More projects.

Today I hit the machine again and came up with these fun little pants. I just used a pair of pants Tilly already had (that my sister bought of Etsy a few years back) and traced them as my pattern. 

Easy Peasy. Even for me! 

And that says something.

I just need to pop the drawstring in the top and they are done! I'm pretty happy with how they have turned out actually. Adam joked that I should make matching pairs for all of us, and then instantly regretted it when he saw my face light up and my eyes glaze over as I pictured us all wearing matching pants.

One should not joke about these things to me - of all people. I tried to make Jenny and Sarah buy matching friendship bracelets in Melbourne. It wasn't cool - apparently.

I am in the middle of making a whole heap of these little beauties at the moment. What a cool and fun idea! And a great way to not only practice my sewing, but at the same time I'm able to use the little scraps that come with the practising. 

See, I just used an old towel to make the inside part...perfect for absorbing the heat of hot plates or pots.

This is the reverse side. The wheels have come off here a bit, can you see my circle ain't so circular anymore?? I'm sure the pots won't mind.

 Anyway, I'm enjoying these lazy days. The last of 2010. What a better way to spend it than sewing, cooking, making giant indoor cubby houses on 39 degree days. Just perfect after a busy Christmas season!

Oh, how did the Christmas kilos go?? Are we scared??

My first project. Not a complete fail. Not a complete win.

Ok, so this is what I was attempting to make for my first ever project. Possibly a tad ambitious seeing as I've never really sewn anything before without a helicopter helper hovering over me, or anything with zips, gathers, hems or seams. So yeah. Ambitious.

I also had to alter some of the measurements as I wanted to make something child size rather than adult size. I figured it would waste less material and be a knock around the house dress if all went pear shaped.

So excuse the colour. I bought this years and years ago - I can't remember what for really but I found it in a box of old sewing stuff. The stuff I bought years ago but never touched. You know the ones, full ideas that never quite come to fruition? Yeah, that box.

You all have one of those in your cupboard, don't you?

It started a little something like this, making my own pattern from printer paper. It actually works! So don't feel stressed out if you don't have tracing paper or whatever the sewing equivalent is.

Then I sewed a couple of side seams, and then tackled my very first gathers. I used the method where you sew two rows and then pull the bobbin thread so the fabric gathers in. I'm sure it has a name. I actually just YouTubed 'gathers' and wala! There it was.

Honestly though, I always turn to YouTube for tutorials on things I don't know how to do. It's super helpful and cuts my S.O.S phone calls to my sister and my mum by about 50%.

They love You Tube.

See? Little gathers. Aren't they sweet? Uneven, but sweet all the same!

And just so you know, some parts looked like a complete dogs breakfast on the inside.

Look at this zipper? Sewers everywhere are bashing their heads with rocks and wailing. I know, it's bad. But it will get better. I promise!

And the finished product! Albeit a bit wobbly, extra weird rows of stitches that aren't meant to be there included. But look, a kids actually wearing something I sewed! That's not toooo shabby!

And she looks flaming adorable, if you don't mind. But then, at potato sack would look fab on this chick.

Now, to find some sewing blogs. Any recommendations?

What a merry Christmas day!

I just love it when all the preparations for Christmas day, the entire lead up, the emotional feelings and the family occasions all end with one, perfect day.

Before bed on Christmas eve, jammies and eggnog.

I'm sad to say that I don't have many photos to share - we had Christmas at our home with Adam's side of the family this year, with a sensational christmas breakfast at mum and dads, and a spectacular christmas evening, also at mum and dad's. Lucky they are walking distance away! So I spent much of my time rushing around making sure everyone was having a good time. And the time I wasn't rushing around? I was relaxing, drink in hand and food in my belly. Lots of food.

I don't think I will ever feel hungry again.

Darcy a little unimpressed by the Christmas cracker comb.

I am a bit sad I didn't get to capture the details of the day, but I managed many pictures of the family, and isn't that what it's all about?

Ok, and it's about the presents. Let's be honest.

My brother, sister and I.

The kids were very spoiled, both by Father Christmas and by family. And so was I! I even got my very first sewing machine from my wonderful husband. I can't wait to delve in to projects and start making useful little things for my family.... I'm not expecting much to start with though, you'll have to bare with me in all the projects that end in a fail before those that end in a win.

I think I'll make some hot mats first. Post to come on that!

This is what happens when the kids get to serve their own lunch...coloured popcorn and lamb.

Anyway, I hope Christmas day for you was magical and beautiful and everything you expected.

Cousins.

And I hope your boxing day consisted of lots of leftovers, new dvd's, lego building and tiara making - and of course sleep! Just like ours did.

The most un-guilty, lazy day of the year!

Merry Christmas!

Now, on to new year. Do you know it's going to be 37 degress? Yikes!!

I love Christmas so much..

Today I went to collect my own Christmas present.

And stalked the local supermarket Father Christmas. And asked a complete stranger to take a photo of us.

I'm so hardcore like that.

He was the happiest Santa ever.

Merry Christmas xxx

I love Christmas. I want to marry it.

One of the most fun things about Christmas, in my never wrong opinion, is christmas lights. I love hunting for the best streets and gazing at the thousand of little sparkles that people cover their homes in, all in the name of Christmas.

It says something about the people who live there. They have Christmas in their hearts. 

Each year, our family gets together and we all trek down to our family friends house. He was my teacher in grade four and five. He and my dad bonded over Bob Dylan - and now he's part of the family.

My brother's middle name is Dylan. In case you are interested. 

The evening usually consists of large quantities of food, lots of Christmas music, and counting down the minutes until it's dark enough to fully appreciate the lights.

And then we go out walking.

The kids could spend hours in front of houses like these, eating fairy floss and popcorn. And snow cones - if it were hot enough to need snow cones, that is.

Isn't it meant to be summer in Australia?

It doesn't stop them eating ice blocks after dinner though.

This family evening usually occurs in the week leading up to Christmas. I love that I still get flutters in my heart thinking about it. I love it! I love what it means to our family, and love what it means to our kids. It's not just about presents for them, it's about food, cousins, late nights and parties. And of course the Christmas music that becomes the soundtrack to December. The kids even request it in the car.

Love those kids.

Four sleeps to go!

xx

The mixmaster story.

So Adam and I were discussing our Christmas menu. Of course to do this, I had in front of me the Christmas editions of my favourite magazines. Australian Home. House and Garden. Better Homes and Gardens. Real Living and Super Food Ideas.

I like hoarding Christmas, in paper form.

Whilst flicking through my magazines, I came across a Pavlova recipe. Now, I've never made a pavlova (how very unAustralian of me) however I do make a pretty sensational Lemon Meringue Pie. 

Yes that does need capitals.

So I'm used to making meringue. But, I'm yet to master this part of the dessert 100% of the time. A few tips I've discovered to nail it every time are to use a metal bowl, room temperature eggs. And to beat those whites silly before even thinking about adding the caster sugar. And even then, adding that sugar slower than an old lady drives her car around corners.

So when I came across this fail safe Pav recipe, I immediately skipped to the 'How to' part. And it very quickly mentioned the importance of a mixmaster.

Ahh mixmaster. Every cook and every mothers (?) dream for their kitchen.

I know it is mine.

But people, have you seen the prices of these babies? There is a reason why many amateur kitchens aren't lucky enough to have one perched on the kitchen bench. Mine being that if I was about to spend that sort of money on something for myself (as I am the only one in this here household who would use it) then I may choose other things first. 

Think Ipad, Flat Screen for the bedroom. You get my drift?

But thinking mixmasters at the kitchen table reminded me that, in fact, we did have a rather old mixmaster stashed away in the cupboard. Adam's mother had tried to throw it out years and years ago. It belonged to Adam's great Aunt who was quite the baker. It was always exciting to go to her house because you knew there would be plates of biscuits and cakes just begging you to devour them. And you would. And she would love it. So Adam took hold of the mixmaster.

Years ago I used to use it. I can't remember why I stopped. And then stupidly along the way, I threw out the beaters and broke the bowls. So it was just the carcass of this mixmaster that remained. We talked about trying to find replacement parts on Ebay and the like and moved on.

The very next day.

True story.

I logged on to facebook. Ahem. Ok, I check in on facebook. Which may or may not stay open on the Mac 24/7. So it looks like I'm on there 24/7 when I'm not. It just looks like it.

Shutup.

And when I logged on to facebook, one of my primary school teachers was advertising a mixmaster, which a dicky motor - but otherwise amazing condition. 

The same model as ours.

I'm not kidding, the timing of it all gave me chills! This woman taught me twenty years ago. I facebooked her, organised a pickup time and went around with my $10 to pay for the mixmaster I would harvest for it's parts. What I didn't expect was the fabulous morning we had together. I wasn't expecting coffee and and a chat with what felt like an old friend, not an old primary school teacher. 

I love these moments.

But people, did you read this?? Ten Dollars.

And now? I have this beauty sitting on my counter. And I am in love with it! After much searching on the internet we have narrowed it down to being made and sold somewhere in the mid 60's. And this just sat in my cupboard for years!!!

So check your cupboards..who knows what gems you have stashed away.

xx

Why I love Holidays.

I love holidays because I have time to set the table for dinner parties with friends. And Christmas dinner parties, they are the best.

By far.

I love holidays because we can take the dog for a walk. At six in the evening, before tea.

Because tea is whenever we feel like it.

And the kids get to eat two minute noodles for tea too. Because we had a big, BBQ lunch. Stuff of the holidays.

I love it.

 And going to the park. And trying out the new play equipment. My goodness this thing is fun! You sit your end in, turn side ways and off you go. Around and around and around and around. And around. It's actually quite difficult to stop!

Especially when you get the giggles, like I did. 

Adam didn't love it. He went around once and he was off.

I am totally going back tomorrow.

xx

And it's Christmas.

It's the Christmas season. And I couldn't be happier. Everything in the year leads to this time of year. In those times mid winter, when I'm feeling low - I think of the smell of Christmas trees, mince pies and Bing Crosby on the Ipod. And I feel tingles of happiness inside.

When the Christmas tree moves in for the month, the smell is divine! I love nothing more than walking through my front door and being hit by that smell. It's the smell of good spirits!

I love my Christmas tree during the day.

I adore my Christmas tree at night.

I don't know about you, but I like to decorate all parts of the house. I like to be able to see Christmas in my home no matter what I am doing.

And don't you think that there is nothing more like home than Christmas?

I love these little guys. They were a souvenir from my trip to Melbourne. But the miniest Santa, in this particular photo, is totally giving me the creeps.

Whatchya lookin' at Santa??

It also wouldn't be Christmas without our end of year parties. We've had Playgroup, school, Playgroup Adults dinner, and tonight - Adam's Christmas drinks.

This year at Playgroup, I think we had the real Father Christmas visit us. He was amazing. He was big! And he was jolly. I wanted to take him home.

This is my favourite shelf at home. I tried to capture it at night, because that's when it's the prettiest. But, I haven't worked out night photos yet. One day.

All these pieces are from Melbourne too. I was on a Christmas mission there!

And don't you just love my Christmas paper? It came from Borders. Borders! Great books, fabulous coffee - and beautiful Christmas paper. Love that place.

Incase you were wondering, this years recommended Christmas album, from me - to you, is 50's Rock'n'Roll & Rockabilly Christmas. It's fantastic! And even Adam doesn't try and kill himself as a more positive option than listening to it. So that has to be a testament to how good it is. Try it, it's only $6.99 for fifty tunes. Gold.

Merry Christmas!

Those lessons we learn.

You know as a parent, I think there is nothing worse than watching your kids when they are sad. Not sad because they can't have that lolly at the shop, or because they don't want to share their toys.

That is annoying sad.

I am talking about the sad where you know they need to be sad to learn. Like the stage Darcy went through when he barely ate anything except sandwiches and chips and nuggets.

Yes. I am one of those evil parents who feed their kids McDonalds. Sue me.

It got to a point where we had to make the decision that if he didn't eat what was on his plate, he didn't eat at all. And dinner time was our biggest battle. There was nothing that hurt my heart more than listening to my little boy lying in bed, crying, because he was hungry. It hurt me and I felt awful, but I knew as a parent I had to do it. Now, he is no where near as fussy, and he doesn't go to bed hungry.

Lesson Learned.

As I've mentioned in previous entries, Darcy is a dancer. For the past year he has been attending a dance school and is learning Tap dancing and Jazz ballet. For those who know Darcy, he has the moves. He is one little groover, and he has been since he music touched his soul, which are connected to his legs and pelvis.

He does a bad ass Michael Jackson. 

On Saturday was his first concert on the big stage. He was in his element, and it's something he's been building up to most of the year. The night before he admitted to me he felt like it was Christmas. He was too excited to sleep. I was so proud of his commitment even then. He is born for the stage.

Saturday came and he nailed it. I mean he absolutely killed it. He was amazing. He knew the steps perfectly, shook that pelvis - and if that wasn't adorable enough, he sung his little heart out to the music. The music he knew back to front.

So you think you can dance would have thought he was weird. I thought he was amazing.

So the night ended and it was time for the award ceremony. Each person in the show presented on stage with a medal around their necks, all for participation in the end of year concert. Darcy, he was chuffed. Beaming. Completely stoked with his medal. Then they all sat down and they began presenting trophies for excellence in each category of dancing. Darcy was enthused to begin with, politely applauding the others who won trophies. Then his little friend from school won one, and he began to look expectantly at the director, waiting for his trophy.

The one that would never come.

As each name was called from then, he became more and more defeated. He was unable to hide his anguish, as he knew his name wouldn't be called. He clutched his hair, he held his head in his hands, he rested his head on the floor. He held on to this tears until he was red in the face.

And he did it, on the stage, in front of 500 people.

And my heart broke.

And then his cousin won a trophy. And he tried to be happy, but when he looked at the trophy when she sat down, he fell apart.

And so did I. 

My sister and I sat watching, so elated and excited that her daughter, my niece, had won her first award. So sad, so torn, because of the torment Darcy was suffering.

And I realised, he was learning. He was learning that we don't always win. We don't always get that job. We don't always get that promotion. We don't always get the guy, or win the lotto, but we have fun trying.

And once again as a parent, I had to watch my son suffering one of the many lessons in life. How to be a gracious loser, how to be happy for others whilst swallowing the disappointment that threatens to blacken us. And I wanted to find the biggest trophy in the world and give it to him. But I knew he had to learn. It made me realise that maybe this age of 'everyone gets a prize' isn't teaching our kids anything. That maybe they need these lessons learned earlier so it's not so publicly painful as they get older. That they are still special and valued and can still have fun, despite winning.

So I cuddled him. Loved him. Praised him for being my favourite dancer on the stage and said that all he has to do is have fun, and as soon as the fun is gone from his dancing, he didn't have to do it anymore.

And when I tucked him into bed that night, his tired eyes all red, and his lips all puffy, he said "Well, Tessa didn't get a football trophy". And I said "No, that's right!"

But didn't have the heart to point out that no, well she didn't play football, and she did get a netball trophy! Whatever helps you sleep at night hey?

xx

I am alive.

I'm just being a school mum, dance mum, volunteer, housewife, wife, mother and party planner. It's extremely busy around here at the moment. But I haven't forgotten about my little blog, and will be back really soon, when it all dies down.

Really soon. 

x