More details- The Christening.

Firstly, thankyou so very much for all your kind words and comments about my Christening Post yesterday. The family photos we got are so beautiful and will be treasured forever, and the day was just lovely.

Now I thought I would break down a few details about the decorating, and hopefully answer some already asked questions and a few left wondering at home.

The hanging garland is made of different sized paper circles (and some scolloped ones), that I cut out of Cardstock, just purchased at Spotlight. I randomly picked patterns due to their colouring, and actually used my Cricut machine but last time used different sized punches.

I then got out the trusty sewing machine and zipped up the middle, feeding in circles that I had randomly selected. Then tied them all to a piece of dowel.

The dowel is suspended from the ceiling by fishing line and attached with drawing pins!!

I know, just drawing pins. I didn't actually think it would hold, but my husband reassured me, and this time he was right!! hmmm not good! haha

The other white doily flowers are each hung from a drawing pin too. It was a great solution, minimal impact on the ceiling but maximum impact for the party.

Later on Today I will add instructions on how to create the doily hangings.

The glass candy jars, all at the back (pictured empty here) , were purchased from Target. A few just recently (for like $6 when I gave the tip off on my Facebook page) and a few over time. Cake Stand also a Target puchase but some time ago.

The blue and white Cupcake stand, and trays in the foreground are from Target ( do you think its the only department store we have?!) a while ago now, but they have recently had a pink version that was gorgeous, and perfect for parties! 

The little bottles I used for Choc milk I bought from Sweet Style quite a long time ago. They are gorgeous and used quite often , just for a cute little vase for a single rose from our garden but perfect for entertaining and the kids LOVED them!!  You can also buy similar little glass bottles from Bed, Bath and Table, they are in a pack of 8 I think and are very reasonably priced and slightly bigger if I remember correctly?!

The straws I picked up from our local party shop as my Pink Frosting delivery did not come in time!! ( DO NOT ask, such a sore spot but needless to say I will not be buying from them again!)

The doily bunting across the front of the table I made myself. So easy and seen everywhere around the traps but it never looses its charm. Just buy yourself a pack of small paper doilies, fold in half over a piece of string or ribbon and stick with double sided tape.

Food on the day was kept simple also. It feels like every party we have, I spend the whole time in the kitchen and never get to enjoy it!!  It was nice having the party inside this time. A smaller crowd helped but it was nice to all be in the same area. The weather was too cold to be outside.

I just baked some Vanilla and Chocolate cupcakes,Cake pops, Choc chip cookies,  my Amazing Mum made yummy sandwhiches, and in the centre I used cute paper polka dot cupcake wrappers to make little individual portions of popcorn for the kids! For hot food we had Sausage rolls, Hot Mexican cheese dip and Corn Chips, Spinach and Ricotta parcels, and some little prawn pickies.

Another stress reliever was outsourcing the cake. We love the White Choc Mudcake from our local Cheesecake Haven so I bought one and took it home to decorate myself. A cute paper bunting I made ( 2 skewers, string tied inbetween and little triangles of craft paper glued on) , a cross deco (from the party shop) and a few gorgeous roses. These roses are actually from the top of our wedding cake. We have kept them in the freezer for over 7 years now, but every child has had them on their Christening cake, it feels so special to share the love that we had on our day , with the people we have created.

All our cups and plates were just basic plastic ones , bought from the local party shop. As I said, my package didn't arrive but it didn't matter in the end.

I think that is all I had to say, I did have Cupcake toppers, I made them myself on Word , had punched them and backed them, and forgot to put them out!! I also made the invitation myself in Photoshop , which I was really happy with and saved money also.

As you can see, I spent very little, used things I already had or cheap alternatives at the shop but still managed to create a beautiful display for our beautiful boy.

Any other questions, just let me know!!

The Christening

On the weekend, our darling Angus was Baptised. It was an extremely small affair, just our immediate family and Angus' beautiful Godparents.
If you follow my Facebook page, you would have seen a few sneak peeks! And I have promised photos , so here are they are (photo overload!);

Celebrating our Darling Boys Baptism Day

He seriously smiled. All. day.long!!

And for the decorations at home;

I made these cool hanging doily flowers , and I will do a post explaining how to make them in the next few days! So easy and CHEAP!!

Before we left for the church ;

And half full with food (hot stuff still to come)

Sorry if it was a bit of snap happy photo overload, but I hope you like it.

It really was a beautiful , casual day. Went off without a hitch and it was so nice to be surrounded by our loved ones, celebrating our little boys dedication to being a Catholic.

Any questions? Ask away, or if its easier I can do a explanation post, but I think its better to just look!! The best thing? Our table setting was so well priced, I think it came in around $70 in the end, yet was so affective and stunning in real life. Perfect for a beautiful little boy. xo

The latest craze!

So it seems I have surcummbed to the latest craze for Mummies!
What do they call it ? Mummy Porn? Why its the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon of course!!
To say I was feeling left out , is rather an understatement, as it seems every man and his dog, or rather every woman and her friend, have read or are reading (and getting much pleasure from it too!) the book series!!

Now I am not normally a trend follower! Not on purpose. As in, I don't purposely set out to buck the system and its not out of spite. I am just never interested in them.

First there was the Da Vinci Code. Sounded interesting, and I am sure one day, I would like to read it, but it was a bit too heavy thinking for me at the time of release. I just didn't have the brain space for all that information and speculation.

Then , a few years down the track, came the Twilight craze!! My lord!! People were siding with characters , 'Team Jacob' or whatever ( I hope I refering to the right book here!) and it seemed like yet again, everyone was reading, watching, lusting , crushing on someone or some character.

Now, 2012 craze is the sensual (and I have heard explicit and raunchy) series featuring Christian Grey! Everyone has been staying up to all hours , spending days reading these addictive books. Kids around the world are being neglected ( not really , but you know what I mean) because Mum is busy reading. Apparently you need to just sit down, read them and get it over and done with, get it out of your system.
If there isn't talk at morning teas, its at playgroups, Mums nights out, Facebook banter. You name it , nothing is safe anymore. And now people are trying to pick a celeb to play Christian , if it was to be turned into a movie. Who fits the profile for you?
Whoever it may be , I sense a lot of husbands/partners have been walking around with more than a smile upon their faces lately, so they may not object to their better halves reading such nonsense.


So.... now that the Baptism is done with (post coming with details and pics tomorrow) , I am about to embark on my journey with Christian Grey. Wish me luck, see you on the flip side!

Planning a Baptism

Its been a bit quiet around the Bizzy Dayz traps lately. A combination of tiredness, 2 year old tantrums and party planning , are all keeping me very busy!!

Our dear Angus is being Baptised on the weekend. A last minute booking, as we really should have had him done a few months ago. We have decided to keep the affair VERY simple and quiet. Just immediate family and a few select friends.
Not that we don't think its an occasion to celebrate, because it is, but because in just 4 months ( how sad for Mumma) our darling baby boy will be turning 1 and a big party will be planned and had !
So for now, a quiet morning tea is all that is needed and the rest of the celebrating will be done at the end of October (Halloween to be exact!!)

Even though we are are having a quiet gathering after the ceremony, doesn't mean I can't go to my usual effort of decorating and party planning. The meaning is still there , and it is for my little boy after all!

Again, I am trying to keep the budget very very low, and only purchasing if I really have to. I am fortunate to already have quiet a few props and equipment for Parties, so that helps but so far, I have only spent $68. Most of that being on paper plates, cups , serviettes etc and I did an online order at Pink Frosting. There was so , so much to choose from, and if the budget was unlimited , so so much I could have purchased and the party would look absolutely ahhhh- mazing, but that's not the case.

I have created a board on Pinterest (follow my pinterest by clicking the P button on the right of the page) for Angus' Baptism, and began to pin anything I liked. Soon it became apparent , what I liked and the general look I was going for as I was pinning all the same stuff!
Here are a few pics I pinned;



Source



Source


And of course this;



No one can forget the super gorgeous Christening that Jade ( Super Organiser Mum) did for her son Oliver.

See? It was pretty clear that my colour scheme would be baby blue and white!! So... this week has meant some DIY crafting sessions at night in front of the TV, to create some decorations and bits and pieces. So far I have made gorgeous Doily hanging Stars, a doily bunting , a cake bunting and some cupcake toppers. There is still plenty of more to do , but there is still a few days left, and some late nights to be had!

I'll keep you posted, and after Sunday I will share the table and stockists, and even include some step by step tutorials, as requested!!

Wish me luck!

Mango Fruit Cake

I have been sharing a few recipes around here lately. You are either loving it or hating it, regardless, here is another one for you!! LOL!

I was given this recipe and enjoyed my first taste of it when it was baked by one of my gorgeous friends. She is always trying new things, and whipping up some delicious cakes and slices. Not only is she a great cook though, she is a truly beautiful person, inside and out. xo

The thing I like most about this cake , is it has no sugar!! Or butter and milk for that matter. Its still super moist but is a healthier take on the traditional fruit cake.

Mango Fruit Cake

1 x 425g can Mango slices

500g Mixed Dried fruit, incl Glace Cherries

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 teaspoon Bi Carb Soda

1 1/2 cups SR Flour

2 eggs, lightly beaten

METHOD

Grease 19cm square cake pan and line.

Drain Mangoes over a saucepan (so the liquid is in the pot) , chop the mangoes into small cubes and put in the pot with mixed fruit and water.

Bring to the boil and simmer uncovered for 1 min.

Remove from heat and cool.

Stir in combined sifted flour and soda with eggs and mix well.

Add cooled fruit in pot with all juice.

Pour into prepared pan and cook in moderate oven ( 160degrees) for 1 hour or by testing.

Cool cake in the pan and lightly dust with icing sugar to serve

Enjoy :)

This really is very yummy, my darling husband who doesn't normally like fruit cakes, LOVES this



Sharing the Love (Liebster Blog)

WOW time flies when you are having fun (or busy with little people!). A little while ago I received this award from a fellow blogger, the wonderful Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors!!
I too, like Annaleis, have never won a blog award, so this was such an honour, and I was listed with another 4 bloggers, all wonderful ladies , and with blogs I like to read.

Blogging has become more to me than just tapping away at a keyboard, hoping to feel some sort of relief or debrief from my hectic days with our little children. It is now a part of "who I am". Its what I love to do. Ever since my Year 11 English Lit class where we read the book Lord of the Flies, and studied how it was a microcosm of our society, I have love to write. Stringing words together is more than just that. Its expressing yourself, its therapeutic and I feel so lucky to be now able to start the journey of taking my blog to the next level.

There are a few rules for accepting the award:

• Copy and paste the award on your blog
• Link back to the blogger who gave you the award
• Pick your five favourite bloggers with under 200 followers who deserve to be recognised
• Hope the five chosen bloggers will continue to spread the blog award love

So my 5 recipients are obviously just a few , out the many many blogs that I like to read. I love that all blogs offer something different to the reader. Pick me ups on a down day, laughs when you need it and that inspiration or encouragement to get your shiz organised or get crafting with the kids!
It would be lovely for you to head on over to their blogs, show them some comment love, and see if you like them as much as I do!!

Living on Latte - Kaz is not only a genuine, lovely soul but also has a beautiful home, family and wonderful ideas for organising and crafting!! A woman after my own heart

Life at number 91 - Jill has been an avid follower and supporter of my blog and facebook page. She is gorgeous lady, with 3 gorgeous girls, and she currently has a giveaway running, and some Reno's as well!! Oh dear , busy busy!

Mad Mummas Sweet Randoms - Kell has the BEST giveaways, says some stuff that makes me nod my head and is a lovely lady too!

The Home She Made - One of the fabulous things about blogging, has been connecting with other wonderful women out there that share common interests and tastes. And to me , Clare is one of them. She has a fantastic facebook page, amazing blog and the BEST organising ideas! Thanks for all your inspiration and friendship Clare xo



My Family, Our Home - This wonderful lady Jess, is one of my closest friends. Jess is a VERY kind and generous person, with the perfect knack for decorating and styling! She hasn't blogged for a while, but you will find more than enough inspiration by trawling through her past posts. Just gorgeous

There you have just 5 of my favourite blogs to peruse, they are filled with lots of goodies and wonderful ladies!
Please check them out, and let them know who sent you!
And thank you so much Annaleis for the honour of this award, I think you are pretty special too! ;)

                     

Redecorating Itch

So.... lately I have been feeling a bit of the good old "redecorating itch". Don't get me wrong, I love my house, I love 'most' of my furniture and I love that our house feels welcoming and homely ( well thats what my instagram friends say anyway!! haha)

However, I have never actually set out with a mission to redecorate and complete a room, from head to toe.
 Like totally redo a room.
Set my mind to the task, and do it!
I see so often that people say " I'm redoing the kids rooms" or "we are redecorating the living area" or whatever. Our rooms have always been a work in progress, and probably always will be! Whenever we have a bit of extra money (got an inheritance, sold some shares haha ) we have put it towards buying some of our major furniture items, and of course, the gold old Interest Free purchasing!
The only problem with getting this 'itch" is the lack of funds. Isn't that always the case? Haha.
So I am going to have to be crafty and clever with my dollars, which adds a bit more fun into the mix!
The main bedroom makeover is still a work in progress, there was actually a bit of a big change that sort of throws the makeover WELL over budjet (like the purchase of a new bedroom suite on said Interest Free Finance) so the next project (I know, I know, don't start a new one until the other one is finished) is probably one the most used spaces in our home. Our Playroom.

This is a room that the kids play (derr!) , snack, watch movies for quiet time (amen for quiet time) , pretend to cook me dinner, read books, make MESS and sometimes eat breakfast.
I have never been too precious about this room. I like it to be neat and tidy , and the floors vacuumed ( one day I hope to replace the carpet with lino) but kids are kids, it is their space, and I am ok with letting them eat, drink etc in there.

The only toys kept in their own rooms are their special ones, the rest are in the playroom. Because their Playroom is shared, I don't think its fair that all their toys have to live there. Sharing is definately caring, but so is learning to look after and cherish your own special toys. So this means mass storage as we have boys and girls and ages 4 to baby. Thats the easy part, we already have the storage.

I just want to make the room look more 'pretty'. Seeing as though the Toyroom is infact our formal lounge area converted, the entryway is open wide to the hallway and the main thoroughfare with visitors enter and exit our house. Hmmm, not good when there are Mr Potato Head parts, Duplo pieces and dress ups everywhere!

So I am going to use these awesome new printables from Jen at iheart organizing , for recording my purchases, the items that need to be onsold or taken to Good Sammies.





Available in Post HERE

Now, the biggest decision I have to make in regard to this project (if only it was the biggest that decisions get!) is whether to embrace all the lovely colours that are around in the shops lately, or go with my usual look, beige, white and brown!!

Beige is good, Brown is safe. And safe is always a winner, however this is a kids room after all , and there needs to be some colour! I am also leaning towards more of a grey as the main shade , with accents of yellow (crazy for Liz huh?) But it is a big decision, huge infact, to go the grey option. Eeeek

A few of the things I am thinking are;

This mat from IKEA, pretty good value at $49.95

A new cover for the existing lounge $129.00

And I am thinking some nice curtains, labels for the toy baskets and new throw cushions.

I am pretty sure my wish list is bigger than my budget, but we will have to wait and see!!
I hope to show you some before and afters within the next few weeks!

Wish me luck!

Wonderful Sponsors

I'd just like to take a moment to introduce my wonderful new sponsors and welcome them on board at Bizzy Dayz.
My gorgeous new blog design is Sharnee at Suck My Lolly (funny I know!). Sharnee is so very patient, super duper clever and an absolutely lovely lady to work with! We must of exchanged well over 50 emails in the process of getting the design up and running and everything perfect.
To say I love it , is an absolute understatement! I mega love it, and hope you do too!
So if you are in the market for a new look for your blogger template, please commission Sharnee, you will NOT be disappointed!

Bright Buttons Toys has been my go to shop for the past few birthdays in our home. It is owned and run by the amazing Amanda, an Educational and Development Psychologist, so all the toys stocked are selected based on their high level of education, learning and uniqueness.
For those that know me well, you know that I prefer our children to play with and receive toys that are of a more classic design, wood and educational. Its not that I don't like the toys in the shops, our children do have some, and I do and think they are all great, I just prefer ones that I know will stand the test of time, encourage creativity and don't make annoying sounds!! Little bits of plastic everywhere, toys that break or need batteries. No thanks. Back to basics for us!!
For Max and Lacey Birthday this year, I bought a few goodies and they have been well played with, are still in great condition and are so loved! See post HERE. So I have a few items on the wish list for Christmas and Angus' 1st Birthday later in the year. Just a few are;


Love this Coffee machine, just like a real one!
HERE

How cool is this cash register? Complete with cards, scanning machine and eftpos!
HERE

                                          

Our kids definitely need these, they keep stealing ours when gardening!
HERE

As you can see, there are heaps of gorgeous toys, and soooo many more on the site, so please check it out, and join Bright Buttons Toys Facebook Page

A new sponsor to join me at Bizzy Dayz, is the wonderful Lisa from Giggle 'n' Groove. A lovely local lady who hand crafts the most amazing Jewellery and Hair accessories for you or your little one! I have been wanting one of Lisa's gorgeous pendents for some time now, and now that our family is complete, I am going to get one with our kids names on it. However choosing a design may be the hard part!! I think my favourite is ;



And I love this for my hubby

All jewellery is made to order and there are new designs being released all the time. To stay up with the latest products, special offers and sales , join the facebook page HERE
Lisa is currently running a promo on her facebook page, where you can with the right to purchase a pendant at a discount of over $100!!
AND, but wait , there is more, Lisa is also offering all Bizzy Dayz readers a discount of 10% off their purchases until the end of June, using the Code Bizzy Dayz, in the coupon box!!

And we have the gorgeous Ollie Rose. The girls have joined me for a month or so, and you will remember them from the awesome giveaways that I did not so long ago!
I love purchasing Ollie Rose clothing for our kids, so individual and gorgeous, and its nice to not bump into another child wearing the same thing! Their Facebook Page is HERE.

Thanks for listening/reading my babble, but I am really excited to be able to share the new blog space and next chapter of Bizzy Dayz with some amazing sponsors! I love their products, I am a customer of theirs and I believe in them, and that makes a difference!

A lot is happening in our home at the moment, I am deep into party planning for dear Angus' Baptism , the kids were hit with a touch of the dreaded bug going around and day to day dramas,  but its all go from here!

Disclaimer: I have not been paid to promote these products, they are purely my choice, and what I genuinely would like to purchase. However these Businesses have paid for the right to advertise down my sidebar space. If you wish to advertise, please contact me.