If you're a regular visitor here, i'd love to know what The Beetle Shack is about for you.
What do you expect to see when you visit here?
What are you pleased to see when you visit here?
What would you like to see more of?
What to you wish I would just freakin' shut up about?
If you have a spare minute or two, i'd love to hear you thoughts.
pretty please?
Hi Emily, I like the beautiful pictures and to hear that what's happening in your life as it reinforces that my life is normal! At the moment I am really enjoying hearing about your ethical eating journey. You're doing a great job, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI am a new reader...I appreciate your honesty about life. I moved away from my family and friend group 18 months ago and have suffered terribly with homesickness-coming here makes me feel like I am chatting with a friend (which is also a surreal feeling as clearly we have never met!) When I head to the shops I find myself feeling lonely seeing other mothers having coffee together etc and in my mind we attend the same mothers group...I sound rather sad don't I!? Right, I like seeing what you wear and how you muddle through-thankyou :)
ReplyDeleteI could have written Almost these exact words! I relate to so much of what you write, I love your style and your beautiful photos. I'm also really interested in your ways of living simpler as we are on the same mission.
DeleteI love you're work Em xx
Hi Emily
ReplyDeleteI too love your photography and your tales of home life. I would love to see more of your home as I'm a bit nosey like that!
I'm not really 'in to' any blog posts (on any blogs)about what people are wearing though, mainly because I'm a bit of a scruff bag and only feel ashamed when I read about ladies with what seems like an endless supply of clothes in their wardrobes ;)
All in all your blog is beautiful and a good read x
i'm a scruff bag too- maybe I should do an outfit post in my trackies ;)
Deletexo em
You said 'takkies' yayness!!!!
DeleteNever mind (doh);-)
DeleteMy favourite posts are the 'what you are wearing' blogs... I like your style and find fashion inspiration here... I also love your decorating style and photos... and of course it's always reassuring hearing another mother's struggles with the kiddies. I have a 3.5 year old and a 1.5 year old (boys).
ReplyDeleteKylie
My kids (boy and girl) are very close in age - 18 months apart - which I gather yours are too. So I read because I like to be able to relate to 'mum things'. Plus, my name is Emily and my husband is Dave!! Ooooh
ReplyDeleteTWINS!!!!!
Deleteso awesome!
Mine are 22 months but it's still complete insanity!
xo em
I come here for you Em, plain and simple...I love your honesty about your feelings, motherhood, home...you're not afraid to tell us how it really is for you, good and bad. Thank you for that. Rachel x
ReplyDeletethanks you. Honestly, such generous words.
Deletexo em
Yep, I'm with her! I come here for you. I love your integrity and your openness and your sense of humour. Your words are always real and that makes this space refreshing. You're pretty cool, really. x
DeleteI love that you don't gloss over the hard stuff. I'm really enjoying your ethical eating posts and the things you say about parenting really stick in my head. In a good way.
ReplyDeletePlus your gorgeous that helps right? : )
I love to read how honest you are. I wish I could write such honest accounts of my emotions like you do. I won't lie, I post the things that make me happy. This is because so many people I know in real life now read my blog and I just don't know how to be so honest with these people.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of your family, they are looking amazing since the nursery! I'd like to see more if your house too.
Rhi xx
I do at times take a deep breath and hit the publish button. Pride goes down the gurgleler!
Deletexo e m
I visit here because I'm an English girl living in Aus, and your blog is so very lovely and sunny and gorgeous that it makes me feel good things about Australia even when I'm ridiculously homesick (usually at its worst just after a visit home). Also I often find myself nodding in agreement and saying 'Amen girlfriend' to quite a lot of things you say, partic in relation to kids, hormones and anything involving turquoise, Gorman, patterns and/or Ikea... xx
ReplyDeletehey friend!
DeleteGORMAN, oh gorman.
(lets leave the hormones for another time!)
xo em
I just love your take on things...everything you say I feel like I have been thinking or feeling too!
ReplyDeleteWhile I probably like your posts about motherhood the best, I find most of what you post to be interesting...especially the posts about ethical eating, op shop finds and what you are wearing!
And your photographs are beautiful.
I wouldn't change a thing!
I only drop in from time to time...not because of lack of desire but there are simply so many blogs I love to read. I love yours for the way you write, what you have to say and the beautiful images.
ReplyDeletethanks for dropping in Kate! Always lovely to have you. I'm with you- there are so many delicious blogs!
Deletexo em
I love your tales of motherhood because you're so honest. I'm not a Mum myself yet, but I love getting an insight into what it's really like - the good, the bad and the ugly! Also love posts about your gorgeous home, and your fab wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteIts the honesty and your ability to laugh at your self. It's like we're inside your head. I'm constantly nodding and giggling, feeling reassured that at least one other person had dialogue going on in their head like mine! Thank you...keep it up!
ReplyDeletemy fellow nutter, lovely to meet you ;)
Deletexo em
I don't have any expectations, I just like to see your photo's and read your stories......your raw honesty is brilliant and I can relate to so many things you write about. I love your colourful quirky style, plus I have two kids (Son 5yrs & Daugther 2yrs) + my husband's name is Dave too! :) I also try to be the mum, friend, daughter, wife, part-time worker, cook, cleaner and find inspiration from reading blogs, with hope to launch my own soon. Keep the posts of everyday life flowing :)
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile. Simple xx
ReplyDeleteI like it when you tell stories and talk about jeeeeesus.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your outfits but they make me jelly.
I love your photos and have enjoyed your ethical eating posts. I think your blog is beautiful - great eye candy. I read most blogs in GoogleReader but I always make the effort to open your blog just because its pretty.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy and come back to your blog for its honesty and the beautiful way you word your thoughts about life. I enjoy the lovely photographs and your emphasis on enjoying the simple things like fresh grown food.
ReplyDeleteHi Em,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog more than I read anyone elses though rarely comment (sorry). I guess I'm a nosey old lady. I really like the way you are encouraging about others, love your family and admit that sometimes (more than we would prefer) life can deal some blows. But you go on, knowing LOVE covers it all. I have always admired your creativity and keenly anticipate a rare real life view of 'the stylista' herself. I actually enjoy being jealous of your ability to make everything look like it was made with you in mind and that you can be bothered to care how you look. Love your 'gardening', 'eating', 'remembering' & 'living' blogs. Great mix Em. I am in awe of how well you have done in blogland and know you are just blessed with the sort of personality where everyone wants you to be their best friend. Love your photos too. You have always been able to capture the special in the everyday. You are a whiz. Never to be underestimated. x Aunty Sandy
Aunty Sandy,
Deletemy arty aunty. I spent my youth lingering around your kitchen and dreaming of being as creative as you and your wild, naughty, stinky children.
Love does cover all. Thats an eternal truth.
Thanks for your words, coming from you they mean so much.
See you at the weeedddingggggggg!! eep!
xo em
I continue to visit because I love the language you use to convey your stories, it's poetic and beautiful to read. I also love your honesty, about life. You strike a beautiful balance between what excites you and makes you happy and what unsettles you, it's that balance that's really unique. You arn't a gloater or a whinger, just a word smith telling it like it is. xxx
ReplyDeletewow, thanks so much, what a compliment. In fact, i'm speechless.
DeleteMum? is that you?
;)
i'm grateful for your words anon!
xo em
I like your honesty too - your sense of humour is very apparent in your writing style. I like to see what life is like for a similar family to mine living on the other side of the planet. Basically I'm really nosey and love having glimpses into other people's lives. Great pics. Good mix of subjects. All good :)
ReplyDeleteI just like the fact that you are a local, and seeing photos of places i know and frequent - and the fact that i have kids, and i blog about them too.
ReplyDeleteI'm following your blog for over a year now. Your blog makes me want to live in Australia, having kids soon and belonging to the same warm blog community you have over there in Aus. You and your family are my guilty pleasure during work hours (sssht) ;-)I love your honesty and sense of humour. Keep on blogging for as long as you like it (when it becomes a pressure at some times, take small breaks ;-)), I will continue to stop by! Barbara from Belgium
ReplyDeleteHey Barbra from Belgium!
DeleteI'm so glad that we share the same work ethics- it's always best to avoid work, at all times and all costs!
See you on the pay roll, baby!
xoxoxo
p.s do come to australia!
I follow your blog as your photos are fab and your choices as a parent seem similar to mine. I love your honest accounts of when being a parent is tough and challenging too. I like blogs that make me feel like a parent team rather than a lone survivor! I also have a love of growing things and like seeing how others go about it too with their children. Thank you and more of the same please.
ReplyDeleteI keep reading and coming back because your posts are fun, full of personality, honest and real. I love that you shop at aldi and target and that anything you mention that has been a good idea is attainable for us mere mortals. I love your photos too and how they remind me that you can see beauty in the everyday. I'm childless (that part of my journey is still to come ...) if that helps you with your demographic.
ReplyDeleteI should add. I'd love to see more of your house and garden (especially that pizza oven you mentioned ...) and I am always pleased to see your 'wearing' posts.
DeleteI love your blog Em, I love reading about your daily life and your photos are gorgeous. x
ReplyDeleteI have visited your blog a lot since starting one of my own. I love the way you talk about your family adventures - warts and all. I enjoy reading about the foodie and gardening stuff. I am a fledgling gardener - flowers, plants & veggies. I am also a mother and it's always heartwarming and reassuring that the trials and tribulations of motherhood are a normal part of bringing up children.
ReplyDeletexx
Oh where do I start? You paint such a beautiful picture of family life, but an honest one. The good and the bad, the outfits and the outings, and those blinkin goreous kids too. I echo that I'd love to see more of your home ( nosey nosey )...............but just your style of writing, it makes us all feel like friends, and thats why we keep coming back!
ReplyDeletenattie x
♥ You're artistic, in your photography, which attracts me...I love hearing about your real life (living on a budget, cancer, beach trips) the most!
ReplyDeleteI stop by for beautfiul pictures, real stories about being a mom and inspiring craft projects :)
ReplyDeletei'm only here for the free shoes ;) (they caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame by the way, will take some pics after i've taken an angle grinder to my toenails). i'm another one that moved away, and life being like it is with kids, don't get to catch up with dear friends as often as i like (need). so it's nice to read your words across the internets and think 'yeah, i'm not the only one!' i like the encouraging way you talk about living simply, i never feel preached at which is awesome. :)sarah
ReplyDeleteahahah awesome!!!
Deleteget out the grinder baby, I can't wait to see your feet !
xo em
i love reading your blog. I really love your words - reading your story of childhood cancer reminded me of some of my own childhood stories and gave me the confidence to share those as well -.. I think that I read your blog more for your words and your 'voice' but of course for your pictures too.
ReplyDeletex
ps. and colour inspiration!
Your words, your photos, your raw honesty...pretty much you & your lovely family. You know I'm a deadest fan Em :) Just keep doing what you're doing Hun...& doing what you love too! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that was supposed to be deadset. You knew that...right?! Flippin iPhone :/
DeleteI know what you meant Julie. You are always so encouraging and your comments always make me feel ... you know... awesome!
Deletexo em
I've only just found your blog, but what I love about it are your photos and how much the love and care for your family comes across. I don't think there is a single thing I would want you to change!
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to change a thing in my opinion Em!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely little space you have here. Full of life, love, honesty, colour and beauty. Keep it up! xx
I visit here to check up on you and make sure there aren't too many spelling mistakes. ;-)
ReplyDeleteso glad you're here, darling.
Delete;)
I come here because you are so happy and bubbly and fun and I enjoy "knowing" you.
ReplyDeleteI come here for the beautiful photos, to get inspiration to make my home look better, you don't live too far from me so i like reading about how other people are living in my area(sticky beak much?)& i'm loving the posts about how you food shop!
ReplyDeleteI come here for your honesty and your ability to keep it real! It's so refreshing and lovely for another stay at home mummy to read all the stuff that you're going through, because it's usually what I'm going through as well. It makes me feel like I'm not the only one in the world struggling at times!
ReplyDeleteI also love your photos, and your style. I'm always interested in having a look-see around your house and seeing what things you throw together. I love your kids' rooms especially. I also like your project 52. V :)
Your raw and open honesty. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've not long found your page and I love it just the way it is !!
ReplyDeleteAre you trying to work out if you need to change something about your blog?
ReplyDeleteI think the answer is unequivocally, no.
This is your blog, your life and obviously it attracts people to it. You have a magnetic personality that makes sometime banal life detail seem blog-worthy. It's not an easy thing to do.
Keep on, keepin' on lady.
And keep it real.
ps. I like your photos and your mumma stuff and that you're pretty and that you're a bit of a dork. ;p
designcherry.com
no i'm not asking if I should change anything. Simply interested in knowing what this blog space is about for you!
DeleteFor me, as a regular visitor here, it's all about the honesty.
ReplyDeleteThe true words.
The exciting stuff.
And the boring stuff.
Not many bloggers can be so open about their daily lives. Myself included.
Plus your kiddies are just so delicious!
Oh I forgot to add one point - if you are going to do sponsored posts and stuff, can you PLEASE make sure you write them in your own voice?
ReplyDeleteNot that you don't already but I am really over sponsored posts on people's blogs sounding like infomercials. It's like reading a zoot review thingo, complete death.
/rant
im a regular visitor.....the reason being i like what i see. i love your posts about your home and your decorating style. thrifty/oppy finds are my favourite....i think thats how i found you originally, through a link up??.not many of those lately but that doesnt stop me coming back.i have no doubt that you read all your comments because you often reply to comments left by your followers ( oh almighty goddess Em !!) lol...you know what i mean...its nice that you take the time to reply.
ReplyDeleteoh and i love the posts about the adults in your life...yep i like the kiddy stuff as well, but i have my kiddy stuff going on ( day in day out).ok will shut up now. always looking forward to your next post.
Allison
ps.....your photography is crazy good!
YOu are awesome Allison, thanks for your enthusiasm, I can feel it and I like it!
Deletexo me
It's cool to follow a blog that contains the outpourings of a mother (slash) wife (slash) babe and partial wanker all rolled into one :-) There's a fantastic balance of pathos and blatant eye-candy - your photos, your fashion, your home and your friend Crumbs!! :-)
ReplyDeleteIn the words of Billy Joel ... "Dont' go trying ... tadah tadah...Don't imagine you're too familiar ...buppadah...
we love you just the way you are!"
best. comment. ever.
Deletexo em
Love your 'wearing' posts... And also like that you post daily x
ReplyDeleteIt's Simple Lady...you're lovely, pretty, a real person, honest, a lady of faith, an uber stylish mumma, a lover of colour, an ex-art-teacher like me, an artist, a fashionista...and you generously gifted me a georgeous pair of sweedish clogs, which I thrash! ...Ive could go on....
ReplyDeleteFor me it's the regularity of your posts, the normality of your life and the similarity of the paths we are currently travelling (cos I have that fawn and fox bag which totally makes us BFF's. ha!)
ReplyDeleteI only stumbled across your blog this week, and I spent ages reading back through the older posts. I'm a new mama who is learning to sew, getting excited about vegetable gardens and wanting to start my own blog. I've found yours inspiring on many so many levels. Your style of writing is so readable, just like having a chat with a friend. One last thing - I have serious bedroom envy after seeing yours. Unbelievably gorgeous! Kerry
ReplyDeleteHey Kerry, I'm so pleased that you've stumbled across this little space!
DeleteI'd love to visit you at yours when you get your won blog up and running.
xo em
p.s you should see my bedroom now. Total junk yard!
Hi Em,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog because it's real you very genuine and have similar interests like me... Veggie gardens a huge tick! Love it, your homewares interest (I'm studying to be an interior designer next year so I love it!), your ideas for budgets, everyday creativity with your beautiful kids and your effortless style. Your great at writing and I can tell you write straight from your heart which is always beautiful to read! I hope one day my blog can be half as amazing as yours!
Steph :)
Steph&Husband {www.stephwinmill.blogspot.com.au}
I love your photos, they are always spectacular where the kidlets are concerned. And the words ? Always like a chat over a cup of tea. Finding all your growing and eating posts very interesting, love any pics of your home, would like to see more of your own art - if that is even happening with two smalls and a job. mel x
ReplyDeleteI just like you. You write with kindness both here on and on other blogs which is lovely. I can't predict what you'll write about next which I like. You are a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason why I come here is your honesty and authenticity. I, like many Aussies, have very little time for try-hard posers and you're definitely not one of them! The way that you write makes me feel like we're friends, and I think that's definitely a testament to your abilities as a writer. I think its very difficult to write with such a "true voice" as you do. Also - I relate to you and where you are in your life! Also - you take a beautiful photograph. Also - your house is pretty, as are you!
ReplyDeleteYou know I've been thinking about this since you posted it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I still can't find the pretty little clever sentences that I'd hope for.
(I'm blaming the freaking exhausting farming week).
In the end, when it comes down to it I just really like your space.
It makes me smile and nod and its pretty.
And I have a feeling we'd all really like each other in real life too so you'd better pop in when you head down this way. Yay!!
Happy weekend. xx
Your blog makes me happy. It's bright and your photos are beautiful. Your honestly makes me feel normal, and your style makes me a tad jealous. You seem like you'd be a pretty sweet person to know. Keep up the great blogging.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I'm a lurker who visits this blog occasionally. Like other commenters, I enjoy the honesty. Your kids are about the same age as mine and I find encouragement in how much you enjoy them. BUT I have to say there is one thing that bothers me. Every where I go I see blatant bribery being used to get more 'likes' on facebook; 'like' this blog to get entries for a giveaway, for example. When did this become ok? I know EVERYONE does it, so I don't want to single you out, but as someone who has a real problem with both bribery and facebook, I do feel disappointed when I see it crop up here.
ReplyDeleteI love the Beetle Shack becouse it always feels like I'm having a cup of tea with a friend over a chat... Weirdly enough I don't have the same sense of style as u do but I love the way u Love ... Ur house and ur family and eberything inbetween!! Ur photography is awsome and ur journey is inspiring and driven. Don't change a thing!!
ReplyDelete