Just because

One of the truly lovely things about blogging is the "just because".

The kind words left in comments.... just because.
The supportive, funny and 'knowing' emails.... just because.
The things that arrive in the mail... just because.

The other week I stopped by Midge & Judy. Michelle had been busy busy preparing for Christmas and I left a comment, impressed with her marathon effort. Well I happened to leave her 300th comment, so she made these collecting satchels for my kids..... just because. They are to take on walks to collect stuff and are great! The embroidered shells are beautiful and I especially love the gold thread french knots. We were all set to go collecting today but after a week of hot weather, the rain kept us inside.

Another day, I visited Angie at 3 Red Buttons who is making her boy a backpack (a cool pattern which I also had to buy). I told her that I thought the truck fabric was AWESOME... so she sent me some - and some cool clouds and rainbows too - just because. The truck fabric is currently being carried from here to there and laid out as we look and point at every truck!

And the delicious Cathie from the delicious Melbourne Epicure had a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post. I was lucky enough to win a set of gingerbread family cookie cutters and a mini rolling pin.

But knowing that there are two little people in my house, Cathie sent me two sets.... just because.


I have been blogging for a while now, yet I am continually amazed by the kindness, generosity and friendships I have found since I became "Nikki from My Black Cardigan".

Thankyou to Michelle, Angie and Cathie for..... well..... just because!

Melbourne Epicure = Deeelicious!

Yesterday I braved the cold and headed down to visit a couple of markets in Northcote. I met the very lovely Cathie from Melbourne Epicure and brought home these wickedly tasty treats (that's not completely true... only the lemon tart made it home after stopping at my sister's house for afternoon tea... and when I say made it home, can being in the house long enough to make a cup of tea before devouring the tart qualify as "made it home"..???!!!).

I also chatted with Madeleine and with the lovely Felicity and said hello to her gorgeous gaggle of Hoots. Because I got to the markets in the afternoon, but because it was so cold and windy, I missed seeing the girls and goodies from Pepperberry & Co, Finki, Curlypops and Polly Pratt.... damn the Melbourne weather!