tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51978440062014051852024-03-13T13:54:53.639-07:00MyLittleManCrafty Makes Inspired By My Little Man.MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-10605067916139673312015-05-13T05:53:00.000-07:002015-05-13T05:53:00.105-07:00Sticking at things.<div style="text-align: center;">
Well I have been keeping up with my running. </div>
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We are now on week 7/10 of our beginners group and going well. I've also been able to manage 1-2 running practices a week in between sessions. Running with people seems so much easier as there is that element of distraction which inhibits your mind from encouraging you to stop. Some runs have been easier than others, but I am getting there. I hurt my knee around week 3, and was really disheartened. My head was telling me not to run on it, but I couldn't bring myself to miss a session. Thankfully ice and stretching seemed to work and it's been so much better and no pain when running now. I also treated myself to a snazzy new pair of running trainers (see photo above) to try and reduce the risk of hurting my knee further. Love them. I wouldn't have believed the difference a good pair of trainers would make. I did have my gait analysed by doing the run on the treadmill in the shop...I did feel like a wally but I'm sure I looked like a gazelle! Good job it was a quiet time of day.<br />
I've found a running partner in the village too which helps with practicing and motivation and as of yesterday I have signed up for a 5k Race for Life at the beginning of June. I'm looking forward and hope this will be the start of many to come.</div>
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I have also been to a local free buggy fitness group which sounds less hard core than it is. But when you're doing your walking lunges, crunches, push ups, planks, sprints etc. you are soon the one that finds yourself wishing you could turf your baby out of the buggy so you can have a sit down and recover!!! </div>
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I have also started a new circuits class that's re-establishing locally. My first go at circuits and the class was small (just the 2 of us!) so there was definitely no hiding!! My favorite bit was donning some gloves and punching the stuffing out of the instructors pads...what a great stress reliever! </div>
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All this fitness is making me feel a bit stronger in myself...fitness and self esteem. </div>
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Making has been a bit on the slow side here as I feel I've just been buzzing here, there and everywhere. We often are away at weekends visiting people and it always seems to fall in back to back weekends. It's lovely, but I've had enough now and am sticking at home for a while! </div>
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I've been able to make something (a little commission I suppose) but it hasn't been given yet so I'll keep that under wraps for now.</div>
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So other makes have been focused on my little man. We have been having some success with sticker charts. They never used to work, but after potty training, he was still looking for instant rewards, so the implementation of the sticker chart gave him a longer term goal to focus on. The first was a pirate ship sailing to the treasure, the second a dinosaur.<br />
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He loved the idea that he was getting closer to the star. He got a mini Haribo bag of sweets for each little star which he loved, and for the pirate ship he got a Spiderman Doll (or action figure as I've been corrected plenty of times!) and for the Dinosaur he got a big Playdoh factory. It's quite nice as his birthday is Christmas Eve so he gets one big present drop a year, and this is a way of re-enforcing good behaviours but also giving us a good excuse for us to get him some new toys once in a while.</div>
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The current one is a snake focussing on getting washed and dressed with NO FUSS! </div>
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I may be aiming too big as 'procrastinate' is his middle name! All three year olds are the same I'm sure, but sometimes the battle is so irritatingly frustrating that it deserves a chance to change for the better! We have had a few mornings/evenings with no fuss whatsoever and all happening in real time which have been delightful (yes three year olds also have no sense of time passing what so ever!). Some he's still mucking about so he's gone without his reward. I'm sure with time he might click on to the idea! His reward for reaching this one is a family trip to the zoo so he's quite keen for this one.<br /><br />........................................................................................<br />
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Another little project this week was an up-cycle I suppose. My little man had a very cool dinosaur bag for pre-school which broke, but it was too good to throw away. So I cut out the leather dino's and re-purposed them into a collage for his room. I had a spare green Ikea frame kicking around so it seemed the perfect use for it for now.<br />
I used various bits of fabric, wool, ribbon etc. and we painted the sun, leaves etc. together. We did use bubble wrap to make some textured paint but for some reason the paper sort of made it disappear. When he saw it half made he gasped when he saw it and said he really liked it. When I showed him the finished one he carried on playing...and my husband laughed. I'll take that criticism as I think it looks really nice hanging in his room so it will stay there until it grows old.<br />
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The pictures not that clear here...and maybe that's for a good thing. Every time I look at it it looks more and more pre-school!<br />
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My littlest in now sitting for long periods, weaning is going well, and he is still rocking on all fours!<br />
He is also getting into trouble around the house determined to reach for all of his big brothers toys.<br />
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My time on maternity leave is coming to an end with a return to work at the beginning of June. My uniforms still fit (just). That will be a whole new phase to adjust to... trying to keep all those balls up in the air. I could stay off forever to watch my little people grow and learn. <br />
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Enough for today. I'm enjoying soaking up the warmth in my little sun room, making the most of nap time. So I think I'll pop some more music on and enjoy some me time.<br />
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Love from me and my little men x</div>
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MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-71228708846740383582015-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:002015-04-07T13:02:03.300-07:00Easter<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Easter!</div>
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I hope everyone's had a nice Easter Bank Holiday. We've been semi-confined by the pox (which I can thankfully say took a turn for the better on Saturday) which we think is mostly scabbing over, but as he does look ridiculously spotty we were a bit worried of the general public reaction to his smiley spotty face. We instead stayed local, lots of nice walks, a trip to the seaside including an obligatory ice cream, and some gardening time too. </div>
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I think it was really nice just to be still for a bit, and when the kids are happy we are happy. </div>
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Easter bonnets. I'm not sure where this tradition came from. It's a bit of a weird one for boys. For girls you can get pretty bonnets, stick some flowers, chicks, eggs etc. on and they look immediately cute. Do that to a boy and there's a very good chance he'll get laughed out of the playground! At only 3, my little man is oblivious to the hilarity of this weird tradition...so lets get the bonnet made and cameras out!</div>
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We initially thought we'd go down the decorated crown route. </div>
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This is our effort from last year...</div>
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We paper mached a crown which was all a bit gloopy and fun. Then I made some rabbits and stuck them in the grass at the top (this was a night before jobby as I did think we'd miss playgroup due to the pox). Here it is...</div>
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The crown was a tad small and he did not want to wear it! Oh well...never mind. I'll try again next year. But then in the shower I had an epiphany...could I convert my straw hat into something he'd wear? With 15mins until needing to leave...it was a bit like challenge Anneka! So with sellotape and wool flying everywhere, lots of giggling and panicking, we transformed the hat from this...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me modelling the hat in 2013.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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....to this.....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GFYmQ6JlZY/VSQr-yTSeRI/AAAAAAAAB3M/pvvjnyGXsic/s1600/image(56).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GFYmQ6JlZY/VSQr-yTSeRI/AAAAAAAAB3M/pvvjnyGXsic/s1600/image(56).jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loved wearing it for the bonnet parade around Hythe, holding on for dear life in case the wind blew it off!</td></tr>
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What a Mess!</div>
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But a winning mess all the same! THIRD prize! So he was delighted with his bag of eggs that he won. First prize went to someone who had encompassed more of the religious side of Easter. Second to a cute girly hat. We'll take Third...and now I'm pleased we had the hilarity of the 15minutes of woolly Monday morning madness before playgroup.</div>
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Easter eggs are all well and good, but who really needs all that chocolate?! After ploughing through the chocolate still lingering from Christmas in an effort to cleanse the house of any chocolate impurities, the thought of another onslaught of chocolate is just a bit sickening. Especially with the pressing issue of trying to get rid of a post baby belly. My little man likes chocolate, but he doesn't have it that often, and he would never eat loads in one go, so I thought we don't need to buy big chocolate eggs or anything, but I did want to do an Easter egg hunt.</div>
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So a little bit of an alternative egg hunt I suppose. We had a rock painting craft session, where I painted some rocks in Easter themes with the plan to hide them around the garden for a hunt with a small pressie at the end.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the painting session.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished rocks. You can tell who did the monster one...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding them around the garden.</td></tr>
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The finale was quite fun. After all rocks collected and counted, he had to lower his prize down from the tree. He had a great time. The best part about using the rocks is that we had about 4x different hunts that afternoon. Then they were used to load in his trucks upstairs. I found one in my boot this morning, so I guess he still is enjoying hiding them!</div>
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He's been busy in nursery making Easter cards.</div>
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At home we made some Easter cakes for ourselves and our two neighbours. They were delish.</div>
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I'm also working on something a little different...Running. I achieved couch-5k after my first was born, and now I need to get back on it. I've joined a weekly beginners running group which started on the 30/03/15. The people I've met are really nice. So far I have done 4x runs. I don't feel as bad as I thought I would, and I'm looking forward to achieving something at the end (hopefully!). If I lost a little post baby belly along the way I wouldn't complain...</div>
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I hope you all had a good Easter!</div>
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Love from me and my little men x</div>
MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-52084144779325633602015-04-03T13:05:00.000-07:002015-04-03T13:05:35.402-07:00Surviving the Pox<div style="text-align: center;">
In my last post you saw my DIY heart picture which I think looks pretty spiffingly awesome (even if I do say so myself).<br />
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It's now sitting on my <i>new</i> <i>shelves</i> in my lounge. <i>New Shelves!</i> Yes...I'm quite excited about these as ever since we have moved in (that's about 5/6years) I have been plagued by a blank wall and had no clue as to where to start with it. How can a blank wall be so difficult? Well I find it easier to cosy up/decorate the small nooks in a room, rather than make a commitment to a large part of the room with the risk of getting it very wrong. I decided to make a bit of a gallery wall so I could mix up the artwork if I wanted to. I think these picture ledges are perfect and I am really pleased with them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these pictures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are my two home made ones in the middle!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately you don't get a picture of the shelves in context with the rest of my lounge as it is all a bit "plastic fantastic" below this photo line. That's the baggage of having children...the hundreds of plastic toys that adorn your living room. The added problem of having boy children is that none of those plastic fantastic toys are particularly pretty... Cranes, pirate ships, racing cars... <br />
My shelves can be my bit of prettiness amongst all their crap!</div>
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We've been plagued by chicken pox in this house. The eldest got it and I think we got off lightly. He was a bit of a grump bag and tired, but apart from that not too irritated by them. We are paying the price now as our newest boy on the block is absolutely covered head to toe with amazingly big blisters. He has screamed for the past two nights with an unbreakable fever and has been in obvious discomfort. Absolutely heartbreaking to watch and not be able to do anything to make it better for them. However, I think the fever broke this morning, and he has had a sleep for 4hours solid today. So far he is settled in his cot, so all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that he has a more restful night. I can't wait for him to be on top form again, and I can't wait to stop finding splashes of pinky/white calamine lotion everywhere (I came back from picking one up from nursery to see I had calamine splashes all up my jeans...not a good look).</div>
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Our little one has also cut his first two bottom teeth!</div>
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He's been pulling the funniest faces feeling around for his new toothy pegs. We've also started the very messy adventure, of weaning. </div>
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Hmmm....I'm not sure who won that one...!</div>
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Me and my little man have also been playing with Sensory Writing. Something I saw from the <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/06/sensory-writing-in-fairy-dust-literacy-activity.html" target="_blank">Imagination Tree </a>and kept us amused for ages. Perfect for pattern copying, letter copying, oh...and digging in! Yep, there was a lot of digging and flicking with salt and glitter flying everywhere, but that was cool. </div>
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Little people are learning <i>all</i> of the time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing in the blue glitter. We need to stock up on crafting goodies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No kitchen foil in the house to make a shiny background so picked a nice sunny yellow.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After plenty of digging my little man achieved his initial! </div>
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He was super pleased.</div>
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A few more things to jot down, but I'll save that for another post. What better way to spend a pox ridden bank holiday weekend by having some blogging time.</div>
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Now for more tea.</div>
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Love from me and my little men x</div>
MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-17092463931643555142015-03-16T13:03:00.001-07:002015-03-16T13:23:23.025-07:00Family Love.<div style="text-align: center"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; clear: left; margin-right: 1em" href="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-8j15IcY_oww/VQc28G3pgRI/AAAAAAAABzE/XAPVzD2fCmM/image%25252849%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Mother day spoils" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Mother day spoils" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8j15IcY_oww/VQc28G3pgRI/AAAAAAAABzE/XAPVzD2fCmM/image%25252849%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="414"></font></a><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight: normal">I’ve had a truly enjoyable weekend. I’ve been spoilt by my two boys for Mothers day. Homemade cards and flowers had my little man busy in nursery all week.</span><span style="font-weight: normal"> A lovely breakfast and a roast dinner cooked for me, and bunches of flowers brightening up my day.</span></font></font></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Ce7jMMXKVY/VQc27Ugi-WI/AAAAAAAABy8/3EOw7bdNCis/s1600-h/image%25252849%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"> <div style="text-align: center"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; float: right; margin-left: 1em; clear: right" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3pGFMfY54TQ/VQc25WWpJiI/AAAAAAAABys/qRhtDxcvMb0/s1600-h/image%25252850%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Hand made Rose" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Hand made Rose" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uI2bWizeU7w/VQc26OLh_mI/AAAAAAAABy0/5ABnx2BruaY/image%25252850%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="480"></font></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight: normal">Usually I am a bit of a flippety jibbet on weekends wanting to clean and then go out and herd the boys to various locations and ultimately feeling like I need another weekend to recover, however this weekend I was very much happy to go with the flow and just chill. We went out shopping (a trip to Ikea for some bits and bobs), we went walking, we played, and I even had time for crafting. </span></font></font></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight: normal">Delightful. </span></font></font></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight: normal"></span></font></font></span> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-weight: normal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">I am so lucky to have my family and they whole heartedly reassured me that I’m not doing a bad job of being a mummy (and I’m sure that’s something that most parents question at some stage).</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-weight: normal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Love. Love. Love.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">……………………………….</font></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">I had to buy some photo frames from Ikea for some pictures I had recently bought. On opening the smaller one, I was most surprised to find there were two frames in the pack! That find made me instantly smile, almost like finding treasure. So with all the family love I’ve been feeling this weekend, it seemed fitting for this make.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">I’d recently seen this Valentines </font></span><a href="http://https//www.pinterest.com/pin/296674694179120570/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">heart</font></span></a><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> card idea on Pintrest, and thought it would look fitting in a frame for a pop of colour in the living room. I had all the ingredients…a frame, cardstock (cut to the size of the frame), needle, and embroidery cotton in red. I had contemplated a different shape, but actually I really liked the heart so I forged ahead and traced a heart template on my card.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">I picked the first needle I came to…Small eye and thick thread – NIGHTMARE! It was fine, but threading the needle took more time than the project in total probably!</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J4d8khNWUlY/VQc28wALqKI/AAAAAAAABzM/m7YNIbolcBY/s1600-h/image%25252852%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Heart project" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart project" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-idFeqq68aJg/VQc29iUAgII/AAAAAAAABzQ/kSrKe1AAq1A/image%25252852%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="236"></font></span></a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">So making this evenly spaced, threading the cotton through the outer shape through a centre point and repeating around the shapes outline. It was a nice one to do in front of the TV last night. The thread did start to get a bit congested toward the end so I employed some pliers to pull the needle through a bit more easily. Surprisingly, it took quite a lot of thread to complete. Thankfully I had enough red, otherwise I would have had to do a 2 tone heart.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kbg4ix6vPQ/VQc2-bTrq0I/AAAAAAAABzc/d9nHfoFhmWo/s1600-h/image%25252853%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Heart project" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart project" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Jwdbyqlafc/VQc2_Gebp5I/AAAAAAAABzk/7Yt-tFtnHy8/image%25252853%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="480"></font></span></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">TA DAH….</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></span></span> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hRxpuOnzdBs/VQc3ABP_VSI/AAAAAAAABzs/hlH-xeQSw9w/s1600-h/image%25252854%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Heart project" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart project" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dMufpNLAqwQ/VQc3A69ib1I/AAAAAAAABzw/W31l-dd_H9Y/image%25252854%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="480"></font></span></a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></span></span> <span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Here in it’s frame…shot taken at night time so a bit dull…so here’s one in daylight with it sitting nicely in my living room.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></span></span> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gdy4bMa1eX8/VQc3BxbTeGI/AAAAAAAABz8/YpiHymBsZXk/s1600-h/image%25252851%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><img title="Heart project" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Heart project" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fxr--k23pmk/VQc3CnQXsnI/AAAAAAAAB0E/A89ebT1snK4/image%25252851%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="305"></font></span></a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> <span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">A simple but effective project. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, and it makes me smile to look at it</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Love. Love. Love.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">More things to show soon.</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></span></span> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Love from me and my little men x</font></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: small"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">PS..I'm not sure what's happening with my blogger but the layout keeps going all screwy...so excuse any bits that look odd!</font></span> </span></div> <br /><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-8j15IcY_oww%2FVQc28G3pgRI%2FAAAAAAAABzE%2FXAPVzD2fCmM%2Fimage%2525252849%25252529_thumb%2525255B5%2525255D.jpg%3Fimgmax%3D800&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh5.ggpht.com/-8j15IcY_oww/VQc28G3pgRI/AAAAAAAABzE/XAPVzD2fCmM/image%25252849%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" -->MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-51646422436393461792015-03-11T09:02:00.001-07:002015-03-11T09:02:39.320-07:00THIRTY<div style="text-align: center;">
I have turned THIRTY during this time away
from my blog. That's right the big 30! It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I do feel old...but then that might be due to the new family addition. I have a few more wrinkles setting in, and considerably more grey hairs. </div>
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My family were down for my birthday, but generally celebrations were low key. I had lovely pressies and cards. Hubby bought me a lovely new watch (he took initiative and sneeked on my pintrest for ideas...he gets brownie points...), and promise of a family holiday (which we've just returned from, but I'll tell you of that later!). </div>
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Of course we had the obligatory trip to the fireworks where we won a goldfish.</div>
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Barry <i>was </i>probably the most expensive goldfish ever. Won on a darts fair game. I doubt the RSP of fishes would be in support. You'll notice this<i> was</i> Barry...he decided to take a leap of faith behind the sideboard...and that was his demise. We had him for 4 months...not bad...I just wonder how much longer it will take Wills to notice that Barry is no more...yes he's been gone a month and he hasn't even asked where he is!<br />
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For my birthday an amazing gift from my family...a new
sewing machine! It's a Singer Confidence - electronic and a bit posh!
Lots of knobs, buttons, feet...it was like Chinese torture...a fabulous
present that you have no time to use!!! So I've been slaving over <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/noggzy/" target="_blank">Pintrest </a>lining up some projects in waiting.</div>
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fabulous husband took the boys away for a weekend to give me some
space. I couldn't believe it...in 3years the first time I've been in
the house on my own for a whole weekend! It was a little strange. I
did a massive clean on the friday night to ensure I wouldn't need to
lift a finger over the weekend. And then I chilled, slept, crafted,
watched movies...! I loved it. It was nice to stop for a minute,
however I did have the feeling I was waiting for them all to come back.</div>
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I then set about to do some projects. I felt a bit daunted getting to grips with a new machine...but once I set it up and had a go I LOVED it! My sister helped me find a few tricks to the machine (she has the same one). </div>
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I wanted something simple and quick just to get me back in the throes of sewing. </div>
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Dummy clips - an essential! We are indeed a dummy family - it works for us.</div>
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I like the solider one...fantastic fabric for a boy. </div>
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I also dabbled around in making a nappy clutch. I've started using a nice brown leather bag as a nappy changing bag, but things do tend to get lost in there. I thought a clutch/change mat would be useful to keep bits together. I set off and ended up making this....</div>
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...it keeps nappy/wipes and a change of clothes, and then the dark blue is an oilcloth so that it is a wipe clean change mat. I am pleased I used that oilcloth - I deconstructed a Cath K change mat that was far too bulky to use in a bag. It works well, apart from lack of fastening to hold it together. Since using it I now think a zippered pouch would be more useful for me with the change mat separately just for ease of access. So that's the next project in the pipeline.</div>
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Not too bad for dibbing my toe back in the water. I'm sure that now I've started I'll hopefully get back in the groove of making bits and bobs and keeping my blog updated as a record.</div>
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Must dash...naptime is over!</div>
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Love from me and my little men x</div>
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MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-8981071362761781242015-03-11T08:00:00.000-07:002015-03-11T08:00:42.718-07:00Overdue<div style="text-align: center;">
What a long time it has been.</div>
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The last time I wrote I was awaiting the arrival of our new baby last October.</div>
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I'm sure you can tell by my absence that he is most definitely here!!!</div>
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He arrived on the 12th October weighing 7lb11oz fit, healthy with a head full of hair...no joking...a serious mop. He is delightful.</div>
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We forgot what it was like to have a baby...but we soon got into the swing of things and the sleep deprivation doesn't seem <i>so </i>bad second time around. To be fair he's quite a chilled out baby with smiles in the main, and now we are past that dreadful first 3 months (one word...colic!) things are a little more settled. </div>
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My little man is loving having a baby brother, and already they are a little gang. As a parent of two I think it is one of the most special feelings ever to see your two children playing with, sharing with, and caring for each other (soon to be hitting, fighting and shouting at each other no doubt...but I'll keep my naivety for now!)</div>
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So now with two boys I should consider changing my blog name to "mylittlemen"...but I'll keep it in it's origins for now.</div>
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So my family have been keeping me busy - not a chance of crafting! However, now we are getting into a rough routine (Henry does not like long naps unfortunately so I may have to exercise a bit of speed crafting!), hopefully some crafting time will return and some important time for me.</div>
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Love from me and (..wait for it...) my little men xMyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-6470843911598559762014-10-02T00:53:00.000-07:002014-10-02T00:53:11.048-07:00Gardening with Giraffe's<div style="text-align: center;">
Still here awaiting baby's arrival.</div>
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I'm not in any rush...but it would be nice to know when they plan to make their arrival.</div>
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I've been super uncomfortable the past couple of days, and yesterday I was up at 2am and failed to get back to sleep. So yesterday was spent on the sofa, being lazy (I've been told I'm allowed to be a bit lazy!), watching the House box set (which I am thoroughly enjoying!), and doing a little bit of crochet on one of my new projects. </div>
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Here is a sneaky glimpse of my new project... </div>
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I am hoping it will be ready for autumn/winter...but no doubt as I've started a project I would like to finish, family life is likely to get in the way. I fear I may have forgotten about the demands of looking after a baby...and I have a toddler to contend with too now!</div>
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We have had at least 2 weekends in a row of being at home, which has meant we have been able to get on with some much needed chores. The garden being the most important in order to get it wrapped up ready for autumn/winter. We have done a lot of pruning/weeding in the front and back garden. There's still plenty of jobs to do, but at least we are looking tidier for a while.</div>
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My little man has been very helpful...</div>
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These little critters have been not so helpful...(can you spot him?!)!</div>
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A rather large black legged one scuttled across our new rug under the sofa the other day before the husband could jump to his feet and dispose of it...he is lurking sure to come out again soon!</div>
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We have bought a new rug...something to warm up the lounge, and to offer us a comfier space to play with our little man and our new arrival. It has made the lounge look much bigger and is so comfy/warm and our little man is enjoying rolling around on it already...a big hit! </div>
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So on to some crafting. </div>
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I mentioned in my last post that I had done some more crafting for a baby girl expected to arrive in December. The couple had recently been on holiday and had fed some giraffes...so I thought I would embark on a giraffe taggie for their baby. There are lots of patterns etc available if you google giraffe taggie...I decided to go off pattern and just wing it.</div>
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I picked my fabric, and then drew my giraffe template... </div>
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I then cut out 2x giraffe pieces (material doubled over so they would match!), and put right sides together...</div>
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I chose my ribbon taggies...my ribbon selection is quite limited, and this pink/yellow ribbon fitted best. I would have done different colours if I had some good coordinating ribbon.</div>
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So the tag ribbons were pinned in place, and then I stitched around the giraffe, making sure not to stitch the tags down when sewing down the opposite side of the neck!</div>
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I left a small hole for turning, and then turned inside out and stuffed.</div>
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I have sewn closed things before, but I thought I would try and learn how to do it professionally to get the "seamless" look. I found this tutorial for <a href="http://quilttaffy.blogspot.co.uk/2008/07/invisible-closing-seam-tutorial.html" target="_blank">invisible closing seam</a>...I am informed this may be a ladder stitch?!? I tried...and it worked! </div>
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Look at this.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkxOMKyNIM/VCz7gZe2xYI/AAAAAAAABvo/oC19ik9nDpI/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Invisible seam" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkxOMKyNIM/VCz7gZe2xYI/AAAAAAAABvo/oC19ik9nDpI/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" height="240" title="Invisible seam" width="320" /></a></div>
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Very professional even if I do say so myself! I am pleased with it as my first proper attempt.</div>
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So here is finished giraffe taggie...</div>
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I am pleased with it and it has been well received.</div>
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I am going to try and buy some nice boy fabric to make some stuff for my men...they are overdue a make!</div>
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Speak to you soon.</div>
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Love from me and my little man x</div>
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MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-21201197226650874612014-09-29T04:49:00.000-07:002014-09-29T04:49:53.634-07:00Baby Lola!<div style="text-align: center;">
An excuse to make some girly things at last!</div>
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My friend whom I had made <a href="http://mylittlemancreations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/skinny-bear.html" target="_blank">skinny bear</a> for has had a baby girl! Lola Olive! Brilliant news to receive on a morning, and pleased to hear mum and baby are both doing so well. I can't wait to meet her, but until my growing bump decides to arrive, I cannot make plans to visit and cuddle her as they are about 2hrs away.</div>
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So time to set about crafting for a baby girl! I wanted something that I could personalise for her and as I was trawling through my fabric stash, I found some lovely colours that were begging to be used.</div>
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I did consider leaving the green out, but I thought it was a nice bright addition. </div>
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They are quite bright, busy florals, and I wasn't sure how to personalise them...fabric or felt applique?! And what colour for the letters to stand out enough?! I personally prefer using felt for appliques as it tends to look tidier and amongst the materials I had I picked a light pink felt which seemed to look okay against all of the fabrics and thought I could do a contrasting running stitch to bring out the letters. A cream bias binding was chosen for the top.</div>
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<span id="goog_1014038914"></span>Firstly to cut out all the flags or "bunts". I thought 6 would be big enough....4 for her name and one either side. This way it could hang above her cot for example without being too long, and also I wanted her name central without having a "swag" separating the letters in her name. Once all cut, to start the personalisation...<span id="goog_1014038915"></span></div>
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Not looking too shabby!</div>
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Now to pin and stitch....</div>
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The stage I then love... to turn them all inside out and iron them to get them looking smart ready for the binding to be sewn on.</div>
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Completed!</div>
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Now the bit I'm not so good at...photographing the finished work! </div>
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I hung it in the conservatory so we could get an idea of it hanging up and the length, but it turned out such a dull picture...probably as it looks so bright and sunny outside!</div>
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So the only other option was to lay on the cream rug and take a photo from above...</div>
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Well that's the best of a bad bunch...</div>
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I couldn't hang around taking photo's all day...this bunting had to be sent to mum and baby! (well...and the dad...but dad's don't really appreciate pretty flags...do they?!)</div>
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I have heard that it has been well received so I am happy it is another project completed.</div>
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I have been making more girly makes for another friend expecting a baby girl in December...I'll write about that one soon.</div>
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I am over 39 weeks pregnant now, hospital bag is packed and I am enjoying the calm before the storm before my baby decides to make his arrival.</div>
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Bye for now.</div>
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Love from me and my little man x </div>
MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-10567205979490744042014-09-10T09:53:00.002-07:002014-09-10T09:53:49.760-07:00Skinny BearOne of my lovely University friends is also expecting a baby, about 2 weeks before me! As part of a gift, I thought I would put my hand at crocheting something for the baby so that it would be unique. She doesn't know the sex of the baby which, although exciting, made colour choice a bit more difficult. I decided to opt for red with a navy stripe for the teddy's tee shirt in the end as I thought that was acceptably unisex!<br />
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This is the <a href="http://craftyrahrah.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/teddy-in-a-tee-with-pattern/" target="_blank">pattern </a>I followed from Crafty Rah Rah. I loved the teddy when I saw him so thought I would try. <br />
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Well the head and the ears worked up well - I used Sirdar baby bamboo wool. The legs also seemed okay, although when attached looked a wee bit wonky and not quite right! The body I struggled with!...I did it twice and it ended up as big as a hat! I was convinced I was interpreting the pattern right, but it was so disheartening I admit I lost my mojo. I drafted in my sister to help with the body and arms and she helped explain the pattern instructions to me.<br />
<br />With all pieces made, I lightly stuffed, and sewed on all appendages! Here he is...<br />
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Sorry for the poor photo but you get the idea...can you see his legs look wonky...maybe one bigger than the other?!<br />
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He was well received and has now been aptly named "Skinny Bear"...hmmm...maybe I did stuff him too lightly!!! The wonkiness adds individuality...and I explained that when he's being shook (which babies do to their teddies) he looks much better all wobbly a little bit like Mr Bean's teddy! I did also explain that this has not been tested for safety...so they can't sue me if his legs/arms come off!!!!<br />
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I may even attempt another...at some point....<br />
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Love from me and my little man xMyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-35458123482265821172014-08-04T00:36:00.000-07:002014-08-04T00:36:01.418-07:00Pew restoration project!A slightly different project this week. My in-laws had their kitchen re-vamped a while ago now, and they had relegated a dark stained church pew to the garage. It desperately needed a new home. We thought we wouldn't have room for it at our house, but with a bit of re-thinking and measuring we found it may fit in.<br />
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Next came the challenge of transporting it from South Wales to Southampton! That was probably the biggest challenge as it didn't quite fit in the cars safely...and we kept umming and ahhing about paying a courier to deliver it. Then when we forcibly had to upgrade our car this summer, and choosing an estate for our growing family, we found that we were in business. The pew zipped its way down the m4/m3 and ended up in our garage ready for an upgrade!<br />
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I wish I had taken a proper "before" photo as it has undergone quite a transformation. Below are a few pictures of before... My husband set about many long hours sanding back the dark stain to find a gorgeous Oak hiding. We wonder why anyone would stain such a nice wood...but then that may be due to it's purpose/fashion at the time. We don't know the history of the pew...but it's got a few gnarly and bashed bits, it's got the numerals VII engraved in a few places (we thought maybe it was intended for row 7 in the church maybe..?!) and a little metal bracket-y thing on the back shelf. I'm sure it's had many a person sit on it through it's life.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvYeZ8isbg/U980hGDi-GI/AAAAAAAABsc/fB-94mVgFMU/s1600/pew.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dark Stain" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvYeZ8isbg/U980hGDi-GI/AAAAAAAABsc/fB-94mVgFMU/s1600/pew.jpeg" height="320" title="Dark Stain" width="240" /></a></div>
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So here's a picture of it in our garage undergoing sanding...<br />
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Then it needed a good wipe down to clean it up. We had help to move it up to the house as it was so heavy and so a sword fight ensued between my little man and his Grampy with the Pew providing a safe barrier between them!<br />
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And then the finished item in place...<br />
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I think it looks brilliant! We are not sure whether to put a clear wax on it to finish it off, or to leave it as it is. We will have a think. I have the project of getting some nice wicker baskets to fit underneath to house our shoes, and also to find a fabric to re-upholster the foam cushion to fit along it's seat. I am at a loss currently as to which fabric to pick...any suggestions gratefully received.<br />
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For the time being...we have already perched a few bums on the seat...<br />
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I'll keep you posted with any additions to the pew restoration project!<br />
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Love from me and my little man xMyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-90358695149949695382014-07-29T02:00:00.004-07:002014-07-29T02:00:59.966-07:00Baby blanketAt last I can finally say that I have finished a blanket!! Usually the routine goes that I make a start and then decide I don't like the colours, decide it's way too big and generally get bored of crocheting along. But this...I have finished! The things that got me through this wooly project were a) knowing that it was going to be a pram blanket for my pending arrival, b) using 3x strands of wool meaning that it is a chunky, fast growing blanket, and c) loving the colour combination. I think the saving grace was that it was intended to be small, so it wasn't such a big commitment in my head. <br />
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I enjoyed making this one, and it actually gave me a valid chance to put my feet up and chill out for a bit (whilst still being under the guise of being "productive"!!).<br />
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I am an avid fan of Pintrest as there is so much inspiration to trawl through. This is where I got my original pattern from. I think this blanket is funky and different. <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2012/03/hoh-in-crochet-easy-baby-afghan.html" target="_blank">Blanket Pattern here.</a><br />
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Here is my project in pictures...<br />
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Making a start whilst the rhubarb and raspberry crumble is cooking in the oven... <br />
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Growing quickly...just like me tummy in the picture...<br />
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Getting some crocheting time whilst sitting in the sunny garden with my mum and sister...it's growing...<br />
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It was at this point that I had those feelings of doubt...the wool kept un-ravelling, remaining balls getting smaller and smaller and I did the terrible thing of not keeping the labels! Would I be able to match up the colours? How much more would I need?! So on return home, I set out to our local (as in 2mins walk down the road) wool shop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KnitStitchNCraft" target="_blank">Knit Stitch N Craft</a> and me and the kind lady set about matching colours. I managed to find the beige and the green (last balls hidden on the shelf!) and the blue we got a very very close match that would suffice...and indeed you cannot tell the change in the blanket. The visit to that shop gave me more motivation to carry on and taught me one of the big lessons of always keeping your labels!!!<br />
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Loving the chunkiness of this...I used an 8.0mm hook by the way...<br />
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And here it is...Ta-Dah! Hanging over the cot ready for baby to arrive...<br />
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I considered a border...but then decided that it looked funky and finished without one. I love the colours...I was dubious about adding the beige wool...but actually it helps to tone down the blue/green.<br />
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I am now onto my next hooky project....<br />
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Love from me and my little man x <br />
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<br />MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-63567621034123929302014-07-04T03:04:00.000-07:002014-07-04T03:04:27.154-07:00Upcycling and Crayola ArtIt's been a while...about 6months in all, that I've shied away from blogging. The time seems to have flown and I've been busy crafting something a little different...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--j59q4gJVXY/U7ZmkYRs0mI/AAAAAAAABnk/xd3hng7DZm4/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby 2" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--j59q4gJVXY/U7ZmkYRs0mI/AAAAAAAABnk/xd3hng7DZm4/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" height="400" title="Baby 2" width="300" /></a></div>
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...and I'm now 27 weeks pregnant!</div>
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The pregnancy has been great on the whole, and I have only really struggled with restless legs at night - apart from that no other physical complaints which is good. There have been some potential concerns with the baby, but so far it's growing, kicking me a lot, and the medics are keeping an eye on us, so hopefully all will be okay eventually.</div>
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My little man understands a lot more than I give him credit for, and we have turned a corner of him thinking it was being a "naughty baby as it's kicking mummy", to lots of hugs, talking to the bump, and plastering the baby in Thomas the tank engine stickers! The future arrival of a new addition to the family has led to some great developments for him - the transition into a Big boys bed, and a Big boys bedroom! This has all gone down very well and he has not been bothered by venturing into his old room.</div>
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I will take some photo's to show you his new room in time...but I have completed a couple of projects for him.</div>
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1) Up cycling furniture.</div>
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Storage has always been limited for clothes, and a new chest of drawers was definitely needed. Coincidentally my mum was getting rid of an old dresser she had. I think the story is that she had it when she was 18 and it has taken on different colours/uses since then!</div>
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This is it in it's original, dated glory...</div>
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I hired my husband to do the hard job of sanding it down. The varnish was on so thick it took a good while. He started when it was a bit chilly, so he waited until warmer weather to finish it off for me.<br />
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Once sanded (I forgot to get a picture of it when it was naked!), I set about to painting. I did two coats of undercoat primer, and two coats of eggshell paint. It didn't take too long to paint, but I had to be careful of dribbles.</div>
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It then sat knobless for a while why I debated over which knobs to choose. I wanted something that would be boyish, practical, pretty, not too expensive and something that he wouldn't grow out of. I ended up buying red, green, and blue ceramic knobs which I think work well for a boys room. These can always be changed in the future so the dresser can be re-purposed when needed.<br />
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Here is my "Ta-Dah" moment!<br />
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I am really pleased wit the way it's turned out. We still had a conversation about storage crisis...so we ended up buying another unit from IKEA, but I think eventually it will get the same treatment and I think they'll look pretty good next to each other.<br />
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There's lots of little bits to finish off in the room which will come in time, but at the moment, he's enjoying sleeping in his new bed in his new room.</div>
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I have done some fun crafting for his room too...</div>
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2) Crayola Art</div>
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So i've absolutely loved the <a href="http://uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=crayola%20art" target="_blank">crayola </a>art ideas that have been coming up on Pintrest...and it just seemed too much fun to pass by! </div>
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I had a spare canvas, so I set about buying a good range of crayons. Now this was probably the hardest challenge. Every shop I looked in did the smaller packs, but I didn't want repetitive colours, I wanted a whole range. Crayola in shops these days includes all sorts of fandangled new pens/pencils/crayons etc. I just wanted traditional! In the end John Lewis came up scrubs and I bought....</div>
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I went through and picked out all the dull colours (blacks, greys, browns etc.) and then sorted them into colour groups and arranged them until I was happy, and was certain they'd fit. I then set about super gluing them to the canvas.<br />
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This was my favourite colour range.<br />
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I was going to stick my little man's name accross the bottom and then peel off once the wax had dribbled...but I actually like the black W I stuck on in the corner, and decided to leave it there. Then came a hair dryer...and a lot of fun....<br />
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They took a while to get started, but then once they started running, they were away!<br />
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It's not hanging on the wall yet but....</div>
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....Ta-Dah!</div>
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I think it's pretty cool, something just for my wee man...and it was super fun project to make!</div>
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That's all for now. But am sure will write again soon.</div>
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Love from me and my little man x</div>
MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-23157582790480014072014-01-31T05:39:00.001-08:002014-01-31T05:39:08.673-08:00Pig<p align="center">Things have been cosy here. </p> <p align="center">I’ve loved curling up in my new fluffy slippers…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-USOKQYhnll4/UuunB5RegdI/AAAAAAAABk4/y4rnG1m2qKA/s1600-h/P1040376%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="cosy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="cosy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dIYzkBfJLEc/UuunDIp4BrI/AAAAAAAABlA/RWCJd0DMnHs/P1040376_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a></p> <p align="center">Drinking gallons of tea from my lovely new mugs (Christmas present from my husband!), that have sat on my beautiful new coasters (present from Santa)…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FEXRKdH59xY/UuunFaawAeI/AAAAAAAABlI/c5ZnmxviJyc/s1600-h/P1040377%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pip studio mug" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Pip studio mug" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J_Fhs5Jyeiw/UuunGSOLdGI/AAAAAAAABlQ/Cd6nu9LR3OI/P1040377_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="395"></a></p> <p align="center">…and enjoying some crochet.</p> <p align="center">Last year I was ever so lucky to have had something made especially for me, by one of my friends’ mums! I think it the most fabulous way to carry my wool for my current projects. Portable and pretty! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-usS9sK4SS_Q/UuunILstZLI/AAAAAAAABlY/hBjPvyBYYr0/s1600-h/P1040394%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="crochet bag!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="crochet bag!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d2f-l1wDVDI/UuunJAvlL6I/AAAAAAAABlg/D--MzvnaApo/P1040394_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">It’s been tasked with keeping all the pieces together in a safe place for my latest project…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FSxUvrm4X3Q/UuunLTS43WI/AAAAAAAABlo/v2D7-VuMpQ0/s1600-h/P1040400%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="crochet bag!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="crochet bag!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IcpT_HqGu0w/UuunMsgRoAI/AAAAAAAABlw/xyRX00K1sP4/P1040400_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="383"></a></p> <p>So what has been my latest project I hear you ask? Well I set off to make an amigurimi (that word always looks more akin to something from a sushi menu for sure!) toy for my little man, and then through conversation at work and an upcoming birthday for my friends’ girl, I thought I could make it for her instead…and so my poor little man has missed out again! I really need to set down and make something solely for him.</p> <p>We always are talking about which character is the most favoured at anyone time. My little man’s been going through phases of Noddy, Peppa Pig, Postman Pat and the Snowman. I get quite excited at the thought of the acceptance of a new character as it introduces a bit of variety for me after having to sit watching about 100 Noddy episodes! My friends girl currently also likes Peppa Pig, and I understand that was to be the basis of her birthday cake. So…I set about making a Pig! A George Pig…as apparently she likes him best. </p> <p>I got lost in the pattern found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peppa-pig-amigurumi" target="_blank">here.</a> Quite a nice easy to follow pattern. I enjoy the quick progress projects, however after I did two attempts of both arms and legs I did start losing the will to carry on…but then after a break, and another cup of tea, the pattern somehow made sense to me again. Here he is in all his George Pig glory!…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0vZ94B-i64/UuunOnNbufI/AAAAAAAABl4/y-uuzh9dvT4/s1600-h/P1040419%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crochet Pig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Crochet Pig" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dG2hKPPXgvw/UuunPzoDvfI/AAAAAAAABmA/6B1t1arDVEE/P1040419_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="568" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--0T0B1NhJmk/UuunR6CtQnI/AAAAAAAABmI/bWNdORGkzg0/s1600-h/P1040420%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Get off my tea Pig!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Get off my tea Pig!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-16Gg9mpRUvY/UuunTHaJNhI/AAAAAAAABmQ/RJwpxmG1wVA/P1040420_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="417"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Jtdc6Q0ND4/UuunUz_tZpI/AAAAAAAABmY/mRsxwSgLTfs/s1600-h/P1040421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crochet Pig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Crochet Pig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jDkVpZu3NI0/UuunWdcGkhI/AAAAAAAABmg/NwgJXYOm_D8/P1040421_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="579" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">I particularly love his little curly tail…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QCndy47us50/UuunXyawJcI/AAAAAAAABmo/4KzWhBkIAok/s1600-h/P1040422%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Piggy tail" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Piggy tail" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VE6yOAQ9dyY/UuunYyDCVdI/AAAAAAAABmw/6P1bFVtNvF8/P1040422_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="365"></a></p> <p align="center">So, another successful project! Woo hoo!</p> <p align="center">It’s started raining again here. As I look out of my living room window I am impressed with how my amaryllis is growing… I love the pot it’s in. Colours our lounge are to be based on when we get around to starting the decorating!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TDAFEQ9_NKo/UuunaVG7OjI/AAAAAAAABm4/1qKvQfECggs/s1600-h/P1040390%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1040390" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1040390" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JVkHv1vnpdw/UuundXHuAsI/AAAAAAAABnA/EhGzv5Z7ktg/P1040390_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Cheerio for now.</p> <p align="left">Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-58581846873051869522014-01-13T06:09:00.001-08:002014-01-13T06:09:27.498-08:00Forgotten makes…<p>So I forgot to post about two other presents I had made (again sorry about the photo’s, in the rush up to Christmas they have been rushed and often in a dark room. I need to get some photo tips on how to make my makes look good!)…here goes…</p> <p>1) A reading pillow for my nephew. I did a patchwork pocket so that he could keep books, teddies and any other goodies in for when he’s cwtched up reading…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9f7Y79PGLrA/UtPzcPiWUpI/AAAAAAAABjg/k1WEKEKTe20/s1600-h/P1030846%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Reading Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Reading Pillow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KCAB0dFJAHQ/UtPzdGI09wI/AAAAAAAABjo/4eFWyA_kNX8/P1030846_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="595"></a></p> <p align="center">I quilted the pocket to give it some rigidity.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I7VKUtLO_Ag/UtPzeM565hI/AAAAAAAABjw/bXH3bFX4uHo/s1600-h/P1030849%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Reading Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Reading Pillow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JiJ1NB2WNCs/UtPzewn1xhI/AAAAAAAABj4/Nx_pw-xustY/P1030849_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381"></a></p> <p align="center">And an Envelope backing to make sure it can be bunged in the washer…I’m sure there will be some chocolate smuggled into the pocket at some stage!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nHJ3-kH3QIE/UtPzf5Q5TRI/AAAAAAAABkA/MBvhE79az0g/s1600-h/P1030852%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Reading Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Reading Pillow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P5ZbCZLG6Uc/UtPzgrpkEqI/AAAAAAAABkI/AlGctyJIsmM/P1030852_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="566"></a></p> <p>I am really pleased with this, and have some of my own cushion plans for my little mans reading corner in his room.</p> <p>2) Bunting for my niece’s birthday present… I am disappointed that I forgot to get a finished picture of this. It had a red binding, and I thought it was very cute and colourful…perfect for a girls bedroom.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0d_2sZ2ZCYI/UtPziDVz-KI/AAAAAAAABkQ/Av-uP6l9Bno/s1600-h/P1030575%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bunting" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Bunting" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T5bWWYI5MJQ/UtPzjSQ8MCI/AAAAAAAABkY/8lATt63DW0k/P1030575_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="390"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-20P0GgnLdqE/UtPzkvDtPEI/AAAAAAAABkg/kB-qXcrA2dw/s1600-h/P1030576%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Love this fabric!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Love this fabric!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IjiMjnq_wrA/UtPzldQiijI/AAAAAAAABko/pSouPnNd72E/P1030576_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="387"></a></p> <p>I finally think that is the end of my makes for 2013! Now I need to get going again. My craft room needs a little (a-hem…a lot…) clearing/cleaning. It’s currently bestowing a furniture makeover which is a third complete and that’s giving me a mental mind block about getting in the room and sorting stuff out!</p> <p>I have re-instated our kitchen blackboard as a “Jobs To Do” List to give us that visual prompt that there are always odd jobs that need to be done, and also to give us that feeling of satisfaction when we’ve completed something. A lot of them, so far, have been man jobs (fixing switches, re-newing bath seals etc.) which have been swiftly ticked off the list and a few I have been able to act as a wingman wielding my tube of “No Nails”! Ha ha!</p> <p>2014 is going to be a year of doing I feel.</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-31964583412757321722014-01-06T08:12:00.001-08:002014-01-06T08:12:14.530-08:00Happy New Year–2014!<p align="center">Happy New Year everyone!</p> <p align="center">Did you all have a good Christmas break? Ours was hectic and fun!</p> <p align="center">We travelled up to Northampton for a wedding the weekend before which definitely put us in the festive mood. It was such a beautiful venue filled with twinkling lights you couldn’t help but feel romantically Christmassy. This is the venue…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-21Kt5uXIJ0Q/UsrVoDhWFAI/AAAAAAAABhI/cmcenJiJDA8/s1600-h/P1040036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Wedding venue" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wedding venue" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HZri-Kq4ilU/UsrVoy_eQJI/AAAAAAAABhQ/pCWgj3ATZOM/P1040036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">…just fantastic.</p> <p align="left">Then Christmas and my little man’s 2nd birthday (where on earth has the time gone?!) spent in my family home in Wales. Loads of food/drink, bundles of presents, board games and telly…a lovely time to get together.</p> <p align="left">Here are some Christmas presents that were hand made by me this year… they were all received well, and it gave me a sense of achievement to watch people unwrap their homemade goodies.</p> <p align="left">- a memo board for my mum</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zhbnj8W1rVY/UsrVqHR8mEI/AAAAAAAABhY/ttP-xjNjebc/s1600-h/P1030571%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="fabric memo board" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="fabric memo board" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-drdj8RMvz1s/UsrVrKLIgzI/AAAAAAAABhg/U9olen1Axgw/P1030571_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="401"></a></p> <p>- a desk buddy for my sisters crafting room so that she can put her scissors etc. in. He turned out okay but I would make some changes in future designs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vy5mLIau_VA/UsrVrxg_pmI/AAAAAAAABho/lI6zptkz8hI/s1600-h/P1030587%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Desk buddy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Desk buddy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tlhjqdm9JO4/UsrVsk_-bTI/AAAAAAAABhw/S2vR0UMxBSU/P1030587_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>- Peg bag for my sister in law (sorry for the poor photo’s)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rV2rdlekXuo/UsrVtaLJ3AI/AAAAAAAABh4/7v5p26LVCn0/s1600-h/P1030719%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Peg bag" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Peg bag" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QVrWGTBdpkA/UsrVuzo7p4I/AAAAAAAABiA/SH4hFA5hCpU/P1030719_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ve1zd9WqqfY/UsrVv0mWzqI/AAAAAAAABiI/TtRS8AvFfPE/s1600-h/P1030721%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030721" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030721" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eMbfN2VokIU/UsrVwq-F7eI/AAAAAAAABiQ/Tjjp3eKXxeg/P1030721_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="371"></a></p> <p>- Tree decorations for my friend and my cousin’s boys</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vv3hQctnhww/UsrVxbA0hnI/AAAAAAAABiY/p1sXYyn3oyY/s1600-h/P1030785%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="tree decoration" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tree decoration" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ShHsJvhs4lE/UsrVx5qdmnI/AAAAAAAABic/Cj6UHUFLyNg/P1030785_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="274"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vFkjJE-OQyA/UsrVy8A45LI/AAAAAAAABio/qK5XLVnoOxw/s1600-h/P1030783%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tree decoration" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tree decoration" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gzbSkpqi9g0/UsrVzdn5cgI/AAAAAAAABis/1dBsG7JWzKU/P1030783_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="271"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7A-Pf9mzFlg/UsrV0QhSOII/AAAAAAAABi4/PZIAXyssb-o/s1600-h/P1030869%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="tree decoration" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="tree decoration" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5hdddT8gXbE/UsrV1J_-hHI/AAAAAAAABi8/hkc5OGSmm0w/P1030869_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="272"></a></p> <p>It was a lovely time spent with family, but also a nice return to normality for us coming home after over a week away. The familiarity of your own bed and sofa is second to none, and living out of a suitcase really is tedious!</p> <p>I’ve taken down the Christmas decorations, something I always am keen to do, and the house has a new sense of space. Already we are embracing some new adventures for the year ahead. I feel full of inspiration at the moment. Small DIY projects have already been ticked off the list, and some bigger projects on the horizon.</p> <p>So I wonder what 2014 will hold in store for us?! Do you have any resolutions? Mine are:</p> <p>1) As an extension of last years resolution, is to reduce the amount of time spent travelling, and invest my time into enjoying my family. Funny sort of resolution really, as you think that would come naturally, but I often feel the pressure to be so many places for so many people, that sometimes time spent simply with my family can become neglected. </p> <p>2) Exercise more. I’ve already signed up to a “Return to Netball” programme, and hopefully I’ll get my running shoes back on when the weather warms a little.</p> <p>3) Consider selling some small crafty bits.</p> <p>4) Continue being a wicked mum/wife! (Ha ha…okay, no one’s given me that title…but I’ll take it!)</p> <p>Right time to get my crafting house in order!</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ICyBt8UIto0/UsrV2d3hUOI/AAAAAAAABjI/JUe-N76ZgJE/s1600-h/P1040313%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Aberystwyth" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Aberystwyth" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YbtHI7vJFpA/UsrV3C_A6oI/AAAAAAAABjQ/WdPUT5nn-so/P1040313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="409"></a></p> <p>Aberystwyth (my home town)…just a week before the devastation of the recent storms… x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-54828692963364374742013-12-16T08:03:00.001-08:002013-12-16T08:03:11.644-08:00Better late than never…<p>Advent came a little late in this household. My husband and I had our chocolate advents (a yearly provision from my in-laws) ready to go, but I had plans to make my little mans’ advent…but the plan came the day before the 1st of December, so I was definitely against myself in time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SXUSX3kY1hQ/Uq8kEgUiF_I/AAAAAAAABfQ/RFM900pqS4I/s1600-h/P1030912%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030912" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030912" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7qpvRkkA0Bo/Uq8kFM_zWRI/AAAAAAAABfU/_HF0uLGQFkY/P1030912_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="339"></a>I wanted to do a fabric hanging advent calendar with pockets that I would be able to fill with all sorts of things as he gets older. There are so many gorgeous, fun and funky Christmas fabrics online, but time and money was against me.</p> <p>So remember this friendly cat looking after his Christmas Pud… He was the start. I found the fabric in my local craft shop and I thought he was fun and Christmassy enough to pass muster on my son’s home made advent.</p> <p>In the same shop I found a nice snowflake ivory fabric to be the base, with a red marble dot fabric for the pockets. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TizhkUHVDgc/Uq8kGH93pjI/AAAAAAAABfg/-wH8W_rmxJo/s1600-h/P1030872%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030872" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030872" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K9-Z_mdWMYs/Uq8kG1OWrfI/AAAAAAAABfo/KpiVE15bukI/P1030872_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="633"></a></p> <p>I sewed the top/bottom strips on first. I then cut out and sewed the pockets in place, over sewing the tops to define the pockets.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qtV-aO33dRQ/Uq8kH6ThraI/AAAAAAAABfs/WNvu4LTlvuI/s1600-h/P1030914%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030914" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030914" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tc5CXwgVkZA/Uq8kIoNg64I/AAAAAAAABf4/D-fB2mUmwSA/P1030914_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="406"></a></p> <p>Felt numbers were so tedious to cut out, but they were easier than hand sewing numbers in place. I then put buttons in place to mark the “holes” in the numbers.</p> <p>I backed the advent with plain calico fabric, and inserted a small baton to give rigidity to help it hang properly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZZJ8xYRw3o8/Uq8kJiEwmLI/AAAAAAAABgA/VkjLGXTz9gI/s1600-h/P1030915%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030915" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gU6e_6D6MbY/Uq8kKYVIPPI/AAAAAAAABgI/gSVRoui2HSw/P1030915_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="395"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pvzo-gN4uB0/Uq8kLYhOFKI/AAAAAAAABgM/OH7DmWoHBnM/s1600-h/P1030977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030977" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030977" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZLIdX0jje4c/Uq8kMAyI4II/AAAAAAAABgY/ic5J3dQsn44/P1030977_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SbOr3yrhOcs/Uq8kMs1XJWI/AAAAAAAABgg/0Nq2OXs3siA/s1600-h/P1030980%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030980" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030980" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oFhAsuH6pxs/Uq8kN88yttI/AAAAAAAABgk/_gFfeTUdcI4/P1030980_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>I wish I could photograph things properly…I swear things look much better in real life!</p> <p>I have filled it with gold coins and a secret goodies hidden here and there. My little man enjoys putting his hand in the pocket to pull out a treat…but I think he’ll understand it more next year (especially as we can start from Day 1 and I can put some thought into what to fill it with!)</p> <p>It was a festive project…and now I know how to make one…I want to make another!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ECanJAOwoY/Uq8kOqvR08I/AAAAAAAABgw/C8ZDT1cXwtc/s1600-h/P1030979%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030979" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030979" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y3BrwZHQp2o/Uq8kPgNgJwI/AAAAAAAABg4/8io4YJm-RAE/P1030979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>I hope you are enjoying your advent calendars on the countdown to Christmas!</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-38958268944315196802013-12-09T05:12:00.001-08:002013-12-09T05:12:34.739-08:00Festive Fun!<p>I have found a moment to sit down and put my feet up. The Christmas tree is twinkling, winter sunshine is streaming through the window and I have a cup of tea by my side. The house smells divine as I found a last miniature candle in my cupboard which I’d been saving and forgotten about. It’s my absolute favourite Yankee Candle “Christmas Cookie”. My large ones burnt down so soon I’m going to have to fork out for a new replacement one.</p> <p>So we’ve been doing all sorts of Christmas crafting the last few weeks. The house has looked like a bomb has gone off, a glitter bomb to be precise! We are finding shiny sparkly bits on most surfaces, in most of our food, and it has spread into almost every room! </p> <p>There are a few crafting bits that are for other people, so we won’t mention those here yet. We can mention a few though…</p> <p><strong><u>Salt Dough</u></strong> – We tried to make salt dough when I was with my sister last year but they didn’t work. I think we blamed her oven at the time, but the microwave recipe was a disaster too. I think this put me off having another go, but as an impromptu activity with my boy, I thought I’d try again. I used this <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2010/10/salt-dough-handprints.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> this time (1 cup of flour, 1 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of water – baked at 100<sup>o</sup>C for 2 hours or so). My little man loved emptying the cups into the bowl, and armed with wooden spoons we mixed and mixed until we could get our hands in to squidge it altogether. A fantastic sensory experience for little ones – although he pulled the funniest face when he tried to eat some! </p> <p>We had a little problem with the dough…when rolled out and cut when I attempted to lift onto the tray they all broke, so we had to do them thicker. Maybe next time I’ll cut them out onto greaseproof so that they are easier to remove. We cut out a lot of shapes…<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VOWIjP6jXEw/UqXBgzDe8kI/AAAAAAAABco/Q92-h0H6VjA/s1600-h/P1030744%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="salt dough" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="salt dough" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XoXiWa2VXtI/UqXBha9w9tI/AAAAAAAABcw/sj0-9f1vaGI/P1030744_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="348"></a></p> <p>They had to have quite a while in the oven to dry out as they were so thick. I think thinner ones would look nicer.</p> <p>Another day we spent painting some of them. Someone likes to mix the colours to make a browney/green gloop…I won’t tell you who that is!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oTYk6iDTSSE/UqXBiYYxEQI/AAAAAAAABc4/4CDwamkcSHc/s1600-h/P1030858%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painting" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Painting" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O7X0ajs5-JA/UqXBjPgoCCI/AAAAAAAABdA/T4_sjrRac6U/P1030858_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5vHbf_TlM5o/UqXBkVm9yUI/AAAAAAAABdI/9RHS4R-ISwk/s1600-h/P1030862%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painting" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Painting" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-klDvPI00eik/UqXBlc-1mZI/AAAAAAAABdM/pNfA1DquUEM/P1030862_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="339"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RddVN3c1AZs/UqXBmVZm8RI/AAAAAAAABdY/7DQnR21lptw/s1600-h/P1030867%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img title="Salt dough decorations" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Salt dough decorations" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CfC_WJHknuI/UqXBnBMD37I/AAAAAAAABdg/KL6EZqHk2TQ/P1030867_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="302"></a></p> <p>I then decorated a few further…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UnTQsvMmRtY/UqXBn9_XqZI/AAAAAAAABdo/2K0fG2fPv7E/s1600-h/P1030876%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Salt dough decorations" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Salt dough decorations" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-51FCsKRj9MM/UqXBoa5jcYI/AAAAAAAABdw/fx8QPtxX48w/P1030876_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="306"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-clPhvzy7lsw/UqXBplZcKHI/AAAAAAAABd4/drK_1wJ1NfA/s1600-h/P1030877%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Salt dough decorations" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Salt dough decorations" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WogTnqCjcps/UqXBqEsdI6I/AAAAAAAABd8/j3HG8iIl29w/P1030877_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="299"></a></p> <p>They really need to be varnished to seal them properly…but I think I will scrap these ones and make some new ones next year. I started to lose patience with them as I wasn’t really in the mood for painting them. I have hung a few in the tree…</p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uDd7yWIOv4I/UqXBq0A-2oI/AAAAAAAABeI/FRSSQYXHtN4/s1600-h/P1030885%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="Salt dough decorations" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Salt dough decorations" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E2hfizG6yXY/UqXBrob_JLI/AAAAAAAABeM/bfZ9xC20CrQ/P1030885_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="480"></a> <p><strong><u>Snowman</u></strong> – I felt we needed a few more home made items to brighten up our Christmas displays. So we made our Snowman! There was a lot of glueing and fluffing…but slowly our Snowman came to life! I love this one…it was fun to make.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tR_sDjcKrB8/UqXBsbb0vlI/AAAAAAAABeY/CpKFmRLKi24/s1600-h/P1030910%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snowman" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Snowman" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DbsAlLAs5wM/UqXBs4fyHOI/AAAAAAAABeg/BkFEWBu-pFs/P1030910_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Craft Room</u></strong> – I forgot to blog about my lovely home made birthday present made by my friend. She has made me a lovely sign for my craft room. She felted it by hand and I think it it is one of the best presents I’ve had! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EAWDTkipmqE/UqXBtmTVzDI/AAAAAAAABek/nQnFViWlnXk/s1600-h/P1030911%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Craft Room Sign" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Craft Room Sign" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IIeDUDZdw6A/UqXBuMxmktI/AAAAAAAABeo/UWtR4_pHrU0/P1030911_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>How cool is that eh!!!?!!!</p> <p>I’ve got a little sneak peek for you too… This fellow has been used in something I am soon to reveal!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H6c-7_XDIwY/UqXBvbTsZiI/AAAAAAAABe4/YqqU1VAQY_w/s1600-h/P1030912%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christmas Moggy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Christmas Moggy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iN6p0DMi0LQ/UqXBwQziudI/AAAAAAAABfA/rj8BwFDYO7o/P1030912_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Hope you are all getting festive!!!!</p> <p align="left">Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-15533994716626258202013-12-02T07:41:00.001-08:002013-12-02T07:41:56.982-08:00Deck the Halls<p align="center">It’s DECEMBER!!!!</p> <p align="center">That definitely gives us the go ahead for putting up the Christmas Tree!</p> <p align="left">We had help this year from my fab friend, although our approach to tree decorating is quite different. Hers motto is “less is more” with a strategic placement approach. Mine is a more whack it all on approach! Together we’ve created a monster….</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VRXqciv0wBg/UpyqHqnXvEI/AAAAAAAABag/_XJf7HZuR0w/s1600-h/P1030809%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030809" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030809" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fQUppciwVpY/UpyqIGwoR7I/AAAAAAAABao/EAZSMphVhBQ/P1030809_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_IA9k83Ag70/UpyqI2i8YvI/AAAAAAAABaw/4j4bhHVC3ms/s1600-h/P1030811%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030811" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030811" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1IQQne8FUe4/UpyqJc79Z6I/AAAAAAAABa0/EezxSOW-kSQ/P1030811_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Note my little mans home made stocking hanging on the wall waiting to be filled.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J4AOzCB_boU/UpyqJ4XedmI/AAAAAAAABbA/Bl2tkzLDZvU/s1600-h/P1030855%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030855" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030855" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ImgnxYN31JM/UpyqKQYihQI/AAAAAAAABbI/5T5tb2repO8/P1030855_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>Now our Angel is not in the middle for a reason…my little man felt something else had to go up there too…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-szYaqw1suoE/UpyqLHqKUhI/AAAAAAAABbQ/kOc_BbO6tZQ/s1600-h/P1030822%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030822" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030822" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ysjyXxZpF5M/UpyqLlzrS7I/AAAAAAAABbY/ipCCVHANx-c/P1030822_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>…his stripey elephant!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RmsddKz7Jqc/UpyqMVSPwXI/AAAAAAAABbg/RcwBUrfelC8/s1600-h/P1030842%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030842" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030842" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x7ku8Kq-nTU/UpyqM3kdxqI/AAAAAAAABbk/PIsiU9_WYxI/P1030842_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>We’ve had an amazingly festive weekend. A visit to Beaulieu Village Christmas Evening <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xjDzl5-Yt2w/UpyqNUjBAoI/AAAAAAAABbw/fuTFCBX_9GY/s1600-h/P1030792%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030792" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030792" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qb613zI4-Zc/UpyqN6yqe8I/AAAAAAAABb0/7oTFHMgs7N0/P1030792_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="293"></a>which was brimming with people, twinkling in fairy lights, and full of yummy food and drink. The air was awash with smells of chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot chocolatey goodness!</p> <p>My little man loved dancing to this music wagon, and he would’ve been quite happy to stay there all night for sure.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a7DGTORb9Gc/UpyqOgDIpgI/AAAAAAAABcA/y37lFebkUCQ/s1600-h/P1030791%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030791" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030791" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LYlYb3UTDnw/UpyqPMoQh-I/AAAAAAAABcE/eIrgWsegVEA/P1030791_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="160"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>A merry evening indeed. </p> <p>We have also done a lot of crafting this weekend and making presents. Here’s my pal working away…(we set up in the lounge for warmth)…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6nlJb3jwT8E/UpyqPy6okfI/AAAAAAAABcQ/vV5ii-Ymlao/s1600-h/P1030777%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030777" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030777" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dCSzMVcdRtE/UpyqQrroRtI/AAAAAAAABcY/bgN8hjNUO4c/P1030777_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="374"></a></p> <p>We’ve both achieved a lot this weekend with presents ready to post out. I’m itching to show you them all, but I’ll keep my lips zipped tight in order to keep the surprises under lock and key!</p> <p>More things soon!…I truly love this time of year.</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-15140565984488440762013-11-29T07:02:00.001-08:002013-11-29T07:02:18.136-08:00Family Time<p>We’ve had a lovely family weekend. We celebrated our 5th Wedding anniversary, so it was nice to stay local.</p> <p>I treated my boys to a breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup which went down quickly. I’ve never (shock horror) made pancakes before, and I’m pleased to say they turned out well…I even flipped them successfully which my little boy thought was splendid fun. (Somebody else’s “flipping technique” was not so flipping good…cue pancakes all over the table!).</p> <p align="center">We went for a lovely walk in the forest…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GX7524rTM-0/UpisWQp8VtI/AAAAAAAABY4/OOuVpWEuq-s/s1600-h/P1030708%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030708" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--aSlvwyWQcY/UpisW-l4m3I/AAAAAAAABZA/56ndfkWY658/P1030708_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q6JsmZDoe_g/UpisXxaqYVI/AAAAAAAABZI/3U6y_p7I2fE/s1600-h/P1030710%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030710" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030710" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JsedEq4bE-k/UpisYU77dAI/AAAAAAAABZQ/SO2tpM8nEVA/P1030710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>We spotted lots of acorns and mushrooms. We rustled around in the dry leaves. We said hello to lots of dogs. I’m surprised at just how far his little legs can carry him! He is a strong walker (…and a strong whinger when he’s had enough!).</p> <p>My little man also got his first party invite from one of his nursery friends who was turning 3! It was for a couple of hours at a local village hall and it was nice to meet some of the other parents and children properly. There was a bouncy castle, balloons, and lots of toys to play with. It was nice to sit and watch them enjoying together. They all sat alongside each other to eat party food and sing happy birthday. I was surprised to see how well they all behaved. The water pistol that was in his party bag has already been put to good use…he loves shooting his mummy and daddy with it and having a good old belly laugh when he succeeds!</p> <p>It was fancy dress, and I wasn’t sure I could pass him off as a <a href="http://http://mylittlemancreations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/happy-halloween.html" target="_blank">vampire</a> again so I went to find him an outfit. I don’t really think he’s interested in dressing up yet, but thought we’d make an effort. I went for a costume that had a zip up front, very similar to a coat, as I thought we’d fool him into thinking it was a new coat!</p> <p>On the day he had to be woken from his nap so he was already Grumpy…and then came…The Owl! He’s so going to hate me when he’s older. But it’s a mums rite of passage eh?!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EkHVQB54hJE/UpisZPfDZuI/AAAAAAAABZY/fUSI_Est9mI/s1600-h/party%252520owl%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="party owl" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="party owl" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F0OoAp3sves/UpisZ0LERaI/AAAAAAAABZg/QU8w1IEQ6mc/party%252520owl_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="273"></a>He doesn’t look very happy in this picture on the way to the party…I was just chuckling at how cute he was! Okay so it stayed on for maybe 5minutes after we arrived at the party, but then I used bribery the next day to get some more photo’s…and it stayed on longer the second time around!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAAiEBLONY4/UpisajLW1QI/AAAAAAAABZo/7WqLpU_xgdw/s1600-h/P1030749%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030749" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lOhG7qLVLLw/UpisbBgLJcI/AAAAAAAABZs/nS1U6vvwoKo/P1030749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>He’s showing you the impressive wing span!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SomZQc6K8k4/Upisb_5L-0I/AAAAAAAABZ4/Qp0G1chKvH0/s1600-h/P1030755%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030755" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wtNXzZ5FqtY/UpiscS3Qm8I/AAAAAAAABaA/X_8gUa6q7wI/P1030755_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">He even kept it on to do some puzzles!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VciGK3kyGY4/UpisdZ-SV-I/AAAAAAAABaI/FotFLrmMXMU/s1600-h/P1030769%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030769" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030769" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UgFbN4zAd_w/UpiseOSUDCI/AAAAAAAABaM/gkqrgNP6orU/P1030769_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="387"></a></p> <p>It was a nice party, and it gave me some motivation to throw our little man a party in the new year to celebrate his birthday and get his friends together.</p> <p>We’ve also done quite a bit of Christmas crafting this weekend, of which I will show you in due course. I am starting to feel decidedly festive as the weather is getting dry and crisp and cold!</p> <p>We’ve got lots of fun things planned ahead for this weekend, so I shall keep you updated with our adventures!</p> <p>Hope you are all getting out and about at my most favourite time of year.</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-26033101318237965102013-11-22T13:33:00.000-08:002013-11-22T13:33:00.091-08:00ONE YEAR!!!!<div align="center">My blog page has been going for ONE year! </div> <div align="center">Do you <a href="http://mylittlemancreations.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/setting-up.html" target="_blank">remember</a> when I set up camp here? It seems like only yesterday.</div> <div align="center">I’ve made a few things over the last year: Bibs, Bag Holders, Bunting, Memo Boards, Christmas Decorations, Willies, Wooden Signs, Grave Markers, Team Flag, Passport Holders, Kindle Covers, Pictures, Easter Decorations, Mixer Covers, Bookmarks, A Quilt, Peg Bags, Teddy Bears….</div> <div align="center">That’s quite a lot. I am pleased with my accomplishments. </div> <div align="center"><img src="http://byronwilliamson.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cupcake1candle.jpg" width="264" height="395"></div> <div align="center">Hopefully some more for this next coming year.</div> <div align="left">Thanks for sticking with me and reading my blog.</div>Love from me and my little man x MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-46398333667317710382013-11-19T13:18:00.001-08:002013-11-19T13:18:18.745-08:00Wellies and Willies….<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gcxcv_ThOW4/UovVZf45FGI/AAAAAAAABXA/010eFaLk4TE/s1600-h/P1030611%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Wellies" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wellies" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DZY1kmw-tb8/UovVaHOUQxI/AAAAAAAABXE/xFea6Y243kc/P1030611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="277"></a>We went for a lovely walk last weekend for a bit of fresh air. We are so lucky to live with the New Forest on our doorstep and lovely countryside just a 5minute walk from our house. </p> <p align="center">We came across a few creatures and critters… some big and some small…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DwW7wc3yrtc/UovVbuLjD_I/AAAAAAAABXQ/bS4gp0pQ7Pg/s1600-h/P1030607%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Meeting a big cow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Meeting a big cow" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vYl2pg1dlYU/UovVcRvAcWI/AAAAAAAABXY/9mqPZGeSkTc/P1030607_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="393"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zbweXMmZgr8/UovVdb76OzI/AAAAAAAABXg/cDHrEnXgQS4/s1600-h/P1030604%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Meeting a little pony" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Meeting a little pony" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_ycdP2Sjz8/UovVeOqSL4I/AAAAAAAABXo/zFb9EkAFoL0/P1030604_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="403"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ebJnKKL2Y5c/UovVfEjmlxI/AAAAAAAABXw/l_FsR7UiF8M/s1600-h/P1030610%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="blue autumn skies" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="blue autumn skies" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P66P3QF7mpw/UovVfmMW0sI/AAAAAAAABX0/jLP12y6ktdw/P1030610_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="562" height="429"></a></p> <p align="center">Blue skies and countryside. I love that crispy fresh biting air, when it’s cold, but the sun shines warming you through. </p> <p align="left">On a slightly different note, this weekend I’ve been on a hen do of one of my lovely Uni friends. We went to Milton Keynes for an afternoon of sledging and an evening of 80s fancy dress partying! Sledging was hilariously good fun requiring quite a lot of energy to run back up the slopes. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-52HpG6XZPOY/UovVgWe7c5I/AAAAAAAABYA/CD0P-R1__AY/s1600-h/P1030674%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="80s fancy dress" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="80s fancy dress" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gBgNlenSQqo/UovVg6tMNLI/AAAAAAAABYE/iOabQPv4qIk/P1030674_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="480"></a>The little kids made it look effortless. I felt like I was a snow queen…but had more style than speed. Actually it was less style and less speed! There were a few collisions, none were life threatening thankfully!</p> <p align="left">So after an afternoon of extreme sledging, out came the heels and legwarmers, the back combing and hair spray and we were ready to Parrrrtay! Here I am in my 80s gear.</p> <p align="left">There had to be a surprise appearance from someone else for this hen do…remember my post <a href="http://http://mylittlemancreations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/every-hen-do-needs-one.html" target="_blank">here</a>…it was the tales of an adventurous lone willy crafted by yours truly. Well, true to form, I was obliged to get crafting again…</p> <p align="left">This time I chose to crochet this Willy…tediously amusing. Here he is…a slightly bigger, fluffier version than before…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ydv4JHLZ5Dw/UovVhn6hGzI/AAAAAAAABYQ/hPgwYjq-L08/s1600-h/P1030618%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Willy!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Willy!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vI3vDeNkNVc/UovVkSDYdzI/AAAAAAAABYY/-hNre78tG00/P1030618_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">This is when he was presented to the bride to be…he stayed cosy there all night!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oYOvMqJePjA/UovVlitVhrI/AAAAAAAABYg/-gXd06rNEQg/s1600-h/P1030657%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030657" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030657" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DyNhlWHd_e0/UovVmKUMYfI/AAAAAAAABYo/FqNLLbv6d_Y/P1030657_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="416"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">It was a fabulously fun weekend, and I feel I need a weekend to recover! I have one of my Uni friends left to get married next year, so I’ll have to start pondering my next version! Hmmm……</p> <p align="left">Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-4068903904048229292013-11-10T12:20:00.001-08:002013-11-10T12:20:37.931-08:00My Birthday!<p>This week I have celebrated my birthday! The last year of my twenties so I’d better make it a good one. Is it downhill after 30?! Some people said they felt a bit unsettled/uncertain when they turned 30…so I’ll put those thoughts behind me and try and make the most of sounding younger for one more year! (Although some work friends actually put me straight and said I’m already living in my 30th year…oh yeah that works out right…Humph!)</p> <p>Our house has been bursting at the seams this last weekend. My parents, my sister, brother-in-law and nephew, and a surprise visit from my brother for the weekend. We went to a local farm for the day, ate lots of food and cake, played games, went for long walks, saw the fireworks, shopped…. It always ends so quickly. It’s important to make the most of the times we can spend together.</p> <p>My birthday is on the 5th of November…those fireworks are all for me! Oh Yes! And anyone who doesn’t get me a birthday present gets volunteered to be the Guy for the Bonfire! (ye…that bit is a joke…but maybe my family are secretly scared as they always spoil me with lovely gifts!)</p> <p align="center">Here are some of my most fabulous presents…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y4mf8x_lbSg/Un_qbr5CooI/AAAAAAAABVI/AMNghTtx-MM/s1600-h/P1030598%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Lush presents" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Lush presents" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gk2A_Qthg-k/Un_qcFXQM6I/AAAAAAAABVM/BO2fTqwOKhM/P1030598_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="312"></a></p> <ul> <li>Some wonderously whiffy bath treats from my brother. I love a nice hot bath as long as there are nice bubbles/smells to make it feel indulgent. I don’t seem to make time for my baths as I used to, so these essentials are for indulgent ‘Me’ time and they shall be implemented ASAP! <li>A gorgeous Cath Kidston ceramic rolling pin and flour shaker from my sister and her family. I shall now have to get rolling some pastries and what-nots and make sure I use them rather than stare at them in a cupboard keeping them pretty. They are so gorgeous they will make any of my cooking attempts divine for sure! <li>The most marvellously stunning leather cross-body satchel from my parents. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! It smells of scholarly leather and it is just…LUSH! Funnily enough I had spied it in a local shop to my mum on their Facebook page and enquired re: price…she’d only gone and blinking bought it! I am going to buy a nice small purse to go in it and then it shall follow me everywhere….*contented sigh*…. <li>Hearts galore from my little man who had spent his hard earned pocket money on that swish White Stuff scarf. It will look so nice, and I will think of him as I wear it. I wonder who helped him buy it…hmmm?!?!?….</li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uPCJjW2QFJg/Un_qdWL7TqI/AAAAAAAABVY/OLpSDAdUid4/s1600-h/P1030595%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Did I mention this is the most gorgeous bag...?!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Did I mention this is the most gorgeous bag...?!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0lgf1sWhgc8/Un_qd2OeBYI/AAAAAAAABVc/h9WxA3-tNsA/P1030595_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="384"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5EXl-f7HwwI/Un_qelBriiI/AAAAAAAABVo/ECBlbPaqM0s/s1600-h/P1030596%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bag and my hearty scarf" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="bag and my hearty scarf" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2vbGja5OVKw/Un_qfXnX9pI/AAAAAAAABVw/02o4aqbJ6Tc/P1030596_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="365"></a></p> <p align="center">Lush.</p> <p align="center">Lots of cards from friends and family…some lined with silver which will help me buy that purse…and other goodies….!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FVaULUM-SEw/Un_qgf2SlEI/AAAAAAAABV4/r0RaqJB-PJ0/s1600-h/P1030615%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Oodles of birthday wishes" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Oodles of birthday wishes" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMhiiDiCpq4/Un_qg9rgpMI/AAAAAAAABWA/EeFWE1a7nqU/P1030615_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="415"></a></p> <p>The one on the far right was designed by my nephew. The one with flowers popping out of the card was from my little man who had adorned the inside (and out) with decorations and scribbles.</p> <p align="center">Birthday flowers from my man….</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iCYqgMDutHQ/Un_qh8H6RRI/AAAAAAAABWI/y1z8QeoNv-g/s1600-h/P1030597%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pretty flowers" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Pretty flowers" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AWaumNjcANg/Un_qi4KFC7I/AAAAAAAABWQ/i7i-ZTyOae0/P1030597_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">….and also</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4u5_sAqi_os/Un_qjisJc0I/AAAAAAAABWY/O0nAl9EjoRQ/s1600-h/P1030578%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS! I LOVE MY BOOTS!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS! I LOVE MY BOOTS!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wk7fSA6jPac/Un_qkMnSdLI/AAAAAAAABWg/oCWoBCgeXrk/P1030578_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="544"></a></p> <p align="center">LUSH NEW BOOTS!</p> <p align="center">I love my new boots. Apparently I now sound like a morris dancer as the buckles jingle a bit…but I love them jingle and all! My man did good!</p> <p align="left">Working on my birthday, I opened my presents and cards in the evening and then my husband cooked me a birthday tea and he got me a birthday cake too…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nE_yUGIi12c/Un_qkgD8KJI/AAAAAAAABWk/2JqRg8rMq34/s1600-h/cake%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="cake" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="cake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-064dqI0Cv9I/Un_qk3788xI/AAAAAAAABWw/r59LtWjbSgg/cake_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="232"></a></p> <p align="center">I have been well and truly spoilt!</p> <p align="left">I’ve always believed that I can stretch my birthday bossiness and privileges for at least a week around my birthday. This week though I have been struck by some sort of something which has left me with the worst of headaches, tired and achey. My eyes feel they may fall out at anytime and getting to the end of this week and through the weekend has been tough and fuelled by Ibuprofen! Not the end of the birthday week that I had hoped for, but I have been looked after by my two men. Maybe this is the sign that I am getting older…</p> <p align="left">Love from me (the birthday girl) and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-47918540187328802022013-11-04T06:06:00.001-08:002013-11-04T06:06:03.009-08:00Happy Halloween!<p>I think I prefer more of the treats than the tricks…so we stocked up our sweetie bowl ready for the onslaught of masked crusaders in search of their sugary treasures. Luckily for us this year we had one (very loud) knock at the door…two boys stood on the doorstep looking particularly un-spooktacular...and that was it! Lots of sweets for us then…Hoorah! </p> <p>The nursery had a Halloween party so my little man went as a vampire. The coat was the only thing that kept him from pulling off his cape, but he did wear it for a good time in nursery with his friends. I think he looks cute.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VbwUiXC-1Vc/UnepqUKDD2I/AAAAAAAABTw/d-XA2RJ36Ug/s1600-h/vampire%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Little Vampire" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Little Vampire" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t-9cxBk8oCQ/Uneprao4nTI/AAAAAAAABT4/-HFeYA8gzYw/vampire_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">In nursery he decorated his own Halloween pot and it was filled with goodies.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wOsqVKnJKaU/UnepsQxXycI/AAAAAAAABUA/dGK5HEVACKU/s1600-h/P1030588%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Front pot" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Front pot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XA2RQBTh2pY/UnepthSpCMI/AAAAAAAABUI/rqCYZ-0aysk/P1030588_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-lWDKukZGw/UnepuXje2SI/AAAAAAAABUQ/0TP3Mb4B44U/s1600-h/P1030589%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Back of pot" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Back of pot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K7ivSmBiaaQ/UnepvaxF9iI/AAAAAAAABUY/glpw0xDpokE/P1030589_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">We had some pumpkin carving at home, and Wills popped the pieces out to make our friendly, toothy ghoul…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--XabeY9C9gs/UnepwQPMOeI/AAAAAAAABUg/Lym8sg3gw8k/s1600-h/P1030591%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Toothy Ghoul" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Toothy Ghoul" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QfSY5gyEak0/Unepw-lwqgI/AAAAAAAABUk/R3tDdCbOmqU/P1030591_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="323"></a></p> <p align="center">He enjoyed lighting him up in the dark to see him glow. </p> <p align="center">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</p> <p align="center">Love from me and my little man x</p> <p align="left">PS…I have been busy squirreling away in the Craft room. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8k_KOrXi8ho/Unepx_OGmEI/AAAAAAAABUw/EYs9utuGuhg/s1600-h/P1030581%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crumps warming herself by the fire" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Crumps warming herself by the fire" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PCa4HYa5HD8/UnepyVer2eI/AAAAAAAABU0/dSb-x0p2UW4/P1030581_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="281"></a>Two homemade presents wrapped and sent down to Wales already! One homemade present waiting to be wrapped, and two more imminently starting! I had a friend to keep me company earlier this week. x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-50321814163257589292013-10-21T06:20:00.001-07:002013-10-21T06:20:27.481-07:00Time to refocus.<p>Refocus looks incredibly wrong. Re-focus looks much better…but who am I to argue with the dictionary?! I am struggling to accept that my last blog post was back in August. People have now started to comment on my quietness…so I’d better get blogging again!</p> <p>We had a brilliant time in Portugal in August. Hot sunshine and lazing around make the perfect combination. My little man did well with everything new that comes with travelling abroad and settled amazingly well. A daily holiday ice cream was also definitely a winner!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gbDIHuYgncU/UmUp5_5QcWI/AAAAAAAABRY/DkZKFLwS6tE/s1600-h/P1030399%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030399" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dk1pqucByZg/UmUp6r2bY4I/AAAAAAAABRc/LkqY5U11iT0/P1030399_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="318"></a></p> <p>Me and hubby managed to sneak off on a much needed “date night” which was one of my most favourite parts of the holiday. Having time out to recognise who you are as husband and wife, rather than mummy and daddy. That makes sense right?! We still make each other laugh, we still have lots to talk about, and we can simply just ‘be’ together…almost 5 years married…and I still love him. Pics from our date night… (a very small one of my husband as he will probably sigh, roll his eyes and not thank me for putting his picture on here!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DvGebfTElRs/UmUp7V-hZOI/AAAAAAAABRo/jzi3YJupbDg/s1600-h/P1030386%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030386" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030386" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Iv0vjbdRSy8/UmUp7ngERcI/AAAAAAAABRs/d1SOd3PG_KA/P1030386_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="245"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kftncwnfWts/UmUp8Qh-KHI/AAAAAAAABR4/Lnn0EmnSZjU/s1600-h/P1030385%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030385" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030385" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZmIyxwFMycc/UmUp82_X52I/AAAAAAAABR8/GSuD_WoOTaU/P1030385_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="366"></a></p> <p>Another fun thing that has happened (which has even included a tiny bit of crafting) was a work camping trip. A bit of team bonding in the ways of 2nights camping locally. It was much fun and definitely to be a yearly event for sure. The rain poured the first night and it was a tad chilly but we embraced the onesies to keep us warm! I was one of the pretty pandas!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pVC6Ss4FTcY/UmUp9_932tI/AAAAAAAABSI/J4MmPKGO-_A/s1600-h/P1030485%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030485" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030485" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sAlGq1jKq1k/UmUp-vf3_iI/AAAAAAAABSM/7LggZXk-dow/P1030485_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="364"></a></p> <p>What crafting was needed for camping I hear you ask?!…A team Flag! I whipped this up so quickly, but it did the trick…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YoUgMbCxRnk/UmUp_L3Xb_I/AAAAAAAABSY/XJmRPdh5TMU/s1600-h/P1030428%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030428" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZeCru4n6rNc/UmUp_4BHltI/AAAAAAAABSg/MDXoYW_unKk/P1030428_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>As well as fun times we’ve also had sad times over the past few months…we had to have our pesky Timber cat put to sleep. He was quite poorly and it was the kindest thing for him. You can read a little about how we came about having Timmy <a href="http://mylittlemancreations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/under-weather.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It was the saddest thing we’ve had to go through in a while and I still don’t think we’ve come to terms with the fact that he’s not around. </p> <p>To do something nice for Timmy, I have painted a marker for where he’s buried (a grave-stone just sounds too morbid…). I was never very good at drawing/painting…but I’m pleasantly surprised with how this turned out. I have popped it in the garden, and we’ve planted lots of bulbs around too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b3XeQQ1WVpk/UmUqApn6V5I/AAAAAAAABSo/bqZY4hI_HSQ/s1600-h/P1030422%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030422" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3e4pVS6L_lg/UmUqBPGP-JI/AAAAAAAABSw/mcUmR-Ed-Qs/P1030422_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WFIrrffWL5g/UmUqCXUXkaI/AAAAAAAABS4/AHjbasxcBOQ/s1600-h/P1030423%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030423" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030423" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vlbNWxLpd5o/UmUqDADACYI/AAAAAAAABS8/5d5jn3xFbIo/P1030423_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="363"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q96NTrczJPE/UmUqEWo7x-I/AAAAAAAABTI/Ev-Ud6Bga7Y/s1600-h/P1030424%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030424" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HQLzsTeYIkk/UmUqE8o_b6I/AAAAAAAABTM/ryMNeTJaibU/P1030424_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="376"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ulp3vwA1k3A/UmUqFhx4umI/AAAAAAAABTY/2DaPs3vzhDw/s1600-h/P1030515%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030515" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030515" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uMi3WJehPIE/UmUqGaTyvdI/AAAAAAAABTg/KOYCeJeeGEA/P1030515_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>I think Tim’s just catching lots of slow worms wherever he’s gone to…!</p> <p>To regain the blogging/crafting mojo I have taken in lots of deliveries of gorgeous fabrics in order for me to get crafting again. Admittedly the majority are Christmas presents in nature so how much I will be able to show you on here will be debatable. Maybe some sneek peaks, and if not some quick crafts to keep my hand in!</p> <p>I hope you are all well.</p> <p>See you soon.</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197844006201405185.post-21877765468567178172013-08-12T05:04:00.001-07:002013-08-12T05:04:53.662-07:00First Quilt<p>I needed to think of a present for a friend who was due to turn half a century. I thought it would be more special if hand crafted so I thought I would crochet her a blanket. But more and more I was getting the vibe that she was more of a quilt than a blanket person. Would I dare to try my first quilt?! My sister has made me 2 quilts, and has made a few for herself and friends so she has a bit more experience…She warned me of the time and cost, but encouraged me to have a go. Could I make one?! Well let’s see…</p> <p>I found picking material the worst bit! I ummed and ahhhed for ages over pictures on the internet (not quite as easy as seeing things in the flesh). I went with one idea, then changed colours, then questioned myself. I think I’ve had this problem before…picking for someone else is a lot harder than picking for yourself. I went with blues in the end, and I half cheated as I went with a pack of materials with co-coordinating colour/patterns so that I could be half confident that they would match. </p> <p>I went for simple squares. I did a lot of cutting out, a lot of ironing and a lot of sewing. Here are 2 lines of the quilt top…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_95aC6IJONE/UgjPMSkYlvI/AAAAAAAABPw/MwE4ml7AzA4/s1600-h/a82c0c6cffa51a4b94d68f65cbbd5b51%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="a82c0c6cffa51a4b94d68f65cbbd5b51" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="a82c0c6cffa51a4b94d68f65cbbd5b51" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ic7XdoWvVKw/UgjPNEHdswI/AAAAAAAABP4/hzeigloXNYk/a82c0c6cffa51a4b94d68f65cbbd5b51_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="360"></a></p> <p>We all know my cutting out is not great…hence the not so exact alignment of the squares…but shhhhh…no-one needs to know that! So on we went and soon I had a quilt top. After waiting for the wadding to arrive, and picking the backing material I was ready to assemble the quilt.</p> <p align="center">CRUMBS!</p> <p align="left">How hard is it? Very! I think one of the main problems was my little bluebell! She is a small machine and there was a lot of material to contend with. I had 2 needles bend on me during this project! There was a lot of puckering, and even more unpicking. I founds using pins more of a nightmare then holding the material. It took me ages to get it in an acceptable state! And then binding…oooh la la! It kept not catching some of the material…so more unpicking and re-sewing…! I think I got the hang of the corners…but the binding I bought was of cheaper quality than I hoped for (too little time to re-order unfortunately) and wasn’t great to work with. BUT…I got there!!!!</p> <p align="left">Here are some pictures of the finished item…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ht4UqXa0Ilc/UgjPO63xAvI/AAAAAAAABQA/qt0-msb985A/s1600-h/P1030286%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030286" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030286" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7OVM-k6W_ck/UgjPP825IlI/AAAAAAAABQI/xO2TvQJuRR8/P1030286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="390"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YS_u7_NB8rE/UgjPQlg7nlI/AAAAAAAABQQ/Z4-SlX5AN8I/s1600-h/P1030287%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030287" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030287" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-76RysUvhJNE/UgjPRXHyFrI/AAAAAAAABQY/UUPtnBaOnzA/P1030287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="377"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FGsDZew9y6M/UgjPSln0oAI/AAAAAAAABQg/hZNUlzHksgc/s1600-h/P1030270%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030270" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z7HkonE0ZYA/UgjPTWrsQ9I/AAAAAAAABQo/ScEgQEBZbN0/P1030270_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rjl1JwjlG2E/UgjPVe6iYQI/AAAAAAAABQw/3AuXjcRxBT4/s1600-h/P1030272%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030272" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Phcy5BD1e4U/UgjPWLS4NYI/AAAAAAAABQ4/orZAqs5D0wQ/P1030272_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="418"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kbAy5CZ-DWM/UgjPXhmuzpI/AAAAAAAABRA/bQqLa4gyP90/s1600-h/P1030279%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030279" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P1030279" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kmFfjlqyf_w/UgjPYZeitaI/AAAAAAAABRI/I7njmmXrObU/P1030279_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">The birthday girl said she loved it!</p> <p align="center">What do you think?!</p> <p align="center">I’d like to do a quilt again…to have another go…and see what happens!</p> <p>Love from me and my little man x</p> MyLittleManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02559409350956705489noreply@blogger.com1