tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62484217763056047392024-03-06T10:24:52.049+11:00Polka Dots and Pretty ThingsNatashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-1632063747141283552011-02-16T20:56:00.007+11:002011-02-16T21:49:37.037+11:00Polka Dots<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">Yes I'm still here!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I haven't wanted to have blog turn into a place where I complain so I've been taking a break. Life as I've mentioned previously is rather busy right now and the Little Guy is not dealing with the separation from mummy too well.</span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">So back to somethings to brighten your day. I was so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprised</span> and happy - actually happy is not enough - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ecstatic</span> to have the Little Guy's recent birthday featured at one of my - and many, many others - favourite party blogs: <a href="http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/2011/02/football-inspired-cake/">Party Perfect</a>. Thanks Sara - you really made my day!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></div></span><a href="http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/2011/02/football-inspired-cake/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574228615305909570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzv8eRaO4ban8LWYYo-pLA69hZw-FezssfSuOt1q8CHiRTErsvA7Jw-ZhBCgS84xrmKf4hFNrTrWFYKO2eQpMTvL6DTlLJajdXLchCOw9qm8d6r_rI6mIBM_JI2tx-YTbabt3ay6jWks/s400/logo.png" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">How gorgeous are these:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574227713822852642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkxf89DgCucJVu9EluuGbGqZ4v1YV8w0m4KtgpsWEqIA7arRR-8GU_UHy8BEf1ckdoF94k0eDl9Tw6_hUmBl252aATFcvvohuD6mH3HbzjFQnQ1Sch0MCmgTCX_c-Oi_owtirA3eBT28/s400/P2160062.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">A recent purchase from my favourite Bed, Bath & Table. I've started to add to my Easter bits and pieces and these mini wooden pegs are part of the Morgan & Finch Easter collection. Not sure what I'll use them for yet but I'll find a use for sure - they are too cute not to use!</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-66701933355771433372011-02-01T18:22:00.003+11:002011-02-01T18:54:11.407+11:00Keys<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are currently back in the land of the non-sleeping child so chronic lack of sleep in our household in the moment - team this with working full-time and sadly my blog has been neglected yet again this past week.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">But I have decided to try and do some small quick posts over the next week regarding storage, organisation etc including <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dvd</span> storage and important household information.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">First on the list: KEYS</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For a long time it has been bugging me not having a designated place to put my keys when I come home. We do have some 3M hooks on the side of the fridge but I've been looking for something that would work for our study which is where I enter the house - internal access door from the garage.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So while I was in my favourite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">homewares</span> store Bed Bath & Table on the weekend purchasing a lovely tea box for my Nan I found this beauty:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568625992838438418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHlvPH4rNifodt6-OCIvg4j59nRFuu7Wq4U9SAe0UAorWr8AvLEslb0h-lwzz1_YIjjghug8bQqh-TmO-WiDwtYM1f2Ox3TdtZMniceSPkRnAbKl6cbUIoyLh8lz2Nqcm7aVpVAUHQvI/s400/P2010059.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Which is now installed right next to the garage door for me to hook my keys up as soon as I enter the house.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And for only $14.95 I am tempted to go back and purchase another one and find a different use for it!</span> </div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-41636084683180785412011-01-26T14:24:00.016+11:002011-01-26T19:21:31.698+11:00The Little Guy's 2nd Birthday Party Part Three<span style="font-family:verdana;">Public Holiday - relaxing day at home, so while the Big Guy was at a friends house and the Little Guy was asleep I had time to prepare the last post for the Little Guy's party details.</span> <div><div><div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">As the Little Guy's birthday is in the middle of summer we expect the weather to be warm and sunny - but this year although it was warm it definitely was not sunny! It rained the few days before the party and we had some light showers on the party day - so our plans to have some shade and tables set up on our grass area has to be scraped and instead all the tables and chairs for the children and adults plus the food table had to be set up in our screened <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sunroom</span>. We were a little pushed for space but it worked out in the end. I hired a child's height trestle table and chairs from a local party hire for a grand total of $15.00! Money well spent as it is the perfect height for all the little guests to enjoy their lunch.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566404589025839410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkxT0OttXz1BiEvwCy_uWl1GTXgtu07zuHzNGd6G950COZWw1XzM0RZgGQeZe_ScCrQeedaf8fFJffdngDJHwZLSnHTJPY5skdcY-GV3iR7GGJPcM001B-DHyCD9TD-RaVpDMSa5YcLs/s400/DSC00488.JPG" /></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">As the Little Guy is only 2 and most of his little guests were under the age of 5 I decided that structured party games was probably not a wise choice so instead we set up a blow up pool on the grass and the kids had a great time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">splashing</span> about in it:</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566403940853544978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQildihVdRSgYtdo1rOzmh3Rv6ABFAD_hELAKFgVNs_McIAFnovwbKmtvFQD49gk9GlUaT8fhnWTKfNs_j9JLhwU1Ge9_Em5HdziWOOljH_61hiNdC-Ed7Vq5KBzDYx73se-xmjUL_4/s400/DSC00478.JPG" /> </div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And the kids helped the Little Guy decorate his </span><a href="http://www.puggyhouse.com/index.php?cID=49"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Puggy</span> House</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> cardboard <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cubbyhouse</span></span><span style="font-family:courier new;">:</span></div><div><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566403221952297074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQqxHqdWR4-blsCvlzg5Wb6I9Yiva8bW_Zuu3duUPGDMVVa7xr6gYP0jImB2yANz3eA8WOkftHJiNEHVlgQENWIlBz5X6pHw86X0TmEjYeRwsbsPwYNyLjJTcNvlRROQoxEubxNSrlsQ/s400/photo9.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">At the end of the party each little guest received a thank you gift bag:</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566402187530609634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddUZmmjEmFdj_M-kdNjxoYQ4HMNfVX85LT3k9pEdf3r0-n4FQRncKBhNMMFto-fbm4GMk_jF_WJnlg5NEi617GSVaVsryVAql4Hghk1P8PRJ2ZyMDlVO-_IiqAJj9MF7rxF8l3pLuAUw/s400/16012011005.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">On the front of the bag is a football jersey with each child's name and a number for their age - for the babies who have not yet turned one I used a star. I created this online at </span><a href="http://www.imagechef.com/ic/football/"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ImageChef</span></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and printed them on label sheets so I could simply peel and stick onto the front of the bag. For an added touch I secured a football brad to the bag once folded over. I bought these from </span><a href="http://www.eyeletoutlet.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Eyelet Outlet</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> who ship to Australia very cheaply.</span></div></div><div></div><div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Inside the bag each little guest received:</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566401633314278818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRygSg8BLHrNa9W3pZdq2S-B4SOG5X2iJCDVwmyRSyiJPWTp10ESWkXbKhx2URy5m6GkZPZ9Myd1IYg1mYlZFvcgD_Px_y9DMOw1q5BPd_G-Y4IZ_Ak-lx7WxYrglxT3iKf3UY4wQ2iXY/s400/P1050041.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">(The baby bags contained the bath toys and rusks). The Moon Pies - which are similar to Wagon Wheels but much sweeter - are from </span><a href="http://www.usafoods.com.au/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">USA Foods</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">, the wooden games are from </span><a href="http://www.mywoodentoys.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=229"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My Wooden Toys</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">, and *I think* the mini <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">frisbees</span>, blowers and glasses are from Big W.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well that rounds out my posts for the Little Guy's 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> Birthday Party. There are of course many more small details of the party which I have not specified so if you would like details of anything please let me know.</span></div></div></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-2703581581102852552011-01-23T21:09:00.003+11:002011-01-23T21:20:12.724+11:00Work, Home & Play<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Part 3 of the Little Guy's Birthday Party is still to come.</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div align="justify"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I've just finished week 2 of working full time and am feeling a little like this:</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565323596276463794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPWK8WWrPgvoUywth73laYO6uUOqL2imh9Zc2kL7CRfebq7qDyhorebytbBOSPft_si2kc3hCIw2QjTuV9_kHfZRDtxKbinEx1D2FHzF9-TpnYp4q8n6AQMFIpdPu-WX8sSbz6UbRGDQ/s400/multitasking.bmp" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://robynrittersimon.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-93-multi-tasking-women-do-it-so.html">Photo source</a></span><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">All is going well but I am definitely finding it challenging to find the right balance of work, home and play and as such my blog has fallen down the priority list - but not off it!</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I know that it will take the Big Guy and I a while to get into the swing of things but for now we are super excited that we have a fully toilet trained for daytime 2 year old - including naps!</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-37811578273298428472011-01-19T21:32:00.011+11:002011-01-19T22:36:37.329+11:00The Little Guy's 2nd Birthday Party - Part Two<div align="justify"><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The food and drinks post!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The food table:</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563857857672510258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U2SGKg9PbsRhULGy50Y76I552eSkoaCnNczXeEnfUX8t2vjEHGS87hRSzoa1HCo2ORZRl6sBbrLOz72RfEaH9qoYIDta1dsW0fTKsN8RWN9akZOnvWkM_lxsHmlHAr6hpwCR39qQ67k/s400/DSC00470.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I (and my helpers!) made some sandwiches and wraps to serve as well as other yummy treats including mini iced donuts, chocolate and vanilla meringues, antipasto goodies, potato chips, marshmallows and cookies & cream hard candies. You should be able to spy the printable cupcake topper circles decorating the glass jars.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563856956268099650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapW4-oyJ4aMjROSWnE5YRfMYEbboleKgFJJQ3KGROwPD1YE-RHhLVV3Wc9t867PQFyrM_S2F-UazZWU9fvyVKSwtNZaadBxE8mCFeocA1UUlwV84YorENqj2LDKziLkOuzryyubqyXh8/s400/photo2.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I iced the cake in a messy but simple icing and my wonderful sister Mrs R made the awesome little footballs to decorate with. Each football was actually a cake pop - yummy cake and icing mixed together and coated in chocolate! Each little guest was served one with their slice of cake and they went down a treat. The cake stands are from </span><a href="http://www.sharneldollardesigns.com.au/store/pc/Round-Pedestal-Cake-Stand-22p21.htm"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sharnell</span> Dollar Designs</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563855991632691074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJLauXqhN1HXKCjgC6AH5VkynlvrCRqGIp6wATGqY_gITISzsopikhZyBvwJXpNDBKrxAq1UBeR_9OIUNmp-TdPXS1gzqDjrL8dGLKWcRftskBWH3ZF-OHD4pq2jz8BFzTMwjGY6wsEI/s400/DSC00481.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I decided I wanted a backdrop to the food table that was a little different so I (or should I say the Big Guy!) painted a piece of backing board with chalkboard paint and I drew with the help of the Big Guy a football play (i.e plan for the players where to run to and throw the ball). Also we pegged up a couple of recent photos of the Little Guy and also an end zone 'painted' with the Little Guy's name which I created </span><a href="http://www.imagechef.com/ic/make.jsp?tid=Football+Inzone"><span style="font-family:verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563853703312047186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI-pI0DK5wgs9Tgg1UJNcfqbYb57XorrJojUnTl3LrxsC9pEBhIlYxzXE9CJ_P-7gFwswzyQHGiEYsN1JMCAGgsOCEOmVAjyKPYAIzRuuCDqCOkeEhNX38sQfEQF1CXeVdKW1OtsWuvU/s400/ENDZONE.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">On the children's table (which will feature later) we served fruit, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lamingtons</span> and pretzels plus for lunch I made these little lunchboxes up for each little guest:</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563853235138566802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1PdnaKS0JrNoFk5g9byyQAUAYvDyyl2dvlm7rKsW-XUWnFsmtZAQ8b1wgY11YRQ9yLk0f6_AmXiXPoDVFwiwl2nIJXervpe2McbqZiJ3hi8uQODOLx8VwlU2yXtM59a_TwHipU3IQ4s/s400/DSC00475.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Inside was half a chicken sandwich, half a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">vegemite</span> sandwich cut into the shape of a football, some puffy rice crackers and cheese. And I also used the cupcake topper circles again on drink cups for the children:</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563854384409971506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j4IVmcIfhfIypajjD9iFOKAaEVpvIZjWOJZwrwQYLeRIEbPmPUoqeQE3Q6IHZ-qP1HFdILZKqYS3HI95zensumF6TTYXB_oNvK3GOz9qcr2XLj9cjobjBHlLY6WowhuUJAFFDig_i50/s400/19122010035.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you would like to know any further details about the food table or decorations let me know.</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Next post will be all about the little guests - their table, party activities and thank you gift bags.<br /><br />Lastly here is another gorgeous picture of the birthday boy testing out one of his presents:</span><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563852258522146226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIQfuhdtkPtSMUTaAJA2JbDF4xqGrrnn1xjy1X5ddQ5OLXRAp9tbDPQ1xT9P-afGnkEZOAOK54narNPp3-zoIhgnQ7slvRhe1Y4HSArWaeq2gZL_joNhI-gBE3qyGkDawCqhH3KRdWFU/s400/DSC00469.JPG" /><br /></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-40721328605816193942011-01-16T11:57:00.017+11:002011-01-17T20:36:53.869+11:00The Little Guy's 2nd Birthday Party - Part One<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Last Sunday was a cloudy sticky humid summers day and the day of the Little Guy's 2nd birthday party.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563085758097334978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi5XX4NFCF2TjT7zOeMO9hObXbyP6wR6gjHTgxoEvUTsmkTziWLRgNX6-hHi9zIhWoyevXTjF_dSWhKszmB8FGgdByc5_nA7MSj2oxZGwj4opjEpwLQ-rtDaX-mJbpPPBOFm6aF3WjzA/s400/photo8.JPG" /><br /><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I decided to style the Little Guy's party with a football theme - Amercian football (the big guy used to play, the Little Guy's godfather plays and he LOVES playing with balls especially footballs!). I'd seen a few different types of 'event ticket' style invitations on the web and decided to create by own version in photoshop to send out to all the little guests:</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563083882495550914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj5QQSWnUQk6kck8uUPSBkBrYprT1adBEsd60i4lyFDA3D2x1hanJ09KRdLIjiPw5qw94JQ4WZkV_lY1Is7dFe0s-eTO26Gt8DE5tdW6hmVBPCY7Z54ywYoeGUoxt8ZOPIHgSaaelbEg/s400/ethan+2nd+birthday+invite+blanked+out.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The tickets were placed in a little pouch with some 'terms and conditions' on the reverse (i.e request to bring swimmers, sunscreen hat etc for playing in the pool).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563083459246442914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGYB8hhlboTjBoAsk5F9CeZtgH_SJg-MYDBsDmxywYG7CmnIvSgc-qZSnNZO_sXVN_57U0mcDg4sjbJEsryaJKeYFq5SmogrITCF1HTCM9Zkr8lPnYC80JLZP8iYLlhVFdkOA1jrYO6Q/s400/PC070198.JPG" /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For the decorations for the party I ordered customised party printables from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ncooper21?ga_search_query=football&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5869889"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Two Savy Sisters</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> which included amongst other things cupcake toppers (which I used to decorate a few different things), a banner (which I forgot to take a photo of), smalls signs which I placed on the kids table and a door sign:</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563081812290229506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMwTmp3wXge1t8p4jZPJLs5RI5-LQyUgNQWr7vrwK3abndHql3iO39wCHx_RDT-OoRVQonpm1i1XsG1q6hugs1gl5IFEx08lobAAjSqB5koObD-pl50YCesjCP2XVTwgSdLcDYiqYCXA/s400/16012011001%255B1%255D.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Blog post Part Two will show the food table and other features of the party but for now here is a sneak peak at the cake:</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562590347785895394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsROSPGTufv5AUcZLIBifhbNJrGG7R3sA4jP1IxZJPee-fF6LYpg0w5CIb6ORxanDnG4J8v51Hf-9fBXpwrHfjPzy302alW4nliBCrb70cPXqGhxKSPEuCzpzjb3LiZJ4zJXnG8JNJ44/s400/DSC00482.JPG" /></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-19005641529287929672011-01-14T20:40:00.011+11:002011-01-14T21:28:16.852+11:00The Week of Water<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I had intended to blog this week about the Little Guy's birthday party which was held last weekend but the flooding and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">devastation</span> experienced by the people of Queensland this week sidetracked those plans and it did not seem right to post about a cheerful happy event when those in Queensland and their friends and family are experiencing such heartache.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I've seen so many images of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">destruction</span> caused by the flooding and this one stopped my in my tracks:<br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561983283744320290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGPIRjHYh6HbtLO9F15PHE6q_n6nDZair5Dt9asvs45ijk0c668i5UsXF2tbhyKWS_q-83JEwHFK8-EBqS8AD0_6P-UUkvXM59_EdfVo2_BXwDfGjv181OZXmYPT-EqOuxNluGYg_cqk/s400/244660-toowoomba-flooding.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">photo from <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225985356149?page=1">here</a></span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It looks like the scene from a Hollywood movie - but sadly this is just one of many photos showing the just what a huge amount of water can do.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And I think this photo is the most powerful I have seen:<br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561982662764090162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0d97y2OG8KV1bG_qKDN_qB_a5IK8EqcfxMAATqcLxuuGaDkPEsW8yMbX5PLUmFID5UwdnnfaFeI6bM-K8lZH-gYoGDdAqUlzIM2JNiLdp68I71iI3h_9B27iRSNCOpEiwl_XLimQhzhM/s400/437952-montannah.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">photo from <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/montannah-creasy-gets-a-hug-from-her-black-hawk-rescuer-tony-young/story-fn7ik8u2-1225987528125">here</a></span><br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">There's something about the way that soldier is holding the little girl that is so tender and beautiful.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /><br />I'll be back on the weekend with all the details of the Little Guy's birthday party.</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-71944445548873663532011-01-07T20:39:00.006+11:002011-01-07T21:03:10.609+11:00Party Mode<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A busy start to 2011 in this house - I've been in party mode for the Little Guy's 2nd birthday party which is this weekend and also the Big Guy and I have been making good use of the days the Little Guy is at daycare and have continued the massive declutter/donate/throwout/store in roof job in our house and I'm pleased to say we are now done! Nice way to start the year - everything in it's place especially since I start back at work fulltime this Monday.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm not one for making new year's resolutions but I did decide to do something for myself - something I think is going to be very important for me this year as a full time out of the house working mother and wife so have started a running program with a friend and hopefully in a couple of months I will be able to announce on here that I can run 5km non-stop!</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Will be back next week with all the details of the Little Guy's Party.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559378879476480338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJChHyhofuGfpFmDfsfGbqw-WlKu4HKiVRICbFFDR1x42TA1weWTU1kMrJV5sGIXYAe8U_JZxU0LtBay8Cq95vdlcKwlByA4OnTqqX8T9QbE1uTVG7vI_YLq8tK-tspFg9wSKIJpNJBs/s400/P1070053.JPG" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P.S - My blog is looking very 'unpretty' at the moment - I am working on a re-vamp and will hopefully have it up soon.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-67336550364621341432010-12-23T16:48:00.007+11:002010-12-23T17:01:01.272+11:00Merry Christmas!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The last couple of days have been filled with last minute Christmas preparations, shopping and wrapping.</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553751094884905906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0_rww6ViPUvH_IR7Wbux6ESH5NP7Wbpg8sJn9lBcnMMboA8O6NfWZflMAQIHxIXss7XhVp8zTIvzR3a6Q43YBSXeMdLwf2QVhVl3SZebEOpDnOU87Cj4jx_kAZ4V5QaVWFGWbQFddKE/s400/P1010265.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We've had a slight change for Christmas Day and now have some extended family joining us for Christmas brunch - we'll total 16! Some of my last minute preparation for our tables today included adding some Christmas ribbon to my candy jars some and some cute Christmas circles from </span><a href="http://alittledelightful.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A Little Delightful</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to our cups for brunch (the cups with lids and straws are for the kiddies and will also feature at the Little Guy's birthday party in a couple of weeks).</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Signing off for a few days now for Christmas and a little trip with my family.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Merry Christmas!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-21687159936728165812010-12-20T20:08:00.009+11:002010-12-20T21:44:23.876+11:00Reindeer Food<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is a quick and easy gift for the special little people in your life:</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552692020560486962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEJq1ysnQnsltTUV8Y5K3CnTHCUxhXffmDiE11YmxlZOGl2jfHxr-OIu1YoF6KhCmK624rbpq0AW2U1S1d4XWtnuP6d00GZSjCD_6e6SlkxjaSZrCqgIixpxomLXo7OsAMcic1K_Q82E/s400/P1010257.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552691604725176226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UB7ISoNxWitnkylcR6OgvlMBZoxhYWs4v-cPs902OyPtZNyL7gPAKuxedD35kKt7v0QjK0Baxy__x7rv9SiSvop4rzWA6BrUvU6jtIcHq6tWrtWKOqF9l6GSFScedflcRc-H1CgcmkA/s400/P1010263.JPG" /> <div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The cute bag topper is from </span><a href="http://missyballance.typepad.com/crafty_carnival/2008/11/free-christmas-printables---letter-to-santa--reindeer-food---home-baked-cookies.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Crafty Carnival</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.<br /><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ingredients for reindeer food:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">- 1 cup of oats</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">- 1/2 cup of white sugar</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">- 1/2 cup jelly crystals (I used half red/half green)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br />Now Santa will be sure to stop at your house Christmas Eve!</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-65230325076408100762010-12-18T19:18:00.011+11:002010-12-18T20:04:43.285+11:00Christmas Gift Packaging<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Some Christmas packaging for you today:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551943792535967394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ3Uss6RbyuYJAu4iG5r1jTv9zB58o4z-xMte5lrZrO79No5VXwz2ICP-xqslTbDJcyNPM2o5dPJ08C0Qml-nUcBbBvu2ZZWjtmjsFpeTI7iRTIwCR0_aIMCYqZ0ZLm23UAk1g0vkayA/s400/P1010217.JPG" /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Homemade rocky road with a cute candy cane ribbon from Spotlight</span> <div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">These little treats are for my work collegues this week:</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551943364908182882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsYY9XjktZKQUEQu3ivhegHgwe_vOX4aCT01WvHIFhs7yzl6ykeL435e0r0ZdlxbaslY20vUaW8F8phRkIWKGknHptfPu1scizm38JD7HwStjUOWdnS8BOVHV78UQImv82YYkqePmlAA/s400/P1010252.JPG" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bag topper created in photoshop using </span><a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/digitalKits_free_200712.asp"><span style="font-family:verdana;">this</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> free digital scrapbooking kit from </span><a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Two Peas In A Bucket</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551942976731809970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH204ApLjZQLYHMTUQ8GhnH4o7gjCnY-Q2s7Ci9M23hH8fTvqiA4PYpDyLHxLofQciu1VSew9di1kY7QCvv28waGKop4e-s9593Pyc2YGo8wAPjyNapmDT3iQNEIqL6yNi0pZpvTE2zfc/s400/P1010255.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And I finally finished the gifts for the Little Guy's daycare staff:</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551940079215814274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdDhyJIYbVlB-SFxV1xp3KYHKxpPm2fMRC_1aE9JULHNkfKJOFDi8ftivGbOqBTmyRHU6Bkg5gfxYef6DTO7Wsrvnl5hbDtP2QsR28DUEthGwq830vJ5ctZGAEYM52ThEw8-5evWymlg/s400/P1010239.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The little name tags were also done in photos shop using </span><a href="http://www.shabbyprincess.com/2006SeasonalSampler.asp"><span style="font-family:verdana;">this</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> free Christmas digital scrapbook paper from </span><a href="http://www.shabbyprincess.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Shabby Princess</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551939082957706514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o9UUt_jZ6OzbqcBEel9lPnTc1fAo3-yBXGdINlHRxhuF0oTOhA_euDMUy2n4Cd1ENfls5p2acKDikHqGOAjL-6uwrI_cpySapf-qydjWuVIG2E1sjhafCGY13QkeEMGlxTJq2qAjMX0/s400/P1010243.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551938520241485874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5p9hvSduIcRPX05RbgEo6eokqCv2HUdJLs_2sb07GBbslVPo7hFEKNqgZpfV_H3xdwgwTvnUUCC30QNY0Fhvepne5giBsU_Fciq1lzQvvLphGO9UUkt44TEB8HnYe_Y6LgVJdOJJNn0/s400/P1010245.JPG" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I still have a couple of gifts to wrap to go under the tree but otherwise I am all finished for Christmas gift giving.</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-33548406157692749902010-12-15T22:23:00.006+11:002010-12-15T22:36:20.893+11:00Christmas Card<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This year I wasn't sure if a Christmas card was going to make it's way out of our household and into the post. The Little Guy is very challenging to photograph at the moment - he loves the camera and wants to hold it. Luckily on Saturday morning I gave him a christmas decorative sign to hold and managed to snap a few good shots. The photo card is based on a </span><a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/freestuff/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Becky Higgins</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> template to which I made some text adjustments and the end result was this:</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550870606982760434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGMHXFbgjPJfiZtyjCxhQ5kTJc2-yfBesJKIa7Ejlx7lAErz4fN5IY3VOXy3WwLQG0kCHhfv-C5kD9MjtK2jZR6x95-gMjvJHIJr3MXm5SjuKoH9rQ8zrVc9__GuV9siE-fliPe_OBXI/s400/christmas+card+final+2010+copy.jpg" /> <div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Last year I designed a photo card and adhered it to some blank cards and wrote a personal message inside. But this year pressed for time I have just sent out the photo card itself. Hopefully next year I will have the Christmas card ready much earlier!</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And here is another great shot I captured of our gorgoeous Little Guy:</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550870208156484642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo7MDE524OxTSVWkIFiBs2juyDRiDghfDLgsjqYH8aUTqzG0W7-7D00CFdWvTbzlhSR5TumiGST6DA5bI6Dqm2srgZz99yLPX0ckPhXc6nH2VT-Y-nlG2Iyv037mmHz-fScvOiUNu1zs/s400/PC110214.JPG" /><br /><br /><div></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-59756207540666392542010-12-14T18:16:00.011+11:002011-01-27T07:08:45.452+11:00The Playroom<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We recently did a big shuffle of room uses in our house and now the Little Guy has a dedicated play space which he is loving (and we are loving having no - well almost - toys in the living area!).</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div align="justify"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are some pics of the finished room:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550439078812588514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtPK775Hdyp1JpLVFV6TSqypodrGrZrTyhiwlXanGUjp9_CUBvUMyZ86PUZ1le_4QjYae5tMadeapQiSanklaPv-Q49EW0FIRLKxGEyx7gQnwB40vF7sq4FXo86uHBt_JIZk2ky1NmWU/s400/PC080209.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Expedit unit from Ikea and storage tubs from Kmart.<br /></p></span><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550438311928864402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfRcJYk_y4_VNXK0-PhPNA0GRPTRGsx1MlsnKCas85nDr34hLZcNuwfoFf6mW9YvB787BXULNzwoal9RJPpdAfx4USPrDYE-RSUFXU1sU6f5SgqaP3TZUXKJlzeSCeImndkHW00Q4H9A/s400/PC080211.JPG" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Gorgeous tissue poms and wall stickers.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have to thank the Big Guy for his tissue fluffing abilities as he did the blue and grey ones for me. I started with the small white one and wasn't very successful. He seems to have a knack for it!<br /></span><br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550437656918013026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N0s9xqphBb0XeaFPOtcRTtmieiSmhYhZhPIBg34NS_DqBf7tTKtJPWN1FPQIspy0gQrXm55AwNFUczERM51rsbM2KZ5w2Bi_-sHkYBPz2YXTFkZWz9l2S6CSZr86YyStnUZb4w57_hc/s400/PC080213.JPG" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">A close up of the framed print<br /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are some details of where I purchased all the lovely things in this room.<br /></div></span><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The tissue poms were purchased on </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Etsy</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> through </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PartyPoms"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Party Poms.<br /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The cushion cover is adorable and came all the way from The Netherlands! Purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> store <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/xxxRedStitcHxxx">Red Stitch</a>.</span></p><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550435996471833074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhm-CxpNqlrNzwDyD5WmL1QS2DzTDSItHDuY4ut6uHlRC11tTdt6h_WYLLcTinAKLaTKDiz__j_bIxD4fjnLySrl32n72mn5-KRL5NL6fVKc4ShVaCylKo4RyGl1rjC_a661_r9kILag/s400/cushion.jpg" /></span> </p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is a close up of the frame print purchased from <a href="http://imaginart.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=page_2">Imaginart</a> - they also have an Etsy store. Being a square print I could not located a suitable frame in any of our local stores so I designed by own online at <a href="http://www.frameshop.com.au/">Frameshop</a> and am was suprised at their quick delivery - I ordered frame on the Wednesday and it was delivered on Friday morning! You customise all the specifications of your frame, size and shape, frame colour, mat size and colour.<br /><br /></p></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550435141640886290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kl_3pBuhGCFV8JGKLfOXot-mrj0YABSI0veSp3QFoMNeTcXMhHdTMl5XfMAoiQ8uYGbHyUvWzJDtpHKHU18oj_KV6iDbulF70U9PJ2_iYHBkRryzMMhfz6XLd0sKddwL090_gpS36vM/s400/il_570xN_180556006.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are the wall stickers I purchased from another <a href="http://www.frameshop.com.au/">Etsy</a> store <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/loladecor">Lola Decor</a> (I changed the colours):</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550434768771487330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRKzA1ZkEzyjL4CoRPdJpnYtGywnNN50pqcIpHQmMUwqTaCpnpcNcR88HvVt88wmg0R20-Juu3xaH67RQpLSnsGLARy5ryTRpH6g6y4LvbMwHDZL8kcBE5uvc9I989vpMwRJQmt0g5NA/s400/il_570xN_169718902.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am so happy with the all the different features of the room coming together and think it looks great.</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-78092611837148632512010-12-12T11:25:00.007+11:002010-12-12T12:12:18.741+11:00More Christmas<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I had grand plans for lots of blog posts this past week but was sidetracked by a bad flu and still feeling under the weather today so trying to take things easy.</span><br /></div><div><div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Time for some more Christmas details. First up is a (bad) picture of our tree:</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549596589298920914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUDmf5hUQjyAtbCGcU_MCswOh-y-PYKw_5BLsVniPqH-WvJSqDUcHABrwxBa2o2TkprhKFFdQbZqe5k-vbjsVG4sGrN1gDHF8gaK7MmcNEsYcp3ZExC734Tk37u31ZBlNU_CEf7V10yg/s400/P1010223.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Little Guy has been gently re-arranging the tree. He loves it and says 'wow' and 'pretty'. And he has only opened one present so I think he is doing really well.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">One day I would love to have a proper mantel to hang our stockings but for now this is what we do. The bits and pieces have been purchased over the last 3 Christmases since we bought our house. I love our stockings (from Myer) and our stocking holders are from David Jones (I've also seen similar ones at Myer):</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549595932434968434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcduI8DfJyxrFEEIOC50cGeZ549nXrmhRhskxvJ6cAhj71k7jFO8rnzeh83IuvE9ZrPdgJgERC4WnfSQE1SbwFNGajdgH0u2EMQFX4sX9vrDn8QQBtlx6W5r7eePc4B2HN12HQnHV8nrs/s400/P1010225.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bottom shelf: The little red boxes are actually candle holders and are also from David Jones. The red bauble is from Bed, Bath and Table and lights up inside. The silver wire Christmas tree I can't remember where that one is from (perhaps a discount store?). The white candle holders on the left were a wedding present from my parents and the champagne flutes on the right are from our wedding.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Top shelf has this gorgeous decoration from a trip to World Disney World we took a couple of years ago:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549595405556715250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8kLevTFNe5ZiUoTxyQ8vKiKNcQmSVJdLYn2f9_SQwNL2cxO0Tr9nWol9TyHWSArvneW6RoU0CeHZ8mmyk2Msw76r0qex5FbFvnSKy15aCKPKIuD9s3XYgIZhvnHzrIadiQOfaU4zCqQ/s400/P1010226.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It is quite heavy and I have been searching for the past two Christmases to find an ornament stand to hang it on. Just this week at our local shopping centre a little stall selling personalised Christmas baubles were selling them for a bargain price of just $5! I was so happy!</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And speaking of beautiful Christmas things </span><a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sharnell Dollar</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> is giving away some gorgeous Christmas goodies including these:</span></div><div></div><br /><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549593314602284898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LnqIZwyn8CNemPOnYUlADZbyVKvFtSOJEmoFPnHS5Tmri0TeOdXMWqIF1Z426seuRQhKgv6-JrfycRnPrSegT-d3QyZ4CfQENrpSi5x-uIJjbAwHhScTnlv8pRMjRa1fY30aGu7N8FE/s400/Christmas_Blackboard.jpg" /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Check out her </span><a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">blog</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for details of the goodies and how to enter.</span><br /></div></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-22864851870142296822010-12-02T22:41:00.008+11:002010-12-02T23:09:32.766+11:00Christmas<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Christmas decorating is in full swing in our house with the tree going up this past Monday -which is very late for me! I usually have the tree up by mid November but with all the re-arranging of the house the Chritmas decorating has been taking a backseat. I am a little fussy and particular when it comes to Christmas but each year I find a few more bits and pieces to add to our collection including this cute take on an Advent calendar:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546054814752586402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDjnj2da3BP-uC3AyZ1ZLzEaQmhGymx-g7Wc1yEoFKkYrGcKoyrg9Aj3uCGUZ4KiIzKrl1DEKRayLLu22GMMbl-fLqfwO9mHdvnwAisWAf95rhuvKn6nQvAme2gdJUgGP00RIBff57yw/s400/PC020193.JPG" /> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This version is actually a placemat with 2 layers. The bottom layers display the numbers and you rotate the top layer accordingly. I have just blu-tacked it to the wall and each day take it down to change the number and re-tack to the wall. The Little Guy loves it and calls it 'pretty'!</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This shelf is in our new dining area</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546054287471997026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyIoNwAY-RIw8H940Xwlr3EWjIAcgFZQNLLApnCZbAkwPzSVLEOe40WlYTjy89TKqNBp94RyoLHXqU72ldHIZM4UGardoIhdAyHw_OG6HTJeegagyCRJJp06oo3F_Sl67wVN3fhVNYJo/s400/PC020194.JPG" />displays a gorgeous Villeroy & Boch tealight candle holder (a gift from my boss many years ago), a cute wind-up wooden Santa sleigh and reindeer from </span><a href="http://www.mywoodentoys.com.au/index.php"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My Wooden Toys</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> (I can't see this particular toy on their site at the moment but they do have some adorable wooden nativity sets), a photo of the Little Guy and a lovely wooden Advent calendar purchased from Bed, Bath & Table last Christmas. The Little Guy is a bit young at the moment to use this but I look forward to future Christmases where I will be able to put some little notes about a Christmas related activity or event as well as chocolate inside each of the little boxes. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Little Guy also has a Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set he loves to play with. I believe it is important for there to be some Christmas (or any other celebration) decorations he is allowed to play with rather then everything being out of bounds to him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">I also saw this cute version of a Advent calender at Infarrantly Creative <a href="http://www.mywoodentoys.com.au/index.php">blog</a>:</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546053522019109042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcChmI0VEITq2B7koeVdz0XMPu1a0nIyZhIGPYSON-spihxgoZQC4z29eBH3P8Lu8GSmpxpDjCUlZeJokFmtWZ0xu7X9E32CO-oOyWfar9ivSTlBnIirNliNLC-M1jAiv3zEQKRKB9Yk/s400/IMG_1605_thumb1.jpg" /></span></p><span style="font-family:verdana;">How cute is it? What other great Christmas ideas have you seen? </span>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-26797501253154955592010-12-01T22:53:00.006+11:002010-12-01T23:13:06.918+11:00Changes<span style="font-family:verdana;">The epic re-arrange of our house is now complete besides a couple of little touches for the playroom that I recently purchased which have yet to arrive. Our spare bedroom/study is now the playroom, our dining room is now the study/craft area and the toy storage area of the family room is now our dining area. It is so nice not to have a zillion toys strewn across the living room every day. It was a massive job with new furntiure purchases, lots of decluttering and rearranging but I am so pleased with the result.</span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For the first time ever I have my very own desk and much needed creative space. I purchased some galvinised metal pails from Ikea to store some of my frequently used tools such as scissors, pens, adhesives etc. They were looking rather plainish though so I tied some gorgeous </span><a href="http://www.americancrafts.com/category.php?id=26"><span style="font-family:verdana;">American Crafts</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> ribbon around each of them:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545685571706613986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIlBXvjxNpxWee_AP1YGcX7A7UNaYBBaJXpyAQEJAra3I82H-nIQ1b0NfS6ch6yKXfUtk8TmWlsRVw6pQr6a8TlWr82OtMHTD8hCbnswXeri6BkVTjlJWCYTdYoSxVJQEy1IBfy0KqKQ/s400/PC010191.JPG" /> <p></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amazing what a little piece of ribbon can do - I think they look great. (And did you notice the text printed on the ribbon on the right?)</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Lots to share at the moment - more storage for my crafting bits and pieces, Christmas decorating including Advent calendars and other little Christmas gifts I have been preparing. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Making a big effort to get blog posts up over the next couple of days so stay tuned!<br /></p></span>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-85521876074936910362010-11-14T15:58:00.004+11:002010-11-14T16:22:02.394+11:00Getting Prepared for Christmas<div align="justify">With Christmas only 6 weeks away I have been writing listings, purchasing gifts, wrapping presents and starting on those gifts I am making such as these for the Little Guy's daycare staff:</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539266422563790546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOAVTtphP3RJGmdBBTF-ix_oTLrUcva0nqjokqGfMhl-kRkk9r65lpROKgHuZlv8OY0fAGHi2tSG6uFVBdq7RmUhAN2y8-YBo1aRlk6qpA7-pRXBJyhjUNEAwp4RRwfhbU1Xc0wdwqSo/s320/PB140184.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify">You may remember me blogging about these little canvas bags back in August <a href="http://polkadotsandprettythings.blogspot.com/2010/08/packaging-think-outside-square.html">here</a>. Purchased for just a few dollars for a pack of 4 they are the perfect packaging for the mini recipe book and Christmas decoration the Little Guy will give his carers. I've had these little booklets in my craft stash for a while and decided to make up a little recipe book of 5 yummy treats my Little Guy loves to eat. The clear Christmas tree decoration was a recent purchase from Spotlight for around $2 - it comes apart in 2 pieces so you can fill it with chocolate etc, tie a ribbon to the top and then hang on your tree. Using some internet freebie digital Christmas scrapbook paper and alphabet I whipped up a quick name tag and tied it on with some sparkly ribbon I found in Coles (Christmas section).</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Our Christmas tree and decorations through out the house will go up over the next couple of weeks once we have completed our room swapping (more about that soon).</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I'm also continuing to organise the Little Guy's 2nd birthday party which is just a few weeks after Christmas and have made some recent purchases on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> which I will share later. </div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-8360380759961013012010-11-04T15:04:00.005+11:002010-11-04T15:30:17.331+11:00What's been happening?<div align="justify">It's been a few weeks between posts - lots has been happening here:</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><ol><br /><li><br /><div align="justify">The big guy had his final uni exam for his MBA in late October. With an end to years of study, late nights and weekends at the library - we have put together a 'Spring Clean' list for neglected tasks in the house and garden - which he will now have time to tend to.</div></li><br /><li><br /><div align="justify">We had our first ever kid free weekend away for our friends E & S's wedding in the Hunter Valley and had a great time.</div></li><br /><li><br /><div align="justify">Thanks to a wonderful, flexible workplace and a supportive husband I have been able to spend the last 16 months at home part time with the little guy and after much thought and debate have decided to return to full time work next year. Although I'm going to miss the extra time I get to spend at home with the little guy I am very grateful I was able to be home full time the first 6 months of his life and I look foward to returning to my fantastic office and also to achieving some of the goals we have set for our family's future.</div></li></ol><br /><p></p><br /><p align="justify">More posts to come with some of the other things which have been keeping me busy.</p><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535546512960323026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjinIVawHco28ztHCrCPKnaW_cGT485MMrEU9dEbQV-iLnJY1vk4BH0asnQ1Hl1Tt0GHSDvMjIJ8SzSfMgXu-6tpZieFMW6WoN7xZfMaUP-gCHdfq2UX3sODwOwr-0d9R0aZaiMgMG38/s400/PA230094.JPG" /><br /><p></p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-10744455082694094602010-10-19T20:25:00.008+11:002010-10-19T21:24:22.623+11:00Banana bread or cookies & icecream?<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I've been cooking up a storm lately so my boys are very happy! Have tried out a few new recipes as well as some old favourites.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">One of my favourite never fail recipes is for caramel banana bread. Despite the name this banana bread is not too sweet and is super moist.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Caramel Banana Bread</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529691725914431058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWWGZWkhz3lPnwMChxRNRNdd2nIb3RiQY3TmDkxM4S3CgVzpduwbdhjYznhlUlut-e7juH0iIlfedXfqfnUt4jiu6NOOxTqSMhKt7wR6J24qdGkeYTZntDpzClHOt8-VNirWRoF8MAqA/s320/PA190056.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ingredients:</span></em></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">125grams softened butter</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">3/4 cup of brown sugar</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">2 eggs (lightly beaten)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1 cup of mashed banana (about 2 large bananas) preferably slightly overripe</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1 & 1/2 cups of self raising flour</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">3/4 cup of sour cream</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1 tablespoon of milk</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:verdana;">Directions:</span></em><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan forced oven). Grease a loaf pan.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">2. Using an electric mixer cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in one egg until well combined and repeat with 2nd egg.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">3. Add the mashed bananas, one cup of flour, sour cream and the bicarbonate soda to the sugar mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Add in the remaining flour and milk and mix well.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">4. Pour into loaf tin and bake for approx. 50 mins until cooked. Test that a skewer comes out clean if inserted in the middle of the pan. Leave in pan for approx 5 mins to cool before turning onto a wire rack.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">5. Serve warm. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 130%" align="center"><strong></strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></div><div style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 130%" align="center"><strong></strong></div><div style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 130%" align="center"><strong></strong></div><div style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 130%" align="center"><strong></strong></div><div style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 130%" align="center"><strong></strong></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>Cookies & Icecream</strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A new recipe I recently tried is from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> - an oven baked cookie and icecream recipe they call <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/03/pizzookies.html">Pizzookies</a>. Here is a photo I took before my boys digged into the warm cookies, icecream and chocolate fudge sauce:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529691730884885570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx2kBV3_gPFklCpIlWIAAqmL6sXOx1sSv81-R5FsTuEN5gb_uMCwdPQNFBY0LkwAZtasQQBl3snJNi96GEWDLA3ybT_rmi3D4loCcG625qthOpiLv2QGRy2zoESvUTMDLmqHk29NGacw/s320/PA170052.JPG" /> </p><p></p><p align="left"><br /><em><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ingredients:</span></em></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Cookie doug</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">h (chilled ready to use from supermarket or make your own)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Icecream of your choice</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Chocolate/c</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">aramel sauce</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:verdana;">Directions:</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan forced oven)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2. Fill ramekins about 1/2 way with cookie dough</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">3. Place ramekins on tray and bake for approx 10-12 mins - make sure dough is still soft.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">4. Allow to cool for a few minutes then place ramekin into a larger bowl (so you don't burn your fingers!) and top with a scoop of icecream and chocolate/caramel sauce.</span><br /><br /></p><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;"><em>PIZZOOKIES INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS FROM <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">http://www.ourbestbites.com/</a> - I trust these are as yummy as my boys say they are! (Shock horror I don't like choc-chip cookies and not much of a fan of icecream icecream - which makes it easier for me to cook things I know the Big Guy and Little Guy like that are a bit naughty).</em></span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-868599527897321602010-10-02T16:09:00.013+10:002010-10-02T17:20:01.524+10:00More party and Christmas ideas<p align="justify"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's a cold rainy long weekend here in Sydney and with nothing urgently requiring my attention I've been thinking about the little guy's birthday party again and playing around with a few food table ideas:</span></span><br /><br /><br /></p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523330193642271650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HIGibf4DDrYArolii8YxoVrQlg7ywgnT6_YAr6zbUtOJvaCnS77077t0XMpA0g4B_Xt93oKNIAvACY7BSPtVOBWJmg3Mo6AKjhGBMkYiUGiqIXOggWhY0o-sseKTk3lSv3nTxlZeyv0/s320/PA020374.JPG" /> <p align="justify"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How cute are those little wafers! A favourite of the big guy I purchased them in Woolworths in a box of 6 snack packs.<br /></span><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Also found this caddy which will be perfect for holding cutlery and napkins (not sure which printable to use):</span><br /></p><p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUT_R7WUEtbYILj_jJkRabAgu80nyyVR4pVWC6QdMBGnArRPpBGEy0qisENzX2K2YqhqQ3yTbQwkHhtRb4YA3jbH3PB-JbF-b5OH27N-QQKafT8M62JvYQJZ6rBa94yUZB8r2JW8pSOk/s1600/PA020376.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523332089079449330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUT_R7WUEtbYILj_jJkRabAgu80nyyVR4pVWC6QdMBGnArRPpBGEy0qisENzX2K2YqhqQ3yTbQwkHhtRb4YA3jbH3PB-JbF-b5OH27N-QQKafT8M62JvYQJZ6rBa94yUZB8r2JW8pSOk/s320/PA020376.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVc9rtkDzNtxzWGGk5yhLaGis3Vyl-Z6i2GgaBAXNeKGR47-9itPPQN386mkYgPoAaeWAufeHz9LpErfUD1TsRR5FiAdJCysP3hkIGoomOYhmWQB46rw7VWZniRDyAbeb86b6kvy5UIY/s1600/PA020377.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523332782379407106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVc9rtkDzNtxzWGGk5yhLaGis3Vyl-Z6i2GgaBAXNeKGR47-9itPPQN386mkYgPoAaeWAufeHz9LpErfUD1TsRR5FiAdJCysP3hkIGoomOYhmWQB46rw7VWZniRDyAbeb86b6kvy5UIY/s320/PA020377.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is a photo of the inside of the caddy:</span><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhUT4NQrEuU9_DXWXNvMegN3WTFN2sW3wTBETMCA3f9JoFVWirRIggmKQzHPAwEg4ODYo284wkbqhZ_1wbEvUigxCxVTxembxJzq8foECgw5iiCjc8yMr3vOT5bGPcxCP0BP_Dslntro/s1600/PA020379.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523334142159664114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhUT4NQrEuU9_DXWXNvMegN3WTFN2sW3wTBETMCA3f9JoFVWirRIggmKQzHPAwEg4ODYo284wkbqhZ_1wbEvUigxCxVTxembxJzq8foECgw5iiCjc8yMr3vOT5bGPcxCP0BP_Dslntro/s320/PA020379.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And filled:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f8VD-zwmkIu9TeOmb_SfGtx63p8YzIvGu15tRX1v0pvbCAXhic3QEnTMZ1VmG87iRFJMkrq4h2mkaKrC5RQmoIHzIuYaxgnGvQnabvIJ0wCPvAFbjlTJ9KpwJ_I8P9EktbPtm3NbMYU/s1600/PA020382.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523335119609699186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f8VD-zwmkIu9TeOmb_SfGtx63p8YzIvGu15tRX1v0pvbCAXhic3QEnTMZ1VmG87iRFJMkrq4h2mkaKrC5RQmoIHzIuYaxgnGvQnabvIJ0wCPvAFbjlTJ9KpwJ_I8P9EktbPtm3NbMYU/s320/PA020382.JPG" /></a> </p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sorry about all the white! I have zero photography skills and not many suitable places to take photographs inside (and its pouring with rain outside). These are the best shots I could take with my little point and shoot.</span><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The caddy is actually an undersink storage caddy I recently bought at Target (found in the laundry section with the pegs, coathangers etc) - a bargain at only $10.00. I'm a big believer in re-using, re-purposing and finding alternative uses for items. The glass jar shown above is one of two I also purchased recently from a homewares outlet and they were filled with scented tealight candles.</span></p><p align="justify"></p><br /><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I've also been thinking about Christmas again and have been browsing </span><a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/themes/christmas"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Hostess With The Mostess</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Love this simple and beautiful place setting:</span></p><br /><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10t75w1P4sDRWM-MdVbfu4CSxAK5NyW05_cM88YlLg8spTNcb8faAE5pfbGh7MAhI-JHFZko0caX6Pa3tRdYuqNwNq2ih66uFQTDGIy_8X-s1hAaw5T5aEg0aoNwJHcKzEcwxVO0Zjh8/s1600/image_3142_500_340.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523338111427994834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10t75w1P4sDRWM-MdVbfu4CSxAK5NyW05_cM88YlLg8spTNcb8faAE5pfbGh7MAhI-JHFZko0caX6Pa3tRdYuqNwNq2ih66uFQTDGIy_8X-s1hAaw5T5aEg0aoNwJHcKzEcwxVO0Zjh8/s320/image_3142_500_340.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And one day I might be game enough to try and make some cakepops. How gorgeous are these from </span><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bakerella</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">:</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO75Qktpt6iBtmqbUF7JUIzEv0DpbmxTwOH4x9yCoB2VjNV4bcPhmxpr8-BC0M8AtJBJlrwvCcliFYu2VyQyuOoRN8nwAgZgm3uLBa4eLtnnIn8bCwOT5qyjnG2RFTprS-r4DpGz9Slo/s1600/3091730208_fdabba698e.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523340858983136562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO75Qktpt6iBtmqbUF7JUIzEv0DpbmxTwOH4x9yCoB2VjNV4bcPhmxpr8-BC0M8AtJBJlrwvCcliFYu2VyQyuOoRN8nwAgZgm3uLBa4eLtnnIn8bCwOT5qyjnG2RFTprS-r4DpGz9Slo/s320/3091730208_fdabba698e.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumcckUrkXAhZwTzCyWfKDkL0Vzomi8TpCsA0hdgHaMg6uO6gjEadUaVEJPUBMpg5FPuWF_Zxmi7bKv2Yimjadgj_zOFqC-GwEHkyxqLM_x-8ekMXV2DwgHGCo1gMxWoHV2PG9RKq1v90/s1600/3091729954_d7698a1b49.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523340853800515490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumcckUrkXAhZwTzCyWfKDkL0Vzomi8TpCsA0hdgHaMg6uO6gjEadUaVEJPUBMpg5FPuWF_Zxmi7bKv2Yimjadgj_zOFqC-GwEHkyxqLM_x-8ekMXV2DwgHGCo1gMxWoHV2PG9RKq1v90/s320/3091729954_d7698a1b49.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHRqNFXo6Bn3Xr9b8_eGQZRph9nUEiI7IBRcSzv2LshnOGqYWs5oZsIDPivRmJqiCTYgsb25hY56eT52Vi6jl4eVXyTzZWbb7-4TnasvjA6fLSlmaG_IuzCK89Ge-Pg0oxcPoF0g4ql8/s1600/3090888019_9a5cf816bd.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523340851270306866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHRqNFXo6Bn3Xr9b8_eGQZRph9nUEiI7IBRcSzv2LshnOGqYWs5oZsIDPivRmJqiCTYgsb25hY56eT52Vi6jl4eVXyTzZWbb7-4TnasvjA6fLSlmaG_IuzCK89Ge-Pg0oxcPoF0g4ql8/s320/3090888019_9a5cf816bd.jpg" /></a></p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-87397347134914622872010-09-26T07:42:00.005+10:002010-09-26T08:14:40.172+10:00Handmade Gifts and Planning Ahead<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow - over a month since I last posted. My days seem to be filled up very quickly with work, looking after a 20 month old, cleaning, washing, cleaning, washing etc. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The little spare time I've had I've been using to complete some projects (while catching up on Mc Dreamy and Mc Steamy on dvd) including designing two lots of invites - one handmade and the other with photoshop. Plus:</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dwUF0YLF-n8tDWgNeLz3H3iYJfoMiXCjEB9y_FcPl8zGi1syhtONh2EYvHxUoHcZl7_do3-9yvMeRGRJ0Rj48-O-T-XZoDv0vCR4TiRk8ZdFPtgUtMY6Xr3y3Vg7BlLRkZ64XcmjF-E/s1600/craft+projects+sep+2010+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520971304825151954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dwUF0YLF-n8tDWgNeLz3H3iYJfoMiXCjEB9y_FcPl8zGi1syhtONh2EYvHxUoHcZl7_do3-9yvMeRGRJ0Rj48-O-T-XZoDv0vCR4TiRk8ZdFPtgUtMY6Xr3y3Vg7BlLRkZ64XcmjF-E/s400/craft+projects+sep+2010+copy.jpg" /> <p align="justify"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></p></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Wedding Keepsake</strong> box is a gift for my gorgeous friend Ms E who is shortly going to become Mrs A! She is getting it a little early so she can start to store all those keepsake little bits and pieces she has already collected.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Shadow Box </strong>frame is another 'Day You Were Born' gift for our neice Miss C whose dedication/naming day is in a few weeks. I went with a rustic horse theme for her horse mad parents! The certificates can be purchased from </span><a href="http://www.giftedmemories.com.au/giftcategory.asp?display=20"><span style="font-family:arial;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> .</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The party printables </strong>is me planning for the little guy's birthday. I know it's not until January but with Christmas and a busy few months ahead I need to start getting organised now as the 2 weeks following Christmas I want to be all ready and not running around trying to organise a party! I had Nicole from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ncooper21?ref=seller_info"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Two Saavy Sisters</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> custom design me a gridiron (American football) theme party pack (modeled on her Vintage Baseball Party Pack) in the colours of white/light blue/brown. I am so pleased with the way all the pieces turned out and can't wait to put it all together.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">A few busy weeks ahead with a Kitchen Tea, Hen's Night, Miss C's dedication/naming day, Ms E's wedding and then it's November and Christmas is just around the corner!</span></div>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-11072926214644541082010-08-22T20:47:00.005+10:002010-08-22T22:26:36.911+10:00Cheese & Bacon Bread Snacks<div align="justify">I have a recipe to share today, I made these yummy cheese & bacon bread snacks for lunch for us:<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMmpLZos8MnB1u_gG8utyJwsqp5C1Thaj84-d4X1h_Mby7hn6fT7I-wE5k8nlwQDVqSMjbBPexZvv6QnrzgiN3svZdi2YuI8-eKPSVB5E1PiOwvQhq3LsZXcaLGHxD7lQagqSZR3b5Og/s1600/P8220252.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508185303989933170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMmpLZos8MnB1u_gG8utyJwsqp5C1Thaj84-d4X1h_Mby7hn6fT7I-wE5k8nlwQDVqSMjbBPexZvv6QnrzgiN3svZdi2YuI8-eKPSVB5E1PiOwvQhq3LsZXcaLGHxD7lQagqSZR3b5Og/s320/P8220252.JPG" /> <p align="justify"></a><br /><br />I'm not sure where the recipe is from - I've had it for a little while waiting for the time and inclination to make them. I'm not a huge slave over the stove top kinda girl (I leave the risotto making to the Big Guy) but I love to bake cakes, muffins etc so this recipe is right up my alley:<br /><br />Makes approx 12<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />200g diced bacon<br />2 cups of grated cheese<br />1 small onion finely diced<br />1 cup of self raising flour<br />1/2 cup of milk<br />1 egg beaten<br />3 teaspoons of sundried tomato pesto<br /><br /><br /><br />Method:<br /><br />1. Place bacon, cheese, onion and flour in a bowl.<br />2.Combine milk, egg and pesto in a small jug then add mixture to dry ingredients, stir until combined.<br />3.Line an oven tray with baking paper, spoon tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the tray, allow enough room for spreading.<br />4.Bake in a hot oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden.</p><p align="justify">Enjoy!</p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-18032197077985876482010-08-13T15:11:00.011+10:002010-08-13T22:00:27.290+10:00Gift Wrapping/Presentation - think outside the square!<div align="justify">The big guy, the little guy and myself are away in New South Wales' central west at the moment visiting family in Cowra. Lucky for me the motel we stay at (everytime we come if we can!) has wifi. Thank goodness I remembered to bring my laptop this time (unlike 6 or so weeks ago when in a packing frenzy I forgot to bring any sort of entertainment in the form of computer, book, magazine etc to curb my boredom in the evening hours when the little guy is asleep - although last trip he decided he would not succumb to sleeping during the nighttime hours!).</div><br /><br /><br /><p align="justify">For the first time in may visits to this town we have actually done some touristy things like visit the Japanese Gardens and POW site:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznJYbfocfoGmgJrZpFA_uty3sqRp40rKDXKPNQR27bX4fg6i8XHZDwGWMUvvQFTClkkyOlcT8Jv4raK8ahlGoRRgtqed-NZ83kcuhrkbUO-PDuKdJ9zHame9dBHJ7YLN9Lh875NvE_Ag/s1600/P8130212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504760084799409490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznJYbfocfoGmgJrZpFA_uty3sqRp40rKDXKPNQR27bX4fg6i8XHZDwGWMUvvQFTClkkyOlcT8Jv4raK8ahlGoRRgtqed-NZ83kcuhrkbUO-PDuKdJ9zHame9dBHJ7YLN9Lh875NvE_Ag/s320/P8130212.JPG" /></a><br /></p><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTpOkQkbFRU80mzzGoZ8zHVzkRyavGfPnVplBRAx5lILVPxMMGQCBkweIWTr7H2oHy1kUZZ1rc19enpFzbxwI8ArYqyMa6eG1ooILEfehrrF-uj9vDQqNkedYiDPAbeKwv9L6FNTxkJ8/s1600/P8130223.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504760076394931074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTpOkQkbFRU80mzzGoZ8zHVzkRyavGfPnVplBRAx5lILVPxMMGQCBkweIWTr7H2oHy1kUZZ1rc19enpFzbxwI8ArYqyMa6eG1ooILEfehrrF-uj9vDQqNkedYiDPAbeKwv9L6FNTxkJ8/s320/P8130223.JPG" /></a><br />The gardens will be so lovely in spring time when all the flowers start to bloom. We will have to time a visit one year for the Cherry Blossom festival.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Now back to the post topic - packaging - think outside the square. In preparation for this visit to see family and our new neice Miss B I was organising the rather overboard amount of presents I had purchased and needed to buy some wrapping paper or a gift bag to keep it all together. While zipping into Coles for a quick trip for nappies (so annoying Coles in the only store to stock our preferred brand of nappies for the little guy) I noticed some pink storage containers which would be perfect for toys or lots of other items you need to store that come along with having a baby.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjv4TQD6XE60N1x1DVWpkn2izLCF7sab30YX8dW9m9DAuDVhmEE4eRmFU09XY_GeNx8g8ZfBqAGHPcgqQ7dtawiYCdXm999HznCOC00aLnbk4oAFoJBAVR7GifXYQtej8ljDMWln3lBs/s1600/P8100187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504762188532056466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjv4TQD6XE60N1x1DVWpkn2izLCF7sab30YX8dW9m9DAuDVhmEE4eRmFU09XY_GeNx8g8ZfBqAGHPcgqQ7dtawiYCdXm999HznCOC00aLnbk4oAFoJBAVR7GifXYQtej8ljDMWln3lBs/s320/P8100187.JPG" /></a> So I made a 'Congratulations' sign for the top of the box, tucked all the gifts inside along with the card and a photo album I made:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CJjXxmoC2Ne7CwGTNqlGNkvz-VFZNX55iaUMrgBeH8kRGVflfaDXdezuyPj6xUXCZ3UivYZPtGwZnzxnqQwvKk8psu9NDoyP_-NeNZsT6VNrcR2AiMllEVRyTyw0gt1kqbO8Zk9sDss/s1600/P8100190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504766467949021714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CJjXxmoC2Ne7CwGTNqlGNkvz-VFZNX55iaUMrgBeH8kRGVflfaDXdezuyPj6xUXCZ3UivYZPtGwZnzxnqQwvKk8psu9NDoyP_-NeNZsT6VNrcR2AiMllEVRyTyw0gt1kqbO8Zk9sDss/s320/P8100190.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p align="justify">My sister thought it was a great idea - mission accomplished!<br /><br /></p><br /><p align="justify">I also recently purchased these from one of our local discount stores:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvA8p9G-uLycbq3eLH5QYpo0bzfZ8Z7jppFlxpN-pp9PcOLS-R3aqDfnyPtVz6idSQ3Zjtrv-0hULnFlfG_73h07S52aq7zCo5cLyocHAkqEZDyWPmRM48XlFZTcUMEyydVa1xG-5vPg/s1600/P6260084.JPG"></a><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolEW6juhZSrHLR9w8KZ-L5IKWSksVRGCyu_YN68X89w37WdpQFvgAqiR822AaZdQcJUgFbC82qdkUKVNChnzUsXusaYmGE6fV26ZPQhwdX9bVqal1VcVPix8jmI3M6CbM70s9TyaDgUo/s1600/P8100192.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMmjpVMQu6xsNH6Fd1s8YHCH6V4Mbh9Fd7RvURkRTR3zWrvNZGPHKgEDreqCW9iW3esjj89OzBxIOAfCH23RggGBuoLFhJEpK0QIdysNJtKWFM750m1dVqcdlejVwSVyrmlUvLprQDEo/s1600/P8100191.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504773156354038946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMmjpVMQu6xsNH6Fd1s8YHCH6V4Mbh9Fd7RvURkRTR3zWrvNZGPHKgEDreqCW9iW3esjj89OzBxIOAfCH23RggGBuoLFhJEpK0QIdysNJtKWFM750m1dVqcdlejVwSVyrmlUvLprQDEo/s320/P8100191.JPG" /></a><br /><p align="justify"><br />They are 15cm x 15cm canvas type bags and were a bargain @ 3 for $2.00. I am thinking they will be perfect for packaging gifts for the little guy's daycare staff this Christmas. I need to think of a way to decorate the outside (possibly some sort of silvery snowflake design with the purple and blue). I'm also thinking they would make perfect kids size gift bags for guests at the little guy's next birthday party. Next time I'm out shopping I will buy some more of these little gems to put away for future use.</p><br /><p align="justify">Have a lovely weekend!</p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-90793048791036577272010-08-06T20:01:00.006+10:002010-08-06T20:37:11.828+10:00Ready, Steady, Party<div><div align="justify">I was so happy to receive this wonderful book: Ready, Steady, Party - cooking for kids and with kids by Lucy Broadhurst; for my birthday from my gorgeous sister Mrs R.</div><div> </div><div></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502237048223971058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1NCR9aKhGzvlH6u__7UmsB22K2-5ZVx9GFf4YZphpGBLGtQemtx3JS7K9nUSv63-bt6HssXF5TEeJDcP-K10CYtHQ0FJPB3xv2HjERWo0PBA3xTpkf0VbEbKklsqXkUFhr5nqyzUqTA/s320/P8010139.JPG" /><br /><p align="justify">This fantastic book indulges my love of party styling - it is divided into party themes, and features menu suggestions including recipes and great presentation/packaging.</p><p>'Shipwrecked' Party:</p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuQw5kDENgxLwuyRfc31dNs93aTXEfH9GECb8GO2TSe08_PZknohtQ6JcCtdwkCRiFQNxu9zPdIBQ_KJUA2wh22wm-8tj8GmE-L62eBdKXygYKa4X3vcv8iWA80h70xhTJ5uUoNEzhVQ/s1600/P8010140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502239548911264882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuQw5kDENgxLwuyRfc31dNs93aTXEfH9GECb8GO2TSe08_PZknohtQ6JcCtdwkCRiFQNxu9zPdIBQ_KJUA2wh22wm-8tj8GmE-L62eBdKXygYKa4X3vcv8iWA80h70xhTJ5uUoNEzhVQ/s320/P8010140.JPG" /></a>'Farm' Party:</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502237747733658514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QyF9n0m_opc16y1hKFUx2dcyZ8wksoShAeqcf6uZFcpC9CsTfzjh0cLmVqPzGxKnIPcZ3XI0yczCU589n1pNwn-zxi252G2SAZc8YWrUNFAm03S3yMkVehQIe0J2dy9j8Gg_XsJUxg4/s320/P8010142.JPG" /><br /></p><p align="justify">I am rather besotted with the 'Animal Feed' as shown above. The book also includes some helpful tips for holding a party and a section dedicated to Party Games. Other themes include 'off to the circus', 'teddy bears picnic' and 'camp out'.</p><p align="justify">Some of the recipes look so yummy I can't wait to try them out. It's also makes me keen to start planning the Little Guy's 2nd birthday - although that's 6 months away! Christmas comes first though - will be my first time hosting for my family (parents, brothers, sisters, neices, nephews etc) and I'm looking forward to doing some craft projects for the holidays.</p><p>Off to pour over the pages of this fantastic book yet again!</p><p> </p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248421776305604739.post-58802191488919541532010-08-04T19:53:00.009+10:002010-08-04T20:39:58.996+10:00New Additions<div align="justify">A big congratulations to my sister Mrs W & family on their newest addition- a sweet little girl named Bethany born yesterday. We can't wait to meet our new neice/cousin next week!</div><br /><div align="justify">In other new addition news:<br /><br /></div><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hPxqIx2kX2rohB1dHUTdoa3Ht6n4VS-asHq0Y_a2zM-SnOdkEcqDEcXM0tKJhTPQnR2LtBwbLwMsTQJrzEqgFjtn27Or7Dv253pfy9IMxB_PKvMbE6UiYEejZ30fugCqLCXjJcXK68M/s1600/P8040150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501497016043611810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hPxqIx2kX2rohB1dHUTdoa3Ht6n4VS-asHq0Y_a2zM-SnOdkEcqDEcXM0tKJhTPQnR2LtBwbLwMsTQJrzEqgFjtn27Or7Dv253pfy9IMxB_PKvMbE6UiYEejZ30fugCqLCXjJcXK68M/s320/P8040150.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This gorgous cupcake stand was a birthday gift from my awesome friend Nic - who knows me so well - I love it! I've been eyeing off cupcake stands for a long, long time but have never got around to buying one. Thanks again Nic. xoxo<br /><br /><br /><br />and this lantern:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBIOwjvipjVwDNDmG1okBFgjGQgXHYHblO1b6alJAhLcAF9oFAII8XENEF7HsOie2CFO-HSEvvaDBiMEaQiykFm4NZItsTArAOLYYeOcm9Q_eRWjyiaq5nWZBiSLoAGpdNPiqA7O9E6o/s1600/P8010137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501496133725984466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBIOwjvipjVwDNDmG1okBFgjGQgXHYHblO1b6alJAhLcAF9oFAII8XENEF7HsOie2CFO-HSEvvaDBiMEaQiykFm4NZItsTArAOLYYeOcm9Q_eRWjyiaq5nWZBiSLoAGpdNPiqA7O9E6o/s320/P8010137.JPG" /></a><br /><br />was a birthday treat to myself! A bargain picked up from one of my favourite stores: Bed, Bath & Table - this bamboo lantern has a glass insert candle holder and handle. Not quite sure exactly where it is going to live in the house - but I'm sure I'll find the perfect spot for it!</p><p>And this:<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9xWo02uWKX5NcrjSxM4C2eZLDZ53PM9jq033p-9ulauCq9gIjIqaKIxMny-v2xh29XDxswvqgV7tkOEAcqIqcH-EiTfZqkNv_0pOUj-VqF4ELjxiqJtHji6uA1A-XCdMgR7MywODkhM/s1600/P8040157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501498470886811314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9xWo02uWKX5NcrjSxM4C2eZLDZ53PM9jq033p-9ulauCq9gIjIqaKIxMny-v2xh29XDxswvqgV7tkOEAcqIqcH-EiTfZqkNv_0pOUj-VqF4ELjxiqJtHji6uA1A-XCdMgR7MywODkhM/s320/P8040157.JPG" /> <p align="justify"></a><br />A funky new photo frame - another birthday present from my sister Mrs R - so nice to have a different shaped frame than the standard rectangle. I did a bit of photo editing this afternoon and popped this cute closeup shot of our Little Guy in the frame. Need to find a permanent home for this new addition too. Thanks again Mrs R!<br /><br />Next post will feature a new book.<br /><br />(P.S - can you tell I've been getting more sleep?? Third post this month and it's only the 4th) </p>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792134717989155252noreply@blogger.com1