No Excuses

No excuses for why I haven't posted in so long. I just didn't. Even with running around after my (now) 21-month old little man, I still had time at the end of most days, and I just kept putting it off.

But as my mum reminds me at least once a month that I haven't posted in ages, well it is about time I did!


Riley is 21 months old now, this will be his 2nd Christmas. We decided last year (before his first christmas) that we will not get him lots of things. We will get him a couple of good quality things (This year is a Fisher Price Ride-to-Roll Scooter that starts as a buggy. He should get a few years out of it). A kids 'CD' player (It looks like a CD player, with buttons like a tape deck and it has these weird plastic discs instead of CDs). And a kids laptop that he can begin using for the sounds, buttons and music, and move onto learning letters and numbers etc.

And that is it. Oh and a pair of togs because OHs parents are getting him a paddling pool.

To me, Christmas is about spending time with family. Yeah pressies are cool, but to be honest, I much prefer spending the day with my family. We do have to split our time between OHs family and my family, and we are still trying to figure out a good balance because neither of us want to give up our tried and true family gatherings. At the same time, we don't want Riley to miss out on either set of grandparents. And I am not having it at our house every year! Once every couple is enough lol.



Have been sewing and crocheting it up, even made myself a new dress and top! (Believe it!)

Wow!

Wow! Has it really been THAT long since I last post?! That's a bit shameful! Done now though, not much I can do about it now except post again!


So what has been happening on my side of the screen? Well my gorgeous boy isn't a baby anymore! He is a 15 month old little boy. Has been running for months now, has 16 teeth (and is cutting more as I type). He is speaking a few words and understands so much of what we say. He loves puzzles and reading. He often brings me books and just likes to sit on my lap and point to the words while I read. He has a huge personality and knows exactly what he wants. He is still a mumma's boy though! Will get a picture tomorrow.

As for me? Well I have been spending the last few months running around after R, sewing, crafting and setting up my website. Which I am quite excited about to be honest! Can be found here. Also I have lost 14cm around my tummy and butt! Proud of that too. Just came out of a plaster cast on my arm this week. Fell over the baby gate. Woops!! My website has been my new baby but never meant it to replace this! Well I am back now and will update more regularly.

Have been going to a fortnightly craft group with my mum and some friends and we are currently creating a mystery quilt. Oooh exciting. So will have a photo of that when we are done. Will be my first one but I already love quilting! Also teaching myself to crochet. Not doing toooooo badly, but we will see.


It is now 11.30pm and I am in desperate need of some sleep. But I am tied to my sewing machine all day tomorrow so thought I would post this now.


Hope your 2011 is going great!

Christchruch Earthquake

So I am sure most the world has now heard about the Christchurch Earthquake that happened at 12.51pm on Tuesday 22nd Feb. Down here is Dunedin there was no damage, however it was felt. Christchurch is a good 4-5 hour drive away. Our roof was creaking, bookshelf was rocking and the house was swaying. I can only imagine how horrible it must have been for all those people who not only experienced it but for whatever reason, haven't yet been reunited with their families.


Myself and some friends have started a page on facebook calling for handmade goods do be donated. These will be auctioned on a NZ auction site - TradeMe - where all proceeds will be donated to the earthquake appeals.


If you are interested in donating something handmade.. please pop over to our page for details. Handmade for Christchurch. So far we have even had offers of items to be donated from as far as the USA. We feel so blessed that there are so many people out there willing to help out in any way they can. Auctions will be starting in the coming week. Will update with auction links as they happen.


A huge THANK-YOU to everyone for their support. Even just spreading the word helps. Link/Shout Out on your page, donate, send to a friend, bid on an auction.

Felt... Like Something Different

I am loving Felt! I love all the New Zealand handmade gorgeous goodies!


Some of my favourites this week -

Honey and Spice - amazing handmade soaps, lotions, body butters, oils, lip balms and more. I have completely converted from my liquid body wash to her soap bars. I hate soap. I hate that it dries out.... BUT, this soap doesn't. It's fantastic! Currently in the bathroom is her peppermint cream soap bar, chocolate fudge soap bar ready to go. Lavendar and Patchouli bath/massage oil for Riley (which mixes into the water - does not sit on top) and her choc mint lip balm in my handbag. She uses all natural ingredients and as few ingredients as possible. When you read the ingredients - you actually have heard of them and know what they are!


Swanwear - 1950's inspired swimwear. Gorgeous and flattering! I can't wait to be able to afford a pair of her vintage deliciousness.


Will Make for Change - Oh my word! Look at those oragami tea cups! I want all 7 of them! And the songbird teacup on the next page?! Starting my day having a cuppa out of one of those would just brighten my morning.


Exter - Now I don't want to get into a habit of linking one specific item - so have linked the whole store... However - sneak a peak at her polished brass envelope locket necklace. You open the envelope, and there is a little polished brass note that says 'I Love You'. Will be showing this to my man ;)

Branching Out

So my mum enjoys quilting, stitchery and crossstitch. I, on the other hand, get half way through a bookmark crossstitch border and give up. But I love the look of quilted blankets and think that stitchery is (a bit faster) and looks really nice, so I am giving it a go. I started at the end of 2009 while still pregnant. But then we moved and it ended up in the bottom of a box.


Have started going to craft night each fortnight with mum and her friends, so decided to dig it out and keep going.


It is a christmas theme so I should have enough time to finish it! =


Will take a picture tomorrow when my camera is charged for a bit of an 'as-I-go' montage. Even Rocky had a montage!