Today marks 6 years since I began this journey called blogging. 

I still meet people who don't have a clue what blogging is, and I still feel slightly embarrassed when people tell me they read my blog.  Who knows why, but one thing I know for sure, it's been an amazing journey and I've met  of heaps of awesome people along the way.

When I started out in this space called PaisleyJade, my goal was to use it as a place to record family fun and try out various recipes and crafty endeavours - I've never really been that great with words and even now I occasionally get tongue-tied when talking to people and struggle to fully communicate my thoughts, yet somehow here my confidence started to grow, and through sharing my journey I've come to value this place so much.

From Mustache and Rainbow Cakes to Crochet, Grief and Faith, who knew that one little space could cover such a range of topics - and it's been good, really good.

So thanks to everyone who takes the time to visit this space!

To visit some of my Favourite Posts, go here.


Now, down to the bit you have all been waiting for...

The Winner of the Softie Draw for 2014 according to Random.org is...


Comment number 12!

1. 
   Neetz11:16 pm

   Ohhh that bun buns is so gorgeous I have to put my hand up!!! Yes please enter me in :) I promise to find him a good home (ours) hahaha xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yay for Neetz - a real life blogging friend (I promise this wasn't rigged at all)!  Congratulations - I will be in touch!

Always so much to be thankful for, no matter what sort of week/day or even month you are having! It's been a while since I've done a loving list, so there will be a few old pics here, but they all deserve a mention.

Here's my thankful/loving list...

Thankful for family - so appreciate mine.

.

So thankful for the beautiful friends in my life.  Each one is so different, and that's just how it should be!

So thankful for my faith.  As pastors we often have the privilege of journeying through the joys of life with people, and also the hardest and darkest moments.  I am always amazed at how tangible and present God is in those dark moments.

Thankfulness is truly a powerful gift!

p.s. Loving the American Blogger doco that is out now!

p.p.s. Have you entered the Softie giveaway yet???!!?!?!

It is the season here in New Zealand for the Feijoa!!  If you haven't tried a Feijoa before, you are seriously missing out.  These little green fruits are soooo delicious and really great for baking with, and the juice is so nice to drink as well.

This crumble cake is really simple to make, and very nice!  You can easily substitue the feijoas with other fruit like bananas, apples, plums etc.  I served it warm with whipped cream, and the fruity taste mixed with the crunchy sweet topping was the perfect afternoon treat and would also work well as a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Recipe Source from here.

For more delicious recipes, visit here.

Happy Easter everyone!  

To celebrate Easter (as well as my 6 year blog anniversary coming up), I thought it would be the perfect time to do a softie bunny giveaway!

I love this vintage blue rabbit - and I'm sure you or someone you know would too!  It has been handmade with love by myself, and ready for a home of it's own.

To enter, leave your name in the comments and your email address (if your comment doesn't link back to you).

The draw will be done on my Bloggiversary, 28th April at 7pm New Zealand time!

One entry per person - so get commenting!

p.s. Here's my favourite Scripture verse to read at Easter time:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.                      John 3:16-17

Today we celebrate 18 years married - I've been married as long as I've been single!

Our weekend away didn't quite happen as planned, but I appreciate this guy even more through it all.

He's still my best friend, my court jester and faithful husband - ever so thankful for this guy.

We had planned to take another shot like this, but didn't get the chance - on the must do list, as the kids have definitely grown since then.

Happy anniversary Symon!!  

Love you so much. xoxo