5 Mother’s Day Gifts You’ll Love From Mum Life Stories

5 Mother’s Day Gifts You’ll Love From Mum Life Stories

I’m super excited to introduce these new products that I have been working day and night on, and I truly hope you like them. There are more in the works but I wanted to get these out quickly as they make awesome Mother’s Day Gifts! Feel free to comment at the bottom of the page if there is anything else you would like to see in our book shop this year.

Mother's Day Gifts

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Mum Life Stories: Micro-Fiction Volume 1, BUY NOW!

Mum Life Stories: Micro-Fiction Volume 1, BUY NOW!

Today is the day! The day time itself stood still with bated breath, anticipating the greatest moment in history. The day every mother and child has yearned for throughout the centuries. The day we are marvelously blessed with the accumulation of all our hopes and dreams wrapped up in a stunning (and superbly designed) ode to Mothers everywhere. The day that will go down in Wikipedia as the greatest moment of all time – greater than the construction of the pyramids, the writing of the constitution, the end of world hunger (yet to happen), and the liberation of chickens (free-range all the way!) – the day that the greatest book on earth was launched for sale. The book entitled ‘Mum Life Stories: Micro-Fiction, Volume One.’

Too much? You’re probably right, but within the exclusive world of the Mum Life Stories Community, this release deserves as grand an entrance as any writer can conjure up. It truly is the culmination of 2 and a half years of consistent passion and dedication to an online presence that lays tribute to all the amazing mothers out there, who have influenced us and made an impact on our lives. There is nothing ordinary about the life of a Mother (and yes I use a capital letter where there shouldn’t be one, because it deserves one) or the stories that shine through from a life lived in complete devotement to one’s progeny. And these stories, real or imagined, make for a fantastic read!

So it is with great excitement and without further ado (yes ado is the correct word as Adieu means goodbye) that I present to you the very first volume of the Mum Life Stories: Micro-Fiction anthology.

Mum Life Stories: Micro-Fiction, Volume One

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Best Rustic Christmas Gifts For Wood Lovers, under $100

It’s no secret that I love wood, primarily reclaimed wood, and anything rustic or farmhouse in design. In my opinion nothing can match the uniqueness and charm that comes from a piece of wood that has been around for years, possibly even decades, passed from home to home, possibly journeying from state to state or even country to country, telling a story in every scratch, dent, groove or crack that comes with the knocks of life. Like humans, mature wood carries its battle scars with pride and becomes more beautiful in character because of them. I know, I know, “it’s just wood” I hear you say, but if you are a lover of reclaimed wood then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

I figured that since I had a blog and I had a reclaimed wood decor business, I might as well get onto the gift recommendation bandwagon this christmas and give my fellow wood (and rustic decor) lovers (and those that have the job of buying for them) a jam-packed list of the best rustic wood items to give (and ask for) this christmas…or next christmas…or as long as this blog post is circulating, and as long as the items are still available.

You’ll notice that all these items come from Etsy, because let’s face it, Etsy is the home of the greatest handmade, handcrafted and uniquely designed items from all over the world. Some of these items come from my shop (WoodCycle) and some come from other fabulous stores across Etsy. Wherever they come from I am sure you will agree, they are unique and beautiful. Some of them are even on SALE!

Please Note these prices are in AUD, so they will vary depending on your currency conversion rate. All information is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing. Please refer to the stores shipping policy for information about shipping prices and times.

Rustic Christmas Gifts

This post contains affiliate links which may earn me a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you click through and make a purchase. Affiliate links are how I keep this blog running, thank you for your support.

Under $20

These gifts are great for when the budget is a little tight or you have a lot of special people to buy for! Each one is still unique and full of character.

Primitive Rustic Tea Light Holder

Rustic and primitive, these tea light holders make the perfect decorative addition to your country or coastal home. Handcrafted in Australia from reclaimed wood, they ship worldwide. From just $7.99 AUD

Wood Slice Coasters

Rest your cup on the perfect rustic Coaster. Sanded smooth and finished with a light sealer to provide some liquid resistance. Eco-friendly and made in Australia, they ship worldwide. From just $22 AUD (4 pack)

Personalised Acacia Wooden Chopping Board

These gorgeous australian made chopping boards are created with the highest quality materials and workmanship. Made from acacia wood with personalized laser engraving. 12 sizes to choose from and 40+ designs, from $19 AUD. Shipped worldwide.

Rustic Fence Paling Planter Boxes

These Rustic Planter Boxes are handcrafted from reclaimed fence palings. Full of character and so versatile, use indoors as a table centerpiece or outdoors as a planter box, or whatever your imagination desires.

4 Colour choices, and designed with or without antique handles. Made in Australia and shipped worldwide, prices start from $17.99 AUD.

Rustic Rope Hanging Shelf

Give your walls a rustic aesthetic with these wood and rope hanging shelves. Finished in a light brown wax and perfect for holding that pot plant, tea light holder or other decor items.

Made in Bradford, UK and ships worldwide. Prices start from $13.33 AUD.

Between $20 – $50

Step things up a little with these well-priced quality items!

Photo on Wood (50% OFF)

High quality and oh so rustic, these custom made photo pallets are handcrafted in Virginia USA. Choose your photo and size (6 choices), prices start from $21.63 AUD and they ship worldwide (free delivery within the states).

Rustic/Celtic Serving Platter

Handcrafted in Australia from reclaimed wood and finished with Linseed oil and Beeswax, this Rustic /Celtic Platter will bring character and charm to any occasion. Just $39.99 AUD, ships worldwide.

Personalised Wine Glass Caddy (20% OFF)

Handmade from bamboo in Florida, USA. These wine glass caddies make a rustic addition to any picnic or dinner table. 4 styles and 2 colours to choose from, prices start from $42.45 AUD, ships worldwide, but hurry if you want it before christmas!

Rustic Fluted Timber Vase

Hand crafted from locally sourced Australian Hardwood, these ornamental vases are made for dried or artificial flowers.

Made by a local artisan wood turner from native australian trees (eucalyptus/gum/jarrah) they’ll add a natural rustic charm to any space. Priced at $49.95 AUD they’ll be sure to impress!

Made in Australia, shipped worldwide.

Rustic Wooden Candle Lantern

Carefully handcrafted in Australia from reclaimed pine wood. 8 stains and 3 sizes to choose from. Great for weddings or interior rustic/farmhouse decor.

From $30 AUD, ships worldwide.

From $50 – $100

If you really want to make a statement, these gifts are sure to impress!

Wooden World Map (60% OFF)

The perfect gift for the avid or aspiring traveler. Professionally made by craftsmen from birch plywood. Comes with push pins so you can mark where you have been or where you want to go. Featuring over four contrasting shades of wood, it is a complex and stylish wall map.

Ships worldwide from the Ukraine, from $63.10AUD, 4 Sizes available.

Rustic Chalkboard Sign

Great for the kids, or a wedding, or on the kitchen bench, this rustic chalkboard is so versatile. Choose from blank or personalised, from $64.52 AUD.

Handmade in the US, ships worldwide.

Kao Bentwood Ring (20% OFF)

This wooden ring makes a unique wedding band or accessory. Handcrafted in the US from Kao wood to your individual sizing. Comes with a tub of wax for polishing. Various widths from $74.57 AUD, ships worldwide

Distressed Fold-Out Timber Wine Rack

A foldable stained timber rack, nicknamed “The Drifter”. Looks great in any kitchen and can be folded away and stored for those long journeys on the open road. Holds 6 Standard sized bottles.

Hand made in Australia for $69 AUD, ships worldwide. This item is currently in low stock so move fast if you’d like one for Christmas.

January Market Rustic Wood Riser

I think these are just gorgeous. Rustic, Farmhouse, Cottage, whatever you want to call it, the charm is in the character of the reclaimed wood. With a reinforced frame, it’s sturdy and practical. Display your flowers, candles, pot plants etc in style.

Hand crafted in the US, for $86.05 AUD and shipped worldwide.

Couldn’t find anything?

If none of these gifts appeal to you, why not check out more rustic gift ideas from Etsy!

Or check out the items that post direct from your own country.

AUSTRALIA

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

CANADA

IRELAND

Why not check out the other items available from the stores in this post?

StringybarkSupplies

PhotobookShop

TheRusticLooks

MyWoodPhoto

LeftCoastOriginal

RustDesignCo

SalAqua

EnjoyTheWood

TwoShmoopsBoutique

JWMorseDesigns

AutumnAndRose

JanuaryMarket

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Easter Decorations & Gifts From Etsy That You’ll Love!

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Well, it’s almost that time of year again when it becomes perfectly acceptable to over-indulge in egg-shaped chocolate & an ever-increasing variety of hot-cross buns (Mocha are my fav). It’s a time when some of us celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and others embrace the magic of the Easter bunny, and some do both. However you choose to celebrate Easter, one thing is for certain, it’s a great time of year to get together with your family and/or friends to enjoy a meal and one another’s company.

As with every holiday, Easter comes with a lot of fun traditions. Chocolate Easter egg hunts, painting eggshells, Sunday lunch, etc. Some of my fondest memories are from Easter as a kid. I remember going to church Easter Friday, then waking up early for an Easter egg hunt Sunday morning before going to church again and enjoying lunch with the family, after which my sister and I would pig out on our stash of chocolate Easter eggs. We usually had enough chocolate to last a couple of weeks at least, if we were strong enough not to eat it all at once that is. 30 years later, the memories I made during these times are still invaluable to me and something I have loved passing down to my own children.

Unlike Christmas, Easter is far more relaxed and doesn’t call for a huge amount of fuss, you only need a few small things to bring the season to life for your family and in my opinion, nothing says Easter like handmade items. Handmade Easter eggs, Easter hats, Easter baskets, etc, etc, and what better place is there to find exciting handmade items, than on the world’s best handmade marketplace, Etsy?

I’ve done the hard work for you and found some of the best Easter items on Etsy to make this Easter truly memorable.

This page contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. Affiliate links are how I keep this blog running, thank you. 

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Leather Boho Earrings (Buy it now)


Personalized Easter Baskets.

Nothing is as “eastery” as the good old chocolate easter egg hunt, but what’s an Easter egg hunt without an Easter egg basket to carry all those indulgent sugary treats in? These Easter egg baskets are cute and practical and you can have them personalized to make them unique to your child.

Cloth

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Tin

 Wood

MORE PERSONALIZED EASTER BASKETS

Easter Wreaths

Why not get festive and decorate your door with a gorgeous Easter wreath.

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MORE EASTER WREATHS

Easter Decorations

Who doesn’t like holiday decorating? Even if decorating isn’t your thing, you’ll fall in love with these simple Easter decorating ideas!

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MORE EASTER DECORATIONS

 

Serving Wear

Bring those Easter feels to the dining table with these seasonally inspired serving wear items.

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MORE SERVING WEAR

 

Gifts

If you like to give gifts to your loved ones at easter time (and we know the kids are always ready to receive) then these items will make a great impression on even the fussiest of gift recipients.

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MORE GIFTS

So there’s just a quick list of some of the Easter items currently available on Esty. There are so many awesome quality handmade goods, I could honestly list a thousand things and I bet each one of you would love them all, I do!

I’ll leave you with one more item that I thought was a lot of fun and so cute any kid would love them to bits. Take a look at these little egg warmer beanies! Aren’t they just adorable?

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Accomplish more IN a fraction of the time

The pace and intensity of our lives, both at work and at home, leave many of us feeling like a person riding a frantically galloping horse. Our day-to-day incessant busyness — too much to do and not enough time.

With this ebook you will learn to approach your days in another way, reducing stress and getting results through prioritizing, leveraging and focus!

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5 of The Best Stores For Online Christmas Shopping

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Well it’s that time of the year again when the stores become a buzzing hive of activity. Frantic shoppers fill the corridors and stores, in a frenzied rush to get the perfect christmas gift for every member of their family. If your smart, you’ll have gotten in early before the madness began and your now sitting back with your feet up, presents all wrapped neatly under the tree, laughing at the hoards of last-minute shoppers, navigating the raging rapids that is the christmas shopping crowd.

If your anything like me though, you still have a few gifts that you haven’t found your way to the store to purchase and now you’re biting your nails, wondering if those people really need a gift this year. Chances are the answer is ‘yes’ and it definitely wouldn’t go unnoticed that you didn’t get them anything. The thought of braving the shopping centre’s however is enough to give a drunk koala an anxiety attack. Those of you who live in Australia will know that Koala’s are in a constant state of drunkenness due to their steady diet of eucalyptus leaves, so it would take a lot to make a koala anxious.

Country-defined analogies aside, visiting the shops in the last-minute christmas rush is basically a suicide mission or at least an exercise in futility. Thank God for online shopping. I know, I know there is only 2 weeks till christmas, but with express shipping and the convenience of having gifts sent directly to your recipient’s door, why not risk the off-chance of a belated christmas gift, if it means you can avoid being crushed by thousands of people who seem to have forgotten about the convenience of ordering online?

I’ve put together a quick guide to 5 of the best stores (in my opinion) for online shopping. All of which have products that can be delivered before Christmas day!

This page contains affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. Affiliate links are how I keep this blog running, thank you.

1. Etsy



Etsy is the home of high quality, hand-crafted items. So many beautiful creations for every individual. I love Etsy, everything is so unique and many things can be personalised, although you may want to overlook the personalised items for now if you want the gift to arrive on time as personalised items tend to take longer for dispatch. Find an item you want with their handy search tool and then check the panel on the right hand side (beneath the item description) for shipping information. This will tell you how many days it will be until the item will be dispatched and what date you can expect your item to arrive by.

2. Amazon

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Pretty much anything on anyone’s wish list, can be found on Amazon. With millions of products and priority shipping (order within the next 7 days), you’ll have no problem finding what you’re looking for and on the off-chance you don’t, there are always amazon gift cards which can be emailed or even texted to your recipient.

This link will take you to the Australian store but you can change your delivery address in the location section, on the far left of the upper menu bar and it will take you to your countries relevant site.

3. AliExpress



AliExpress is a wholesale website. They stock millions of products and are a trusted supplier of many dropshipping business’, sales with huge savings are common place. If your on a tight budget and want a quality item at a discounted price, then Aliexpress is the way to go. Remember though when buying from this site, to always check the product reviews on the selected supplier and product. I’d suggest only buying items that customers have reported to be ‘as described’ and ‘good quality’.

Most items will have an express shipping option for delivery within a few days.

4. Foyles

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For all the book lovers out there, Foyles for books is a wonderland of literary goodies. With best-selling titles like ‘The Starless Sea’ by Erin Morgenstern, ‘The Testaments’ by Margaret Atwood & ‘The Guardians’ by John Grisham, there is a treasure trove of gifts just waiting to be purchased, and at up to 20% off, now is the perfect time to buy.

They also have a whole range of ‘signed copies’ at amazing prices and items are usually dispatched within 2 days. Delivery is FREE within the UK and there is also a click & collect option.

5. Optimalprint



Everyone loves photo gifts and Optimalprint has them all. From Canvas prints to photo books, calendars & mugs, Optimalprint has many options for turning your favourite snaps into memorable gifts for your loved ones. For the next 2 days they have up to 60% off so don’t delay. You can also get Free delivery by ordering through the app, however they currently only deliver within Australia at the moment, but fast delivery is guaranteed.

 

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

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The pace and intensity of our lives, both at work and at home, leave many of us feeling like a person riding a frantically galloping horse. Our day-to-day incessant busyness — too much to do and not enough time.

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Heartfilled Crafts: A Shop Review

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So I’ve never really done a review before and quite frankly I never thought that I would, as the premise of this blog is about telling Mum Stories, but when I was asked to do a review by a lovely lady named Samantha Gurney, I thought to myself, ‘Is not a Mum’s business, part of her story?’ especially if it’s a creative business like this one.

As humans, we create out of our experience and our passion, reaching deep into ourselves to extract the beautiful expressions of our heart and soul. Our art or our craft is a visual representation of the journey we have been on, the things that have changed us, inspired us and motivated us. When we become a mum, our hearts are turned forever toward another and our artistic expression reflects this.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Affiliate links help me keep this blog going. 



A Family Affair

Heartfilled Crafts‘ is a small business set up by Samantha Gurney of Egham, England and her Aunt back in 2015. Samantha took a break from crafting and making prints to bring up her little girl while her Aunt continued the business, attending various craft shows throughout Surrey, selling her handcrafted items.

Now that her little girl is more independent, Samantha is excited to continue her arts and craft journey with her store ‘Heartfilled Crafts’ on Etsy. Samantha and her Aunt lovingly create handmade prints and crafts for your home or baby room. You can decorate your home in an affordable way with wall art that is instantly downloadable and printable. That is exactly what I did with the prints that Samantha personalised and sent to me. These artworks showcase my babies birth details in a creative & attractive way that brings life to my sons bedroom.

Boys name prints

This is just one of the examples of the artworks currently available. There is a whole range of artworks and quotes etc, like this gorgeous print below. Personalise it with your child’s Initial, print and frame!

Aprint (heartfilled)

Love this quote! It’s so true that it takes a big heart to care enough to put in the work that is required to grow and strengthen little people 🙂

bigheart print

Here’s one from a favourite Disney Character, one that many of us as little girls looked up to I am sure.

courageprint (heartfilled)

Here’s one for all our daughters out there. A great reminder to them and to us about being true to ourselves and not allowing the world or any person to change us or hold us down.

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I believe our homes should be filled with the things that inspire us, the things that bring us joy and peace and encourage us to move forward, rather than backward. Wall art can be a great medium for both expression and inspiration, so why not grab one or even two of these great artworks for your home?

For these and many more great designs at super affordable prices, just visit ‘Heartfilled Crafts’ on Etsy. You can also follow the store on social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. 

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How To Accomplish More In A Fraction Of The Time eCOVER WHITE

The pace and intensity of our lives, both at work and at home, leave many of us feeling like a person riding a frantically galloping horse. Our day-to-day incessant busyness — too much to do and not enough time.

With this ebook you will learn to approach your days in another way, reducing stress and getting results through prioritizing, leveraging and focus!

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