Felt Crowns,Fashion designer, Mini Swaps, Muffins and Coasters.

Felt Crowns

Today I spent a frustrating morning trying to make a felt crown to finish off Miranda's dance outfit. Firstly I had to design the crown, drawing just the right crown was not as easy as it seems especially for an unarticstic/perfectionist. but in the end the design was perfected - then came the cutting, sewing, turning and fitting......Well it all sounds and looks quite easy but have you ever tried to turn a double layer of felt through a small opening - It just does not work! SO after several attempts and being thankful I did not add a facing I unstiched the bottom, turned it over and topstiched the bottom - not too professional looking, overstreched felt and a little too big -but I must say It works for a 2yr old and from a distance looks quite good. Miranda was such a good helper that she stood and cut my left over peices up into fairy dust and drawing all over the many caterpillar paper cutouts.

Fashion Designer

I am starting to think Bronte is carving out a career in fashion design whenever I leave fabric lying around she seems to find it and drape it on generally keeping it together with hair clips, or she turns skirts into tops (see her birthday pics)! I did buy her a battery sewing machine for her Birthday so maybe some more fabric is due?

Mini Swap
I have joined my second swap since blogging and today I got the details of our swap partner who lives in Philadelphia USA - the mini swap is a swap especially for our kids and I will be filling a parcel for a 19month old and soon to be 4 yr old boys. I was so excited that I began filling a bag straight away and have a very long list of possible things to send.

Anzac Muffins

Late last night my dear husband was searching through the fridge for somthing after dinner and decided that 3 weetbix and cream (yes Weetbix and cream for desert- go figure) would have to do -MMMMMMM?? so out came the Muffine Bible and Anzac Muffins were made.

1tsp baking soda
3/4 cup warm milk

50g butter, melted

2 tblsp golden syrup
2/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup desicated coconut

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 egg

2 cups flour

Disolve baking soda in milk, then add butter, golden syrup and brown sugar and mix well.

Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.

Three-quarter fill well-greased muffin pans and bake at 190C for 15-20 mins - remember to lower times if using smaller pans not like me -they were a little well done.

At least the girls will not have to eat weetbix for morning tea!

Coasters

My husband has ben asking me to make him some coasters after I made many for christmas presents last year. So tonight he finally got his coaster.

Sewing for the Girls.

I have been busy with more sewing projects for the girls.

On Sunday night I made this cute all-in-one for Miranda designed by SewSensible,
the fabric was very thin and quite hard to work with but the end result was well worth it.

Last night I was covering Bronte's school Dictionary with contact and thought a fabric cover would be so much more protective in a chair bag so using the reversible journal cover tutorial I made a cover and added ribbon to tie it up - Hopefully the pages will not get such a beating now.

Finally Today we were out shopping for dancing things and as Miranda will start dancing this year I wanted her to have her own special dance skirt - I picked up this cute skirt from Best & Less on special as a part of a swim set and bought a cheap singlet and while she was in her cot (NOT sleeping) I added some pink Tulle/foil butterfly wings to the back and a little matching butterfly on the front. Now She will fly.

Life goes back to normal tomorrow with Bronte going back to school and Miranda starting back at swimming lessons. So I think i will need to get into bed early for 7am wake up???????

Sewing Projects Complete

Bronte's school essential list is finally complete with the unattractive, one design only, hard-backed school magazine cover being covered using Kirin Notebook's reversible journal cover tutorial -it was such an easy project taking a few hours - instructions from the tutorial were very easy to follow. Now my baby can go to school in style.

And today both my girls are sporting their new skirts thanks to House on Hill Road's great step-by-step Twirly Skirt Tutorial. I was able to simultaneously make two skirts to fit a child whose height measured 90cm and 130cm. I started them last night at 10.00pm finishing them toady at 4pm (I also showered, slept, ate, read the paper and shopped for elastic in this time).

January 26th - Australia Day

My Little Australians!

I feel so fortunate and proud to live and to have grown up in Australia, I was born in New Zealand and came to Australia when I was 3 years old, I lived with my mum and dad until they separated when I was 8 year old and continue to live with my mum in a single parent home - my brother lived with our dad for a few years before returning to live with us. From a young age it has been instilled in me that I can be anything I want to be, however I choose to do it. I have been educated, clothed well, learnt various skills, had free medical treatment and
I can express myself in many different ways without being discriminated against. I can publicly express my religious and political views if I choose and can have friends from many differing religions, races, cultures and celebrate their differences. I can stay at home to care for my children whilst my husband attends work. My daughter can sit in class and not be singled out for her brown skin, along with Indian, Iranian, Lebanese, Korean, Chinese, Australian, New Zealanders, Ugandan Australians, Polish, Italian. I can choose and enjoy eating foods from many nations and love the fact that when I am out I can hear many different languages around me. If a person is not talking to me I do not feel it matters what language they talk, if I am being spoken to I will attempt in every way to listen and respond as best I can. I can drive a car, shop at a supermarket and buy produce from all over the world, I have easy access to the Internet, television, books, I can vote and write to political members about issues I am unhappy about. I do not know the real fear of loosing my life or a loved one close by, starvation or intense illness

I know in our country and the world beyond there are many millions of people who have less than 100th of what I have and it is today that I think of them. People who are suffering through illnesses such as AIDS, those living through War and Genocide, children who can not or do not receive education, those suffering starvation or hunger, mothers who fear each minute with their children could be Thier last or fathers who no matter how hard they work can not provide for their families, those who are punished for their religious or political beliefs, to the children on the street begging for money, selling themselves, involved in wars, to the native Australian families who have lost their tradition through white mans settlement, to new Australians who are discriminated against or judged by the ignorant.

It is my wish today that people all over the world can be as lucky as I. To receive basic health, education, food, safety, shelter and love. It starts with us One man can make a difference

Australia Day web site describes Australia Day 9in such a perfect way -"On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.
It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.
There are many great things about this country:
The people - The life savers on the beach and the farmers in the bush; the larrikins; our sporting heroes, artists and visionaries; the volunteers who dedicate their lives to others; the spirit of pulling together in hard times and achieving beyond expectation; the eminent Australians from all walks of life, the battlers and the ordinary Australians who are anything but ordinary.
Our land - Fragile yet enduring. Harsh and extreme, lush and bountiful-a continent like no other. Our ancient land offers boundless opportunity, sustains us and makes us who we are.
Our diversity - A nation of difference and unity. People from the city, the country, different nations and backgrounds; we are one people, living together. Through our diverse beliefs and experiences we learn from each other and grow together.
The indigenous cultures - The rich and resilient spirituality; the knowledge, art and history. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are part of Australia's identity and culture.
Our freedom and democracy - A society built on fundamental rights and responsibilities. Freedom of thought and expression. Participation in government and respect for and equality under the law.
A fair go for all - An enduring spirit of mateship and fairness. A compassionate society committed to access to employment, housing, health and education. Ours is a land of opportunity where we can do anything."

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Holiday's are Happy Days

"Holidays are happy days
Happy days are holidays
Holidays are happy days
When you do what you wanna do."

We are on the Count down to Bronte going back to school with only 4 more days left to do what we want to do. When I will no longer be able to get up at 8.3oam or stay in my PJ's till 1.30pm.

Today we went to Riverside Theatre in Parramatta to see Angela and Penny's Holiday with Bronte's school friend Lucy it was great fun - lots of audience participation, Good old Aussie humor and songs about holidays, mozzies in cozzies, rubber thongs, caravans, beaches, rock pools, picnics, boogie boards and all things relating to a caravan holiday at the beach! This is definately a holiday we will be recreating in the next few years!

Angela and Penny were very funny and their songs were very catchy great for toddlers, pre-schoolers and early primary ages.


Bronte and Lucy enjoy Potato Wedges after the show.

Muffins in a Picnic Basket

Bronte's friend Ila bought her new Picnic set over for a play...It needed to be filled with some yummy home made Muffins.

My mother gave me The Muffin Bible for Christmas and threatened to take it back if it was not used.

So for my mum here they are!

Salmon Muffins - A super quick, easy and nutritious lunch

1 185g tin salmon, drained and mashed ( reserve liquid)

1 egg

1 cup flour

1tsp salt

1 tblsp baking powder

1 cup grated cheese

Make liquid from salmon up to 3/4 cup with water and mix into remaining ingredients until just combined.

3/4 fill well-greased muffin pans and bake at 200 C for 12-15 mins.

Devoured by two 8 year olds!

Banana Choc Chip Muffins - These were great for morning and afternoon tea and especially loved by my 2 year old

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

1/3 cup caster sugar

60g butter

2/3 cup mashed banana

1/2 cup chocolate chips (I chopped up a block of milk/dark chocolate)

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

Filling sliced banana and whipped cream folded together (we skipped the filling)

In a large bowl rub together flour, sugar and butter until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.

Stir in Mashed banana, chocolate, egg and milk to combine.

Spoon mixture into pre-prepared muffin pans and bake at 190 C for 20 mins.

A never ending Birthday Celebration......

Bronte turns 8!

Friday 18th January (Birthdate)

We spent the morning opening presents -Bronte got her first Sewing Machine (battery operated) some sewing books, a necklace and later in the day some books.



1st Morning tea/Lunch at Max Brennan - a yummy chocolate place - we shared a Chocolate Fondue which had dark and milk chocolate served with Marshmallows, Banana Bread, Banana and Strawberries. The girls shared a Hot Chocolate while I enjoyed a delicious Cuppachino drizzled with chocolate.

In the evening we had a special Birthday dinner - pasta, garlic bread and salad in front of a Movie - Evan Almighty. Party Hats Courtesy of left over Christmas Crackers.

My Party Bunting can be seen above the Television.

Saturday - Party Day.
Bronte has 6 friends over for a Sleepover, pizza making and videos. We played Pass the parcel and made pony bead key chains. The girls had to earn money to buy their party favours - bracelet (pass the parcel) matching coin purse and a tote bag.






Pizza making Competition - The girls got to make mini pizza's to eat -Bruce was the judge of the best Pizza He got to sample 7 delicious and very different Pizzas.

Toppings included - tomato paste, cheese, pineapple, ham, peperoni, feta, salami, capsicum, mince beef, chicken, sour cream and pesto.


Ice Cream Cup Cakes - decorated with clinkers


Bronte is wearing one of the bracelets I made and mentioned in last post-

Bronte insisted on present opening time where the girls gave their presents to her and she opened them one at a time - she got lots of nice things! It was a very nice to share her presents with everyone and a nice touch to the party.

In bed -watching another video.

Our lounge/dining room hosted the whole party and due to bad weather the girls could not get out at all I was a little nervous about the tight space but we managed to host the whole thing very well and the girls all had a great time. All the girls left by 10.30 Sunday morning.

Finally to Sunday Lunch!
We had a family lunch - which was simply BBQ Chicken rolls shared with extended family - Bruce's sister Leanne, Bother Jeff, sister-in-law Kirsten Sophie and Kayla. A nice ending to a crazy but enjoyable weekend!

Bronte decorates her cake - a common theme through the weekend.

Bronte writes - I really enjoyed the presents and decorating the cake but I(just me) did not like Miranda blowing out my candles.

Sunday afternoon when everyone had gone home and Miranda was in bed Bronte and I sat on the lounge and watched Unaccompanied Minors a nice way to finish off the weekend celebrations.

Sassy Apron Swap

I's so excited! This is my first swap ever. I made my first Apron for my Mum for Christmas - Pattern from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. She Loved it







I am kind of new to sewing and blogging but have spent the last few months up till hours reading all these fabulous creative peoples bloggs and have also pulled out the machine and well and truly been pushing metal to the peddal.... Crash coursing myself.



Sewing

This week alone I completed 8 patch braclets, 8 Coin Purses, 7 tote bags and 2 flag buntings - the bags were made in a day all in preparation for my 8 year olds birthday party sleep over! I have also this month made 3 pencil rolls with hand embroidery on the front and 3 doorstops yet to be filled! Wow writing this down sure seems a feat.
The Dragonfly embroidery on my header is also a completion of Jan ready to be made into pencil roll.



Reading

I am onto my 2nd book for the year -

Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes - When I finished it I felt sad, like I was loosing a family

member.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. WOW it's an amazing story of triumph, tragedy and unpredicted love in troubled times.



Last Year I read about 14 books, many were Biographies of women in the Middle East - Princess Sultuna of Saudi Arabia was an amazing lady, Love in a Torn Land was an amazing story of a life in Iraq. Through these books I have come to see the Muslim faith in a light projected by women, mothers, daughters and wives - It has been great to learn about other cultures and faith to gain a little insight into the experiences of others.



I feel I am blessed to have the ability to read and the resources to gain access to these books.



I have also spent many hours reading so many creative blogs - generally I click on links and just find sites this way - so thank you to all of you who put links on your sites linking me to a wonderful rainbow of people with fantastic ideas.



Seeing

seen 3 movies - Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, PS I love You (A Must see) and Attonment, And I was lucky enough to win a family pass to The Opera House to see La Grande Cirque it was amazing - as was my 2yr old sitting through the 2 hour performance.



I am more of a reader than a blogger so I have spent more time reading blogs - I hope to update more often but I can not make any promises.