the golden adventures of...

Pinned Faves

2012-02-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Oh wow, it's been a few days... Right now I am:

Reading: Dreamquake - Elizabeth Knox (highly recommend this book, and the first volume, Dreamhunter). Watching: The new series of Offspring, on demand. Love it. Listening to: Fly My Pretties - in preparation for a bit of singing this weekend... Eating: Peaches from my ma's tree. Making: Handmade presents for a very exciting wedding on Saturday. Planning: Some more alphabet cards. Pinning: All the things!

Being a two-kid-mama has really sunk in this week, and I have managed to do very little other than get through the day with as little fallout as possible, which means I have little to share on this blog (also, we've been borrowing Ma's camera until now, and we are back to blurry photos which aren't worth posting). So instead I'm sharing a favourite pin from each of my boards. My pinboards are in disarray at the moment, and I'm about to pop back over and do some tidying up, but here are some of this weeks favourites. Do you pin? Follow me here, if you like.

Pinned here

Pinned here. I love this simple little space. Our spaces never stay this tidy though...

Pinned here. I would love to own this delicious set of giftcards, but I know I would be loathe to part with any of them...

Pinned here. Beautiful, and lovely.

Pinned here. Coveting this wallpaper. *Siiiiiiiigh*

Pinned here. For my dream nursery.

Pinned here. Do you watch this show? Do you love paper dolls? I do both (though I haven't caught the second season yet - something to look forward to!).

Pinned here. We've already done the circus theme for one birthday party, but I wouldn't be adverse to going all circusy again. Favourite. theme. ever.

Pinned here. We've just started this again - second time lucky? I sure hope so.

Pinned here. I know I will never be pinning this real life, but we can dream... The colours are stunning (though maybe less so in real life? Minus the photo edits? Hmmm).

Pinned here. Now that's a cute photobooth. Photobooths are pretty popular right now, and I love it! I would love to do something this cool for a birthday party, and love the superhero theme too. Maybe for Eleanor's third (and no, I haven't started planning this already!).

Pinned here. Um. I want this hoodie so bad. It almost hurts, it's so cute.

Pinned here. Probably not a project for a rental home, but one to store away for our One Day House.

I'm looking forward to finding some time for some projects, but for now I'm satisfying those urges by pinning everything in sight. Any pinterest faves you'd like to share? Leave a link in the comments and I'll pop over and have a look.

Two

2012-02-16T00:12:00.000-08:00

We're nearly four weeks in now, and I really can't remember what life was like before. This guy is easily the most chilled member of our family at this stage. So alert, so gentle, so sweet. I keep thinking to myself that it is so much nicer having a baby out than in. I can't say I am one of those women who love being pregnant, but I do love this!

My observations are these: It feels no different to me that I have a boy baby. I dress him in (mostly) the same things I dressed Eleanor in. He will play with the same toys (though naturally his preferences may differ, as with all children). I will raise him in the same way (though perhaps having learnt from past mistakes - at least I hope!) and I will harbour the same ambitions for him that I do her - that he will be generous in thought and action, that he be loyal, and polite, and that he remain healthy and happy for always.

But parenting a second baby, that feels different. Easier. More relaxed. I don't bother as much with all that second guessing. I wish I'd felt a bit more like this the first time around, so I could've relaxed and enjoyed my newborn a tad more. Because gosh, they are just so darn squishy and kissable!

Time to myself is at a premium right now (as I type this, with one hand: Garland is feeding, Eleanor is squeaking [quite loudly] in her cot - the joys of sharing a room, and Zan sits alongside me reading Cold Comfort Farm). But during a brief moment of quiet today, I completed my 16th letter... Yuss. yuss and triple yuss!

Back to work

2012-02-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

Getting back into some of this again... 11 letters to go, just working on getting synchronized naps happening.

Country dreams

2012-02-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

We are well and truly country folk now, or it feels so anyway. The best thing is, the grass still feels greener! Brilliant! I keep counting my blessings, and realising more and more what an inspired decision it was, to make this move.

Zara's design idea for the tote bag competition- so where my head's at right now...

As it turns out, Zan has barely set a single possum trap - though there will come a time, I'm sure, when we'll welcome a little extra income. Instead he has been picking up more and more gardening jobs, and finding plenty of use for our new garden machinery... After some Small Business mentoring from a lovely (and successful) neighbour, the two of us got all inspired, and I even whipped up some business merchandise. We have cards and magnets and a worker's T-shirt heading our way, all sporting this simple little design (Zan Gardens = a play on 'zen gardens' - the liney-ness is supposed to give a sense of landscape lines/mowed strips/the raked lines of a zen garden).

I'm taking care of the bookwork and marketing side of things - all rather new to me, but I seem to be coping so far. And it really is amazing how satisfying it is starting your own little biz, each small success feels worthy of a big celebration! I must say, I'm proud of my fella too. In a few short weeks he's already earned himself an amazing reputation... That's ma guy! We still have a way to go before we are in a position where we can move into our own place - but I am without a doubt in my mind that we've come to the right place...

Draw!

2012-02-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

I can show you these now, because I didn't win :-( But I am still feeling inspired about illustrating, and if I can manage it, I have hopes of completing a big project this year. Will keep you posted.

The second illustration inspired Frank and Dean too... We made this! At some stage when we have finished tweaking and have worked out pricing, we'll pop these customized wall prints in our shop. Yuss!

Before Garland

2012-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

I did plan to post these borrowed images a few weeks back, but the unexpected early arrival of my little fellow somewhat sidetracked me. Like most New Zealanders, we were all a little disappointed with the weather during the early part of this summer, but like most New Zealanders, we just made the most of what we had. Some rollicking good times, with lovely friends and family...

Courtesy of my sister-in-law, Aunty Cake

Courtesy of Rosa-May

Courtesy of Stace

Colour coded

2012-02-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

My girl one

My boy one

Mwahahaa!

Yeah I'm not into gender stereotypes, and that applies to colours also. Just saying...

Gifts

2012-02-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

We've been pretty spoilt around these parts. First of all, and best of all, our beautiful little boy. So peaceful, so smiley, so snuggly. Our babymoon ain't over yet!

cute little bag from a lovely Aunt and Uncle, Duraware mug and bowl - part of a larger collection sent by the lovely Deb of Works in progress, gorgeous parcel of goodies from FaerySarah, sweet little slippers from a swap with Miss Molly Coddle

Thrifted Bambi, handknitted cardigan by Mani-ma, 'Ellie-Cat' artwork by Rosa-May (check her blog for some lovely photos she took during my labour), sleeping baby (in Mani-ma knits - shawl and hat), another sweet Japanese bag - for keeping bottles at desired temperature.

And in case you were wondering, I haven't stripped all of the floral/polkadot/vaguely pink items from the baby clothing collection, though I did put the vintage dresses away. This cute romper was made to be worn by my babe, pink polkadots or not. I'm quite rebellious really.

My poppets

2012-01-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't think I'd have heaps of time for blogging once this baby arrived, but I didn't quite anticipate how little internet time I'd have at all. I am torn between feeling a bit out of the loop, and simultaneously loving just being with my little peeps, without internetty distractions. Garland is just over a week old now, and positively thriving. He was back to his birth weight by day 5, and I'm beginning to find chubby bits to squeeze, little cheeks, little legs.

Eleanor has adjusted surprisingly well to being a big sister, either completely ignoring the fact that there's a baby in the room, or else lavishing him with love and affection. She has quickly adopted a sense of ownership over him, and tells friends that he's "mine baby".

Post haircut. Hoping to control that birds nest.

To be honest, we do very little with our days. Beach walks, water play, cuddles and a bit of tidying. Zan has been working almost every day, including weekends - the downside of being self-employed. Thankfully we are living at my ma's, and so we spend much of our time with her too.

Garland is a bit dreamy. He barely cries, unless "mox" (Eleanorism) is not as forthcoming as he would hope, and happily gazes at us when he is actually awake (love how much newborns sleep, loooove!).

Right now he is slumbering in his Natures Sway Hammock (yeah, still freakin' love that contraption), and I might actually have a moment to prepare some dinner. Sweet!
p.s. I have been loving reading everyones blogs but don't have time to leave comments - it feels so rude sometimes, popping by without saying hello - but often I have a babe on my arm or a toddler loudly requesting attention. I'll get the hang of it all soon...

Garland

2012-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

I had a few small posts planned for over the weekend, but instead this:

Garland James

In about the most relaxed and speedy way possible (yes, both), this little fellow arrived just after 9pm on Saturday night, a labour that was in almost every way imaginable, the complete opposite of his sister's. I'll write his birth story very soon, when I have the space to.

For those who love the little details, he was 8 pounds at birth and it was a 6 hour labour, less than half the length of Eleanor's (the pre-labour was about a third of the length of hers, and quite beautiful). He arrived four days early and perfectly healthy. I can't believe how much of a boy he looks, and how much like his papa. He has skinny little legs and big feet, quite cute! And looks just like a little pixie. Like Eleanor, about the only thing he's inherited from me at this stage is my ears. Yep, they have their dad's eyes and my ears. I'm down with that.

So now I'm going to take advantage of a magic moment in which both are sleeping-ish and the house is quiet. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be a short moment, so I'm going to grab it while I can.

Oh Hello!

2012-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Did you think I'd gone off and had my baby? Alas, no. We are still two folks in one bod (though not for much longer - that is for certain). Actually, my bloggy disappearance can be blamed on a few simultaneously occurring factors. First there was the gradual degeneration of my camera. Oh. so. sad. I do feel as though a limb is missing, but it's also quite amazing how much more present I feel when there is no need/possibility of constant photo snapping.

Then there were all those siblings of mine. Five of them. All of us reunited (and husbands/wives/fiances/boyfriends/children included) for three whole hours! We had a family Christmas, mid-January, the first full family Christmas in about 12 years or something - since I was an awkward teenager anyway... It was short, but blissfully sweet - and will be tucked away in the memory box for sure.

Despite the full reunion lasting such a short time, there was a constant flow of family members up until a few days ago, some of whom travelled across seas to be here. So you see why I wasn't at my bloggy best.

And to make matters even less blog-post-filled, I cannot for the life of me locate the cord that connects scanner to computer. This is a disaster. But I'm working on short-term solutions until that pesky item can be found. And then, I'll be back! Well, back enough to show off some baby pics at some point very soon! x

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

No resolutions this year, but I just sat down to write out some goals and found that some of my favourite bloggers had just done the same. We're all on the same wave!

I have quite a few goals this year, but many of them are naturally occurring goals, as a result of the changes in our family and living situations, and thus should be relatively easy to meet. I hope.

First and foremost for me this year, is to develop and grow as a parent and partner. The last few years were a little harder than I even realised, and it's only by stepping out of our previous situation, that I've been offered some clarity about where I was at in each of these roles. I was gifted this amazing book recently, and already I feel so much clearer about where I would like to make changes, and how I would like to parent my children. In the year past I became so determined to hold onto the 'before' me, that existed before I was a parent. I occasionally resented the fact that I no longer had the freedom to live my life in a self-centred way, going out when I chose (unencumbered), spending (my) money on whatever I liked, relishing opportunities to live spontaneously. During this pregnancy I have come to realise and accept that such freedom did not define who I was - but simply provided me with an open canvas for expressing myself. The canvas may be smaller now, and may not be so egocentric any longer, but I am still the same person, and living a life that I've dreamt of living. The poppets and the fella I am soooooo incredibly blessed to share my days with, only make my current path more exciting, so I'm just going to enjoy this part of my life while it lasts.

I have a bunch of specific goals too. Like increasing the amount of locally sourced food we eat. This is not only a relatively easy goal to keep, considering where we now live, but also a bit of a necessity too due to the fact that the closest supermarket is about 45 mins drive away. I can't wait till we are able to keep some laying hens and we may even invest (or rent) a milking goat too, at some stage. This may not sound like a very thrilling prospect to many of you, but I have to admit that the idea excites me. A big and (hopefully) thriving garden will help, along with the occasional raid on the local fruit trees, and a great big ocean full of kaimoana... I'm pretty psyched.

I have fewer creative goals this year. I know I'll be making, and I'll be blogging about making, but with a body that is preparing itself for an imminent birth journey, crafting is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment. I do know that I would like to concentrate on some illustration work this year, but that will come later I think. A goal-ish. Depending on the needs of my family.

I am very determined to get fit and healthy after this slow and heavy pregnancy - but again, I believe this will occur somewhat naturally in this environment. There are so many hills to climb, and places to swim, and I plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this year, to make up for the past few years of being hemmed in by the city.

And otherwise, I really just hope to live more simply this year, in a more focused and considered way. I will try my best not to overcommit myself, as I have done in the past (though this is possibly the least realistic of all my goals), but to live my days at the same pace as my babies. I look forward to more community involvement, and perhaps the occasional bit of child-free time. And really, that's all I hope for. A simple year, enjoying the simple things. Yup.

I had lots of fun making this wall calendar too. It's just for personal use, and the quality isn't really good enough to consider selling, but I love it heaps more than the boring-pants ones that I found in all the stationery stores I looked in. Kikki-K and Typo probably have some really nice, really expensive ones though...

Household Helpers

2012-01-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Recently I read this post by Tammi of Little Poppa, and got very inspired to try out her method of hair washing. A) because I’m a chemical phobe. I hate using household products that aren’t environmentally friendly – partly because I’m a big-fat-care-about-the-environment-greenie, and partly because I don’t like the thought of having all those toxic chemicals coating our house and therefore being absorbed through our skin. It makes me feel squeamish. I haven’t always been so conscious when it came to body care, but some recent reading has made me feel much more concerned about what I am applying directly to my skin (and therefore – bloodstream). My new mantra; “if I wouldn’t eat it…” Well, that’ll be my mantra once my Nivea moisturizer runs out.

B) I like the idea of a cheap and easy alternative to shampoo and conditioner.

C) I often react to conditioner anyway, so I was definitely ready to try an alternative.

Results? Following Tammi’s instructions exactly, I ended up with the most satisfying hair wash ever. My hair didn’t go all crazy boufy like it usually does after a wash, feels lovely and clean, and didn’t have a reaction after conditioning. Yuss! I’m a convert. My mum’s been trying it too, though she has a different hair type so it's worked differently for her. I don't think she's completely sold just yet.

Since then, I’ve been thinking a bit about what wonder ingredients these are, and have been quietly entertained by how frequently their usefulness has cropped up in recent times. Thought I’d share some of our favourite uses for baking soda and vinegar, and with the addition of lemons too.

As far as cleaning products go, there are so many ways to use these three products. Here’s a list to get you started.
Powdering the insides of your shoes with baking soda greatly assists in removing smell, and is much cheaper than Gran's Remedy. Particularly helpful if you have teenage boys in the house, as we did growing up.
One teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a couple of table spoons of Apple Cider Vinegar, and a little water, can help balance your alkaline levels and reduce indigestion. Just skull it quickly because it’s quite gross (in my opinion). I’ve been using it to help deal with pregnancy related reflux/heartburn, and it definitely helps the problem, though I wouldn’t say it provides a permanent solution. This concoction apparently assists with bladder infections also, FYI.
White vinegar can be used as a fabric softener. This was a tip given to me during our Antenatal classes last pregnancy. A lovely way to get all your baby clothes nice and soft. I don’t know how much you’re supposed to use, I just tip some in and hit the start button.
Lemons! If you have half a lemon left over for some reason, place it upturned on a saucer in your fridge and it will help absorb any gross toxins in your fridge.
If someone in your care has a high temperature, fill a bowl with warm water and squeeze in half a lemon, then wipe them down with it. It’s a super quick way to reduce fever, and I can definitely testify to it working. You do have to keep repeating the treatment as temperatures continue to rise, but if you want to avoid dolling out Panadol or Pamol too frequently, definitely worth the effort. While we were sick this worked brilliantly for both Zan and I.

That’s actually a pretty small list and I would love to add to it, so if you have a tip – please do share it in the comments section!

And yeah, these photos are completely unrelated. This last one shows what excellent sun cover my bump provides.

New Year

2011-12-31T15:25:00.000-08:00

It’s about time I did some blogging really, isn’t it? I have really been out of the internet loop lately, life has just felt so busy. I have so much blog reading to catch up on, and plenty of lovely emails that I have yet to respond to. And because it’s been a while, and because I’ve lost my flow a little bit, I think I’ll just do a bullet point catch up:

Christmas day at our house. Abuzz with excitement. At least she's still too little to know what she was missing, and we'll just make next year's celebration extra special.

Zan moved up on Saturday. We met him at the local café, which is next door to my favourite General Store in Waimamaku, where the original Frank and Dean work(ed).
The following day (Christmas), I finally caught a gastric flu that’s been going around up here. So that was a bit of a non-event for me, and a very quiet one for Eleanor and Zan. We are yet to have our Christmas meal, though all gifts have been opened.
The bug has been through the whole household now. All four of us have relapsed at some point. Nasty.
Zan and I celebrated our four year anniversary last night. We went out for dinner together, the first time in forever. It was lovely, talking and eating and looking out at the water and the dunes. Considering we met on a boat on that very patch of water that we were looking upon, it felt just perfect.
Little bubba’s head is currently engaged, but just popping in and out. During my first visit with a local midwife, she agreed that it might arrive early, but has since changed her mind. I can’t decide if I’m disappointed or relieved.
The same midwife, during the time since I first met her, has been attacked twice by her pig who has recently had a bunch of piglets. The most recent attack, in which she was bitten twice, left her with a bruise the size of a soccer ball on her thigh, with a huge tennis ball sized lump protruding from it. I get that this has nothing to do with me, but what the what? I would be getting rid of that pig pronto. “I don’t think I’m made to be a swine-herd” she said.
My baby will most likely be delivered by another midwife, unless bub does come early. *furtively wipes brow*
Last night we all met Archie for the first time. He is the cutest poppet ever! We are all a bit in love, and looking forward to some frequent cuddles over the next few weeks…
Our camera is still broken-pants, but instead of buying a new one we are now the proud new owners of a shiny new lawn mower and weed eater. Cause that’s how we roll now.
We are currently staying in the ‘downstairs apartment’ of my mum’s house. Sounds a bit flasher than basement. It’s pretty cosy and quite sweet. When we open our door we can see the sea.
Eleanor’s 2nd birthday party is going to have a little wee feature in a parenting magazine! Whoop! I’m pretty excited, and will let you know more details closer to the time…
I just finished reading Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox, and I loved it! I’m pretty sure that at least this blogger and this blogger would too… Can’t wait to get hold of the sequel! Also can’t wait to watch The Hobbit when it comes out, I had no idea they’d cast Martin Freeman as Bilbo – yuuuuusssssssssss!!!! I’m a The Office BBC fan from way back, so this is good news for me!

9 months old - still teeny tiny and perfectly perfect.

I have a pretty fascinating post planned for next, so if you thought this one was the height of excitement, just you wait! Haha.

Journey

2011-12-21T01:13:00.000-08:00

Every portrait is so different. Sometimes I get sent a photo and I think 'uh oh, a hard one,' or 'easy peasy', and find that the opposite is true. There's no predicting. And there's no set time that it takes me to complete one. It takes as long as it takes, for the subjects to 'arrive' on the page. Bit like babies really...

Some are sooooo wonderful to draw, it makes me feel lucky - to be paid for doing something so enjoyable. Others are hard. They push me to the limits of my capabilities. They make me want to give it all a break for a while. There's just no knowing...

Most of the time, whether the subjects have been difficult to capture, or very easy - I feel happy when I'm done. Yep. That's them. To the best of my ability. I mean, it's never going to be perfect - that's what the original photo is for... But usually I feel like I've caught their essence. A little twinkle in their eye. Small upturned corners of the mouth. It's never perfect, but there they are.

Sometimes I just can't get it right - and unless it's for a paying customer (in which case I start from scratch), I just force myself to accept that. Sometimes it's just something different, and that's okay.

Sometimes an indefinable element eludes me. I have everything on page that I see in the photo, but the essence is still not there... Other times it's so obvious. I didn't get the teeth right (teeth are usually responsible for any cuss words used in the process of portraitin'), or the eyes aren't quite there (I usually begin with the eyes, to get that part straight from the start). Sometimes I stare for ages and ages and then I add a tiny pencil stroke to an eyebrow, and BING, there they are.

And once they're drawn, these subjects, they feel like friends. The little journey we've been on together, while I've steadily and patiently worked away at finding them on my page.

It's good, really, to be doing what I'm doing.

Blur

2011-12-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

We are here. Home. I pretty much feel like I'm just on holiday at the moment (which is quite a nice feeling actually!) All of our worldly possessions are packed into Ma's garage, and Zan is in Auckland, finishing his final week of work. It will be so nice when he gets here, and we are all 'moved in' together!

I've been taking it pretty easy since we arrived, which has been fantastic actually. The last few weeks in Auckland passed in a blur of packing and cleaning and list-making. So many phone calls, so many little jobs that needed to be done. The only danger now is that I am so much in relax mode, that I've almost forgotten that there are still a few little jobs to do.

But nothing feels quite so urgent now that we are here. No unrelenting traffic noise, or fighting neighbours. No navigating Auckland roadways just to buy some milk. Just walks down to the beach, and digging in the sawdust at Poppa's, and catching up for coffee with friends, at laid-back, seaside cafes. I have time to relax and read books, while Eleanor spends hours in the sandpit. Yes, the blur of Auckland is behind us now.

Some animal friends.

I'll admit there are moments when I feel tense and anxious, wondering if we leapt too soon, and hoping hoping that things will just work out. And while I tend to slip into romanticising the countryside, I am reminded from time to time, that there other elements too, that need to be carefully treaded around. But more often than not I feel a huge heart-swell, mostly when watching my toddler who has been a bundle of happiness since we arrived, foraging in her Poppa's garden; following her Mani-ma down to the beach; hooning around with one of her favourite toddler sized people and squawking with that absolutely pure and undiluted happiness of childhood.

Some less successful animal friends.

We did the right thing. I am certain. And things will just get better, I'm equally certain of that. We'll find a house, we'll find work that suits us, we'll welcome a fourth beloved little person into our family. It will be good.

Which is a longwinded way of telling you all that I have chosen Zara's design idea as my winner. Chickens and sweetpeas, too things that are very likely to be part of our near future. I am also (with Zara's permission - thank you!) going to rework the design after I've finished her version, and think of some fun things to use it for. Maybe some more spoonflower fabric. Maybe more totes. Who knows.

Above: This is a blanket that one of my Grandmothers made. I've written down the pattern, and plan to make my own version this winter... I don't think I've ever seen one like it, and I'd love to see it in some softer colours too - though I love the mismatched colourful version she made...

Below: A little sneak peek at some Christmas makings, or re-makings in some cases. We're doing it pretty simple this year. Mum and I put the tree up last night, and giggled at Eleanor's confused and bewildered response to it this morning. She didn't quite know what to think, but she enjoyed naming all the ornaments.

This little crib is the perfect size for a sweet little doll that my Aunt sent over from the US. I made a pretty basic (and imperfect) quilt, and used a colour scheme I don't often use, but nice and Christmassy I thought. I think I'll make more little quilts though, so simple, quick, and fun.

I haven't finished this cushion yet, it needs a button to complete it. I think I bit off a tad more than I could chew with it, making it up as I went along. The result is quite wonky and imperfect, but I doubt my two-year-old will mind.

Giveaway Day

2011-12-11T22:20:00.000-08:00

Giveaway now closed! I will announce/contact the winner shortly. Right now I am heading to bed for a much needed sleep, before tomorrow's big moving day! Nervous and excited...

This year I'm joining in with the Sew, Mama, Sew! Giveaway, excited! It was a last minute (crazy) decision, but I thought it might be fun... And though this isn't technically 'handmade', it will be hand drawn, and perfect for stashing your crafty bits and pieces...

This isn't something I've tried before (but I've always wanted to!), so you will kind of be a product tester - but this week I am giving away a customized design that will be printed onto a tote bag. As with customized postcards, the design can be of anything you would like me to draw (with the exception of detailed, multiple subject portraits - single subject, or simple multiple portraits are totally fine - see examples below)... YOUR design, hand illustrated by ME, will feature on your very own tote bag, yay!

These examples are mainly of postcard designs, but just to give you an idea...

Soooo, to enter, just tell me what YOU would like to see me draw for your tote bag design... I will pick a winner based on which design idea appeals to me the most (though if you would like to change or add any details after winning, that is perfectly okay with me!). Entry is open internationally - and you don't even have to be a follower to enter. Entries close on the 16th of December (day before Moving Day!) at 5pm. Please leave your email with your comment, if I don't have it already... :-)

~~Yay! So enter!~~ Closed - winner to be announced soon!

Find more giveaways here

Sleep

2011-12-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

My babies are keeping me busy. And a tad sleep-deprived to be honest.

This one would like me to spend every waking hour reading to her. Which is kind of the easiest activity to share with her at this stage - but a few books in and I find my eyelids drooping. And there's no limit to how many she would like me to read. All of them. And then all of them again (just don't bring me Fox in Socks kiddo...).

And bedtime has never been easy with this kid. She sleeps long, but it takes long to get her to sleep. She's a bit like me in that way.

But really, it's the little baby that's been keeping me busiest. The little thing has a favourite spot to snuggle into. Yeah, my bladder. Eleanor was a bouncy bean when I was pregnant, and frequently jumped up and down on that particular spot - but this one, this one is forever pressed against it. For the last week or so it has been more intense than ever, causing me to wonder if it's beginning to engage already. I can easily make at least 7 or 8 toilet trips per night. Easy.

Yesterday my midwife confirmed that yes, the little one is 'at the brim' (had no idea what she meant - had to look it up), and she told me that I should probably prepare for an early delivery (yes yes YES!!!!). But a little voice in my head reminded me not to pin my hopes on such things. To just expect this baby to arrive whenever it pleases itself to arrive. *Sigh*. At least I'm well used to sleeplessness and will possibly get more sleep once bub arrives (this was the case with Eleanor - thanks to the wonders of co-sleeping - because once I'm out of bed, I'm 'up' and it can take forever to get back to sleep). I'm looking forward to the fog lifting.

p.s. do you like the 'arty' photos our camera now takes? They cleverly disguise Room Mess... Haha.

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Our family has a whole bunch of Christmas traditions, but now that I have my own family, I've started thinking about which traditions I'd like to add to our personal celebrations... I have plucked a few ideas off my older sister, including Christmas pajamas (gifted on Christmas night, a final present to look forward to), and a steadily growing collection of Christmas books (will share these soon). We'll develop our own ones too, and maybe this will be one of them?

2010

Awkward Santa photos! Haha! The first was quite accidental. We arrived in the Hokianga at the exact moment that Waimamaku residents were waiting for Santa to arrive. My Pa was already there, waiting for us (and Santa too)... I nabbed this shot of Eleanor with, um, trippy Santa (actually it was Dean of the original Frank and Dean - the Waimamaku Four Square guys) kind of as a joke. I thought it was quite cute.

2011

Today I headed into the mall (woah! Busy much?) to run a few errands, and find Zan a present. And that's how Eleanor ended up with her second Santa shot. About as equally impressed as she was last year. So, not very. But really, it's only a matter of time before she's hamming it up for the camera - like this:

2006

Yeah, pretty awesome. I wouldn't say it's my favourite photo of myself (or Santa for that matter), but a bit of student-y silliness is all good. Maybe it will become a Christmas tradition, but not one that we'll be taking too seriously x

Swatches

2011-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

I heard about Spoonflower through NZ Green Buttons blog (thanks Louana!), and when they recently had free shipping to NZ, I seized the opportunity to order a few test swatches. I was a tad dubious about how they'd turn out, but they're actually really great! I plan to make a patchwork blanket for Eleanor at some stage (was going to be for Christmas, but I don't think that's going to happen), and I intend to use these swatches for that... And maybe save some for other little projects.

I'll definitely be back to order more, when funds allow. My secret desire is to get all the alphabet letters printed onto fabric, and make something neat out of it. I have a few ideas - but neither the money nor the time (nor the complete set of letters...). Might be a long-term goal...

And with the fabric came this note! It seriously made my day, in fact, I'm still a tad stoked about it! Really, really! So Caitlin, if you're reading this - thank you for taking the time to write - it kinda blew my mind a little bit (Spoonflower is based in the States, just so you know why I was so delightfully surprised).

p.s. the title of this post made me think of Swatch Watches. Remember those? They were the height of cool for awhile, and might even be worth quite a lot by now...

A Frank and Dean Christmas: Pt. 2

2011-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

It would've been great if I'd had some awesome photos to add to this post, but you'll have to make do with screen shots...

We have these printed on both regular card ($5 per card, $18 set of 5), and recycled card ($6.50 per card, $24 set of 5), and a limited print run of each. This is the first time we've really done greeting cards, and it was very fun unwrapping these! I have to say, I have stashed away a few for personal use, funs! We are slowly integrating colour into some of our designs, what do you think?

Don't forget that we also have some other Christmassy goodies available, and our Summer Season Wall Calendars would make cheap and easy stocking fillers, perfect for guys and girls...

Broken-pants

2011-12-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well, with everything running so smoothly (except my car - but *pfft*, hardly ever drive that thing anyway!) as we build up to our move, something had to give. And while with my car troubles I was able to remain optimistic (it still goes, we just have to pay a big bill before it's legal) and just roll with it - this newly discovered malfunctioning item is causing me much more distress. 'Tis my camera! Erm, actually Zan would probably like me to admit that its his camera... But anyway, yesterday when I was snapping pics, I noticed that all the edges were blurring. I sort of wondered if it had always done that and I'd never noticed, so I didn't think on it. Today it's worse! And after trying to change ever setting that I could figure out how to change, I've reached the conclusion that 'our' camera is soon to meet its demise. Which means I can't yet show you our 'citing new product!!!! Rosa is listing it as we speak, but until she brings her fancy-pants camera over, we can't show you what the physical product looks like...

Anyway, that aside (brushing away those questions I keep having about how I am possibly going to live without a camera for an indefinite period!), thought I'd drop in to tell you that my clever mama, who is an amazing seamstress - has put her delicious Powder Puff bags on sale for the pre-Christmas period! These were originally $75, and have been dropped down to $58 for a quick Fire Sale... Loveliness!! My favourite is the blue one, pretty pretty prettiness!

$58.00

$58.00

$58.00

$58.00

$58.00

$58.00

I may be back later today with some crappy images of the latest Frank & Dean collaboration... Depends how 'depressed about the camera' I'm feeling... Ciao friends!

A Frank and Dean Christmas: Pt. 1

2011-12-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Firstly, thank you to everyone who commented on my last post - I really appreciated your lovely comments!

Today Eleanor and I are just relaxing quietly, after an 8 hour round-trip to the Hokianga yesterday! Woah! We left at about 1pm, and arrived home 12 hours later - very exhausted (but well worth the trip, to say a final farewell to a dear friend). I do have an edge of panic at the thought that we will be moving cross-country in a mere two weeks (time is surely flying around here), but we are managing a little packing and organising each day, so hopefully we will have it all together in time...

So while we were having a quiet day, I allowed myself a little bit of time to think about Christmassy things... I ordered a set of these nativity postcards recently, and they arrived super quick! So rather than giving them all away as Christmas gifts this year, I thought I'd sell a few packs to anyone who has yet to send out Christmas cards, or who would like to pop them in someone's Christmas stocking this year...

I don't know why, but my camera is blurring all the edges of my photos at the moment - rest assured the postcard design is crisp and clean.

I am just selling ~~six~~ (four left) of these sets (each contains 10 postcards), at $10 per set, + postage (if you would like to order your own pack of 100 - at a special reduced price which includes postage - check details here and contact me asap). The first four orders will receive a 'Seasons Greetings' flag, and a set of DIY Christmas bunting (paper) too, and the final two sets will come with a set of the DIY bunting (I would add a flag to every set, but I literally only have four left).

While I was packaging these sets up (each is packaged slightly differently, FYI), I put together another couple of Christmas Stationery packages, for the crafty DIY gals amongst us.

Suitable for little (and big) girls from about the age of four (they may need help with some of the cutting and pasting if they are still littlies). Each pack contains:

Five DIY Colour/Cut/Paste envelopes, designed by the talented Miss Rosa-May. These little lovelies are perfect for colouring in and sending, and the recipient may even like to turn the image into a paper doll, or cut it out and put it on their wall...

Two mini DIY Colour/Cut/Paste Swan envelopes, designed by moi. These are very little. See comparison (constructed version) with my favourite pen. Perfect for letters to fairies or Santa or any mini-letter-loving recipient.

Four sheets of writing paper designed by Rosa-May - two sheets of each of these two designs. Add colour, add stickers, add stamps, add glitter. These can be photocopied if you need extra sheets, or saved for special letters to awesome friends.

Two Golden Adventures flags. Colour these in or leave them plain, and use them to decorate your bedroom with, or pop them in a letter to a friend. They also look cute in birthday/Christmas cakes and other yummy foodie things...

And A double pack set of DIY Christmas bunting, that is perfect for colouring and pinning to your wall, or adding to a piece of string (provided), or even gluing to magnets and stringing along your fridge (I did this last year, and it looked very cute, so cute in fact that my lil' sis stole the set off me).

I have t~~wo of these sets available~~ one set left, at a special Christmassy price of $12 per set, + postage (can be wrapped nicely and sent directly to the recipient if required).

I can also accept two more orders for customized postcards, at the November price (no December surcharge on these). If you are thinking about ordering some, I also recommend paying a little bit extra for faster postage, to guarantee that you recieve these well before Christmas. Then you can just package them up into sweet little sets and pop them into Christmas stockings, or gift them to family and friends that are tricky to buy for...

And finally, we have a couple of Frank and Dean items on sale at the moment, include the ever popular Birthday Calendar. These prices are just for pre-Christmas orders, and we'll resume normal pricing from the 26th.

Okay, better go and pack a box or two, so that I feel like I've done something today... See you very soon (with TWO very exciting Product Reveals! We've been busy again).

Controversial

2011-12-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know why. It's not something that makes a lot of sense to me. I don't know why we even need to share these videos with our friends. Surely, surely we should all be on the same wavelength about this?

Both of these videos were shared through facebook, the second one as recently as today. Both moved me a bit, and both surprised me a bit too. I always feel caught off guard, like 'oh, is this still an issue? Haven't we all just agreed that Gay marriage is perfectly natural and normal, and just moved on to the next topic of debate?" I don't mean to ruffle any feathers. For all I know, many of you may be entirely opposed to the idea of Gay marriage, but I sincerely hope not.

I share so much of myself through this blog, it contains so many pieces of me. Not all the pieces, sure, but many of them. Many of my readers have, in some way or the other, become true friends to me. And I'm sure I will continue adding blog friends to that list. It is a safe and beautiful world here in blogland, full of encouragement and inspiration. It is rarely a place where controversy is introduced. And I don't necessarily want to be the one that does, but for me, it's personal.

I've told you who my parents are, and how much I adore them. But I have never introduced you to Vicki, my 'stepmother' of over twenty years. I use quotation marks for the term stepmother, because she and my mother have never married, or entered a civil union. But twenty odd years is a long time to spend together.

A gift I made for Vicki, though I haven't yet given it to her, not entirely happy with how Mum's face turned out...

I wasn't raised by gay parents, I was raised by my mother and by my father, in each their separate ways. Vicki never tried to claim a spot as parent, but her role in our lives has always been clear. Vicki taught me to read when I was six and a half years old. She taught me all sorts of things about the way politics work, and she has always encouraged Rosa and me to consider Tertiary Education (we both now hold Degrees with Honours ). She taught us how to pitch a tent, and took us on tramping trips. She bought me my first Swandri, my first camera, and my first concert ticket (The Cranberries - on the eve of my 13th birthday. Rosa chose Janet Jackson when she turned 13). More recently, while I was pregnant with Eleanor, Vicki taught me how to drive a car. She drove me in to get my license, and gave me my first car, her old one. The one I still drive.

She's not my mother, but she is my daughter's Nana. She's our family, and we love her.

So there you go. Something that I haven't shared on here before. I never really felt I needed too, my larger family not being what this blog is about. But then I watched these videos and I thought, 'well, why not?'

I'm a little bit nervous about posting this, not because I've ever been afraid to tell people that my mum is gay, but because, well, we live in a world where people still need to share videos like these on facebook, in order to encourage their friends to step away from discrimination and bigotry. But it's time. Let's all just acknowledge that having gay parents doesn't turn you into some kind of freakshow. You might turn out quite normal, like me.

Favourite Things: Green With Envy review (and the most perfect evening ever)

2011-11-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

So now that we are moving town (in 2.5 weeks - it's going so quick!!!), I am trying to instigate a few family adventures in ole Auckland town before we go. My papa always said that it's best to leave a place on a high note, and he is so right! When we are far away from this place, I don't want to remember our yucky neighbours, or our busy road. I want to remember evenings like this. Practically perfect in every way...

Zan got home from work on Tuesday night, and the grey old day had melted into the most lovely evening. Both of us were too tired to cook, and that was when inspiration whacked me in the noggin. We quickly packed some things, including two exciting products from Green With Envy, that I am lucky enough to be reviewing, and headed down to the beach, stopping for some fish and chips on the way.

It was all very 'kiwi'; tomato sauce (from home - and not Watties I have to admit), L&P, Pohutukawa trees, Fish 'n Chips and beach. But we did it our way, of course.

For instance, when I test-drove this Sunnylife Beach Sounds player (you can listen to the radio, or just plug in your iPod), we played less Dave Dobbyn, and more Ben Harper (and a bit of Bernard Fanning - love that dude). I have to say, laying back on the picnic blanket in the warm, early evening sun, listening to Ben and watching (from afar) as my two peeps hit the water... I did feel a little as though my cup were runneth-ing over! And then the Little Button did some kicking, and I remembered what joy is still yet to come. I could have cried with happiness.

My camera battery was running low, so I had to snap pretty quickly and just be happy with what I got. I was very happy. These photos arrest me somehow, they transport me back there. I hope they always do.

Outfit Details:
Hat - Foal Designs (gifted)
T-Shirt - Oishi-M
Top - Green Valley Crafts
Shorts - Esprit (from Trademe)
Bib - a cute store that used to be in St. Kevin's Arcade

The products - Beach Sounds player and the Picnic Cooler bag - were both very photogenic. As was a certain chubby little two-year-old. I'm kinda glad I didn't have much battery life, because once these photos were snapped, all that was left to do was to live into the moment. Whanau, sun, a full belly (in more ways than one), and some Ben Harper.

Things that were perfect: Eleanor's outfit, which was actually thrown together at the last minute. I couldn't stop looking at her, and smiling at those sturdy little legs that she loves to run with. Towards the end of the evening, as Zan attempted to bring her in from the (very shallow) water, I laughed to myself just watching them. I couldn't hear much, other than the occasional, very assertive 'no!' But the scene was captivating none-the-less. They were silhouetted, a papa and a little bear. The little bear was gesticulating wildly, waving away the papa. He turned to (pretend to) go, and she merrily waved him off. Moments later, upon his return, she was bouncing up and down like a little puppy, before toppling into the water. Her eyes were wild with excitement when he brought her in, and it was at that moment that I knew, without any shadow of a doubt, that moving to the country is the most right thing that we could ever do for this baby.

Things that were perfect: It's not often that I get (even if only for a short time) such sweet respite from being Mama bear. Laying on my blanket, reading Extra Curricular magazine (with some photos taken by Rosa-May - yay!), and listening to music of my own choice... It was a rare and perfectly sweet moment. A little bit like the old days, when this was the sort of thing I did on a regular basis (and probably spent it daydreaming about having babies). I loved using the player, which safely stowed away my iPod whilst being nicely impervious to sand and sea (not that I took it near the water, I was too busy not-moving-anywhere). A little piece of paradise, at Point Chev beach.

Things that were perfect: Along with the player, I got to use the super cute Picnic Cooler for this trip, and though we had little to carry in it (this time anyway), I loved wandering down the bath with a woven backpack on my back and this cooler bag swinging from my hand. When we got to the beach, I strategically placed it where I could just look at it and it's colourful, gingham-y beauty. Though really, it's true worth will soon be revealed, as we make endless trips down to the beach from Mama's house, food, music, picnic blanket and sunblock. And perhaps a lovely magazine to read. Are you starting to feel a tad 'green with envy'? Yah, I just went there.

On a real note, I was super stoked with both of these items. The bag, both practical and pretty - which can be a very rare combination indeed, gave me all sorts of excited feelings about summer. I like me a bit of aesthetic beauty, so really the usefulness of such an item is by-the-by. But for my practical-minded partner, an item such as this is a very welcome addition to our summer picnic-ing collection.

Both available in two different colours - pretty, yes?

The player too has use beyond the beach. My car is one of those awesome old skool ones that doesn't have a decent tape/CD/MP3 player. Basically I can get the radio, but nothing above 90FM. Yay! And with my first long-distance drive coming up (in 2.5 weeks, may I remind you!), I am delighted that thanks to this baby, I will now have sounds while I drive. Now I just have to come up with the perfect playlist! I also foresee that this will be a useful addition to our nighttime routine in the future, if lullaby music is needed (we're seriously thinking we need to go there - this toddler isn't getting any easier to put to bed). And once again, aesthetically pleasing.

The lovely Nicole of Green With Envy is offering readers a sweet sweet deal for the next few weeks (good timing for xmas, yes?), with 15% off is you use the code STELLA at checkout. And just because I love to make these, here is what I am eyeing up from their lovely store!

For me:

Clockwise from left: 120 assorted cupcake cases, Vintage Playground cushion, Wooden Storage box, Longest Drink in Town cup set.

For Eleanor:

Clockwise from left: Magnetic Wooden Toy Rocket, Train Spinning Top, Cath Kidston Boat Mug in a tin, Envirosax Kids Carousel Bag

Their facebook page is here, if you would like to be kept up to date with sales and new products...

And if you aren't yet ready to give up guessing which sticker I chose - I offer you some help... I chose one from the Childrens selection. Good luck!

Vintage Finds

2011-11-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

It's always hard to restrain oneself, but with a big move looming, I really have to be careful about what I collect from op shops in the next few weeks... This is all I've collected over the last month - just a few lovely little things...

From the Grey Lynn Park Festival: Duraware cup - $6, small Swan Lake print - $8 (a rip off, I know, but I thought it would be lovely in Eleanor's room...), Wee plate - $2.

From the Pt Chev. Hospice shop yesterday: Duraware cups and saucers, $3 for all four pieces (yuss!!)

Oh Duraware, I wish I found you more often. My collection now consists of these five items, plus a further three yellow cups I collected awhile back. So hard to find at reasonable prices. There were more of these at the Grey Lynn Fest, but at $6 a pop, I really felt like I could only (just) rationalise buying one.

The same old thing really...

2011-11-28T20:48:00.000-08:00

All my creative efforts have been focused in the same area of late. You know it. Drawing. I have completed a number of portraits, just a few to go! Some customized portraits, my competition entry, and even the odd Frank and Dean item... So here is a selection of drawings that I can safely show you at this stage (there are a bunch more waiting...).

First up, some portraits! Sorry the image quality is so bad - I'm doing screen shots at the moment because I have no idea how to resize images on a Mac (I don't have photoshop)...

A4 sized portraits

A5 sized portrait

There was a second portrait to go with this last one, of his younger brother... Unfortunately in my haste to get both pieces to their rightful owner, I forgot to scan the other one! Hoping (if you're reading this Gabrielle) that I can twist their mama's arm to email me a pic of the second portrait, so I have a complete record...

And on a completely different note, this was a postcard design I drew for a certain lovely blogger that we all (well most of us, I'm sure) know... I'll offer her name suppression for now, in case one of these is winging it's way to your letter box. She kindly suggested that I offer this image to other readers etc, in case anyone else would like a set of nativity scene postcards (100 per set - yeah I know, most of us don't have that many friends - but there's always next year!) to send out this Christmas, but I have been SO SLOW getting around to posting this, I wasn't sure if there would even be time to order these and have them at your door in time for YOU to send them out...

BUT, I had a look at Priority mailing prices, and worked out that if I chose the 7 day option and charged $48 for the complete package (100 postcards + priority shipping), then you would have them in time to send out. Just let me know if that sounds like something you would like... I plan to order a set of these myself, to bundle up in packs of ten and give as gifts to friends and neighbours (well, maybe not our current neighbours - who spent all of last night partying and fighting. Yep, on a Monday night - and they are still going hard). At that price they work out at just under 50c per card, which seems reasonable to me....

If you would like to order some, there are two different options - either the simple and sweet version up top, or the jazzed up second version Rosa-May and I did... I will place shipment orders as soon as your payment clears (and if you want them even sooner, just add $10 for the 3 day shipment option), so just leave me a comment or send me an email if you would like some.

Rosa-May and I also worked on a couple of pre-Christmas items. We were a little slow in ordering our Christmas cards, so I dearly hope they actually arrive in time to sell! We are selling them in sets of ten, and they are very cute (if I do say so myself, which I do). I will let you know AS SOON as they are available - we only have ten sets to sell (v. limited edition, baby) and five of those sets are printed on some fancy shmancy recycled card... I can't wait to see what they look like! Rosa also re-released our wall calendar this year, with some changes...

These calendars (with newly added colour!) are for use during the summer months - we will produce new designs for the seasons that follow... And we really will produce new designs, not like our Season Diary (which some of you may remember) which proved to be far more work that it was worth...) I can't wait to collaborate with Rosa on our next one! There are two options, as picture above. White background or grey background, and though not pictured, the calendars have rounded corners too. Just pin it to your wall or magnet it to your fridge. We are selling these for $12.50 through our big cartel store, so head over there if you would like one...

I was going to be sneaky and show you my finals for the illustration comp, which I sent off today, yuss!! But I decided against it... Better to be safe eh. But Rosa-May and I just had a wee meeting, and, inspired by one of those illustrations, have come up with THE most exciting idea for a new F&D product (or two, or three...). I am going to get to work immediately, because I'm so excited about this! Bummer that we didn't think of it a little earlier, because it would have made a pretty excellent Christmas gift, but people are always going and having birthdays anyway, so....

And finally, no one has guessed my favourite Oishi-M t-shirt yet, nor has my sticker design been revealed... Keep guessing peeps, if you would like a couple of alphabet cards to pop in your birthday card collection...

Kid Style: Oishi-M Review

2011-11-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

Back again with some Kid Style'in. I absolutely LOVE this outfit that Oishi-M sent me to review - three items of pure loveliness! To be honest, barely a day has gone by (we were sent these a while back) that Eleanor hasn't worn one of the garments, the jeans being the most frequently worn.

Before I discovered Oishi-M, we relied on Pumpkin Patch, Cotton On Kids, and hand-me-downs for jeans, and we were fairly happy with what we had. The problem though, with every single pair, was that they weren't built for comfort, or for nappy bums. Her (our) favourite pair of skinnies, while worn on a frequent basis, didn't completely cover her nappy (thank goodness for long t-shirts) and needed to be removed for naptimes due to discomfort. They looked cute, and they were warm, but they were far from perfect.

These delicious jeans are a completely different story. They have an stretch-fabric waistband for starters, easy to pull on and super comfortable (and keeps their tummy nice and warm), to the point where I don't bother removing them for naptimes or car trips (where I'd usually pop her in a pair of trackies). They also have a cute fabric insert at the back, that gives extra room for nappy bums, and makes them easier to maneuver around in, if you're a busy toddler. And they look freakin' cute (cuter in fact, that her other jeans). While she still fits the other pairs of jeans she owns, I've pretty much already forgotten that they exist. They don't get a look in now.

Outfit Details:

Hoodie Jacket - Squidgyums

Dress - gifted (maybe from the Warehouse?)

Jeans - Oishi-M

Shoes - Trademe

Along with the jeans, Oishi-M sent me this cute stripey slim-fit t-shirt, again, now a staple garment in her wardrobe. They actually have the cutest range of t-shirts ever, and while I'm intending to pop back and buy one or two more, I have no idea how I'm going to choose from their selection. Same goes for their jeans, shorts, skirts and well, everything really! All featuring really lovely fabric - sooooo enticing.

Once again, comfort is a huge factor her. The t-shirt fits like a glove, and looks lovely on (plus the colours pretty much go with everything really). Eleanor can be annoyingly fussy about what she wears, but has worn this t-shirt several days straight (including today), and quite frankly I love it!

Outfit Details:

Hat - Foal Designs (gifted)

T-shirt - Oishi-M

Jeans - Oishi-M

Shoes - Thrifted

And last but not least, we were sent this adorable wee skirt, one of their newest designs... This is the outfit she wore for a recent photo shoot my sister had. She looked so cute, I didn't even brush her hair! Oh well, nothing new around here...

The design of the skirt makes me think of flowers and lovely summery things. The fabric is gorgeous (they use a selection of beautiful kimono and retro fabrics and release new designs whenever they come across any lovely new material). Pretty, and yet not over-the-top girly, which is just the combination that I love most. They also have built-in 'diggens' (as my niece used to say - underpants to the rest of us), which are made out of very cute fabric too. It's like they thought of everything!!

Outfit details:

Long-sleeved shirt - thrifted

T-shirt - Oishi-M

Skirt-Oishi-M

Teepee - Mocka

Oishi-M happens to be a very cool company also. Started as a hobby by a fellow Mama, the business is now run by a team of working mums, with the aim of producing quality (and beautiful) products that grow with your bub, and cater to all different shapes and sizes. Eleanor is not a stick insect, but the size 2 skinny jeans are a lovely fit, and still have some extra length on them for her next growth spurt. And (as with each of these garments) are perfect for mixing and matching with the rest of her wardrobe (I especially love pairing a pretty dress with the jeans, covers all the bases comfort and warmth-wise, and looks very cute to boot). Check out the Oishi-M blog here, and facebook page here, for some extreeeemely cute pictures of bubbas playing in the sand (which makes me super excited about the prospect of our soon-to-arrive summer!), and here is the list of their stockists for all you Australian readers (online ordering available for Kiwis though).

And last but not least - no one has guessed my sticker yet! So I've changed the rules, and you can guess as many times as you like, until someone gets the sticker and the colour... It definitely hasn't been named yet, but there have been some very close guesses... Another alphabet card (of your choice), to whoever can guess which Oishi-M t-shirt I most desire. First to guess gets the card...

And finally - we have broadband speed again, yuss!!! So when I have my next break from illustrating-like-a-maniac-person, I'll be catching up on a whole lot of blog reading! Can't wait!!!

Process

2011-11-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know whether it's against the rules to publish this post or not, but I hope not because I want to write it. I share so many of my creative endeavors here, I just felt so compelled to share this one too.

It was a spur of the moment decision to enter this competition (decided not to name the Award in case I'm really not supposed to share any of these images - though I can't find any fine print that says I can't), and perhaps a rash one, given that there were only two weeks to get my entry in by at the time of signing up. But it seemed too exciting to pass up - both the prize and the process, so I went ahead and entered... And it's been fun. Hard work, but fun.

Initially I was like, 'yeah, easy peasy.' But the longer I worked, the more I realised that I have a lot to learn about creating illustrations. I'm not talking portraits, that's pretty straightforward to me. But illustrations, like, for books. Really telling a story through your image, and making sure that its one that complements the text and doesn't just repeat it.

And technical stuff. Using watercolour paints properly (at least I hope I am), and laying base coats and working them up and then adding the final details with my trusty pen. So different to sketching (where I prefer to dive in with a pigment liner first).

And how do you personify an animal, and still make it look like that animal and not some silly cartoon? Just the right amount of facial expression, subtle but still obvious... Tricky.

Even doing rough drawings isn't something I'm really used to. Or storyboards. I'm a draw-on-the-spot kinda girl. For instance, my Alphabet set was completely unplanned. I sat down one day and starting drawing Eleanor, in her ladybug raincoat. It was just a little wee image, and when I'd finished drawing her, I added a kite. And that's how that came about. Unplanned.

Serious, actual planning. Start from scratch kinda stuff. Actually quite a learning curve for me - illustration-wise (I'm pretty good at this in other areas of my life). Thinking about and planning every little detail. And practicing lots beforehand. Refining. It has been SO good for me!

Some ideas didn't pan out, but it was fun, just mucking around and experimenting.

I used to dream of being a childrens book illustrator, and this is the first time I've actually had a go at trying it out. And. I. Love. It. Which is great to know. I still have a bunch more work to do before I can send my finals in, but as long as I have the time and energy, it's a pretty fun way to spend my free time. And just FYI, none of the images above show my final images (which are yet unfinished), just some doodling and working out ideas and practicing different processes. Did I mention that I'm having fun? Do I sound like an American Idol contestant? "How did you feel up there?" "Oh it was so much fun, I just had fun up there, it was fun."

So anyway, go and have a guess which sticker I chose already!! Sheesh! One guesser was quite close, and if no one else enters then I might call them the winner...

Favourite Things: Review and Giveaway

2011-11-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

Kiwi Caravan

This is only half a review really. Recently I came across this super awesome online store, The Vinyl Room, that designs and makes some pretty amazing wall art. But not your traditional kind of wall art, these are stickers for your walls. Yup. I'm not talking Thomas the Tank Engine stickers that your toddler has kindly decorated your walls and furniture with. I mean, big, beautiful, made-for-your-walls stickers. Being a sticker fiend from way back, I was immediately hooked and spent a long time browsing through all the lovely designs. Being the (sometimes) bold as brass girl that I am, I then asked them kindly if I could review one of their products for them, and they kindly agreed.

Power Lines

When it arrived, it was with muchos excitement that I unwrapped my sticker, hurrah! And then, in a single moment, my pregnancy-fogged brain cleared. I realised that in exactly four weeks we would be moving all of our belongings and all of our bodies to another part of the land, leaving this cosy little house behind. Which would mean leaving my beauteous sticker behind too.

Whale

In a flurry I emailed The Vinyl Room and they were super understanding about it, and were more than happy for me to conduct the actual product review in a few months time, when we are all settled in to our new house. Relieved. It gave me time to think as well, and I decided that the sticker would not go on a wall, as intended, but would become part of a very fun project that I intend to get to work on as soon as I can (which is not for a good wee while...).

Cookies and Treats

So anyway, I thought I'd show you some of my favourite stickers from their shop, and I even thought up a wee little giveaway to go along with them. Just a little prize this time, but whoever can correctly guess which sticker I chose to review (including colour, if applicable), can choose three of my currently available Alphabet cards. I have the four new designs printed and sitting here ready to go, which gives you twelve to choose from. FYI: My sticker may be one of those pictured, or it may not be...

Designs to choose from - L will be available soon too...

Also, if you prefer the idea of removable stickers, The Vinyl Room have just released a new range of those too, including some very cute designs (you've probably already guessed that the paper dolls are my favourite). If you are keen to gift some Kiwi designed and made, for Christmas this year - I reckon go and check these guys out. Cool stickers. Lovely people. Yep, I like.

Giveaway conditions: One entry each, open to anyone (internationally, and to non-followers too). Prize will go to the first person who correctly guesses my sticker and will remain open until then... Have funsies!

Unscheduled Blog Break

2011-11-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean for it to happen, but using up all of our data allowance halfway through the month has meant that I've had to take an unscheduled break from blogging. Which, to be truthful, is probably quite good timing! I've been drawing like CRAZY, some quite challenging pieces that will be sent to off to an illustration competition very soon, and of course, all of your lovely portraits.

Latest Alphabet letter on order - which means I have 13 letters done - halfway there!

I've also been getting somewhere with all the sorting and packing. There are various corners of my home that look like a bomb has recently hit, and others that are very neat and organised - and completely de-cluttered. We are now four weeks from moving day, and while there is still a heap to do before then, I actually feel quite relaxed about the move. It could be that the relaxins have returned, or just that I'm filled with such a overpoweringly strong sense that we are doing the absolutely right thing for our family right now. It's good.

Rosa-May and I rarely have time to work on collaborative pieces these days, but we did work up this little one for a 16th birthday invitation.

Today I had a blood test that will hopefully reveal why I've been all tired and fainty, otherwise I think I'll just have to blame it on pregnancy and live with it. Hoping that it is iron-deficiency though, because THAT I can work on. We also popped in to the Grey Lynn Festival, and I picked up a couple of cute vintage bits and pieces. Soooo expensive buying second hand things from there though. I only purchased three items, all more expensive than I'd find in an op shop, but cheap compared to what else was on offer...

Anyway, hoping that my slooooooow internet speed will still allow me to put the odd post up during the next few weeks, but they may be fewer and further between than usual.

p.s. If you are in the Hawkes Bay and you visited the Taikura Fete today, you may have encountered my lovely big sis Kura, who was selling some of my alphabet cards on her stall... I know, I should have told y'all about it sooner - time is moving far too quickly - which reminds me, I've just passed the 30 week mark. Kinda like the home-stretch now...

Just quickly

2011-11-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

My computer is on dial-up speed at the mo, so I haven't been spending so much time on the net. Instead I have been; sorting, packing, drawing, napping, running errands, tidying, doing dishes, napping, entertaining my toddler, and making lots and lots of lists. Might get back to it actually! I'll be back soon, with some stuff...

Rosa posted this on facebook today. We often talk about how Eleanor reminds us of both Calvin and Hobbes (we're huge fans). Evidence.

Yes!

2011-11-12T02:29:00.000-08:00

It's true! We have worked out a short to mid-term solution, work-wise (meet Zan: The Possum Trapper!), and we will continue our job hunt when we are up there... SUCH a relief to me! I go to bed each night, dreaming about our country home - and feeling all warm and fuzzy because I know that it will soon be real. In fact, in about five (short) weeks, we will be all tucked up at my Ma's house... We have a few options for our first country rental home, but most won't be available till after the peak tourist season - so we will be cosying up with my folks for the first few weeks/months. Which means that we'll be staying at my Ma's when we have our baby too. Which is quite a happy thought!

Our beach - in front of Ma's place

Zan being all manly (though I'm totally ace at chopping wood too) at Poppa Pipi's house

Gah! I'm soooo excited about it all! And even though I'm a little terrified about all the sorting/packing I have to do, and a little bit worried about some of the logistics involved - I am SO happy to think that we will be 'home' soon! A whole new life awaits us in the Hokianga, some parts challenging, and some parts just so exactly what we need! And after months and months of worry, I feel like I can breathe out again. The little details, not so important. Big picture - our kid gets to climb all the trees, and comb all the beaches that she pleases. Zan gets to choose work hours that suit him and our little family. I get to look at pretty ole nature every day, and grow a real garden (okay, it's not like I tried that hard to grow one here), and preserve all the locally grown fruit that I please, and have chickens, and lay under the apple trees with my two babes, and go to playcentre with friends that I've known forever, and spend ridiculous amounts of time with both my parents. Yeah. It's gonna be good.

Christmas Orders - update

2011-11-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am working busily on your orders, and finally getting somewhere with them! I have decided to open the books briefly, ~~for two more portrait orders~~ no spaces left, sorry! - click here to see pricing. As I cut off before October was finished, I will offer the October discount on each of these orders - ~~so get in quick if you are after one!~~ If I manage to open le books again, prices will be back to usual again, so this is the last chance to nab a bargain (and possibly a portrait, this side of Christmas - will see how I go!).

Oh, and I WILL be back soon with our news...

Town Mouse, Country Mouse: Bubbalooz Review

2011-11-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

FUN review to write! Recently I asked some of my favourite online kiddy stores if they would be willing to take part in a small run of kiddy clothing reviews I plan to post in the lead-up to summer (read a little more about it here)... Bubbalooz were more than happy to join in, and sent me the most delightful items to review... I bring you, the Little Moos Tutu Dress (currently on sale), and the SpiltMILK Yellow Stripes Sweater... (Also on sale - in the Clearance section).

Outfit details:

Sweater - Spilt Milk

Bib - gifted

Jeans - Pumpkin Patch

Socks - gifted

Shoes - Trademe

Outfit details:

Thermal shirt - gifted

dress - Little Moos
Teapot - gifted

These items provided two distinctly different 'looks' for my bonny lass, and I must say, I couldn't even choose a favourite! I love both pieces so much, picturing many future tea parties in this cute little tutu, and lots and lots of wear out of this sweater, which still has heaps of room to grow (I ended up ordering a size 3).

Check out the lady in the background, haha!

Both items were made for comfort. The sweater is super stretchy, which makes me think that it may fit her even beyond the age of 3? Either way, it's well cute, and perfect for both going out, and just hanging out (model pictured doing both - at once). If you like the look of this sweater, you better get in super quick, because they have stopped making them. There are a couple of other super cute designs, and they are currently selling for a mere $20! Score!

And the dress! She wore this all day today, and even did some flouncing around the house in it. Again, super comfy, despite it's being a tutu! Little Moos won the KFR (Kids Fashion Review) prize for best Aus Made Baby/Kids Product last year, and I have to say - I just love the design for this. Because 'cute' still has to be very comfy when you are 2 (or 28, for that matter). Despite her being a bit of a chubba bubba, the dress fit perfectly, and it doesn't feel like it will stretch out of shape either. The bow is detachable, so if bows aren't your thing then you can take it or leave it. And bonus! We will never lose her in a crowd when she's wearing this! Love the colour combo. Yes.

It was hard to stop taking photos, to be honest. A little buttercup amidst the buttercups!

Bubbalooz is a small online business, run by the lovely Jasmine (I know she's lovely because we've exchanged lots of emails now!), who is mama to two cute little girls. I love supporting businesses like this, and it's all the more easy to do so when the business is online (and the goodies arrive direct to your door - yay! No screaming tantrums at the mall!). I love that when you come across sites such as this, you know that each item has been handpicked by the person behind the page - a point of difference from all those chain clothing stores. You know the ones. Jasmine who was not only super sweet, made sure that these products got to me super quickly too, which is a BIG plus, when it comes to buying online.

While I was looking around her store (it's hard not to, it all looks so enticing, and so many of the lovely products are on sale!), I spotted a few other objects of desire and thought I'd share them with you...

1. Janod Shape Sorting House (on sale - woot!). Eleanor is SO into sorting shapes at the mo. 2. Flatout Frankie - Little Cook (Okay, we don't need another play kitchen, but this one you can travel with! Or stash at the Grands place...). 3. Tiny Revolutionary - Be Kind To The Small Things Tee. (on sale!) LOVE this. 4. Tinch - Alphabet Soup. Fun, educational, and yet another awesome SAHM making a name for herself.

So there you go. Definitely worth checking out in the lead-up to Christmas - and as we head into summer (esp. if your baby clothes stash ran out at about size two, like mine did!). If you would like to subscribe to the Bubbalooz newsletter - fill in this wee form here, and if you would like to be super duper up to date with new products and sales - go and like her facebook page (she is hosting a charity auction for one of the Babycake dresses this Sunday - keep an eye out).

Oh and the title of this post? Exciting announcement coming soon! (Bet you can all guess).

Thank you!

2011-11-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

I already knew that bloggers and blog readers were a nice bunch, but seriously! Not only did you guys put up with my moaning and complaining (when all I should be doing is counting my blessings, of which there are MANY), but you all offered such kind words of encouragement too! I really do feel relieved to hear that many of you feel/felt the same during pregnancy. Weird how we sometimes feel as though we are on such a solo journey, forgetting that many have tread the same path before. I am comforted, so thank you!

Today I have been sorting baby clothes. Quite a big task actually, but I'm glad I did it. Now they are all neatly organised and packed up, and I have a lovely nesty feeling after looking at all that cute teeny weeny clothing! I also managed to collect a bag or two to be taken to the op shop, which means a bag or two less to take with us to our next home. Yes, I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself.

Yesterday I ordered these postcards to be printed. That brings my total of alphabet letters up to 12, which is almost halfway there. Yay! I'm not sure when I'll have time to finish this series off, but as usual, I'll let you know. I'm definitely looking forward to being able to sell full sets...

Did I have a good time?

2011-11-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a very self-indulgent post, and many of you may wish to turn away now though there are going to be photos of pretty things, so maybe just scroll quickly on through... Something about this pregnancy has me feeling like the slow-mo button has been hit. Last pregnancy I was running around like a crazy thing, completing a degree and all that. This pregnancy, I'm lucky if I get dinner cooked most nights.

Cake made by my lovely step-cousin. Tasted as good as it looked too.

I was in a mad rush to get ready for this party, but the thing was, I couldn't rush. It was weird. No matter how quickly I thought I was going, things weren't getting done. We were almost the last to arrive (though Rosa-May and I, and a couple of our grown-up-ish nieces were there earlier, decorating the place up), and I was in a state of S.T.R.E.S.S. There were still things that needed to be done. And there were things I'd forgotten to bring (like a back drop sheet for the photo corner *bangs head with fist*). And there were all these people I hadn't seen for quite a while, who needed greeting and hugging and catching up on.

Where is the backdrop? Oh, did we think we'd get away with some baking paper, borrowed from the cafe kitchen?

Props: inspired by this pin, and this.

My mama and my niece - what a cute pair! And the same height, I do believe.

And I was in a state of panic, because there was singing-in-front-of-the-crowd to be done. And I didn't want to do it anymore.

"What happened to the flower arrangement?" The guests asked...

I want to say that it all worked out perfectly in the end, and mostly, really, it did. Rosa and I sang our little ditty, but not without some very awkward standing-in-front-of-the-audience-while-our-backing-track-refused-to-play, before we did so. As a result, my nerves were leaping crazily about the place, like sugar-hyped toddlers... There were actually some of those there too...

We used Martha Stewart's directions for the tissue pom-poms, and the card garland was inspired by this pin.

Hand-made confetti. Thanks nieces!

Eventually, I found it easiest to just sit in a quiet corner and wait for people to come and chat to me. Which worked out quite well. I've been fighting some low-iron, energy loss - mixed in with some low-blood-pressure faintness over the past couple of months, and I haven't been feeling very 'down with it'. Love that I'm growing a baby. Sick of the side effects. And only two thirds of the way there. Is it totally uncool to complain about pregnancy? I guess I'm just disappointed that the 'easy' trimester wasn't so easy this time round. I feel done in. Tired. Overwhelmed. Light-headed. For the last week I have gone into a swoon at least once during the day. I've been practicing some Jin-Shin-Juytsu. I've been drinking lots of water. I've been trying to keep as active as I can.

I guess I just don't feel very together, and there are so many reasons that I need to be together right now. Like, so that I can be a really great mama to my toddler, who is battling with some of the 'terrible twos' right now. And so that I can plan/orchestrate this move to the countryside, that we are on the verge of making very soon. So that I can get all the pre-Christmas things ready, pre Christmas, rather than some time after. So that I can be as calm and prepared as possible for the soon-to-be-present-with-us Little One. And I feel scatty as a yard-cat. And tired. And dizzy.

Did I have a good time? I did. But if I'm really really honest, I spent a large part of that beautiful night feeling tense and overwhelmed. And looking back at the photos, I wish it wasn't so.

But I will say this - I LOVE that Piri and Satomi! Life felt just that extra bit sparkly having them here. Too short a time.

Friday round-up

2011-11-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Busy times. Still working on your portraits, though I'm managing to get a few finished now, woop! Also this week:

I finished editing my manuscript. O. M. G. I have been writing this forever. Now it's done and that's that. I've officially written a book. I don't know what will happen next, if anything, but I've done that now. Accomplished.

We have welcomed some special guests from over the seas. Specifically, my brother Piri and his darling wife, Satomi. Satomi brought her mum with her too, who is visiting from Japan. Tadako speaks practically no English, but is the most gorgeous lady ever. She was watching Eleanor interacting with Zan the other night, and (via Satomi's translation) told me that it was lovely to see such closeness between a father and child. And then, she started crying! She was so moved just watching them... And then Satomi and I cried too. So that was that moment.
I have been making even more decorations, big sized ones this time, for Piri and Satomi's NZ wedding reception. And my siblings and I have been busy making a whole bunch of secret plans. It's very fun.

Zan and I have been job hunting. Less fun.
Eleanor has learnt a few new tricks, and is really starting to get into everything. Several times in the last few days I have found her like this:

This is my wedding present for P & S. You might think this is a tad unoriginal, but it's just where I'm at right now. Doing drawing, and not having a bunch of money to spend on stuff... Besides, who needs more stuff? But they need a(nother) portrait right? It was quite a fun one to do, but took for.ever. Which is the reason I don't usually do colour portraits.

And today - I am driving up to the Hokianga with my sister and my gal. We will be singing the whole way (in prep for the wedding reception - we have a few sisterly songs lined up, and I'm sure that Eleanor will be happy to chime in). Maybe I will find a job for Zan while I'm up there. Maybe.

Kid Style

2011-11-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

Awhile back Kristin started a great series of posts about the cute outfits she managed to pull together for her boys. Inspired by her, and by my general disappointment in kids clothing chain stores, I have begun a bit of a mission to locate and acquire a fun summer wardrobe for my kid.

And so I bring you my first kiddy clothing review. I aim to run a series of these over the next wee while, reviewing outfits from some of my favourite online kids clothing stores. At this stage of my life, shopping for kiddy clothing online is my preference because a) I can do it whenever I like (and it's super fun looking at all those cute things!) and b) it means I don't have to physically take Eleanor shopping with me, which can be such a nightmare. Plus it's nice getting stuff sent to your door.

Outfit details:

Top: Green Valley Crafts

Tee: Cotton On Kids

Jeans: Pumpkin Patch

Shoes: Thrifted

As some of you savvy readers already know, Clare sent me these two flippin' gorgeous tops as a thank you present - for a giveaway that she WON! I mean, seriously. WHO is that generous? Not me *bows head in shame*. And man, I was not even prepared for such cuteness! Both tops are exquisitely made - and having tried my hand at sewing some kid clothing, I can now fully appreciate the level of work that has gone into these. They are super neat and tidy, with handmade binding and everything. And I'm not talking the kind of binding that I make, I mean, proper, for real binding. And buttons, and button holes, and pleats. All things that make me want to shrink into my couch-of-laziness.

Doll by Pepper Stitches, Dolls quilt by my lovely and clever Aunty Paddy!

The heart details made me go a bit gooey. And the blue and yellow combo... Well, she knows me. I think I gasped with happiness. Clare has recently obtained the rights to sell these beautiful tops in her felt store, which is good news people! Because yay! We can all dress our little girls in these lovely summer tops! I love the fabric she uses, I love the style, and I love that they are girly and sweet, but provide an alternative to wearing dresses all the time (because much as I do love dresses - sometimes a girl needs to don a pair of jeans, ya know?!), without sacrificing any prettiness.

I'll let you know when she's listed some of these in her shop, but in the meantime just go and look at her other cute things. She's a clever lass!

p.s. what do our lawn and Eleanor's hairstyle have in common? It starts with N and ends with Eglect. Just keeping it real around here (and if we can't live in the country, we will bring the country to live with us!)

Parenting decisions I never made...

2011-11-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is what I was thinking about as I lay in bed last night. A bit random, but there you go. My head is a little jam-packed with Things at the moment, so I might just drop these thoughts off here if you don't mind.

When Eleanor was a little wee baby, I always felt a bit weird about leaving her alone in a room to sleep. Perhaps because she wasn't able to breathe on her own for the first few hours of life, or perhaps because this is just a normal, first-time-mama reaction (and possibly one that sticks around?), I always, always felt the need to go and check her breathing from time to time while she slept. Some people hassled me about it, or warned me that I shouldn't, in case I woke her. I found these comments anxiety-provoking. It was a base instinct that told me I needed to check her. I needed to, I absolutely had to. So I did. I was thinking about this last night, because I still find myself doing this sometimes, especially when Eleanor is ill (or even just the tiniest bit off-colour). Criticize me if you like, call me over-protective and coddling. I don't think it's like that. It's not a decision I ever made, it's just something that I have to do.

Zan and I never really had a discussion about what we would call our, erm, private parts in front of Eleanor. I know there are (at least) two camps in this area. The 'safe word' camp, and the 'medical term' camp. If there are others, I don't really know about them yet. To be honest, I never felt completely sweet about either option. The idea of safe words never quite sat well, but I also didn't really want the medical terms cropping up too frequently in conversation either, particularly when amongst rellies and other people of import. Well, Eleanor seems to have solved this dilemma for us, by coming up with her very own, freshly coined word that apparently encompasses both boy bits and girl bits (she has the occasional bath with her Pa, so she knows that there's a difference). We can't figure out if it's 'Bocku' or 'Boogu', but either way, she is adamant that she has the right word. And well, we're sticking with it. Thanks kiddo.

I never decided to bring up my children in the city. That's just how it happened. If you haven't gathered already, Zan and I aren't married. In fact, we had only been together for about a year when Eleanor was conceived (and I'd only just started my Grad Dip in teaching), and while we were both over-joyed at the thought of becoming parents, it wasn't like it had been carefully slotted in to our five year plan or anything. The thing is, while Zan and I knew right from the start that we wanted a life together (married or not), and that that life definitely included children, bringing up children in the city is something that we never discussed. We both (mostly) grew up in the country. In the same bit of country, actually. A part of this country, that we now desperately yearn to relocate to. The past two years of parenting, though full of joy and contentment in many ways, have definitely been made harder by the fact that our income dictates such humble abodes, in such un-pretty suburbs, with so little grass for our baby to play on. And lately, every time I have left the swing of the city and taken to the open, country road, it has felt as though a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Truly. Life feels lighter, easier. Which is how I know that we are in need of a change. Bringing up our children in this big old city is a decision that we never made, so now we are crossing our fingers and pinning all our hopes on finding work & a home in the countryside. With a bit of luck, before this little baby is born. Please (if you don't mind), spare us a hope-filled thought x

Drawing, drawing

2011-10-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

I'm loving it! I haven't been this into drawing for ages - but I relish the moments I get to spend on these portraits. It's nice having lots of them to work on, though hard finding spare moments... Here is a recently finished one, soon to be sent...

Feeling just a tad chuffed

2011-10-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

... to be featured over at Li'l Magoolie today! And because of all your lovely comments, and some new followers, and some pinterest pinning... Thank you all for the encouragement and the love, means the world!

Play Kitchen

2011-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is how it began. It began with me finding my dream desk on Trademe, for a mere $10. I loved that desk. It was pretty (though in desperate need of a paint job that I was always too busy to give it). It suited a room. It kept all my random pieces of paper nice and safe (speaking of which, I wonder where my Degrees are these days...). But the desk had a few 'issues', and took me a long while to admit that. There were four issues to be precise. Each of the legs. They wobbled.

There's Desk!

Desk showing Dollhouse how to be a cool shade of blue, 'like this, Dollhouse!'

You might not think it's such a big deal (I tried to pretend it wasn't), but with a curious baby/toddler in the house, and a heavy desk filled to the brim with things (and stacked with a million more things), it was a bit of a safety hazard. And so I did something I never thought I'd find the courage to do. I took the legs off, and I threw them away. And I knew exactly what the desk would now become.

Behold:

Okay, so it definitely didn't happen overnight. Here's what we did (I did take some WIP shots, but there are too many After photos to bother adding those too...):

Cut holes in the desk for the taps, faucet and sink (taps and faucet from Trademe, enamel bowl/sink from our own cupboard).

I also made a few mini tea-towels and a kitchen cloth, just for fun

Sanded the entire desk and drawers
Repainted in the same colours as previous

Cut out a back board, painted it, and attached shelves (we already had the shelves, but Zan sliced them in half so that they would be narrower)
Added hooks and things

Removed three drawers and replaced with the smaller drawer that was previously in the centre of the desk, so that it became the 'warmer drawer'
Made an oven door (total mission, easily the hardest part of the whole reno, and you'll notice that it still doesn't have a handle yet - we ran out of time, and thankfully Eleanor was so distracted by all the pretty things adorning the kitchen, she still hasn't even noticed that there's an oven!)

Added elements and dials

Made a 'skirt' to cover the empty space in the centre of the kitchen (where we now store excess toys)
Made some matching bunting

Filled it with all the lovely kitchen things that we already had in our collection. The only new items (other than the kitchen, obviously) are some cute hand-knitted pieces of play food made by Frangipani, and the gorgeous coffee maker that was gifted by Stace

Does Eleanor like it?

A table stacked with presents, completely ignored. I actually put some of these away again, still wrapped, to save for Christmas. Unwrapping presents didn't excite her nearly as much as playing with the little kitchen things...

Later: in her birthday outfit. Kitchen = dismantled (we had to remove the taps until we can fix them permanently, they were just too tempting... Btw, any tips for removing gunk from gold plating?)

Eventually (with the promise of food) we coaxed her away to open the rest of her presents. "Oh cute" she said to each one, before rushing back to make us teas and coffees...

This is what we had. Total luxury in this porridge-eating household. (Doll pictured, handmade by Pepper Stitches)

So I've been sitting on these last few posts for quite some time now, and I'm afraid there might not be any exciting stuff from me for awhile. It's all illustrating and writing at the mo, but I'll pop back in with other bits and pieces when I have a little time... And thank you for all your warm comments regarding Eleanor's party, they made this hormonal pregnant lady very happy indeed x

Because I've had a few requests for details since posting this - the pastel pots and pans as well as the pastel/polkadot tea set were all part of a larger set that we found at Countdown last Christmas - $40 - hopefully they will bring it out again this year so that you guys can find a set too! And in case any of you were wondering about the other items in our kitchen - the wooden baking set (gifted to us a few years back) is from Nature Baby; the little tea set with red polkadots was from an op shop, but I've seen complete sets of these on trademe; the red colander was part of a set that my mum found at Millys Kitchen (or a similar kitchen shop); the plain pastel tea/espresso cup set was a gifted by family in Australia - maybe from Ikea? And the red silicone utensil set was from KMart. All the other items were thrifted and gifted at various different times...

In summary:

2011-10-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Just because it's satisfying to put all my favourite pics together in one post:

The favours:

More here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here

And that's the last birthday party post, I promise! Tomorrow I'll be back to reveal an exciting project...

Favourite Things Mocka Child's Teepee

2011-10-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite reviews ever! This gorgeous little Mocka teepee made the day for me (imagine if we hadn't used it? It would've just been a lonely little treat table and a picnic blanket...). I love it for various reasons, the first of which being how picturesque it looks sitting perched on the lawn. I loved that it gave the kids a retreat from the sun, and encouraged some lovely quiet moments during the party. We used it for the activities (I read them a story, and they all played pass the parcel in there too), and the rest of the time it was the come and go room for all the kids.

In this last photo - 8 children of various sizes and ages, huddled inside the tent playing pass the parcel...

The following day, Eleanor's actual birthday, we took the teepee along to Grey Lynn Park and set it up there. Perfect! The sun was beating down, and though this is a child's teepee, really, there is easily enough room for an adult or two to curl up and hide from the sun (which is why I intend to take it with us on every single beach visit this summer! It's going to be a savior for this pregnant mama). Once again, it looked picture perfect set out on the grass, and no one even batted an eye when they saw a little teepee in the middle of the park, though several children eyed it enviously...

The teepee itself is incredibly well made, and built for ease of use. I know several people who have made their own teepees, and by all accounts it is no easy feat, not something I am likely to attempt myself. This one is sturdy and made using quality wood and fabric, which is perfect as it will be getting a lot of use in the coming years (and kids aren't always known for being gentle with their playthings). I have no doubt that the teepee will stand up to heavy use.

And aside from the initial set up, the teepee is now very portable with pretty much no work required to have it standing again. There may come a time when we need to dismantle it completely in order to store it easily (at the moment it is rolled neatly and tucked behind a door, just until we have a bigger room for Eleanor), but for now it is easy enough to roll up and pop into the car, all ready to go. Am I in love just a bit? Um, yes.

I guess the real test with these types of products is whether or not kids are interested in using them. And as you can see, the teepee was a hit with all of the kiddlywinks. I was talking to another mama at the party, and she told me that her little one loves having the quiet space of a teepee to retreat from her siblings from time to time. I think that in winter I will set it up in our living room or in Eleanor's bedroom as a reading nook, and fill it with cushions and stacks of books. I'm sure she'll appreciate some space from her new sibling by that stage...

As many of you know, Mocka is a NZ based company who provide gorgeous, quality products for children. This is my first Mocka experience, but they come highly recommended by some other fabulous bloggy friends, and I can definitively say that I am now one of their biggest fans! Join them on facebook too, so that you are first to know about any awesome deals they have going...

Other bits:
Available in four different fabric combinations
The floor mat can be tied/untied according to your preference
Dimensions =
Height - 155cm
Base 170 x 170cm
Easy to assemble, with 5 wooden poles and a lovely cotton canvas tent
Price: $129.95
Super duper fabulous and lovely!

Little Labels

2011-10-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Fonts aren't exactly my forte, but I tried out a few different ones with these...

Birthday Signage

2011-10-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Many of the party details I made were the results of happy accidents. This was one of them... I saw something somewhere, a cute photo of a bunch of kids and their lemonade stand they'd made from cardboard. The image stuck in my head - I envisaged a treat table backed by a heavily illustrated piece of brown cardboard, but I couldn't for the life of me find a piece that was the right size. In the end I went with what I had, which wasn't really much. And then this happened:

The 'Happy Birthday' came naturally, after all, bunting and twirly ribbon are rather overused motifs in many of my scribblings. But I was a little stuck when it came to the third element... And then it all came together in my mind... The hot air balloon - perfectly suited to a 'adventure' themed party... The colours, of course, decided already. The wee paper doll version of Eleanor had been floating around in my drawing pad for the last few months, an idea that I never really took anywhere... It was mini, but not as mini as Tiny Ted, which is perfect really. I plan to hang the balloon in her room at some stage. I'm quite taken with it...

And finally: Tiny Ted(s)

2011-10-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

I had the most fun with these guys. It was the quilts. The quilts made me swoon.

I don't even know when or how I made the decision to create them. Just found myself cutting wee strips of fabric and sewing them together...

Making is fun, and these were especially fun to make. It was hard to stop at five, and to be honest, it won't be long before I make a whole bunch more. For what purpose? Who knows. For fun.

Goodbye little bears! All heading off to new homes... I'm glad we're keeping one...

Favourite Things: Tea Pea Goodie Bags

2011-10-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Excited as I was about all the little things that would go in the party bags, I also knew I wanted to find some cute paper bags to put them in. I'd already come across the Tea Pea website (mentioned here), so I headed straight over and chose these cute little blue striped bags. Meg kindly agreed to let me do a review of them too (easy, I loved them!), so I thought I'd show you some of the other delicious things she has stocked.

From top: Polkadot Goodie Bags, Nursery Rhyme Bunting, Paper Garlands, Drawstring Bags

Meg makes & designs a lot of the items in her shop, and they are all super sweet and very reasonably priced (her paper garlands are only $6!). She also runs a stall at the Craft 2.0 market in Wellington so if you are down there this weekend you should definitely go and say hi, and check out all these pretty things in person!

The bags arrived with this sweet little handmade lavender sachet, which is now being used to make Eleanor's cot smell delicious

As for me, I was delighted with how perfectly suited these goodie bags were to our little treat table, and I even had a few left over for other occasions...

Such as a bag filled with lollies for a Father's Day treat...

You can also find Tea Pea on facebook, and read her blog here.

Mini DIY Teepees

2011-10-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

Having the party in a teepee made this particular favour seem quite obvious. A mini teepee for their Tiny Teds' to camp in. I googled teepee instructions, and used their template to make my own, with a few added extras. Each packet has a set of instructions too. In retrospect I should have hunted down some heavier weight brown card... *shrug*. Next time.

I hope the kiddies decorate them, I'd love to see how each looks made up... Maybe I'll hassle their mamas' for pics.

Dunno about you, but this sort of thing would've been right up my alley when I was a kiddo. DIY, mini, packaged. All things that were lovely to me back then (and erm, still are actually!).

Update

2011-10-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

My books are officially closed for now, until I knock out some of these portraits (working on it! Three almost ready to wing their way to new homes! Another ten to go *wipes brow*)... I'll let you know when I am ready to take more orders, and many thanks to those lovely people who have placed them with me this month!

MIni Bunting

2011-10-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Pretty self-explanatory. I already had all the triangles cut out from a previous project, so it was easy to whip these up. And packaging was quite fun... I plan to make a bunch more of these at some point, perfect for Christmas stockings and little thank you notes.

Mini Storybooks

2011-10-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's very cheeky of me to do this, but I saw something similar done recently at a little birthday party, and it seemed like the perfect solution to a problem I was trying to work out. It was actually the favour I had the trickiest time with in the end (karma?), but I did want all the littlies to be able to read the story again later.

All the pages are photocopied, and the picture quality isn't great (I briefly considered colour copying, until I found out how much it was going to cost - at which point I clamored to request photocopies, thanks...), but if it's a story they love then hopefully it won't be too hard for them to track it down in a library or a bookstore.

Party Favours

2011-10-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

These were the contents:

Because I got a little bit obsessed with these little treats, and because it all took such a long time to make, I have a whole bunch of posts prepared for each of the different items... It may be boring to many of you, but these mini things made my heart SING! Really...

I also threw in some tiny bags of Jelly Bellys', and some mini windmills, and it was all packaged up in super cute striped bags from Tea Pea...

Party

2011-10-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

There were lots of little details, but the celebration itself was very simple. We ate food, we read stories, we picnic-ed and we played a game or two. There were some lovely gifts to unwrap, and lots of running about.

This beautiful teepee by Mocka added much charm (full review in another post), with the kids rushing from food table, to picnic mat, and finally retreating into this quiet space.

Even though the little bits of decorating & food prep & favour making did take some time (most done during the quiet months leading up to the party), the day itself was relatively simple and stress free. The Hawkes Bay surroundings were picture perfect, and the guests were very close friends and family. Simple and sweet. Perfect for our two year old (though she did lose the plot on more than one occasion, if you must know the absolute truth!). Next I will show you the favours (I've been dying to for months), and the gift we made for her...

And honestly, I feel like having a few very quiet days between now and the next round of celebrating.

Drink!

2011-10-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

The drinking vessels were a bit of a mash-up of various different ideas. Namely this one that I had a few months ago, and a little bit of a repeat of these ones that I made for her 1st birthday, with a touch of Pintinspiration (like that? Newly coined, thanks me).

I gave them to the guest to take home with their other favours. Something to store their teeny treasures in...

In case you'd like to make some the same - I used baby food jars, chalkboard paint, acrylic interior paint, paper straws and cardboard. The rest is pretty straight forward...

It was all about the treat table...

2011-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

For me anyway. The rest of the party planning was like this; "oh, we'll play pass the parcel, we still have the parcel we didn't use for her last party... And the kids can all just play. Kids like playing..." For me, the thoughts, the dreaming, the planning & preparing was all based around that little treat table (oh and the favours, but I'll get to those soon). Mini food, it kills me. Months ago I decided that her party would be all about mini food, which I am tempted to buy every time I step out to buy groceries. I just like mini stuff.

Behold the mini food:

Then there was the cake. I have a friend who designs and makes the most amazing cakes, and I'm afraid to say that my little efforts are absolutely nothing in comparison. But, I was quite happy with how this little one turned out. I figured that I'd just make use of my drawing skills for the cake design, and it was quite fun seeing what I could come up with. I sort of recreated a scene from the book, but in a very basic way...

The actual baker of the cake was my darling big sister, who made the cute little cupcakes and the mini American Hotdogs too... Thanks sis!

Food list:
(store-bought)
Baby carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Mini Gherkins
Mini Wafers
Mini Mallowpuffs
Mini Oreos
Mini M&Ms
Snack size cucumbers (for sandwiches & with crackers)
Savoury mince pies
Cheerio sausages (for hot dogs)
Mini Sesameal crackers
Small slices of cheese
Lemon & barley cordial + soda water
(homemade)
Lemon cake
Lemon cupcakes
Wholemeal hot dog buns
Ice bowl (all made by Ku)

All the little details...

2011-10-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

We are home again... Today we had a pre-birthday celebration for our bub, which lasted most of the day. Tomorrow is her actual birthday, and I must say, I think both of us are a bit birthday-ed out! I plan to have the quietest and calmest morning, just the three of us banging around the house. Have discovered that I LOVE planning & preparing for parties, but hosting is a little beyond me...

Just a wee teaser really - much more to come soon!

Birthday birthday!

2011-10-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

As we approach Eleanor's 2nd birthday, this Labour Day (yep, she was born on that, appropriately titled, day), I've been working on updating her MyStory in preparation for some pre-birthday storytelling... I love the idea that we can pull out this book on the eve of each birthday, and remember precious moments and milestones together... The book itself has been neglected for months and months, so there has been quite a lot of updating to do, but I have to say that it's been a very fun process!

I finally filled in the pages for her 1st birthday party - the original posts about this day here, here, here and here.

And spent some time filling in some of the multitudes of other pages too...

Holiday Snaps

2011-10-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that it's not always a holiday when traveling with a toddler, especially sans partner. I can't imagine what it will be like with more than one, to be honest, I'm trying not to think about it! BUT, my lovely sister has been so kind as to offer me the occasional time out (not the same kind that Eleanor's been having mind you), a bit of space to breathe and to write. I'm doing my best to finish off my manuscript by the end of this month (in amongst everything else), so this time has been precious, and I won't use up too much more of it with blogging. But here are just a few lovely moments we've had while we have been holidaying...

Emilie's birthday Garden Party... The weather was iffy, but the scene was delicious

A spot of op shopping...

Trips to the local cafe...

and a bit of lounging in the sun...

A few days left and then life returns to normal. Well, pre-Christmas normal anyway.

Emilie turns one...

2011-10-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Celebration

2011-10-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

A little someone just turned one... I'll be back soon with more... Oh, and Ku would want you all to know that the image above depicts Emilie in her gardening gears, not everyday wear... Pretty cute gardening outfit if you ask me!

Green and Blue

2011-10-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist popping back to share my treasures, found.

Like I said. Love the Hawkes Bay op shops!