Party Planning Mode

Its no secret that I LOVE to plan and create gorgeous parties for our kiddos. However this party is definitely bitter sweet.
You see, this will be the last first Birthday party that I will plan for our family and cherubs.
Our little boy, will be one. ONE!!
I can not believe it!
Time has flown by , and it only feels like yesterday that I was packing hospital bags and trying to induce my labour.
Now he is a cheeky, adventurous and daring little boy , with a smile that melts my heart.

So , in celebration of his first birthday, I want to create a magical party , that not only looks gorgeous, but is fun and relaxed as well.

When brainstorming for ideas for Angus' party, I started with a colour scheme that I knew I wanted.
Seeing as though his Christening was only a few months ago ( see post HERE) I have a few things left over that I would like to reuse and a few things that were ordered for it but turned up late, so they will be put to good use too!
So starting with a Green and Blue colour scheme, I then had to decide on a theme.
To be honest, elephants was the first thing that sprung to mind but after a bit of thought , I was put off the idea. A good friend held the most gorgeous Elephant party for her little boy and I wanted to do something different.
Then my mind flicked to 'Hot air balloon' party but I have decided to save that for Max and Lacey's party next year, as I would love to use all the pastel colours for the decorations and its a perfect unisex party.

With my love for rabbits ( ok , maybe its an obsession) , rabbits were the next logical animal theme to choose , and that is how the Peter Rabbit theme came about. And the fact that he is our last baby, and he is a boy, it only seems fitting.

So... the theme is Peter Rabbit, with colours of Blue and Green and white.
That is when Pinterest becomes so handy. A mood board is created and lots of images and ideas are drummed up.
Here is what I am thinking;


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A printable party pack has been purchased off etsy and the DIY crafting is about to commence.
Wish me luck!!

PS - I will definitely be sharing the party in a few posts for you after the date. x

Wrapping Station

The inside of cupboard doors are often overlooked when it comes to organising and space saving. Many are in areas that would be perfect to set up a "station" for something or an area of their home that has been an issue. For me , this was our Wrapping supplies and our odd shaped front 'Cloak Cupboard'.

At the front of our home, right inside the front door, we have this cupboard. It is an odd shape, sort of triangular and has just one shelf and a hanging rail. Obviously meant for a cloak and jacket cupboard, but seeing as though we live in the sunny mid west of Western Australia, this is not really needed. Instead it stores my vacuum cleaner, big seasonal items (as in Christmas items that are too tall for storages boxes and other cupboards) and also a few wrapping items.

Insert 'Wrapping Station' Idea!

I like to keep a large variety of wrapping goods and cards on hand all the time. I am terrible for forgetting a card and find it easier to do a pass purchase , for all different occasions/ages/genres etc and store them for the occasions throughout the year. Throw in a few handmade cards ( I use the left over of my Scrapbooking class kits to make cards ) and I have quite a few to store.

All our wrapping and gift goodies were stored in the buffet at our front door, pictured HERE, in the small draws at the top. One for cards, one for wraps , one for other nifty things , but I wasn't able to store large gift bags or the large rolls of wrap. This was an issue.

Until..... I saw this fantastic post from Cassandra on her blog Cassadiva (she has some really really great ideas and full of inspiration!) It was perfect for our little unused cupboard door and I was able to fit a lot more wrapping supplies in too !

As with my inner Pantry door makeover HERE, these baskets all came from Bunnings and are only a few dollars each. I tried to make the most of the door space , and also tried to make sure that if the kids did get into the cupboard (and they have done, and the scissors have since been moved ) that they are only going to play with a few rolls of wrapping paper.

The top baskets are higher, and are perfect for wrapping sheets/ tissue paper/ celophane.

 (All the messy brown paper up the top is the kids paintings. At home I like to get them to paint on a big sheet of brown paper then we use it for wrapping paper )

Then the next baskets are for twine, small gift tins and ribbons (most of my ribbons are stored with my scrapbooking supplies)  And also a small sticky tape dispenser.

And then again, I used the deep baskets for cards, as they come in all shapes and sizes. (I also like to pick up cards on clearance at Typo, they have gorgeous cards)

I then used my trusty little 'S' hooks to hang a little basket (IKEA) for cute pegs, accesories and a pair of scissors ( Like I said, I have since moved them until the novelty of the cupboard wears off)

A Closer view of the ribbons and cards.

And of course, down the bottom, rolls of wrapping paper. I also store a roll of Bonding paper ( for sewing) and contact.  The bar at the top helps to keep all the rolls standing up properly and ensures they don't fall out every time the door is used.

As you can see, I totally copied Cassandras ideas, baskets , everything! But how could you not? It looks fantastic and is totally functional as well! Win /win!

Another great organising project, easy on the budget and simple to complete in just a few hours.

To see more posts from my 'Organising on a Budget Series' click

HERE, HERE and HERE

Do you have any spaces you need to get organised? Let me know and I will try and include them in a feature! But for now, happy organising, hit that Bunnings store and create your own 'Wrapping Station'

An award, and me !

The thing I love most about  my blogging journey so far, is all the wonderful people I have 'met' through blogging and how supportive the community can be.

I have formed close friendships with some absolutely gorgeous women, whom I am very honoured to call my friends. And its so comforting to know, that if and when you are having a hard day, at the click of a button and a tap at the keyboard, there are any number of people there to lend an ear, offer advice and support.
A friend once said to me that bloggers and blog readers have their own little language, and I guess we do. We speak from the heart ( And I have recently learnt that this is NOT good thing) , have codes ( FYI DH means Darling husband not Di*k h*#d) for our beloveds and leave our lives open to criticism and negative nelly's.

Anyway, this award and tag game is to share some bloggy love and show support for one another!

I was lucky enough to be tagged by Lisa at Mummy Manifesto, so please take a few moments to check out her little space.

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

                                               

What is a Liebster? The meaning Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.


THE RULES:

■Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
■Answer the Questions that the person who tagged you created, then make 11 questions of your own for the people you tag.
■Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
■Go to their page and tell them.
■No tag backs!!

11 things about me…

1. I have 4 children, 2 boys, 2 girls.
2. I used to own and run a hairdressing salon, with 7 staff
3. I love the beach but hate having sand everywhere
4. I have a thing for playing with ears.
5. I have always lived in the same town , well, excusing a 6 months when I was a newborn but who can remember that?
6. I used to hate broccoli but now I like it
7. I got Glandular Fever at 16 and left school after missing too much to continue
8. We were 20 when we purchased our first house, a few months after we got married.
9. I like to scrapbook. I like it a lot!
10. My favourite colour is white, yes I know its not really a colour
11. I come across as a very strong and confident person, really I am just a big softy.



The 11 questions Mummy Manifesto have for me to answer:


1. Where would you like to travel before you die?  Absolutely. I'd love to see Paris, walk the winding alleys of Venice again (this time without an 18 month old in a stroller, sick as a dog , pregnant with twins!) , strut my stuff in Manhattan ( Sex and the City style) and relax on a sandy beach in Tahiti. But our time will come


2. High Heels or ballet flats? Hmm I'm definately a Ballet flat kind of girl now. Aren't they the Mummy uniform?

3. Where did you meet your partner-if you have one? My partner of 10 years and husband of 7 1/2 actually met through a mutual friend, at a teeny bopper party. haha

4. What was your first car? A red Daihatsu Charade hatchback. I had fluffy leopard print seat covers and a loud radio. Plenty a time that car was filled to the brim with girlfriends, cruising around town, music blaring and singing our lungs out!! Probably to Sk8ter boy!

5. What is your favourite blog and why? Ohhh gosh , I have so so so many favourites. I read different blogs for a different reason. Some for organising inspiration, some for craft ideas for kids, some for their heartfelt honesty! I can NOT narrow it down!

6. Favourite dessert? I don't really have a favourite. I like all deserts, haha . I don't like cream or custard though! Strange huh?

7. When was the last time you wore red lipstick and why? Only a month or so ago, I love red lipstick. So classic! My husband and I went out for tea for his birthday !

8. Who are you inspired by? My friends, my family. But most of all, my parents.
    They instilled good values and worked so so hard when we were kids. My Dad worked 4 jobs , nearly 20 hours a day, to give us the life. They have been together since they were 12 /13 years old and are my constant source of strength and support.

9. Worst subject at school?  Chemistry!! I hated it. Needed it for what course I wanted to do at Uni, yet hated every minute.

10. What music do you clean your house to? The same music I listen to on an everyday basis. I just put my iPhone on shuffle and away it goes. Meaghan Smith, Frances England, Sister Hazel, Little Birdy Anything!

11. What motto or quote do you live by? Be yourself, Everyone else is taken!


                                                         

The 11 questions I have for everyone;

1. White or milk chocolate?

2. What and where is your favourite place on earth?

3. What is your favourite TV show?

4. What is your favourite song?

5. What quality in yourself, do you think is the best?

6. What is your fondest memory from your childhood?

7. Favourite food?

8. Something that you do religiously?

9. A funny habit you or someone you know has?

10. Place you would like to see one day?

11. What sort of car do you drive?


And last but certainly not least, the 11 bloggers I pass this on to;

1. Living on Latte

2. My Heart, Your home

3. The Home She Made

4. Life at Number 91

5. Mad Mummas Sweet Randoms

6. Cassadiva

7. My Pigeon Pair

8. Life as we know it

9. Get on with it Already!

10. The Life she made

11. Ollie Rose


So share the love, show your support and check out a few of these amazing women and their place they share :)

For the love of Insta.....

I am addicted. Probably more than addicted to my daily fix of Instagram.  I love seeing those small snippets of peoples lives , all through  the view of a small lense. There is something pretty special about it.

For those of you that aren't aware or familiar with Instagram, it is an Application that you can have, for free, on a smart phone. Its similar to Facebook, just without chatting, all photo based, but with comments and following.

The best thing? The editing and cropping options that allows you to turn a seemingly average photo , into something pretty speccie! Try hard photographer or what?!

Anyway, just for a little Saturday Fun, a peek inside a few of my recent Instagram pics.

Wearing coloured jeans for the first time! VERY big for me, I wasn't too keen on them, but love them now!

The sweet view of our biggest princess, reading quietly in the reading corner.

Little performers putting on a show for me! Complete with fairy dresses and  pink microphone!

A tagging game of Polka dot counts! I love love polkadots and here are a few of my favourites

Darling boy, wanting to walk too soon!

Hmmm the thing about boy/girl twins? They share everything!! Even big sisters dance costume!

I love our family walks. And this is when Lacey desperately wanted to ride her big sisters bike instead of sitting in the pram!

Twins = Double cuddles. The best

And a clean and sparkling house , ready for a home open!

See... small snippets of everyday life.

Love it

Pantry Door Organising

Its back! There are still plenty more places to organise and plenty more ways to save money and I am determined to find them! So here is another installment to the Organising on a Budget Series!

After reaching breaking point with our Pantry, trying to squeeze everything in, I decided enough was enough. Something had to happen to free up some space and the only option was on the doors.

We are fortunate to have a double door pantry, I understand that this is a luxury that most people don't have, however , we now have to store gluten free and normal options in most pantry items, plus school snacks and baby type foods. This doesn't leave much room and its like an organised chaos!!

Organised chaos or not, its not good enough for me! ha

So a few weeks back (its taken me that long to photograph and compile this post) we headed to Bunnings and purchased a handful of these wire baskets.  I love that they are easy enough for me to put on myself (without the need for hubby's help as I am not that confident with a drill) and also cheap as chips to buy ! Each basket is no more than $4 and can be put just about anywhere.

The space inside the door , between the shelf , was just wasted and unused and these are great at storing all those little bits and pieces but still allowing the doors to close properly  (just make sure you avoid lining them up with a shelf).

So now our Pantry doors look like this ;

Perfect spots for breakfast spreads , oils, and even the Glad Wrap and Al Foil down the bottom (just use a taller basket)! I also popped a stick on hook to hang our aprons and plastic bag holder and sent away for the hooks for the freezer bags.

The opposite door is more for spices and baking supplies. The food colours are up high and away from little fingers ( could you imagine the mess they could create!?). As are the patty pans, jelly packets, sprinkles and all packet of flavourings and soup mixes. The top 2 racks have been there for some time and are from Howards Storage World but all the bottom ones are new.

Spices are kept at the bottom and I hope to eventually have them all in the small Tupperware Spice containers, but budget allowing of course!

Easy, less than $15 and so much more space now! And we tend to use more spices now as we can see them!

Do you have any nooks and cranny's you can pop a few wall baskets and free up some space and organise at the same time?

More Organising on A Budget posts HERE, HERE and HERE.

Toy Room Labels - PRINTABLE

Do you remember our Toy Room Makeover and post?
How could you forget , right?!

After the awesome responses and feedback about the room and decor , I was pretty chuffed. Its so nice to know that everyone feels the same way you do, about kids new space.

However, as much as you all liked the entire room, I had so many comments on the gorgeous labels that I used on the toy baskets.

And they do look pretty awesome, but I can not take credit for them. Not one little bit.

The super gorgeous Bianca from a little delightful was behind the cute little labels, and being the kind soul she is, they have just been launched as a printable!!!

Print them, laminate them, punch them, hang them, tape them, contact over them.... whatever you do , they will organise a room and add such a uniform and tidy look.

The kids love the labels, and so do I . Whenever we have had play dates, they have made the pack up , so much easier when everyone knows where things go!

They labels are now available to download, you can find them HERE

And , better still,  they come in a few lovely colours, to match your decor.

So thanks Bianca, you are one clever lady ! x

Washing Powder Update

At the end of July, I did a post on my new budget saving project and recipe for Home Made Washing Powder, you can find the post HERE.

I thought I would do a quick update on how we are going with it, and also how it is lasting, therefore the cost effectiveness.

Well , by my calculations in the initial post, I predicted that the tub of powder would last our family around 13 weeks, because of how many loads we do per week.

8 weeks on, and the Powder tin is only just reaching below half way level and we have been really really satisfied with its efficiency
The powder cleans well and if we continue along the same way we have been, I think it would last nearly 4 months. Not bad for $26 and not a lot of effort!

Tell me, did you make the powder ?

How are you finding it?