I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how the absolute best way to feel good, is by doing good.
It’s something that’s easy to forget when you are feeling swamped and subsumed by your own problems, but I swear it works. Every time.
Think of it as choosing to give out, rather than giving up. Our culture encourages a lot of pampering during tough times, and while I am totally on board with this idea (having bought myself a new lipstick or two in the past few months) I also know from firsthand experience that I get way more from using $20 to help someone else, rather than indulging in a Haagen Dazs-fuelled pity party, or a pedicure for myself.
This was the thinking behind our Valentine’s day adventures. The timing of this whole thing really bit the big one – right after things went down I had to struggle through what felt like a series of blows to the head (and the heart) – Christmas, my birthday, New Year’s, Valentines Day. Boom, boom, boom, POW.
Valentine’s Day had the potential to be pretty painful, so I tried to head it off by bringing joy to the lives of others. And it worked. It was so indescribably lovely to create cards with Olive and then go out into the world and share them with strangers. Watching people’s reaction as she ran up to them, handed them a card, and wished them a happy Valentine’s Day is something I will remember forever. They were so shocked! Three of them tried to hand it back to her, thinking it was a mistake. One elderly woman drew Olive into a tight hug, kissed her cheek and then confessed how much she missed her grandkids. It was a day filled with so much love. Love, and total cheese-ball movie moments, I’m telling you it will definitely be a yearly tradition for us, regardless of who else I end up sharing my day with.
With that wonderful memory in mind, I am aiming to do something similar in this space, albeit on a much smaller scale. Basically, I’d like to share a little love with all of you guys who have been sending so much my way over the past few months, and over the past four years I’ve written this blog.
My publisher found me via this blog, and I had the once-in-a-lifetime (but hopefully not once-in-a-lifetime because I have at least three more books in me) opportunity to write a book. My editor at Earth911 found me via my writing here, and writing for them allows me to earn a small living while also staying at home with Olive, which is basically living the dream, in my books.
I have had so many opportunities offered to me because of the writing I’ve done here, and I wouldn’t have had the desire to continue if it weren’t for you guys coming back to read day after day.
I am so glad you are all here, and every time you write or email or comment or share that something I have written has affected you, it makes me feel like my words have worth. Thank you.
I wish I could send something to each of you, but supporting Olive’s cherry-tomato habit takes most of my available income right now. I can gift one of you however, so I’ve put together a little box of goodies that I’m going to run a giveaway for.
There’s no fancy entering system where you have to pin it or share it or anything, just leave a comment so I can contact you if you win – it can be anything- how you survive the March blah’s, how you found this space, how your toddler is driving you insane with her Grinch role-playing, or just a smiley face or something. I’ll count the comments and draw a random number a week from today, notify the winner and send it out!
And if that winner is YOU? Well, if you win you’ll get a package that includes a signed copy of my book, a jar of my homemade lotion in the scent of your choice, a note in my illegible handwriting, a custom-made secret gift which may or may not involve cross-stitch, and a tarot card reading (if you’re into that sort of hippie nonsense.)
It will be fabulous, I assure you, and if you already have a copy of my book, I’ll pick a favourite from my collection and send that, instead (it won’t be “Discipline and Punish”. Probably)
Happy Friday the 13th, and good luck!
108 Comments
does it make me less likely to win if i’m the first comment? i know there’s an equal chance, statistically, for everyone, but somehow it still *feels* like the winning number will come from the middle… ha… anyway, i LOVE the idea of taking a toddler out to hand out valentines to strangers. when i have my baby and it is a toddler, we are so copying your idea! <3 <3 <3
It’s 7.32pm and I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone think of a witty comment, but hey, you are ace x
It’s shocking that I don’t have your book yet but I don’t and I would love a copy! Plus lotion, a note, a surprise, and a chance to see my future?! Yes please! Also, I love your new Valentines Day tradition! Olive is going to have a pretty wonderful concept of what that day means and how it can be spent spreading love instead of worrying about receiving love.
I’d love a copy of your book! I really enjoy your wise words in this space.
I did not know it was Friday the 13th! Maternity leave turns calendars into a thing of the past! Your posts have been inspiring my sister to keep on,
keeping on as she lives out a similar version of your experience right now. I found comfort in reading about your pregnancy and seeing your growing bump in your weekly pictures, when I was pregnant and terrified. It helped me to relax and try to enjoy the journey of pregnancy as you seemed to have done. Thanks for sharing your life with so many others 🙂
I have “all you need is less” pinned on my board of books to read. My personal research – obsession as of the past year has been on paring down, and living with less space and stuff. Would love to read your thoughts on the subject! Thank you for your vulnerability on this blog. Be blessed!
I’ve taken your book out of the library at about 4 times now so having my own copy would be amazing!
I thoroughly enjoy your writing with it’s perfect mix of wit and intelligence.
I would love a copy of your book! I’ve been meaning to read it forever!
Also, I think tomato is only of the only things my toddler won’t eat!
I’m one of the many who found your blog from your “infant sleep” post.
I read that post when my daughter was just weeks old and it was nice to read about it before the newborn=no sleep phase hit me. I had a lot fewer anxieties letting my daughter nurse to sleep than I probably would have if I hadn’t read the post. Now my daughter is almost 15 months old and has weaned and going to sleep on her own just fine. Thanks!
What a sweet Valentine’s celebration. I just discovered your blog via your Pure Green Magazine Podcast interview. I loved it!
Hey! Mom of a toddler here, and fellow individual from a 6-sibling family. I’ve been following you for a while now! Love your Valentine’s Day tradition, and will be ordering those wooden Easter eggs off of Etsy for my daughter Penelope and her cousin. I don’t know if this will be as funny in writing as it was in person, but the other day my daughter randomly said, to the man in front of us in line at the store: “Hi!” (then, in a lower voice): “Dada working.” And then we stood in awkward silence… Love your writing, and would love to win the goodies 🙂
-Ali
I’m commenting because I need another copy! I’ve loaned mine out to our little free library and it’s making its way around our waldorf school so I haven’t seen it in a while!
🙂 smiley face for good luck !
PS I’ve been meaning to comment on the Easter post. You ought to check out wet felting and needle felting for Easter eggs and such things. Sustainable Easter options to add to your wooden egg collection 🙂
K
I’ll be sappy – your blog inspires me. In both the blogging world, and the mothering world. One of your blog posts gave me the courage I needed to drop naps for my 3yr old, your writing style is legit, and you make me laugh when you swear. 🙂
i love your blog. that is it!
I found this blog via the infant sleep post. I do not yet have children, but I know with hope-filled certainty and look forward to the day when I will. Even without that shared point of similarity though, I have related to your words from the beginning. Like, the actual beginning. Because from that infant sleep blog, I crept back to your very first entry and spent the next month obsessively reading everything you’ve ever posted.
You – and your words – are beautiful and so, so real. When I read your writing, I don’t feel like I’m talking to a picture of perfection that I can’t live up to (even though I will try – *Oh* will I try), but rather like I’m having a conversation with a friend who is just as tired, flawed, confused, joyous, hopeful, and loved as I am. Even on your bad days – when your kidneys are being heinous, when Olive has been tantrum-ing for two solid hours, when your life suddenly jack-knifes down a path you never expected – still your words carry a measure of relatable truth, of raw, simmering life-iness. You don’t hide behind your words; you use them to help us feel right alongside you. And what else is writing for?
I think what I’m trying to say is that your words hold a heaping measure of grace, and that is powerful, and beautiful, and I’m thankful that you keep it up.
Also, it’s always nice to see another Dirty Hippie like myself unapologetically owning up to her roots. 🙂
Can you watch The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? In the second episode she says that you can do anything for ten second– and that’s how I get through things.
You’re loved.
I love reading your blog. I feel like we would be good friends if we lived near each other! (Hope that doesn’t make me creepy) Love reading about your adventures with Olive, as I’m right behind you with a 20 month old. It’s like looking into my not so distant future! Thanks for your posts and little peek into your life and mind. 🙂
Oh Madeleine, you my dear are simply wonderful! Thank you for your inspiring words and wittiness. Love what you do and who you are <3
I have bought over eleventy-seven of your books and don’t own one….. I just keep giving them away – makes me VERY popular – at any rate, throw my name in the hat and, if it doesn’t reek of nepotism, I’d like to be chosen! Failing that, I will buy yet another… I am always searching for cleaning recipes through your blog!!xoxoxo mum
I would love to read your book. I so enjoy your blog. You always touch my heart. Thank you.
How sweet 🙂 I’ve truly enjoyed your blog … is it odd that I think of you every time I hear “Edmonton” in any context? It is, but still.
What a lovely idea!
I found your blog through your article on infant sleep. My ten month old has yet to come even close to sleeping through the night, and I’m thrilled when only get woken up three times in the night. Reading your article made me so very happy. All of the well-meaning advice that I have been receiving has made me want to punch an inordinate number of people in the face. Thanks for slinging the truth!!
I like that you keep it real, I like that you swear, I like that you wash your hair with baking soda, I like that you put everything out there and don’t put on the bullshit happy face that women in our culture are so quick to wear…in short, you are someone that I would be friends with. Thanks for your writing!
You are a for real inspiration, Sweet Madeleine. I absolutely loved the Valentine’s Day story. 🙂
I love finding inspiration for my 1.5 year old here. I look forward to your posts every week. Sending lots of happy vibes! 🙂
thanks for your beautiful words
Love your valentines giveaways to strangers.. I will be doing this with my two year old baby girl at every opportunity!
Reaching out and connecting with strangers is something you do all the time with your words. I’m in London, we’ve never met, but we connected because I struggled through some (long forgotten?) sleep issues with my baby girl at a time when I was emotionally raw and you made me feel that I wasn’t alone. You share your words with strangers even at times when you could justifiably be indulging in some serious self pity. You are a giver.. And i truly hope that your giving helps you as much as it helps others.
As I’m in London I don’t think I can win your prize.. But I hope you read my words and they make you feel good about what you do, and perhaps I can catch some of your do-good-feel-good fairy dust!
Keep doing what you do, Madeleine.. Olive is a very lucky girl to have such an amazing Mummy x
Leaving a comment, but if I don’t win I will purchase your book regardless. Should I win, I promise to gift your book to someone else. Pay it forward!
Even if I don’t win I plan to buy your book, just haven’t gotten around to it. It would be a lovely present though its my birthday in 4 days
I found your blog from the infant sleep post. I read it in the middle of the night with my baby who didn’t sleep longer than a few hours at a time. You comforted me so much and it felt like a friend telling me I was doing alright and everything would be okay. I’ve been hooked since that night. Thanks so much!
I’m commenting with my last do gooder moment… Picture sleeting pelting rain and snow late one night. We pulled into the gas station and saw a homeless man huddled on a milk crate by the corner of the building. People were just walking past him and no one should have been out in that weather. I made my husband go and give him ten dollars.. It was all I had in my wallet or I would have given more. It wasn’t much and it didn’t make me feel happy.. actually quite sad..
but at least I know that maybe it helped his night even just a little.
Plus.. I feel like we would be good friends if you were my neighbor
I’m entering with the hopes of winning secret cross stitch and to get one of your favourite books. (Already own your book)
I found you twice, actually. Once for something green-related, which I thought was cool but didn’t take the time just then to bookmark your site. Then I found you AGAIN soon after through your pregnancy posts (I was pregnant at the time). Once I realized it was the same you, I knew I had to bookmark. Now I feel like I know you a little, and I read what you write about Olive with anticipation. Mine is 8 months old now, and I both look forward to and dread those upcoming stages. Thanks for sharing all you have 🙂
I teared up reading your Valentine’s day story 🙂
I found your site through your coming to terms with a c-section post and it helped this fellow hippie deal with mine. I love your writing and thoroughly enjoy reading all your posts.
Love your book and everything you write Madeleine! Thanks and Keep up the good work! 😉 Your words do have a lot of worth, never doubt that. This is a great idea and it makes me want to pay it forward as well!
I find your blog in a newborn sleep-haze fueled by desperation, so you can imagine what post led me to you. I follow because you inspire me, as both a mother and a person. Though I cannot directly empathize with your current struggles, I’m knee deep in personal struggles of my own and your blog reminds me to keep hope in my heart.
Your blog is the best. I have a 14 month old daughter and I have gone back in your blog when Olive was that age and it has helped me many times. Babies are hard! I love the honesty and humour in your writing. 🙂
My mom used to always tell me the same thing. Helping others is the best way to help yourself. I’ve always found it true. As for me, I am currently feeling my spirits lifted because we finally this week got a lift out of he winter doldrums here in Minnesota and being outdoors reminds me that I can smile and laugh and do things that don’t involve seventy layers of clothing. I don’t remember how I fund your blog, it was in the early newborn days and you were writing about Olive, who is a little older than mine, and it made me realize that I would get through to the next stage. And then I followed because of your interest in living minimally and I tried to stop using shampoo (didn’t make it for long – one day I will try again). I admire your strength and honesty and hope.
After reading your Easter post I started looking around to see if I could get wooden eggs locally – we didn’t find any, but were inspired to look for Easter crafts and my oldest decided then and there to do her own do-gooding. She sewed little eggs with pockets for five older neighbours and delivered them with a chocolate and little chick stuffed inside and a hand written note to go with it explaining her excitement about spring and Easter. She’s only 6 and they were so touched that she thought of them and made the gifts herself. We’ve still got another week off of school, so who knows what she’ll get up to!
No matter if you’re down or chatting about your lovely Olive or giveing us great advise I always end up smiling at some point…thank you ..you make my day
Your book is rad, I got it for my birthday last year. I sure hope you have more books in you! A cherry tomato habit sounds almost as expensive as my kids’ blueberry habit 🙂 dang I can’t wait for summer
I find myself re-reading your post about how we aren’t supposed to breastfeed babies to sleep over and over because I breastfeed my baby to sleep at least 5 times a day. And just …thank you.
You are wonderful! I was an avid reader when Avery was little, and anticipate reading more and more again once #3 arrives in the next month or so 🙂
Thank you for writing such lovely stuff as you do! You are very inspiring. Hippie nonsense is the best kind of nonsense there is!
We just planted our first garden today and it made me think of you and your book! Thanks for inspiring!
I love reading your blog, particulary the posts about raising a toddler. It is reassuring to hear that other parents are having similar experiences as we are!
I have learned so much from your blog and book-which is always at my bedside and re-read often. : ) You are an amazing writer. So witty and knowledgable! I actually “lol” as I read your work. All time fave: Olive’s non-stop poop! Thanks for sharing your kindred spirit with us. World needsore folk like you!
It’s going to be a long night. My 21 month old son is asking for peanut butter in his sleep. Trying to decide if I should wake him completely to go eat peanut butter crackers or just nurse him all night like he also seems ok with. I guess tonight’s the time to read and reread your older posts…
My almost toddler is giving me a glimps of the handful that she will become but I feel like I am a tiny bit better prepared every time I read another Olive anecdote. Keep them coming along with anything else you feel like sharing! Thank you!!!
I have loved your blog since I discovered and subsequently binge-read every post this past year. I love your positive momentum!
I love learning about doing good to the earth too!
I’m no publisher but… I think your book cover should have a picture of YOU!!! on it. (Sorry deck chair)
Xo
I’ve followed your blog since the sleep post like everybody else, but this is my first comment. Not even under THE POST did I leave one, so naturally deciding to do it now shows that I’m one of your more selfish followers. On that note: I’ve just spent two nights away from my 14-month-old, first time EVER, on a work trip in Krakòw, and I’m writing this from the airplane on my way home to Oslo. (since my maternity leave, planes have developed into wifi-cafés and can probably fly to the moon too) I thought I would love it – the uninterrupted sleep, the clean hotel bathroom with no forgotten smelly nappies on the floor, drinking from a water bottle without a chubby hand trying to steal it off me – but all I wish for right now more than anything is a snotty kiss and a tantrum over having to eat orange slices instead of orange peel for dessert. And your gift basket, of course!
Hello Madeleine,
I tried to comment earlier on with my phone, but somehow it didn’t work – so here I am again (hopefully I didn’t enter your giveaway twice now, though I would so love to win ;-))
We already have your book, but I am planning to give it as a present to a couple of people. And this by the way is the weekend I am going to make your body lotion: All the ingredients are here and I am “toddler-free” for some hours! I so hope it goes well!
Alles Liebe
Anke
You are awesome. I just checked your blog even though I’m currently overseas, and now I’m so glad I did. 🙂
I already have your fab book but would still like all the other goodies…and another copy of the book. As you can tell, I’m still struggling with the whole ‘less is more’ concept 😉
I believe I found your blog via the famous infant sleep post and then noticed you were from BC (I live in Victoria) and I have a daughter born October 2013 so I could relate to a lot of your writing and musings:) I actually went back and read all your posts from when you were pregnant and Olive was a newborn because of course I was going through all the stages you described a year after you. I love your writing style so much that I bought your book, even though I find the whole green movement quite snobby, trendy and intimidating (there are a lot of trendy “hippies” in Victoria as you know). And guess what – I LOVED your book! Totally practical, non-sanctimonious and realistic! I have for sure incorporated various ideas from the book into my notsogreen lifestyle! Anyways, I just think you are really cool and I love your writing and can’t wait to keep reading!
You are so right! What is the point of it all if we can’t at least try to make the lives of others better. I’m totally inspired. My two year old and I are totally off to do something nice for someone ASAP!
Thank you Madeleine for guiding me to be a better person and reminding me to not give up on a world I sometimes have simply had enough of. You have an incredible way of making people want to live life. You are a true blessing to so many people you haven’t even met.
It really cheers me up that you are doing this. I am newly pregnant and instead of being full of joy, I am feeling depressed and overwhelmed about how my health is going. Reading your blog really reminds me of the good things and helps me see the good in my life as well.
I am a long way from having a toddler or baby as so many have on your website (my baby just turned 40). But I love reading your blog and all that reply to you. I learn a lot about everything ~ life, crafts, how to make your own ‘stuff’ that’s chemical free, how resilient and giving we all are ~ and much more. You keep me on the younger side of life! Thanks for giving that to me, and yes doing good makes us feel good. One of the secrets of life!
I love your writing – I’m so happy I found this site ages ago. I’ve really e started with your pregnancy posts and since, I’ve bought your book and brought a bit more hippie into my life. Keep writing!
What a very kind person you are, the world is a better place with you and Olive in it! X
Hippie nonsense. Haha! It makes me laugh every time you say/write it.
After reading a few other mommy blogs out there…in order to find some order in my new role, I realized fairly quickly how sincere and funny you are, but best of all…a great writer! Thanks for sharing the raw truth, I know I feel less alone on this amazing motherhood journey. It’s a lot less scary knowing we are not alone 🙂
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! I would love to read your book! <3
I found your site via a link on twitter! Sounds like a great one!
What a beautiful post. I, as others above stumbled on your blog through the sleep deprived haze of early infancy, and have loved every post since. New Zealand is probably a bit far to send a prize but I just wanted to say thank you anyway. I wish I could express myself as eloquently as yourself x
You’re a true inspiration, dear Madeleine..good times, hard times- u remain the same kind and giving person, really rare nowdays….deffinitely stealing ur nice ideas for when my baby girl grows up a bit 🙂 many hugs from Cyprus and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us…. xx
I just found you via the Pure Green Podcast and just love your words! You are doing an amazing thing here, and I too am trying to downsize, reduce, and start living a cleaner life. My boyfriend actually just started using apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo. I could learn a thing or two from him, and you! Looking forward to reading your book.
Cheers!
Leah
I already have your book but would love to give a signed copy to my children’s school to auction off 😉 I would selfishly love your lotion, cross stitch would be fab an/or a tarot card reading would be awesome too! Love that hippie shit! I love your book btw and will be giving away some copies for some friends who need a wee bit of help ie: need them to get on board so I don’t look like a freak! Cheers.
The book is mine.
I don’t need to be entered in the draw, I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your writing and taken comfort in many of your observations about pregnancy and motherhood. Your words have already done more good for me than I could possibly hope for! I discovered your blog through a friend, who sent me your famous sleep training post because I’m expecting my first child. Then I read a little further, and discovered you’d had placenta praevia during your pregnancy with Olive – something I’d just been diagnosed with and about which I was hella anxious. After that, I had to read all through your pregnancy series, and then beyond. Your beautiful prose was so true to me and the closest to capturing some of the elated-but-torn feelings I’ve had about my own pregnancy. I didn’t feel so alone after that. I felt comforted to read about your experiences with placenta praevia, and your tale of Olive’s birth was the first time I could tell myself that if I did have to have a caesarian, it would all be ok – it would all be fantastic. And I’d welcome my sweet little one into the world just the same (he’s 27 weeks cooked and counting).
I love this idea for sharing the love on Valentine’s Day! You never know what someone is going through and a Valentine from an adorable little toddler could make all the difference in their day.
I have the book (which is awesome), I want the tarot card reading!
I’ve read your blog weekly for about a year and am always entertained by your wit! You’ve inspired me to get rid of “things.” And when you made a very brief comment in your Valentine’s blog, I just knew you were going through something major in your marriage and my heart broke. I should’ve extended my support before now, before a giveaway, and for that I feel terrible. There are people out there rooting for you, even us silent ones. Lots of love and luck your way!
I love your blog!!! You have made me laugh and think deep (and some not-so-deep) thoughts both through my first pregnancy and now parenting our 7-month-old daughter 🙂 I spent a good couple hours reading through all your pregnancy posts when I first found your blog in the middle of my pregnancy last spring – just beautiful! Your book has inspired me to rethink how our family consumes and what we want to teach our daughter. I bought the electronic version for my Kindle, but would love a hard copy!!!
My love and hugs go out to you and Olive as you persevere through this difficult time. You are such a strong and courageous woman; we are lucky to have you as a role-model, and Olive is VERY lucky to have you as her mom!!!
Keep up the wonderful writing! All the best from Vancouver Island, BC 🙂
I just discovered you and your writing from the wonderful interview you did with Pure Green Mag! So happy to have found your inspirational space – plus we both live in Edmonton!
[…] (P. S. You have until Friday at noonish to enter the giveaway !) […]
My daughter is just over a year younger than Olive. It has been great to read about the stages she’s going through and some of the games, chores, and activities you do together. It’s a nice little preview of what to expect as my daughter grows up.
Oh my gosh enjoy Mexico!!!
I’m *totally* into the hippie Tarot card reading stuff! In fact, I used to doing intuitive readings for people – THAT’S how big of a hippie I am. That and I use “family cloth” for toilet paper. Ahem.
I’m not sure how I found you here in blog-land, but I’m glad I did. You have a way with words, bloggy-person, more-so than many other bloggy-persons (myself included!), and you’re a delight to read.
Hi Madeleine! I found your blog through pinterest maybe a year ago and was hooked! I love your hippie-ish lifestyle and while I try to do a lot of things the “green” way, there are always way I can improve! That’s why I need (ok, want 🙂 ) this giveaway.
In late February, I came across your book in the UPenn bookstore on a visit to Philadelphia (it made it all the way to the East coast!), and went home and googled you. Since then, I have been exploring your blog, and thoroughly enjoying your wit, revelations, and reflections. I so enjoy your delightful writing style. It has reminded me that I loved to write when I was younger. Thank you for being “out there!”
Hi Madeline. I too am on the single parent journey and try my best to approach each day with renewed patience (because it gets spent by the end of the previous day), gratitude and immense love for my son. It’s a struggle but it’s all worth it. Basically I just try to appreciate what I have and not complain (too much…) about the little things that in the end, aren’t really important. I found your blog about two weeks ago after hearing your interview on Pure Green and the prospect of making my own detergent really excites me 🙂
Thanks for your blog, know that your journey through your divorce will get better and you’ll come through the other side stronger for the struggle.
Hi Madeline, I started binge-reading (that’s a thing, right?) your blog on Sunday after a good friend (we went to the same high school as you) told me about it, and love it! You have built a wonderful life for yourself and your beautiful girl, congratulations on your many successes.
Love your blog and words of wisdom about infant sleep, thanks x
I love your blog Madeleine! (And I look forward to your Mexico-themed photo spamming on Instagram! Have fun!)
I had no choice but to leave a comment. I’ve read, recommended, lent out your book to a million people (I lied: three people) and a chance to share with more than one person at a time is amazing.
My friend sent me your blog on infant sleep when we were both struggling through sleep deprivation hell. It helped and I’ve since re-read it on many rough nights and shared it with several other new mums. Thank you.
I have your book but you had me at homemade lotions and tarot card readings… so if I won, can I give the book to someone else- THUS continuing said giving? 🙂
Heard you on the Pure Green Podcast on my hour and 1/2 commute yesterday morning. Made the drive feel like a morning with friends and looking forward to trying out your shampoo this weekend! Thank you!!
Yay giveaway! I’m a new mom and so love your honesty, humour and courage. Thank you!
I already have your book but I’d love another copy to give away! I agree that giving is great.
I’m so glad I found your blog! I remember you from waaay back in the day when your sister Lizzie and I were good buddies, and I used to have sleepovers at your house (which was always a somewhat overwhelming experience for an only child! ha!). I’ve found a ton of really useful information here, and I’ve been meaning to get my hands on your book for a while now because I’m sure it’s full of even more good stuff. Keep up the good work, thanks for sharing all that you do with us! 🙂
-Vanessa
Thank you for your writing. I am struggling through the first weeks with a newborn and toddler and have been rereading your newborn Olive posts and finding them comforting and hilarious. Also, your Hugh Mackay quote today was exactly what I needed after a challenging afternoon. Good to remind myself that being stretched and feeling uneasy is not a bad thing. Thank you!!!
Mum of three beautiful babies in three years! Totally exhausted but always make time to read your posts when they pop into my inbox! I feel that I know you and we would be friends if we lived closer. I’m in Oz but my brother and his family live close to you ( and previously in Squamish too! Lol) love your idea of getting the kids to use real cutlery and crockery – not plastic! Of course!! I hate the plastic and of course this is what we would have used as kids. So simple why didn’t I think of that?? Love your work, keep up the great tips. Ps hard copy of your book would be awesome, it’s not for sale in bookshops here xx
YOU are an incredible person. I love reading your blog and sharing in your experiences. Sometimes I wish I could jump through the screen and give you a hug, and at times wish you could do the same for me 🙂 Though I don’t think I can call myself a hippie just yet (Lizzie would quickly retort that she is far more advanced in her hippie ways and I would have to concede), I do enjoy trying your recipes and slowly working toward reducing my carbon footprint.
Thank you for being so brave, not many people would be strong enough to share their stories the way you so elequently do (I am one of those people). Please know that you truly help so many people with your words and wisedom.
With all that said, I would enjoy a basket of goodies 🙂 Obviously I already have your book and have bought several copies to share with my family. Because it is just THAT good 😉
Be strong, and be you <3 XOXO
OOOH! I definitely want to enter this! Would love a copy of your book and I love reading every new blog post 🙂
I LOVE your idea for Valentine’s Day. What a great example to set for Olive! I’m so glad I happened upon your blog when I was pregnant. I not only enjoy your eco-friendly tips, but it is also nice to read search open and honest writing from another mom.
I just finished singing my two year old to sleep, and now in the 15 min I have to myself before I go to bed I’m reading your blog…
Like so many, I found your blog through the sleep infant article. Which I loved. I’ve had two babies who only fed to sleep and then didn’t sleep and then did and then didn’t and… etc. Somewhere along the line with number two I gave up listening to anyone’s advice and then just went with it. So I found your article, wished quite fervently I’d read it earlier, agreed with every word, and therefore forwarded it to a friend who needed it very much and got a lot out of it. Besides that, Madeleine, I love your writing, love your “green” advice and all it entails and also love seeing little slices of Canada (I’m in New Zealand and it’s been hot and a drought and so very, very parched, so looking at a few photos of snow was kind of… refreshing). So thanks! Thanks for it all 🙂
Tarot card reading and cross stitch? I’m in! Love your blog, thank you for the chance at a lovely Sweet Madeleine gift 🙂
Well, a little surprise via mail would definitely cheer a day right up!!
Ive never followed a blog before but yours definitely keeps me going through the night whilst up feeding my 5/12 old son! Thank you for that x
My sweet Mads, you are so incredibly talented, I love the days when i get to read your latest words! If you randomly select my name im happy for you to draw another, and I’ll get you to sign my book when I see you next 🙂 xoxo
[…] on to the good stuff. The giveaway post ended up with 106 comments, and I used my handy-dandy random number generator to pick a number […]
[…] rather Christmas be about family than gifts, I’d rather Valentine’s Day was about love rather than roses and chocolates, and I’d rather Halloween was about the thrill of dressing […]