Around Here Lately

The blog has been a bit quiet lately due to me having about 2547 things to do!! I've literally started this blog post about 10 times! Anyway, here's an update of what's been happening of late....

The other weekend I held an afternoon tea for a few friends just because I felt like getting a little posh for the afternoon! We had a really lovely time. The weather was perfect! 

The following day was Mothers Day & it was a very quiet affair for us. I was very spoilt by my boys. It was so lovely to get a card that William had actually written in himself. So cute! Not sure about the gingerbread house cookie jar but it will certainly give us something to laugh about over the years!

There's been lots of things happening in the shop of late. I have been flat out at my sewing machine putting together an exciting project which I can't wait to reveal next month! 

I've also been doing lots of sewing for myself & the kids. It's so cool being able to make my own clothes & the kids are always happy when I bring them home a new outfit. Definately a great feeling of satisfaction!

I just love this fox fabric. Actually, pretty much any fox fabric! Was perfect for for this t-shirt I made William

I've got a new-found love of the maxi skirt after finding some great tutorials on Pinterest! Here's a couple I whipped up for myself

So good! Perfect for summer or winter and hide ALL the bumps! You'll be seeing me in these A LOT!! 

It's slowly getting cooler in our neck of the woods. Won't be long til the fires will be burning & the flannelette sheets come out. We spent last weekend having a big clean up outside getting winter-ready. 

Made yourself some clothes recently? 

Who's looking forward to Winter?

Til next time,

Mel xx 

Make It A Handmade Mother's Day

If you're thinking it's too late to create something for your mum this Mother's Day, think again!

There really is nothing better than giving and recieving a handmade gift.

I have four easy sewing projects that you'll be able to knock out in under 10 minutes!!

1. Set of Pillowcases

Super easy and a little addictive to make. Make some for your mum, yourself, and the kids while you're at it!
Find the tutorial here

2. Cushion Covers

Again, these can be really addictive once you've made one! Grab some beautiful bright fabric and follow the tutorial here

3. Pin Cushion

Every sewer needs some cute pin storage and these pin cushions can be whipped up in minutes following these simple steps:

* cut two pieces of fabric 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"

* with right sides together, sew arond the outside edge with a 1/4' seam allowance, leaving a 2" gap for turning

* clip the corners and turn right side out. Stuff with hobby fill or stuffing & topstitch right around the outside, closing up the gap

4. Tissue Covers

Just about every Mum carries tissues with her at all times. Why not make one of these cute tissue covers so she can wipe noses in style :)

Tutorial here

See, it's not too late to get your sew on & create something beautiful for your mum! Make one or make them all!!

HAPPY SEWING!!

Til next time,

Mel xx

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

I posted this on my personal Facebook page yesterday & thought I'd share it with you all today as it's something that has made me think about my goals & ambitions.

We spend so much time worrying about what other people think or comparing ourselves to others. But I've realised that it doesn't matter what everyone else is doing or how successful or unsuccessful they are. 

What matters is that you are doing what is best for you. There will always be haters & people waiting for you to fail but if you just keep focused on YOUR goals, YOUR life, YOUR success, YOU will be rewarded! 

Til next time,

Mel xx

Easter Long Weekend

Wow! What a great four days off we have had in our house. It's been the perfect mix of socialising & relaxing all rolled into one long weekend. Here's a look at what we got up to....

Friday was spent fishing with some friends. The boys have taken a real liking to going fishing, mostly because they love having a swim in the river! Anyway, whatever gets us outdoors for a while is good I say! We even managed to catch a few fish!!

On Saturday morning we held our annual Easter Egg Hunt Party. We've been hosting these hunts since the boys were little & it's always fun to get together with friends to catch up & who doesn't love hunting for eggs?! 

Saturday night we headed to the Golf Clib for a fun Easter event. Our Golf Club is fantastic at throwing family-friendly events. The kids had a blast! Brooke McClymont & her husband Adam Exkersley were the main attractions & it was a perfect evening out under the stars listening to those fabulous music talents.

It was an early start on Sunday morning to see what the Easter Bunny had delivered. We did a combination of chocolate & non-chocolate gifts & the boys were very happy with their loot

We did absolutely nothing yesterday & it was fantastic!!! I had a middle of the day nap & both of the boys had an afternoon nap AT THE SAME TIME!! It was the next best thing to catching up with my family who are unfortunately too many hours away.... 

We have spent the most part of today at home too. I did some pruning & tidying in the backyard followed by a lazy afternoon of magazine reading, Lego building & general fluffing around!

It was certainly a weekend well spent & provided us with some much needed down time. 

How was your long weekend?

Did you get out of town or hang around at home?

Til next time,

Mel xx

Home Snapshot- Homework Station

Like all of my home decorating projects, the first place I look to find inspiration is Pinterest. If you've never heard of Pinterest or are not sure what all the fuss is about, do yourself a favour & get the app ASAP! It is AH-MAZING!!

With William starting school this year, a designated area for homework was a must (really it just gave me an excuse to organise & decorate another part of our home!) 

Here are some of my favourite finds from Pinterest 

And here is what I came up with for our home

I'm so glad I purchased two of these desks when I saw them - at Woolworths!! They were $22.50 during their back to school sale- BARGAIN!! Angus starts school next year so it means I won't have make any changes to this set up. All of the prints were purchased from Etsy & I picked up the frames from my local Target store.

So far, it's working really well for us & having everything in the one spot makes homework as drama free as possible. Even William doesn't mind doing homwork now :)

Do you have a designated homework space? I'd love to see!

Til next time,

Mel xx

A Little Craftiness #1

Hi there!

Today I want to share one of my favourite & easiest sewing projects - A zippered pouch!

The ladies in my sewing class will be learning how to make one of these this weekend & I can't wait to show them how.

It amazes me how zippers seem to scare so many people! They really aren't that hard, well not in this project anyway, so don't be scared. Take the plunge and I guarantee you, once you've made one of these you'll be busting to make more!!

Here are a couple that I've made

You'll find the tutroial here & have fun!!!



Til next time,

Mel xx

Angus Turns Four!

Today the littlest person in our house turns four! Seriously, where does the time go?! Not that I'm complaining! I love that my kids are getting older & finding their own little personalities. Angus' birthday theme request for this year was Star Wars. So naturally I hit Pinterest for ideas!!

R2D2 has always been his favourite character so I decided to base most of the party around him. I had the cake & cupcakes made locally (check out Kristy's work here) and got all the other supplies from Big W & Etsy. Big W's party section is fabulous! The huge R2D2 balloon & birthday banner were found there. The gold foil number 4 balloon came from eBay.

I got the idea for the Jedi robes & pool noodle light sabers from Pinterest. They were super easy to make & the kids loved them!

We all had a great afternoon celebrating our little man! Thankfully, I have another 4 months before planning another party!! 

Til next time,

Mel xx