tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57672731394133866072024-03-06T03:44:56.738+13:00Toast and lifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-44090976391099009792014-01-21T21:24:00.000+13:002014-01-21T21:24:14.445+13:0050 Dangerous Things: #48 Explode a glass bottle in the freezer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The book told us that this would be a great project to do while we were doing something else - and it was! We decided to pop a bottle in the freezer just before dinnertime.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA1IuxHrgALzHIGLxvw_41esyUo2XFXgIOg8RNbUApfRo4tI9oHbIdsZ6kTjp5s5s9z4f8OAELUe78JwxElum0nR0F-k65GVu2CHxTckLGyHQ21dEw1za_pNzOSYDmkHkhe1JHJmfccla/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />Aesop was in charge of filling the bottle. We used a sweet chilli sauce bottle, and we filled it right to the top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7stQU89EgshfgxPkzEY-yTHYd07QOOWu6ZApaRlcTlvSHByqQkfDD0n7_OxKg5pjzrloCSy89nvhQOirZkUVLvL61oCg0Fv1_nVwZaNV42RoYtUcQFSpZfgCd0n8zJX-MTpr_ERFXTFC8/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7stQU89EgshfgxPkzEY-yTHYd07QOOWu6ZApaRlcTlvSHByqQkfDD0n7_OxKg5pjzrloCSy89nvhQOirZkUVLvL61oCg0Fv1_nVwZaNV42RoYtUcQFSpZfgCd0n8zJX-MTpr_ERFXTFC8/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Otto placed it, carefully, into a plastic container (which would catch all of the pieces, when it did explode!) ready to go into the freezer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4aR4IZfPVx26C-QniVDIEXOSicqRSW7baSI1M9M-A9KH2C4SS8VPjr7HaP20f3Ea8OGU8jPqfxbjbFXsBP-KTQUfw3vludAAmUyg1qyt_c9h_FASckfwU7CNimDscmhEthIzoTpsnwcT/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4aR4IZfPVx26C-QniVDIEXOSicqRSW7baSI1M9M-A9KH2C4SS8VPjr7HaP20f3Ea8OGU8jPqfxbjbFXsBP-KTQUfw3vludAAmUyg1qyt_c9h_FASckfwU7CNimDscmhEthIzoTpsnwcT/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We popped it in, covered with a tea towel for extra safety, and we waited. <br />We checked it after dinner, nothing.<br />We checked it before bed, still nothing.<br /><br />We checked it in the morning...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUkgppJs_Orx3EHFGVdxLY9GrVGZ0jh70yTMdPHuuU9W_9ajmzfwxha5mIOZtk5OuoMcKk7f0b3NVoAaMVApjUP-nNyJaLuquNL1Ofd69nFlkd0SpKSc3MNMxa0Pe2NuLPNXOzkKaanZx/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUkgppJs_Orx3EHFGVdxLY9GrVGZ0jh70yTMdPHuuU9W_9ajmzfwxha5mIOZtk5OuoMcKk7f0b3NVoAaMVApjUP-nNyJaLuquNL1Ofd69nFlkd0SpKSc3MNMxa0Pe2NuLPNXOzkKaanZx/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAoWpFRRqS3yJqsyP9A8MCxdUTsa5Uwuqy68gDEl8wu5IjjMxAZlb-zS6QRogHmFQYtNThCVeqd6wn34ueXhnfo8ttYqcrWXVTulETenmxnirvQhkv7nKDAXxEIQ9qAEoRDi2j_3Ncynv/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAoWpFRRqS3yJqsyP9A8MCxdUTsa5Uwuqy68gDEl8wu5IjjMxAZlb-zS6QRogHmFQYtNThCVeqd6wn34ueXhnfo8ttYqcrWXVTulETenmxnirvQhkv7nKDAXxEIQ9qAEoRDi2j_3Ncynv/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Smashed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRctMH-y0M4MzvD5o6Wnpci1_bB8eEka3x_Ha2pZsFtcq8121LIxZ_-PtT8eq868y8NHuax-z_NpaXz1eLdrDHqe-uwEM7Vk2x2ZQ1b3dkqLIHozZPAS8OnW0DdpyCZOVfC_DcvOFXInFF/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRctMH-y0M4MzvD5o6Wnpci1_bB8eEka3x_Ha2pZsFtcq8121LIxZ_-PtT8eq868y8NHuax-z_NpaXz1eLdrDHqe-uwEM7Vk2x2ZQ1b3dkqLIHozZPAS8OnW0DdpyCZOVfC_DcvOFXInFF/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We talked about why the bottle had broken, about how careful we needed to be around the broken glass and also noted things we could do differently next time. We noted that there was ice all around the bottle, so it must not have been completely frozen when the bottle broke, and that the top had also popped right off. We thought we might try different sized bottles, and maybe starting with different temperatures of water?<br /><br />Have you ever tried this one?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoLzyC0-Qxo1ISlgMg4sz4unwQpYpLAk_JdLies4LTpq_Vh6SZUS_JeddC4wXymwv7Yu-EaN-GQFaWWVJIMFMvXP8_AvxLpqN5Se5ZOrOMiDk5-zj1E6vywpUvoWuwU8k0Rl7xKJx0QhF/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoLzyC0-Qxo1ISlgMg4sz4unwQpYpLAk_JdLies4LTpq_Vh6SZUS_JeddC4wXymwv7Yu-EaN-GQFaWWVJIMFMvXP8_AvxLpqN5Se5ZOrOMiDk5-zj1E6vywpUvoWuwU8k0Rl7xKJx0QhF/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-56296661400432470102014-01-16T16:38:00.001+13:002014-01-16T16:38:56.142+13:00Me & Mine project: Intro and a dress for me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know what's weird? How mechanics have broken cars, and builders have never-ending renos.. and sewing people never make things for their own family! I'm forever being asked if I made the dress I'm wearing, or the clothes the boys are wearing, or, well, any fabric gift we give anyone. <br />And I very rarely have made those things. I am always so busy sewing up custom orders, or readymades, for Croutons - so sewing stuff for us seems less exciting, and less productive (due to not earning money from it!)<br />But, it sucks. Really, it does. Earning money is great (and much needed) but our kids are growing fast, and I really want them to be the type of grown-ups who complain about how Mum insisted on putting them in homemade clothes! Heh. And the ones who are embarrassed when Mum turns up to pick them up from a party wearing a homemade nana-frock. My best friend in primary had a Mum who made everything for her and her three siblings. Everything from jeans to undies! <br />(While I wish I could be that dedicated, I can't quite, but I want to at least make the undies...)<br /><br />And, with that, I announce my personal project for this year. Inspired (heavily) by my friend <a href="http://www.hazelmade.co.nz/a/" target="_blank">Hazel</a> (and also by <a href="http://taliachristine.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Talia Christine</a>!) I'm doing a 'Me & Mine' project.<br />I am not setting myself any numbers, but I want to greatly increase the amount of sewing/crafting I do for my family. I want to sew clothes, repurpose things, paint and decorate things, maybe even BUILD things? Who knows where this will lead.<br /><br />Behold, my first project:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9EmeK7qpS1znExZA933MrZsvpTls9rVa0QKiMoiC2GC2lhrk41JygyV5ppwjC51oEi642phKIJ7CpWwU_ngvaEzsTD-xdipkNulG9TaEWQPSvmk4rRqpgrzwKONT-iapDRFmpSI9V4bJ/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I've been wanting to do this for a long time, this was just the kick in the pants I needed.<br />I took one of my favourite vintage dresses - a style I have found many times, in many sizes, and is super flattering - and traced a pattern from it. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRNWDmf9qlSteknhRIN9a-U2CBiuxZR2zChShR-zl4KDcUso4_W1faKH2sLDp9Q2MJ2M42ZB133-T8D7sciGCkYWFLAle0lUF41rWb5ATpLnPZqBwTab5xLSbuBgiktn89ZS82xXZuR-W/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I took a duvet cover I found at the Sallie a few weeks ago, and I cut out the pattern pieces. <br />Then I whipped it up over the course of last weekend.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qz8nFxhyjGFY-Q87oA8FMMZGH8jlGPtXmcMnCV3DPfj7xsGVIJUI2NLYvBD6Pp4ynODvkUfnyYg-Qf1pmkUomm667kqk7v2_VEh7kmUAcxdErYzfZJ1_pkzRt2xLTU2g0_Wjt0xu4vh-/s1600/IMG_0389edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I was so pleased with how quickly it came together. And even more thrilled when my dodgy pattern taking technique actually proved to be quite accurate!! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkW4pEDELx-G-pIGTt2t8ELW_E2DJRVRkiyil0DRD0GC-r44GB1Oal4m5e02_kLguEA5dZLexvs6kH6tghyphenhyphenI8k41BIqIlqrCrzeb0Ubyz3iKAfRKxcvOvuNBTWXo0Y15y3mwg2d48ILbM/s1600/IMG_0390edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmZuXQzqywprudFhzChzvpTzgH-18iejABlRpJGNngwp06twsvkgYUn1Ly0Rg1Uy42diRlBL6BY-41l1gMaH5PkcUBvkEScFiNo9qYwUfR3Ej-YvtxYRRFR0Naw9Ebu_MYLLxaJ46mhnZ/s1600/IMG_0391edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I didn't need to alter many things, and I have taken some notes on
possible improvements for next time. (Oh, there WILL be a next time -
soon!)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUf-O8ehWrAR9hi6eJiD4NuVRbg5HiGEngUfS0SCm3hAmDoVUWOpB_AJxQFMEiUiYpiFoWPgSrGEBp5vAs7CB0u7mQZBlV8Gl29dQ-MpiTSFhsyqmLQebrJ-PTbQXMwLF1F5M49MivKGb/s1600/IMG_0372edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhKx9dJI4BsYxbrGd6bqACK65eRoFZg5fI7v9UrdsvdZL_w7dabDEz886vhz46YhW4xoRKjMV-igw7WZZjexhUHozOsT5geEzITfFhRJ22MasYp0S_JTW4InPkFqES7RmSmlVAgbgFmad/s1600/IMG_0373edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I'm especially pleased with the pattern placement, totally worked out how it looked in my head. Love it when that happens! <br />I'm excited to be able to say 'yes!' next time someone asks me if I made my dress.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3BMS2_r1D8x3ILAk-EgVQsVgYYL1l3UfRFGdBPVQD2FuDRy-m6OS9zkfs-irblXC3rKhguoN3trlw_sasy-DXznCzfU_LcWrTU84g83HU5IftxW67VL4CWiD69_RFtqd-M50FaBbN2gL/s1600/IMG_0377edit.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhZc7LRvugBRYd6rbuUP9fIq_bqubgc0hgCJ8UOfY0k6gpEaxSqBCSiHqTW4Q3qFXf5pjThftSED1XSkiae8G9mMWnRTs2YCSCK8b5pU2pR76SPQe5zFfVZCQZ8RDP1Lg2GV7Tzxfl_XD/s1600/IMG_0386edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Bonus shots of Mol modelling her birthday suit, and of my swish new non-frumpy-housewife haircut. Heh.)</span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-87130272371139503812014-01-11T09:48:00.000+13:002014-01-11T09:48:51.723+13:0050 Dangerous Things : #2 Lick a 9-volt Battery.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VwJGA7BYHfPshhUDQtggBdBDDn4us7DTLx902ARmmvbjmFoMoSMhRyyap1G_UfA-THsHWKXEts1h338kq7_VZZDzgNpx2bj7KfQL3BR1SjlcfxO5B5m5e2s8IN4d9ukbq3sfasdaAP4i/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />Number two - Lick a 9-volt battery! Eeep. This one got some of us feeling very nervous, indeed.<br />On the face of it, it seems pretty simple. Tongue plus battery, done. Right? But trying to get your brain to allow your hand to physically put that battery onto something as sensitive as your tongue is a a big hurdle!<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IUPmd1XfRxDrjE4Qr0Y-uUZfM_OAeFZkw-8X1F4q1rRNjR_bk7VOVMtiuPGBV12XDVGBMqUycHJhRiOTuqiTO8x7eqmIuMLGD3NxIgguGC_N0g6N3X3Mo_pprT3nVObCO4o2npnRlwtD/s1600/IMG_0331edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTppDcIg4dy2h9gq55alrvD3n5E-IvYFKTIj6mEChMFQP-2rjkFdVO483fBU_zFx9FIZF5hc3a3yy3qVItg5aHADcVB_Gg0Gdnx8rvRG1BV7jC7lEQX5sUdm8bVxyU35VeHaVcfeX4yWyf/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />As I expected, Otto (aged 4) took upon the task with gusto. He was very keen to go first, he stuck his tongue out and did it without much of a reaction at all. He wasn't keen to do it again, but he did it. He described the feeling as 'yuck'.<br />Abraham had a bit of a struggle to get his brain to cooperate, but did it pretty quickly. He described the feeling more like a bitter taste than an actual buzz.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrTSu7s_3vAicg3SFt3XF_4pRi__-x0Ke2utbhNHXGwvH08ZlFUYr6uBm584vAUwk7bgaYottnpjYtjbPKKK1FRpX0Ewb4Xlv92Ba0leMW1m3mfYQ0lbEljjd8nx_qRZD6PNH5RsZ6b8k/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" height="400" width="266" /><br /><br />Aesop, our nearly-nine year old, is a bright spark. He also struggles to do things that he is not 100% certain about. His brain works overtime and he struggles to overcome it. In a lot of ways, he is the main driving force behind us doing this 50 Dangerous Things challenge.<br />It took about 20 minutes of talking him into it, but he felt so much better once he had done it. I knew the feeling of not being included in the challenge, and not having his picture in the book would be far worse than any discomfort from the battery!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl5-3BXbwTT6fUgKBnMy9GMANkYHzkWxzb7gjb0YUQnm_pCfo675bdftcUgnI-t7v7MIHrforrpuHU0Jjt0YGC4aqqR2XicbeNNHSk8OlV4NeuHWKNkm8VSdzMT1IpZwlQOv7V_sLQP2C/s1600/IMG_0338edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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I found this surprisingly easy. I had the initial panic and then decided that I needed to tough it out if there was any chance of Aesop having a turn. It was a really strange feeling, a buzzing, almost pinching sensation and a bitter metallic after taste.<br />Strange, but not truly shocking ; ) <br /><br />That makes 2/50 complete! Whoop! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-73409045220706772612014-01-10T11:48:00.000+13:002014-01-10T11:48:08.633+13:0050 Dangerous Things - Intro and thing #1!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wUZYwbXCbLUqme9aLF4qHy_EZXxOIvykq9jl02dGJCm-QS_l0mt98YwhA-yaDWoaBvRgzM62J1Kl6gWMx18jx75wRn7Ejp64TcIwz-28YCnXU_fGxkVjWMUfZ2Lfec-YO0fhyphenhyphenxQmPNdY/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Inspired by one of my favourite friends (<a href="http://moo.mon.co.nz/" target="_blank">who happens to be a super great blogger</a>) and her sweet family, our family has purchased this <a href="http://www.fiftydangerousthings.com/" target="_blank">book</a> and set ourselves a challenge for this year : to get brave, and complete these <a href="http://www.fiftydangerousthings.com/" target="_blank">50 Dangerous Things</a>. We're calling it a team building exercise.<br /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyjkixh0mZjfHERzEr4q0vAP1W9hj3EZ1EqtCoUcveTwuJ1WJ2XHuDv9BH9xFNHa8nINiSrQmJ_MDpBwLdyWCmEMB2eC3kpHM1xy2VS4Hq7vOWKRyzytUXNMtBsOfevJqI4K8IupmVIle/s1600/50dt-cover-only1.jpg" height="400" width="317" /><br /><br />If I'm really honest, it's a much-needed reminder, for Abraham and
I, to let our kids experience the simple-yet-memorable things that we
all did as kids. <br />Things like licking batteries, making slingshots,
burning things with a magnifying glass, sleeping in the wild, building
campfires and sticking your arm out of a moving car. <br />I mean, we did
those things and survived, right? We probably didn't even do them with
supervision and instruction from adults.. we had a blast, and we still survived to tell
the tale. <br />It's really easy to bubble wrap our kids. Society
encourages it! We're forever hearing of schools banning playground
games, toys being deemed 'unsafe', our favourite fireworks going off the
market, children getting hurt doing things that would have been
everyday activities a decade ago. I find myself discouraging all sorts of things, without realising it. <br />It's really hard for kids to learn
about danger, without experiencing any. And really hard for parents to remember how important that learning is. We're hoping that, by encouraging
our kids to try these things, that they'll learn about the boundaries of
danger and learn when it's okay to give things a go, and when it's best
to give it a miss. (And we'll learn not to be so afraid to let them be kids!)<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTWYAoF2xD_cGgP7N4HUQMg3gWUkc76ogICl88V4toPOrmtYl9-q4QG43Z9KtgdkCHByjmVfOLXACaVzwiO23wJ3JFre-Ija5IDlPTF9Rn25PKFsW11PfN31LNmYwBsU392ztnGtR1uyr/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DiYJegeyRtIwoNfXbtQ3IRgtH2ZuO4e05kx335Difs2Ul_qdCNm2cWx8XqD-OowR0j3mzeJ7HDP7BzhT5_g02CRvPjqkgK4aL5oF7KW_exLzz0H8iuuWI8vyl0I9GCxS5VYRSPt5PlZW/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />We've had a flick through the book, trying to decide where to start - and then, yesterday, the weather decided for us! The clouds darkened, the temperature dropped, and it started hailing!<br />Number 2 in the book is - Play in a hailstorm! Perfect!</div>
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The book suggested putting a metal bowl on your head (for the sound effects!), donning a coat, long pants and gloves and heading out to play. We compromised a little - figured maybe going out in a lightening storm with a metal bowl wasn't super smart - and used plastic bowls. We also skipped the warm, protective clothing, it wasn't hailing really hard and wasn't too cold. We had a warm-up bath afterwards, instead. <br />The kids loved it. They didn't stay out long, due to the very loud thunder freaking them out a bit, but they managed to eat some hail that had collected on the tramp and run around a bit.<br /><br />They were mostly just excited to have made a start on the project! They're busy deciding right now which activities we might be able to do this weekend.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />(As the storm continued, we decided that a pizza and movie night was also in order. So nice to snug up on the couch on a rainy evening.)</span><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-17031396586221712762014-01-09T14:41:00.000+13:002014-01-09T14:41:22.481+13:00Ahhhh Summertime.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /> Happy new year, lovelies!<br /><br />We're full into the swing of Summertime, over here. Beaches and pools are being swum in, Christmas presents are being played with (especially that big, bouncy one!), dinners are being eaten outdoors and general chaos is the norm at our place! <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Summer is not my favourite time of the year, but I'm doing my best to roll with it this year, I even donned togs the other day! Say whaaaa?!)</span><br /><br />We had the coolest Christmas this year. We spent just over a week camping over at Ohiwa (about 40 minutes from home, nice and handy but juuuust far enough away to make it a real holiday!) with my parents. We had the most glorious weather, just a few wee spots of rain the whole time - just enough to keep the temperature reasonable, actually. We beached, crabbed, walked, blobbed, gifted, ate our body weight in treats, beached a bit more, walked a bit more and even caught the odd afternoon nap. So relaxed and lovely. I really enjoyed not stressing about traveling from family to family, or about getting the house tidy, or even really about preparing a fancy lunch. We ate the most delicious, simple bbq meal and it was just what we needed. <br />Can't wait to do it all again next Christmas.<br /><br />I feel a bit like it has taken me 9 days to feel ready for it to be a new year, and a new start! Always need a wee break after a holiday with three kids. Hah. But yesterday morning I woke up feeling like it was a fresh year. I logged myself out of Facebook, for what I hope is going to be a really long break (crushing that addiction will make a HUGE change to my life... you can laugh, but FB addiction is some serious stuff!) and got stuck into my housework. I revised our budgets and I bought a new daily/monthly planner - I'm getting myself organised. 2014, BRING IT!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-39238415550937998622013-10-13T14:49:00.003+13:002013-10-13T14:49:58.967+13:00Mollie's Chair: 18 Months (A catch up!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Mollie<br />18 Months</span><br />
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My goodness, this girl is getting big! <br />
Life is so busy at the moment that I, sadly, completely forgot to take the 17 month photos. Mothering fail! <br />
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One-and-a-half is proving to be a good age for Mol.<br />
We've gained a few teeth (cutting a huge molar at the moment! Ouch!), finally starting to grow a tiny bit of hair and are getting taller by the week.<br />
Mol is getting steadier on her feet, far less toddling when she walks, and her grasp of words is growing so quickly, too. She delights is greetings and farewells 'Hiya!' ' Bye!' ''Eeeeya!' <br />Mollie is learning her brothers names ('To!' 'Op!'), learning other peoples names, learning names for things around the house. One of my favourites is the way she says her own name 'Mo-yee'. So sweet.<br /><br />
Sleep has been up and down. We attempted to take the side of the cot, without much success. It has now gone back on and things have calmed down a little. Next step might be teaching her to get to sleep without the boob.. <br /><br />I think it's safe to say that Mol is no longer a little baby, she's very much a toddler. She insists on doing everything that her brothers get to do, and can't understand if she's left out.<br />
Her favourite things include dancing, playing with the babies, washing dishes, riding the tandem trike, 'reading' books and chasing the boys.<br /></div>
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I realised, when taking these pictures, that the suit she is wearing is the same fabric as the one she was wearing in these first pictures - at just one week old. She's a bit bigger now, huh?!<br />Must say, I'm still a little sniffly when I think about the fact that we'll never have a teensy one in the house again, but I'm also realllly looking forward to the adventures these kids will have when they're all old enough to play and explore together.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-68211240995323543542013-09-23T16:02:00.001+12:002013-09-23T16:02:58.322+12:00Lately (a catch up..)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know it's time to write a blog post when people start emailing to see if you are alright (thank you!).<br />I AM! I'm actually pretty good! I've just been in a bit of a funny headspace for blogging. <br />Shall I catch you up a little bit?<br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGK8r4axx82e6yo6GMtcV5Ck70_1FC9STVyck6id2mo-8EniQDwXtvtxubuT3h7iuEJkW5qYnTgJku0e2s1QED4JyKRSkhWbn-9OymsMxE4kZ-4lT3awNEcGPcu79mzgjATy94DbaEOn8m/s640/IMG_9986.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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We've all been battling the common Winter ailments - coughs and snuffles, a minor dose of the Winter Blues... head lice. Haha. Maybe not so Wintry, but definitely an ailment. Those things are NASTY! <br />We have come through it all, though. One of us with a bald head, and one who still has a tinge of green in her nostrils, but we're all ready for Spring now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXWbqJ1DJ33N97wHSIS0hPeNx99We7jUM38hyphenhyphenPh9j8y49r4wmmlLNIHGUc_vQtkg9pxwLuUdBMKr7okkADG-Bo8uv81T5uyqQzXE6QsSOlT7yfmfRc20o8l6ogtFJ_GMhMfIpxftnW5QW/s1600/IMG_9968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXWbqJ1DJ33N97wHSIS0hPeNx99We7jUM38hyphenhyphenPh9j8y49r4wmmlLNIHGUc_vQtkg9pxwLuUdBMKr7okkADG-Bo8uv81T5uyqQzXE6QsSOlT7yfmfRc20o8l6ogtFJ_GMhMfIpxftnW5QW/s640/IMG_9968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been sewing. I've filled lots of custom orders, made some readymades, and have plenty more on the go. I'm still struggling to find that balance, and things are taking much longer than I would like them to.. but I'm getting there. <br /><br />We've been doing a lot of assessing of our lives the past few weeks, setting some goals, figuring things out. One of the major things to come from this, for me, is that we decided to put Mollie in daycare for a few hours a week - so that I can spend some more time sewing, put a little more energy and effort into my little business/hobby.<br />It has been a time of conflicted feelings for me. <br />While I wish I was the type of person who could thrive from being around my kids 24/7, I'm not. I feel ridiculous amounts of guilt about that. I also feel like putting Mol in care, even for 6 hours a week, is making her grow up even faster - not what I want at all! But the little miss is such a social creature, she gets incredibly bored and frustrated stuck at home with me all day and I, in turn, end up frustrated with her. Not ideal! So yeah, she needs the social time and I need the sewing time (read: the money..) Ugh. I know I don't need to justify any of this to you (you, kind blog reader, wouldn't judge me, aye?) but I'm kind of more still justifying it to myself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQCkyQTSZxjvUzmELWqCXLxLT9cNJ8hkNDjZgNpsYpSc1Vao8P8Z7L5UMRi_PqjEypxMDfBO8-q_rCX4remnzIJU203_TRDGBI4VM4CmWLHb6WBv0GxXR0WILx25h0yX4hBsfLXFIvsU9/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQCkyQTSZxjvUzmELWqCXLxLT9cNJ8hkNDjZgNpsYpSc1Vao8P8Z7L5UMRi_PqjEypxMDfBO8-q_rCX4remnzIJU203_TRDGBI4VM4CmWLHb6WBv0GxXR0WILx25h0yX4hBsfLXFIvsU9/s640/IMG_9849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCDu3OGEqHtYKDVkDb7Uk7w_lL1XjiqAsx2aea6umuXLPDQTo8yTjwHZRbcSJ9oHTNZgn8nsMapWszOw2voQBpD5NHyV1LLgjJqJURl5QygoovTrIVboW1R9pE-H2ag1RWlXblEwUTXMy/s1600/spring3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCDu3OGEqHtYKDVkDb7Uk7w_lL1XjiqAsx2aea6umuXLPDQTo8yTjwHZRbcSJ9oHTNZgn8nsMapWszOw2voQBpD5NHyV1LLgjJqJURl5QygoovTrIVboW1R9pE-H2ag1RWlXblEwUTXMy/s640/spring3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The past few weeks, we've been doing bits and pieces around the house. Windowsills got painted, kitchen light got fixed, trees and plants got planted, vegies went into the ground.. <br />It's starting to really feel like home, despite there still being a long list of things we'd like to do. Guessing that list never really gets shorter! <br />I think the next things on our short term list are hanging a pinboard for the kids artwork, hanging more pictures on the walls, and painting that horrible blue strip around the bottom of the house! <br />Midterm plans include more garden/vege beds and replacing the gas fire with a woodburner.</div>
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I'm not sure if I've even mentioned it here, but I've been on a bit of a weightloss/healthy eating mission. I completed the C25K program on the crosstrainer, and have joined WeightWatchers.<br /> I'm struggling to stay on the wagon a bit this week (highs and lows!) but I've lost just under 10kg so far (in 10 weeks) and am excited to be starting to see the difference in my energy levels and how my clothes fit.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">This <a href="http://www.catherinecampbell.net/" target="_blank">Catherine Campbell</a> print was a small reward I nabbed for myself. I've been trying to treat myself to a little something every 2kg loss : )</span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C905_TYih3lLBlU-d1JvM6Tb7Xcq3PC6uhJ0BGrIKAwKaBbDQUjhEACdrxkltkLf0QEsfWlAsUo2t57OuvKbLJ3SmCs2qUU99fhmZ0Kk5BHqZoXCKGOm6N53nycfB0qvWBDWtli1R9aW/s1600/IMG_9997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C905_TYih3lLBlU-d1JvM6Tb7Xcq3PC6uhJ0BGrIKAwKaBbDQUjhEACdrxkltkLf0QEsfWlAsUo2t57OuvKbLJ3SmCs2qUU99fhmZ0Kk5BHqZoXCKGOm6N53nycfB0qvWBDWtli1R9aW/s640/IMG_9997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think that's about as much of a recap as I can manage. Otherwise, we've just been bumbling along like usual. Mostly, anyway. <br /><br />What have <i>you</i> been up to?</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-42379246549971261262013-09-20T20:48:00.000+12:002013-09-21T10:24:45.069+12:00A birthday window-shop.<div style="text-align: center;">
It's my birthday in 10 days. <br />
It's not a 'milestone' birthday, or anything, and it won't be a huge deal. We also don't have any money for big, extravagant gifts or outings. I've actually asked Abraham not to buy me anything - but, you know, sometimes dreaming about what you might like as a gift is even better than getting it. <br />
(<span style="font-size: x-small;">Truly. I have so much stuff, I have no neeeeeeed for more!</span>)<br />
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Anywho, with that in mind, I've put together a wee Felt wishlist to share with you : ) <br />
I loved putting together the Felt showcases I was doing a wee while ago, there are just so many clever crafters around our little country! Hopefully you might spot something you love, too.</div>
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<img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5X-jt5XTZkfSd7wTNpz6LoTD4b9TzoSOxlxvFOWxWuBux7BAAHEzW4yIK1CeyP__t8DI2slf9yC3Ri-CQbImL8csBwUXlzAZYxln2VW2EfvVoFZ6kz9z5ummg_J8Au96w2if5mST8KaZ/s400/b.jpg" width="400" /><a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/103055/Wool-Star-Brooch" target="_blank"><br /><br />Woollen star brooch</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/ramari" target="_blank">Ramari Textiles</a></div>
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<img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqjK4PSEldBjdVuRW1T1XFBmZDqgDNgxmqrkV-XPwpyLxfTdj1ltsrREQDdJ2tP5Ab-zoPUun1wkK0prr2A2XzJsVYGMZwj-1lS5gduNHqVX4AsE1tLvyOLvZnPYiLTeiWJ-lIRi9Warl/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /><a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/169349/Set-of-4-Handmade-Buttons---Anchors" target="_blank"><br /><br />Anchor buttons</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/elpatoguapo" target="_blank">El Pato Guapo<br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictWrVFdk4X_cq1EUbUlF-wI-c-g0olB5edIjfStFwBxal7HiP6EpiOHt1oTn5OLSD09Iu1bwpGCxNlwoSn8tDhzhu02H0evg31efA7A6pGunZijEqr62xn9B7wv2lSuCnsDmwKbORgaIP/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictWrVFdk4X_cq1EUbUlF-wI-c-g0olB5edIjfStFwBxal7HiP6EpiOHt1oTn5OLSD09Iu1bwpGCxNlwoSn8tDhzhu02H0evg31efA7A6pGunZijEqr62xn9B7wv2lSuCnsDmwKbORgaIP/s400/c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/148328/Green-Crochet-Slippers-with-Natural-White-Felted-Pompoms" target="_blank">Crochet slippers</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/houseshoes" target="_blank">House Shoes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6a3SwHbpuE2QASChCG6y9cBLW4oS2lzWgn0PzeUV9Eo_Vt8-dA7BJQvDVt72RH_bzjy3_RZsMyzTLLJd4H3tF4EWQ3yM_kziQMz7XI4fG2P55PYv1K8CxhfDc8xngK8J72jJtfNPeGYC/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6a3SwHbpuE2QASChCG6y9cBLW4oS2lzWgn0PzeUV9Eo_Vt8-dA7BJQvDVt72RH_bzjy3_RZsMyzTLLJd4H3tF4EWQ3yM_kziQMz7XI4fG2P55PYv1K8CxhfDc8xngK8J72jJtfNPeGYC/s400/d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/155375/May-convertible-scarf" target="_blank">'May' Convertible scarf </a>by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/pommesrouges" target="_blank">Pommesrogues</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6oCd5slQgRIjefD11kJsJJD2C-XRSnK4gDxvWT1wDnfuOofK9bUrUDaBBOzd6b1W6dPzAtgTozj1yyZA_gZip2gvwl-unyXGYlFBoPL8sz6sWNcJ64XcrIOgcSB3WtxsormfBeSlOvoN/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6oCd5slQgRIjefD11kJsJJD2C-XRSnK4gDxvWT1wDnfuOofK9bUrUDaBBOzd6b1W6dPzAtgTozj1yyZA_gZip2gvwl-unyXGYlFBoPL8sz6sWNcJ64XcrIOgcSB3WtxsormfBeSlOvoN/s400/e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/169995/Big-Monster---Thunder" target="_blank">Big Monster </a>by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/needlebot" target="_blank">Needlebot</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhJ2PrYhqRw2sBxtmSzvB3NO1XVtSlz1u_x_PrJGCKk9T_6ev8LoUvBLNYVJFncz7gR6qWqov1KV9-Y7XGeicEGm0Dw7VL78H78LLfo6Sop3Wm1kblsbF2Jv4lMcmqxPkkRDCgWXtdwPY/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhJ2PrYhqRw2sBxtmSzvB3NO1XVtSlz1u_x_PrJGCKk9T_6ev8LoUvBLNYVJFncz7gR6qWqov1KV9-Y7XGeicEGm0Dw7VL78H78LLfo6Sop3Wm1kblsbF2Jv4lMcmqxPkkRDCgWXtdwPY/s400/f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/150794/KNUCKLE-TAT---CUSTOMIZABLE-CARD" target="_blank">Knuckle Tat card</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/oddoneout" target="_blank">Odd One Out</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmpAOCmsYLopOp2LQwYbIUixEwV7NcJ9f4Qk96FPzjGUEJJb3wvnUNq1bm0bpex39ISzdbjbJm-GXp4OZD4Qmsu6CyVqxuyYS0nEog8ad24kjEuhhlPA1z3tqBjEb34Q62xSk_ntg-rHT/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmpAOCmsYLopOp2LQwYbIUixEwV7NcJ9f4Qk96FPzjGUEJJb3wvnUNq1bm0bpex39ISzdbjbJm-GXp4OZD4Qmsu6CyVqxuyYS0nEog8ad24kjEuhhlPA1z3tqBjEb34Q62xSk_ntg-rHT/s400/g.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/161556/Shell-be-right" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/161556/Shell-be-right" target="_blank">'She'll be right' print</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/dudodesign" target="_blank">Dudo Design</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf3eZK4L9Ba_8XzNAlgRD74KdqR7VIAktfdKhLW5pG-Iu6YO-xWw1SxhPxRLL7bJqzBSEwykCf9Y14F-OTMDmpKItw-413riHeqYrS9sckO6m3JXqLfPyow_odYWPz3gzp2SgteNVaFf3/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf3eZK4L9Ba_8XzNAlgRD74KdqR7VIAktfdKhLW5pG-Iu6YO-xWw1SxhPxRLL7bJqzBSEwykCf9Y14F-OTMDmpKItw-413riHeqYrS9sckO6m3JXqLfPyow_odYWPz3gzp2SgteNVaFf3/s400/h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://felt.co.nz/listing/168301/Rabbit-in-a-Jar" target="_blank">Rabbit in a jar</a> by <a href="http://felt.co.nz/shop/pietjes" target="_blank">Pietjes</a></div>
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Have you spotted anything awesome on the Internet lately?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-11542227033481941232013-08-12T13:42:00.000+12:002013-08-12T13:42:05.467+12:00A 'lesson' in bike riding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9491172348_39cc71b416_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />We've been talking about taking the training wheels of Otto's bike for awhile now. <br />I think we were a little nervous. Teaching Aesop to ride his bike was quite a mission for Abraham. It took months and months, much patience and many tears.<br />Otto is a very different child though. Those two are like chalk and cheese, so I knew it would be slightly easier second time round.<br /><br />We bundled up on Saturday arvo, just before it rained, and headed down to the bike track at one of the local schools. My Mum and Dad came along, too.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9488355059_3f0a4d82e5_z.jpg" width="416" /><br /><br />As soon as we set foot on the track, Otto jumped on his bike. With a few seconds of Abraham holding the seat, so he could push off..... away he went! No tears shed and no patience required!!<br /><br />It turns out that the balance bike his Koro bought his for his 2nd birthday completely paid off. Within minutes, Otto was confidently cycling half way round the field!<br /><br />So proud!<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/9491182988_726ee95c90_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /></div>
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9491157628_c7f273d26c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9491157628_c7f273d26c_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9488369355_6ea5d4e4bf_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Miss Mollie got adventurous and went up and down a few of the jumps (with Nana's help, of course!), and Aesop biked round and round like a pro.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9491177368_19dc74269e_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9491177368_19dc74269e_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /></div>
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9488353977_d47a1d1539_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9488353977_d47a1d1539_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Three kids on wheels! <br /><br />This is especially exciting, as we're planning a
big camping trip in the Summer - bikes will make getting around the
camp ground much, much easier for all of us. Yay!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-562791365364455062013-08-08T08:13:00.000+12:002013-08-08T08:16:12.929+12:00Tiny Eyes Collaboration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OHMYGOSH!</div>
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You guys have been following along with the progress of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyEyesNZ?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tiny Eyes</a> dolls, aye?! </div>
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The wonderful Dee, who might be the most talented person in the world, offered seven creatives the chance to design one of her dolls. I was one of the lucky seven.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VXmx29kT-8VvvKo49CfzLiBCkfRxB_b7ZQhMMFqdlbhtvX5PD62rrBrOt1sgRvnyFycjn1xRHYyGs8DfBbUJMBsFy5ryWsndiIIDerejPcbt-QN83GZ_X-w4fNIMQjLVqCSfQViztWfl/s1600/IMG_8951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VXmx29kT-8VvvKo49CfzLiBCkfRxB_b7ZQhMMFqdlbhtvX5PD62rrBrOt1sgRvnyFycjn1xRHYyGs8DfBbUJMBsFy5ryWsndiIIDerejPcbt-QN83GZ_X-w4fNIMQjLVqCSfQViztWfl/s640/IMG_8951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had so much fun doodling a sketch of the wee lass, picking out fabrics and sewing up a tiny dress and itty bitty rosette. I'm quite certain I've never stitched such small stitches before, but it was strangely enjoyable! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />(Perhaps doll accessories is my future line of work? ; P</span>)</div>
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This is the finished product. Isn't she INCREDIBLE?! (If I do say so myself!)</div>
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Dee has done a most fabulous job.</div>
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The other dolls (which you can see over here.. though you've seen them, right?) are equally as fabulous. And you're in luck. They will be auctioned tomorrow!</div>
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To bid on the Croutons doll, or any of the others, you need to follow
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyEyesNZ?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tiny Eyes on FB</a>, and join Dee's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/168711739983800/" target="_blank">event</a>. There you will be able to take
part in the auction from Friday lunchtime, through to Sunday lunch. Be
warned though, I've been saving my pennies, and I have my eye on at
least one of the other dolls! Heh.</div>
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The dolls are also on display at the Walton Street Cafe in Te Awamutu today, from 8-2pm. If you're passing by, please call in for a cuppa and ogle them for me. I'm most envious of those who get to see them all in one place! So good.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-73377847882059526202013-08-07T12:09:00.002+12:002013-08-07T12:09:46.236+12:00Corners of my home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />I feel like our little whare is taking shape. It's a slow process, though, this making a home from a house thing.<br />When we bought this place, we wrote gigantic big lists of things we wanted to do. We also wrote lists of things we <i>needed</i> to do. I would love to say either of these lists have become any shorter but, in fact, they have both grown. This appears to be the nature of the beast that is home ownership.<br /><br />I like to take photos like these, though, to remind myself that we're getting there. A new blue, chalkboard, wall in the boys room, a swing hung in the back yard, a few lettuce plants in the ground, the primer up on the kitchen door.. these are all itty bitty steps, but we're making progress.<br /><br />It's been a strange last few weeks. So busy, yet not. <br />We've been fighting off a dose of the Winter Blues, and mostly winning (first year I've been able to say that!). I've been focusing a lot of my health (weightloss/exercise) and less on sewing and blogging (maybe you've noticed?) and I'm struggling to find a good balance between the two. I do like a good challenge though, so that is my goal for the next month - try and find that magical place, where I'm spending enough time on the cross-trainer, but also storing enough energy to sew for a few hours each night.<br /><br />That, and keep chipping away at our house-lists.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-72123666234880622452013-07-30T14:47:00.001+12:002013-07-30T14:47:21.356+12:00Mollie's Chair - 15 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9362355269_8843517bed_z.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mollie<br />15 Months</span><br /><br />I'm a week late, thanks to the busy-ness of the school holidays, but Mollie is now 15 months old!<br /><br />I
won't lie, the past month hasn't been the happiest for Mollie (or us!).
Those darn teeth have been causing so much pain and upset. Luckily,
three have broken through the gum now (giving her a grand total of 6)
and I'm hoping relief is on the horizon.<br />Mollie and Otto also managed to both get their very first tummy bug during the holidays. Poor wee mites. That was no fun at all!<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9362350395_92990c80ec_z.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />In amidst the nasties, there have been lovely times, too. <br />Mollie
has formed a firm attachment to her baby. Until finding her baby, she
had been 'mothering' soft toys; cuddling, carrying around, patting them
gently on the back as she went. But this baby really takes the cake, as
far as Mol is concerned.<br />The maternal instinct truly is a nature vs. nurture thing. This girl has it in spades.<br /><br />Mol
has also discovering singing and dancing, in a big way. Girl's got
moves. Her bopping along has turned into swaying and arm movements. It's
crazy cute.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9362323131_1b3162fbc7_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Mollie only seems to have a few words in her vocab at the moment. <br />(Perhaps even fewer than a month ago?_<br />ALL questions, regardless of answer, get the same reply 'NAH!' (accompanied by a firm shake of the head, of course!)<br />'Mum!' is shouted loud, 'Ow!' is hilarious, 'Uh-oh!' is whenever anything goes wrong. <br /><br />Her wobbly waddle has turned into a steadier, wide-legged walk. She has picked up speed, and delights in running away at changing time, or chasing her brothers down the hall.<br /><br /></div>
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<br />I
had considered sending Mol to a friends place a morning or two each
week, this term. I had plans to up the sewing hours (and, thus,
income..) but at the moment her sleep is all over the place, and
clinginess could be her middle name. Sewing may just have to wait.<br /><br />We're keeping our fingers crossed for a slightly cruisier month with our little lady, but one never knows with small people. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-54596853199810416722013-07-14T22:08:00.000+12:002013-07-14T22:08:10.336+12:00Lately.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />It has been quiet around here. A lull in blog posts. <br />It's not for lack of love, merely lack of interesting things to post about. Life just bubbles along at the moment. Filled with kids, baking, housework, sewing...washing. So, so much washing. <br /><i>(And some taxes (boo!) and hut making (hooray!)..)</i><br /><br />This week marks the start of the school holidays though. Hopefully, this will mean a little less rushing from home-school-kindy and a little more time to hang out, take photos and do blog-worthy things. I'm not usually one to look forward to the holidays, but I'm actually sort of looking forward to these ones. Just the thought of not <i>having</i> to be anywhere. Glorious.<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-65156462375710778522013-07-04T08:45:00.000+12:002013-07-04T08:46:53.233+12:00A Baby Raccoon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Otto's party, I knew Mol needed to be a raccoon. I also knew she would definitely not leave a hat/ears/facepaint on. She's not a hat wearer at the best of times.</div>
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I've been in love with the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildthingsdresses?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Wild Things</a> dresses for quite awhile now. </div>
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<i>Had I been organised/flush enough, I would have purchased one of those. I'm not big on copying other crafters work, I promise.</i></div>
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I decided to have a go at making something similar.</div>
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I used a slightly different shaped dress, a reversible a-line dress. I knew I wanted it to be lined, for a bit of extra shape, so a reversible made sense. I didn't add the pockets, and I made my raccoon face quite a bit bigger. I used dome snaps on the straps, making it super easy to get on and off. </div>
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I made some little stripey leggings to be worn with it. For extra Raccoony-ness.</div>
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<br />
I had a bit of fun making this, and it did look cute on Mollie, but my version is no where near as gorgeous as the originals. Isn't that always the way? It's a good lesson, that I should have saved up/been organised and gone to the source : ) <br />
I dearly hope to purchase some of these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113426957/little-boys-fox-dungaree-costume?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">amazing overalls</a> for Mol before next Winter. <i><br />Anyone want to split postage?</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-62775186138291664082013-07-02T15:32:00.000+12:002013-07-02T15:32:10.276+12:00Black-and-white-Michael-Jackson-cat Party! (Super mega lots of photos!)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Okay, so I did think about trying to split this into multiple posts..
but meh. I will post all but Mol's costume in one post - it's just
easier for both of us! Will just take a little longer to load..</span></div>
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<br />Our sweet Otto turned 4 on Sunday! <br /><br />Hi day was filled with lovely presents and lots of special treats, including a bit of a shindig with some friends and whanau.<br /><br />Otto is such a creative wee soul, so when we talked about what kind of party he might like, I shouldn't really have been so surprised when he declared that he would like a 'Black-and-white-Michael-Jackson-cat' party. Those things all go together, right?!<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/9176918677_efda288185_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />Actually, it turns out they DO.<br />Who knew there were so many pictures of Michael Jackson holding cats!? While preparing for this party, I found 6 pictures, at different stages of his life, featuring felines! <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Otto <i>was</i> born 4 days after MJ passed away... kindred spirits?)</span><br />I, naturally, printed out all of these pictures, and made them into a fabulous bunting. I think it will need to be hung in the boys room when I take it down from the lounge wall.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/9176806199_7a1b0ffb67_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9176759923_a6b11afe80_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />We kept the other decorations fairly basic, too. Black table cloth, white plates, $2 shop lanterns, black+white balloons. We got out all the Michael Jackson records we have, and they provided the soundtrack for the party.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcemVauMEdVGS06t10MRH2-ctWHIaa0yGIUnYVttOl3dZ4pOntDRkR2dUwTjsgMkmBOoMNuyHpbLmS2dtWA-7gDPXUqXDQrx9pi5CP79eIJChMv0qVeaEBHrgWBWNCL6-oQQM6LGoeUKZI/s640/birthday5.jpg" width="640" /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9178989590_c83beb65ac_z.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br /> I thought about trying to have black and white themed food, but I realised this was just not going to work. And, honestly, (my) kids prefer good old kiwi party food. Sausage rolls, cheerios, lollies, hundreds and thousands biscuits, chips etc. We had cheese and crackers, mandarins and mini sandwiches, too.<br />I printed out pictures of MJ, and popped them on kebab skewers, to decorate the table.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KPDOIogpH4xMXd8jas9eCHXyXL69TGlrFU2CULTncXEf7j6xtlwMdbaVDFenR2LXPCLDVhIqKfdPxvnTOPFhQJj3ImTbyNIAkXKbfhODVPpD-mo9IQMZOjNdCOu6tMBeTSVAu5L9AaWN/s640/birthday2.jpg" width="640" /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUAwolxo0o-i8xd42WYm8F2Z5cgp8WEyT3_cxeGFzvMY3oQ9UWEhYZwBOcMzF36g5EeN-WvBjGtV8ruT_jx28IUr1U2Ny6ODKzRCVNcc9EX83WDPljys0_u-izcNt9LRIWTUtc-U0EGxV/s640/birthday6.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Otto chose his cake from <a href="http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/AWW-Childrens-Birthday-Cake-Book-Pamela-Clark-Edited-by-Australian-Womens-Weekly-Other-primary-creator/9781742450582" target="_blank">the cake book</a> - a cat. <br />(More specifically, a cat that looks like our cat, Porridge.)<br />I must say, it wasn't what I expected him to choose (the cat part of the birthday party theme came post-cake choosing..), but I was really pleased he didn't pick out something really difficult! Cake making is really not my strength! I had a bit of fun putting it all together, but it is certainly no prize-winning cake. Heh.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9176803739_0d236440cc_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Our guests donned their black and white gear, and we dressed in costumes. <br />Abraham was an All Black (named Meow'a Nonu! Haha), I was a cat, Mollie a raccoon (a post about her outfit coming soon) and Otto and Aesop were Michael Jackson himself.<br /><br /></div>
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<br />My dear boy looked so ridiculously sweet (albeit quite serious) in his little tux. <br />We had a bit of a scare, when the courier delivered his suit to the wrong house on Thursday morning. Luckily, with the help of a mutual friend, the woman in the house where it was delivered, tracked me down and got it to me on Friday. Phew! Small towns do pay off sometimes!<br />Otto was so pleased with how he looked - quite certain him and MJ were twins. <br />All his friends at the party decided to call him 'Little Michael' : )<br /><br /></div>
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<br />We had such a great time! <br />Happy birthday, Otto Schnotto! We love you so much x</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-5674985613607138602013-06-28T19:47:00.000+12:002013-06-28T19:47:07.853+12:00Mollie's Chair : 14 Months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9156323408_d1f3df8949_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mollie<br />14 Months</span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br />This month has been a big 'un, for us and for Mol.<br />This has been the month where walking has become the preferred mode of transport, where words like 'uh-oh!' 'Brubba!' 'Mum' are used in (almost always) the right context, and animal sounds are being conquered. Roooooar!</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9156318270_4b3bd62b5c_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />It has been the month where Mollie has learned how to find her nose, and other peoples' noses. Where she picks up her soft toys, hugs them tight, and pats them gently on the shoulder. Where she can do clever things, like putting the counters into the Connect 4 game, climbing up the onto the kitchen bench (and scaring the heck out of me!), hoping on and off her rocking horse (and making it rock) and eating a pottle of yogurt without assistance.<br /><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9156319780_47e43019c7_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />Her bond with her brothers grows stronger everyday. 'Brubba!' <br />They, both, now delight in carrying her around the place (she's nearly as big as Otto, so this is quite a feat for him!), sharing their food with her, fetching things for her, and watching out for her when they are playing outside. It warms my heart, so much. Long may it last!<br /><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9154097493_b6b0525046_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Mol has really become a toddler this month, not just in the walking, but in her behaviour too. Her personality is really coming through (she is as nutty as the rest of us- love it!) and she is now such a part of our family! Grasping onto these days - they are going so fast!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-69418426158188542013-06-18T06:00:00.000+12:002013-06-18T06:00:04.801+12:00Matariki Crafting Blog-hop : Upcycled merino tops.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to make something for this blog-hop, that would be used a lot. I'm so busy filling orders, that I felt a little guilty sewing something non-Croutons - the only way I could justify it was by sewing something that we genuinely needed. <br /><br />If there's one item of clothing that never goes astray over Winter, it is merino tops. Am I right? They are pretty much the perfect item for layering, for both adults and kids. Not too heavy, but nice and warm.<br /><br />I decided to my project would be a semi-tutorial on upcycling secondhand merino, into tops for kids.<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/9063103354_3314ebf241_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />With merino tops becoming more and more popular, the op shop racks are starting to have a greater population of them, too. If I see an adult's merino top, especially in a larger size, in good nick, then I nearly always snap it up. I generally pay no more than $5. This way, I always have a good stash for upcycling into clothing and hats for kids and babies.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9063098542_a9b54a6bc7_b.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />For this project I used the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">'Flashback Skinny Tee'</a> pattern by <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" target="_blank">Made by Rae</a>, but you can use any t-shirt pattern you like. You can also make your own, by tracing around a tee your kids currently wear. There are some great tutorials for doing this on the net.<br /><br />I cut the pattern pieces from the garments. I tried to use some of the details from the existing garments - the puff sleeves on the grey, and some seaming on the back of the red. I though that was a bit of fun.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/9061518995_5e774b1300_b.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Once I had cut out the arm and body pieces, I cut out some bands to use cuffs and bands around the bottoms and around the necks. For the red top, I also cut out a little collar (and a pocket I didn't end up using!)<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9061517961_ea805f8693_b.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /> I used my overlocker to put the garments together, but you could do it with a regular machine (using a appropriate stitch and a ballpoint needle, of course!)<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9063095408_635e4b3783_b.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />With the grey top, I added two little hearts cut from Tiny Happy fabric. I was really pleased with how it turned out. Love those sleeves!<br /><br /></div>
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<br />The red top, though, was a bit of a fail. <br />I was one of those people at high school, who did their projects on the
very last possible night. I always send swaps at the last possible
minute, and I leave birthday presents until the day I need them. I tell
myself it's because I work well under the pressure of a deadline - but,
really, I'm just not very organised.<br /><br />This top was a victim of that disorganisation - I left this project until this past weekend to do. And, in the rush to get it done, I cut out the wrong size pattern for the tops! Silly lady. The grey mernio was much finer, with a lot more stretch, so it's small but wearable. This red one is just too tiny. <br />(When she says 'skinny tee', she means it!) <br /><br />Oh well, I'm sure I'll find a little lady to gift it to. As I said at the start, merino tops never go astray!<br /><br />Thanks for joining me today! If you'd like to see some of the other posts in the craft-hop, head over to <a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/matariki-crafting-and-so-it-begins.html" target="_blank">Tartan Kiwi </a>for the full list, and more info.<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Tartankiwi"><img alt="Tartankiwi" src="http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/Tartankiwi1/matarikicraftingbutton_zps52228c69.png" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-35324490339634709592013-06-15T17:20:00.000+12:002013-06-15T17:20:24.138+12:00Mollie's Space (Photo heavy!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are, slowly, starting to do some little projects around our new home - and it is, slowly, beginning to feel like our own.<br /><br />This week, I decided to get stuck into the kids rooms, have a good tidy up and move a few things around. It felt good to pack away a few real baby things - the cot bumpers, some of the toys that are no longer played with, and the mobile went, too, after I took these photos. <br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/9046157074_8aba2c4b00_b.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />Mollie is starting to actually play in her room, rather than just following her brothers into their room all the time. I'll often find her pottering with her books and pulling things off the shelves. Her latest trick is climbing onto the rocking horse, clever little one! She sits and rocks back and forth - she'll be neighing and shouting 'giddy up', in no time!<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(How cute is her cardigan? Knitted by the super clever <a href="http://greenvalleycrafts.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Clare</a>. Amazing!)</span></i><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9046110928_122248d8b9_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />One of my favourite features of Mol's room is the wooden kitchen. We've had this since Aesop was 2. It is an ex-preschool one (Pintoy brand, I believe), gifted to us by some family friends.<br />The second, smaller, unit is a washing mahine, but I've turned it around so it works better as a shop counter. Otto is quite into playing shopkeeper at the moment, so we often grab the Eftpos machine out of the cupboard, find the toy phone, and set up shop.<br />Making cups of tea is a favourite, too.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9043929865_56f011e7de_b.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />This little nook, is where I feed Mollie. We sit here, snuggled up under a duvet, twice a day (or more, if she wakes in the night!). She will usually point to a toy on the shelf, and snuggle with it while she feeds.<br />The quilt is single bed sized - I made it while I was pregnant with Otto. I have not sewn a yo-yo since, and have no desire to! Haha.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(See that wee stack of wooden plates and bowls? I scored the whole lot for just $2 at the Sallies last week. I pretty much love it.)</span></i><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9046128232_88992c655c_b.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />I'm trying to surround my family with beautiful, vintage and handmade things. Mol's room is a great example of this - spot the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyEyesNZ" target="_blank">Tiny Eyes</a> doll, the <a href="http://www.emmamakes.com/" target="_blank">Emmamakes</a> kitten, a <a href="http://deb-robertson.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Deb</a> quilt and various lovely vintage wool blankets.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9043905101_78882cd156_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />A recent addtion to the room has been the tiny cluster of things on the wall. I hope to add to this as I find things - but, for the moment, it is a flower mirror Mol was gifted when she was born, a stunning Holly Hobbie embroidery I thrifted a few weeks back, and the 'M' from<a href="http://verydarkhorse.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank"> Stella's</a> alphabet set.<br /><br /></div>
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<br />Lastly, Mollie's bed. She's still not such a huge fan of sleeping here - I don't know why, I would love to have such beautiful bedding! <br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The vintage 'Love is..' sheet was a gift from my friend Amy, the bunny was made by the talented <a href="http://helenlehndorf.com/" target="_blank">Helen</a> and the vintage Heidi duvet was a lucky thrift find.</span></i><br /><br />I'd love to paint this room, and change the curtains, but these things will have to wait a bit longer. We have other projects on the go/on the list that take priority! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-78499833343622161392013-06-14T11:12:00.002+12:002013-06-14T11:12:38.258+12:00Curvy Fashion Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/9035773311_78675c7a57_b.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />I'm on time! Totally doing Curvy Fashion Friday on the right day! Huzzah!<br /><br />I snuck out into the garden yesterday morning, while the kids were getting ready for school and Mainly Music, and set up the tripod. My lines (yes, I have three different places I hang washing!) were so full of hanging clothing, that there was no way to escape having it in the pictures. I had a wee fiddle on <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">Picmonkey</a>, in hopes of making it less of an eyesore but, really, it's a bit of a reality at the moment. <br />(I'm sure all of you have houses overflowing with washing, in various stages of done-ness, too. You feel me, right?)<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/9037996366_7126523282_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />I'm wearing one of my all time fave dresses, gifted to me by my friend Amy. She has a matching one, in a slightly different colourway. Amazing. It is one of the best fitting dresses I own, and so ridiculously comfortable (very important!).<br />I'm wearing a homemade cowl, Glassons tights and Number One Shoe Warehouse boots (wish I had bought more pairs - so comfy and so hard to find boots in my size, that I like!).<br /><br /></div>
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<br />The kids soon realised I had disappeared, and came looking for me. <br />'Mum, I need a photo of my tiger!' <br />Washing and kids.. couldn't sum up my days much better than that : ) <br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-10072457217270672892013-06-10T20:15:00.000+12:002013-06-10T20:15:02.070+12:00Tiny Eyes and a revelation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/9003950690_ef5e0d23cd_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />A little while ago, Dee invited me (<a href="http://dee-construction.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/meet-designers.html" target="_blank">and 6 other wonderful creatives</a>) to design a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyEyesNZ" target="_blank">Tiny Eyes</a> doll. Eeep!<br /><br />I jumped at the chance, of course. <br />But then the nerves started.<br />What will she wear?<br />Hooooly, the other designers are amazing!<br />What if I design a doll noone wants?<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/9002765959_6a5bd88fdf_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />It turns out, it's really hard to design a doll! <br />I had so, so many ideas, it was really hard to decide quite which one to use.<br />I,
initially, thought about doing a doll that looked exactly how I would
like to look - tattoos, cute hair, peach and grey outfit, woollens,
leather boots.. <br />But, I reminded myself, I was asked to do this as Croutons, not as Rhiannon.<br /><br />I had to think, long and hard, about what would best represent my brand. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sounds so flash calling it a brand!) </span><br />I
decided, in the end, that the doll needed to be child-like. She needed
bright, pretty colours. She needed vintage florals and polka dots. She
needed a Croutons item of clothing, and a she needed a brooch, too. <br />She needed to be ridiculously sweet, with a little bit of quirk. <i>Just like Croutons!</i><br /><br /></div>
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<br />It's been really helpful, defining exactly what my brand looks like. <br />I feel a little like I have strayed from my 'look' a bit, in the past few weeks. I've had some custom orders for hoodies, that really haven't fit into my vision of Croutons. It's been good, and we've needed the money, but I'm really looking forward to taking a break from custom orders, and getting back to my own aesthetic, in the next few weeks.<br />Putting together the fabrics, choosing the colours and textures, is pretty much my favourite part of creating kidswear. I love putting that little bit of quirk in there - I don't get quite the same amount of joy with custom orders ( especially when I'm having to track down modern fabrics, in patterns I don't even really like!). <br />Turns out the 'feel' of Croutons comes from my eye for fabrics! I need to remember to run with that!<br /><br /><i>(Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful for any and all orders, the money and the love are gratefully accepted! I'm very thankful to be able to do what I do, and have it pay some bills is even more awesome.)</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-38192118100470341192013-06-10T16:46:00.003+12:002013-06-10T16:46:49.335+12:00Matariki Crafting<div align="center">
<a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Tartankiwi"><img alt="Tartankiwi" src="http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/Tartankiwi1/matarikicraftingbutton_zps52228c69.png" style="border: medium none;" /><br /></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I<span style="color: blue;">'<span style="color: blue;">m taking part in a wee</span></span></span> Winter-themed 'Blog Hop', hosted by the clever <a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Tartan Kiwi</a>, over the next two weeks.<br />This is the first time I've taken part in such a thing, and I'm still not 100% sure how this all works, but it looks like it'll be a bit of fun.<br />Each day, a different blogger will present a wintery craft project on their own blog. At the end, there will be a chance for others to share the link to their own craft and win some sweet prizes.<br />You can check out <a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/matariki-crafting-and-so-it-begins.html" target="_blank">Juliet's blog</a> for more info.<br /><br />The line-up is as follows:<br /><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We've set up a little blog hop to give you some ideas for winter
crafting projects. Make sure you visit the following people on their
days:</div>
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</div>
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Tuesday 11<sup>th</sup>
June- Lisa - <a href="http://biglittletales.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Big Little </a></div>
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Wednesday 12<sup>th</sup>
June - Louana - <a href="http://nzgreenbuttons.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">NZ Green Buttons</a></div>
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Thursday 13<sup>th</sup>
June - Stella - <a href="http://verydarkhorse.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">The Golden Adventures of a Very Dark Horse</a></div>
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Friday 14<sup>th</sup> -
<a href="http://notchkas-wardrobe.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Nin - Make. Life. Beautiful</a></div>
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We'll have a wee break over the weekend so you can catch up on anything that you missed!</div>
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Monday 17<sup>th</sup>
June - Laura -<a href="http://hootnz.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank"> HOOTNZ</a></div>
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Tuesday 18<sup>th</sup>
June – Rhiannon - <a href="http://toastclothing.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Toast and Life (That's me!)</a></div>
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Wednesday 19<sup>th</sup>
June - Dee - <a href="http://dee-construction.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Dee*Construction</a></div>
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Thursday 20<sup>th</sup>
June – Miriam – <a href="http://createhopeinspire.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Create Hope Inspire</a></div>
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Friday 21<sup>st</sup>
June - Leonie – <a href="http://3xsunshine.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Sunshine x 3</a></div>
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</div>
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Another break over the weekend</div>
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Monday 24<sup>nd</sup>
June - Roz - <a href="http://squiltz.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Squiltz</a></div>
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Tuesday 25<sup>d</sup>
June – Holly- <a href="http://hollymayb.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Hollymayb</a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wednesday 26<sup>th</sup>
June - Juliet- Final round-up and Linky Party!!!</div>
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</div>
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Wednesday 10<sup>th</sup>
July- Linky Party Closes</div>
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Friday 12<sup>th</sup>
July- Prize winners announced</div>
</div>
<br /><a href="http://craftandnappies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Tartankiwi"></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-54599548357282404102013-06-09T21:44:00.000+12:002013-06-09T21:44:33.569+12:00June Themed Dinners #1 - Easy peasy picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/8994877124_3f505df64e_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />When Abraham and I first met, as teenagers, we spent a lot of time having picnics.<br />We would head to the supermarket and load up on super cheap shaved ham, cheese rolls, orange Deep Spring (remember that stuff? Favourite drink ever!) Willy Wonka Chocolate (remember that, too?) - and head to one of the local schools' playgrounds. We would sit there for hours, talking and just hanging out. It was there that we got to know each other (and fell pretty head-over-heels).<br /><br />Picnicing has been a theme throughout the entire time we've known each other.<br />It just makes sense that we'd share this with our kids.<br /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/8993682499_900a58130b_c.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />We kept this theme night very simple - almost a 'night off', but not quite. <br />We laid out our fave picnic blanket, a beautiful hexagon quilt I found at the op shop for $5. Some of the hexies have seen better days, which makes it perfect - I don't feel bad about putting it on the ground, but I'm so pleased we can give it regular use! <br />We made some hot chicken and salad rolls (I coated strips of chicken in breadcrumbs and chicken stock. Nyum) and filled bowls with mixed nuts, bbq kettles and peanut M&Ms. We made soda stream with Barkers cordial (closest thing we can find to Deep Spring!).<br />We popped on some Ben Harper. This album is definitely the main feature on the soundtrack of our first six months together. I still adore it just as much, 13 years later.<br /><br /></div>
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<br />This was our first theme night with one family member absent, which was really strange. Even stranger than I expected it to be.<br />Aesop chose, at the last minute, to go and stay at his friends place, instead of hang out with us. I must say, there was a twinge of sadness when he made his choice - though I didn't let him see that. He is getting to an age now, where he is beginning to go out and do things on his own. He is scooting to and from school alone, and spending more time with friends etc. Growing up so fast! <br />It makes me feel even better about doing these theme nights - before Aesop is too old to want to get involved in them! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-63217243947435295482013-06-04T14:03:00.000+12:002013-06-04T14:08:22.442+12:00May Themed Dinner #5 - Minecraft! (With terrible photos..)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer: It is <i>very</i> hard to photograph things in UV light - please forgive the terrible photos! Next time, I promise, I'll google how to do it properly. Hah.)</span></div>
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Our fifth, and final, themed dinner for May was one the boys chose - Minecraft.</div>
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It's certainly not a theme I would choose, and this one proved pretty difficult to plan for. I have never played Minecraft, making it hard to know what it's all about, and all the parties I found with this theme online really only had sweet, party foods. I didn't want to serve my kids just candy and watermelon for dinner! <br /></div>
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We decided, as always, not to stress too much about sticking to the theme.</div>
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We splashed out and bought a UV light at Bunnings, that was to be the main feature of the decor. We picked up some cheap, plastic plates at The Warehouse, and broke out the highlighter pens. </div>
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Abraham wrote 'Don't mine at night' on pieces of white paper - so that the message was only really visible once the blacklight was turned on.</div>
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(We also ended up drawing all over our hands and arms with the pens - so much fun, to have day-glo tattoos!)</div>
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Abraham also made a wee diorama with the Lego, and Aesop drew some of the characters from the game and popped them on skewers. The animal puzzle pieces were a last minute addition by the boys.<br />We listened to Aesop's collection of Minecraft songs, on his Ipod. Did you know that there are Minecraft versions of lots of popular songs? It's a strange phenomenon.<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(That's a square apple on that there pie. Or, at least, it was meant to be.. hmm.)</span></div>
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For the actual meal, I cut up salad into squares (lettuce, carrot, beetroot and cheese - kid salad!) and we had minute steaks and coated chicken drumsticks. We at with our hands - Aesop tells me there is definitely no cutlery in Minecraft!</div>
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For dessert I decided not to just serve up whole apples, or other fruit. I decided to make Talia's apple pie. It was DIVINE. (Only thing I'll say, is that if you don't make her pastry.. if you're lazy like me.. then buy flaky pastry, rather than short sweet. It was pretty darn sweet!). <br /></div>
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<br />
After dinner we played the guessing game, with the little bits of paper stuck on foreheads. The UV light made it a bit fun, and we had a few giggles. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I think perhaps the game would be easier with kids even older than ours, though. Heh. Otto was pretty confused and his questions were 'Is my sister still Mollie?' and 'Is Dad still my Dad?'. Cute.</span><br />
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We've decided on our themes for next month. We hmmed and uhhed about taking a break, but I'm really loving not buying takeout, and also loving the idea that we might be inspiring a few other people to have themed dinners of their own. <br />
Have you dined in theme, lately?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-19014806378146760822013-06-01T12:10:00.000+12:002013-06-01T12:10:58.399+12:00Curvy Style Friday (Only one day late!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/8907188362_b13efa971b_z.jpg" width="426" /><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/8906555749_0c8f67b0a4_z.jpg" width="426" /><br /><br />I finally found some sunshine to take photos in! Huzzah!<br />In celebration of the teensy bit of sun, I donned my fave vintage dress. It's so rare to find a dress that fits beautifully - especially when you're a larger size (and especially when you don't have a large bosom to match!) - so this has been one of my all-time favourite finds. I'm hoping to get a pattern taken from it, so I can make a few more before Summer.<br /><br /></div>
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<br />This brooch is one that belonged to my Grandpa in Wales. He, like me, was a bit of a hoarder. He collected costume jewellery, among other things, and Mum and Dad brought back a few things for me when they visited after he passed away. I don't often wear the pieces, I try to wear soft jewellery while I'm breastfeeding and often have a babe in arms. I do look forward to bringing them out a bit more often in the next wee while, though.<br /><br />Blue cardi - The Warehouse<br />Vintage dress - TradeMe<br />Forest green tights - Glassons (LOVING them, even if some <a href="http://dee-construction.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">cooler</a> <a href="http://greenvalleycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">people</a> think they're too 90's!)<br />Black flats - The Warehouse<br />Brooch - My Grandpa.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please excuse my weedy gardens beds - I'm not quite ready to plant them out, and the weeds help to deter the cats from doing their business in our vege patch! Stinky cats!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5767273139413386607.post-81417966907124060372013-05-31T09:00:00.000+12:002013-05-31T09:00:01.259+12:00A freezing Autumn Arvo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />What to do, on freezing cold afternoons, when little ones are clearly bored of being stuck at home?<br />The park, of course!<br />From our new house, this little playground is just two minutes down the road. It's next to a duck pond (which makes for great entertainment in itself!) and surrounded in great big grassy spaces (perfect for running around or kicking a ball!). <br />The playground itself is fairly standard - two swings, a creaky old bridge, a slide, a fire mans pole.. and a plastic tunnel full of swear words. Haha. <span style="font-size: x-small;">My kids actually call this 'swearword tunnel'.</span><br />We had a lovely time collecting pretty leaves, swinging in the swings and enjoying the fresh air - must remember to make the most of this free entertainment more often! <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Might need to rug up even more next time though, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Is it just me or is it ridiculously cold this week?)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2