Thursday 22 November 2012

Happy Birthday Andy

Last weekend was Andy's fourth birthday. He's such a big boy now. 


Yeah, I electively bought my baby some broken bones... I mean a skateboard. 
We decided on a Lego themed party, but I was quite disorganised, and their were hail storms, which really put a dampener on things (pun intended). 

After setting up outside, the wind whipped through and blew down 90% of the decorations so we had to move inside to our dining room. It was so gloomy and dark, but the effect was pretty good in the end, and he had a lovely day, which is all that matters.

 




I did a fair bit of work before the day, making a great banner. You can sort of see it in the blurry, poor quality pictures. In the middle of the Lego man shirts, it read H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y. I created, then//printed and laminated them and will be able to use them for birthdays to come. I simply sticky taped the heads onto piece of string. You can DOWNLOAD the banner here. You will have access to my Google Share Drive. Download each letter, and print. Please don't make any changes to the share drive. I don't know if this is possible, but I'm doing this on good will, and I've never used the system before. You will get the best quality downloading it there, as opposed to saving images from blogger.

Print Copy Amounts

H x 2
A x 2 
P x 2
Y x 2 
B x 1
I x 1 
R x 1
T x 1
D x 1

Cut around each Lego man, and laminate. You could also print on cardboard if you don't want to use the banner again. I have three boys, so this will be a popular decoration. 


                                                

I have also added a Lego man cupcake topper. I realise it has an A in the middle, but it will be easy enough to change if you open it in paint (or paint.net) and erase the A and add the letter of your son. 

Then, cut each circle and hot glue gun it onto a toothpick. They were really effective, and some of the kids even took them home! 

I've had a couple of questions on how I did the ceiling decorations, which is what blew down in the wind. They were just plastic table cloths draped and blue tacked up, with balloons in the middle. Very effective, but my very tall brothers kept getting tangled in them! Oops! 





Sunday 18 November 2012

Sew Inspiring

I used so many different tutorials, that all links I've used, can be found here on my Pinterest board "Sew Inspiring".

I'm 27 now. At 22 I had a freak out, about getting old. I cried most of the day, and didn't want to celebrate. I've just turned 27, which I realise isn't old, but I've learned a lot since 22. Maybe it's the tribe of children we've had, maybe it's actually listening to my Mum, realising that she knows what she talks about, and following her guidance, but whatever it may be, I feel like I'm happy, really happy, with my life.

For my birthday  mum and dad bought me my first sewing machine, and I'm a bit in love. It's a Brother, with 27 stitches, and came with all sorts of feet, and needles, and bobbins and things to play with.

I'm obsessed. I like to just sit and stare at it until I feel confident  inspired enough to start sewing.

My babies have chunky legs. Yep, I know that was a bit of jump in conversation there, but I feel I need to tell you about their beautiful roly deliciousness. Sophie doesn't really even have knees, she has two fat rolls with a line in the middle. Even Ryan's toes are chubby. Every time I look at them, I'm so happy that they are healthy and plump babies. Looking back at their newborn photographs, while they were beautiful, they were so thin, and malnourished looking. It makes me cry to look at their gaunt cheeks, and stick legs. So helpless and sick looking (not that they were).



Now, they are beautiful seven month olds, chubby and beautifully roly. It's coming into Summer, and it's already nappy and a t-shirt weather so I set about making Some nappy covers.

I went to Spotlight and bought all sorts of awesome fabric, and set about making my own pattern, by stretching out Ryan's bought diaper cover, and attempting to add on a seam allowance and working out the crotch length- and failed. Sophie's cover was far too tight, and had too much going on up the top, so folded under and it was a bit of a fail. But, below is a picture of it... cute, but not right. 


Then I happened upon a fantastic free pattern for The Perfect Dipper Cover (which I hate calling it, because in Australia we call dippers, nappies). 


So, take two was a great success, it really IS the perfect pattern. I made the 6-12 month size, and it's a little big, but they aren't getting any smaller! I chose to use bias binding with teddy bears on it, around the top and leg holes, and I love the finish. I'm so happy that it turned out well... and would you look that those edible legs! 

I've also just finished making Sophie a ruffle bum cover and matching headband. I learnt a lot of new skills doing this one, and I'm so excited with the result. I loved making the ruffles and flowers, and the cover doesn't have bias binding on the leg, just encased elastic, and I was apprehensive about how it would look, but it's still lovely. I can't wait to make some Christmas covers- and maybe even a tutu! 









Monday 12 November 2012

Lemon Cordial- The old fashioned way.

"We have a lot of lemons" is an understatement. I've tried about as many lemon cakes and I can take. Lemon on fish, lemon cookies, lemon cheesecake, lemonade. I've tried to sell them, give them away and now, I'm trying lemon cordial.

This is a very basic recipe. It's tangy, but sweet. The tartaric acid and the citric acid have a great bite, and it's definitely more of a grown up drink. You can mix it with vodka or white rum or tequila and some soda water and you'd have a pretty epic cocktail. You could mix it with just soda water and you'd have a nice fizzy lemonade. Or, you could, like me, mix it with a bit some water and you'll be sipping lemony greatness.

Lemon Cordial- The Old Fashioned Way

Ingredients

2kg White Sugar (4.4pounds)
1 L Water (4.5cups)
30g Tartaric Acid (1oz)
30g Citric Acid (1oz)
500mL Lemon Juice (2cups)

Method

1) Put sugar and water into a large pot, on high. Stir until all of the sugar is dissolved.
2) Add the acids.
3) Take off the heat, and cool to room temperature. This takes a while.
4) Stain and add the lemon juice. Stir well.
5) Decant into some bottles. This makes about 1.5L of cordial.



I hope you enjoy making it... or getting rid of that abundance of lemons! 

xxx

Friday 9 November 2012

Favourite Facebook Business Pages



Over one billion people like and comment an average of 3.2 billion times every day. When you have a strong presence on Facebook, your business is part of these conversations and has access to the most powerful kind of word-of- mouth marketing — recommendations between friends."                                                 Facebook for Business




There have been many times, over the last two years especially, when I've been browsing on Facebook, and come across a local business who has such great and unique products, that I just have to shout about them. Whether this is a simple "like" or a "share" or a status update. 

They are more often than not, Aussie Mums who either import, or craft their own products, or have a trade that they can share. They put their passions to good use, and make a bit of cash folding out of doing what they love.

The go above and beyond when building relationships, and follow it up with great customer service and good quality products.

I personally love the ones, that post user questions, funny quotes and pictures. I love the interactions of an evening, that normally wouldn't happen with a business which makes Facebook businesses seem like friends.

Supporting local people is also a bonus, and when I say local, in this global society, I mean in Australia. Most offer very reasonable postage, or free postage Australia wide. 


So, without further ado, here are Hands Are Full, Heart Is Full's Favourite Facebook Businesses.

HANDMADE 

Dummy Spit- Home made dummy chains 




Tokens Of Love - Hand Stamped Jewellery 



SECOND HAND STOCKISTS 




UNIQUE SUPPLIERS 



BabyBumbinos - both hand made and supplied stock


That Book You Like- lovely gifts for everyone- check out their wrapping section!





SERVICES (Gold Coast) 



PHOTOGRAPHY (Gold Coast) 


(Yes, you would be right in thinking the second picture in this line up is my darling Ryan)


SPECIAL ASSISTANCE 









So there you have it. My list of MUST likes on Facebook. Are there any pages that I should like, that I haven't? I'm sure there are thousands of great Facebook business out there. If you have one, leave a comment below and I'll pop on over! 

Wednesday 31 October 2012

The Worlds Best Holidays

Australia is fairly new at Halloween celebrations. Here, people either love it, or hate it. People who hate it are very vocal on the "It's an American holiday", "Don't teach your kids to talk to strangers" and mostly "It's an American holiday!!! waaaaaaaa"

As you can probably tell, I'm for celebrating Halloween. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm for celebrating anything. After all, I bought a birthday cake the other day and insisted we all sing "Happy Birthday" to Andy's imaginary friends, the Aristocats. Chris was so embarrassed and a bit disgusted, but I felt like birthday cake, and I felt weird eating it without the singing and candle blowing- so we partied.

Tonight, being All- Hallows-Eve we didn't go trick or treating, but stayed at home and put a big "Trick or Treaters Welcome Here" sign out the front. The boys had a blast. They were sitting at the door waiting for the trick or treaters, and they weren't disappointed. Andy's favourite was of course, the wonderful Spiderman. Joey liked (or was a bit scared of) the monster, Chris's favourite was the Mum next door in her pyjamas (Good on you Mum!) and mine was a zombie Doctor with some great special effect blood.

My favourite holiday, of course, is my birthday... jokes, Christmas! I'd have the tree up in November, if people didn't think it was weird. I love Christmas carols, and candy canes and Santa. I love the conversations, which always seem more animated and cheerful at Christmas. I love people wishing me a Merry Christmas. I love door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles. These are a few of my favourite things!

Ok Alisha, too much Halloween chocolate for you tonight.

I was recently chatting with a few of my favourite Facebook friends (sadly this is the only medium we actually chat because we're all so hectic and busy) who also celebrate holidays not traditionally Australian, like the Fourth of July, and one family are going to celebrate all the American holidays!

Now, I'm not saying that Australians should forego their Aussie holidays, but there is something special about the way American (well at least in the movies) celebrate. Parades, and house decorations, family get togethers and fireworks. Seems like a wonderful idea to me. So, I think we either start making our own holidays more special, and/or add some holidays in there.

The first one I propose we add in, is Thanksgiving. This sounds like a legitimately awesome holiday. Family, fire, turkey, thankfulness. I don't want it the week before Christmas though. I'm proposing we have it in Winter, around July. What would suit you? I'm thinking about the 14th? It's about the time we need a bit of a holiday in Winter so we can experience that full and a bit smug feeling emanating from those Northern Hemisphere-ians.

Now comes the tricky part, what holiday do you want to add to our Aussie calendar?  Why? What date? If you're not Aussie, what's your favourite holiday? Tell me all about it! Either comment here, or if you prefer, like our Facebook page, and comment over there. Would also love some Facebook shares, if you're that way inclined.





Monday 29 October 2012

Not So Handy Lishie.

I've really made myself laugh today. I think it's important that I'm laughing, because if not, I'd be crying.

The Girls (Chooks and Duck) haven't got much shade where they now live, and it looks similar to the desert, but less land mass. So, below is my inspiration for a lovely pergola for them. I got the idea here. Isn't it lovely. On the site, the have a simpler form with only three long struts and I thought I'd give it a go... in miniature.




So that's what I did. Except really poorly. I didn't want to cut anything... because I don't know where the saw is in my hubby's shed so I used the off cuts from our pallet fence. It's such an eye saw and I know that he's going to laugh his head off when he sees it.

Chris is all about methodical and quality craftsmanship. I'm all about banging it together and measure nothing.  Needless to say, this will be rebuilt.




See the flat-leaf grass next to the pool? That took longer to dig up than the pergola took to make. I have blisters on my hands and I broke my pink thongs (flip-flops for you Americans). But, it's worth it because they love it.

It's starting to not look so barren.

The square things toward the back of the pen, are going to be planted with grasses and some barley. It's got avery wire over the top, so they can nip at the tips, but leave the roots intact. My uncle did this for his turkeys and they love it.

Pallet Fence

This is another saw it on Pinterest post.

The chickens were enclosed in their little desert/wasteland area by a couple of old pallets fashioned in a tepee lean-to thing and an old gate from Mum and Dads farm that was carefully lent up onto them. It was a pain in the backside to get in and out, and most of the time, they escaped and proceeded to rip up my tomatoes and crap on my patio.

So, Chris set about fixing it, with my beloved pallets. He even made a gate with a latch and a self closer. Yay Chris. <3

He made this with
2.5 pallets broken down and all nails removed
1 length (3m) of 90mm wooden fence posts cut to 1m lengths
6 masonry bolt things
3 U shaped brackets to hold the posts up
6 massive bolts to fasten the U brackets to the timber
Lots of galvanised screws for outdoor use
1 latch mechanism
Some chicken wire (for the gate so they could see out a bit better)
and an automatic closer (which was given to us)

The entire job cost about $30.

If you're drilling into concrete use a masonry drill bit and a rotary drill (not a hammer drill like some recommend).  






Thursday 25 October 2012

The Duck's in the Dog House

Today was the perfect Spring day to go and play outside. Andy, Joey and I decided to revamp the old dog house, that is now the duck house.

Dad and Kurt made the dog house, which is a fairly simple construction, out of some ply board, construction timber and screws. It's raised so it's less likely to get bugs and damp in it. The duck, having legs a *little* shorted than a dog, a ramp was needed, and a change of bedding from old carpet to some hay.


Wednesday 24 October 2012

Monday 15 October 2012

Mum's Fan Pin-spiration

Mum and I share a Pinterest account. I don't think I've mentioned it before. She is such a good Pinner. We have a bit of an issue when people don't check their Pins and both HATE that bicarb soda and vinegar = helium post... so much so, we have to she has to comment on it when we see it.

So, she asked me to Pin her creativity for her. I'm very proud of her efforts.

She revamped her ceiling fan!

What You'll Need

A pretty crappy ceiling fan that's already installed.
Screwdriver (to dismantle and re-mantle- is that even a word?)
Spray on Primer
Spray on Paint for metal (or plastic if you have a plastic fan)
3 sheets of 30cm x 30cm scrapbook paper
PVA glue
Water
Sponge applicator- You can use a pre-made one, OR get a thick sponge and cut it on a diagonal and just use it (it's what Mum did).
A credit card

Method

1) Remove the blades and give a really good clean. Use some sugar soap or dish washing liquid to make sure there is no grease on the blades and the mount. Use your own discretion when cleaning the motor... water and electricity don't mix. Then lightly sand and wipe again to remove dust.

2) Wait for it to dry completely and spray one or two coats of primer on the blades. To paint the motor and hangy-down-bit, use an old cardboard box with a slit in it, to make sure your ceiling doesn't get covered in paint. You might need an extra pair of hands here.

3) When completely dry, give a light sand and wipe. Wait for the water to dry. Spray on the paint in a couple of light coats to avoid drips. Hang to dry.

4) Mark on the fan where you want your paper.  Mix 3 part PVA glue with 1 water in a jar and give it a good shake. VERY QUICKLY apply the glue mix to the back of the paper and on the fan blade, and wrap the paper around the blade and smooth with a sponge and then a credit card. Wipe away the excess glue with a damp cloth. If you make a mistake and rip the paper (like Mum did) get a permanent marker and touch up the rips.

5) Wait half an hour for the glue to dry and then using you sponge apply thin layers of PVA glue mix waiting to dry between each layer.

6) When you're happy with the result, put your fan blades back up and admire your work.





Thursday 11 October 2012

Guest Blog: Welcome My Mum!

This blog is by my Mum. She's been crocheting a lot since the conception of the twins, and has made some beautiful hats, sleeping bags, nappy covers and headbands. You can see all that she has made here.

But, this guest blog is probably the most practical thing she's made for the twins, and she created the pattern on her own!

We're new to writing patterns so if you need something re-explained or clarified, then please comment and we'll get back to you.




CROCHET PRAM COVER 



You will need: 

A 9mm crochet hook.
3 balls of really chunky 8ply wool (we used red to match the pram)

and some basic knowledge of the techniques

Double crochet - DC
Single crochet- SC
Chain - Chain
Slip Stitch- SS
No Foundation Method 
and the Turning Chain Method for moving up rows. = TM

We made this pattern by measuring up a woollen underlay that we already had.

The measurements can easily be altered to fit your specific pram, but I'm fairly sure it should fit most prams and strollers.

The entire size of the underlay is 27 cm wide and 70 cm long.

Mum did a tension square and for her, 27 cm = 28 stitches. You may need more or less stitches depending on the thickness of your wool and needle. So, please alter your pattern to fit the cm measurements, NOT the stitches.


Method: 

1) Use the no foundation method, featured in the link above, to begin. This will be result in a nice and straight bottom of the underlay- do this until it reaches 27 cm (28 stitches approx).
2) Turn using the Turning Chain Method and DC to the end. DO NOT use the normal chain method or your pram cover edging will be wonky. Repeat until you reach 6 cm long.
3) On the row that's 6 cm long, work out the middle. Your aim is to make a hole in the centre to put the clip through. SC 11, chain 6, SC 11. Turn using TM.
4) SC 11, SS 6, SC 11. TM
5) Continue DC & TM until 12 cm long.
6) On the 12 cm row, repeat step 3 and 4.
7) Continue DC & TM until you reach 56 cm long.
8) Now you're making the arm strap holes- You want them to be positioned for your pram, so you could measure it. We used SC 4, SS 6, SC 8, SS 6, SC 4. TM.
9) Then, SC 4, Chain 6, SC 8, Chain 6, SC 4, TM.
10) Now DC until you reach 70 cm long.

To finish. 


Choose your own pretty edging around the pram cover, or just single crochet the edge to neaten it up and make it look finished.

We hope you enjoyed the pattern for the pram cover. If you like it, be sure to leave a comment! If you make it, PLEASE link us to your work.

If you want to share other crochet patterns or pieces you've made, join us on Pinterest!

Sunday 7 October 2012

Great Fun For Kids

Andy and Joey have both taken a keen interest in helping in the Garden. Andy loves planting and watering, and mostly, Joey loves digging and destroying. We recently planted some tomatoes which are coming along nicely.  The trellis is the original gate from Mum and Dad's farm.


I saw and idea somewhere, but I cant remember where, to make seedling trays out of recycled paper, so I thought I'd make it up as I went along and this is how it happened. 

We planted Snow Peas and some little flower I cant remember the name of. I'm such a green thumb. 


Thursday, 25th October, 2012. 

Well, our little seedlings are ready to be put into the ground near our tomatoes! Andy and I like the idea of having a salad garden, like on Pepper Pig! OINK! 



Saturday 6 October 2012

Little Garden Make Over

We had a couple of dirt "gardens" that were attached to the exterior of the house, under the patio, and on either side of our laundry door. I initially wanted to plant them up, but I was worried that termites would see it as an open house invitation, not to mention damp issues that could arise.  

So, we went for a trip to Masters and got some inspiration.

We found three ripped bags of stones, that were discounted from $8 a bag to $3 a bag so we grabbed them and one more, and transformed a bit of a dumping ground, to a nice little feature.

The project cost us $17 because we already had weed mat from building the sandpit.

The little wishing well was made for us by my Uncle Mick to use at our wedding. We lent it to my sister-in-law for her wedding and has since been in the shed. It needs a bit of a make-over, but that's another story.  

Thursday 4 October 2012

Drip Drop POP!

Chris sells plumbing supplies as a profession, and he's quite good at what he does. When we were looking at homes to buy, each one had it's fitting faults, and he discussed them with me... at length... We also discussed... at length... what he would love to put into his own house. Quality products that increase a homes value, both aesthetically and profitably.

The house we bought, like most of the other houses had cheap, plastic fittings, and this would just not do.

He chose these taps, and even installed them himself, which was pretty awesome if you ask me. I love the cross handles, which have a feeling of old-fashioned charm mixed with sleek modern lines. But the thing I love most of all are the goose-neck faucets. The one in the laundry especially screams up-your-self-ness. It's so large and beautiful, and I've often just made a trip to the laundry just to glimpse at the taps.

So, here are some before and afters. Sorry about the poor quality pics, my camera batteries were flat, so I just used my mobile... won't be doing that again.










 
Would you look at that goose-neck! Isn't it amazing!? 



Tuesday 2 October 2012

Getting Rid of Winter Surplus

Today the boys are at Kindy, and the twins are playing happily on a rug outside, so I thought I'd be crafty.

Here in sunny Queensland (Australia) Winter weather is leaving us and it's warming up. While I'm looking forward to the boys first experience at a Slip'n'Slide and reaping rewards from our veggie garden to use in delicious salads, I'm not looking forward to the heat. I know that last Summer, I got sick of storing things like split peas which I only use in soups, and porridge which I only like in Winter and threw them out.

This year, I was determined not to.

Lately the boys have been balancing anything and everything on their heads, from drink bottles to teddies. I remember when I was little, my Nanny had a few little square bean bags that my brothers and I loved. I told Andy about these just the other day, and then I had a brain wave.

Split Pea Bags

These are just little bags filled with the dried split peas that they can use to practice catching, throwing and of course, balancing.

What I Used. 

A4 sheets of felt
Scissors 
Sewing machine and cotton 
2/3 of a bag of dried green split peas 
A jug (I used a gravy boat) 
cookie cutters 







Method 

1) Cut the felt into quarters.



2) Get some cookie cutters, or play dough cutters and trace the shape onto a piece of felt and cut out. Sew onto one felt quarter. 

3) With the picture in the middle (so you cant see it) sew two pieces of felt along three sides leaving an opening at one end to fill the bag. 

4) Turn the bag the right way out and reinforce the bag by sewing along the three sides that you've already sewn. 



5) Fill the jug with peas, and pour into the bag. I filled mine up to about 3/4s full. 





6) Sew the end closed and turn and resew the line so it's extra strong. 




I'm intending on making more of these... but... my tiny machine broke! OH NO! *insert appropriate sad face*





EDIT: The boys loved playing with them when they got home from Kindy.




The next thing that I wanted to clear out was porridge. I had about 1/2 a bag of quick cook oats in the pantry that I really didn't want to waste. On one of my favourite recipe blogs The Southern Lady Cooks posted a recipe perfect for this task. Now, I'm not too keen on the name but I made some "Cow Pattie" Cookies - which I'm now calling "He-who-must-not-be-named" Cookies. Just popping off on a tangent here... but I've just finished the sixth book in the Harry Potter series and I'm a blubbering mess.


My recipe is as follows.

Ingredients 

1 cup white sugar
150g  butter
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 Tbls cocoa
1/4 cup Carnation Light and Creamy Evaporated Milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups Quick Cooking Oats, uncooked


Method 

1) In a saucepan, mix sugar, butter and milk. Bring to the boil and let boil for one minute. 
2) Take off the heat and mix in all other ingredients. 
3) Wait for the mixture to cool slightly and then form into round balls and flatten slightly. Place on waxed paper. 
4) Leave to cool.
This recipe makes about 21 Tablespoon sized biscuits.