rosy and grey

essay writing for procrastinators.

2011-09-28T08:45:00.001+10:00

any tips??

2011-09-23T20:00:00.001+10:00

I'm loving the green smoothies at the moment.

This morning's had orange, grapefruit, kale and baby spinach.

Yes, it's a bit flouro.

Don't let that put you off.

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Start them young.

2011-09-23T19:55:00.001+10:00

How cute are these little sewing cards!

It's never too early to get your kids sewing, even at 2 1/2.

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Cubby House

2011-09-20T21:09:00.001+10:00

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we are in!

2011-09-19T23:09:00.001+10:00

Yes, we are in the new house and I promise a tour soon. It probably won't involve as many feathers as this one though :)

friends. fabric. food.

2011-09-19T22:47:00.000+10:00

friends.
My friend the wonderful, clever, crafter JenPen has moved to Sydney from NZ and we have been doing lots of craft together. I feel like I have my very own sewing/knitting/crochet teacher available day and night.

fabric.
She was heading out to the recent Mathilda's Market where I knew Retromummy was going to be selling some of her fabric cheap. I asked Jen to get me some that was suitable for Ben, cute, but boyish. I love what she bought me!

food.
I buy a lot of mags, but have never actually subscribed to any. That is until I bought the first edition of the new SBS food magazine, FEAST. It has wonderful recipes as well as the sories behind them, it's really special.

A few more house pics

2011-07-25T14:22:00.001+10:00

The builder is saying <3 weeks till the house is finished. Can you believe it???

The kitchen minus benchtops (which are now in, snow CS).

The finished wall unit.

Laundry.

The kitchen sink. I may need to wear sunnies, it's so bright!

Our new house is coming along

2011-07-03T19:18:00.001+10:00

... Slowly.
Here are some of my favourite parts.

The wall unit that Dave designed, and our kitchen company built.

The bin. I think I'm in love. Is that weird?

The kitchen.

We love to eat!!! Some recent food experiences...

2011-06-09T21:46:00.000+10:00

Toad in the Hole

Pho Pasteur

A cafe in Melbourne (not sure of the name)

Bar Italia

Jonty completed the Mad Mex 1kg burrrito challenge...easily.

Dave cooking Kylie Kwong corn fritters on Mothers Day. (not many guys can rock the pink apron)

The Ugly Beautiful.

2011-06-09T14:40:00.001+10:00

The Ugly:

Ben, our 2 year old, pulling a bowl of boiling noodles off the kitchen bench onto himself.

Me, holding him under cold running water in the kitchen sink, him screaming, me watching the skin on his chest bubble and wash away.

The older 3 kids panicking waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Multiple hospital visits to the burn clinic.

The tears and obvious terror of your 2 year old, and not being able to do much else, other than cuddle, soothe and try and distract with bubbles, books and wiggles dvds.

The Beautiful:
Knowing that God was and is with us, and that he is still good.
The prayers of friends and family around the world.

Friends and elders at Church laying hands on Ben, anointing him with oil, and praying for healing.

The way that God chose to answer those prayers with better than expected healing, and the avoidance of skin grafts, after we were told it was almost certain he would need one (or more)

Japanese Scarf

2011-06-09T14:16:00.001+10:00

I dragged the gang off a couple of Saturdays ago for a "family afternoon" in the inner west. My ulterior motive was to go to the Yoshi Jones warehouse sale in Enmore.

I managed to pick up a few bargains like a cardigan for Sarah reduced from $139 to $10!!

I also bought this bag of scraps ($10) which looked like it could make a great scarf.

And here it is! (As with all my sewing, it could use a good iron and the threads cut off).

The awkward self portraint. I'm looking a bit like a Ninja.

2011-04-30T20:46:00.001+10:00

I went to check out Matt Blatt furniture this week.

That place is nuts!

Parkour gone bad.

2011-04-20T14:37:00.001+10:00

Matt has been asking if he can go to Parkour lessons. I am wishing I had said yes...

It's not for amateurs.

School Holiday Fun

2011-04-18T10:13:00.001+10:00

On no? Oh yes. One child only though. Could be worse.

Tonsillitis for the 2 grown ups. Dave went to the Dr, got the AB's with a repeat and we are sharing. True love.

On a positive note, the house is coming along. Not sure where this girl came from, but she is keeping an eye on all those tradies.

Vegetarian Love

2011-04-13T15:24:00.000+10:00

Clockwise from top left: veggie kebab, spinach lasagne, morrocan chickpea and carrot salad, bean nachos and greek salad.

I cooked this feast for my Bible Study group.

New Habits

2011-04-13T14:46:00.003+10:00

Something else I have been doing lately is working at forming new habits. Apparently it takes 100 days to form a habit, basically a whole season.

After reading this post from Ann Voskamp on developing habits, I chose 3 daily practices to work on:

1. Reading my Bible
2. Eating 2 pieces of fruit
3. Doing some kind of exercise

Ben loves helping me read the Bible.

The one habit that I have struggled to develop is the fruit eating!

What's been happening?

2011-04-12T19:45:00.002+10:00

There has been a lot happening around here lately.
Thanks to the fabulous knitting teacher Jen (who has recently moved to Sydney from NZ - check out her blog, she is very clever!) , I am now rocking the knit 2 purl 2. My rib scarf may actually be finished by winter...

I am a newly converted Veggo, and loving it. I feel great!

Our MAKEDO arrived and we have made so many great things with it. Put this stuff on your Christmas list!

Love to read…

2011-02-11T20:57:00.001+11:00

I discovered this blog and the author Ann Voskamp not very long ago. I feel incredibly blessed. The way she writes is beautiful, and the words point me in the direction of Christ and his Word.

I have ordered her new book from Amazon, and if it is as good as I think it will be, I will order copies for my girlfriends too.

Japanese Birthday for Ben.

2011-02-11T14:05:00.003+11:00

We threw a little Japanese themed party for Ben's 2nd birthday. We all love sushi, and anything Japanese.

Matt taught the kids how to make sushi using the susheezi (very non-traditional of course!!).

Dave and I decorated the store bought slab cake with Sushi we made using LCM bars, lollies and fruit leather.

Sarah did a sushi craft with the little ones.

I bought a couple of sushi platters which were yummy!

The birthday boy wearing his outfit Dave bought him in Japan. These may or may not actually be PJs?? But who cares, he looked the part.

I decorated these noodles boxes with origami cranes. Origami is my new favourite hobby!!

I found these great wind-up sushi toys at Yoshi Jones to go in them, along with a few lollies.

This is why.

2011-02-09T21:18:00.001+11:00

Why Blog?

Buttons!

2011-02-08T10:45:00.001+11:00

Slow days.

2011-02-07T11:09:00.001+11:00

I am wondering whether the number of children at home is somehow related to the speed of time.

When it's only Ben and I, time passes deliciously slowly.

Hot Hot Hot

2011-02-03T19:56:00.001+11:00

Temps here in Sydney have been around the 40 degree mark all week.
The big kids have all started at their new schools.

And the little one has spent the week doing water play...

... and eating ice blocks.

School Holidays

2011-01-29T15:15:00.001+11:00

Hooping

Cubbyhouse making

Sushi train

Experimenting with my iPhone

2011-01-29T15:01:00.001+11:00

Love the Shakeitphoto app.

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iPhone snaps

2011-01-07T11:58:00.001+11:00

Portable DVD player cover.

2011-01-01T14:27:00.001+11:00

After years of doing the 10 hour drive north to my parent's house, I finally caved and bought one of these.

The 3 older kids have all been great travellers, but little Ben, almost 2 Ben, with ants in his pants (or nappy rather) was in need of a bit of help for the journey, his beloved Wiggles.

I sewed up a quick case for the DVD player that is lined with polar fleece for a bit of protection, and has a pocket on the front to hold the cords. Bright? yes, but it does the trick.

And I am pleased to report we arrived in one piece, and reasonably sane.

Hoopy Love

2010-12-27T18:51:00.004+11:00

What do you do when it has done nothing but rain your whole holiday?

Make hula-hoops of course!

A trip to Bunnings for some pipe, connectors and tape. Less than $30 later you have supplies to make about 10 hoops!!!

It was getting a bit crowded undercover, so yes, we are hooping out in the rain.

We got all our hooping inspiration from here.

Thanks for the iphone honey. xxx

2010-12-26T14:33:00.000+11:00

My wonderful, very naughty husband, surprised me with an iphone yesterday.

There was total shock, which may have even resulted in some high-pitched squealing!

Thanks honey, I love it. I look forward to being able to capture more of the day to day moments of my life as they happen and hopefully share some of them here.

Cook Cook!

2010-12-19T22:34:00.000+11:00

I had been toying with the idea of getting Ben a play kitchen because he loves to 'Cook Cook' so much.

There is a nice one at IKEA, or I could send Dave up to the Salvo's to buy an old cupboard so he could make one like Planetbaby's funky kitchen.

But really, could this little man be any happier? He has it all worked out, no play kitchen necessary.

Retromummy giveaway!

2010-12-19T22:12:00.000+11:00

What a generous giveaway from Retromummy!

Enter now to win 20 fat quarters of the new Flower Sugar Range.

Under the tree...

2010-12-18T21:02:00.001+11:00

This bag is waiting under the tree for ME! I love almost everything that Kikki. K sell. Their calendars, diaries and notebooks are my favourite. They have a great gift guide if you are stuck on a present for someone in particular.

Ikea Curtain Christmas Dress

2010-12-09T21:18:00.002+11:00

That IKEA curtain I bought on the op-shop tour is now a Christmas dress for Sarah.

She did some of the sewing herself. It was basically a seam up the back, and a casing for the elastic. I sewed the straps, and VOILA! A Christmas dress.

A bit thick.

2010-12-09T21:03:00.002+11:00

I have been wondering why nobody has been commenting on my blog lately, not even my Mum!! I have just discovered 37 comments awaiting moderation, starting way back in August. I had been getting some spam comments so had turned comment moderation on. Whoops!!

Chicken and Fishhead.

2010-12-09T11:29:00.000+11:00

A friend took me here yesterday as a treat for my birthday.

The food and coffee was superb, and Ben was in his element with a pink cupcake and babycino. (Now that he has grown out out his dairy intolerance, the world is full of amazing delights.)

And check out these gingerbread biscuits. Too cute.

S.S.A.S

2010-12-05T16:11:00.004+11:00

Simple. Sunday. Afternoon. Sewing.

Vliseofix is your best friend if you like instant gratification like me.

Red Lantern

2010-12-03T13:30:00.000+11:00

Dave and I recently snuck away for a couple of nights in the city (thanks Mum!!), and we were able to go to Red Lantern, a restaurant that I have been wanting to try for ages.

We couldn't get a dinner reservation at such short notice (you have to book a couple of months ahead), but we were able to go for lunch.

The food and the atmosphere were great, and it made our little getaway just that bit more special.

Orange Granita.

2010-11-12T13:29:00.001+11:00

What a hot and sweaty afternoon it was yesterday here in Sydney! Not the kind of afternoon you feel like standing over a hot stove in.

But maybe, just maybe you would, in order to make this...

Orange Granita. YUM!

It is very simple (even an 8 year old can do it). Put 300ml OJ, zest of 1 orange, 50g caster sugar, 150ml water and 30ml of lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer till sugar is dissolved. Let it cool. Pour it into a tray, whack it in the freezer and when it is just frozen, scrape up the yummy crystals with a fork and put into cups and EAT!!! It is so deliciously cool and refreshing.

And here is Ben who thought he would try a bit of cooking too.

Note to self - Ben can reach up on the bench now. Beware!

New House Blog

2010-11-11T12:57:00.000+11:00

I have started a new separate blog to follow the build of our house. You can find it HERE.

Unfortunately, the block still looks like this even though plans came out of council weeks ago :(

Op-Shop till you drop.

2010-11-11T12:43:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I headed out on an op-shop safari with the lovely Pippi and Cathy. We hit the Salvo's at Hornsby first and were greeted with this fabulous sight -1/2 price today! Woo hoo.

Part of my haul. An IKEA doona cover set for Sarah (she loves it!), a quilted comforter and 2 pillowcases, a hobby horse, plenty of PB Bear and DK board books for Ben, and an abridged version of Gulliver's Travels.

We visited 5 op-shops, and had lunch in between. It was a fab day, thanks girls.

And I scored these little guys, $1 for the lot!

Junior Masterchef

2010-09-16T10:48:00.002+10:00

Afterschool cooking has been running hot this week after the kids watched Junior Masterchef on Sunday night.
Yesterday, Jonty made Lemon Meringue Pie and it was GOOD!!!!!!!!!

I heart Queenstown!

2010-09-15T13:04:00.002+10:00

We have just returned from a week in Queenstown, NZ. Wow! What an unreal place.
It was so spectacular being constantly surrounded by snow capped mountains, and perched on the edge of a beautiful lake. We took my mum along as our travelling 'nanny' as ben was too little for lots of the activities.

We went skiing, jet-boating (twice), on a helicopter ride, quadbiking.... and a few other less extreme activities like winetasting, and plenty of delicious food.

This is our luggage. We don't travel light, but it is my aim to from now on. A friend who recently MOVED to Hong Kong with 4 kids said she took less than this. I also met a family in NZ who had recently done Europe with their 2 kids for 6 weeks with CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY!!!! Woah.

I might start my new regime this weekend by turning up at KWC just with a sleeping bag and the clothes on my back??? Wonder how my roomies will feel about that?

Viking Dinner party

2010-06-28T13:57:00.004+10:00

We belong to a Foodie Group, (which evolved out of our Bible Study group) that meets every couple of months to cook and eat together. We have a theme, and in the past have done French, Indian, Australian, Spanish, Italian etc..
This month was Scandinavian Viking! I decided to have a go at making gravlax, a cured salmon dish.

Apparently the Vikings would just bury theirs in the sand for a few months and eat it when it was nice and fermented. I decided to go with the hygenic glad-wrap/fridge metheod. It was delicious!!! I used this recipe.

Someone brought a bottle of Mead. I thought it tasted awful, like bay leaves, but some people really liked it.

Here is my plate before I pillaged it. From left, walnut flat bread, roast boar, roast meat, vegetable stew, red cabbage, and the gravlax on bread. I am not sure whether the Vikings would have served it with creme fresh, caviar and capers though...

2010-06-13T17:34:00.002+10:00

I think one of these would make a great housewarming present to myself.

Should have been an architect!

2010-06-08T12:42:00.004+10:00

My husband Dave that is. He is constantly surprising me through this house designing process with his good ideas, I have pretty much let him go for it with the architect, and together our new house is slowly coming together.

And as the weather gets chilly, I found the need to make a cosy blanket to snuggle under while watching TV at night. I used up some of my fabric stash, and bought some grey polar fleece to back it with.

Here is my littlest boy, busy with the very serious business of watching the Wiggles. As I approach my uni exams later this week (I have 2 on the one day, yikes!!!!) , I am very thankful for the Wiggles.

A bit teary

2010-05-14T12:27:00.001+10:00

I have been stalking Rach's blog for news, and found myself all teary this afternoon when I logged on and saw her beautiful new baby. Well done, he is so divine. xxx

Busy Busy.

2010-05-05T11:26:00.002+10:00

It's been two months since my last post, this blog neglect seems to be happeneing a lot lately. Hmmm...maybe it's the combination of 4 children, travelling husband, university, and everything else that fills my life.
And if we weren't busy enough already, we have just bought a block of land, put our current house on the market, and are designing a new house with the help of an architect.

It is very exciting planning a new home. My only real wants are lots of north facing windows and lots of cupboards. Bliss!
We have been doing lots of decluttering around here, and letting go of lots of stuff, it is wonderful.

Organisation with school age children (part 3)

2010-03-05T10:06:00.005+11:00

"Go and clean your room!"

The words that strike fear into the hearts of children. Not only because they would rather be doing something else, but sometimes they simply do not know how or where to start.

For this reason I made a little sign for Sarah's bedroom so she does know where to start.

If she works through each item on the list, her room ends up pretty tidy, and she ends up pretty pleased with herself.

And then there were seven.

2010-02-23T10:13:00.002+11:00

Meet Molly.
She arrived at our house on Sunday. She is an 11 week old Boxer and just gorgeous.

Pram rug and thrifted shirt shorts.

2010-02-18T13:16:00.003+11:00

My wonderful mother arrived this week to help out while Dave is in Japan.
She brought Ben this gorgeous pram rug that she knitted. I love the colours, and it is so well made and finished. Thanks Mum.
Ben is wondering why we have covered him up with a rug when the weather is hot and sticky????
At Monday Craft this week I made Ben a pair of shorts from a thrifted shirt. I traced around a pair he already had instead of using a pattern, and use the side seams that are already on the shirt as the side seams for the shorts.
This is such a cheap and esay way to get a funky pair of shorts.
$3.00 for the material, and $0.00 for a pattern.

Cookbook of the Month

2010-02-13T09:25:00.002+11:00

In an attempt to actually use some of the many wonderful cookbooks I own, I have decided to choose one every month and make a few recipes from it. I realise that I may only manage 2 or 3 recipes per month, but that is fine.

February is Maggie's Kitchen by Magge Beer.

Last night I made 'Chicken braised with Figs, Honey and Vinegar'. Figs are really cheap at the moment, 8 for $2.99 at our local fruit and veg shop.

It didn't look quite like the picture, mainly because I made it in the slow cooker (I knew I would only have an hour between swimming and youth group last night, so the slow cooker made my life a bit easier). The flavour however, was delicious, very moist and sweet. I will definitely make it again.

Friendship

2010-02-11T14:44:00.003+11:00

This week I have spent more time chatting with groups of women than I have in a long time. Playgroup, Bible Study, Monday Craft and Mother's Group have all started back up again after the holidays (How, you may well ask, do I have time to attend all these groups and still look after a household?? Good question, perhaps come and check out my house for the answer, or don't actually).

Anyway, back to the point. Spending time with women is something I love, love, love! I love the laughter, the nattering, the sharing of wisdom, and realising that I am not the only one who is a work in progress as a Christian, as a wife and as a mother.

(Me and 3 of my wonderful "sisters". Hope you don't mind appearing on this blog girls).

It's also a good time of year to remind myself how to be a good friend and sister in Christ.

Both gossip and flattery, are a temptation for me. Barbara Hughes in 'Disciplines of a Godly Woman' defines them as:

"Gossip is saying behind a person's back what you would never say to her face. Flattery is saying to a person's face what you would never say behind her back".

Note to self, watch your tongue Jo.

Note to God, please help.

Dairy free.

2010-02-04T12:12:00.005+11:00

The day we found out there was a good reason why our baby woke every 45 mins in the night, cat-napped through the day, and spent way more time crying and vommiting than 'normal', was a joyous day! A CMP (cow's milk protein) intolerance was the cause, and the poor little man had been in real pain.

The downside to this was that I had to cut all dairy out of my diet. No more cheese, chocolate, and flat whites. No more cream, butter, and margarine. And no more smoked salmon pasta, the house speciality from my kitchen. It has been tough.

These two products have helped get me through the past 7 months.
Rice milk is actually quite nice, and I have it in my coffee, tea and cereal. It is a lot blander than Soy (which tastes awful to me), and has been fine to use in cake and pikelet making too.
This OXFAM dark chocolate spread is also dairy free, and delicious. You could spread it on bread, but I just eat it on a spoon out of the jar.

Our basil plants in the garden are HUGE, just begging for some pesto to be made. I am wondering how it will taste without the parmesan cheese??

Monday Craft is back!

2010-02-02T21:49:00.003+11:00

and now I actually have some craft to blog about!

This week I made a bag with some IKEA fabric I bought a while ago. Yes, I know I make these Tiny Happy shoulder bags all the time, but they are so easy. I did however shorten the handle so it is more like a handbag.
And I also made a cosy for the coffee plunger. It works a treat!

Just you and me baby.

2010-01-29T10:58:00.002+11:00

The big kids returned to school yesterday, and now I am back to hanging out with my little man. He is good company, laughs at my lame jokes, and doesn't complain much.

Uni starts back in 2 weeks. I have transferred into a straight BA as there was no way I could complete 3, four week pracs in the next 2 years. A combination of 4 young children, no grandparents in Sydney and a husband who travels (he is on a plane home from Malaysia at this very moment), meant this was going to be impossible, particularly if I wanted to maintain my mental health, lol.
This way I can finish my BA and do a Dip Ed later on down the track, maybe when Ben is at school.
I had to pick a second major and have followed in my mother's footsteps and chosen Sociology. It looks very interesting, although some of the theories have me a tad worried.

2010-01-25T21:38:00.003+11:00

Can you believe it? My little man turned 1 last week.
He is such a sweety and totally adored by his older brothers and sister, and of course his mummy and daddy.

We made a second school holiday trip to IKEA last week and picked up a few of these wooden magazine holders. I find the cardboard ones don't hold up very well.

Sarah gussied hers up a bit...

Organisation with school age children (Part 2)

2010-01-25T13:52:00.005+11:00

Homework and School bags are two potentially stressful things that enter the house once your kids start school.

We use the trusty IKEA Expedit storage unit to store our kids shoes and their school bags. School bag above and shoes below hidden away in a box, very simple but stress free!

I got sick of the "I can't do my homework because I can't find a pen, pencil, rubber, sharpener, glue stick....blah blah etc etc", so I devised the Homework Tin. It's just an old cannister filled with all of the above. I make sure it is well stocked, and there is no excuse for not doing homework.

Am I creative??

2010-01-14T13:24:00.005+11:00

This is a really good question, and in the past I would have said, "sometimes" or, "a little bit". And if comparing myself to some wonderfully talented people out there, then the answer would probably have been, "No!".

I am beginning to feel a bit differently about all this though, thanks to a wonderful book that has been sitting on my shelf for over a year. My mother gave it to me for my second to last birthday. I decided to pick it up and start reading it after a chance encounter in Borders Bookshop this week.

A man was rifling through some travel guides in the sale bin, and his girlfriend said to him,

"Don't buy that. You're never going to go there!".

My heart broke for that man. Just because he may never go to Mongolia or wherever, whats to stop him imagining and dreaming about it?

And just because I may never make a living as an artist, why shouldn't I enjoy the pleasure of drawing, of creating something, of being creative...

I have been reading it in bed at night, and drawing things from around the room, often using my ipod touch instead of paper. The above drawing is a pile of folded laundry on my dressing table.

I would show you the portrait of my sleeping husband in his undies, but this is a G rated blog.

School holidays....

2010-01-13T13:11:00.003+11:00

are in full swing. It seems getting time to blog, is hard to find.

We had a lovely Christmas and New Year, celebrating with various friends and family, and have spent most of the holidays being social, sharing meals, and trading children for sleepovers and playdates. Last week I actually went grocery shopping with 6 children!, and lived to tell the tale.

Sarah received some plain t-shirts and fabric crayons for Christmas from her Nana. This is her first design.

School goes back in 2 weeks, and Monday Craft will start up again, so maybe I will actually have some craft to blog?

Washer Necklaces

2009-12-29T10:46:00.001+11:00

I think Sarah and I will have to try this great craft these holidays.

Thanks Little Birdie Secrets.

Organisation with school age children.

2009-12-16T10:09:00.005+11:00

Those who know me fairly well may laugh that I am writing a post on organisation, but I have developed a few ideas over the years that work for me, and lessen the chaos (which I refer to as 'the creative vibe of the house') that we live in.

The first is the humble list. Lists really are so useful. This one is for the big kids to follow every morning. The idea is that the TV or computer does not go on until they have done everything on their list.

The second is a version of the zip-lock bag. (My mum and I go nuts for zip-lock bags, in all sizes.) At the beginning of every year I buy each child an A3 size plastic zip folder and everything paper that arrives in the house goes into it.
Certificates, awards, artwork, schoolwork, birthday cards etc....
At the end of the year you can cull it down a bit and only keep what is really precious, and when they leave home I will be handing them a large pile of plastic folders.

Presents for teachers.

2009-12-13T14:37:00.003+11:00

It's that time of year again when presents need to be bought for school teachers.
I try not to buy useless clutter, or something they will get lots of like chocolates, candles etc...

This year I bought from the Oxfam shop, which has loads of great ideas for gifts.

Hmmm... I have just realised that I bought chocolate, after I said I wasn't going to buy chocolate. Maybe an early night is in order???

Life goes on...

2009-12-07T10:49:00.004+11:00

I have been absent for a while, yet again. My blogging seems to come in fits and starts.

Life has been rolling along here. Children growing up, study and exams to finish, and birthdays to be had, mine in particular.

We have also been doing a bit of exploring around our area and are becoming familiar with the local Chinese Supermarket. We have been there quite a bit lately as it is so cheap, and has the most delicious things.

Duck pancakes, yum...

Amazing!

2009-10-29T10:52:00.003+11:00

I picked up 2 curtain drops of this funky retro material for $2.00 at the Salvos, probably around 6m in total.

I gave half to Pippi and have cut up some to make bibs.

I have since learned that it is 'Hippopotami' by Austfield, and is selling on Ebay for $45 per metre!!

That is one expensive bib Ben.

right now...

2009-10-16T09:36:00.003+11:00

Following on from Rach's list, right now I am...

watching the big kids making funny pictures on the Wii

smelling the pancakes Dave made us for breakfast before he went to work

reading craft books from the library

enjoying the memory of the movie we saw last night (Julie and Julia)

listening to the clunk of my washing machine that needs a new gearbox

making lists

sewing only on Mondays

drinking Lady Grey tea

wanting to be more organised, or less lazy

embracing everything in my life right now, except for all the Uni work I have to catch up on

And here is little Ben and his little bag. He has become quite attached to it and takes it everywhere. If he realises he has dropped it, he will crawl back to get it. So sweet.

What do you do all day?

2009-10-14T21:22:00.005+11:00

It really is a funny question. Being a stay at home mum means that no two days are ever the same.
Take yesterday for example. I ...

Made a birthday card for my nephew.
Hung some pictures on the wall.

Washed (actually, scrubbed is a better word) a recent op-shop find.

Tried to make baba ganoush. (Note to self. Pierce the skins before you bake eggplants)

Cleaned the oven, lol.

Went to the library (and paid $10 in fines!! yikes)

Bought the last few things Matt needs for camp.

Played a few games of cluedo.

Helped Sarah bake cupcakes.

Cooked Pad Thai.

Did 3 loads of washing.

Nursed a baby at least 6 times.

Thats all I can remember, after all it was 24hrs ago, but I know there was more.

What did you do all day?

little bag.

2009-10-12T13:57:00.000+11:00

A little bag I sewed up for Ben at craft today.

He seems to like it.

School Holidays

2009-10-11T20:06:00.005+11:00

School holidays are in full swing.

The craft box has been getting a workout.

Bubby is loving hanging out with his big brothers and sister.

And a trip to the library. There can't be too many crafters in my area because the good craft books are always available.

Cute, cute.

2009-10-07T15:50:00.006+11:00

The postie has been good to me today.

First, Weekend Sewing arrived from the Book Depository.

And then this gorgeous fabric from Retromummy.

Yesterday we were in the Mandarin Centre in Chatswood having Yum Cha.

How could I not have a look inside a shop called "Cute Cute House"?

And how could I not buy these cute cute pants?

Letter satchel.

2009-10-06T15:56:00.003+11:00

These letter satchels from Handmade Home are so easy, and are going to be a great gift. Fill them with some cute papers and blank cards, and maybe a book of stamps.

Little eyes.

2009-10-03T21:00:00.002+10:00

See that little face staring at me? His eyes follow me wherever I go.

Such love on his part...and mine.

IKEA, you rock!

2009-10-03T12:05:00.005+10:00

Some of the Monday Craft girls took a little trip to IKEA this week. Their fabric is particularly good at the moment.
A little bit of this...

...and a little bit of that.

So much to choose from.

Pippi and I both got a bit of this one. It reminds me a bit of the 'Truffala Trees' in The Lorax.

And head on over to the Retromummy fabric sale if you're in the market for some. I am always on the lookout for cute boy fabric, and just found some sweet car and bear fabric, just perfect for my little man.

Oh how I've missed you...

2009-09-30T11:40:00.005+10:00

I have been trying to stay away from op-shops in recent months, as I tackle some of the 'stuff' in our house. This morning I spent almost an hour in one, and came away with only three things, (two pillowcases, and this gorgeous girl).

Pretty darn good I thought!!!

Look at the colour of those eggs. Can I say how clever our chooks are at laying big, beautiful, yellow yolks, and eating all our scraps? Someone remarked recently that they are the fattest chooks they have ever seen.

Can I say how clever our kids are at never finishing their dinner...

My very first zip ever!! I have been putting off making anything with a zipper for years now, which kind of limits what you can make. Well this week at Monday Craft I was a very brave girl and decided to have a go and.... it really was not that hard.

A hive of activity.

2009-09-22T13:32:00.002+10:00

There seems to be a burst of creativity in the house at the moment.

Matt has discovered 'claymation' movie making, and I was roped in to be his assistant. My job was to guard the tripod from getting bumped, and to press the button on the camera (100's of times).

This frame from an old cork board is slowly being transformed into something else.

A couple more pairs of daddy t-shirt pants...

A cover for my journal.

This is a habit I have only just got into, and it is amazing. As a busy mum I don't often take time to be still and think about what I think, if that makes sense.

Retromummy giveaway.

2009-09-18T10:45:00.002+10:00

Head over to Corrie's fab blog for a chance to win!

The Great Snail Mail revolution

2009-09-17T21:00:00.003+10:00

While browsing some of my favourite blogs last night, I came across this post and decided to join in. It just so happened that the closing date was midnight last night, perfect timing or what?

I love it when the postie brings something other than bills, and a care package from across the world would be thrilling!

Now to decide what to send my partner.....

Jen's 1/2m Dinner Plate Bag

2009-09-17T10:37:00.008+10:00

I'm not sure if that's actually what Jen calls these bags (I'm thinking not), but as you only need 1/2m of fabric and a dinner plate (pretty much) to make one, that's what I'm calling them.

The very clever Jen was visiting from NZ (check out her blog, she makes the most AMAZING things). While she was making a couple of these bags at my place, we decided to make a tutorial.

My job was to take photographs and to make notes on what she did. Her job was to be clever and make the bags. She did her job, I did half of mine.

I have lots of photos, but unfortunately only limited instructions. I must have got distracted by the kids (there were 8 running around that day).

Here is the picturey tutorial, with a few words. I hope you can work it out. If not, see Jen.

*Start with 1/2m each of the outside and lining fabrics.

*You will also need 20cm for the band across the top.

*Cut 3inches off the bottom of the main fabrics, to use for the handles.

*This is where the dinner plate comes in. Trace around it to get nice rounds corners. Sew around the sides of both bags, (outer and lining).

*Pleat and pin the top. Repeat with lining fabric.

*Attach the band and sew around the top.

*Fold over and tuck in the edges. Topstitch at the top and bottom of the band.

Attach the handles, and a loop for the button if you are having one.

Voila!!

Jen has put hers to good use as you can see here.

Jen and her sister, Katie.

Recycled kid's clothes.

2009-09-14T21:12:00.003+10:00

Monday Craft had a bit of a 'recycled' theme today.

Pippi made these pants for her Ben out of the sleeves of a men's business shirt. He looks so cute in these funky pants, very 'Zoolander' we thought!!

Then using the idea from the Soulemama book, I made some pants for my Ben out of an old t-shirt of Dave's. I copied the style of a pair that Ben had grown out of.

They are so soft and comfy, just perfect for crawling.

Back again.

2009-08-19T12:47:00.004+10:00

This blog has suffered neglect yet again.
I have been sick with a suspiciously piggy illness for the last 3 weeks, and we were away on holidays in Victoria before that.

During my illness this little man has taught himself to sit and to crawl.

This middle sized man is having an operation tomorrow. His nickname around these parts is "Captain Brave", so we are hoping he will get through it OK.

The yard has been very neglected also. Look at all those weeds in the grass!

Dave has been away so much, and when he is home he has been playing nurse and housekeeper (and has done a wonderful job!!)

Hopefully life will get back to normal in the next few weeks, after Dave returns from Japan next weekend that is...

And apparently I am enrolled in something called 'university', really must look into that one day very soon...lol.

Could this boy...

2009-07-02T20:26:00.001+10:00

...be any sweeter?

Head on over to the Monday Craft blog to check out the latest creations.

Busyness

2009-06-24T11:52:00.004+10:00

A big thanks to my button swap partner Casey for these buttons, ric rac, and fat 1/4 , they are great!!

A simple Steiner 'doll' I made for Ben after reading this great book about Waldorf-Steiner toys for babies.

A giant library tote I made at Monday's craft group, also doubles as a baby carrier (he is standing up, LOL!!). Good thing I double stitched all the seams.

And Ben is wearing one of the many bibs I have made him using the pattern in Bend the Rules, so easy.

Monday Craft...

2009-06-16T09:35:00.004+10:00

...was lots of fun.
Some doily love by Pippi.

A few bibs by me...

...and modelled so well by their recipient.

Also some knitting lessons, scrapbooking and crocheting were happening.

Swaps and Letters

2009-06-13T08:39:00.002+10:00

Jonty and Sarah have loved getting their Mail Swap letters, postcards, stickers and Pokemon Cards.
Such a great idea, and a big thanks to pigeon pair for organising it.

This little parcel of buttons is on it's way to Canada to my Button Swap partner. I hope she likes them.

Thanks to Wondermommy for organising this one.

And other exciting news is that the Craft Group I had running at my place a long time ago, is starting up again on Monday. Yay!

If you are in Sydney (I am in the NW) and would like to come, send me a message.

everythingisrosyandgrey (at) gmail (.) com

Nana Jan

2009-06-02T10:01:00.003+10:00

It's lovely to discover a new blog, it's like finding another one of 'your people'.

And this time it actually belongs to one of my family, my mum Jan, aka 'Nana Jan' to her 12 grandchildren, and assorted others.

She is an extremely talented cook, sewer, mah jong player, student, crafter and so many other things.

She made this quilt for Sarah when she was born, and Ben is borrowing it until his is finished, it is well on the way.

Please go and visit Nana Jan and say Hi.

OK, I will open it then.

2009-05-28T18:57:00.004+10:00

Conversation with the kids late this afternoon.

Mum, is that parcel for you?

Yes.

Can we open it?

No. (while trying to act nonchalant...) It's nothing, I'm going to open it later.

While the kids settle down to play their new favourite game, Cluedo, I grab the parcel and the camera and sneak up stairs...to rip it open!!!!!

I have never seen such an assortment of wonderful, pretty, useful and beautiful things.

All of them are all those adjectives!!

Thank you to:

Suzanne for the headband

Sarah for the diary/pen holder

Natasha for the tissue holder

Bec for the ipod/phone/tea bag cosy

Danielle for the zippered purse

Sophie for the brooch

Kat for the make-up purse

Monica for the woollen chain

Kylie for the hair tie travel case and the clips

Leah for the knitted wash cloth

I love everything!! You ladies are very clever and generous!!

A big thank you to Cass for organising this great swap.

Are we allowed...

2009-05-28T16:07:00.000+10:00

to open our swap package??

Apple picking.

2009-05-28T09:51:00.002+10:00

We went apple picking here on the weekend.

It was muddy and rainy and cold, but we had a great time stomping and munching our way through the orchards.

We picked 22kg of Granny Smith and Sundowner apples to take home, as well as the ones we ate while picking. Fresh apples are so unbelievably juicy and heavy. YUMMO!!

We have made muffins, cakes (the one above is particularly yummy with it's sunken cinnamon covered apple slices), tart tartine (inspired by Masterchef) and of course baby food for our little man who will soon be starting solids.

Ready for posting and a new list.

2009-05-25T08:02:00.004+10:00

Mail Swap letters all done and ready for posting.

Well a postcard was all this 6 year old boy could manage, but he did really well getting all 5 done.

********************************************************

I managed to make the scarf and one bib from last Monday's to-do list. Not too bad.

New list for this week:

2+ bibs for Baby Ben

Print photos and make a collage to go in the large black frames I bought from Ikea a few weeks ago.

Happy things.

2009-05-22T09:43:00.002+10:00

A sweet big sister with a sleeping baby on her lap.

A pile of books from a newly discovered library, including the one about boys I have been told I should read.

And something finished off my to-do list.

A scarf for Sarah.

Yes, it is a bit wide for her tiny frame, but it is finished!!!

It is backed in pinky/purple fake fur and is very soft and cosy.

Any hint of itchiness or scratchiness near a childs neck, and you know they will never wear it!!

Swap fun!!

2009-05-21T08:17:00.004+10:00

I have joined in another fun swap.

The Button Swap over at The Adventures of Wondermommy.

Signups close today!!

Monday to-do list.

2009-05-18T11:06:00.003+10:00

In an attempt to try and up my actual crafting, I am going to make a weekly to-do list on Mondays, and hopefully by the end of the weekend I will have done everything (or at least something), on it.

This week:

3+ bibs for my very chucky baby. Most of the shop bought ones I have are pathetic, and not absorbent at all. The other day when I had to stop in the carpark of a certain Pennant Hills Fabric Shop to feed Ben (he was screaming his head off!), I just had to pop in and buy some thick towelling material (among other things), so that should be perfect for the job.

Kid's scarf for Sarah because she keeps wearing mine and is certain to lose/ruin it. I have seen some cute ones here, here and here.

Mail Swap Crafting

2009-05-17T11:41:00.002+10:00

S and J were very excited to receive their mail swap partners this week. They will be writing to kids in Australia, Norway, USA, Canada and New Zealand.

Sarah decided she would make cards and had a great time crafting yesterday.

Where do you find the time?

2009-05-15T13:58:00.006+10:00

Over lunch today with the lovely Pippi (who came bearing thrifted goodies which I will blog about later), we were discssuing where people find the time to do such creative things, and also blog about them.

We have kids, they have kids. What are we doing wrong?

Do they stay up really late at night? Do their kids sleep for hours each day? Do their husbands help around the house to give them more free time? Do they have nannies, maids, or other domestic help?

I suspect the answer to most of these is, no. So what are they doing that we aren't?

Pippi and I would love to know when you find/make/steal time to do your crafting.

Please, let us in on the secret.

Yay for Dr Jan!!!

2009-05-14T10:02:00.006+10:00

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of watching my Mum graduate with her PhD.

It was so exciting to see her publicly recognised for so many years of hard work and study.

She was nervous, the rest of us just enjoyed basking in a bit of her glory. The party afterwards was a roaring success, and beautifully catered by my clever sisiter Lisa.

Well done Mum, you are an ispiration to all your daughters, and your 12 grandchildren. We love you and think you are awesome.

You can read a little bit more about Dr Jan here.

********************************************************

Snailblazer swap items have been finished, wrapped, posted and received by Cass.

Can't wait to see what everyone has made.

Almost!

2009-05-06T14:20:00.003+10:00

I almost managed a photo where everyone is smiling, looking at the camera and wearing vomit free, yet co-ordinating, clothes.

almost.

Hats and grumpy babies.

2009-05-04T20:23:00.007+10:00

This was me the other night while Dave was in Adelaide, trying to cook dinner with a grumpy baby in the sling. I always wear an apron over the top so he doesn't get splashed, (and so my Babyhawk doesn't get dirty!!)

He looks really impressed, hey.

Today I made a few baby hats using the things I bought at the oppy the other day. I used 2 of the striped t-shirts and this dress.

The dress is big enough for at least 2 hats, and maybe a pair of comfy baby pants too.

These are so simple to make. A bit of applique would be cute and jazz them up at bit don't you think?

2009-05-04T11:13:00.006+10:00

This quilt was bought for me by the wonderful Pippi at her local Op-Shop. It is so soft and well worn, and is fully of pretty pastel blocks. I am not sure where in my house it is going to live yet. Possibly at the foot of my bed, along with my other great find from a while ago.

Thanks Pippi.

And a few recent thrifty finds of my own.

This retro apron.

And these pretty doilies and bookmark.

And if your kids are anything like mine and love to write and receive mail, sign them up for pigeon pair's 'KID"S MAIL SWAP' . It looks like a lot of fun and you don't even need a blog to play along.

OK, I am off to try and finish my swap items before my inlaws take over my sewing space on Wednesday.

make way for hats!!

2009-04-30T11:38:00.009+10:00

The weather is starting to get cooler and Ben, our little baldy, is in need of some hats.

I pulled this old one of Sarah's out of her dolls clothes box. It looks so cute on I would like to make Ben a few more.

Also a couple of mum's from my mother's group are looking for funky hats.

So Ben and I stopped in at a local thrift shop after the school drop-off this morning and he chose these t-shirts, destined to become new hats for him and a few of his little friends.

I am imagining a little 'Seven Dwarfs' look going on at mother's group.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

The unthinkable.

2009-04-26T19:50:00.005+10:00

As someone who loves food, and regularly blogs about food, last night I did the unthinkable.

I had a dinner party and FORGOT TO TAKE ANY PHOTOS OF THE FOOD!!!!!!!!!
(Photos of the leftovers will have to suffice, sorry...)

And it wasn't just any old dinner party, it was an Indian Feast.

There were 19 adults, and 20 kids, and everybody brought a couple of dishes. The kitchen bench was literally covered in food (would have made a great photo!!)

I made Dahl with my mum's recipe, and spiced fish.

The kids also took shifts at the microwave and popped 200 pappadums!!!!

We ended up with some leftovers which are all but gone now. Mmmmm

(leftover dahl, biryani, mango chutney, and pappadums we had for lunch)

(Matt loading up a pappadum)

(apricot anf pistachio kulfi)

I usually don't like Asian desserts but these were so yummy. My friend Jen made them and I am hoping to get the recipe off her to share.

Earlier in the week I made some pesto using my friend Kim's recipe, and I also discoverd a great new food blog.

Help!!!

2009-04-24T10:22:00.004+10:00

As a mother of 3 boys I am crying out for help.

I am completely clueless.

I'll admit I know next to nothing about boys.

They are a complete mystery to me.

I have only sisters, and if you include my step-sisters and half-sisters, I am one of SEVEN girls, no boys.

Dave and the boys are always telling me to relax when they, and their mates, are outside wrestling, setting up skateboard stunts (by the way, I always make them wear helmets, this photo was a staged), playing tackle rugby league, doing their own made up martial arts.....and the list of risk taking behaviour goes on, and on, and on...

They tell me to relax, I tell them I can't, I'm a mother, and it's my job to worry.