did farm stays in the future!!
Maxabella says
Me too!!! x
Jo @Countrylifeexperiment says
Thanks! I just need to build somewhere for you to stay! 🙂
Maxabella says
It’s a delight knowing you, Jo. I love how blogging opens the country up to the city and vice versa. Your blog has always been a little getaway for me. x
cate says
congrats on five years! I think yours was one of the first Aussie blogs I ever read, probably way back near the beginning!
one thing I love – big crisp photos. and memories. and you in your words. heaven forbid if you died tomorrow, you would live on in your words.
one thing I’m not interested in – hmm… if I’m not interested, I scroll past, and can’t remember the last time I did that.
in five years – I’ll have finally master manual on my camera
Maxabella says
I reckon you’ll be mastering manual so much quicker than that, Cate. So close, surely!? Thanks for stopping by and sharing ML with me. I’ve enjoyed peeking at life behind the purple door for such a long time now. x
Renee Wilson says
Happy five years, Bron! Such an amazing achievement. More than 1300 posts is phenomenal.
I would be stoked to do one of Pip’s courses, so in answer to your questions.
1. It’s very hard to narrow it down to one thing I love about Maxabella Loves, but I think it would have to quite simply be your words. They are top-notch 😉 You don’t need me to tell you that, but the ease with which you write makes it a pleasure to read. It is always natural, conversational, relatable and authentic. I still remember one post you wrote about some kids being harder to parent than others. It brought tears to my eyes.
2. Craft. Sorry 🙁
3. I hope in the next five years I will have found a job where I can do what I love.
Maxabella says
Another blow for craft, but we can’t always all love the same things. Thanks for your kind words and I really hope you get to do a job you really love much sooner than in 5 years. Maybe by this time next year??? x
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I really love that you’re always so honest in your posts. You always keep it real no matter what your talking about.
I’m not really interested in craft posts. Its not you, its me. I’m just so not crafty.
I hope in the next five years we’ll be blessed with another baby {and if we’re lucky maybe 2}
Happy bloggy birthday Bron!
Maxabella says
I hope you get two too, Toni! x
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
Bron I’ve only been reading for a short time and wish there were more hours in the week to read more. Congratulations on 5 years, that’s a whole lotta words and a whole lotta heart poured into your blog.
1.That’s what I love…it’s the heart and the honesty and how real your words are. I ‘feel’ your words and that’s what keeps me coming back.2. I’m not so crafty but that’s ok, you love it do keep doing it!3. I hope that over the next give years I get a handle on time management and the tech side of blogging. I hope I enlighten and empower people, changeuces and make people ponder and laugh. I hope my cancer stays the hell away and I’m healthy, strong and happy. I also hope I write a book or two, design a clothing line to help women going through surgeries feel beautiful and I hope to inspire people. Happy bloggy birthday!
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
I hope I learn to proofread!
Maxabella says
You are going to be very, very busy in the next five years, but I know what a go-getter you are so I have no doubt that you will achieve everything and more. You really will. x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
Congratulations Bron! A fantastic milestone for a lovely bloggy space.
1. The one thing I love about Maxabella Loves is how comfy and friendly this space is. It’s like a pair of slippers! Warm and nurturing (and I am a big UGG fan so this really is a compliment even if it is a little weird).
2. It’s very hard for me to find something that I don’t like on this space. You just get it and write about all the right stuff. A neat fit for where I’m at in my life right now.
3. In five years time I hope to be a little clearer about what my groove is. Becoming a mum shook me right up and now I need to find a path to land my feet and sink into. I wanna define my identity a little better.
Thanks for your gorgeous space xx
Maxabella says
You’ve been coming here for so many years that it doesn’t surprise me that we fit like an old shoe, Vicki. I love your blog too and it’s such a pleasure to share each other’s lives.
Grooves are very hard to fine, but sometimes I think that we fall into the right one when we relax and just be for a while. xx
Mrs W says
Congratulations Bron! Yours is one of the first blogs I ever started reading, back when I started blogging myself, also in 2010. Most of the other blogs I was following then have either stopped now, or have become something else that is no longer relevant to me. But yours is still just as wonderful as ever, definitely a favourite of mine. You seem to just get better and better each year!
I have been eyeing off both Blog with Pip and Blog Yay, so I would love to enter this competition, thank you!
What I love most about Maxabella Loves is that there is always something fresh to interest me. You seem to have a never-ending pool of ideas, and they are always relevant to the times but also to myself as the reader, and always written with passion.
I have been looking around your archives, trying to find something that I haven’t really enjoyed, to answer your second question. I can’t find anything! I was probably the least interested in the “Morning in the life of” series. Posts about travel/places/day trips just don’t float my boat as much as posts about parenting, craft, creating, cooking etc.
I would be so happy if I was working from home or running my own business in 5 year’s time. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about a lot lately, but it all seems so unattainable and daunting. I think if I were to look back on my life when I’m older, and I hadn’t taken the leap to give it a try, I would really regret it. So I hope I can come up with an idea or a niche that really inspires me to have a go at becoming self-employed!
Maxabella says
It’s been a half-decade friendship, Mrs W. You are so right that so many of the blogs that started around the time we did are gone. I miss so many of those old ‘faces’. I hope you achieve your 5 year goal – you will get there if you take risks and believe in yourself. x
Erin says
Congrats! 5 years is a solid amount of time blogging:)
Oh wow to do a course! Just imagine. Let’s see…
1.I love how you are not afraid to ‘own your opinions’, you amazingly find a balance between being truthful and ‘opinionated’ (in a positive way) but not offensive. It’s a talent and one I’d love to be able to emulate. Hoping you blog for another 5 years+
2. Sort of your party themes, I don’t dislike them but I do skim them. It’s more to do with me though, not you, to do with my pledge to myself to accept myself for who I am, that my talents are there but they look different to other talented women. Mainly handcrafts and party themes type of talent. To “keep my eyes on my own work”
3. Oh gee, 5 years will bring about so many more changes and challenges in my life. On a creative, personal note though I’d love to totally become brilliant at photography, I really would.
Maxabella says
It’s been a highlight meeting you through blogging, Erin. I am positive that you will have mastered photography, probably in the next few months knowing you, which leaves ample time for the 57,000 other things you will no doubt do within 5 years!! x
Erin says
Bron
It was a highlight for me too:) xx
Well I’m determined, it’s so wonderful to have found my ‘medium’ after years of believing I wasn’t creative.
Cat @ThatBettieThing says
Oh I’ve done Pip’s courses (a couple of times!!) and they’re great (so no need to enter me)! You’re right. Sunshine in your computer totally fits the bill. Great description.
I’ve enjoyed your screen free series as I discovered your blog just after we gave up our box cold turkey!! It’s been 5 months now and the kids haven’t complained once!! I also have to get in the picture more too. My next five years?? Hoping to find that place in the world which feels like home. Preferably somewhere very warm. 🙂
Maxabella says
I’m just so happy to have someone mention the screen free thing, Cat! Thank you!!! x
Life With The Crew says
Bron – you are a blogging inspiration – happy 5th blogging birthday! You’re humorous, real, and totally creative – no wonder we all love you! (I don’t need to be entered in the contest.)
Maxabella says
Thanks Katie. I love having a blogging buddy on the other side of the world. Keep taking your beautiful pictures of your lovely life. x
Robyn says
Wow, congratulations Bron, what an achievement! Your writing style truly is heartfelt. So many amazing posts. I’ve been doing in and out of this page for an hour now :)))
Maxabella says
Thanks Robyn. It’s been a delight getting to know you and I’m looking forward to our next catch up!! x
Tina says
Congrats Bron! 5 years is amazing 🙂 I love reading your posts, they are so inspiring. My favourite posts are the party posts. I am always thinking of creative ways to plan my parties and your ideas and photos get my creative juices flowing everytime. I also love your family posts as it’s nice to see what’s happening with you guys on the other side of the world. I don’t have anything that I don’t really read- i like the variety. As my littlest one starts full time school next year, I am trying to figure out what i would like to do in the next few years. I would like to “re-start” my at-home invitation business again, “re-start” my blog and do whatever else my heart desires. We’ll see…. stay tuned!
Maxabella says
Always great to connect with a fellow party mum, Tina. I hope you achieve all of your goals and definitely start blogging again!! x
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
Congratulations my beautiful friend – the blogosphere is so much richer and warmer for having you in it. Love your guts sunshine xx
Maxabella says
Right back at you, darling girl. x
Jo @ You had us at hello says
Congratulations Bron!! 5 years is huge!!! I do hope your blog is treating you and your lovable family out to dinner!!
1.Now something I love about Maxabella is…. Your stories stick with me! I especially feel a million bucks when you pop over to my blog and share your stories there too. The one about your “pet” snake! Oh my word! Makes me suck up my minor fears just thinking about it!!
2. I have nothing not to be a fan of! A fan loves EVERYTHING remember!!
3. 5 years from now…. I’d love to be reading your congrats message to me on my blog celebrating 5 years too. (Although technically that would be 6 months ago) but you get my drift!
Can’t wait to meet you IRL one day lovely. Keep on being you xxx
Maxabella says
Your blog has been a real find for me these past few months, Jo. I have no doubt that you will still be blogging up a treat in five years time. x
Emily says
Congratulations Bron! Super happy for you. And THANK YOU Pip for offering this amazing prize. You two are such good sorts.
1. Just one thing? REALLY? What I really love the MOST about Maxabella loves, apart from EVERYTHING, is that I always learn something new, yet I never feel talked down to. You educate in a confident yet accessibly non-condescending voice. It’s not easy, but you make it seem effortless. Feels like a chat with a friend.
2. This is more an ‘I’m not at this stage’ thing, but the screen freedom thing isn’t talking to me yet. That said, my kids rarely look at screens anyway. They’re almost-five and just-turned-two and we are all about that play, ’bout that play, no telly. (I’ll be first in line for the e-book, though!)
3. One thing for me? Not you? There’s another thing I love – you’re all about your community! I hope to be a published children’s author. A picture book (illustrated by someone else, unless dodgy stick figures are in vogue). I have three manuscripts I’m editing at the moment, and five times that many ideas for more. Fingers crossed that at least one of them has actually made it to print by then.
Congrats again. xx
Maxabella says
Ah, one of my faves and I even got a crazy-Em poem moment. Perfection! x
Eliza says
What a fantastic milestone to have reached! And thank you so much for sharing all those posts and thoughts and moments! In answer to your questions….
1. I love your realness – it’s a hard thing to write in your own voice and air the truths, harsh realities, stuff ups as well as victories, but you always manage to really shine through as a genuine, thoughtful…. real…. person. Part of that realness is also how you strive to be a better person and mum within yourself – and how you share those thoughts – again, it’s that genuineness and thoughtfulness.
2. There really isn’t anything I don’t like…. some things I’ll gloss over the first time I read them (like some of the parties), but then I’ll come back later when I’m doing a party and have a really good look through the posts. If I had to choose something… (it’s super precious) – but some older posts have all the spaces between paragraphs missing, which can make them hard to read. But the content is awesome.
3. One thing again! Five years is a loooong time! Well…. pie in the sky type stuff, but my husband is a creative too (web, graphics, marketing), and we’re looking to move up into the valleys (in the middle of wine country) and build our awesome, designy dream home but also have some revamped cow sheds or old tobacco sheds converted into spaces for workshops and retreats. All for creatives – so host photography, graphics, marketing etc etc workshops and get some amazing people up to speak and teach, and basically have this amazing creative melting pot…. lol. Like I said, pie in the sky…. but hopefully…. oh, and there would DEFINITELY be blogger stuff lol!
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity and giveaway – and thanks to Pip too.
All the best,
Eliza.
Maxabella says
This sounds AMAZING, Eliza. I hope you do it. I hope you start. x
Julie @ Off to the park says
Aww congratulations Bron! Wow 5 years hey, I can remember finding you through the “52 weeks of grateful” when it was on Kidspot all that time ago! I love to read your heartfelt posts and any creative posts you share. What I don’t like?? Hmmm….now there’s nothing that I can think of, I must like it all! Anyway, Happy Birthday to Maxabella Loves! Keep up the good work. xx
Maxabella says
Thanks Julie. It’s been a long time since 52 weeks of grateful. Might be time to relaunch the gratitude again! x
Frog Goose & Bear says
Well done on 5 years of blogging! Great trip down memory lane. You’re awesome. That is all.
P.S. Stopping parties at age ten?? How will you cope?
Maxabella says
I don’t quite know! But I’m almost, almost relieved…
Thanks for reading since pretty-much the beginning, Em. x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Congrats Bron. Yours is one of the first blogs I ever started to read and I am still hanging around because you have not lost your touch, you have gotten bigger and better every year. You deserve to celebrate big!
1. You. Without you this site simply wouldn’t be as fabulous as it is. I love your realness, your creativity and how you can inject some personality into anything that you share with us.
2. The only thing I’m not that interested in is the boy specific things, because I have 2 girls. Probably not the constructive criticism you were after.
3. My one and only hope for my next five years is for me and my family to be happy. No matter what we are doing I want more than anything for us to be happy.
Congrats again Bron, five fabulous years. xx
Maxabella says
I enjoy your blog very much too, Malinda. Thanks for the good wishes. I love that happiness is your one true wish. I can’t imagine that not working out for you!! x
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
1311 posts…. that’s HUGE!!!! You are such an inspiration to me and I absolutely love reading your blog. You can tell that everything you write is from the heart. Happy bloggy birthday! How generous of Pip!
My favourite thing about Maxabella Loves is the recipes.
At the moment I’m not too fussed about kid stuff…. but in the next 5 years I certainly hope I will be devouring those kiddy posts with vigour! xxxx
Maxabella says
Only you could possibly pick the recipes, Lucy. I hope I get better at food photography in the next little while – even half as good as your beautiful stuff will do me. So far, so ashamed, but hey, we put it out there anyway!! x
Kim @landofzonkt says
You are just so beautiful Bron & what an achievement.
I have only ready a handful of these being a somewhat newbie in the blogosphere so I’ll be coming back over the weekend for some extra reading.
I may be new to this world but I am very thankful to the beautiful community it has opened up before me, people like yourself that are genuine, joyful & embrace us newbies like you’ve know a us for years.
Congratulations on your 5th birthdays Hun & I look forward to reading for the next 5yrs and 5yrs after that’s… x
Maxabella says
It’s been such a pleasure to have met you through blogging, Kim. x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
My lovely online friend, it feels like I’ve been enjoying your words for so much longer than 5 years, because you have that ability to make your readers feel like we’re sitting down for a chat with an old buddy. Your generosity and encouragement have kept me tapping away at my keyboard, and the fact that you helped me with your advice at the start, still blows me away!
1. I love that you teach things in a way that is gentle. Your posts quite often make me stop and think about the things that affect my life; getting in the picture, finding alternatives to screens and keeping an eye out for the gratefuls in my life.
2. The fact that the local favourite spots you write about are so very far away from mine. I reckon we could have a pretty good chat over a cuppa (or wine) or three.
3. In 5 years I hope we’ve settled into our forever house on the block of land we’ve been keeping an eye on for a couple of years now. John will be farming his orchard of fruit trees and making his recipes to sell. My baby will be in her final year of high school……oh my goodness! And I’ll have my communal artist’s space, where people can have somewhere to paint, write and design to their heart’s content. This is the first time I’ve written this dream down, and now I’ve put it out there, I really have to work towards it. Scary but exciting!! See what you do, you dream encourager 🙂
Big happy birthday to your home on the internet Bron xx
PS, good on Pip for providing such awesome gifts for your party!
Maxabella says
You are one of the hearts of this blogging community, Lisa. Thank you for opening up your community too. x
Mardi says
Hi Bron, my first thoughts on this post were hooley dooley! The number of posts you have written in 5 years is absolutely amazing. Maths has never been my strength but my quick mind calculation equals a hell of a lot!
1. I love how every post you write is relevant to your life and your thoughts. They come across as your perspective and experience with heartfelt meaning. This is boosted by the words and expressions you use. I feel this post becomes a real life conversation with you and it becomes you as a person. I love your broad range of interest…all so relevant to family life. For me, talking about boys is ultra important as you bring the real everyday issues and love/ hates of boys to life.
2. This is a hard one, as there is so much good! I’m not a big fan of printables as I always think I can just whip them up myself.
3. Golly goodness, in 5 years my eldest will be halfway though high school and my youngest in his final year of primary. How time will fly. This is a great way to force myself to think about where I would like to be professionally. I would like to quit my day job of being a preschool teacher so that I can focus and dedicate more time to growing my business. At the moment I have an online business that sells products with a teeny tiny blog on the side. I would like to flip that and become a blogging business with products on the side. It is such a different outlook on the business that I am already feeling excited about the impact it will have to my ongoing passion. With that, I would like to make that blog from the heart, because that is me and that is why I started.
Maxabella says
Thanks Mardi. I am wishing you every success for your business and your blogging. You will get there. x
beth says
I CAME FOR THE CRAFT. Craft totally deserves capitals!!!! I think many years ago I came across ML for a party DIY and never left. Favourite part? your opinions, the unedited ones. I may not agree but I love to see women unashamedly voice what they think. Least favourite? I actually never consider disliking any part of anyones blog. I may be uninterested but never disliking. Someone has put their blood sweat and tears into their blog, not for me to say “nup don’t like it”. That’s what scrolling is for :). Next five years, I shall just be winging it as usual
Maxabella says
Yay for the craft! I think you are my only reader who is here for the craft, Beth. So I’ll be writing those posts just for you in future, and I’ll be very happy doing it too.
That’s a really nice attitude towards what a blogger puts out there. I will try to be nicer myself in future 😉
x
Michaela Fox says
CONGRATULATIONS gorgeous Bron! I just loved this post as it gave me the opportunity to revisit some blogging gold, and also to discover some new posts that I had missed. WELL DONE YOU!!
OK, gotta be in it to win it so throwing my hat in the ring here:
1. It is hands down impossible to reduce it to ONE thing that I love about Maxabella loves. Truly, I am not saying this to suck up to you (ok, well maybe I am a little) but the very reason I keep coming back to your blog is because it offers so much more than just a singular value. BUT, it will truly look like a sycophantic move if I list them all so I am going to go with what I love most about your blog NOW. And that is your stunning photography. While your words always resonate with me it is your photos that truly speak to me and are often arrestingly beautiful. I think so much can be conveyed in visual storytelling and you do this superbly!
2. OK, another toughie. While I admire your crafty creations I am not as interested in your craft posts as other posts. But, truly this says more about me than you. I just don’t dig craft very much, though my daughters are craft crazies!! So, I am probably less likely to be mesmerised by a craft post, as I am with a parenting philosophy type post (e.g. screen free time). So, sorry, but I suck at glitter and glue and feel hopelessly inadequate in that area!
3. Gosh, it’s hard to look five years into the future right now in my life as I am in a very unsettled period. My hubby has been unemployed for five months and I sincerely hope he’s employed in five years!! I tell you, I love him to bits but couples are not meant to spend THIS much time together!! Professionally I’d like to have taken my blog and freelance writing to a new level. My passion and focus is on supporting new mums and so I’d like to be working more vigorously in this field. I am thinking of studying counselling and specialising in maternal health and family relationships. Oh…… and perhaps, just perhaps I’d like to add another baby to the mix. But that would require convincing my hubby that a 4th is a good idea. He’ll need a job first and them I can work my magic on him 🙂
This was fun! Thanks for the opportunity, Bron. You are an inspiration to so many bloggers and mums. Keep doing what you’re doing and maybe, just maybe, you’ll ignite a craft gene in me that’s in there somewhere….
xx
Maxabella says
I hope it all happens for you and the hubby-job thing within the month too! I’m sure it’s out there for him and I know how stressful it is not knowing what the future holds.
I hope you do that study too. I think you would be amazing in a role like that and you can bring all of your expertise into the heart of your blogging (as you already do). x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Bron you epitomise everything that I consider blogging to be. Honest, interesting, helpful with a smattering of good humour, awkwardness and a touch of cranky when needs be. I’m not too interested in craft but that’s not a slight against you, it’s craft in general, we just don’t roll. As for 5 years, I hope to be in our dream home, with my business twice as busy and my kids healthy and happy. It’d be nice if Mr HALOM was still around too 😉 xxx
Maxabella says
Thank you so much, Em. And I know that you will reach your goal – your freelance business deserves to boom! x
Caz says
Congratulations on your five years! What a lovely milestone. I hope you can take some time to soak it in.
I love the openness and generosity in your writing. It inspires me to think and feel more and share more of my own vulnerabilities and passions.
Even though I loved your Minecraft party post, it’s not what draws me to your blog.
In the next five years I would love to have grown my own little community around my blog and found a way to work flexibly so I can satisfy my creative urges and my desire to be present for my family.
Maxabella says
It’s a tough balance, Caz, but we get there. Creativity, work and family life can all go hand in hand if we take some risks to get ourselves working in a career that combines all three. x
Nicole - Champagne and Chips says
Not entering the giveaway because sadly I don’t have time for any extra study at the moment. But I just wanted to say congratulations. And wow! what an achievement. I love your blog and I love how you have built up this wonderful community- that is something i would love to achieve in the next 5 years 🙂
Maxabella says
Thanks so much, Nicole. x
Cathie says
Happy five years Bron! You know i have loved you from the beginning. Your wit and style are definitely a true reflection of you.
gosh, I’d love to do a blogging with pip to help get me back to blogging. I have missed it so much yet can’t get motivated to come back.
Thanks for the giggles and for being you x
Maxabella says
Aha! I miss your blog so much to this day, Cathie. It was one of my favourites and then it was gone. I hope, hope, hope you get back into it!!! x
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
Congratulations on 5 years. What a milestone and a huge achievement. What I like about Maxabella Loves is you. Your authenticity shines through, your passion, interests and kindness and that’s why there isn’t really anything I dislike about your blog either, your effort has gone into each and every one of those posts and while some may take my interest more than others they are all still little pieces of you. In the next 5 years, gosh who knows what is around the corner but I hope to be celebrating a blog milestone too, have an ebook (cookbook) out and have moved up to North Queensland and back again! I hope that you had lots of cake and bubbles to celebrate! x
Maxabella says
I love North QLD – both my parents are from up that way, Dad much further north than mum. I’ll look forward to hearing about your move on your blog. Thank you for being so kind. I love your blog and I’m very happy we have connected so well. x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
Five years? Wow! Congratulations on sticking it through! Isn’t there a statistic that lot of bloggers give up before 5 years? I don’t know. Now to answering your questions
1. I love your blog because it’s you. If I need to catch up with you I head to your blog and even if you’re banging on about no screen time which I’m not too interested in because screens transport me when I’ve got my hands full. I still need encouragement to give different activities a go and your blog assists me in pushing the activity boundaries.
2. What I like least? Sometimes I think the posts can be long. And when a post gets long I skim read. It could just be me who wants to get as much reading in as possible in a short time frame.
3. In 5 years I would love to earn a full time income from my blog and allow it to be my job focus while being there for my kids. I’d love to have our house paid off so we can have more family experiences going overseas or even just travelling in Australia.
Maxabella says
These are great dreams, Bec. There’s not a chance in the universe that we could pay off our mortgage in 5 years time, but making some inroads would be lovely too.
Your feedback is really valuable to me. I do have a tendency to ramble on. I will try to keep things shorter.
xxx
sawhole says
Well done, darling. So glad we met and I am totes writing that e-book.
Maxabella says
DItto, Lisa! xxx
Mother Down Under says
Five years!
Congrats Bron.
When you think of all the words, all the photos, all the effort, blogs are pretty tremendous achievements.
I love your truth the most. Your blog is very “what you see if what you get.” I never wonder if the “you” you portray on the blog is the “you” that you are in real life. It is so obvious that your online presence is the same as your real life persona.
I suppose I am not that interested in some of the more hard core craft ideas…the party printables and Valentines Day printable gift things. Is that even craft? Anyway, I consider myself an organised person but my organisation doesn’t extend to birthday parties and holidays. So even though I love seeing what you do, I don’t really have a place for those ideas in my life.
Hope…hmmm…can I say win the lottery so that all my others hopes can come true?
I really, really, really want to do something for and with mothers. My ultimate hope is to have a space where mothers can come for some space and time alone or to join together as a community. In my mind I know just what it would look and feel like…I just need to figure out a way to make it happen. Other than winning the lottery!
Maxabella says
You are absolutely headed in that direction, Caitlin. I think the support and advice you offer to mothers is invaluable. Keep watering that dream. x
julia says
Happy 5 years Bron! Thanks to you I now enjoy being part of family photos!!! Looking forward to the next 5 years. Much love. Julia x
Maxabella says
Yay Julia! I’m so happy to hear that. Thanks in advance for all the help you will be giving me in the next five years… xxx
Lisa @ Twinkle Little Soul says
Five years is amazing Bron! Wow!
I’m a relatively new reader – a few months now – and I think the things that have me coming back are the realness and the heart, the creativity and family. If I have to choose one thing though, I’d say the way you make an effort to connect with every reader – inspiring x
I honestly haven’t found anything I’m not interested in yet, so I went looking through your categories for something to use as an answer – and I found Ideas For Boys. I don’t have any boys (and I’m not having any more) so I’ll go with that! There is seriously oodles of good stuff for me here!
And finally, in the next five years I hope to continue to have a happy and healthy family, and to keep working towards my own dreams and building a body of creative work so that when both my kids are at school I am ready to launch into my own future.
Mwah x
Maxabella says
I will keep those Ideas for Boys to an absolute minimum. Thanks for being here, Lisa. I’ve been enjoying your blog too. x
Em says
Big fat congrats and happy blog birthday Miss Bron! Such a fab milestone! I hope you celebrated more than a normal birthday. xx
Maxabella says
My husband bought me a cupcake and the kids sang happy bloggy day to you? That seemed more than enough! x
Natalie says
Congratulations on 5 years. Your blog was the first blog I started reading and love all the information you provide each month. I would love to one day have a blog myself and am really inspired by the fantastic blogs that are out there. Looking forward to the next 5 years.
Maxabella says
Hello! It’s so lovely to hear from you. I’m going to email you so I can encourage you to START THAT BLOG! There is so much pressure on what people think a ‘blog’ is these days, but you can just start as I did… with no rhyme or reason, just a blog. x
Kate @ From Katie to Kate says
Oh Bron. Congratulations! Can I turn it around a bit? I absolutely love getting comments from you. You just have that knack of knowing what to say. Oh, that reminds me, let’s turn it back to your blog. I do love your honestly and how you generally don’t suck up to anyone. I never forget the posts in which you call out something or someone. Yay! You tell them, I think. What I don’t like? What not to like?! Well, that ever so short name change … or am I imagining that? I guess you didn’t like it to, after all! Hmmm … me in five years? Bron, I think I’m going to take on the world!
Maxabella says
I absolutely did not like it. Glad you noticed 🙂
You will take on the world. You will. You are that kind of person. Keep writing your beautiful story, Kate. x
Kristy @ Loulou Zoo says
You are just fab Bron…truly fab! Congrats on your blog birthday and well done on building such a beautiful, friendly and inspiring community. Oops did I just answer the question already? he he
Here are my answers:
1 thing you really love about Maxabella Loves – I love the “vibe” of your blog Bron. Friendly, warm..inviting..whenever I visit I feel calm and reading through the comments you receive they are always so lovely and caring.
1 thing about Maxabella Loves that you are just not interested in (just tell me, I can take it) – now this is a mean one…I don’t really have anything. I guess your crafts intimidate me. There I said it. I pin them all for when my girls are older but I know I won’t be able to make them as good as you can. Which I know isn’t the point, but I like to do things properly!
and 1 thing that you hope will happen for you in the next five years – hmmm…I hope to be living the simpler life I’m striving for…and have chickens. he he
Thank you Bron for all the work you put into Maxabella Loves x
Maxabella says
Get the chickens! You won’t regret it and they are 10x easier to care for than you expect, promise. Look here: http://maxabellaloves.com.au/2013/07/a-little-guide-to-keeping-chickens.html
I have tried for years and years to lead a ‘simplier’ life and it has always eluded me. So last year I gave up on it and I’m so much happier embracing the crazy, busy chaos. I just don’t think I’m at a place in my life where ‘simple’ can ever work. I will try again in future.
Thank you for your kind words, Kristy. I promise the crafts are not very hard at all because I am NOT a patient or detail-oriented person. x
Kristy @ Loulou Zoo says
Oooh thank you! I will check it out.
That’s a nice way of looking at it…I will see how I go with my “simple”!
x
Denyse says
Congratulations Bron! What an achievement…
1. I LOVE that I know your family via your blog. Don’t we blog to ‘connect’? I’ve met you of course…actually we sat together as those who did not quilt when Corrie was leading all those clever ladies doing quilts in a community hall at Nth Balgowlah!
My memories of you and your blog are of so many different events, highlights and lowlights. You’ve been a blogger as a full-time worker and mama, and a blogger as a part-time stay at home mama and more. It’s been so true to who you are when you blog. I remember the family photo shoot…the birthday parties..oh, the birthday parties! You’ve amazed me with your energy, your fun and the total love for your kids that you go out of YOUR comfort zone for them.
2. I have to say it, but it is not like it now… so, #justsayin….remember when you used to like reading blogs but not commenting (much?) I do and I am soon glad you comment now because I value you words!
3. In 5 years time I will be 70 and I can.not.fathom.that. OK?
Here’s the thing. After all the time I’ve had a blog and I’ve had up to 3 at a time, there is something I am missing. I’ve got no idea. Maybe it is time to admit I could use the course run by Pip. I’ve heard great things about it and maybe (ok, really truly!) I do need it…so by the time of my Bloggy Birthday in December when I turn 5 I will have turned a blogging corner!
Have fun..or not..this rotten wet weekend! Love, Denyse xx
Maxabella says
I think you blog really well, Denyse. Success to me is being an influential, appreciated member of the blogging community and you are all that and sauce.
Thanks for being my bloggy buddy for so many years now. I’ve seen many Denyse blog metamorphoses in that time, but you’ve always stayed true to your core beliefs. Which I guess we should expect from someone who is going to be SEVENTY in five years time. Sorry I shouted that. I didn’t mean to 🙂 x
Laney@thelaneyfiles says
Hi Bron! Thought I may as well add my two cents since your comp is closing soon! Big congrats on 5 years. You have clearly made such an impact on the blogging world and I really admire where you’ve taken your writing.
1. What I love about your blog – you have a wonderful, gentle voice that speaks volumes. But you don’t try to hard. You don’t try to be funny or tough or smart, you barely even swear – yet your Maxabella message sings out loudly and authentically. Your posts are truly useful to people like me – other mums still learning the ropes and making loads of mistakes. I have found so many nuggets amongst your words that I’ve tucked away to use in my own family. Your photo post (about being in photos with the kids) struck me the most out of everything I’ve read of yours. I know I wasn’t the only one.
2. I’m so sorry about all this craft poo-pooing! I’m afraid I am the same though!! I thought I was the only one who secretly hated craft but it turns out there are loads of us. While I’m not overly interested in your craft posts right now, you do make them seem easy enough so that when I have more room and energy in my life, I will definitely look to you for inspiration!
3. The one thing I hope to happen for me in the next five years is to get somewhere with my writing. I’d love to write online about parenting or take my blog to a level where I am reaching far more readers than I am. I find it really hard getting the time to write at the moment, with four young kids. Over the next 5 years I hope this improves, as it is my one real passion outside my family.
Thanks for this opportunity!
Maxabella says
I hope you get that time, Laney. We need to carve it out sometimes (I sleep less, so I can blog more, which is probably not recommended but that’s how I do it). Oh and I gave up exercise, but that was no hardship!! Incidental exercise is where it’s at for me.
Thanks for being so kind in your comments. It means a great deal to me that my experiences help others. It’s why we share what we share, after all. I just want families to know that there are lots of different ways to do things and we are never alone in our parenting trials and tribulations. We share the joys, but we also share the hardship. x
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
Congratulations Bron! I feel bad as the world of blogging and bloggers is still relatively new to me – I wish I discovered your awesome space sooner. I love reading your posts as they are so warm and friendly – like having a chat with a friend. Your #inthepicture initiative has been a gamechanger for me and changed the way my camera roll looks on my phone. Thank you for that (my kids will also thank you for that in years to come). As for something I’m not interested in, sorry to join in the non-crafting brigade! In five years time I hope to still be blogging and discovering fabulous new bloggers. There are some crazy-talented bloggers out there (including you!) and I love how everyone has their own unique thing to offer xx
Maxabella says
It’s been really nice getting to know you lately, Tash. Cheers to us celebrating your own five year blogiversary down the track. x
Charlene says
One thing I really love about Maxabella Loves: You make the time to communicate with your readers, followers, community and do it flawlessly. You ask questions and want our opinions, and make us feel like we are sitting right next to you, sipping on a cuppa, as you write your blog posts. You have created a wonderful blogging community and for that reason, I keep coming back for more.
One thing I hope will happen for me in the next five years: To be engaged or married to my lovely partner. There I said it! I know (and hope) it will happen one day, and I am happy to wait…but five years is my max lol – if I don’t have a ring on my finger by 2020, I’m taking his credit card and buying my own engagement ring lol. And if we do get married…it will be a trip to the registry office with our nearest and dearest followed by a BBQ & Beers in our backyard! BLISS!
Keep being YOU Bron! You are fabulous is so many ways – as a blogger, a friend, Mama, wifey, the list goes on…you are a true inspiration 🙂 THANK YOU
Maxabella says
I’m tipping my tea cup towards yours as I write, Charlene. I feel we would have a joyful time of it over a cuppa or two. Oh and I think you should ask that fella of yours to marry you. Why not? I’d rather ask than wait. But that’s probably just me. 😉 x
Reannon @shewhorambles says
What a wonderful milestone Bron! And look at all you’ve achieved? It seems I have some blog posts to read this weekend 🙂
And for someone who is in love with Pip & all she does 8 can say that both those prizes are AWESOME! I’ve done the course & am part of Blog Yay & they are the best things I could have done for me & my blog.
Maxabella says
I have LOVED ‘discovering’ you recently, Reannon. I love your words, I love your heart and I love that you keep it real and amazing. x
Kathy says
I’m sorry to chime in so late with the congratulations (was off celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary for a couple of days away without the kids). I really fell in love with you and your blog only last year at Pro-blogger, because you spoke so generously and honestly and your blog is that voice and it seems so authentically you – so I will go back for some of your earlier favourites that I’ve missed. Your blog is a visual treat – the pictures splice with your words to really capture the magic and even make craft look cool and sophisticated (when our attempts are usually clumsy and messy). Thanks for your support of my blog too. X
Maxabella says
That is really, really nice to hear, Kathy. I had no idea that this was how you found my blog. I’m chuffed!!! Happy 20th wedding anniversary, Kathy. That’s truly special. x