tiny happy

making journal

Friday 1

Friday 2

Friday 3

Good afternoon. It turns out that I've been blogging for five years this week! I wanted to say thank you to you, sweet readers, for following along and being interested in my work. I've loved writing in this space each day over the past five years. It's been a lot of fun so far. 

As a celebration, I wanted to offer up a little giveaway. I'll send you this embroidered drawstring case, useful for keeping your small projects in order or for keeping anything in, really. I'll also send a mixed set of printed cards and a piece of my 'heidi' fabric (and others, if they've arrived in time.) 

Thanks again for your support and friendship here at tiny happy. It's much appreciated!

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post- you can write anything you like but it would be interesting to hear your film recommendations. (I'm hoping to get lots of film-watching in this winter, and maybe you are too?) Last year's blog birthday comment section produced some great music recommendations- you can check them out here if you like.

I'll post to anywhere in the world, and leave this open till Monday morning.

Enjoy your weekend.

Posted in

287 responses to “5th birthday giveaway”

  1. Laura Avatar

    Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! I love stopping in here and see what you’re doing “on the other side of the world”. Although I also enjoyed reading your Scandinavian adventures!
    I’m not much of a film watcher… I did see the King’s Speech and highly recommend that if you haven’t seen it already!

    Like

  2. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    planet earth or any of the nature shows narrated by david attenborough
    I think you would also enjoy watching the nature of things shows with david suzuki.
    they are available to view free on line.

    Like

  3. Kelly Manning Avatar
    Kelly Manning

    Hello Melissa, Thank you for inspiring all your readers to find joy in the simple things that surround us all. I found your blog when you were living in Norway and it reminded me of when I lived in Sweden almost 20 years ago. I also run a Montessori classroom, like your son had attended. As for movies…. i just saw Adjustment Bureau it’s not amazing but an make you want to follow your desires instead of mere “rules”. May you enjoy many Blessed days.

    Like

  4. Leslie Miller Avatar
    Leslie Miller

    Happy Anniversary! The first movie that pops into my head is “Miss Pettigrew lives for a day” (love the book too!) and another movie based on a great book, “Enchanted April”.

    Like

  5. Corinne Avatar
    Corinne

    Five years–that’s wonderful. I enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing your creations.
    For movies, I love 3 Idiots (Bollywood!) and a Canadian film called Seducing Dr. Lewis from 2003.

    Like

  6. Francesca Avatar

    Happy 5 years Melissa! I haven’t seen a movie in so long, and, yes, I’d love to finally get lots of film watching, winter and summer. Happy weekend!

    Like

  7. Shelley Gardner Avatar

    Five years done with style and elegance well done! Speaking of elegance – “The elegance of a Hedgehog” is s superb french film that I saw at the Lighthouse last year so should be able to find it on DVD – I also saw Get Low recently – name is corny but the cast was superb and it was a lovely blend of dark humour and storytelling with a twist of visual1930’s style.

    Like

  8. Samantha Smith Avatar
    Samantha Smith

    Gratulere med dagen! (as they say in Norway). Well done to be blogging so long and it making such a pleasurable read.
    As for films try: ‘To be and to have’ (Entre et avoir)a great documentary about a small school in the French countryside, or ‘The science of sleep.
    Enjoy a cosy winter (here it’s spring but still feels winter-ish).
    Here’s to the next 5 years!

    Like

  9. rachelle Avatar

    I love being here at Tiny Happy. Congrats for another passing of an awesome year. A great New Zealand film that is hauntingly beautiful and has never left me is The Strength of Water. Not really a film for small ones, you judge but in the same genre as the Piano etc. Let me know what u think. Hugs. Here’s crossing fingers and toes that we will meet at Handmade this year.

    Like

  10. flowerpress Avatar

    I think that embroidery is so beautiful, I love the pale blue of the jug!
    5 years blogging – isn’t that amazing. Its funny how it becomes a part of your life and your imagination. I’m always thinking in blog posts, seeing the beauty around me more closely somehow.
    I saw a movie the other night on tv that really stayed with me. It was called Rachel getting married. It sounds dreadful but the family parts were very real and the wedding is great, lots of music and singing.

    Like

  11. Sweet Mary Avatar

    happy 5th birthday.
    Watch: Very Annie Mary starring Rachel Griffiths and Jonathan Pryce – hilarious and enchanting. I laugh out loud – very loud!

    Like

  12. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Another sewing movie is “Sequins” from 2004. Very sweet & beautiful. “Volver” by Almodovar is a favorite too. “A Single Man” with Colin Firth is really good as well.
    Thanks for sharing your blog and bit of life in New Zealand. I enjoy hearing/seeing how life is in different places on the earth!

    Like

  13. geraldine Avatar
    geraldine

    Last film I saw was Rango: great fun, worked on many levels, and you can take the little ones!

    Like

  14. Anette Linnea Avatar

    Hi
    I would love to win this give-away. Also I love to follow your blog and have done so for about a year.
    Film?
    Well. I like films about 2. worldwar. At the moment I see “Wings of War” with Robert Mitchum. Also the “Foyles” I have enjoyed watching.
    Perhaps this is not at all the kind of films you like;-)
    Regards Linnea from Denmark

    Like

  15. aupres de mon arbre Avatar

    I had another idea Melissa : “The sound of music”,
    after seeing it I am always “happyfull” !

    Like

  16. Emma Avatar

    Many happy returns of the week Melissa. Five years? Goodness. It’s always a lovely lovely place to drop in to here. Thankyou for the chance to win – all my fingers are crossed.
    My film recommendations include:
    Running on Empty (River Phoenix)
    Howard’s End (the opening credits alone are stunning)
    Hot Fuzz
    The Sure Thing
    The Piano

    Like

  17. bridget Avatar

    gee wizz melissa so many keen participants! I have to recommend ‘Waltz with Bashir’. Tom & I watched it recently & I think it is a movie that stays with you a long time afterwards. Brilliant animation & such a poignant, educational, distressing but enlightening film
    ….

    Like

  18. felicity lingle Avatar

    Happy blog birthday! I recommend the film Le Jetee.

    Like

  19. Karen Avatar

    Congratulations on your 5 years!
    My all time favourite is ‘The Colour Purple’ – it is wonderful. I wonder if you’ve seen it?

    Like

  20. lisaerin_yeomans@yahoo.com Avatar
    lisaerin_yeomans@yahoo.com

    Thank you for your posts – for sharing a piece of your life with us. Your crafts are beautiful!

    Like

  21. Linda S. Avatar
    Linda S.

    I think I posted in the wrong place ! I love the movie “Happy-Go-Lucky” by director Mike Leigh. The driving lesson scenes are hilarious.

    Like

  22. Simply H Avatar

    Happy 5th anniversary and thank you for sharing five years of tiny happy! I came across a really sweet film by accident on Amazon called ‘Once’. It’s set in Dublin and follows a street musician and a young mother who meet and become friends. It’s sort of a modern day musical and has a brilliant soundtrack!

    Like

  23. Kat Avatar

    God, M, your cards get more and more gorgeous, you know. Happy five years; I’m glad you’re here!

    Like

  24. Amy Avatar

    Happy blogiversary! Your blog is such a sweet and inspiring place to visit. Our family has been really enjoying the movie Tangled lately. Equally fun for parents and kids alike.

    Like

  25. T. Avatar

    Happy 5 Years!
    Movies, huh? Lady Chatterley (2008 French film), Brief Encounter, Ondine, The Playboys, Russian Dolls, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Amelie, and the first and last Harry Potters.

    Like

  26. crazyestonian Avatar
    crazyestonian

    Happy blogaversary!
    I just watched Vicky. Christina. Barcelona and really liked it. Might be just because I love Barcelona so much 🙂 And my perennial favorite is The Bridges of Madison County.

    Like

  27. Jacinda Avatar

    Your blog is a gem.
    “Oceans” was opening in Auckland while we were there over Easter and although we didn’t get to it (we couldn’t fathom how to get to the theatre on public transport), it looks fabulous.

    Like

  28. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo Avatar

    Congrats on your 5th year on te blog world!
    My all time classic a film I have seen many a time is You’ve got mail with Meg Rayan and Tom Hnaks. I love this film.
    I would also recommend
    84 Charing Cross Road (about the mail friendship of two people too far away)
    Miss Austen regrets(about Jane Austen)
    The King’s Speech
    AriadnefromGreece!(no that’s not a film!)

    Like

  29. Ashley W. Avatar

    Yea! I love your blog 🙂

    Like

  30. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, karen- yes ive seen it- its great! 🙂

    Like

  31. Kielz Avatar
    Kielz

    Did you see Marie Antoinette on Tv last night with Kirsten Dunst? I love that movie – the fashion and the fabrics are divine! Babel is good if you haven’t seen that. I am currently watching Madmen on dvd and loving it. Mostly I enjoy films that highlight other cities.

    Like

  32. Kielz Avatar
    Kielz

    Oh and After the Waterfall, a NZ movie was sad but good and another vote for Vicky Christina Barcelona

    Like

  33. Kasey Avatar

    Beautiful Girls. Sweet, funny, just right. Just recently discovered your blog, and love it. Thank you.

    Like

  34. jennyclausen@gmail.com Avatar

    Congrats on the 5 years! I just love looking at your hand work and all the pretty things you share.

    Like

  35. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Hi Melissa – not entering contest, just wanted to say – happy blog birthday. I love your blog so much – it always cheers me up and makes me feel happy. I’m proud to have met you & been your ‘pen friend’ through the bloggy world and I think you are an incredibly talented artist.
    x Helen

    Like

  36. Devon Avatar
    Devon

    Happy anniversary – love reading your blog and seeing your latest projects. Movie to recommend: The King’s Speech with Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter; Sarah’s Key with Kristen Scott-Thomas. Both excellent!

    Like

  37. Sarah Avatar

    Congratulations on your 5 years of blogging. I discovered your blog earlier this year and keep coming back to be inspired. You are very talented.
    One of my favourite movies is: “Amelie” (french movie),
    but if you want some kids movies I think “Up” was really lovely, and fun for adults as well as kids.
    Best wishes for your craft and blog to continue!

    Like

  38. Sarita Avatar

    Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I love your blog and creativity, you are very talented and I wish you many more creative years in blogland.
    Unfortunately, since my Princess was born I stopped going to the movies, maybe one of these years I’ll be able to re-join the world of movie-goers 🙂
    Thank you for your generosity and the chance to participate.
    Warm greetings from Mexico ~

    Like

  39. Loretta Avatar
    Loretta

    Hi the movie I enjoyed very much was Gandhi made in the 1980’s – loved the music and he has always been a hero of mine.

    Like

  40. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    Happy blog birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuu!
    I LOVED Never let me go,it is a fabulous movie!

    Like

  41. Kate H Avatar
    Kate H

    Congratulations… I read this post on Friday morning, my husbands birthday by the end of the day it was also my beautiful boy’s birth day too! And now I enjoy Mother’s Day with all my boys. I started reading your blog this year and I truly love it. I now a few of your creations and look forward to your Wednesday shop update! Anyhoo well done, you are very talented with super good taste. My favorite movies are Grease (inspired my career in film), The Piano, Brokeback Mountain & The Bourne Identity to watch with the hubby.

    Like

  42. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, kate- and congratulations to you on the birth!!

    Like

  43. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, dear h.
    xxxxx

    Like

  44. durafemina Avatar

    Happy Fifth!
    Judging from your aesthetic I would venture you might like The Elegance of the Hedgehog.
    French with subtitles, subtle and understated while still being intense and whimsical 🙂

    Like

  45. Anja Avatar

    Happy anniversary! And thank you for writing here, always a joy to read. I have to second Denise’s recommendation – “In the Mood for Love” is beautiful, the director has such a way with colour. He’s made another one about two men from Hong Kong living in Argentina, “Happy Together”, which is very very good too!

    Like

  46. MARIARITA SACCHI Avatar
    MARIARITA SACCHI

    cara Melissa tanti auguri per il tuo blog . Ti scrivo dall’Italia, mi piace il tuo blog e il tuo stile di vita, vorrei poter un giorno visitare la Nuova Zelanda, chissà…..intanto sarei molto felice di ricevere un pacchetto da così lontano, sono una vecchia signora e nonostante internet ricevere la posta nella cassetta delle lettere mi piace tanto. Ciao Mariarita

    Like

  47. Belle Fleur de Lis Avatar

    Congratulations with your 5th blog birthday !
    Hope the 5 next years will be as beuatiful and inspiring as these passed years !
    take care

    Like

  48. Lyndy Avatar

    Hi Melissa – I can’t think of any new movies, as I have not been to many recently but one of my all time favourites is Love Actually which I am hepp yo watch several times.

    Like

  49. rachel @ tea with lucy Avatar

    Always love it when one of your posts pops up in my reader. Thank you.
    We’ve just watched Into The Wild (even though it came out years ago). I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Best movie I’ve seen in a long while.
    Rachel xo
    (I’ll be popping back here to look at these recommendations before my next trip to the DVD store!)

    Like

  50. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Happy five years, Melissa. Inception is really great and I am rather keen to see Babies, it looks adorable.

    Like

Leave a reply to Marian Cancel reply