Cuggles!

A good home

2011-04-12T00:28:00.000+10:00

Remember after the floods I was coordinating donations of baby things from our Playgroup to give to someone? Well we found a beautiful new Mum-to-be and she gratefully collected our donations this morning. She has 7 weeks to go before welcoming a little boy into her family.

Happy nesting new Mummy.
xxx Kim

Finished!!! The Girly Girly Quilt

2011-03-29T23:57:00.000+10:00

It's finished!

I'm not any kind of quilter but this was FUN. A lot of work even in this simple construction but fun nonetheless. I even bound the edges properly with mitred corners and a perfectly joined binding... if I do say so. I made up the pattern for the top - it's just vertical strips about the width of our floor boards - easy to run your scissors along! I found this article a lot of help with the binding. I followed all the instructions except I started at the back of the quilt folding the binding over to the front of the quilt and then top stitching with the machine. I've said it before, I do not hand stitch things.

By the way, I did finish it in time for Little Miss Cuggle's 3rd birthday a couple of weeks ago. : ) Kim

Raw Honesty

2011-03-10T14:18:00.000+10:00

The Fairy Garden Great Aunty Cuggles Made

Am I just lucky? How often do we tell our family how very much we love them?

It was Great Aunty Cuggles' 60th birthday on the weekend and the whole family congregated up the coast for a party weekend. During the birthday dinner, Granny Cuggles (my Mum-in-Law) got up to tell her sister (the birthday girl) how much she loves her. In addition to acknowledging Aunty's achievements Granny told some stories about tough times in their childhood that they came through together. If there were any dry eyes when Granny sat down, they soon overflowed when Aunty delivered her reply.

Aunty had a stack of photos in her hands and as she spoke she passed around a picture of the people she was talking about. She recalled lots of happy times but also recognised some sad truths that aren't often talked openly about. There was no negativity, just statements acknowledging different situations and perspectives.  She finished with a photo of her dear Dad. He passed away a long time ago but remains a solid presence within the family.  I never got to meet 'Papa' but feel as though I know what he was like because he is talked about so often and with such reverence.

I'm feeling very philosophical this week about how lucky I am to have married into such a wonderful family. I've just written love notes to Granny and Aunty to tell them so.  Yes, I know that sounds corny. : )

PS. Isn't the fairy garden so cute? We found these minature table and chairs buried under the overgrown garden when we bought the house 2 years ago. I saved them knowing there'd be somewhere for them eventually. When Aunty was helping with the new baby last year she put this little garden together for my daughter in between cooking, cleaning and organising us for a week.

xxxKim

Normality? The peasant blouse

2011-02-12T22:44:00.000+10:00

After that last post I wanted to start off again with something a bit more 'normal'.

Complete with sweet little strawberries (thank you for the fabric Great Aunty Cuggle) I made one of these easy tops for Little Miss Cuggle a while ago. Just thought I'd share.

There are a few tutes out there but I used this one from Indie Tutes.

(I'm still going on the quilt but the way, wondering if it's too ambitious to finish it for mid March when Little Miss turns 3).

Kim

Ipswich Part III - The Guilty & the Getting on with it

2011-01-17T01:16:00.000+10:00

It seems everyone I know is out helping with the clean up in some way. With two small children to care for, one still a baby being breastfed, I know it's not feasible to be out there doing the 6 hour shifts.  But I still feel hamstrung and horribly guilty.

We've helped some friends while they didn't have power, so would anyone. We've donated some toys, and basic provisions, as so many others have done.  I've baked bickies which I know were a welcome gesture, but still didn't seem like much.  Then a friend said she had met an expectant mother 'Alix' who was only 6 weeks away from having her baby and had lost everything in her home. So within our playgroup I put my hand up to coordinate a spreadsheet of baby goods that we can pull together for this woman. Between us we have just about everything she will need, but sadly have now lost contact with her. There'll be someone else we can help, we just have to find them.

... But I just feel like I'm fighting inertia doing bits here and bits there.  I baked more bickies today which I'll take to the volunteers somewhere tomorrow, and then I'll just keep baking I suppose. (Linda suggested I check out this blog about Baked Relief - nice to know others think this is a good idea).

You know what else I feel guilty about? Moaning about how I feel guilty.  So I'll finish with something funny: Little Miss Cuggles came into the kitchen tonight and tried to take a bickie from one of the trays cooling out of the oven. I said 'No darling these aren't for us, these are for the volunteers'. She looked at me as though I was a complete idiot and said 'No Mummy, they for eating'!

Scary times in Ipswich Part II

2011-01-13T00:34:00.000+10:00

Feeling shell shocked this evening. I went to donate some supplies to the evacuation centre after the kids went to bed. I desperately needed to do something as we are so safe and dry here. I was driving through the car park and stopped alongside a family who were just tucking their little girl into a makeshift bed in the back of their ute. She was about the same age as our little one, also with blond curls. I started to cry as I asked the father if there was anything specific they needed. We had already given what we felt we could from our own supplies but I was ready to come home and strip the shirts of our backs when I came face to face with this little family. I'm happy to say they were ok, in good spirits and had already gotten what they needed for the night from the stockpile of things already donated.

I had included some home baked bickies that some girlfriends and I made together this afternoon. I felt a bit silly handing over our few little bags of bickies when I saw the boxes and boxes of food that had already been donated as well as knowing they wouldn't go very far toward the 1500 people in the facility .... but it just felt like something positive we could do. The feeling of needing to 'do something' is too hard to describe for now.

Everyone I know who is safe is feeling the same way. We're grateful for ourselves but quite distressed about our friends who have been affected and what the extent of the damage is going to mean now, especially about the health concerns. There is so much to be done on such a huge scale.

I came home and bawled on my husband's shoulder when I got home from the evacuation centre. I keep thinking about that family sleeping in their ute and how positive they were.

Scary times in Ipswich

2011-01-11T22:20:00.000+10:00

We are very lucky our house is in a high position here in Ipswich with all this flooding. We're not far from the evacuation centre, the roads are eerily quiet but every so often there is the sound of a helicopter taking off or landing and the occasional siren. Even though we're in a very safe position it's hard not to feel very frightened. I keep wondering how we would ensure the safety of a baby and a not quite 3 year old if we got into any trouble with flood waters. We heard from friends tonight who had to be airlifted to safety and others who have been evacuated from their homes.

Meanwhile we have been trying to watch the news without having the big girl watch too much of it and trying to stay sane while trapped indoors with no chance of a trip to the park, the train museum (a favourite place) or even the supermarket. It's too dangerous to venture out anywhere and most businesses won't be opening anyway. Tomorrow is supposed to be the worst of it so we'll spend another day checking on friends and family and figuring out what kind of help might be needed.

Definitely cuppsy tea times.

Thanks Cute as Buttons

2010-12-08T10:26:00.000+10:00

Thanks Lisa from Cute as Buttons! It was very exciting to win your blog comp and even more exciting to open the parcel ...

A custom made tee and hair slide for Little Miss Cuggles

A gorgeous bib for Baby Cuggles

Some fabric and ribbon to play with

...and a brooch for me from Jettas's Nest.

Happy days.

Butterflys, Frogs, Bees and Bugs

2010-11-09T13:22:00.000+10:00

A belated and excited 'Thank You' to the talented Giuseppe Poli for these gorgeous cards. They arrived several weeks ago as a blog competition prize and I love them too much to use them yet.

xxx Kim

Making Fairy Wands

2010-11-05T15:16:00.000+10:00

While the Baby Boy Cuggles slept this morning, the Toddler Cuggle and I did something fun!

We started with these Fairy Wands with stars that Great Aunty Cuggles sent up -

Then we traced around the stars onto some scrapbooking paper

Mummy cut them out

Then we pasted the star shapes onto our wands with homemade glue and a paint brush

...and waited impatiently for them to dry!

While they were drying Mummy cleaned up all the mess and fed the baby while Toddler Cuggle had her lunch and watched a Tinkerbell movie. : )

Making Glue

2010-11-05T14:49:00.000+10:00

The Toddler and I did some craft this morning but I didn't have any kid-friendly glue for our project. I remembered mum used to make a flour and water mixture and so gave it a go. It works surprisingly well - here's how.

1) Put about a tablespoon of flour into a jug;
2) Add a little bit of hot water (from the tap) at a time and keep stirring until you have a paste;

3) Add more hot water until you have about 3/4 of a cup of glue, the consistency is similar to what you'd do for making gravy, just runny but not too watery.

I've decided that I'll be saving money and reducing environmental damage by using this glue for all our simple projects. It works well and is truly non-toxic, so that makes us happy. : )

Post baby creativity - girly girly quilt

2010-10-21T15:03:00.000+10:00

I'm still here!! Just thought I'd share a peek at what I'm working on for the big girl's new 'Big Girl Bed'. Our little Girl Cuggle is the kind of child who insists on wearing dresses and skirts to bed over her pj's.

Must fly, time to feed bub. All still good here.

xxx Kim

The 2 Hour Labour ...and Beyond

2010-09-16T22:03:00.000+10:00

Do you think he's going to be tall??

Yep, a 2 hour labour, an incredible experience. Our little Blue Cuggle is here, he is gorgeous, he is adored. I thought I'd share the birth story if you'd like to hear it.

It was very early, 2.11am when I woke up to realise my waters had broken. I put a maternity pad on, then crept back to bed thinking I could get some more sleep. Then, gush! Back to the bathroom for another maternity pad. I was just lying down again, being careful not to wake Hubby Cuggles who I knew would turn every light in the house on and start ringing people. Hubby stirs, with one eye open he asks if I'm ok. When I tell him he sits bolt upright but I convince him to lie down with me thinking it might be hours yet.

A few minutes later at exactly 2.31am I get the first labour pain, 3 minutes later the next one and the next one. They were serious contractions too, there would be no hanging around under the shower at home or pacing the floor. Hubby springs into action. He goes to call the hospital and the people looking after our toddler. He then comes back to ask 'before I ring are you sure your water has broken?'. I was incredulous. 'YES! GO AND RING THEM NOW!!'. I could have drop kicked him.

Thank God the hospital is only 2 blocks away. We arrived about 3am and went directly to the labour room. Directly after the midwife and hubby take a nice moment to have a chat and a laugh that is. Meanwhile I was doubled over the reception desk patiently waiting. When we got into the labour room the midwife did an examination and I remember her saying with genuine empathy, 'Oh darlin', you're already 7cm'. Well. No bloody wonder I was feeling edgy about getting in there.

I then spent most of the next hour or so hoovering on the gas. The obstetrician assured me it was distracting me though when it was time to push and I gave it up. With some reassurance from the obstetrician and midwife and my husband allowing me to crush his hand with every push, I did actually feel confident and in control throughout the pushing phase. It was exactly 4.31am, 2 hours after the first contraction when our little boy was born and we instantly fell in love with him. He went straight on my chest and proved he knew his way around a nipple very quickly. He has continued to be a good little feeder.

He is 5 weeks old now, he is very sweet and calm and is getting beautifully fat. His big sister just loves him, she often says with a note of urgency 'I need him!'. Which means she needs to kiss and cuddle him. She is still adjusting but so far any wayward behaviour has not been directed at her baby brother.

I'm feeling really good in myself. I'm lucky to have had a straight forward birth and have recovered pretty quickly. Emotionally I've figured out that the only way to stay sane is to always be 2 steps ahead, so there aren't a lot of spare moments for luxuries like blogging/facebook/email but we are mostly keeping on top of the basics and not feeling stressed. Life is good in the Cuggle House.

Thank you everyone for your nice comments and for the facebook messages and well wishes.

Hope to get back here soon. xxx Kim.

A Very Special Announcement!!

2010-08-10T08:48:00.001+10:00

Hi there friends and followers of Cuggles Creations, its Kylie here from Chasing Purple Dreams. I am honoured to have been asked to make a very special announcement here on behalf of Mummy Cuggles.

Yep, you guessed it; the littlest Cuggle is no longer in the oven!!!! A little blue Cuggle has been delivered safely into the world and all reports have him listed as perfect. Toddler Cuggles has taken on the big sister role like a duck to water and Mum and Dad are ecstatic.

There will be a little break in transmission here at Cuggles Creations as they all enjoy their Babymoon. Then we can all look forward to seeing what new Cuggles Creations this little blue bub will inspire!

Congratulations once again guys and welcome to the world little Cuggle, I can’t wait to meet you and have a cuppsy with your Mum.

While waiting to give birth....

2010-08-06T00:11:00.000+10:00

I'm still here! The Cuggle oven is due to ding in 7 days and I've spent the last couple of weeks offline.

My belly, last week.

While waiting for bub to arrive, I've been sleeping when the Toddler Cuggle sleeps but also have been caught up with other things...

The Cuggle has been in undies for the last 5 days. She's doing really well, though when visiting the Art Gallery today we discovered that the bathrooms are 2 floors down from the Kids' section. Apparently my little Cuggle is not the first to wee on the carpet - derr!

Bunnies salvaged from a stained bib, ready to sew on some training undies.

I got the birds up on the wall last week -

Click the link above for the tutorial

Making my Mum-in-Law's Vegetable Lasagne. I had planned on posting the recipe yesterday so I could play along with Emma's new segment of Easy Peasy Dinner Winners where you can find and share some really good family friendly and easy recipes. But, I decided to just be pregnant instead and try another time.

Layered and ready for the oven

Made another easy recipe, Melt and Mix Honey Cake from an old issue of Donna Hay Magazine. Toddler Cuggle and I enjoyed some for our morning tea picnic in the back yard the other day. Definitely another recipe which I'll have to share at some stage. If you fancy making it in the meanwhile, check out the DH Website.

Melt and Mix Honey Cake, yes the fruit got eaten too!

Finally, I spent hours on the phone to plumbing people on Tuesday because our hot water system broke on Monday night. Thank goodness for great neighbours who let you bath your toddler at their house, shower yourself and send you home with an 'American Brownie Fudge Cake'.

Now, back to more waiting....
: ) Kim

My Creative Space: Witchy Woman Tea Cosy meets Scotsman

2010-07-22T07:35:00.000+10:00

Remember my mad client who is married to a Scotsman? She loved the kilt-apron and chef's hat so much she requested a matching tea cosy for him... and one with a witch on a broomstick for herself!

What a wicked sense of humour she has.
Oh, and speaking of, this very same witchy woman saw me yesterday morning and predicted the baby to arrive within a few days. At 37 weeks, I'm not sure whether to question the quality of her 'eye of newt' or to finish packing my hospital bag!

Thanks again Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space.

Farewell Handmade Heaven, for now.

2010-07-20T13:06:00.001+10:00

Today is my last day at Handmade Heaven before our newest Baby Cuggle arrives.

I don't really feel sad, the shop is a wonderful happy place where customers are relaxed and in good spirits. If they're rushing to find a last minute gift they appreciate help and ideas. If they're in for a play and a looky at what's new they often stay for ages, chatting and admiring all the gorgeous handmade things.

Gratuitous shot of Crayon Roll by Cuggles!Kids.

A freestyle crocheted beanie by Kylie. I barely took mine off my head last week.

One of many gorgeous little outfits by Rachael. She finds the best vintage fabrics!

If they're new to the shop, they gush over what an amazing find it is and when they leave, it is with the promise of coming back with their girlfriends, their husbands, their mothers, sisters, aunties or their kids.... and they do and they become one of 'our regulars'.

Why not visit Liesa's beautiful shop or blog to see so much more. You can make it into a good shopping expedition with sustenance just next door at di.licious.

Thank you Liesa for your friendship, your vision, your flexibility, your trust. I always have so much fun here and today will be no different.

Big hugs and kisses,
Kim : )

At My House: Fun Stuff, Trackies, Fire and Scrubbing!

2010-07-19T11:41:00.000+10:00

We've had a break in routine today and are staying home instead of doing our usual Monday run around. I've made Toddler Cuggles a colouring book (instructions at the end of this post) to keep her amused while I nest/clean/bake today, ....

We will crack open the cinnamon scented, glitter playdough (purchased from Kylie through Handmade Heaven) a bit later...

And because it's a bit chilly, we have the fire going and have let the dog inside to indulge in the warmth with us.

TO MAKE THE COLOURING BOOK:

Time: 20 mins including time for answering the question - 'What are you doing Mum'? over and over.

I googled Free Colouring Pages, chose a few images and printed them out.

Then I covered a manilla folder (tea cup fabric that I've been saving for just such a project). I sewed the fabric on in the same way you'd attach contact. I also folded the raw edges over on the inside (see top picture) twice just to make it neat and ironed it before sewing on the longest stitch my machine does.

I added some ribbon through the slits where the bendy tie thing would normally go on the inside to hold the pages in place and so we can keep adding to it. (Again, see top picture).

Must be time to get some more washing out of the machine. Why don't you visit Lou's to see what else is happenning today.
: )
Kim

My Creative Space: My first Tutorial - Little Birds

2010-07-15T08:55:00.001+10:00

Making these little birds is part of my whole 'nesting' thing. As promised yesterday here's the tutorial. These are pretty quick to put together, about 20 minutes if you do one at a time, so probably quicker if you do a few in bulk. I've added pictures and some more detail to an already good pattern which I found here.

LITTLE BIRD TUTORIAL

1) Download the pattern, print it and cut out the 2 paper pieces.

2) Cut out your 2 fabric pieces, note one piece is on the fold.
I used medium size fabric scraps (quilting cotton). My scraps are all shoved into bags, so I made sure I ironed the fabric well before cutting. This made sure my pieces lined up nicely as there is a bit of shaping to be done. Don't worry, pretty easy though.

3) Right sides together, pin the pieces together along one side.

Start with the tail and finish where the dot is marked on the pattern. It's a bit trickier than pinning two straight lines together but quite easy if you do this - pin one small section at a time, not worrying about the next bit ahead. Bend the fabric over your fingers one way or the other to allow the curved edges to line up.

4) Sew along where you've just pinned.

The pattern says to use a 1/4" seam allowance. That's just over 0.5cm. I used the edge of the machine foot as a guide. Don't make it too narrow because you don't want the stuffing to bust the seam.

5) Pin and sew the other side together in the same way as Steps 3 and 4.

This is what it looks like now.

6) Pin the head seam. Sew together using the same seam allowance as before - about 0.5cm.

This is what it will look like now. *Note that the tail end is left open.

7) You might want to clip/notch the curves now but it's not really necessary. Turn it right side out and use a knitting needle (or something similar) to gently push out the point of it's beak and all the curves.

8) Stuff wadding/tontine through the tail little bits at a time:

I'm no expert but I take off pieces about as big as 1 or 2 cotton balls, fluff it up just to separate the fibres slightly and then push the first bits right to the end to fill out the beak and so on. I use a bit of a massage technique to make sure the stuffing is firm, but not jammed in there too tightly. If it's too tight, it will still work but will probably end up lumpy.

Here's what it should like like now.

9) Sew the tail closed:

I'm pretty sure most softie experts would tell you to slip stitch (hand sewing - agghh!) this section however I did no such thing. I folded the ends in about .5 to 1cm making sure the edges joined neatly, then put it under the sewing foot and sewed as close to the edge as possible. No picture of this I'm afraid so you'll have to trust me that it works. It won't be invisible like hand sewing but is probably stronger.

10) Admire your efforts and make yourself a lovely cup of tea for being so clever.

Hope you found this useful and fun. Please let me know if you have any trouble and I'll do my best to help.

Thank you Kirsty for hosting this fun game of My Creative Space.

: ) Kim

Nesting: The Woman's Way

2010-07-14T11:11:00.000+10:00

You may remember Hubby has been nesting. Now, at 36 weeks it's time for show and tell about how I've been preparing...

...creating some special things...

Tutorial for these little birds tomorrow!

Pictures from a 20c op shop book, in $1 op shop frames, painted white.

...enlisting help to move furniture...

(Thank you Tash)

.... scrubbing the kitchen in a mad frenzy late at night (not a good sign with 4 weeks still to go).

... and, um, falling asleep at every given ......zzzzzzzzzzz. Huh? Time for a cuppsy tea?

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the little bird tutorial. : ) Kim

My (first) Creative Space: Bribery Reward and Corruption

2010-07-08T09:40:00.002+10:00

This is my first time playing along with My Creative Space. It seems too much fun not to join in, so today is the day! I hope my 'creation' qualifies.... it's a bit different to my usual sewing efforts.

I recently created this Good Girl Chart to tackle some challenges with our Toddler. It is very free form as you can see. My first instinct was to divide the page into sections for each day, but this seemed more age appropriate to just have a big space for sticking and more sticking. It is working wonders for us! Every morning Toddler Cuggles gets a sticker for not having called out to Mummy and Daddy in the night; another one if she hasn't called out after we leave her room when she goes to bed; and a sticker every time she doesn't squirm or kick my very pregnant belly when changing nappies.

Before starting the chart the Toddler Cuggles and I talked about how it works and I asked her what prize she would like to have after she gets lots of stickers. She decided on a cupcake.

After a week of collecting stickers we set off to Di..licious and the very proud Good Girl showed her sticker chart to the lovely Renee in exchange for a cupcake with a dinosaur on it. We then went off to playgroup where she ran around showing all the kids her stickers and saying 'I not to call out Mummy and Daddy in the night!'.

Wow, what an impact. I like to read into this that perhaps we've taught our daughter about setting goals and how good it feels to achieve something you want. Perhaps, but then, she's 2 and a bit, maybe it is just FUN! Either way, we're all happy.

Thanks for the game Kirsty. Time for a cuppsy! : ) Kim

A Dinner that cooks itself: Donna Hay Baked Mushroom, Bacon and Spinach Risotto

2010-07-07T13:26:00.000+10:00

I LOVE any dinner that can be thrown in the oven and forgotten about until it's time to eat. This recipe is a favourite in our house, there is a little bit of prep on the stove and then it all goes in the oven. Recipe following below if you want to skip over my tips.

My tips for streamlining this dish:

1) I ask my butcher to take the rind of the bacon and roughly chop it up for me so I don't have to do that part. (I also ring him when I'm around the corner from his shop and get him to deliver my order to my car as I go past the back door. One less 'in and out' involving a child and a car seat!). Gotta love good old fashioned service.

2) Make sure you use Aborio rice, may be an obvious statement if you're a seasoned cook. I'm not the best of cooks and I did try substituting normal rice once. It works but takes longer to cook and the result is not as nice as a proper risotto.

3) We have a big 'stove to oven' pan with a lid that I use for this recipe. If you have one I recommend using it as there is less clean up and saves time transferring ingredients to an oven dish.

4) I shared this recipe with a girlfriend who is a great cook. She uses porcini mushrooms and I think she said gruyere cheese... it takes it up a notch in terms of flavour. If I don't use these ingredients, I use a good amount of salt to season at the end.

The recipe - Donna Hay – Baked Mushroom, Bacon & Spinach Risotto

Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
300g button mushrooms, roughly chopped
4 rashers bacon, rind removed, roughly chopped
1.5 cups Arborio rice
5 cups chicken stock
2 big handfuls of spinach leaves
1 cup finely grated parmesan
2 tablespoons butter
sea salt and cracked black pepper

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add garlic, mushrooms and bacon and cook for 5 minutes/ until browned.
Place in a ovenproof dish with the rice and stock, stir to combine. Cover with lid/ aluminum foil
Bake for 40 minutes or until most of the stock is absorbed and rice is al dente.
Stir through the spinach, parmesan, butter, salt and pepper.

You can also see this recipe on the DH website.

Nesting: The Man's way.

2010-07-06T12:32:00.076+10:00

Pic from Flickr - no copyright
Help! Only 5 weeks to go until bub number 2 arrives and my husband and I are both in nesting mode. I was sick in bed on Saturday with a cold, leaving Hubby and Toddler Cuggles to their own devices. I'd normally be at work on a Saturday anyway, but when I got up in the afternoon... the house was sparkling! How did he do it with a toddler underfoot? He won't tell me the secret and assures me there was no TV involved. I'm sure I heard a tanty at some stage, but nothing disastrous.

Hubby had vacuumed and mopped all the floors, polished the furniture (something I never do), tidied away all Little Miss Cuggles' toys, clothes and general kid-stuff and oh yeah, rewritten my menu plan for the week! (I let it slide because of how the house looked, because Toddler Cuggles hadn't come and jumped on the bed or disturbed me all day and because he chose only Donna Hay recipes. He is wonderful at times. (So far I've resisted the temptation to blog about when he's not!).

Will do another post about how I've been nesting soon. For now, it must be time for a cuppsy.

The Making of a Master McChef

2010-06-30T15:16:00.000+10:00

One of my favourite clients is married to a Scotsman who has recently started cooking at the age of 60. She loves a good joke and asked me to make him an apron with a kilt attached. "Hmmm" I thought, how am I going to do that?

Well, I got some tartan, worked out how to space some knife pleats...

fashioned a sporen (Ha!) and attached it all to a standard adult's apron. Here's the finished product! Oh yes, and the matching 'Master McChef' Hat of course.

I wonder if he has snags or haggas on the barbie?

Either way, I'm off for a cuppsy tea (and a Nenish Tart). What?
: ) Kim

My friend Barb and her Ginger Kisses Recipe

2010-06-11T15:36:00.000+10:00

Meet my friend Barb. She's from the 80's I think, and not quite what she used to be.

Barb and I met at our local op shop a couple of months ago and since then she has happily assisted with lots of lovelies like these Ginger Kisses for example. Recipe below.

And yet, she doesn't like to oblige every time I ask for her help. If I ask her to cream butter and sugar in the big bowl instead of the little bowl, she flings big chunks of my ingredients all up the wall and onto the floor. At least I know her limitations... and sadly, she matches the decor of our kitchen. One day we'll win lotto and get rid of the ugly gumnut tiles and green laminate.

Here is the recipe, I found it online ages ago and unfortunately don't know who to credit for it. It's a goodie anyway.

GINGER KISSES

Ingredients

125g (2oz) butter

125g (2oz) sugar
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 egg
225g (8oz) flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1/3 cup milk

Method
Cream butter, sugar and golden syrup. Beat in egg. Sift in dry ingredients, add milk and mix with a metal spoon. Place teaspoonfuls on greased trays. Bake 10 - 12 minutes at 200ºC. Fill with mock cream flavoured with 1/4 teaspoon lemon essence.

MOCK CREAM FILLING
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sifted icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence/lemon essence

Method
1. beat butter and icing sugar to a cream

2. add vanilla/lemon essence, stir in well
3. sandwich between 2 Ginger Kisses.

Yum!! Enjoy with a lovely cuppa tea. : )

How to stop yelling at your kids

2010-06-08T15:45:00.004+10:00

Pic courtesy of Muhawi001

I've realised lately that all Mums yell at their kids, or have wanted to at some stage. It's being talked about amongst my friends, at playgroup, in the shop and being blogged about. I'm as guilty as the next person when it comes to yelling. We often feel infuriated, stressed, rushed, exasperated, frustrated and many other things when our children don't behave the way we want them to, when they flat out ignore us, defy our requests, make unreasonable demands, take far too long to put a pair of shoes on..... I've noticed something funny though. My Toddler Cuggle is so often a well behaved little angel on a Friday.

Fridays are the only day of the week I don't have hard and fast plans. No strict schedule, no 'hurry up', 'quickly', 'we're going to be late', 'where have your shoes gone?'. Fridays are protected with my life as a No Rules Day. Sometimes we have baking days so we have something warm from the oven for our morning and afternoon tea, sometimes we stay in our jarmies and allow the TV to go on for extended Wiggles watching; sometimes we go to the park or we make play dates or Toddler just runs around in the back yard while I potter around hanging washing and just doing normal things. Sometimes we have to run errands, but whatever we do I keep it casual and I try to make my little girl the focus. I ask her what she wants to do/wear/eat and take the attitude that it doesn't matter how long anything takes. These are the days where I really appreciate my child's budding personality, her jokes, her quirks, her ability to be so sweet and considerate. I get lots of spontaneous cuggles and kisses that are usually only reserved for Daddy. (He's the stereotypical fun one).

I know I'm among the lucky ones to have the luxury of an entire day like this most weeks and I'm sure things won't be so easy once the 2nd one arrives in August. It wouldn't be reasonable to allow 'no rules' days too often either, our kids might end up with rotten teeth or square eyes. We'd be late for work, they'd be late for kindy or school and everyone would be cranky from not being fed on time and not being able to find anything in a very messy house.

The moral of the story though - if we can find a little bit of time here and there to focus on the child/children and not on the clock, we might all feel a bit calmer and happier, and less like a psycho-mother like I do sometimes.

Not that I'm any expert but this Dr Cuggle also recommends a damn good cuppa tea when all else fails. : )

At My House: Heirloom Pumpkin Gnocchi with Tomato & Olive Sauce

2010-06-03T11:40:00.000+10:00

This is my first attempt at pumpkin gnocchi, any gnocchi actually. It tasted good, but I did run into some trouble getting to the end result. Preparing the dough was fine, but making the little shapes requires a fork and a flick of the wrist that I haven't quite mastered. We'll definitely be having this again, so time to practice next time.

I used this recipe, cooking my pumpkin by baking it in the oven for half an hour or so. We were given an heirloom pumpkin from our interstate visitors recently, they bought it from a farmer in Kyogle. Apparently he sets up his truck outside a servo there if you know the area. It was beautiful, the flavour was so distinctive and reminded me of the roast pumpkin Nan used to include with our Sunday Roasts.

There are other things happening at our house this week, however I'm doing that stupid, unproductive thing where you have a toddler on your lap thinking you can type a quick post and keep them happy at the same time. I've pulled her fat little hands off the keyboard and mouse a few times now. I think it time for a cuppa tea and a nice story with her cuddling in next to me.

Happy Anniversary Mr Cuggle

2010-05-28T15:47:00.000+10:00

It has been 4 years and 1 day since this stolen kiss between you and I Mr Cuggle. I love you dearly.... even if you are pain in the neck sometimes! Like when you agree to go to Melbourne for work on our anniversary. You were forgiven the moment you kissed me sweetly on your way out at 5am yesterday, leaving me a love note like you always do. Counting the hours til you get home this afternoon ya big boof.

xxx

At my house: Making Toddler Headbands

2010-05-25T10:55:00.000+10:00

Here's another 'midnight special . After Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters I felt sudden inspiration. I made this as a thank you for a client's little girl who is having a birthday soon. It matches one of the personalised tops I made her last week.

Thanks again Lou for the 'At my House' game. The pattern and tutorial for this headband can be found on Heather Bailey's Blog. I used about 9.5cm of elastic including allowance for seams to fit a 2 year old. I made the band width narrower than the pattern and the elastic under the knot is designed to be exposed but I think I can do something about covering it the next time I make one. Overall, pretty happy with the outcome. : )

Donna Hay Banana & Coconut Pudding

2010-05-21T13:56:00.001+10:00

This is a new favourite that we enjoyed by the fire. Sounds romantic doesn't it? Well it wasn't, our beautiful Toddler Cuggle and our Puppy Cuggle were enjoying the warmth of the fire too. It was a nice family moment. : )

This Donna Hay recipe adheres to my strict standards to be called a favourite - yummy, easy, fast and requires only 'normal' ingredients that are likely to be in the house. The recipe is on the Donna Hay website but I notice they've attached the wrong picture. I know because it is in the Winter 2006 DH Magazine (issue 28) where I got my pudding recipe. The website picture is actually of 'Winter Trifle with Spiced Custard'. Might have to try that one next time. Yum.

Customer Service - Do you care?

2010-05-19T16:41:00.002+10:00

I like to give credit where credit is due, especially in customer service.

This morning I was once again helped with my experiments and odd sewing questions by Vanessa at John Watts Sewing. (I have no affiliation with this business other than being a happy customer). Today I needed a clear 'thing' for my machine as I was finding it hard to see what I was doing with small pieces of applique. Vanessa doesn't even roll her eyes when I forget everyday words thanks to my baby brain. Things like 'you know, that thing under the needle that holds the fabric'. A foot maybe? Yes!

Vanessa and her colleague found a second hand one for me as they are no longer manufactured for my old, but loved machine. Vanessa has always offered practical solutions and explains things simply regardless of my question. There's never any hard sell, just good advice in my experience.

If you're a local to Ipswich and haven't yet discovered John Watts Sewing, I can highly recommend you visit. I always get a park right outside the front door too, they're opposite Booval Fair Shopping Centre on Brisbane Road outbound.

Happy sewing. I'm off for a cuppsy before tackling dinner.

At my house: Personalised kids gear

2010-05-17T14:37:00.002+10:00

I love a new project. These personalised Tees and PJs started with a request from a Daycare Mum.

This long sleeve, soft cotton top is a bit more interesting with a little lady's name appliqued onto it. This will be delivered this week along with 2 others, hope the girls like them!

These flanelette PJs for a little man feel so 'cuggly' I'm tempted to make some for Hubby Cuggles... and then some for myself!

Thanks again Lou, I always like playing along with 'At My House'.

At my house: Sewing Room Challenge

2010-05-11T14:51:00.062+10:00

Sewing Room
Originally uploaded by yvestown

I'm at work today, which is like my second home but our house has been getting some ruthless treatment. With a new baby due in August my nesting instincts have kicked in.

The challenge is my sewing room. It is also the study/office, ironing room, folding room, storage room and sometimes guest bedroom.... AND we want the baby to have that room.

The answer -

I've stored some fabrics in the shed;
Given books to Vinnies;
Moved plastic tubs of Hubby's paperwork to the shed. (Love you hubby - but you don't read my blog do you?);
Refolded and sorted remaining fabric by colour and type. The goal is to have all my sewing things fit into one cupboard, then it can stay in the corner, or be moved elsewhere.

I'll relegate myself back to the dining table to cut out and need to decide on where I will sew, the dining table or keep a desk in the baby's room. Sigh, if only Hubby Cuggles would convert our garden shed to a sewing studio, paint it white, buy me new things and make it look like the one in this picture!

I think its time to go next door for a cuppsy tea and a cupcake. : )

Thanks Yvestown for the room inspiration and Lou for the 'At My House' Game.

I have 2 Mums

2010-05-09T12:35:00.002+10:00

First there's the beautiful woman who gave birth to me and raised me. She taught me how to sew, to have good manners, to value family and to always be honest. I got my sociable nature from her, my brown eyes and warped sense of humour. She forgave me for all the horrible things I yelled at her when I was a teenager and she drove me to Brisbane with my flatmate-to-be and her Mum when we left home at 18. Our most important possessions were packed into a Ford Telstar with the 4 of us girls for the 5 hour drive to Brisbane. She cried when they drove away, I was too excited and saved my tears for later. Mum is still interstate and I have my own family now, but we see each other as much as possible and talk on the phone. She is vibrant and generous and I'm proud when people tell me how much we are alike. I love you very much Mum.

My second Mum is on loan from my husband, but I think I'll keep her. She tried in vain for a long while to teach me to cook and reluctantly I started listening about the time our baby was born. Between her and Donna Hay, I'm doing alright. She's also taught me how to menu plan, to organise our paperwork (and how to bring a wilful man into line!). She has done so much for us since the arrival of our daughter I can never thank her enough and I know my Mum is grateful too. She is a strong woman who I admire and am lucky to have as a Mum in Law. Love you too Gran.

Big kisses for my 2 beautiful Mothers. XXX

...and then I got this

2010-05-06T13:54:00.000+10:00

My precious girl did this at Daycare the other day. Often the artwork goes on the fridge for a week or so and then goes in the bin. Not this one. The gorgeous carers at the centre my toddler goes to know what these things mean to a Mummy, even if the kids don't get it yet.

If I had any left over ill feeling from Tuesday it's gone now. Family is what matters most.

Coincidence or Copying?

2010-05-05T17:28:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I was extremely peed off. I discovered that there is someone out there, doing something so similar to Cuggles, that I just couldn't believe it was a coincidence.

Today I reminded myself about my previous life as a corporate recruiter. I took pride in being successful and professional, I didn't give a hoot what the competition were doing. It was just irrelevant to me, even when I would hear about the tricks some of them got up to. It never mattered because I knew that I would just continue to do the right thing and karma would sort things out.

I've decided that I'm going to keep that same positive attitude for Cuggles and I'm honestly going to give the person the benefit of doubt.

Here's cheers being original.

Late Night Pinny

2010-04-30T01:48:00.000+10:00

Another hard-wearing little number for day care.

If I do say so, I think this will be cute with little leggings and a long sleeve top underneath in winter. The red skirt got a thrashing in the sandpit this week but came out of the wash looking new again.

Must go hang this on Toddler Cuggles' door so she can gush over it in the morning!

Friday Beers with Kids

2010-04-23T15:10:00.000+10:00

I do love a beer, a nice dry pilsener would be so refreshing right now. Life has changed though, these days I'm home with a toddler on a Friday arvo and beer now means baking...

I've just whacked this in the oven - 3 cups SR Flour and a stubbie. Half an hour at 180 and I'm expecting a beautiful loaf of bread. There's heaps of variations of this on Google. I'll leave a comment later to let you know how it turns out!

Warm and Happy

2010-04-21T17:09:00.000+10:00

I love it when a project turns out the way I imagined.

Warm winter colours for the not so wintery Qld weather. And.....!

It's totally reversable!!! I know. I'm too cool for school.

This is part of a growing Cuggles! wardrobe for Toddler to sport at Daycare, it's hard wearing, can get paint and playdough rubbed in without too much staining and best of all it looks good. Poor little girl and her own clothes were coming second to my paying projects for a while.

Sigh.... so happy.

At my house: Donna Vs Nigella

2010-04-20T10:04:00.000+10:00

Superior styling, concise instructions and proven results vs. good styling, verbose instructions and unknown results. That's what I'm pondering this week, as a loyal Donna Hay girl I have recently been tempted by Nigella with her 'Nigella Express' program the ABC is running. I've strayed so far as to borrow a Nigella book from the library, but I keep choosing my tried and tested Donna Hay recipes. Donna really just puts a bit of sophistication into everyday ingredients 'Express' version of Nigella seems to rely on pre-prepared (good quality) ingredients in order to then throw something together more quickly than you could have otherwise. I'm not going to cross over anytime soon, maybe just have a little dalliance at some stage.

Are you wanting lovely warm breakfasts with this cooler weather? We recently had house guests and I thought it would be very domestic to serve up a good ol' pot of porridge to start the day. I turned to a copy of a DH mag from Autumn last year and found 'Vanilla Porridge with Honeyed Apples'. Have a look at the DH website for the recipe. I hadn't made this one before but can advise that when doing the honeyed apples, high heat doesn't necessarily mean the highest heat your burner can go up to. Oops. I can also advise that if you want an even quicker version of this idea, you can grate some apple into the porridge toward the end of the cooking time and stir in the vanilla and honey as well. DEEELISH.

If I break out any Nigella recipes I'll share those experiences too, just to be fair to the poms. You can visit the Nigella's website by clicking this link. Be aware some recipes are submitted by readers, not Nigella.

Thanks Lou for inspiring this 'At my house' sharing game.

Using Beautiful Things

2010-04-18T13:35:00.001+10:00

This was my Great Grandmother's green and white spot jug. I got it because I love it, I've had it for years, carefully packed and moved to different houses and States, waiting until I felt I was a grown up, with a grown up house in and a grown up life so I would feel justified using it.

Well, don't know about being grown up, but hubby and I are in our mid-thirties, with a toddler, a baby bump a dog and a mortgage. So, the dust was rinsed off and some fresh and beautiful smelling lavender and pretty looking (but funny smelling) flowers now occupy the jug. It is in our bathroom to be admired every time someone goes in or out. It's been said before but the simple things really do bring the most pleasure.

Do you have any treasured items like this you love to use?

Is it that time? I'm off to pop the kettle on and contemplate what other beautiful things can come out of hiding around here.

PS. One day I'll figure out some photography basics, the picture really doesn't do justice to the true colours.

Fun-ny

2010-04-14T22:28:00.003+10:00

These Crayon rolls are really fun to make, I got on a bit of a 'roll' and delivered a supply to the shop, Handmade Heaven last week. Not an original concept, but I do quite like mine because it folds over at the top and then rolls up - stops the crayons falling out in my handbag. As with most things, the desire to make something like was inspired by Toddler Cuggles.

We were supermarket shopping at the time. She shouted 'No man! Don't touch!' as an elderly gentleman went about selecting his cereal from a shelf in the same aisle as us. She screamed 'WIGGLES!!!' as we went past the DVD display, on it went. Oh yes, and she pulled at my dress, looking down the top, pulling it up at the hem trying to see the baby in my tummy. That's when I dropped a bag of sugar which went everywhere and I had to find someone and explain ourselves so it could be cleaned up. Ok, it was pretty funny.

Not one to be controlled a 2 year old, I have mastered my straight face and can calmly ignore or suggest distractions when the tanties despite who is around and how loud she is, but geez it can be draining! So I decided those little eyes and hands needed to be kept occupied and created my first Crayon Roll for the little darling. I certainly need my cuppsy after those kind of shopping trips.
PS. Do you like the new look of my blog? I love it!

Mrs Fixit

2010-04-13T14:13:00.000+10:00

Did you think I didn't love you anymore when my link vanished from so many of your blogs? I recently 'broke' my blog. I had logged on during a quiet moment at work, (the lovely Liesa is happy for me to do this) and from then on, ALL the blogs that I follow showed Liesa's blog profile instead of Cuggles, sorry Liesy. After getting no response from the Blog Help Site, I took matters into my own hands and think/hope I have fixed the problem. Here's a picture of Handmade Heaven where I work part time. Isn't it a cute little place?

Easy Dinner

2010-04-08T12:51:00.000+10:00

Here's a great recipe that my Mum made often and that I have recently started making for my family. We always called it Ki Si Mein at home, though I suspect the authentic chinese recipe (if one exists) wouldn't use curry powder! Despite that, it is really yummy and easy, Toddler and Hubby will both eat it, a sure winner, and it has protein, veg and carbs all in one dish:

NANNY CUGGLE'S KI SI MEIN - SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 large brown onion, chopped roughly
2-3 sticks celery, sliced
1/4 large cabbage, shredded (I know, cabbage - trust me)
500g beef mince
1 tblspn curry powder
1 pkt chicken noodle soup, plus 2 cups water
2 - 3 tblspns rice
1 cup frozen peas

Method

Heat some oil in a large pan and cook onion till soft;
Add mince and cook til browned;
Add curry powder, celery and cabbage and stir well;
Add soup mix, rice and water, give it a good stir, then cover and leave on low heat for 20 mins, it should be simmering gently;
Throw peas in and stir, leave simmering for another 5 mins or until rice is cooked.

All done.

*My toddler is a pretty good vege eater but I'm pleased and surprised she will go so far as to eat cabbage in this dish. Hubby, well, he's a bit of a 'snobby princess and the pea' he will eat lots of things, but they have to be a certain way. For a while I refused to pander to him but in the end I got jack of seeing him raiding the pantry for something other than what I slaved over. That's when I sat down with him and wrote a list of all his favourite foods and recipes (he is a very good cook, so I'm compteting with those expectations) and started noting the other dinners I make which he will and won't eat. Saves money, time and frustration all round.

Oh Knickers!

2010-03-30T15:00:00.000+10:00

How is this for charity? A lady in Haiti recently adopted 5 orphaned kids and an Ipswich local, Amanda is doing her bit to help. Amanda makes these really cute knickers (see pics here) and is giving her knicker profits for the month to her friend who adopted the kids. If you haven't got your ladies or kids size knickers yet, come into Handmade Heaven in the Old Flour Mill or contact Amanda on her facebook site. Good on you Amanda, you're an inspiration.

Another Cuggle in the Oven

2010-03-25T13:25:00.000+10:00

Yep I'm pregnant again. : )

This little Cuggle is due mid August. We're waiting until baby is born to know if it will be a little brother or sister for Toddler Cuggles.

I've been very lucky and have felt really well throughout the first trimester - just incredibly tired. We're at 20 weeks now and I have much more energy back. I find myself spending ALL of it each day as I know there's not long to go before the tiredness will return, and then there will be a new baby to love.

xxx Mummy Cuggles.

Birthday Girls!

2010-03-19T14:30:00.000+10:00

Our beautiful baby girl, Toddler Cuggles, is 2 today. Hubby Cuggles and I went a bit overboard with presents but the squealing and wide eyes at 6.15am were worth it. Our other gorgeous girl, Puppy Cuggles turned 1 yesterday so she will enjoy a lovely cupcake this afternoon with the rest of us.

(I'm hoping my cupcakes which are yet to be iced will look like this, the recipe is from my fav cupcake book, Crabapple Bakery Cupcake Cookbook 2007).

We've had a great morning, playing with all the new things, including this slightly wonky handbag that Mummy made late one night and which has already been carted to the butcher and back filled with books.

I think I've been a really good Mummy today, so I'm off for a well deserved cupsy. : )

Kicking and Screaming

2010-02-22T13:56:00.000+10:00

Not Toddler... me. Kicking and screaming I've ended the boycott and finally joined facebook! No idea what I'm doing but have somehow managed to create a fan page and link it to this blog, and seem to be a fan of myself! Hmm, modest. Gawd, this calls for a middle of the day cuppsy.

We saw a baby Owl

2010-02-19T12:47:00.001+10:00

We saw a real live owl this morning! Toddler Cuggles and I visited our favourite shop this morning (who happen to be having a giveaway btw) and saw a baby owl with beautiful big brown eyes. He was sitting on the other side of the railing at the back stairs. We had a good close look at him before Toddler got excited and scared him away. No photos I'm afraid, but here's a Cuggles Owl I made a while ago.

I'm doing it!

2010-02-15T13:55:00.001+10:00

Look at me go - I've been sewing! My brand spanking Gingher scissors are smooth as silk, such a dream to work with after the old pair. More photos soon to show you what I'm working on.

Might need a cuppsy to get through this kind of inspiration without needing this -

Sweet Lovin'

2010-02-14T23:47:00.000+10:00

Hope you had a sweet lovin' Valentine's Day. These Valentine bickies I made looked like just the thing to go with a cuppsy and a cuddle .... but tasted awful! I like to stuff something up now and then, it lets me know I've experimented too far away from the recipe. : )

Potty fun, or not

2010-02-07T15:21:00.000+10:00

No sooner was I off the crutches than Toddler Cuggles was definitely wanting out of nappies. It started by 'accident' on Monday. She ripped the nappy off, as she has been doing a lot, so I put the potty out and when I saw the tell-tale 'about to wee' position I raced her to the potty. Bingo, a wee! Half an hour later she brought the potty to me to show me she'd done it again all by herself. I thought we were both pretty clever at this point. Then she went of to daycare for 2 days, where they are wonderful and gave her lots of opportunity to practice, though with not much success. On Tuesday night she did a poo in the toilet, mid bath time and was really excited to flush and wave bye bye poo and to wash her hands. Since then we've had less success, with only one gold star on the potty chart.

My poor baby caught a cold Thursday and has been miserable. I don't mind saying I've coped pretty well with the irritability and the aversion to taking medicine. I even kept calm when she did what she did today. I put her down for her midday sleep, then she took her nappy off and had diarrhea through the cot and, somehow, on the floor. Yep, it happens with toddlers, yep, she is sick. But this is not the first time we've had midday baths and sheet washing sessions because the damn nappy doesn't stay on. Even Granny has had a turn in dealing with this at her place. So that's why I think I've done well to get the hot soapy water and mop bucket out with patience.

I was less controlled when 10 minutes after being returned to a freshly scrubbed bed with clean sheets my little angel took her nappy off again. Luckily I got a new one on in time but she was told to put that head down and to stay quiet because I wouldn't be coming back till she had a rest! Of course she then needed a drink which I gave in to and then called for other things but eventually fell asleep. Sigh, been so busy I've only had one cuppy tea today!

*PS. I had been out on Friday to stock up on some all in ones with snaps at the crutch, if these don't work I'll have to try a modified straight jacked for her bum. : )
* PSS. Very soon I'll stop procrastinating and will have some sewing to write about.

Thanking Mr Wonderful

2010-01-19T14:58:00.000+10:00

How do you thank a beautiful husband? Hubby Cuggles has been coming home from work, cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen, washing the clothes, tidying the house, keeping up the house cleaning, attending to Toddler Cuggles when she wakes in the night, and falling into bed, exhausted, at midnight. That's usually just when I ask for a drink of water. In the morning he gets up, empties bins, puts more washing out, makes all our breakfast and changes Toddler Cuggles nappy before having his shower, ironing his shirt and hopefully getting to work on time.

Yes, we have had lots of help from friends. Yesterday the girls changed all the sheets, put another load of washing on, hung more washing out and made all the food and drinks for the day. When Hubby Cuggles got home there was a little less to do, but still it must seem never ending to him. I know how to thank the girls, but how do you thank the Man in your life? I have written him a love note which I will tie to the dog's collar so when she wags her tail and runs out to greet him tonight he'll receive my letter via puppy post.

When I can drive again I'll go out and get him a present or organise a baby sitter and take him out to dinner or something.

Tell you what though Mum's, I know it's been questioned many times before but doesn't it make you think (again) about how the hell we do all this stuff during the day while looking after kids and some of us working and running businesses as well? Perhaps I'll need a present too!!

Lucky break!!?

2010-01-16T22:16:00.000+10:00

Being a BIG procrastinator, I hadn't been able to decide on which topic to blog about as a first post for the new year. Then I broke my foot (well, chipped a bone) on Thursday. I thought that's as good as any place to start, here's a nice picture to illustrate....

It was my turn to host our regular Thursday playgroup and all I did was step off the back deck, onto the grass, with a bucket of water to fill up the kid's pool. It's one step down, onto a flat surface yet I fell over and some say they heard a crack! Still cannot believe I did it. The moral of the story is, I'm doomed to crutches for a while and all the girls have put themselves on a roster of mornings and afternoons to come over and help with Toddler Cuggles and whatever else needs doing. They all have at least one and many of them 2 small kids of their own, including newborns, but are still willing to find time to help. That's why I cherish their friendship so dearly. Whenever any of us are in need, the rest gather round without hesitation.

Yep, it is an absolute pain in the butt to be incapacitated, especially at this time of the year with so many goals and desires and 'to do' lists, however it has really made me think about how grateful I am not only to have such great friends, but to generally be a fit and healthy person who takes it for granted that this is only temporary.

There is a small perk to this situation - all cuppsy teas are made for me and brought to me. : )

Sunday morning blogger

2009-12-13T20:59:00.000+10:00

I started this blog at 6.30 am today thinking I would actually get it finished before the pitter patter of little feet demanded my attention, hence the title - good one, it's now after 8pm. 'All day blogger'? 'Sunday night blogger'? 'The frustrated blogger!'

Anyway, above is a gardening apron which I was very proud of, it is sporting an enormous flower brooch and being modelled by Hubby Cuggles' golf clubs. This was my gift to give at the Bloggette Party a couple of weeks ago. (Yes only blogging it now, naughty Mummy). I loved how it came together and was a bit sad to give it away... until Bec who received it wrote a blog about how much she loved it too. Good on you Bec, you're very welcome.

Thank you Bubba Chenille for my blogette party gift! A beautifully scented wardrobe sachet, a patchworked pin cushion and a cute little book to keep track of expenses - goodbye dog-eared envelope with receipts stuffed in! Hello chic organisation.

There has been lots of other things happening which I could have blogged in the last week or 2, no photos of course. I think I'll make a New Year's resolution to be a better blogger, I need to schedule myself for a regular time to make it happen and I need to carry the camera with me everywhere.... and remember to use it of course.

I will just mention that I delivered my best work yet to the shop on Friday, 'Little Chef' Aprons and matching 'Little Chef' hats - Aprons are either crisp white with soft pink/white polka dot pocket or vice versa and the hats have the soft pink/white polka dot band with crisp white tops. The aprons are lined in crisp white. Of course aprons and chef hats are my thing but these are particularly good if I do say so. One set sold as I was hanging them up! I will take some pics on Tuesday while manning the shop.

Now, where is that Hubby Cuggles with my cuppsy!?

An award? For me?!

2009-12-02T14:04:00.001+10:00

Thank you Liesa for nominating me for this award!

This is what I'm required to do:

1. Copy picture and post on your blog.
2. Thank the person who gave it to you and link to their blog, thanks again Liesa from Handmade Heaven

3. Write 7 things about yourself we don't know, ok -
i) I can't cook but I can bake!
ii) I used to have a belly ring (pre baby!)
iii) I love storms
iv) I grew up at the beach and can waterski
v) I took my Dad skydiving when he turned 50
vi) I get myself a Xmas present every year (this year I'm getting new scissors from the Cuggles! fund.)
vii) Mum taught me to sew when I was about 7 or 8 and I topped the class at school for home ec (sewing, not cooking) in Grade 10.

4. Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to and (5) link to their blog. Here they are:

1 Created By Kylie

2 Just this side of Chaos

3. Buttons by Lou Lou

4. Little Brown Doggie

5. Gemma Joy

6. Holi Goddess - Great time to check this one out as she just happens to be having a giveaway of gorgeous vintage bunting at the moment.

7. Sunny Street Designs

All good reading and lots of positive energy coming from this lot.

Please let me win!

2009-11-26T21:50:00.000+10:00

How good would this be?! Retro Mummy is giving away 12 Fat Quarters. Think I'd wet myself if I won.

Energised!!!

2009-11-26T21:25:00.000+10:00

If I do say so myself, these 'Little Chef' Hats are pretty damn cute. Of course they will be available in Handmade Heaven with their matching aprons. I am on a roll in the sewing room after indulging in that momentary meltdown last week. I'm pretty excited about some new orders too, thank you to my 'Brisbane Sales Rep/Warehouse Manager'. She is the best kind of employee as she doesn't get paid! Thanks again Granny Cuggles!!

I'm also working on a surprise gift to swap at the Blogette Party Monday (see the Handmade Heaven site). Can't tell you what it is yet but I think I'm going to need one for myself as well.

In addition to all this creativity I will be at Handmade Heaven on Saturday and Sunday this week looking after Liesa's beautiful shop. That means I'll be busy the next few days so better have my cuppsy and keep sewing.

Asking for help

2009-11-25T05:52:00.000+10:00

I have always been fiercely independent, however after the birth of our little girl in March 08 I quickly learned to accept help. Thank goodness I did because last Friday I really needed it. This is a bit of a long blog post, but it does have a moral...
We’ve had a lot going on lately, some good, some not. Daddy Cuggles is well now, he was a week in hospital, home for a day and then off to a conference interstate. Toddler Cuggles and I went with him because as luck would have it, the conference was being held near my home town, a popular beach holiday spot. We had a lovely time, were home for a day and then had to have all my Cuggles creations ready for the Handmade Expo the next day. Thanks to the beautiful Kylie for manning my stall while I ran the shop. To make life interesting we have had a few other things happening as well which we are still dealing with.

So what happened last Friday?! It was the day before the Expo and I gratefully accepted an offer for Granny Cuggles (mum in law) to come and help with Toddler Cuggles. I also roped in a girlfriend to come and cut out fabric hoping her toddler and mine would entertain each other. Instead, my normally happy and easy going toddler told her little friend ‘NO NO NO’ all morning and in between doing that would bash on the baby gate to the sewing room having massive tanties. Oh and our house looked like it had been ransacked it was so disorganised. By lunch time I lost it. My girlfriend had taken her littlie home, mine had complained loudly about sleep time and I stopped dead in my tracks and cried on Granny’s shoulder. It wasn’t about the tanties, it was the build up over the last couple of months of lots of different things and the Friday tanties broke the camel’s back. Granny took Toddler Cuggles home to her and Pa Cuggles place for sleep overs that night. Thank you Gran, I feel sane again.

The moral of the story is, it’s good to ask for help. I know lots of other mums who, like me, like to delude themselves they are a super mum. That's all very nice when things are going well but not very realistic 100% of the time. Most importantly, never ever think you’re too busy for a cuppsy tea!

Mailman has been! And more boardys.

2009-11-11T14:18:00.000+10:00

When parcels like this arrive in the mail it is like winning the lotto for me. A very dear lady, Great Aunty Cuggles (hubby's Aunt) sent these fabrics and patterns left over from when she was sewing for her little girl. There is so much potential with all of this I can't wait to get into it!

Meanwhile, I'm in the middle of making up heaps of boardys as I only have one pair left in the shop! I'm ambitious but hope to get these together by this afternoon, then casings, elastic and hems tomorrow.

Hmm, Toddler Cuggles is sleeping and I'm on track, so maybe time for a cuppsy while sewing!

Heavenly New Job

2009-11-08T23:34:00.000+10:00

Being so excited about my new job at Handmade Heaven, starting yesterday, I had my little lunch and my big lunch packed and my bag all ready and waiting at the door on Friday night. The only thing I didn't have was my piggy tails, might wear them next time!

I had a great day chatting to customers and handmadies and making sure everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the store and choose their goodies. Some were buying gifts, but just as many were picking up special things for themselves. It certainly is a busy little place, I'm going to enjoy my Saturdays and Tuesdays there.

I have to thank my very dear friend and her lovely husband for taking charge of Toddler Cuggles while I was at work and Daddy Cuggles was still in hospital. When I opened emails tonight I was thrilled to find a photo story of the day. There was singing, dancing, eating, reading, baby cuddling, gum boot stomping, and drawing. She looked very entertained and happy!

Cuppsy time now.

Value of a Decent Cuppa

2009-11-06T22:35:00.000+10:00

My beautiful hubby (Daddy Cuggles) has been in hospital for a couple of days. Today he was moved from Critical Care to the ordinary old ward, so I thought it time to take him some home made medicine.

Toddler Cuggles and I packed the teapot (peepot as she calls it!); a mug; a teaspoon; real leaf tea; and the sugar. We thought he could bat his manlids at a nurse and get some milk. We also took a freshly boiled thermos of hot water. All these things were packaged in a very noice white bag with a black ribbon.

When we arrived for our morning visit and handed over the gift, his reaction was this -
"Gasp!! A REAL CUPPY TEA?!! I'm surprised he didn't shed a tear, such is the tradition of 'Cuppsy tea' appreciation in our house, handed down from his side of the family. Here's how it goes:

Rule 1. Never ever shall a teabag enter the house;
Rule 2. You must warm the 'peepot' and cups with boiling water before then making the tea;
Rule 3. Make it strong; (4 scoops to 2 people, we use Bushells extra strong blue label)
Rule 4. Brew it for a good few minutes and stir it before pouring;
Rule 5. It's always the other person's turn to make it!

That being stated, it's cuppsy tea time for me.

Best Job in the World

2009-11-02T21:31:00.000+10:00

Today was one of those days where I told myself "I was a really good Mum today". Toddler Cuggles and I spent the afternoon in the back yard with a big tub of water and a bag of mangoes fresh from 'Mike's Cruck'. Mike visits every Monday and we choose our fruit and veg from his truck...

So, wearing nothing but her gum boots, toddler cuggles splashed in the water, dunking her pieces of mango, spinning around and jumping. I, wearing togs if you don't mind, was able to sprawl out on a towel in the sun while supervising. Puppy Cuggles as always was nearly on top of me as she just can't stand being left out of a bit of fun. A little bit later after Toddler cuggles wee'd on the back steps and I was cleaning her legs and bottom, she put my face in her little hands and kissed me on the nose. Best job in the world! Time for a cuppsy. : )

What a great day!

2009-10-28T23:23:00.000+10:00

I've had the best day. Cuggles! creations are selling quite well, I'm feeling productive, Toddler Cuggles has been entertained morning and afternoon with playdates and I got some great news about a friend this afternoon.

Been busy busy lately! Here are my new boardies for little men which are in Handmade Heaven. Sizes 1-2 and 2 - 3 so far.

I've also delived a batch of 'Ginger Cuggles'. Packs of 4 are $2.50. They're like ginger snaps but with that bit of extra 'cuggliness' about them.

Meanwhile amid the mad sewing and baking I had another briliant score at one of our fav op shops yesterday. Toddler Cuggles now has a little table for drawing and doing playdough. (Thanks Kylie for the cinnamon scented glitter playdough, also available at Handmade Heaven). The table needs a good sand and a coat of white paint but is solid timber, well made, a great height for a little chair and was just ten bucks. Bargain!

What a great day! Just finished my cuppsy so off to bed.

Hangover!!

2009-10-21T23:01:00.000+10:00

We went to a beautiful wedding on the weekend. The bride was gorgeous, there were butterflies released, great entertainment and plenty of Moet. Too much Moet for this little Mummy Cuggles who normally sticks to cuppsy tea in order to sew straight at night. Have had a hangover since Sunday, is that really possible?? If you would like to see a photo, close your eyes.... imagine a thumping in your head... and a sweet little voice pleading 'Mummy.... mummy... bickie... mummy..... drink... mummy... 'shwings'... park.... mummy..... mummy. You get the idea.

Meanwhile, thanks to Created By Kylie Toddler Cuggles had a playdate with Little Guy this morning and I had a heavenly couple of hours to myself to sew. It was very productive time thanks Kylie.

Golden Cinnamon Biscuits

2009-10-15T21:07:00.001+10:00

This biscuit recipe is SO easy I sometimes make the dough while cooking dinner.

60g butter
1/3 cup golden syrup
2 tblspns brown sugar
2 tblspns caster sugar
1 1/4 cups SR flour
3 tspns ground cinamon

Preheat oven to hot - 220 - 230 degs

Combine butter, golden syrup and sugars in medium heavy-based saucepan, stir over low heat until butter is melted, cool 5 minutes.

Stir in flour and cinnamon. Roll rounded tspns of mixture into balls, place about 2cm apart on lightly greased oven trays, flatten with a floured fork until 1cm thick.

Bake in hot oven about 10 mins or until browned. Stand biscuits 5 minutes before lifting onto wire racks to cool.

Makes 30 - This is from Womens Weekly, Biscuits, Brownies & Biscotti (2003).

** I usually make double quantity of these. You can put 1 quantity in baking paper, roll into a log, wrap again with foil and freeze. Then when you take it out of the freezer it's really easy to slice rounds about 1cm thick and put straight into the oven so you have a fresh batch at your whim in about 10 minutes.

Bums, Bickies & Bargains

2009-10-14T23:25:00.000+10:00

BUMS! Fat little bums wear nappies, and sometimes you don't want the nappy to be the couture. My very good friend and 'bestest' customer asked me to please make some nappy cover thingys for her 9 week old boy. So, out came the butcher's paper, pens and tape measure, a couple of calico drafts then a final and bigger draft in pink gingham for my 18 month old and I'm ready to go. So far I've cut out, finished edges and joined seams on the real ones. Now just to do the elastic and they're done. Here's the fabric I'm using on the right.

Bickies! I borrowed this book from a friend, it was new and in very good condition when we left her home with it.

Then....

the wonder girl Toddler Cuggles found the book, and found a pen while I was washing up breakfast dishes. She made a few working notes of her own.

This is the back cover.

This is the index.

She didn't stop there. This child scaled furniture with a stealthy silence, the quiet really should have triggered my 'mummy alarm' to reach the book and same for the pen. After drawing on every surface of our furniture and walls some time ago we had banned pens and offered pencils only but thought even they were out of reach. Anyway, we'll be replacing the book. Oh, and here are the result of borrowing it int he first place - Ginger and Rum BICKIES, not Cookies. : )

They're ok, but a bit sweet for my liking. With 499 others to choose from in the book there's sure to be something more my taste.

Speaking of finding things to my taste, I absolutely SCORED with my opping today. It was the Salvo's at Bundamba that made me so happy. We got a pair of gum boots for Toddler Cuggles for 50 cents; a little Ralph Lauren dress for $4; some patterns for $1 each, including a knitting pattern for you if you're reading Liesa, Merry Xmas; a children's clothes pattern book $2 an etchascetch in good enough condition $2 and the bargain of the day? A black sexy dress which I plan on wearing to a wedding this Saturday for.....$3 because it's Wednesday. Tomorrow it would have been $12, and a bargain even at that. No label but who cares, it fits and it matches shoes and bags I already own with no special stick on bra requirements or any such trivia. Sold. Here's some of my loot:

Well I've had my cuppsy and bath so off to brush teeth now and to bed. So many things to do tomorrow! Starting with scrubbing those gumboots!

Wooden Spoon not Required?

2009-10-09T08:09:00.001+10:00

We felt like some fresh bread (ok, damper) this morning. So we mixed with our hands......

That must have been the secret trick because it came out beautifully, and tasted even better. Happy Friday, time for another cuppsy. : )

Xmas Day skirt - Want to win?

2009-10-07T21:02:00.000+10:00

I know it's still only October but I have been working on a Xmas Day outfit for Toddler Cuggles (can't justify referring to her as 'baby' anymore). I'm pretty pleased with the result of this little skirt with tutu ruffle so thought I might make some more for the Handmade Heaven shop. Do you know any little girls that would love twirling in this? For your chance to win something from Leisa's beautiful store have a look at her post from 2nd October - you can name your preference for the prize it will be drawn tomorrow so you better hurry!

Baby has sleepover = Productive weekend

2009-10-05T15:25:00.002+10:00

What a wonderfully productive weekend I've had! Baby Cuggles had a mini holiday at Granny and Pa Cuggles house and I sewed all weekend! Daddy Cuggles and I even managed to have a conversation or two. It was lovely to remind ourselves that we still have the same values and have things to talk about other than how many poos the little one did today. So, while someone else was changing nappies these are the photos of what I was doing. A few more kid's aprons, an owl for my Cuggles! Tree and a bucket hat for a little boy. I'm in two minds about whether to sell the tree and owl. It needs a few more leaves so I can procrastinate until I've finished. Now, I think I'll tiptoe into the kitchen for a well deserved cuppsy.

Hot Toddie Recipe for a Cold or Flu

2009-10-01T22:07:00.001+10:00

I thought that after a week or so of no blogging I'd share the family Hot Toddie recipe. While I have been coughing and sneezing I have still managed to make more Cuggles creations, but just haven't gotten to the blog, as I was feeling pretty.... 'blog'.

Makes 1 super duper strength hot toddie:

Put these things into a coffee mug -

Juice of one Lemon (half if you're a woos)

A tablespoon of good honey

A shot or 2 of Bundaberg rum (half if you're a woos)

Fill the rest of the mug with boiling water.

When it cools a bit, sip slowly until its all gone.

*Obviously you can leave the rum out and cool it down more if you're making this for a littlie.

I hope it might help you if you have a cold or flu, this is my husband's late grandfather's recipe. 'Pa's Hot Toddie recipe'. It works a treat every time for me. I usually bat my eyelids at my hubby and ask him to make me one while I have a shower before bed. Then I can sip away with a good book before settling down to sleep with a soothed throat and warm tummy.

New Hat for Baby Cuggles and More Aprons

2009-09-16T21:34:00.002+10:00

We had a lovely day playing in the garden today and pottering around getting the washing and other chores done. Baby Cuggles even kept her new hat on, pictured left. It is so much better than the store bought kind as it is shaped beautifully to fit little heads and the brim sits lower at the back for better sun protection. I will be making more like this for both boys and girls which can be found in Handmade Heaven.

I'm making a little rose embelishment in a bright colour for Baby Cuggles' hat because she loves 'fowers'. Oh yes, that is Budha's head modelling. Meanwhile.....

I have been making more aprons, also available at Handmade Heaven.

Here is an example of one of the chef style, child size aprons in navy blue. These have easy velcro fastenings on the neck and waist straps. The red truck pocket is big enough for all kinds of frogs, snails and puppy dog's tails.

Here is a smock style, child size apron in pink. This one has a large pocket, for sugar, spice and all things nice... and an essential mini whisk of course!

Well, I have a cuppsy tea waiting, some hat fabric to get started on and custard to wash out of my hair! What a great end to a beautiful, playful messy day.

Mummy Cuggles XXX

Whistle While You Work

2009-09-11T14:30:00.003+10:00

There's nothing like a change of scenery for new inspiration. During a 'whistle stop' holiday at the In-Law's for a couple of days I have come home with more exciting fabric and a new smock-style of apron on the go, in Toddler and Child sizes. Here's a preview of the brand new 'Whistle Apron' in red. The noisy boys I know will love these aprons with gangster car pockets.
These will be available for $19 in the Handmade Heaven Shop.
Now to get working on more of the same style in pink with girly pockets and navy with more cars. Best keep sewing while Baby Cuggles is sleeping. Wonder if I'll get time for a cuppsy?

Fun with Dick and Jane - New aprons

2009-09-06T12:08:00.006+10:00

*Who are Dick and Jane? Click on the heading above to find out.

Here is one of the new Cuggles! Toddler Aprons that I've been working on. I love this fabric because the pictures look like what I saw in books that were at my Nan's house. She had somehow managed to preserve some of the reading material that belonged to her 4 tree climbing boys, including my Dad.

This might explain my obsession with collecting old books for my daughter. She is still at the stage of potentially ripping pages and definitly at the stage of scribbling in them with pen. I have a stack in good condition put away for when she's a 'big girl' and some that she can have fun destroying now.

Daddy Cuggles is out with Baby Cuggles this morning enjoying some Father's Day time together. I have fulfilled my obligation and made him a hot breakfast and tea earlier. So I'm now going to take advantage of a couple of quiet hours sewing my next project -Cuggles! Toddler Hats. Bliss!! Must start with a cuppsy of course.

The Cuggles Experience

2009-09-04T22:04:00.007+10:00

Baby Cuggles started mimicking Mummy and Daddy Cuggles a few months ago.... must use big person's cutlery, must wear our shoes, must carry Mummy's handbag. We then discovered that baking cakes with Mummy requires an Apron. After looking around the local stores I couldn't find anything for our mini baker, which was also affordable. So, I created the first Cuggles! Apron. Girly and pretty with frills and an adjustable neck strap. Not too long so as not to trip over or get caught up in it. She looks so adorable in it with wooden spoon going and measuring cups clattering in every mixing bowl I own.

Chatting at playgroup about toddler wear, some of the other Mums explained that they were having an equally difficult time finding fun and functional toddler wear for boys. So, I decided to develop Cuggles! - toddler wear for girls and boys.

At this stage the aprons are available at Handmade Heaven, Ipswich and I will be at the New Earth Markets (Marburg, QLD) on Sundays!

All new Cuggles! creations will be updated here. Any how, it's now time for a cuppsy. Oh yes, Baby Cuggles must also have a 'tea' (plain milk) from a proper tea cup!!