Rain.. Reward.. Return..

Hello my darlings and sorry for my extended absence this week..! 

I have almost finished the work I was assigned to do for a website that will be launching shortly (I'll share later) and all the post-holiday chores are tackled. Now I am lulling around in some sort of 'Summery haze' where I find it hard to get just anything constructive done.. It's actually quite lovely! :)

Oscar hanging out at the beach. Photo: Marshall Ward

Before I reveal the winners of my 'pre-Christmas give away' I want to say that my heart is aching for all and everyone who is affected by the insane floods that are tearing through the world at the moment. Though the ones we are witnessing here in Australia right now are especially hard for me to watch they are less severe than the ones in Brazil and also Sri Lanka.. They do however affect a much larger area and continue to spread which needless to say is terrifying!

The loss, pain and tragedy is impossible to grasp, and they affect the victims on so many levels.  So many are in dire need of help and support. My thoughts travel to those who need hope and strength right now, and my prayers are aimed at those who have lost so much.. May the sun shine on you again..!

Sunrises are such a symbol of 'hope' to me... Photo: Marshall Ward

Without the intent of seeming flippant.. I am deliberately leaving the sublect of floods now and shifting to the much delayed announcement of the two winners of my pre-Christmas give-away. Both Marshall and I were thrilled to see so many entries (both from Australia and the World) and all your enthusiastic and kind comments truly made us happy! Thank you all for entering and for being so sweet!! xx

As promised, we have drawn two winners - one from Australia and one from the 'World' .. Without further ado... CONGRATULATIONS Cath (Tea with Mary) and Vicki (Vicki the Viking)!! xx

Cath & Vicki, please email me to confirm which photo you want us to send, and also your postal addresses. Thank you dear friends on entering and congratulations again!

 Photo:  Mikkel Vang

And speaking of 'dear friends'.. Whilst I have been skipping around barefoot in the Australian Summer so many new and lovely people have found their way to my little blog corner. I am so thrilled to welcome you here and I can't wait to get to know you all..! xx

In fact I have chosen 9 of my newest followers (+ 1 of my favourite blogs) as the receivers of an award I was recently rewarded by no less than three lovely blog friends;

1) My dear and talented friend Mariska who blogs over at 'I used to be Snow White but I drifted'. This gorgeous woman is a celebrated professional artist whose work hangs in many corners of the world. Please do pop across to her brilliant blog to see her latest works and news for 2011. Hugs to you Mariska! xx

2) Swedish sweetheart Jill who blogs over at 'Live Like You'. I 'met' Jill not long ago but felt an instant affinity with her. Not only because we are both from Sweden but because of the way she looks at life. Please pop over to her lovely blog and read her introduction and you'll know why I find this lady so special. Kramar till dig Jill! xx

3) The lovely Anita over at 'A Dreamer's Den' who I feel so close with. This girl is also something special. Not only does she share name with my mother and daughter (Isabella's second name is Anita), but she has such a sweet personality. Her blog started of as an attempt to document the making of her home but has grown to be so much more. This girl has a deeper conscience and wonderful sense of style. Do visit her beautiful blog and fall in love. Hugs to you dear Anita! xx

THANK YOU so much again for this very kind and flattering nomination!

This 'Stylish Blogger Award' calls for the receiver to:
1. Link back to the person/people who gave the award
2. List seven things that you may not know about me, and
3. Pass on the award to ten others... 

I dare to share and hope that you will do the same..! x

 I cry if tickled.. I actually panic to the point of trears.. (exception feet!)

..in fact, I adore pedicures and reflexology. In my book there are no better spa treatments!

 I dislike wearing a lot of make-up and feel awkward and claustrophobic when doing so..

I love camels, quirky dogs and birds.. Actually I adore most animals full stop!

I am an obsessive 'list maker'. Love the ritual and the way they clear my head..!

I can't sleep without the window in my bedroom open. Winter or Summer it's always ajar!

I am very intuitive and often get strong signals regarding people I care about..
It's not always a blessing..

***

So there it is.. Seven things that you probably didn't know about me. Now over to you my dears..!

First of all I want the wonderful and always brilliant Louise of 'Lou Boos and Shoes' to receive this award. Her blog is one of my favourite out there and it is beyond stylish in every sense. Lou, I adore every visit. Thank you! xx

As for the remaining nine people I award the 'Stylish Blogger'.. These are some of my latest friends, picked at random and in no particular order from my left hand side column. Thank you all for joining my little blog circle - I love that you are here! xx Just click on the banners to be transported..!

 

Ok girls. I hope you embrace the award and that you will share openly your 7 things. I can't wait to read so please pop in and let me know when your posts are up.  xx

source unknown for these two

That is all for today my dears. It's good to be back but please forgive me if I am a bit random in my visits for a little while longer. I am suffering total 'Summer-itis'..!  :)

From our holiday at Shoal Bay. Photos by Charlotta Ward.

Big sunny hugs with ice cream on top!

xx Charlotta