Dear Mr Birthday Present Fairy

Dear Mr Birthday Present Fairy (aka The Man),

As you know, my birthday is coming up in a bit over a month.  You say you often find it hard to choose a present for me, so I thought I'd start giving you some hints.

I think this mug is super cute.  It has a tea strainer with it too, so it could fit nicely together in the cupboard and I wouldn't have to complain to you that you always put my tea strainer in places that I can't find it.  I know I already have some gorgeous mugs, but I do drink lots of tea.  And besides, those TimTam cups do need to go, rather than to always remind me that I can't eat them anymore now that I can't eat gluten.

I also think this pencil case is really sweet.  I just love how Red Riding Hood is asking the wolf, "Why is your mouse so big?"  It reminds me of my Japanese students who I miss so very much.  And I do have lots of pencils that need somewhere nice to live.

When I find some more things that I like, I'll let you know shall I?

Love Melanie

PS.  I have been trying to be a very good girl this year, so I hope that counts.

PPS.  Thank you to this lovely lady for the link to this store.

PPPS.  The photos are all borrowed from the site I found these on.

Flick Faves on a Friday - Little Red

When I was little I remember going to stay with my cousins down south.  To be honest, I don't remember much about the trip.  I remember the stickers that my sister and I wore on our dresses so that the air hostesses knew to look after us as we were flying down without our parents.  I vaguely remember the corduroy dress that I wore that my  mum had made.  It was purple I think. And I remember one of my cousin's dolls.  I thought it was the best doll I had ever seen and still search for one just like it to this day.

It was a Red Riding Hood doll and she was wearing a long skirt, or maybe it was her red cloak that was long.  When you flipped the skirt up and put it over little Red's head, there was the wolf.

1. Red Riding Hood, 2. Little Red Riding Hood Dress KIT, 3. ♥Little Red Cap Girl♥, 4. Bento 05/19/09 Little Red Riding Hood, 5. Illustration Friday: Contained, 6. Red Riding Hood Papercut :), 7. Carved Little Red Riding Hood Stamp {explored}, 8. Good Morning Friday, 9. close up

I thought it was just fantastic, and to this day still do.  For years I looked for one, but of course, then didn't have google at my finger tips.  I found out today that they are called "topsy turvy" dolls.  In my hunt, I came across a number of vintage ones, but to be honest, a lot of the wolves were pretty scary.  However...  If I could knit, I wouldn't mind making this one... I found that Soule Mama had one with a similar idea.... and was tempted to get  this vintage pattern.


But really, all these cute Red Riding Hood and Wolf designs make me think... maybe I should design a softie version of my own.  If I could actually get myself organised in time, it could be my Softies for Mirabel contribution.  What about you, was there a toy in your childhood whose memory has stayed with you?