Why I Want To Be A Mother & Homemaker

Hello darlings!

I'm going to warn you now, what I am about to say in this post might be a little controversial and many women today wouldn't share my opinions on these topics.
But I have decided to go ahead and share what is on my heart about being a mother & homemaker and I hope that you find it interesting and inspiring all the same.

My reason for speaking about this is because I think its something that is unpopular but necessary in today's society and the women that do want to pursue the life of a mother/homemaker often feel alone in their choice of lifestyle.



My Life Dream

If you were to ask me what my biggest dream in life is, my answer wouldn't be to have a great career and a fancy apartment in the city.

No, my answer would be this, that my dream is to become a wife and mother and create a home in the country where we can grow our own food, live naturally and simply and let my kids grow up getting dirty and playing outdoors.
We'd have some chickens, maybe a cow and live of the land where we could.

This is my dream,  however counter-cultural it may be.
If you share the dream to be a mother and homemaker one day I want to tell you that that is a wonderful calling and dream and if it is the Lord' s will for you then go for it!
The world needs more women to mother and nurture the next generation in godly homes that radiate Christ.


Motherhood

Yesterday, my dad told me he had been talking with our neighbor and mention how I wanted to be a mother and stay at home etc.
The neighbor was of the opinion that that wasn't a real job. He couldn't have been farther from the truth. I believe being a mother is a job, and not an easy on at that.
As a mother, you give all of yourself to raising and nurturing your kids and that isn't easy. I know from watching my own mum and other stay-at-home mothers I know.

The call to be a mother is a Biblical one too. Often in the Bible God used mothers to accomplish His will.
I believe it is a worthy calling and if I am called to be one I intend to honor that calling.



Homemaking

A homemaker is a person who manages a home especially as a principal occupation.
A homemaker is a woman who's primary occupation is nurturing and creating a home for her family.

Personally, I enjoy creating a happy, comfortable space and nurturing my space so I love the idea of having a home to nurture and being a stay-at-home mother.
Homemaking is also a Biblical practice, like the woman mentioned in Proverbs 31!

Many women in the past lived like this and families thrived. Think Little House on the Prairie...
That simple lifestyle is a healthier than the hectic rushing around most people call normal.

Read Calico & Twine for more inspiration and info on a simpler lifestyle!


Resources

These are a bunch of women, blogs, YouTube channels and Instagram accounts that embrace motherhood, homemaking and simple living.

Milena Ciciotti YouTube

Mrs Midwest YouTube

Girl In Calico YouTube

Housewives are Not Oppressed Mrs Midwest YouTube Video
Homemaking Practices You Can Start TODAY! Mrs Midwest YouTube Video
Why I Love Being a Homemaker Mrs Midwest YouTube Video

Farmhouse on Boone Blog


So those are some of my thoughts on the matter!
What are your thoughts? Lets chat in the comments!


keep blooming,

Holiday & Christmas Haul

Hello, darlings!
I trust you all had a relaxing and special Christmas time, I sure did. My family all got together on Christmas Eve, shared a yummy meal, exchanged gifts and had a wonderful evening.

I thought in today's post I would share the things I was blessed with this Christmas and also the bit and pieces I picked up while my family was on holiday(or vacation as some of you might say!).

So while we were on our family holiday I splurged a bit...

(Left) 1. I found Season 2 of Downton Abbey while browsing a second-hand shop and I was thrilled because I already own Season 1. I wonder if I could collect it all from thrift shops...
(Center) 2. I couldn't resist this pretty pink notebook with gold detailing and it was cheap sooooo...
(Right) 3. I wanted to find a planner to help organize my school better so I found this pretty one which I love because there is a good amount of space for each day.

Sometimes you've got to treat yourself and get some nice beauty products! 

This strawberry body butter is heavenly and I can't wait to smell like a sweet berry this Summer.

I got some pens that I needed too, but I won't bother showing those. I just bought them because I noticed that I really don't have many and that a few to add to my pencil case wouldn't hurt!

Top: Another thrift shop find! My dad is a locksmith so when I saw these studs, I knew I had to get them.
Middle: I once saw earring very similar to these in a period drama (The Crown, Victoria or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society) and fell in love with them. Then I found these, in an art deco shop which was full of period style pieces, accessories and trinkets.
Bottom: This cute pin was a last minute purchase that I picked up while waiting at the counter and I love it. It is a geometric fantail, a native bird to New Zealand which I love.

Aren't these bookmarks adorable? I think so, and they are practical too. I am using them both in my Bible and in the books I'm reading.

Last but not least, I bought a bunch of postcards (these aren't even all of them) to stick in my holiday journal and use in my room.

C H R I S T M A S   G I F T S

I was given some lovely girly beauty/jewellery items, to begin with! The earrings are from my auntie who runs a small business called Happyful. I have worn them a lot already.

I'm pretty sure that when I opened this present I was beaming from ear to ear! I have been really enjoying  Audrey's movies lately and her style, so I am pumped to have this beautiful book. (Thanks Anna!)

This section is featuring pictures from How to Steal a Million, which is one that I really liked!

I am so excited to read through this sweet looking devotional! My dear Nonna gifted me this book as well as this other one...

I have already started reading this book and I am liking it so far. The writing style reminds me a teensy bit of The Book Thief. It has been a while since I've read anything historical of WW2 so I am curious to see how this one will turn out.

My brother said in his Christmas card that I had been fairly good this year and so out of the kindness of his heart he got me this present! Okaaay......
I love his sense of humour!

It makes me so happy to get clothes! The sleeves of this shirt are really cool and it looks quite cute tied up in the front.

And last but not least I have this stylish tee from my aunt.

I have already worn it a lot this week. Its soft, feminine and I love the cut of it!

I feel so grateful and blessed to have received these lovely things!

What did you get for Christmas that you are most excited about?


xoxo
Hannah

Goal Setting for The New Year

I don't know about you, but I personally love beginning a new year and making new goals and getting a fresh start.
Sadly, last year my goals kind of got ditched halfway through the year and I think I know why.
I had too many and they weren't thought out very well and this year I am going to change that.

This year, I want to set just a few main goals for the entire year but then at the beginning of each month, I will set say, 3 goals just for that month. That way I can accomplish goals but not be overwhelmed by having too many to start with.


Now that I have that down, you may be wondering what exactly are my big goals for 2019?
So here are just a few of them!


1. Live life more fully

To me this means enjoying the little things, spending time wisely, being present and leaving my phone in my drawer and forgetting that it exists.
I don't want to waste a minute, I want to invest in others lives and grow my own originality and creativity.
Because the times that I have spent extra time with my siblings or sat outside instead of being cooped up indoors, I have felt more alive and had no regrets.
It's sad that in such a short time many of us have become so dependant on these devices but we can change that if we make the effort and we will reap the benefits!


2. Read more faith-building books

I like to read. Normally I prefer to read fiction and escape to a different world. While that is great, I want to read books that leave me with food for thought and bring me closer to God.
This video by Coffee & Bible Time helped prompt me to make this goal!

 I actually started toward this goal today by starting a book called Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George!


3. Post quality content on my blogs

This is a learning process I suppose but I do want to make sure that every post I publish is the best that I can be.
I want them to be inspirational, attention-grabbing and like we are sitting across from each other in a cafe, having a chat over coffee!
Feedback from you all would be greatly appreciated! Anything I could change?


4. Reread 5 books

I really want to go back and read some of the lovely books I know and love. To relive the stories and visit old friends!


5. Be intentional about prayer

I had a prayer related goal this past year but I wasn't very specific and I kind of failed, sooooo, this year I am making it more specific. I want to find practical ways to put prayer in my daily routine and to be praying HEAPS because I have learned this year that it is CRUCIAL for the Christian life and for growth.
I'd encourage you also to make spiritual goals, goals regarding your prayer life and such so that you can strive to grow in 2019!


6. Write letters to people once a week

I love to send letters, receive, and read letters. In the coming year, I am planning to set aside one day of the week when I will try to write to a few different people and hopefully stay on top of the letters I get!
The reason why is because it is a valuable way of connecting with people that I do not see often and maintaining contact. I also want to encourage the people I love by writing words that will encourage and show love.



These are a few examples of some of my goals for 2019. What are your main goals for the new year?
I pray you will grow and flourish in this new chapter of life and that you will remain close to God through it all.

xoxo
Hannah

a poem I wrote by accident

via Pinterest

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Journaling

by Meeee

"Journaling in a tree,

so many thoughts in my mind,,

I want to write them all down before

they vanish out if my memory.

Pen to paper,

as I breathe the evening air,

thinking of God's blessings,

to which nothing else can compare.

~

xoxo

Hannah

The Four Things Tag

Happy Tuesday! I just realized that I was supposed to post yesterday but it was a public holiday so I forgot.
Stealing this fun idea from Amaris! Go check her's out too!

The Four Things Tag

Four Jobs I've Had:
• Babysitter(my first  and current job)




Four Things I Don't Eat:
• Anything coconutty
• Fish
• Licorice
• Tinned asparagus (fresh is best!)




Four Places I've Lived:
• My parent's first house which was in the city(and where entered the world)
• Second house (still in the city but not right in it) where my brother was born
• The house I've lived longest in 5 mins away from the 2nd house where we lived for roughly 10 years
• And the house we are living in now. Been here nearly 4 years.

Four Of My Favourite Foods:
• Pizza
• Pasta
• Mint choc chip ice cream
• Homemade curries my mum makes



Four Movies I've Watched More Than Once:
• Cinderella {2015}
• Loves Long Journey {2005}
• Paddington 2 {2017}
• A Monster in Paris {2011} Sounds bad but it's a really nice animated movie!



Four TV Shows I Watch:
• When Calls the Heart
• Poldark
• There are others I have watched but these are the ones that are still running on TV.

Four Things I'm Looking Forward To This Coming Year:
• Turning 16 is both scary and exciting
• New adventures
• Making memories
• Starting new ventures (watch this space!)



Four Things I Can't Live Without:
• God(literally)
• My totally, awesomely, amazing friends(on the internet and in real life)
• Music
• Sunshine and flowers



Four Places I've Visited:
• Auckland which I do not think much of (sorry Annie!)
• Lake Taupo for a couple holidays
• Cape Palliser
• Only places in New Zealand though I did go to Australia at 3 months old

Four Pet Peeves:
• When people eat with their mouth open
• Unfairness/injustice to an innocent person(s)
• People describing their physical unpleasantness or ailments
• Messy cars


Four Things I Wish I Could Do:
• Fly
• Swim without fear
• Go to England for free
• Not get angry ever



Left one out here that didn't really work since I am homeschooled.


Four Things Near Me Right Now:
• My notebook for blogging
• A window
• My phone
• A letter from a friend that arrived today



That's all for now!


xoxo
Hannah

My Natural Beauty Picks

And I'm back! Back after two weeks of school holidays and laziness.
Anyway today I thought I'd do a fun little post chatting about some of my favourite beauty products!

Glow Lab Hydrating Shampoo

I have quickly taken quite a liking to Glow Lab's products! Starting with their Pink Clay Bar Soap(which unlike many soaps leaves your hands soft and feeling moisturized) and now this shampoo.

It smells lovely(and I am a sucker for the shampoo/hair product smell for some reason!) and leaves my hair soft and clean. And the packaging is aesthetically pleasing too(which is always a bonus!).

Tier for Teens Moisture Hibiscus & Raspberry Leaf

This is the best moisturizer for teens, or at least in my opinion! It's perfect because it isn't super greasy and thick but light and hydrating.

In my case, I don't want to be smearing more grease on my face if my skin has all it's teen oils to start with. This moisturizer helps with redness and inflammation and lightly moisturizes.
I definitely recommend this product to all teen girls!

Keune Care Curl Control Defining Cream

I love this stuff! Recently incorporated it back into my hair routine. After washing my hair and letting it air dry, I straighten it and rub a bit of this in and I get nice soft, frizz-free hair till my next wash.
It smells AMAZING too! The sad thing is, I'm running out of it!

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Mascara

I only got this about a month ago and it is my first mascara of my own. It's nice and defines my lashes in a good and natural way.
I am one for simple and natural makeup and to be honest am happy with just mascara and a dab of lipgloss or lipstick.

Overall this is a good natural product that I would recommend to those interested in toxin free beauty.

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Deodorant

What can I say! I like this deodorant and in my case, it works. Some may not like the scent of the tea tree but I quite like it.

I feel very strongly that you should use a natural deodorant because your underarms are a sensitive area and you don't want to be loading toxic stuff on there.
I also believe that antiperspirants are not a good choice because our bodies are supposed to sweat as a way of detoxing.

Burt's Bees Lipstick

My first ever lipstick in the colour Suede Splash.  This lipstick colour is a great starter for lipstick newbies! I put it on today a realized how much I really like the colour.

I don't wear it everyday but it is a great shade that you could use for an everyday look. it defines your lips but isn't too bold.
The texture is smooth and moisturizing and there are 18 other shades to choose from.

And there you have it!

Talk to me in the comment section! What is one of your favourite beauty products? Have you used any of these ones before?

xoxo

Hannah

Sunshine Blogger Award Tag

Well, I haven't done a tag for a while now so this one was perfectly timed! Thank you, Victoria ( @ Victoria's Book Nook ) for tagging me. I am delighted to do this post!

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog
• List the rules and have the Sunshine Blogger logo present in your post
• Nominate new bloggers and give them 11 new questions to answer

I am just going to answer the same questions as Victoria! :)

1. What was the last movie you watched (and enjoyed)?

Sarah Plain & Tall for the second time! I have a post about it here too!

2. Favourite summer-y food?

Sorbet or nectarines! Sorbet is soo good and more refreshing than ice cream and nectarines are one of my favourite summer fruits.

3. Last adventure you had?

None! Spring is here, so I am getting ready for loads of Summer adventures!

4. Road trips or airplanes?

I have only ever been on an airplane as a three-month-old and though I have been on long trips in the car, I wouldn't call them 'road trips'. But I would go with road trips because the idea of them and going on them with friends and having fun sounds great.

5. What are your dream wedding colours?

Pastel. Pastel something, whether blue, sage green, pink, or lavender. I really love pastels and of course, my wedding would be too!

6. What song have you had on repeat?

L-O-V-E  by JJ Heller

It's a new one by JJ and it's soo soft and lovely!

7. Girly girl or tomboy?

I'll let you figure that one out....!

(And here's my Pinterest board to prove it! )

8. First celebrity crush?

O my! I actually remember this very well! An actor called Cody Linley in a movie I saw when I was like, 8 (It was called Hoot, bit silly really). I've looked at pictures of him now and I honestly don't get what I was thinking!!! 

(The boy on the left....yeah....)

9. Top three favourite blogs?

Wonderland Creek

The Storybook Journal

The Bookshop Barista

To be honest, I am actually really bad at reading other blogger's posts. I either forget or can't sit down and read through them. But I try!

10. How long ago did you start your blog?
Roughly a year ago I think. 

11. How do you feel you've grown since starting your blog?
I have tried many different layouts and designs and found the one I love and which suit my blog best. I have learned that my hands try to type as fast as I think the words and that it results in terrible spelling(credit goes to Grammarly). I'd like to like I write better posts now but that is up to you to decide!

I nominate:

Danielle @ Life is Like a Book

Amaris @ The Storybook Journal

Your questions:

1. The most aesthetic food in your opinion?

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2. Dream dessert?

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3. Your ideal place for a holiday(real or fictional)?

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4. Favourite thing about reading?

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5. Current three favourite Scriptures?

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6. Name the last song you listened to and liked?

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7. What do you most like about blogging?

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8. Movie character you relate to?

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9. Yellow flowers or pink flowers?

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10. A talent you wish you had?

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11. Weirdest food combo you've tried?

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Enjoy!

xoxo

Hannah

things I'd like to do more

This list is going to include small things I have been inspired to do more of. I've been thinking lately of ways to get off my devices and do things, spend my time well and open up my creative mind again.
So here's what I want to do!


1. Watercolor painting

I tried some today I and really enjoyed it. I used Emma Block's book, The Joy of Watercolour, as my guide and her tutorial was so easy to follow. So, its definitely something I want to get into more! It's just so beautiful and therapeutic. Another thing is that I want to do merely for the pleasure of it, telling myself it doesn't have to be perfect.


2. Hand lettering

I started getting an interest in this about a year ago and for the past few months, I haven't really done in a practicing sense. I have seen a few of my favourite people on Instagram show their skill in hand lettering/calligraphy and it's inspired me to get better at it. I enjoy seeing pretty fonts and handwriting.


3. Spending more time in nature

I feel like I don't do this enough. In fact, I don't think that many of my generation don't do it enough!
I really want to find ways to get outdoors more. Like keeping a small herb garden outside, go for bush walks more, read outdoors, play with my siblings, and just enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.


4. Own more plants

I have two right now. A flowering one and a succulent. I love them both but the succulent is looking a bit weird(not neglected, just weird. It's leaning to one side and it really tall!) The flower one I have in my bathroom and currently is a little burst of pink in there. It smells faintly of spring and it reminds me of the friend who gave it to me when I look at it. It sort of reminds me how friendship grows!


5. Pray

On a more serious note, something I really crave to make a habit is prayer. It's something I struggle to keep in place but I want to be intentional about it. I want to at least open my bible reading with it and end my Bible reading with it to start.


6. Learn new hairstyles

In the past, I've always gotten annoyed at hair tutorials that say 'easy'. Because when I tried them I would stand in front of the mirror for ages wondering what magic spell they used in the tutorial to get in perfect. Now I've realized that if I want to get good results I should actually give them a chance and try them out over a period of time to get practiced at them. It would be nice to branch out from the ponytail!

What new things would you like to try? 

What is your favourite thing to do at the moment?