BobbyRobin

Kidspace sneak peek!

2010-07-31T08:16:00.001+12:00

I was excited to be invited to check out the new Kidspace store in Takapuna yesterday. I mean come on, the invite promised free cupcakes! (which by the way were absolutely AMAZING). Anyway, complementary hot choccie in hand, Zoe and I wandered around and around the fab new store soaking up all the pretties.

The store was set up beautifully with girls and boys decor on either side of the space and bedroom sets on display from toddler to teenager. There was a big emphasis on wall decorations, including creative pin-boards, quirky mirrors, wall decals and these gorgeous Umbra Wallflowers (below - of which I just couldn't get enough of!). I was impressed to see heaps of kitschy, craft inspired elements throughout the store - including some gorgeous party accessories.

Umbra Wallflower Wall Ornaments, they come in other colours too, aren't they gorgeous? I'm smitten!

Some other things I loved...

Loved the text language cut-outs, the Wanted Recording Tape Purses, the Wanted Flip Down Clock (OH MAN I WANT!) and lastly, the Umbra Snap Photo Frame - doesn't this look familiar? If you've been following my blog it will! Yes! It looks just like my Polaroid Photo Board {here} that I made. Well if you are creatively challenged and have been admiring my Photo Board - these are perfect!

Kidspace officially opens today so if you are in the area - go check it out!

57 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna, Auckland

A creation a week for a year: No.30

2010-07-30T08:10:00.002+12:00

This week, I thought I'd show you the other two 'Mama Bears' that I made for some cute birthday girls recently. Along with Erin's bear {here}, I made one for Aria's first birthday and one for my niece, Amy (below) who turned two. It was a real hit with Amy who seemed to love it as soon as she opened it, Debra asked her what it's name was and she promptly said 'SILLY' - of which Debra insisted we spell with a 'C'. Haha.

Some of you have asked if I designed these myself, no sorry I didn't! I got the cute little pattern from the 'Softies' book, which you can get for yourself here.

Check out more of my weekly creations here.

Maths + Science + Art + Crochet = Underwater Wonderland!

2010-07-28T09:43:00.004+12:00

Wow, so I'm loving crocheting at night in front of the telly like a little old granny, it's so relaxing. I'm on my way to creating a scrummy blankie to keep my knees warm (told you - little granny) and have experimented with a few little things here and there. Anyways, before you think this post is getting rather boring... I thought I'd share this with you...

Hyperbolic Crochet Coral. What? Yeah I know, Crazy.

A few weeks ago I went along to a craft market - lets say Devonport Craft Market cos I'm not totally sure. I drifted on past a stall that ended up sticking in my mind, a Google later and I've found a gem. Mermaid's Purse. Excellent blog and beautiful crafty projects, including some Hyperbolic Crochet Coral, check it out {here}...

Turns out this Crochet Coral thing is HUGE...

Crochet Coral Reef, Dublin {source}

Crochet Coral Reef Installation, Scotsdale {source}

UK Hyberbolic Crochet Coral Reef ~ Emma Charleston {source}, Crochet Coral Reef {source}, Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef {source}, Deep Sea Crafting {source}.

The inspiration for making crochet reef forms begins with the technique of "hyperbolic crochet" discovered in 1997 by Cornell University mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina. The Wertheim sisters adopted Dr Taimina's techniques and elaborated upon them to develop a whole taxonomy of reef-life forms. Loopy "kelps", fringed "anemones", crenelated "sea slugs", and curlicued "corals" have all been modeled with these methods. The basic process for making these forms is a simple pattern or algorithm, which on its own produces a mathematically pure shape, but by varying or mutating this algorithm, endless variations and permutations of shape and form can be produced. The Crochet Reef project thus becomes an on-going evolutionary experiment in which the worldwide community of Reefers brings into being an ever-evolving crochet "tree of life." ~ Project Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef

So, err, say what now?

Well, I'm still getting my head around all this amazing Crochet that somehow includes both science and maths, but you can read all about Hyperbolic Crochet Coral on the Project Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef website.

Who's a granny now?!!

I feel nerdy but very frugal : An update on my grocery savings post + a big thank you!

2010-07-27T09:12:00.007+12:00

Firstly, thank you all so very much for the wonderful and incredibly helpful comments you left on my 'Gather around and tell me your grocery shopping secrets!' post. I am so overwhelmed at the response and all the creative tips everyone shared, what a great way to get tried and tested ways to be frugal. Joel and I went through them all and picked out some fantastic ideas that suited us and used them on our grocery shop last Friday.

Well...

I can tell you that I was well within my budget and very happy (and proud) about it. Now to keep it up each week! Here are some of the things that stuck out:

I loved the meal plan idea and was all set to do this and then realised that we eat the same meals often and are quite happy with it that way. This means that there is no real meal plan because the meal is based on what meat we have in the freezer (vegetarians wince around the world). Whether its roasted, grilled, fried, a casserole, a curry, a crock-pot meal, stir-fry, bbq, whatever - we don't really need to plan it. But I loved the idea all the same, it seems to have saved everyone a lot of money along the way.
I made a master list at home and then went around the house crossing off things I didn't need. Then once in the supermarket I added things to the list I'd forgotten like makeup wipes, shampoo etc other essentials that belong on the master list. I'm about to type it up today and keep some copies to use each week. I feel nerdy but very frugal.
No matter what you say, you can't convince me that cloth nappies are better. I may get there in time but my cheap disposables from 'Nappies for Less' only cost me $10 a week and I'm quite happy not adding to my daily laundry pile. But thanks! hehe
I am giving the home brands a go, and loaded up my trolley with 'Budget' products that I would normally buy in other brands. Giving them a go this week, so far so good AND CHEAPER.
I made a lot more effort to look for cheaper brands and prices on the shelves instead of naturally grabbing the usual brand or favourite. Be proud of me.
I already only use half a scoop of laundry powder and yes it really does go a long way and I'm sure I could probably use even less! Great tip!
I used to bake goodies every weekend, so have decided to start this up again. This week it was Anzac and Ginger Biscuits - I think I made about 50 of them! Easy and cheap and yum - how can I go wrong.
I am about to try out this baking soda and vinegar thing to clean stuff today. Wish me luck. I've heard so many awesome things about this mix as a cleaner and I can't wait to try it out. Can't believe it's taken me this long either.
Growing vegies is a little hard here at our rental even though I could try doing them in pots or troughs etc. I might put that one on the back burner and try it one day. After all, I'm hardly wonder woman. I do have a dream of one day growing my own medicinal herbs...
Cheaper cuts of meat in a crock-pot meal is genius - will be trying some of these, thanks for the ideas there. Joel is excited about the yummy stews that I'll be trying out (men! *rolls eyes*)

So there you go, did I say thank you? Really? How many times already? TOO BAD here's another one.... THANK YOU!

Auckland Art & Craft Fair

2010-07-26T10:07:00.002+12:00

I had a busy day on Saturday and finally made it to the Auckland Art & Craft Fair {website here} near the end of the day. It was great! Although very crowded I made my way around the stalls a couple of times to settle on a few purchases. I got a cute stationery set from Miss Ellie May, a swallow necklace (I've had my eye on for ages) from Karin Jewellery and a hair clip from Bonjour Sweetie.

I got to meet the lovely Bronwyn from R.W. Scissors - although fleetingly, and said hello to some other lovely crafty ladies. I wish I had had more time and maybe got there earlier in the day to make my way around casually and alone, haha.

Thanks to Jess and team for organising such a cool event, I will be back next time for sure!

A creation a week for a year: No.29

2010-07-23T08:53:00.005+12:00

This week's creation was made in minutes and comes with a tutorial. I've just finished making birthday presents, I'm halfway through my first crochet baby beanie and about 2% through my granny blanket so I thought I'd chuck up a quick and easy this morning.

After drooling over Tee's 'Nomad Couture Hair Trend' post on nzgirl the other day it reminded me about how much I've always loved sticking odd things into my hair. No not stuff like dirt or pencils, I'm talking about ribbons, threads, clips, bows, feathers and even shells! I've always thought my hair to be very boring, yes, I know I'm a ginger and it's supposed to be marvelous (kinda) but to me it's just my hair and its boring. I'm never happy with my 'do' and always have to add a ribbon or clip or any of the previous things I've talked about above to spice it up.

So this Nomad Couture Trend (read the article here) talked about 'contrasting textures and volumes' and the use of a hair clip with threads woven through to use throughout your lovely locks. Well I didn't have a big hair clip, and my embroidery cotton is down to one lonely make-do roll of odd ends wound onto it. So I used some of my Crochet wool. It's a bit thick but works nicely if you don't over do it. Here's what I did... (in my PJ's this morning with no makeup and dirty hair - all the more Nomad-ish I say!)

Nomad Couture hair trend by Stephen Marr’s Creative Director, Lauren Gunn and far right - some feathers on a clip I bought YEARS ago that gave me the inspiration for this look and tutorial.

What you'll need: Wool, thread, ribbon - anything really! Oooh beads would go down nicely too! Scissors and bobby pins or any hair clips you have lying around.

Cut some quite long lengths of wool and ribbon, thread onto a hair pin, pull the hair pin through to the centre of the threads and tie a knot close to the pin.... and you're done! Phew! Hard work huh?! Man this tutorial ROCKS!

Of course you can cut the threads to any old length, knot them, add beads and shells and go nuts! Push the pins into your hair throughout, I find that they go really well with teased messy hair and also look really nice tied up and messed up inside a bun. It's quite a good idea to section off a top part of your hair and clip the pins underneath this so that when you bring it back over top to style it, the knots and pins are hidden underneath. Add a plat and away you go!

If you'd like this full look, you must wear old PJ's, a hoodie you picked up off the floor, no makeup and forget to wash your hair for a week...

Check out more of my weekly creations here.

Things I Love Thursday: Mystery gifts in my letter box

2010-07-22T13:38:00.006+12:00

I was having such a 'blah' day yesterday. I blame the weather mostly. That was until I braved the rain 2 metres to my letterbox and found a pretty pink parcel of love waiting for me.

This is the second mystery package that I've received from miss Angela Noelle from Striking Keys. She obviously loves giving gifts and I'm lucky enough to be on her 'cool' list of people she likes to bless.

Inside the pink box were heaps of pink hearts and stars and a little note with these SUPER arm warmers! I mentioned in a previous post about Zoe's Piwaiwaka Riding Mitts {here} and how I wanted some adult sized ones. Well Miss Angela read it and came to my rescue and sent me some... it made my day! Thank you!

By the way, it's super hard thinking up some lame pose to do in front of my webcam to show you these rad gloves. So here I am doing a 'oh my! these gloves are delicious!' pose. As you can see I am clearly insane...

Gather around and tell me your grocery shopping secrets!

2010-07-21T08:55:00.004+12:00

Now that I'm a stay at home mum looking after Zoe everyday, I'm obviously not working and so corners have needed to be cut here and there so that we aren't slowly drowning in money woes. It makes sense, I'm sure a lot of people are the same. You can't just spend what you want all the time, we all have budgets, mortages, debts and things we are squirreling away money for to buy some day. It all changes when you go from two incomes to one.

All of this seems pretty simple, except I'm a spender - not a saver. The accountant husband of mine is the SUPER saver and so thus balances me out (thank goodness otherwise our bank statement would be around '0' or have a '-' symbol glaring back at us each month). So I've found being at home and on one income with less spending money on fun stuff, a bit hard. Fair enough right? right? I'm a girl, I LIKE STUFF!

One of the things that I find hardest to do is to buy a decent amount of groceries for the week on a budget. Of course there are extras now like nappies, baby wipes, baby food and copious amounts of laundry powder so the cost has gone up. Not to mention the fact that food is now just more expensive, it really is. Things that were affordable like Cheese and Butter are now the 'extras' or the 'treats' we add to the trolley as a bonus. Plus I'm really bad at that 'treat' part, it would help if I didn't LOVE food so damn much. AAGH!

I found out from a friend that they feed their family on $100 a week. I'm not sure if that includes veges, but I'll bet it does! This made me feel pretty stink, as my bill is, well, just a tad *wince* more than $100....... So I'm out to fix this, get good food for a reasonable price, cut my treats down and get on target.

I'm after any tips and tricks that you might use to get through your groceries without coming to the counter and cringing at the total staring back at you. I'm going to live and breathe Destitute Gourmet and see how I go.

Here's a few things that I do/don't do currently to help you with your tip** giving:

I buy all the grocery items from Pak'n'Save.
I buy veges and fruit from a local fruit store. Although their prices are lower and quality higher than the supermarket, I do feel I spend more or buy more here.
I don't buy my meat at a discount butcher - should I?
We really like salad and try to buy salad as long as possible in winter until the lettuce runs out and we have to resort to broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower etc...
We like to have a good selection of veges in our dinner meals. It's also important that we have potatoes every night or a constant carbohydrate (rice is good but potatoes are better) portion to keep hub's sugar levels* consistent and normal through the night. So we can't just up and have a large salad only or a fat bowl of pasta or a pizza, get what I mean?
Free Range Eggs and Chicken just taste better and is better for you..... eeek.
I don't always make a list.
I don't bake anything but am wondering if I should be?
I am never on budget, the odd time I am under, I have had to go get extras during the week as I've forgotten something.
We shop weekly.
I try to shop on a full stomach as to not buy food for myself. This NEVER works. haha.

So there you go, any tips? tricks? Should I shop online? Should I shop all in the one place? Should I give a discount butcher a go? Should I try and shop monthly with veges and essentials weekly? Should I have more faith in the 'home brands'? I would love to hear from you. Email me {here} if you'd rather not comment below.

(I must be serious! there is NO IMAGE on this post!)

* Diabetic if you must know!

** I mean advice ~ not money when I say 'tips' haha

Mary Jane Booties from Grandma G

2010-07-20T10:10:00.003+12:00

A little while ago I won a booties pattern from Natural Star in a giveaway they were having. I was stoked but worried as I don't know how to knit. Ok so I've learnt to crochet - one thing at a time people! So I enlisted the talents of Joel's Mum, Grandma G who kindly knitted up these cuties for Zoe. I chose the wool and buttons and chose the largest size as Zoe has ridiculously large feet. She currently wears size 1-2 socks! So these fit just right with a wee bit of room to fill out as she grows over these colder months. They make her look nice and girly :-)

It was really hard to get a good photo of them on her as she is off around the lounge these days. Not crawling forwards yet, but lots of up on all fours, rocking, moving backwards and rolling around. Any day now and I'll have to child proof the house.

Oh and she decided to sleep in slightly this morning so I feel all capable and fresh, ah love this well-slept feeling (although realistically its more like 'kinda-well-slept').

Stuck in my head ~ and loving it

2010-07-19T08:51:00.006+12:00

Have this song in my head at the moment...

Went and saw Eclipse last weekend, it was really good - better than the other two movies (New Moon was terrible). I made a point of not listening to the soundtrack before the movie this time which was a good idea cos I love this soundtrack 10 times more than the New Moon one and the NM one was pretty good!

I'm looking forward to the movies being all finished, although they are splitting the last book into two films, I will be glad to have them all over. I feel like I'm just going because I have to now... to see how close to the books they are or how good or bad they turn out. Like um, anyone notice Bella's terrible wig? gah!

Other goodies on the album are Sia & Metric. I am feeling rather nerdish and tweeny writing this... off to coffee group for some bubba socialising...

A secret squirrel left a present in our mail box for Zoe

2010-07-17T08:22:00.003+12:00

I knocked together a little ad for Izzy from Piwaiwaka to display on Kiwi Mummy Blogs for a while and as a thank-you she popped a pair of handmade merino Riding Mitts in our mail box for Zoe. They are super cute and make Zoe look super cool and of course keep her hands nice and warm. I am a tad jealous as I would love an adult sized pair for myself.

Izzy makes these gorgeous mitts, along with other cool stuff like Fighter Hats, Heritage Waistcoats and 'Go Another Round' Chairs. They all sound so intriguing don't they? Well you'll have to go check out her blog and see them all for yourself {here} then order some while you're there!

Here's my little chicken modeling the mitts and trying to grab my camera strap while I take the photos...

A creation a week for a year: No.28

2010-07-16T08:58:00.003+12:00

I've been busy making softies for some special little birthday girls, here's one for Erin. Made use of one of my Crochet flowers from last week too!

Check out more of my weekly creations {here}.

Me Update: Yet another blogging funk...

2010-07-15T09:00:00.002+12:00

I don't know what's wrong with me, I am uninspired today! So lucky you! You get a few juicy bullet points of things that are going on with me at the moment...

Done something embarrassing recently? I HAVE, sat down in a park on a kiddie-train track (which for some reason I thought was a seat??) and got promptly smashed into by four terrors on a very sturdy metal train. Someone even laughed *cringe*. I now sport a giant BLACK and PURPLE bruise on my hip *sigh*.
I lost my phone this week. At first I was annoyed, then excited I could get a new one, then annoyed again once I'd gone back to Spotlight and found it buried in a bin full of balls of wool. No new phone for me, but man do I feel like an idiot! Talk about nappy-brain!
Just found out Aunty Debra, Uncle Jonathan, Jess, Amy and Rebekah are moving to Perth for work in a matter of a few weeks. There is so much to do and no time to do it in and the family will miss them terribly :-(
I'm really enjoying reading nzgirl, lovemaegan, green valley crafts, pacing the panic room, paisleyjade and striking keys at the moment.
I'm dreaming up cool new things for Kiwi Mummy Blogs, now to find the time... ah dreams are free.
Have started crocheting my first granny square of many (hopefully).
Have been making softies for little girls (will post tomorrow if I get them finished!)
Am worried that Zoe doesn't like to drink any milk at dinner now... and has decided that she doesn't like sleeping past 6 or staying asleep the whole night. I am sure I have more wrinkles today than I did yesterday.
Have some pocket money to spend and am not sure if I should by music or wool...
Can't stop thinking about blimmin Grey's Anatomy the other night! Sheesh!

Here's some cute photos so that this post isn't naked... well almost...

How's your day/week going?

Party Time!

2010-07-14T09:19:00.004+12:00

Ok I may be a teensy weensy bit early on all of this since Zoe doesn't turn one until early October, but dammit I am just so bloody excited I can't hold it all in!

So I've been on the hunt to find inspiration for my little girl's party and I want to go ALL OUT. I've chosen an 'Under the Sea' theme as Zoe loves her swimming and has a seahorse night light toy and a turtle bath toy and, well, it's just a rad idea. Thank-you very much.

I'm out to find bits and pieces that I can nab and be inspired by to create the perfect first birthday for her. After all soon she'll be older and ordering me to have whatever theme she wants, so for this birthday I GET TO CHOOSE! I'm sick of people saying that she won't remember it and that she won't really know what's going on the whole time. TOO BAD! Joel and I have worked very hard all year and we deserve a celebration with all of those that helped us out along the way. It's a celebration of life and that we actually survived this first year. I think it should be celebrated and captured on many many photos for Zoe to look back on one day and done with excited over-the-top-awesome-ness.

Here are a few things that are making me giggle with excitement at the moment. I could spend hours looking at all this stuff and lusting after every decoration and piece of candy. Oh and by-the-way Zoe's party will be on a budget so I'm thinking it will have a heavy underlying 'handmade' theme to it too! OF COURSE!

Chocolate and Turquoise ~ Loving these colours and table presentation. Loving the polka dots and the little touches. By Sharnel Dollar Design - event styling {more here}.

Girly Girl Party ~ Just loving all the little extras and the presentation. The frame at the front is a cool idea and I love the coloured or fabric covered board at the back to tie everything in. By Sharnel Dollar Designs - event styling {more here}

Finally found an 'Under the Sea' themed tablescape, love the colours, the umbrellas and what looks like REAL goldfish! By The Celebration Shoppe {here}. Needs to be a bit more girly though, I think I will have to introduce a little pink and lilac into the 'sea' colours for Zoe's.

Princess Party by Amy Atlas Events {website here} and {blog here} Holy Crap this woman is amazing, check out her site and make sure you have at least 3 hours to trawl through the eye candy.

And I'm just loving the little things too... (all by Amy Atlas)

I also found this cool idea for streamers... aren't they gorgeous?! OK OK this post is far too long, I'll stop, I'LL STOP! {get more DIY ideas and the streamers tutorial here}

(you like this don't you maddie?!!!!!)

I WANT: Audrey Kawasaki Wooden Brooch!

2010-07-13T08:03:00.005+12:00

Check out these beautiful engraved wooden brooches by the talented artist Audrey Kawasaki. I lust after every piece of art she has ever created and now she’s creating limited edition jewellery that I absolutely must have!

Check out more info on the brooches {here} and more on Audrey’s website and beautiful art {here}. *swoon*

Check out her post {here} with images on how they were made with engraver Bryan Cowe. The pics are awesome! If you're keen to get one they will be for sale on her website from July 17th for $45.

Granny Knits

2010-07-12T08:57:00.003+12:00

Zoe's Great Granny has been knitting up a storm which has been great for us! Check out these two cute jumpers and in the last pic ~ the warm booties...

Along with another two teeth this week, Zoe can clap!

Aunty Debra: School Holidays ~ Brownie in a Jar

2010-07-11T09:11:00.002+12:00

This is a neat idea for a present for someone that likes baking. It is done like the 'sand in a jar' and the layered effect looks rather neat. You have put the dry ingredients in the jar and then give the person the following recipe and they add the rest of the ingredients and have the instructions to make themselves a brownie.

Chocolate Brownie
In the jar there is:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

All you have to do is:
Melt 150gms butter and allow to cool slightly. Mix contents of jar in bowl. Add 3 eggs lightly beaten. Add melted butter. Add 1 tsp vanilla essence.

Bake at 180 degrees for approx 30 mins, until just firm when pressed in the centre. Leave in tin for 20 minutes before cutting into squares or triangles. Dust with icing sugar.

ENJOY!

Check out more of Debra's posts here

New nzgirl website launched and I'm on the panel of writers!

2010-07-10T09:52:00.001+12:00

The new nzgirl.co.nz website has been launched and I'm one of the writers! I was stoked to be asked as nzgirl holds a special place in my heart since I started reading it at least 6 years ago. Not only did I read it but I had worked on the design for a couple of years and was the Art Director there for a time (I did the last design - here). So I'm excited to be a part of the new site and will hopefully be posting regularly...

Check out my articles so far and like, comment, fave or retweet them! (links below image)

Vintage Purses, Lula Magazine, Twilight Themed Wedding Decor, Film Noir Actresses, Jessica Whiting: Artisan and Crafter Interview, Decals to brighten your studio.

I was lucky enough to be featured in an article myself! (read it here) Now to find the time to post on ANOTHER website.... sheesh what have I got myself into!

You can keep up with my posts on nzgirl by following my profile here: www.nzgirl.co.nz/members/faerysarah/

A creation a week for a year: No.27

2010-07-09T09:11:00.006+12:00

As I mentioned earlier this week I've been learning how to Crochet. I feel kinda stink that I can't knit or couldn't Crochet and that the craftiness of my grandparents (and parents) was a bit lost on me. I guess knitting will be next if I feel that bad about it.

I taught myself through YouTube tutorials and a quick lesson from Joel's Grandma. I really like it and it has been fun. I like seeing the stitches develop and create something so fast, I like that I don't have to count much and can pick it up or put it down whenever. Incase you're wondering where I find the time, I've been doing a tutorial a night and stitching while watching TV.

I went through the 'back to basics' tutorial sets by Bethintx1 and learned stitch by stitch. This was a bit boring but I wanted to learn the stitches so I knew what I was doing in the long run. You are supposed to make a scarf but I just made a strip of nothingness with single crochets up to treble crochets. If you asked me to do any of these stitches other than a double crochet I wouldn't remember off by heart and would have to look it up anyway. ohwell!

Of course I had no idea how to do all this or what I needed so I just grabbed any old hook from Spotlight and used the only old ball of wool I had in the house. The hook was too small for the wool but I used it anyway and so all my stitches are rather tight. Can't wait to get some more hooks and some big fat wool.

My inspiration, the Hot Crochet Goddess PaisleyJade told me to hurry up and make something and I'll learn along the way. She was right (as hot crochet goddesses usually are) so I found this tutorial (here) to make a flower. Now somehow I did it wrong a couple of times and I ended up creating what I thought was a prettier flower - they are the ones in the front of the photo. I'd tell you what stitches I used but I have no idea! haha It was a great fast way to practice with some sort of satisfaction in the end as you had an actual 'thing' made.

But all of this is because I would like to make a granny square blanket (much like this gorgeous number). So off to YouTube I went and did these tutorials and started making up a square to see how easy or hard it was. Umm, yeah, wow, REALLY EASY! So now I can't wait to get my hands on some pretty wool and some bigger hooks and start pumping out a big old fat granny blanket.

Now for any Crocheters out there, I have a couple of questions:

What size hook and what wool ply would you recommend for a granny blanket?
How many balls of wool would I need? Should I buy them all at once incase I can't find the colour I've been using and my blanket turns out lame? haha I'm a newby at this can you tell?
Do I need to be fancy and by pure wool or is acrylic or acrylic blend fine?
When you change colours on a granny square is it essential to rethread the tail of the new colour through the square all professional like or can you just hook it through, weave it around and make do? (like this)
I have been told that american crochet is different to how we do it in NZ and to be careful as the stitches are named differently. Anyone know what exactly is the inconsistency here as I have learnt using the american way and might find it hard to read a pattern.
I have had quite a bit of trouble finding a good position to hold my left hand for tension and see that there are a few different ways. My Mum and Grandma hold the thread in their last two fingers, wind it up over the middle and index and hold their work with their thumb against their index, then hook over their index (in between the middle and index) to stitch. The way they showed me on YouTube was weird (and way too hard to explain) so if you have gotten this far through my questions, let me know if this is the way you prefer to Crochet: (here). Anyway I prefer the first method and have finally gotten used to it but its interesting that there are a couple of ways to do it.

Check out more of my weekly creations here.

Zoe's Online Footprint: Is her life really for me to share all over the internet?

2010-07-08T09:34:00.005+12:00

Having a blog and uploading countless images and snippets of your daily life creates a HUGE online footprint. A while ago I read on another blog about posting too many images of your kids and lives on the internet for everyone to see. Especially since kids and babies are too young to ask their permission first. I know if I was old enough to understand I'd probably be saying "Oh Mummmmmmmm! why'd ya stick that photo up there?! Mummmmmmm SHAME?!"

Have you ever thought of how 'out there' your life is if you are a blogger? I know we control the amount of stuff we upload and say but lately it's been weighing on my mind as Zoe gets older and cuter and becomes more of herself than just 'my baby'. I am so proud of Zoe and love to show her off, I love to write about her and get your advice and feedback and of course your lovely compliments too. But I'm wary now of how much I really should be putting up here and out into the big old wide web for any random person to see.

Some moments aren't for sharing and I really only post snippets as I said before, my real life is completely different I would say. Some bloggers replace their kids names with 'miss 3' or 'little miss mischief' etc and some bloggers only upload photos that have their kids faces obscured or facing away. I really understand this now and am wondering about how much I want the world to know about Zoe and our lives. Mum never wrote everything down for the whole world to read and comment about and I wonder, if she had blogged about me 27 years ago, would I be kinda weirded out about it now?

Does anyone feel the same or have thought about the amount of privacy or lack-there-of we give ourselves on our blogs? I guess I'm saying that maybe I need to draw a line and post less about Zoe or less details so that everyone isn't so involved in her life. After all as I said we the authors control what content goes up on our blogs in the end. Last night I was thinking about some of the lovely comments I've had lately and how I didn't know who they were or where they were from... and it kinda annoyed me that a stranger knew all these things about my family. OF COURSE THEY DO! I TELL THEM.... and now its feeling a bit weird.

A moment below: Zoe with her Great Grandad (Great Da) ~ is this for family only or the world to nosey in on?..

I would love to know what YOU think!

Posty McPost Post...

2010-07-07T08:38:00.006+12:00

This post isn't as picturesque as usual, in fact I rarely post without an image and the nakedness is already freaking me out. I'm all in a bit of a 'blah' with blogging, I'm sure the 'blah' will be gone tomorrow and I'll have a super post ready to go. So anyway thought I would write some stuff about what's going on with me at the mo... (oh joy you say)

I think the weather sucks! Zoe is teething and seems to be bored with her toys and the lounge's four walls but its impossible to get out and about. Will see if we can have an adventure today.
There seems to be never ending housework to be done around here. I'm spending so much time in the laundry lately. Which reminds me, I should really get rid of that GIANT cockroach carcass Joel squished for me weeks (maybe months) ago that I have to step (no jump) over to get to the dryer.
I'm learning to Crochet this week, I've been inspired by PaisleyJade. I'm sick of learning stitches though and want to hurry up and make a super big granny square blanket (like this!). Or a toy... or or...
I have big plans for Kiwi Mummy Blogs and am super excited. They are all in my head at the moment and I can't wait to put them into action, now to find the time!
I am drooling thinking of the Auckland Art and Craft Fair coming up, I have plans to save my craft pennies up, at the moment I am at '$0' so I may need to get moving.
For some random reason I thought it would be cool to 'spring clean' the house. Ya know when you move out of a rental and clean it hard out so that you get your bond back (well at least I do), then as you walk out the door to leave you realise it was actually a pretty cool place when it was clean and tidy? I thought since I'm not fond of the house I'm in at the moment, that cleaning it hard out would make me love it more. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. It has done the opposite as I'm slowly loathing the things that still need cleaning... I have bought the oven cleaner posion but am too scared to use it. The warnings on those things are crazy! Well, thats my excuse anyway.
I'm super excited about Zoe's 1st birthday party and have begun the plans. Of course I am taking on more than I can handle (it's going to be awesome) and need to start making things for it right away. Well, at least I WANT to start making things right away. Now to tell Joel about how much I want to spend...
Bring on Thursday and the Vampire Diaries, I can't relate to the main girl character but the dudes are good eye candy now since McDreamy is McBoring. Speaking of Vamps, I'm off on a date with Joel on sat to see Eclipse (I hope its better than New Moon) and have lunch out all romantic-like. Hopefully we don't end up at Burger King (haha no we won't, don't worry).
School holidays, everything shuts down for two weeks and I go mad. What do you do with your lil ones to stay sane?
The load of washing is beeping at me saying its done and would like to be dried now...

ooh, so it turns out I can't stand to only have text on a post and here's the filler (thanks Tee):

p.s. I didn't dream feed Zoe last night, just left her as she looked so peaceful. I expected to be woken up at 11pm or 3am but no! she slept till 6.15am! I wonder what will happen tonight?!

My new (old) Brownie Camera

2010-07-06T10:10:00.003+12:00

I'm super excited to share this with you. Joel's Grandad passed down this Kodak Folding Brownie Camera to me to add to my collection. When I say 'collection' I mean I only have about 10 and take donations (hehe). It was his father's (J's Great Grandad's) camera and he only used it a couple of times so it's in AMAZING condition. It still has the original box and instruction booklet (which is a design feast!). I now have a handful of brownies that have all come down from relatives and friends which makes them really special.

Zoe Update: 9 months - my lil girl is growing up!

2010-07-05T10:31:00.001+12:00

Zoe is just so adorable (although as I write, she is grizzling and must have got out of the wrong side of bed today or something) we love her so much and she brings us so much joy. I really can't imagine life without her and she is making me want another bubba! (oh man!)

It is hard to believe that it has been 9 months since she was born. It feels like ages ago now and we are all looking forward to celebrating her 1st birthday.

Here are a few things that have been happening lately:

Zoe loves to smile at EVERYONE especially strangers in the supermarket. She quickly makes friends with the check out lady and thinks the whole supermarket experience is the best. This is all fine by me as I'd rather her happy and not whaling at the top of her lungs (for those mums that that has happened to, man that sux)
Zoe loves to giggle and laugh and is a very very happy baby, very relaxed and content.
She is babbling heaps lately, with all sorts of sounds. The other day 'I'm a bubba' came out in amongst other sounds and it made us crack up hard out.
Zoe isn't crawling yet, but looks like she is nearly there. She is turning from sitting and moves into a crawling position but can't quite get her legs right then topples onto her tummy. Doesn't like to be on her tummy lately at all.
She loves to dance or bop along to musical toys and sounds. She also does a sort of side-to-side-snake-jiggle to music too which is hilarious.
We got off the waiting list at our new Mainly Music and last week (WOOHOO!) to celebrate the end of the term it was dress up day. I got to dress Zoe up as a fairy (see photos), I was so excited. I hope she realises that this is only the beginning of the fairyness. She just LOVES the music and jumps and bops and screams the whole time.
Yes screaming, she seems to like to do this a bit lately...
Zoe has come so far in her swimming, (I think I said last month) she closes her eyes and mouth when she hears the 'ready set go' cue and prepares herself to be submerged. She then comes up out of the water like a pro.
I can see another tooth peeking through, this will be number 7! That's probably why she's a bit random today.
She's really enjoying her solids, especially finger food with apples, chicken, crackers, biscuits, marmite sammies, toast, grapes, mandarin, kiwifruit, persimmon and broccoli being some of the foods she has been loving.
She is really good at holding her sippy cup and has started drinking from it by herself on and off which is handy.
Each morning her hair seems a little bit longer and blonder, I swear it.
She now has this funny screwed up little face that she pulls when she is being cheeky, it's very cute! (see photos)
Zoe has been sleeping really well, waking more at 7am than 6am which we've been very happy with. This week though, we may start looking at dropping her dream feed - or at least leaving her to sleep through if she is out to the world.
Zoe loves cats and dogs, I just wish we had a pet or at least lived somewhere near people who did so that she could enjoy them on a regular basis. At the moment she just stalks her Great Grandad's cat and Marby's Dog.
What is with that TV program Bo on the Go? she goes nuts for it!? Reaching out to the TV, screaming and shouting and makes noises at it. Who knows!
I'm really loving dressing her up girly with lots of pink and purple. Didn't think I'd like that sort of thing but I can't help it now. Have found it impossible to get shoes that fit or that don't fall off a million times a day though, grr. So many people have tapped me on the shoulder saying 'excuse me but your daughter dropped her shoe' it's ridiculous.
We noticed the other day that she isn't as chubby anymore. Eeep! Like I said, growing up!

Aunty Debra: Q of the week - How do radios work?

2010-07-03T10:22:00.000+12:00

Question of the week - How do radios work?

We asked Jess what her next question of the week was, she was silent and didn't seem to have one, so we asked Amy (nearly 2yrs) .. of course she didn't have one. Then Jess pipes up with, 'How do radios work?'. Where did that come from? Completely out of the blue. Not the easiest to google, anything I came up with was preschool radio to listen to. We ended up making a box model radio, and then looked at Grandpa's old transitor radio that he had brought down with him. I bought some cheap walkie talkies which Jess has had fun talking to her grandparents on. Then we made a 'cup and string' radio; two plastic cups joined by a piece of string, as long as the string is tight you can whisper to each other. That was fun for Jess too - both talking radios were a bit above Amy but she had fun singing along to the box model radio.

Check out more of Debra's posts here

A creation a week for a year: No.26

2010-07-02T09:40:00.000+12:00

I'm officially halfway through my challenge!

Over the past (who knows how many) weeks I have been slowly stitching up a fabric book for Zoe. It got to the point that it took so long that I got really sick of it and rushed it to hurry up and get it finished. So that means that I'm not totally happy with it, but it will do.

It's all made from old fabric I've had lying around for ages or from the odd opshop expedition. Zoe seems to like it, so that's good. Might make something quick and simple for next week, phew! *wipes brow*

Check out my previous weekly creations here.