Oh, It be that time of year again...

Just wrapped my first presents - for Husband. I wanted to go for a traditional theme. I did think of using newspaper, but if I did I wanted to use international newspapers and since I didn't know where to go to get that I thought of the classic brown paper. I love the though of old parcels wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine and when I found this Christmas wrapping paper in Spotlight (large sewing, craft and party supply store) I knew it was the one, the rolls are 5m long and even though I will not get through it I will go back and get another design to mix it up a bit. I also got myself some green and red raffia and swing tags to keep that old fashioned theme.

Shade and Play!

Unfortunately (or fortunately) not all of Maddison's things can fit inside the house - such as her cubby house (although when we first got it, it was set up in her room...but now with congregation of princess memorabilia it has been relegated outside)...but with the incredible humidity we have here up in the tropics and during the 'wet' season it is murder to wonder to your ensuit from your airconed bedroom...let alone sitting on your veranda!

Even on the veranda the plastic cubby was like sitting in a hot box, so we removed the roof - dah, but then it really isn't a cubby...it needs a roof! So I though about shade cloth, lets the air in and keeps it dark to give the illusion of a cosy cottage. I also added some on the window to keep the setting sun from blasting inside. On another note I will be purchasing an outdoor setting cover the right size to fit over the cubby for the next wet season when the rain comes in from the veranda side (it alternates each year).

It would depend on the type of cubby but I cut holes to fit the existing closers used for the plastic roof (green nobs) and I also used two rods (already the correct size) and fit them in pre-existing grooves to hold up the pitch.

Num num - Bento time!

A few lunches I made for my 3 year old using the Japanese concept of visually appealling food.

 

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Baby Shower - Nappy Cake

Went to a baby shower on the weekend and decided to try my hand at a nappy cake. Basically you use 50 or more disposal nappies and roll them so they create the layers of a cake.

For the first layer I rolled up 5 nappies then secured them with a rubber band, I then overlapped nappies horizontal around until I got the size circle I wanted, secured it with string then wrapped the layer in tissue paper (or muslin wrap as a extra gift) once all the layers are done you can put a small woddern dow in the middle to keep it together. Add decorations like ribbons and toys (you can add small things like dummies and bath items too). Put it all on a cake plate and your done!

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Bento!

Oh I have discovered a love for bento boxes (Japanese lunch box) – While I was looking up hello kitty cutlery sets I stumbled upon them and I though it would be good for Maddison to make her food more appealing (also when she starts school). Below are some of the tools they have to produce the shapes (Hello Kitty specifically). But you can use cookie cutters and other things – I brought some silicone cupcake patties, some plain pink and some green with bee features (good buy I thought from the cheap store) so I can fill them with whatever – Japanese use disposable ones I think. I do need to get a shallow lunch box so that what is in the box doesn’t float around and the lid just sits on the cupcake top. You can use deli meat and sandwiches/bread cooked veggies and of course rice :p

Christmas is Coming!!!

Oh yes I know, the dreaded carols playing in the shopping centres, decorations and trees being sold in the stores (they appeared at the start of October) - so while I wait for my friend to post photos of our Halloween night out I thought I would start to think about my Christmas sewing adventures...I have always wanted a Santa Suit that didn't look like a cheap $2 store one that some alcoholic party goer will be wearing...I have always loved the traditional Christmas cards from the Victorian time when the Christmas as we know it came into existence by Prince Albert based on the German traditions. Now these premade suits normally cost close to $400...not sure why cause certainly they aren't that hard to make (famous last words...)? and only consist of red velvet (cheaper velveteen) and white fur...

Plus I also want to make my daughter a 'Christmas Dress' something that evokes the traditional elements of Christmas...tartan, velvet, gold trim...