Why I hadn't anticipated it, I don't know, but the pace of full time parenting caught me unawares this half term. Busy busy busy. Makes me appreciate the reprieve that our normal school routine allows me. But it was fun and I will be sad tomorrow to have to leap into the shower and begin chivying as soon as the alarm rings. Maybe my new shower puff will help me get moving.
It's the colour of sunshine.
As you can imagine, not too much crafting happened this week. But some excellent post arrived. A spring Marie Claire Idees from lovely Monica who knows I struggle to get my hands on a copy. I have only had the briefest of flick throughs, but I plan on proper indulgence soon.
And a package from Hay. I had lusted after some felt cut-work mats on her blog a while back and she tracked some down for me! How kind is that? 
But it didn't stop there. Oh no, because she is seriously talented lady, and runs an eco-fashion business, making stuff like this button pendant: 
It's the details which always sucker me - how cool is the vintage tin packaging? And you just know that when somebody had tags this creative:
their goods are going to be something special. And they are. But my photos aren't. Sorry.
Now I have some post of my own to send out - a Miniswap parcel for the lovely girls of my partner (which is wrapped and ready and only ever so slightly late) and something in return for Hay which I haven't even started. I think overall that earns me a C minus. Can I plead mitigating circumstances?
I love the work you have shown in this post. I shall be heading over in thier direction....
Time, or lack of it, BLEUGH!!!!!!!
Thats all I have to say.
Lots of love
Cherry xoxoxo
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | 25 February 2008 at 08:51
what stunning labels...so many ideas, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Marianne | 25 February 2008 at 10:02
i'm starting to familiarise myself with this routine everyday.
6.30..alarm wakes me, if not a squeeze from one of the kids.
mad rush to shower, organise lunches, make breakfasts, etc etc etc.
I'm over it!!
great finds by the way
Posted by: Tiel | 25 February 2008 at 10:14
Can you believe, my alarm didn't go off this morning? Aaarrrrgggghhhh ... it was a horrible rush!
I disagree with your critique of your photos, by the way - they're just lovely. x
Posted by: Kitty | 25 February 2008 at 11:27
What great things - thanks for the links! Just got to find the time to read them now!
Kimx
Posted by: Kim | 25 February 2008 at 12:53
Your shower puff looks like a tasty mango, yummy. I also received my copy of Marie Claire in the mail and have been so enjoying all the beautiful ideas.
What amazing things you received, I love those felt cutouts.
Posted by: June | 25 February 2008 at 16:18
I was lucky enough to get a swap parcel from Hazel too!! Like you I am behind in my mini-swap and Hazels.Guess we both get bad marks! xxx
Posted by: Kristy | 25 February 2008 at 17:12
That shower puff is amazing, ditto with the felt cut out mats. Nice to be pointed in the direction of yet another nice blog too :)
Posted by: Joleo | 25 February 2008 at 19:38
love that little corsage - it's really cute
Posted by: annieb | 25 February 2008 at 20:31
Lovely pressies - the tin is especially cute!
Maybe an orange shower puff is what I need t0o get me going in the morning. Either that or a rocket ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 25 February 2008 at 20:40
Lovely goodies Ali - those labels are so cool!!
I'm thinking it would take more than an orange shower puff to get my butt in gear in the morning!!!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 25 February 2008 at 21:32
i am glad who feels a need to get moving and just can't. your shower puff is pretty, though. tell me, does it really do the trick?
Posted by: erin | 26 February 2008 at 23:39