Are you stuck what to get someone for Christmas? Wonder what to get the kids teachers for the end of the year? Well I have you sorted! Yes, worry no more!
How about making something that will be super cheap to make that you will be amazed at the outcome and even happier with the fact that you have made a unique and personal gift as well. I wanted to give the twins teacher a little something but was wondering what to do. I wanted to get them something practical but also personal from the girls. I decided on creating tea towels with the kids hand prints on them.
Personalised home made tea towels for the twins teachers.
So how did I make the tea towels?
I purchased tea towel material from the local sewing shop. I only bought enough for two. As you will see the material I purchased has stripes down the sides. You don’t have to get this type. Pick whatever fits the project you are creating. I paid $15, for the fabric plus the fabric pen.
I already had fabric paint from an earlier project.
When I got the fabric I also purchased a fabric pen to write the name of the teacher, the year, class and also to have the kids sign their names.
Fabric paint on plates to make it easier for kids to put hands flat to cover the whole hand.
Process
I washed the material before use. This made sure to ensure that the tea towel would not shrink after I have done all this work to it.
Once tea towel material was dry, the kids had fun adding their hand prints to the material. Make sure to have a different colour for each child and to leave enough room top and bottom for your hems and edges.
I made sure to have a butter knife to allow me to spread the paint evenly over the girls hands. I got the kids to practice on a spare piece of material I did not care for so that they knew how the paint would go on the material and how much was needed to give the right effect.
Once the fabric paint from the kids hand prints were dry, I added the teachers names, year, and class for the girls. I added their names under the right hand prints and also got the kids to sign their names to each tea towel. It is a bit hard to write with these pens so you might need to help a little person with this.
Make sure to iron the fabric to set the fabric paint once all dry. The paint needs heat to set it into the fabric.
The fabric paint is drying, on our DIY tea towels for the twins teachers.
The stitch that I used was great for the edges. It looks pretty and as you will see from the below video goes over the edges nicely to make sure it is secure and will last a long time!
All wrapped up and with Panda cards. The kids are in a class called the Kinda Pandas so this was so cool I found this online.
I hope this gives you some ideas and tips on how to make a cheap gift for family or your lovely teacher. Have fun and don’t get paint everywhere!
Do you sometimes feel like packing it in. No point. No one is listening, reading or paying any attention. I do. I have had many moments where I have just wanted to step back and to stop for a bit. However I have invested so much into my work and what I am building. My blog, my ideas and future products that I would love to develop.
Yes always creating and dreaming. Although like everyone self doubt and life sometimes make things difficult to keep on going. Does this happen to you?
Keep going even if you want to quit. You will get there!
This post is for all of you that are thinking of calling it quits.
Don’t!
Keep on going.
Things will happen. It might not be the millions of dollars you would like to earn, or the dream job that you would love to get. However what you are doing will lead you to the next great thing. If you are working at your craft or blog at home it is a skill that you can use to leverage to the next step.
Make things happen yourself.
It is also your outlet.
Without an outlet to express yourself and just be you, it is hard to be happy. Everyone needs something that they feel happy doing. A hobby, a passion an outlet to just be you!
If you are like me a SAHM (Stay at home mum) having an outlet and something for me is needed. I cannot give it up.
It is mine and you never know where your passion might take you. Keep going! You are great and don’t listen to others comments. Just keep plodding along.
Just give things a go. If you try something you might be good at it and it will all work out. You never know until you try!
What is your passion? Do you have a blog? Are you secretly writing a book? Do you make clothes or do you paint?
Have you had moments where you thought it is all pointless but you have kept on going? Let us know.
I started my blog nearly seven years ago. I did it due to being at home with my new born twins and feeling disconnected from my previous life as a producer of websites and content.
I wanted to have something of my own. I was suddenly a mum to two new lives that I had to be there for. I loved this and still do. However I do love to work and to have something for me, and this work has become my blog.
Hubby does support me, but I feel he would be more supportive if I was earning a wage from the blog. Do you find that others don’t see value in something that does not give you financial gain? As a mother who stays at home to look after kids, I do feel that I am undervalued due to not earning a wage. Do you feel like this?
Getting ready to blog
Why is it that just because your hobby or passion does not earn money it is irrelevant!
I suppose coming home to a messy house is not ideal. I don’t love it either and I try, however I like to update my site and somethings are topical and of course I need to keep my site current. No one wants to frequent a website if it is not changing.
However I have left hubby with some things to tidy and he managed to tinker on his computer all day and find other more important things to worry about. So why is it that I am questioned over valuing my work or my passion over something less interesting like housework? I do get it that I am supposed to do some of it, but I would really rather be blogging all day and night if I had my wish. Sad but true. I just love it.
This is not a rant over men being terrible to women, or not supporting their passions. It is more of a question on the whole of society. Why is more value put on roles that pay a lot of money? I suppose this is the eternal question.
Women who do something and it is seen as tinkering or not really employed. If you have a job that is part time it can be belittled to not being a huge role and not that important. (I know a part time job is just as hectic as a full time one can be, plus you still have the house and kids to sort out!)
My main aim was to build a site that has value. Has a community and if that makes money that would be the icing on the cake. I would really love it to earn truckloads of cash but that has not happened. Maybe in the next year or so it might. Maybe my swish redesign will work its magic once live?
Don’t worry it is not all bad, I have been paid for sponsored posts, advertising and an affiliate deal. So there are some things that are working very well, however I would love more of them to tell the truth. I’m sure I am not alone on this. A lotto win would not go astray while I am wishing.
I know others have made it big with their blogs and have turned a passion and their much loved hobby into a thriving business. One day I say! One Day!
Some bloggers that have made heaps and heaps of money are:
Here is a list of top 50 earning blogs. You will see what they earn and how they fare against the others. I think what they have done is brilliant. Built a business that works online and from home. How cool is that! I bet they had their doubters when they were starting out, or getting to the tipping point. How silly would they feel if they had given up?
Without my lovely blog and attending blogging events I would not have gotten some work from home jobs. They were short term contracts that I helped corporates with their social media management. I loved it and it also allowed me to blog and to earn at the same time. However without the blog these jobs would have never have happened. I used my experience building communities, blogging on my website and others to help these organisations. See the blog has paid off in a way.
I was also lucky in 2013 to win a blogging contest that allowed the whole family to have a trip to the Gold Coast mostly paid for. Thank you blog I say! Wouldn’t you say that this is payment from the blog? I would!
I know I am not earning a full time wage but the blog is definitely picking up steam. Emails have come in the last few weeks to test out products, attend functions and to write on others sites, and be a guest editor. The blog is gaining in readership and authority. This can only mean one thing. World domination is imminent. I’m sure you agree, right?
My blog is my outlet. It is my own empire that I can do with what I wish! Yes you heard that right. My little piece of the pie. I know currently it is small and I’m no Rupert Murdoch, or Arianna Huffington, but you have to start somewhere.
It is my baby and no boss can tell me not to publish or to do one thing or another. It is all up to me. I control the direction of my site. I like working hard at something and investing in a site that could one day change my life completely.
What hobbies or passions do you love doing? Is it your outlet? Does your partner poo poo your time you pour into your sewing, craft, blog or other hobby? Have they had to eat cake when your passion has had a big win?
Have you been terribly lucky with all your hard work and now the website or passion is now earning a good income? Let us know. Who is laughing now?
Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
I have had about 3 or more weeks fighting a bad cold, to then get very bad hay fever. I am over the feeling unwell and sneezing and I do feel zapped of energy and motivation. However in my messy house currently I am hoping to do some things for me. Due to being unwell, I have felt rather down and depressed. Silly but not unreasonable given the circumstances.
I am hoping to create some of my own sunshine to allow me to shine and feel good and happy. A bit of me time for my projects will allow this. Now to go and clean the dining room table to get stuck into my project. Image found on Pinterest.
I am hoping to get some sewing done to cheer me up. I am planning on doing some skirts for the girls, a skirt for me and pajama pants for myself as well. (yes something for myself). However this project for me and of course the kids has not happened due to trying to get some housework done. By the time I whiz about and do the odd jobs I never get time for my things. Do you find this happens? I especially need a pick me up now due to being a bit out of sorts.
Don’t worry I am on the mend and hope all is getting better, however I am still sniffling due to hay fever I think and hope the cold is well and truly gone!
It is not grey hair, it is sparkles in your hair.
The other day Julia was looking at my hair. She must have spied a grey hair. I don’t have many and only about two, but loved what Julia called them. She said that they were sparkles in my hair. I would rather have sparkles than grey hair and thought that this is a nicer way of describing grey hair. So all of you that have grey hair, you have sparkles in your hair.
This made me smile and of course is another lovely thought to add to the sunshine in my day. It has also reminded me it is time to dye my hair again due to more sparkles appearing. Yes I would like to avoid sparkles for a bit longer if I can.
Stop worrying about your stresses and focus on your blessings.
Lately I have been thinking about the troubles and stresses in my life and not looking at all that is good. I am very blessed and lucky for what I have. I need to stop worrying and just be. Do you do this as well? I know I DO!
What do you do to let more sunshine into your day? Do you meditate, relax, have a chat with mates, have some quiet time, sit in the garden, have flowers to look at, or do a bit of your favourite hobby? Maybe reading a good book is just what the doctor ordered?
Let us know what you do and maybe others will be inspired as well. Send in your comments.
Do your kids love Yo Gabba Gabba? Mine do and in fact they are rather obsessed with the show and of course the characters. When the girls were about two we took them to see Yo Gabba Gabba at the Opera House. They were so happy and hysterical when their favourite characters graced the stage. At the time Lillian’s fav was Foofa and it has remained. Julia loved Muno, and still does but now is wanting everything Toodee.
I of course was online and fell across an advertisement saying that Yo Gabba Gabba was going to be in Sydney. Yes another show! It was going to be at Luna Park and we were all lucky to attend last Saturday the 28th, and how amazing it worked in being the first weekend of the school holidays.
So what do you do for your very obsessed kids who want to look the part when they attend the concert of their dreams? You make each child a t-shirt with their favourite character on it. Yes that is what I did! What a nice mummy I am.
Sew Yo Gabba Gabba Shirts in 5 Easy Steps
Here are the instructions on how I created these super wonderful shirts that would make any child obsessed with Gabbaland amazingly happy. Trust me, the twins thinks they are amazing.
What To Do:
Disclaimer: I am not selling these shirts or profiting by the Yo Gabba Gabba characters. I am just a mum that wanted to do something special for her kids.
Step 1: Pick shirts that are similar colours for the character you are wanting to add to the shirt/long sleeve top. I made sure to pick a bigger size as I did not want to do all this work and have the girls grow out of them too quickly.
Step 2: Find a picture of the character that you would like, Muno, Plex, Toodee, Foofa, Brobee, or DJ Lance Rock. I found that having just a head shot and limiting it to just top shoulders was best. This allowed me to Just focus on the face and spend time getting that right.
Once I had the picture of the character I made the image bigger in Photoshop. Once I had this image the right size, I then printed it out. I found printing with Microsoft word gave me the right alignment on the a4 sheet better than just printing the image itself. To make it easier I created a word doc of each character and then all I had to do was print.
I used these pictures, but you can find them all online if you do a simple Google search.
Step 3: You will need to print the same character several times. The reason for this is so that you can cut out all shapes that go into the character, eyes, pupil for the eyes, body, nose, mouth, teeth, whiskers, flower and so on. Think about what you need for each material colour and cut it out accordingly.
All the bits to make Foofa out of material. Getting there.
All the bits to make a material Toodee. Looking good so far.
NOTE: Make sure to wash your fabric before use. You don’t want to spend all this time to then wash it and it shrinks or the colour in the fabric runs. I used cord for the dark pink on the Foofa shirt and it is fraying more than the Toodee shirt. Next time I will pick just plain cotton material and make the patch in that before I sew it on the shirt.
Step 4: Sew the bits to make the character. Do all the creating before you attach it to the shirt. It can get a bit fiddly but stick with it. You will be amazed at yourself when you are done. Trust me!
Step 5: Once you have your character all finished, pin to the shirt and sew it on. Now you should have finished shirts or one if you just making one. I have to do things in twos.
See the finished product
Here are the girls before the show at Luna Park wearing their new shirts mummy made
Happy girls with their new Toodee and Foofa shirts.
Here are some pictures of the day at Luna Park
Amazed and happy to be at the Yo Gabba Gabba Show
The girls took their toys that we got at the last Gabba Show with them. They wanted Muno and Foofa to be there with them. While the kids were dancing Foofa and Muno had a rest.
DANCING TO MUSIC IS AWESOME!
How cool to be so close to DJ Lance Rock and all the characters from Gabbaland.
We had a 4pm show at Luna Park and when we left it was dark. The ferry trip was amazing for the twins. They loved seeing the city lit up.
Managed a great shot of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city while on the ferry. Hubby did a great job with these shots.
The twins love wearing skirts and due to them being small and very petite they are hard to fit. So I have decided to make them. Yes more skirts and outfits are on their way soon due to my new sewing machine I got for my birthday. However this skirt was made with my old one.
I also love dressing the kids in different one of a kind clothes. It is great to have something no one else does.
So how do you make a layered skirt?
It is just like a normal skirt with an elastic waist, however you had a layer to it. For the layer that sits on top you need it to be shorter than the overall length of the skirt.
You can also have one layer on top, the second layer being the main part of the skirt and make a third for the border or accent trim for the end of the skirt. I have chosen not to do the third addition to this skirt and only did the two layers. I was thinking of using a border of the first layered fabric to hem the skirt and by using the same fabric on the top of the skirt, tying in the pattern.
What material did I use?
I used fine cord material for the main part of the skirt, which is the pink material and cotton for the top patterned layer. I chose this as we live in the Blue Mountains and it is getting colder. The kids love skirts but I would like them to be warm, hence the warmer cord. Using cotton for the top part of the layer works well as it has more flow and movement being a lighter fabric.
The fabric I used for the skirts. The pink and purple are cord and the pattern one is cotton. Will use the purple one for another project.
You can use whatever fabric you have available. One thing to remember is to make sure that each fabric blends and goes well together. You don’t want to pick something that does not match very well. I like to choose materials that have similar colours but not all of them and to have eye catching patterns. I use patterns on some material and not on others as too much pattern will be overwhelming and hard on the eye. Again, whatever you wish to use is fine. It is your creation and art here.
Also the type material is dependent on the weather so light cottons obviously for summer and heavier fabrics for cooler weather.
Note: Make sure to wash all fabric before use. This will make sure no colours bleed or fabric shrinks. You don’t want to make the perfect skirt to find it shrinks later.
What do you need?
2 contrasting fabrics that work well together.
A big table to stretch and put all the fabric out, trust me this is great if you can have it.
Elastic for the waist.
A big safety pin to not lose the elastic.
Matching cotton for the fabric.
Binding or trim if you did wish to give the skirt a fancier finish/you could use the other fabric and make your own. Have not done this but know this can be done.
How do I measure my fabric for the skirt?
Well my kids are small so it might not be right for you if you have taller and bigger kids. This is what I did to get the measurements right.
For the top layer I needed to make this shorter but not too much as I had to allow for the hem and the waist band.
The top layer: 30cms that includes hem and waist allowance
The main and bottom layer: 45cms that includes hem and waist allowance.
Note: If you have a wider waistband for the elastic you will need to make sure you allow extra in the fabric or else the length will be shorter than anticipated.
Material that has already been cut. Now it is ready to make a skirt.
You need to measure your child to see where skirts are sitting and for the length. I made a layered skirt before and it was all about 30cms. These skirts still fit the twins, however as they don’t have many I would make more. Since I looked at the old ones I realised that they had grown and I needed to make them longer so they could get more wear out of them.
With my kids the waist has not changed much just the length needed changing.
At least with this skirt if you have the wrong length you can alter it and add a new layer or just do the hem and be done with it. No one will know if you don’t tell them. I will keep your secret!
Step by Step Guide – Sew an Easy Layered Skirt
Step 1: Measure and cut out all your fabric. Make sure you have double fabric as it is for both sides of the skirt. I like to fold it over to make sure I cut double at the same time.
Step 2: Sew the edge for the top layer
Step 3: Hem the top layer as it will be harder to do it later when attached to the bottom layer
Hem the top layer. It is easier to do it now than when it is connected to the bottom layer.
Step 4: Sew the both sides of the bottom/main layer of the skirt. Don’t do the hem yet as you will want to make sure that you have the right length when your child tries it on.
Step 5: Join both layers together. To do this you need to put both layers inside each other so they both meet together at the top. Once they are both lined up and pinned you can sew the top area together.
Joining both layers
Step 6: Fold over just enough for the waist band up the top of the skirt. Depending on how wide the elastic is you might need a wide waist or it could be narrow. When you sew around the waist band make sure to leave a gap so you can add the elastic.
Step 7: Put the elastic in and make sure to check the size on your child before you sew it off and finish the waist. It is a good idea to get the size right first then you can close the gap in the waist and move onto the hem.
Step 8: Put the skirt on your model (otherwise known as your child) and see if it is the right length. If all good, do the hem. If not, take it up the right amount to make sure it sits correctly.
Now you have a finished layered skirt. I told you it would be easy. I am sure that this will be a hit at the next party or outing.
Now to see the finished product
The girls in their new skirts. I think they look great. What are your thoughts?
The twins as you know started school last week. In the guidelines for the school they needed a draw string bag for library books. We did have something like that but it would be like all the other kids at the school. How would my little ones make sure that their bag was theirs, and instantly see it without taking another kids bag?
My tip was to have fabric that is bright and colourful and is unique to the girls bags only. If we had the same as the rest of the kids it would get mixed up. I chose a strong drill cotton fabric as it is going to be getting a workout with kids and especially the books that they put in it. See below for the fabric that I used.
The bright funky material I used for the library bags
9 Steps to make a Book Bag
Step 1: I measured a tote bag and then made it a little bigger height wise. I got a large book that the kids loved and used that as a guide. You don’t want to have it not fit larger books.
Step 2: I had a large piece of material and cut out each piece by leaving it joined together. This meant that I only had to sew the left and right edges and make the casing for the elastic. The bottom of the bag was already part of the material and did not need to be sewn.
Step 3: Once I had each bag material organised, I then decided to make a pocket for each bag. On each pocket is each child’s initial. One has a J and the other has an L. This was used to so each child knows whose bag is which.
Pockets with Letters on them for each child
Step 4: Cut out the letters from your choice of fabric. Have the pockets or patch material squares or whatever shape you have chosen. Once you have the letters, pin them to the material and sew them together.
Sewing the L onto the pocket
Step 5: Once you have your pockets ready to go, then pin them to the right side of the bag and attach now. If you wait to do when the bag is done it will not be as easy. Now you have the pockets or patches on the bag.
Pocket attached to the bag. You will also note that the material is joined on the bottom and the left and right sides still need to be sewn.
Step 6: Now you need to sew the left and right sides of the bag together. Don’t sew all the way up as we need to leave a gap so that we can make the casing. I stopped about 5cms or little bit more from the top of my bag.
Step 7: Now fold down the sides and sew them. You can see this in the photo. Make sure you don’t close the opening as this is how the elastic goes in and out for each sides of tie.
Sew the sides and join them with a sitch that joins them together but does not seal the opening.
Step 8: Now you need to fold down the top to make the casing. Best to use an iron for this and other parts when you need to have it folded down and more accurate. Once you fold it down pin it and then sew around the edges, but make sure to leave the opening not sewn.
Sew around the edge to hold the top bit you folded over to be the casing. Make sure to join the gap so it holds but don’t sew it closed.
Folding down the casing and pinning it on the ironing board
Step 9: Once you have sewn it all round the top of the casing, you now need to put the elastic in. I used one continuous elastic but you can have different things like ribbon. Why not have different ribbon on each side and add some beads? Nice decorative touch. I ended up sewing the ends of the elastic together so that it does not get lost in the bag. Before I did this I added some beads to make it have something extra.
Sewing the casing
Make sure to attach a safety pin to your elastic. It makes it much easier to find and push through the casing.
So would you like to see the finished products?
Lillian’s Finished Book Bag
Julia’s Book Bag. Note the beads.
Works well and even has a book in it already!
These did not take long at all to do. I took a day and did some finishing touches in the evening. However, I think I will be quicker next time and be able to get it done in a matter of hours. So what do you think? I think they came out quite well and at least the twins have a book bag that they know is theirs and can look after the library books.
Let me know how your projects are going? Have you made something for school yet? Send in our comments.
I’ve cut the steps down to 7 and now you can download the PDF Guide
I thought what could I make to be Christmas presents and decided on tea towels. Yes I am making tea towels as part of my Christmas gifts to family. I have made some and need to finish off quite a lot to be ready for next week. I really have my work cut out for me.
My finished products. Don’t they look good.
I loved this fabric as well. You could either make tea towels, a table cloth or an apron out of this material. Very much for the chef.
One of the fabrics I chose. I love it as it is different and great for a Christmas present..
So how do you make a tea towel. Well you need to do the following:
Pick material that is 100% cotton. I chose thicker cotton material that will wear well as a tea towel.
What size will you make them? Will they be larger or the average size for a tea towel?
If you have a favourite tea towel why not measure the size of that and base the pattern on this size. This way you will be happy with the size and also the fabric as well.
Make sure to have the right colour cotton thread to match as this makes it look better and not to see all the seams is nice. However if you are clever you can make a nice decoration with an alternate colour thread. It is up to you and depends on the look you are going for.
I purchased 3 metres of each fabric and that has given us 10 tea towels of each type. You might get more depending on the size you make them.
TIP:To get a neat edge, fold over a little edge all round and iron. Then fold over again. This way when you sew it all round you will not see the bits left or any part that might fray. As it is cotton material there is a tendency to fray. If it is folded over and sewn in then this will not happen. Also it looks like a better professional finish
So a tea towel is just a piece of material that is neatly sewn all around. You can make them fancy by adding patches, fabric stamping and the like. If you have a tag to add you can add that as well so everyone knows you made it.
I am now thinking of making more and getting more creative with them. They are fun and easy to produce. Maybe I could be the tea towel queen if I ever get really good at it. Look out I might be at your local markets soon with a supply of home made tea towels.
So now I need to get serious and get onto to finishing my batch that I need for Christmas. I have also been cleaning the house, entertaining kids and now they are on holidays! Lets hope that my plans go well. They of course have not had a great start today as I have not stopped sneezing and feel like I am very sick currently.
I need to power on and make more tea towels as hubby would not be pleased with me if he came to find all material not created into towels for the kitchen. So in the next days until Christmas I will be busy working away in my hidden workshop, otherwise known as the dining room (I don’t have a dedicated room for sewing or craft) working away to complete the job.
What have you made or are making for Christmas presents? Send in your comments.
Tonight I have finally completed a layered skirt for both girls. Yes, I am very pleased that I have completed them and they don’t look half bad. I am practicing as I would like to use some material that I have that has more of a pattern for a feature for the bottom layer of the skirt. I might even if I dare add another layer to the next one I make. Yes I might make it even harder or fancier than these.
So what did they look like? Why not be in awe of my wonderful sewing achievement today. I know it is not as grand as others in the sewing world, and of course those with much more experience. I am proud and pleased that I have completed it and it is ready for the twins school photos.
Layered skirt created by Suzanne
Don’t you think it looks pretty?
Had to share my latest triumph. What have you created lately? Send in your comments.
I have now finished my first reversible bag. Yes I know, wonderful and exciting. I am very pleased but think I could improve on it in the future. It is for one of the twins friends and we are off to her birthday party this afternoon. I wanted to add the soap from lush that we had purchased, we got the Fun play-dough soap, you can create things out of it and wash yourself also. Very clever for kids.
So check out my latest finished project. I got the pattern from Very Purple Person so check it out.
Have you finished a great project in sewing or something else that our proud of? Let us know what you have managed to do.
What did you do yesterday? Well if you were me, you were making a cake and sewing tea towels. Yes I was doing very home maker activities. If you had told me years ago that I would be doing these types of things I would have scoffed at you. As a person who was focused on her career and the possibility of promotion or doing bigger and better things, sewing and being domestic was not that appealing.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love making cakes but the sewing part did surprise me. I enjoy it and I am learning a lot more on the sewing front. I hope to get very good at it and maybe sell some items, that is if I can spend more time creating.
While cooking and sewing, the house did not get tidied and that is another thing that is in much need of doing (maybe if I really was a Domestic Goddess this would already be clean and so tidy you could eat from the floor – no such luck at the moment. Give me time and it might be the case, however not sure if I will ever reach this level).
Pity I don’t enjoy cleaning as much as creating the mess in the first place. Tomorrow I need to get stuck into tidying at least the main rooms and try and do the washing that is in the laundry; doing laundry with it raining is not ideal or what I like as limited space does make it hard to dry and sort.
Different view of marble cake
Hand made tea towels
Have you had days that you think all the things you did was a bit unlike you? Have you changed since kids or something else? I suppose I have in some ways and mostly not, just doing more things around the house.
Send in your comments and why not continue the discussion on our Twitter or Facebook pages.
Why is it when you suddenly have time for you, the slot fills with something else to do and you never get to do what you wanted to do? I am aiming to get some sewing done but first need to think about what I would like to create first. The dilemma is that I have many things in my head currently, will it be pants, a dress, or a skirt? Not sure. I want to learn to do something different, but this takes some time to sit and analyse how to do something new.
I have set up the dining room table and will get creating today and tonight as I am keen to do something. As I have finished my exam and waiting for summer school to start I have more free time. I just hope that I can achieve what is in my head, only time will tell. You know what it is like, you have grand plans that are in your brain but sometimes they don’t come out the way you envisioned. We will see.
Are you finding that as soon as you have a free bit of time you suddenly get busy? Does this impact your things that you have been hanging to do? It happens like that for me. Send in your comments.
Today I got a lovely surprise; Mel of Latte Mum gave me the Sunshine Blogger Award. What is the Sunshine Blogger Award? Well, it is awarded to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others on the blogosphere.”
My blog Mummy to Twins was a way of doing something for me, documenting the adventures of the family and of course connecting with other mothers and likeminded people. It has been an interesting and fun journey, and as a producer of websites in the corporate landscape I feel it is good to be managing my own site.
The rules of accepting this award are: List 10 things about you, Link back to the blog that nominated you, nominate 10 other bloggers, let the bloggers know about the award, make sure to add the award logo in the blog post and link their blogs in this blog post.
Ten things about me:
I am originally from Queensland, Hervey Bay to be exact. I miss warm days, the beach and the lazy times that climate allows. Living in Katoomba is cold and the weather is very unpredictable and I long for summer. One day I hope to have a holiday place up there that I can just go and enjoy. I also want to take the girls to show them where I grew up.
Soon to have a Masters in Project Management from Sydney University. Just have to pass an exam and do one last subject. Crossing fingers and toes all goes well.
Daydream about my future a lot. I will have a successful business/write a hugely successful book and be worth a fortune and so on. I day dream and have wonderful thoughts.
I feel that you need to think positive and it will happen, like will attract like. Sometimes I am just having a wonderful fantasy but what is the harm.
I have identical twin girls who are four. My family is nearly all female.
Love dark chocolate, 85% cocoa is the best; I like to have a couple of squares every now and then.
Trying to lose weight before May 2013. I have a deadline and yes I aim to lose as much as possible. Hard with the chocolate love but have not been having much at all lately.
Hanging for our new house to be planned and built. We need the space. Living in a small cottage is not good with kids and adults and all the stuff that goes with it. Cannot wait.
Keen to get stuck into my idea for a home based business – it involves sewing so we will see how I do. I am hoping to have more time once university is finished.
Enjoy being at home with the girls and see them develop and grow. Although it does have its moments, it is a joy to watch them learn and become the person they are destined to be.
Special concerns: As Latte Mum said she has a fear of dolphins I don’t share this fear but I do think when you spray a spider to die and get out of the bathroom, that they might pounce on you to show their annoyance at what you have done. I have to get out of there quick smart just in case they decide to get their own back. You never know! J
As Mel from Latte Mum awarded me this great honour of the Sunshine Blogger Award, I would like to do the same for the bloggers below that I have been reading, following and have inspired me also, thanks for all your wonderful work:
Fat Mum Slim – Creative, Photo a Day and great insight
Retro Mummy – Cooking, sewing, knitting and inspiration
Mess for Less – Activities and projects for kids, Wonderful information and here from Vicky.
Creative with kids – Positive activities that allow you to connect with your child and be the parent you want to be
Mommy Adventures – Great humour in Sheri’s posts and a delight to read
A Free Spirit Life – Creative, Inspiration, and shows and helps you give thanks
Muddled Up Mumma – Observations on being a mum and still figuring out life (I so understand this)
WoogsWorld – Day to day musings but told in a way that makes you laugh and think, yes that has happened to me.
My Home Truths – No craft or cooking on this blog, just the truth.
20 Minute Mom – Great advice and Inspiration on cleaning, organising and more
Thank you Mel from Latte Mum for such public recognition of my blog and ideas, I am tickled pink at being chosen. So ladies that I have listed, please feel free to check out all other blogs listed and to return the favour.
Today is the last day of term 3 for pre-school so my last day to myself before 2 weeks of school holidays. So the dilemma today is what to do? I do have many things to fill my time with but what would be the best use of my last day to myself? I really just want to do some sewing although I do desperately need to do some university study and start my assignment. Maybe I could do a bit of both?
I know many women love the school holidays, I for one am not over the moon that I lose my 3 days to myself each week. The girls are into everything and it is hard to keep the energy up all the time to keep the little girls entertained. Let’s just hope that the weather is good for the holidays so that we can go to the park, have some outdoor time and maybe have some play dates with their mates at school.
I think the plan for today is trying to fit in a bit of both, I have been getting more and more frustrated that I have not got back to my sewing and finished off the pants for the girls and started on other projects. Do you feel frustrated when you don’t get to do your own thing? Is it a pet project that you have been wanting to finish or just start?
The university study is also important as contracts law is something that you cannot instantly know so a bit of reading or thinking on some questions might be useful. I think I will have a look at the assignment today and do a bit of sewing also. This way it will make me feel like I have done something more for me. I am still feeling sick from the flu/a bad cold so not the best. Mostly would like to curl up and go back to bed. However if I do that, I lose the day and will just get annoyed that I have not done anything with it. So I will pop a cold and flu pill and solider on.
Is it just me that has these dilemma’s on what to do with your day? Do you spilt things up so that you feel like you have done a bit of all things you wanted to do? Or is that annoying as you never seem to finish anything? Send in your comments.
Why not continue this discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.
Hi All, I have finished one pair of the pink pants for the girls, but had to cut the sides. My sewing machine cannot handle little cuffs and I could not get it on to sew it, so thought that would be a good solution. Now need to edge the sides of the cuffs where I had to cut, and do the second pair of pants. The jobs left for the other pair of pants is to put the elastic in, and hem them.
Do you have any sewing or craft projects you are working on? Do you want to share your triumph in pictures or just let us know. Mummy to Twins is keen to hear about what you have been up to, send in your stories.
I have been cleaning and sorting so I can be more productive. Well that is the plan, and crossing fingers and toes it happens. My aim is to make things to eventually sell, but the most important thing at the moment is that the girls need pants to wear. As they are slight and petite, they have a small waist, they seem to be growing length wise but not much around the middle. I would love to have this problem but to no avail.
Material has been washed, have the pattern and when I am refreshed will give the pants a go. I cannot wait. When complete will post pictures.
Have you been hanging to do a project? What has held you up? Is it kids, yourself or just exhausted with everything else on your plate? Tell us what you are plotting and how you make time to do your pet project. Send in your comments.
I am very pleased with myself. The girls pants are finished. Keen to see how they look on and with other clothes. Will show more pictures later. Now off to bed. I stayed up late to finish the pants. The girls are very skinny and everything falls off them. If a success, will refine the pattern and make more.
Today was a day from hell. The girls were upset at everything, and everything became a problem. It took hours to leave the house and mummy could not do anything by herself. We did manage to make it out the door and to playgroup, and eventually to the post office. While at playgroup the girls and I saw the hat parade at the local school and they had some much needed play time.
I seriously was hoping the day would end soon, but when I was thinking this it was only 10am. Have you had days like this? I do love the kids so much but they really tested my patience today. There has been biting, scratching, hitting, pulling of hair and you name it, it has happened here today. I am so over it, I even posted on Facebook that I needed a bex and a good lie down.
We did 3 puzzles before we even got out the door, they both wanted to make a cake and pull out many more toys. I had to put my foot down, if we were ever going to leave the house. Julia is getting very good at puzzles and seeing where pieces fit in, very impressed.
I am also very impressed with Lillian on Tuesday this week; she sewed buttons onto material at school, very clever girl. They are both becoming so grown up.
I don’t know about you, but having two kids at the same time is a challenge with sharing yourself, yesterday Julia was spending time with daddy and then Lillian wanted to get a cuddle also. Then the fight started for space, “I was sitting there!!!!!!!” Julia was upset that she was then sharing with Lillian. This does happen quite often, one child is wanting cuddle time or one on one, and then the other wants the same. What do you do when you on your own nearly all the time?
As I am the primary care giver, it is hard to just have one child to cuddle. I don’t have days when I only have one child; it is always both of them or they are both at pre-school. Maybe this needs to change? I do know that they need to do things with each parent separately; the Easter Break might give us more of a chance.
I have not done what I wanted on my assignment, although I have done a little more the other day. Still have time but hate to leave things so late. Now family are coming to visit on Saturday and need to do a tidy up tomorrow, so no study during the day. Crossing fingers it happens in the evening or at least the weekend.
What have you got planned on the Easter holidays? Are you going away or having a great time at home? Looking forward to the kids’ faces on Sunday. Have a happy Good Friday all. Now off to a well earnt rest, bed here I come!
