kids stuff

now that my life involves children more than ever before i can openly say how much i love blogs about kids fashion and activties. by far my favourite such blog is smallfryblog. they often do posts on "from head to toe" which are well put together trendy outfit posts. although the threads featured are generally from American based retailers there's still some fabulous tips on how to dress your kids. this is one of my favs.

pic from smallfryblog

the blog also features some great, fun projects and adventures like this peach jam sale. the concept is like an old fashioned  lemonade stall with the idea that children can learn the value of money by selling goods themselves and how cute are the pictures? there's even a recipe for the peach jam (watch this space as i'm seriously considering using it to make wedding favours) and free downloadable jam lid label!

pic from smallfryblog

love, love, love this blog! add it to your daily reads list.

I'm getting hitched!

my last post was so long ago. i've been neglecting my blog but for good reason, i've been busy getting engaged! as the months go by there will sure to be many more posts on wedding décor. i can't wait to start all the diy for the big day.

check out my new left hand ring finger accessory...

a girl can dream

So i'm not getting married anytime soon but that doesn't stop me from checking out wedding blogs and pinterest at least once a week. sad, but true. here's a pic i recently found on green wedding shoes which is almost exactly how i'd picture my reception looking - one day, maybe, if it happens.... other than the colour scheme which i'd tweak a little its perfect!

pics via Green Wedding Shoes

house mad

OK. So i've REALLY neglected my blog. i've been so busy with work and renovations (i'll post some pics soon) and new house plans. yes, new house! after 3-4 months of online searching for an established house Wilbur and i both love and failing, we have decided to change our search to land and building a new home of our own. i'm so exicted about the whole process except for the likely compromises i know i will have to make. we've both agreed on a house (see pic below and more pics here). i can't stop thinking about where i'll put everything, all the new decor i'll "need" to buy and all the finshing touches. all we need to do now is find some land...

pic via Rawson homes

creative gift wrapping

if you're stuck for ideas on making your gift wrapping stand out from the 'crowd' here's an idea i tried a few months back for my friends' (Amy and Toby) engagement gift...old school pipe cleaners shaped into the recipients' initials (can you make out the pink A and blue T amongst all the yellow raffia in the pic?). i was so happy with how it turned out!

I also used lettered beads on their other gift which my friend Mel help put together.

if you have any original gift wrapping ideas to share drop me a note, i need to start planning my christmas gift wrapping theme for 2012 (see my 2011 christmas wrapping theme here).

diy upholstered bed head

so, not that long ago i promised a diy post on how to make an upholstered bed head. finally, here it is.

what you'll need:
1. bed head frame (mine was a metal frame) - i.e. this won't work for an ensemble
2. staple gun & staples
3. a piece of thin MDF (as wide and high as the existing frame - your local hardware store should cut to size if you ask)
4. foam, approx. 5-10mm thick, enough to cover 3 sides of the MDF (i bought mine in a pack from spotlight)
5. fabric (enough to cover the MDF)
6. sewing pins

steps
1. staple the foam, piece-by-piece, around 3 edges (or just the top edge and approx.  30cm on each side as i did - see below) of the MDF
2. place MDF board between mattress and bed head
3. wrap your fabric around the MDF & bed posts of existing frame, folding corners neatly and pinning so you have one side of the MDF presenting with a flat neat finish and all pins & folds on the reverse side - voila!


here's some step-by-step pics...

sew away

i recently acquired my step-mother's old janome sewing machine as she scored a new one for her birthday (happy birthday Tracy!). i'm yet to put it to use yet as i've been busy with home renovations, yes they're still happening... the drought will soon be over though as i've just found my next diy project. check out this neon ruffle cardi. it's from GAP but is no longer available so i think i'll source a cardi of my own and attempt a DIY.

pic via Sincerely Jules
cardigan from GAP