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Look & Win! ‘Care Packages’ by Michelle Mackintosh

April 27, 2016

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Hardie Grant sent me a review copy of this lovely book… and Obus sent me the cute socks-up-top!

Once upon a time I got very, very sick while I was away from home. It was a horrible experience and when I was finally back in my own bed, safe and sound, someone delivered me a little package of yummy and cute things to help me to get on the mend.

It was so nice to get some special things, but what was even nicer was that someone had thought enough of me and taken the time to bundle up some love with a handwritten note and send it my way.

Honestly, they could have sent me 4 cow pats and a hand-penned poke in the eye voucher and I would have cried happy tears at being considered.

Luckily, my package was not cow pats and was much more restorative. I will never forget the gesture, or how it made me feel. Do you know who packed and delivered that cute and kind bundle?

Michelle Mackintosh, that is who.

 

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In just a couple of days, Michelle Mackintosh’s brand new book Care Packages will be OFFICIALLY hitting the shops! (Some early bird retailers may already have theirs, even…!)

This book is not just a cute gimmick, but rather a sincere and lovely way of life for its writer (and some of her lovely friends!)

I personally LOVE to make care packages – especially for new mothers and peaky types. – but I am not a patch on Michelle. In ‘Care Packages’ she shows us how to honour this traditional gesture and take it to a whole new level of thank-you-very-much. So thank you very much for that, MM.

Hardie Grant, the publisher of this book (and Michelle’s other beautiful book Snail Mail) has two copies tucked away in their office with two Meet Me At Mike’s readers names on them. Well. Their names are NEARLY on them. First of all, you have to leave me a comment below and we will pick two winners to get their own copy of ‘Care Packages’ (which is pretty much a bookish KIND of care package, truth be told!)

Head to your favourite independent bookstore or online retailer to grab yourself a copy (in case you don’t win… and if you do win then you’ve got one to put in a care package for a pal! Win win!) If your local bookseller don’t have this book, order one because this helps authors like Mich-Mack (my secret gangster name for Michelle) to gain wider distribution and exposes more people to her/their work. I know you will want to help do that! Order up!

 

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To (possibly) win one of the two copies up for grabs, leave a comment below and tell me why you fancy this book. Our favourite two responses will win.

Deadline for entry is Wednesday 4th May 2016 at 10pm.
Winners contacted via email on Friday 6th May.
Books sent out by Hardie Grant the following week!
We can send to Australian addresses only.

Thank you to Hardie Grant and Mich-Mack for this ace opportunity to snaffle a beautiful book full of lovely craft projects, ideas and sentiments! (It features some other nice people including Beci Orpin, Kate from Foxs Lane and Magdalena from Unleash Creative – and that’s just for starters!)

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80 Comments

  • Reply Michelle May 4, 2016 at 9:11 PM

    Because giving really is the best gift of all.

  • Reply Kim May 4, 2016 at 7:19 PM

    My daughter is currently studying overseas and I’d love to be able to send her some unique goodies through snail mail!

  • Reply Chloe May 4, 2016 at 1:21 PM

    My best friend and I send each other care packages monthly, I’m always looking for new ideas to ship to her overseas, especially since she’s been stuck in hospital lately and I’m not close enough to visit. Got my fingers and toes crossed for this beauty of a book!

  • Reply Debra May 4, 2016 at 11:02 AM

    A Care Package for me, in the shape of a book! My bubs are too young to organise one for me this Mother’s Day, and no other family to do so on their behalf. Leaving through the pages would be the ultimate treat for this tired, old mum!

  • Reply Erika Collis May 4, 2016 at 8:54 AM

    What a great idea! I make up care packages for our soldiers serving overseas, but I would love to expand this to also helping you mums and older ladies in nursing homes. This book will inspire the “craftiness” in me to make up more packages

  • Reply Tania Foster May 4, 2016 at 5:13 AM

    Hi Pip, I’m one of those people who are devoid of all craft abilities – but this book inspires me.

    • Reply Mary-Anne May 4, 2016 at 9:26 AM

      Having a strong sense of community, a desire to help and care for people and put a smile on their faces, I’d love to gather ideas from your creative book to make and send gifts.

  • Reply Stevee-Lee Anderson May 3, 2016 at 11:48 PM

    I would love to win this book for my mother in law. She has been on an up hill battle for as long as I’ve known her. She is in a wheelchair after a car accident and is riddled with arthritis and osteo. Doing things with her hands really helps them as well as her mental state of mind. This would be perfect for her.

  • Reply Elisabeth Martins May 3, 2016 at 8:20 PM

    This book is a perfect idea for struggling mums,
    lots of handy tips and tricks,
    this book would become my trusty best-friend.

  • Reply julie bennett May 3, 2016 at 8:09 PM

    love to win this book – for great inspiration and imagination and to just be delightful to read.

  • Reply Daria May 3, 2016 at 6:06 PM

    I would LOVE to own this book
    To let the people who love me know how special they are.
    Pretty packages are my fave. <3

  • Reply Di May 3, 2016 at 5:29 PM

    For when I have ‘artsy fartsy’ creative block, a book of how to’s and inspiration……so no more guessing at how some things are done, at times fumbling and bumbling along (when trying a new craft application or using a new medium).

  • Reply Paula H May 3, 2016 at 3:41 PM

    I really don’t want to get sick to receive an awesome care package like this!! There is nothing better than receiving a handmade gift from the heart….and even better when it’s out of recycled materials.

  • Reply Bethany May 3, 2016 at 3:17 PM

    I definitely fancy this book because I fancy it might help me be a nicer person! 🙂

  • Reply Sacha Pech May 3, 2016 at 2:20 PM

    I have lots of heart and lots of ideas but lack the ‘how to’. This would be a wonderful book to share with my two small kids and we could gift home made lovely things to our loved ones.

  • Reply Joanna Harrison May 3, 2016 at 7:20 AM

    I would love to learn a new craft and surprise someone special with my new gift making skills! I know I personally LOVE to receive mail which doesn’t contain a bill, so to put together a care package to a friend or relative will be fun in its creation and exciting to send.

  • Reply Madelaine May 3, 2016 at 12:06 AM

    I fancy this book because it looks like it repurposes a lot of things that you have lying around. To have two uses- recycling and making someone feel good is an excellent thing!

  • Reply Jessica May 2, 2016 at 7:26 PM

    I have always loved creating little hampers for friends and family, wether it be for an occasion or just to say i love you, and thanks for everything. I’ve spent years making ceramics, cookies and scrapbooked cards, but a beautiful book with new ideas would be perfect to rejuvenate my creative mind (especially with the final year of high school crushing down on me). A personal, handmade thankyou is always better then a box of chocolates or a shop bought candle. xx

  • Reply Jenny Watson May 2, 2016 at 6:48 PM

    I like to do something nice for friends and family, especially when they are feeling down.

  • Reply kylie May 2, 2016 at 6:35 PM

    Oh what a lovely idea! I can’t wait to look for Michelle’s other book and get some inspiration

  • Reply Shannon Wotton May 2, 2016 at 4:47 PM

    Oh my goodness! What a beautiful book. I often wonder what I can possibly do to help friends and family who are sick or what I can do to cheer them up when they are a bit down. Usually I come up short and end up settling for a box of chocolates. These gorgeous care packages are the perfect meaningful pick-me-up and so much better than a box of Roses! Can’t wait to get this book and start putting some smiles on some faces, including my own!

  • Reply Lucia Saal May 2, 2016 at 4:16 PM

    Michelle is a lovely, warm and beautiful person. I have a personally signed copy of Snail Mail and would love to add this to my collection of books illustrated and written by Michelle.

  • Reply Anthea May 2, 2016 at 9:38 AM

    In the words of George Costanza ‘I GOT NOTHING’ please send something X please X

  • Reply Justine Drake May 2, 2016 at 8:29 AM

    Ive always wanted to be the person to give personalised gifts of love,
    but Ive never had the vision to do the above!

  • Reply Sharon Markwell May 2, 2016 at 7:40 AM

    Care Packages by Michelle Mackintosh is inspiring and motivational and will get bottoms off seats and brains in gear. What a wonderful book!

  • Reply Amy Petersen May 2, 2016 at 7:34 AM

    Sending someone something you’ve put thought, effort and love into makes it more special, recieving it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I’d love this book to give me some more ideas to bring smiles to the faces of my favourite people!

  • Reply Belinda Luu May 2, 2016 at 12:43 AM

    Everyone’s living a hard life, and the best I can do is to make them just a bit better. This book encapsulates my philosophy! It would mean the world to make someone’s day just a bit brighter.

  • Reply Tracy Spillane May 1, 2016 at 10:29 PM

    I’d love this to give me inspiration! My family in Ireland send me wonderful care parcels with all sorts of treats, food, newspapers, letters, photos, teabags, it’s always hugely exciting when they arrive! I love to send them too,and every Xmas I am involved in a Xmas anonymous gift exchange. It’s a whole lot of fun picking what to send and this could give me some great ideas. I also love sending random parcels of Australiana to friends around the world, Cherry Ripes and toy quokkas so are usually a massive hit!

  • Reply Margaret Hollis May 1, 2016 at 10:05 PM

    I arrived in Australia from England in 1968 for a two year working holiday, married an Aussie, left my parents and siblings,in England, yet 48 years later, we are still very close, and i would love some ideas for more care packages for my siblings and their famlies

  • Reply Lisa May 1, 2016 at 8:53 PM

    There is something incredibly soulful and restorative about gifting and receiving a package that has been mindfully gathered and creatively/cheekily/mysteriously labelled. What I love about care packages is that they can take a snippet of time to arrange, or can become a labour of love, a project that lingers whilst you wait for the last morsel of inspiration to whack you in the noggin. This gifting process is as enjoyable as the receiving. The images you have posted here have given me urges to start hunting and gathering to create some wonder bundles of care packaged goodness!! Thanks for the fresh inspo.
    Lisa x

  • Reply Ali April 30, 2016 at 8:40 PM

    Oh, I love this. It’s one of the things I do and enjoy doing looking for little things to post to folks, that I think suit who they are (and I have done things like send crochet envelopes with fabric letters inside, which possibly made me the weirdest friend/Aunt ever, but I enjoyed it). I have had several friends and a brother-in-law serve with the military overseas and those people really need the ‘thoughts” during long, hard months away – though men are not quite so much fun cause you have to restrain yourself on the cutesy things. I’d love to see what ideas are in this book.

  • Reply Larissa MacFarlane April 29, 2016 at 9:54 PM

    I’d love a copy of this book. I realised this week that living with chronic pain for almost 18 years, has made me hard on myself and others. Even though I work hard to make the wold a better place! I want to learnt to be more gentle again!!

  • Reply Emma April 29, 2016 at 2:26 PM

    I would like to send this wonderful book in a care package for my lovely isolated friend 🙂

  • Reply Melissa April 29, 2016 at 6:56 AM

    I love this type of thanks and communication. My daughter has just got a pen pal, they are both under 11 years. I am so proud of her as we home educate and she decided to write to a distant relative, by marriage, and suggested being pen pals. They are a Little bit disappointed this week as a beautiful hand made letter with home made friendship bangles in has gone missing in the post. Cheered us up to hear about these books, good show making people aware of the awesomeness of gifts and snail mail.
    Lots of love for the other comment where peepes are making the quilt with pockets. Xxxxxx

  • Reply Maria b April 28, 2016 at 10:10 PM

    I moved intestate to be with my partner. So find myself mailing back care packages to friends that have babies or when my sister is need of some tlc. I’d love to win a book so i can get some more inspiration for caring ideas. Plus I’d give my ordered copy to a new friend that’s also soon making that same move/plunge 🙂

  • Reply Vicki April 28, 2016 at 2:31 PM

    When I was 20 I went traveling to leave behind an abusive, unhealthy relationship. Far away from my friends and family the intense feelings of loneliness were at times overwhelming. My mother was a care package giver and a giver in life, not just for her children but for others. I admired this quality in her and missed her when I was far away ( in a time before skype and Facebook and so on). I had to write letters and wait for replies! One day laying on my bunk bed in my shared room in a dorm in a youth hostel there was a knock on the door. One of the hostel staff handed me a huge box full of letters from home from my pals and sisters and a parcel from my mum. They had been delayed in getting to me at customs. In the parcel was broken Easter Eggs. I guess mum thought that there was no such thing as chocolate in Edinburgh. Fresh veggies were hard to find but chocolate, not so much. Anyway this “care package” was shared among new found friends in the hostel and was amazingly powerful in helping me heal and move on to an amazing journey. I would love to win this book as many years later I share and pass on gifts and care packages often and I already know whose care package it would be in 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to participate

  • Reply Tamara April 28, 2016 at 1:21 PM

    I want to live in a world where people bring care packages to each other…it’s up to us, the homemade artists, to make this happen.

  • Reply SARAH SMITH April 28, 2016 at 12:30 PM

    Hi Pip,
    I have just finished your book and it has truly changed how I look at life! I love love love your concept of having ‘nice times’; as opposed to constantly striving for happiness. I have been so hard on my self about not being ‘happy’ all the time, but as soon as I read your book and think about nice times in my day to day life, I have never felt so content!(seriously!)
    I would love a copy of this book because not only will the act of making something bring nice times into my life, it will hopefully also bring nice times to the people receiving my hand made care packages! Win, win!

  • Reply Julie April 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM

    What a wonderful looking book! Making little gestures and giving gifts is definitely my love language! I can get a bit carried away sometimes, but then other times it is hard to think of creative ideas. I sent a “box of sunshine” (yellow themed gifts) to a friend in the UK once who suffers from seasonal affective disorder after I saw something similar online. I will definitely be checking this book out!

  • Reply Sharon April 28, 2016 at 11:11 AM

    Oh me oh my! I have just purchased “snail mail” and have been pouring over the gorgeous content of that book with my 7 year old son. He loves crafty stuff and reading, yay! And we have been chatting about digging out his Dad’s old stamp collection and getting creative with that. I would love this one too, definitely on my wish list 🙂

  • Reply Kirstin April 28, 2016 at 10:59 AM

    This looks like a gorgeous book. I would love to have a copy of this as it’s so lovely to receive little gifts and thoughtful notes through the mail or popped onto your doorstep when you least expect it. So much of today is done electronically that it’s a lovely little surprise to receive something tangible.

  • Reply Margy April 28, 2016 at 10:22 AM

    I was going to try to win one for me cos I used to work with Michelle a few lifetimes ago and thought it would be great to see what amazing thing she’s doing now….but I read Edie’s and I don’t think Edie should win one for her friend Katie…I think Edie should keep the book and make the care packages for Katie!! We could all help her…or maybe Pip could post projects from the book and we could all make packages and organise to send them somewhere like the asylum seeker resource centre http://www.asrc.org.au/home/our-services/how-we-help/aid/food-and-aid-network/ seems there’s a lot of people out there that need some love from afar (not in a creepy stalker way!)… just a thought.

  • Reply Chantelle April 28, 2016 at 10:20 AM

    What a beautiful way to show care and love.
    When my second child was born we had just moved to a new state where we had no family or friends near by. It was a ridiculously sad and lonely time for me. I had a new baby that I was so excited about but no one nearby to share the scary, tired, happy new born days with , while my partner was at work.
    A lady in the neighbourhood, who i hardly new, delivered me baked goods (lime meringue pie) and hand me down clothes for my little people. My neighbour delivered fresh veg from her garden. I cried a lot. A lot of hormonal happy tears.
    I’d love this book to hone my skills in the art of care packages.

  • Reply Sue de Boer April 28, 2016 at 9:10 AM

    What a lovely book, I can’t wait to read it! I have recently retired and now have time for all things handmade. I’m currently making soap and crocheting dishcloths (made a few from your fab patterns) for friends and family. Now inspired to create beautifully wrapped care packages including these, who doesn’t love a homemade dishcloth or two?

  • Reply Meagan April 28, 2016 at 8:07 AM

    Hi Pip
    Thanks for a chance to win such a lovely book.
    I would really like a copy of this beautiful book as I’ve got a lo of family overseas and I like to send them care packages (usually containing Tim tams and BBQ shapes for my 2 sister’s in London) and I would love some more ideas of cute things to send then as well as when friends are having bad days. A girlfriend sent me the most wonderful care package when I was recovering from sexual assult and ive never forgotten how happy I was to receive it so if I could spread the joy around that would be great
    Megs

  • Reply Ella April 28, 2016 at 8:03 AM

    I think possibly one of my favourite things is brown paper packages tied up with string (just as the song from sound of music goes). That and post-it notes. Both these things being essentials in my care packages. Maybe it’s time to spice it up a bit more (this book would be a major help!) But making and gifting is a true delight to me. I love sending just for the sake of it to make someone cheery and allow a big smile to creep over their face. The beauty of a care package is to simply send without a reason. Just cos you want to show the other person you’re thinking about them and that you care! Moving away from home has made me realise just how important and special care packages are. I hope to continue making them until my hands can do no more (as a creative, that’s my worst nightmare!)

  • Reply Heather April 28, 2016 at 7:29 AM

    I’d love a copy of this book-not just because of the gorgeous colours and styling, but because I already have loved ones who will benefit. A good friend of mine has just had a gorgeous baby girl but is struggling as a young mum with a toddler too. I’d love to make her a personalised care package because everything else just doesn’t quite seem enough. Amazing people deserve amazing things right? Plus we should all look after each other in the crazy world.

  • Reply Carly Findlay April 28, 2016 at 6:53 AM

    I’ve noticed, as someone with a chronic illness, that care packages are often reserved for those with temporary illnesses. Those of us who have regular, ongoing sicknesses are often overlooked, because it happens so often. We must be used to it. So I like this book because it is pretty, it’s a lovely thing to look at while resting in bed (I swear sometimes, if I rested anymore I’d be dead!) and it gives me ideas for carer packages for my other friends who are chronically I’ll.

    What a beautiful prize. X

  • Reply Lucy April 28, 2016 at 5:36 AM

    Because I care ????

  • Reply Claire April 28, 2016 at 5:23 AM

    Oooh, this caught my eye today in a bookshop (in Norwich, UK). Obviously it’s a sign that I need to go back and buy myself a copy 🙂

  • Reply Viviannette April 28, 2016 at 2:57 AM

    My kids are growing up and my first one will soon be leaving the house to go to college. I am planning to send them care packages often to cheer them up while they get use to college life. Also, I live very far away from the rest of my family. I would like ideas for care packages to connect with my nieces and nephews that I don’t get to see very often.

  • Reply Tara Andersen April 28, 2016 at 12:57 AM

    A few weeks ago I had a nasty virus and texted a friend (only known for a year) to see if she’d heard of my symptoms. She came over, called a locum (I had no voice, my other half was away) and then arranged to take my girl to her place after the doc advised I get another opinion (to add to her four!!) and for her other half to take me to hospital, where he sat with me overnight. That was my idea of the ultimate care package, it was humbling in its kindness. I would love a copy of the book to be able to pay it forward to whomever might need a little hand 🙂

  • Reply Reannon April 28, 2016 at 12:45 AM

    I love care packages. I love making people feel good, showing I care & it’s just a really nice way to say ” I’m thinking of you”. And this might sound dumb but I like to make care packs for me & my family. If I know it’s going to be a wet weekend or one of us is unwell or it’s the start/end of holidays, I make sure me & my peeps have little things to keep us cosy & happy. It always involves food & used to include DVD, maybe magazines or library books or yarn ( for me). It’s really simple but oh so lovely.

  • Reply Karin April 28, 2016 at 12:35 AM

    You should give Tina three copies! One for her to give to Edie (to give to Kate) and one for Edie and one for Tina. It’s easy to give gifts and fun to read about giving gifts. For those peeps who are scared about getting it wrong – just give! It really is the thought that counts (mostly – a bit is also cute packaging)

  • Reply Emma April 27, 2016 at 11:50 PM

    I would love this book to give me inspiration to support all the wonderful people who helped me last year when my husband was very ill. I’ll have to start searching for reasons to make a package to send; people will be delighted, if not slightly confused, when they receive a care package when they stubbed their toe or blew their nose. Such fun!

  • Reply Heike Bartlett April 27, 2016 at 10:58 PM

    I would love to win a copy of this book because I live interstate from my best friends. I miss them terribly and hate that I am not there to comfort them when they have bad times and celebrate with them when they have great times. I love the idea of sending them little surprises in the mail, so they are reminded of how much they are loved. Everyone needs spontaneous postal hugs!

  • Reply Judy April 27, 2016 at 10:19 PM

    It amazes me how some people seem to be caught up in the negativity of others. And sometimes, just a little thing is enough to turn things around for them. I would love to have some additional ideas on little things to brighten other’s days.

  • Reply Deb Baker April 27, 2016 at 10:01 PM

    I thought this book was already released and was looking everywhere for it when it dawned that it won’t be released for a couple of weeks. I was about to go to my local ABC bookshop (where I ordered Michelle’s Snail Book – which is one of my fave books) and put it on order, when I just read this post. I am currently dealing with both my parents suffering serious health problems and trying to help them with their day to day lives, while trying to balance my family life (three kids at varying ages and stages) and this has all put an enormous amount of stress on me. To the point that I’ve started to develop anxiety and depression for the first time in my life. My life has basically been on hold the last few months (haven’t blogged for ages) and the only thing that really brings me pleasure is making things. And if I can make things for others – even better. I’ve been meaning to put a little package together for my parents but wasn’t really sure where to start and what to include. And while I’m at it I might even make myself a care package. I would adore this book. Especially if it’s anything like Michelle’s other book. So beautiful. And such a keepsake. But if I don’t win – I’ll be buying it regardless. Thanks for the opportunity Pip. x

  • Reply Meulyn April 27, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    Any opportunity to show that you care is a gift in itself for the unexpected pleasure that it brings. What a beautiful idea for a book !

  • Reply Spence April 27, 2016 at 9:09 PM

    Oh, Pip, what a gorgeous book! Please pick me… I haven’t had a Mum for a very long time and my Dad has just become seriously ill; this would be a beautiful distraction for the difficult times ahead and a lovely inspiration/assistance for me to pay back all the kindnesses I’m being shown now.
    But we all have tough times, so it will be a lovely surprise reward for whoever you pick! Surprises are such a treat!

  • Reply Sharni April 27, 2016 at 9:02 PM

    I’d like to win a copy for my friend Rosa. She is a creative, thoughtful friend. I believe in the hands of a creative, thoughtful person the power of this kind of book would be properly realised. If I win, it’s hers. Thanks for the chance!!

  • Reply Anne April 27, 2016 at 8:59 PM

    When I was working at a summer camp in the USA I was given a care package from one of the parents. It was a really sweet gesture and I would like to return the favour.

  • Reply Kylie April 27, 2016 at 8:48 PM

    With most of my favorite friends and family living in a different town to me, the ability to up my present giving and care package game would be a godsend. Plus, May 6 is my birthday 🙂

  • Reply Donna April 27, 2016 at 8:44 PM

    I’m a sucker for a cute inspirational book and this looks just perfect. I need a bit of creative energy in my life right now and where better to start than reading a beautiful book. I also like the idea of including this in a care package as a future re-gifting once I’ve finished reading it

  • Reply Katie April 27, 2016 at 8:35 PM

    Just because I need to find my crafty/creative mojo again, after months of different random (but mild) illnesses whilst trying to keep the house together with 2 young kids I’ve been too pooped to care for my creative side but that is indeed what I need to get out of a funk!

  • Reply Elizabeth April 27, 2016 at 8:20 PM

    Hi Pip!
    I would love to win this lovely book for my lovely Mum – as we currently live six hours apart this would be the perfect care package to give her for Mother’s Day!

  • Reply Lex April 27, 2016 at 8:13 PM

    When I was 17 I got diagnosed with chronic Guillaume-Barre Syndrome, an auto-immune disease where my immune system constantly attacked my peripheral nervous system leaving me with no feeling or movement in all four limbs, and at its worst, unable to breathe or swallow on my own. I was in hospital for about 2 years, fully paralysed most of that time. Doctors told my parents to prepare in case I didn’t make it. But I’m a fighter! And I received so many care packages, cards, prayers and positive thoughts, visitors and people believing in my recovery. It took 10 years for me to reach full remission, but I felt at the time, and still know it is because of all of the amazing support, love and healing energy sent to me through care packages from family, friends and strangers that gave me the strength to keep going, and the will to live. I am forever indebted to those people, and I try to ‘pass it on’ or ‘pay it forward’ by making and sending care packages for others when I can. I would dearly LOVE a copy of this beautiful book to inspire me to keep giving care packages. But most of all, I want to say thank you Michelle for sharing this powerful creative action with the world. I know care packages can save lives. x

  • Reply Maryke April 27, 2016 at 7:29 PM

    Oh Pip I NEED this book. I often WANT to send care packages to those that NEED them but i’m too scared of putting in the WRONG things. I need some helpful directions and reassurance of what the RIGHT things are that a care package could contain.

  • Reply Nicole April 27, 2016 at 7:18 PM

    I love leaving little care packages about. When friends have babies, when they’re poorly, when I stumble across a picture book with their child’s name in the title, just because…
    Winning this book would give me a sneaky peek into the sorts of things other people do. Showing people they’re cared for makes everyone feel good. Feeling good makes people smile. Smiling is the best x

  • Reply mie April 27, 2016 at 7:08 PM

    because I’m sexy?

  • Reply Tina short April 27, 2016 at 5:58 PM

    I’d love this book, it sounds right up my street…………however……..after reading the other comments I think that a copy should go to Edie for her friend Katie, if I win, please send it to her.

  • Reply Edie April 27, 2016 at 5:30 PM

    What a gorge book. I actually want to win it for someone else.
    A great friend of ours at work, a midwife, has had a really sad couple of years. She lost her baby after birth just over a year ago. She knew the baby would not survive during pregnancy and we were blown away by how this amazing woman travelled this journey. Maggie survived for a very short time and we all sobbed. Cheryl who is Maggies mum then moved to NZ with her family and we all kept in touch via Facebook. I said she should write a blog. The pictures made me swoon.
    Then in February we found out her other daughter has a childhood cancer. So we chatted and sobbed and came up with the idea of sending over a quilt with pockets in it and lots of vouchers and little gifts. For the other kids too. Cinema visits, coffee shops and all kinds of things. It’s nearly all ready. It’s like a big surprise.
    So the person who has coordinated this and has been fab and amazing and got it all together is Katie. She is nice. And she runs. And she started at the line of the half marathon with me recently while we whipped ourselves into hysteria!
    I think Katie would like this book. She is all the best kinds of nice. She did an extra long 16 hour shift the other day and hadn’t brought any dinner. So she went to the Mexican outside work. As I was leaving I realised I still had my lunch which was spinach and all sorts of fancy heirloom tomatoes. So I tipped them on her take away box and she was so pleased. She is totally the person you would give your heirloom tomatoes to!!
    She’s a bit crafty. She’d love it.
    So anyway I’d like to win it for her ??

  • Reply Jenny Joy April 27, 2016 at 5:23 PM

    I would love to win this book because I love making things for people, and a bit of inspo is always appreciated!

    I think doing things for other people is the best way to not dwell on our own worries or aches and pains. Sending love out is the greatest and very much a way of life that I love being a part of.

  • Reply Heather Snodgrass-Brine April 27, 2016 at 4:23 PM

    Gifts are my love language. I used to be so good at curating care packages and birthday presents; the process was inspired and enjoyable and more often than not the recipient would comment on how “them” it was…

    Then I had two kids in a fifteen month gap and somewhere in there, my inspiration went into dormancy, along with my ability to get anything done ahead of time so I end up spending too much money on not-quite-there gifts.

    I have put it on my list of intentions to get back to writing letters and sending care packages again this year – one a week for the rest of 2016! Starting small, a tradition which will hopefully imprint on the girls as they grow up too.

    Plus books. Books are my happy place. Especially beautiful, crafty, delicious ones like this! ????

  • Reply Pam Athanasakis April 27, 2016 at 4:22 PM

    Whenever someone is unwell or even on the road to recovery at our place, we put together “therapeutic show bags”!
    A bit similar to these gorgeous care packages, our therapeutic show bags are filled with stuff that will help enhance the recovery and overall therapy of what ever is troubling the unwell-ed person. We put in chockies, chips, an activity like some colouring in, a lip balm in a new flavour, a magazine etc. Basically any of their faves they can get on with and do in bed.
    However, your care packages, are at an all time new level of awesomeness and have definitely surpassed all levels of “care” ….who wouldn’t want to win one of those books? They look like bundles of pure love?
    I would certainly put them to very good use!
    Yours in excitement and anticipation,
    Pam.

  • Reply Kate April 27, 2016 at 4:19 PM

    I am so entering this….I always want to make care packages for others, always (over) think about what to put in it, stress that it won’t be good enough, special enough, heck it just won’t be enough. Let fear take over, end up doing nothing, feel terrible and wish I had of done something. Rinse and repeat.
    Sounds like this could be just what I need to help me move past that self doubt and become the person I want to be.
    Thanks for the chance.

  • Reply Melissa Gaggiano April 27, 2016 at 4:04 PM

    I love making presents for people. Very proud moment watching people opening DIY gifts. I have also developed a care for the wrapping of said gifts. Just as proud of a DIY wrapping as I am of the DIY present within.

  • Reply Pia Nock April 27, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    This book is pretty much the answer to most of the problems! When people feel cared for they care for others. Nekminnit – world peace!

  • Reply Fiona April 27, 2016 at 4:01 PM

    I recently delivered a care package of some chicken soup (your Sophie Dahl-inspired recipe, Pip!) to my sister who was sick with a horrible, evil cold, and it CURED her. That soup is magical, but especially when it is delivered to your door with love and well-wishes. I fancy this book because I am learning just how powerful care packages can be!

  • Reply Judith April 27, 2016 at 3:47 PM

    Hi Pip. Thanks for the chance to win one of these fabulous books. The best thing about care packages is that you have to think about what the person it is for would really like. Using your imagination makes the package even more special. Some of us might need some help with ideas, thanks Michelle.

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