Handmade with love

I love giving gifts and like to think I make quite an effort when deciding what to give. Sometimes I get too caught up with what to choose, maybe more than necessary. Im not a fan of buying commercial toys and with a party invite for this weekend I sat down to think about it.


I have become the 'mum who makes the gifts!!'

I made an apron, put together a brownie mix with instructions and added an easy baking cook book.

I thought it was quite creative and a thoughtful gift. My daughter was happy to give it which is a good sign!

Hopefully it was well received.

To Infinity and Beyond!

The event of July, my boys 5th birthday!

He has been planning this day since his sisters birthday in december and I didnt let him down.

Grateful for our new backyard and the sun showing up, the kids could not wait to get into their costumes and for everyone to arrive.

The food table, just like his sisters as per his request, though with a rocket/boy theme. Simple fun food, with the table completely dairy, egg and nut free.

As the kids arrived, first stop was the craft table to create your own mr or mrs potato head. Then straight into some games... pass the parcel, then pin the tail on Bullseye.
Then the kids really enjoyed a treasure hunt - with a toy story twist! They all gathered out the front while I gave them instructions on the game. They needed to race out the back and find a gold coin. Once they had a coin they would find me pop their coin in the green box and use their hand like a claw to grab a prize out of the box.

And last game "the Rocketship Pinatta'. This took a couple of days to build, fill and decorate and only minutes to bash open!

Finally, the rocketship cake. The egg and dairy free rocketship cake!
Dont forget party bags on your way out....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPER xox

A special party with good friends, makes for great memories.

Three strikes!

Ever had one of those days. I'm not complaining as it was actually a lovely day spent round the house, cooking, creating and a little bit of lazying. But anything I tried just didnt seem to work.

I have been wanting to make myself something for a while. I decided to attempt the strapless top with the elastic cotton from the site http://www.craftjr.com/summer-top-free-pattern/. I was quite excited and started very enthusiastically.

I sewed the top elastic five rows, but slowly realised that it was getting smaller and smaller.
It quite quickly became my daughters new dress! She is totally thrilled but I am slightly miffed and stumped! Think maybe my stitch was too close together and my rows were too close. Have no fear I am still enthused to have another go.... soon

My girl and I then decided to attempt the Maple syrup choc covered honeycomb reciepe from my Donna Hay magazine. I was missing the candy thermometer but thought I could wing it, I've made toffees before, how hard could it be!
It started well. Looked the part. Took longer to set then was quoted, and didnt turn out!! the honey and maple syrup seperated and went to the bottom - oh well! Was worth a shot.

Then to end the day I accidently smashed my teapot, the milk jug and sugar bowl, the whole matching set! No more tea for me!!

It is said it comes in three......

the mini creations

Another shopping spree at the fabric store. I couldn't help myself! I have quite a selection now and no excuses to create create create! Which I started as soon as I got home. I was first busily putting together multiple combinations of colour and pattern combinations... too many to think of. Finally decided on a few to start and whipped up a couple of short ruffle aprons.

I recently read the day seems better with an apron on and I couldn't agree more!