Chelsea Handbag

This evening I am the proud new owner of a beautiful (if I do say so myself) Amy Butler Chelsea bag which was made using beautiful Amy Butler Fabric from the Midwest Modern range.




I just did a little each night and found after each step I was totally enraptured with the process.



Tonight I finished it off and I am like a giddy teenager experiencing her first love (okay highly dramatic but I do love a good handbag)and I can't wait to make a red one.



Edited to add that my photography is almost as crap as my sewing so the photo's really do not do it justice (believe me when I say it is unreal ;-p)

6 Random Things

I have been tagged by my sewing buddy Lisa to write six random things about myself.

Here are the rules ...
1. Link to the person who “tagged” you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Okay so here we go - and I apologise for being so boring.

1. I have never ever watched a Bond film.

2. I have never eaten crumbed steak either.

3. Snr HB and I honeymooned in Greece and on the Greek Islands and would rate it as one of our most memorable/favourite places in the world.

4. I have two birthmarks - yep 2. One on my right ankle and one on my left shin. The one on my ankle is a port wine stain one and the one on my shin is just your average everyday looking generic kind of birthmark.

5. I have now lived in Qld for most of my life (23 years so far v 11yrs in NSW) but at State of Origin time I will always back NSW - mainly just to piss Snr HB off who is a staunch Qld/Bronco fan.

6. I have a cousin who has the same name as an island and to be honest I have never ever heard of another girl with this name. Her name is Martinique.


Okay who shall I tag...I dont think I have 6 friends but here goes.

Shannon
Mothership
Judge Superbonus - this could be the nudge to get him out of semi retirement.
Nina
Emma (over at Sampaguita Quilts)
Leah

Tooth Fairy Duties

Well tonight I have to play tooth fairy for the second time. However this time we actually have a real life tooth to deal with (last time he accidentally spat it down the drain when brushing his teeth).

What do I do with the tooth?

Do I keep it or throw it?

Things I ponder

Why are elephants always called Ellie?

I am starting to get a real complex about this one.

PAY IT FORWARD

I read about the "Pay-it-Forward" gift exchange from my fellow sewing buddy Lisa

How does it work?
The first three people who comment on this post will get a handmade gift from me sometime in the next 365 days. All you need to do is "Pay-it-Forward" to 3 people on your blog in exchange. Just leave me an e-mail address or blog link so I can contact you for your address to post your gift, as well as a few tips on likes/dislikes kids/no kids etc (No responsibility is taken for the shoddy-craftmanship of the handmade gift you may receive. Remember I'm a newbie sewer :-)).

Visit here if you would like a bit more information about the ideas behind Paying-It-Forward.

Comfort Food

It is actually cold here today, I was starting to wonder if we were going to get any real winter weather at all.

So in honour of our first real cold, windy, rainy day the day you dream of when you are in your cold heartless air conditioned office that you were at home snuggled under a doona watching a dvd or reading... Suckers... I made some yummy cream of cauliflower soup with a splash of brocolli thrown in for good measure. It is so warm and yummy.

I hope where ever you are, that you are snuggled up and your belly is full of yummy warm foods.

Round Neck Dress

Well I finally finished it last night minus the buttons and buttonholes. I tried it on the girl this morning sans the buttons etc so still not sure if it will fit around the neck properly but it is a gorgeous style and once you have one up your sleeve a relatively easy dress or top to make.

Oh and Jo this is not the post I promised you either...

This is NOT a post for Jo ;-p

Sorry Jo I know you have been waiting patiently but this is not the post I promised you. It is coming though.

Instead I have been making Cranberry Chilli Jam (which incidentally last time I made I used Jo's homegrown chilli's) I actually got the recipe from the 2007 Christmas Edition Family Circle magazine and received rave reviews over Christmas - especially from my vego cousin who loved it with his cheese platters etc. Check out my new stamp I bought from the dollar shop - isn't it groovy.



My other little project was to finish Jnr's Blanket bag to take to school. This was a rather last minute holy crap school starts tomorrow I should have finished this weeks ago project so therefore I am not 100% happy with it but it will do. If you dont look too closely it is not too bad looking but if you are someone who can sew please dont sacrifice me to the sewing gods or goddesses for bad craftmanship..


And the last one is of the two gorgy girls - well just because I can.

Old Red Barn Quilt

This quilt over at Old Red Barn is going to go to a new home.

The fabric in this quilt is just beautiful. My fabric obsession is going to send me to the poor house. At least my cardboard box home will have lovely fabric lining if nothing else.

A productive evening

It is amazing what one can get done when they take a few steps away from the computer.

This evening I either started or finished a few of my 'in progress' projects.

I sewed all 30 squares for Jnr's dino patchwork bag. (I really need to finish that one before school starts next week.)

I finished sewing the doll's quilt for my nieces dolly bed birthday gift (now just need to do sheets and pillows) also will make one of the green shirred dresses with the leftovers and a summmer pj set.



I also finally finished the second pj set for Baby Hillbilly. I tried something a bit different this time and 'appliqued' (well I think that is what I did - not very well mind you but not bad for a first timer)a ladybug on the el cheapo skivvy. I really really love this combo of fabric.


I now need to finish the second pair of offcut pj's for Jnr, his dino bag a couple of surprise gifts that I can't mention on here and a round neck dress that I cut out yesterday as well as my Chelsea Bag. I am hoping that the Chelsea bag turns out well as I really love the style/design and would love to be able to make them as gifts.

Okay best go to bed as no doubt the Little One will wake very soon - who by the way has started rolling so I suppose I can not leave her on the edge of cliffs anymore...

Crafty Goodness

It is a nice feeling to be able to give someone a gift that you have made all by yourself.

This gift is for a little girl who has just entered the world.


Some polka dotted bassinette sheets, a bib and a crayon roll for the new big sister.

Fingers crossed the new mum is so tired and worn out from the new baby girl that she doesn't notice how bad my sewing is.

I haven't actually even posted them yet but lets assume the new mum is also too busy to browse the net.

The Washing Fairy Does Exist

Its true I captured evidence today ala David Attenborough style. However the drawback of having the washing fairy visit means it would also appear that the washing fairy is also acting in the capacity of "use all the toilet paper fairy".

Summer Dress

I just love this style of dress on little girls in summer. Took me about an hour but that included rethreading my overlocker. Plus lots of fiddly ironing with the straps. I am scared of ironing so probably took longer than the average joe. Will attempt a matching headband or 'scrunchie' to match. Also have enough left over to make one for the Little One - even though I swore I would never do the matching outfit thing this fabric is just way too cute to waste. Might even have to attempt matching bloomers as I hate seeing a nappy uncovered.

Okay edited to add a picture with Baby Hillbilly wearing her dress (excuse the singlet underneath but it is winter you know).

Worlds Worst Googler

My friend Mothership has just confirmed for me that I truly am the worlds worst person to use google. I truly do suck at it. That is why from time to time I will ask inane questions that people will say why didn't you just google it - well because basically I suck at it.

I need your help Blog Reader

This my dear reader is what is called a jelly stand/bag and I need one but do you think I can find one....NO.

Have you seen one in your travels or know where I can purchase one?

I am desperate...please help me.

The Tooth Fairy

Will no doubt be making her debut appearance at Chez Clampett very very soon Jnr has 2 loose teeth.

My baby boy is growing up way too fast.

We have constant wiggling and he is deigning to tell us what foods can and can not be eaten due to aforementioned teeth. We then discussed the rituals of the tooth fairy. Jnr has since learnt at school that the tooth fairy may not be real, I told Jnr that the tooth fairy only comes to those who believe. Jnr's quick reply was "Oh but I believe...."

3 Months Old

It is that time of the month again this really is going way to fast and I feel like I am already thinking about Christmas (I know crazy) and returning to work.

Everything plodding along just dandy we are getting heaps of smiles and Heidi now gives me big giggles when we are getting ready to hop into the bath. She is just pure delight even if she is starting to take advantage of all the cuddles. The scary thing is that she just loves to watch us eat, how ever will I hold out until she is 6 mths to introduce solids.

No surprise really...

Stating the bleeding obvious really but I am a sucker for an online test.

4 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Poor (Failure) Take the test!

Cool Parenting Must Do's

Okay so yesterday we learnt the Bus Stop, today The Robot. I am thinking tomorrow we will have a go at The Sprinkler.

Every kid must have at least some of these moves in their dance reportoire.

Procrastination

I truly am the queen of procrastination. I like the pressure of leaving things to the last minute.

However my procrastination comes at a price...

I have the hairiest legs ever seen on a woman. Even Snr Hillbilly gasps when bare legs are spied at present. Some of the hairs are 3cm long (yes I measured with a ruler...it is state of origin and I am bored). It has been roughly 13 weeks since my last waxing appt. I don't know what I do with my days but generally at about 5pm each day I go "oh shit I haven't rung to make an appointment".

Maybe when the ponytails under my jeans really start to poke out and look odd will I make an appointment.

Water Cooler Conversations

Imagine the riveting conversations I can have with myself now...

The life and times of a stay at home mum.

Chez Clampett

is now finished apart from the floating timber floor to be installed and some tidy up with the furniture inside all but done.

The kids love it and was the best anniversary present we will probably ever give each other.

Family Photo's

Today we got back our beautiful photo's from our photographer Paul Beutel. Really nice guy with excellent results. Here are a few of my favourites.

Miky Monster

Another wonky softie creation.

What's a Bago

And how can we win a bago mum?

No son its a w i n n e b a g o all one word.

Then a brief explanation on what a winnebago follows...

So if we win lotto we could win a bago?


You can't argue with that logic can you!!!!!

2 months old

Already...where did the time go. Way too fast might I say that is for sure. We are getting heaps of smiles, laughs and 'talking' she is ever so cute and we love her to bits.

She had her first big bath with me the other day and she did the biggest belly laughs for some reason she found being in the bath with me very funny.

Mrs Dotty Wonka

Isn't she beautiful.

Lovely child baring hips, manky arms, eyebrows that really need to see a beautician and a neck head combo reminiscent of ET.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I am sure Baby Hillbilly will love her...we hope.

101 uses for your baby capsule

Other than for transporting your baby safely it is also used for safely transporting your Lamba Korma and Naan Bread without it sloshing around on the front seat.

Stay tuned for other great uses for your baby capsule.

This public service announcement has been bought to you by the letter K and the number 3

Where do babies come from

A conversation with Baby Hillbilly which originated with why BH should not be wearing nappies anymore.

BH: But mama you wear nappies!

Me: yes but only after I had a baby. (Regular Reader please know that i do not wear nappies that was just what I called feminine hygiene products to her when she asked one day)

BH: Mama are you going to have a baby?

me: No BH 3 is enough (me thinking cripes it has only been 8 weeks give me a chance woman to lose some post baby belly flab- yeah right who am I kidding that flab will be here for the long haul)

BH: LO was in your belly wasn't she.

me: yes and now she is out, you were in my belly too as was Jnr.

BH: and Daddy too?

me: No Daddy came out of Nana's belly and I came out of Grandma's belly

BH: and Poppy's too?

me: ummm no baby...

I genuinely look forward to our next discussion on how exactly the baby got in my belly....NOT

Some crafty stuff

Have been trying to do a bit of sewing of late but have not really been successful.

Lets just say if you are my friend and your kid is having a birthday expect a crayon roll in the gift bag.

Here is my latest one which is a jungle theme for my nephew Jack.

Really happy with it except I should have done the final sewing on the bottom as opposed to the top where you would not have seen the green cotton...damn it. I have also made 2 pairs of pj's to add to his birthday bag. I am yet to attempt a proper pj top as to be honest I cant see the sense when you can buy a set of pj's for less than $10. So I just buy a skivvy or singlet (on sale) and sew a fancy pocket on it. Also I am yet to try and sew a buttonhole - way too scary for my sewing skills or lack thereof.

Also on a crafty a note the final snuggle rug for Jnr Hillbilly he was the last to receive his but he was really happy with it. I used some old fabric we have had floating around the house which was a piece of material from spotlight that was the makings of a fabric book about dinosuars (Jnr is a mad dinosaur geek) so I cut some of the dinosaurs and then just sewed some panels around it. I then used flannel (to make it snuggly) as the backing - just some stuff I had in my 'stash' unfortunately it is not dinosaurs as it would seem that like most 'fasion' things in retail trying to buy for boys is extremely limiting especially if you are trying to buy cheap stuff. Rant over.

Last a group shot of the 3 musketeers and one of the not so Little One and one of her many chins. She is huuuuge.

Time Flies...

not when you are having fun though it would seem.

Seriously I have just dropped Jnr off at Prep, Baby HB off at daycare and the Little One is sleeping (ooh she is a doll) It is now 1.30pm and it is almost time to turn around and pick them up again.

Where the frick has my day gone?

Out of context

I overhead a line on Baby Hillbilly's DVD yesterday...

"...Max is upset because I wouldn't let him ride me like a horse..."

It sure made my head spin around the mind boggles.

Shit I am old

I was reading a post in a forum that I frequent asking you what was your email address when you were in high school.

Well crap I am old because when I was in high school there was no www and there surely was no email, mobile phones had just come about and they were those ones you carried around in a bag. When I was in high school yes we did have computers but we still had rooms with typewriters for 'typing class' - cripes I am so old I cant even remember what the name of that suject was?

In fact just the other week we took the Hillbilly's to our local musuem and there was an old style typewriter on display - both SH and I drew a blank trying to explain to jnr what is was used for.

So anyway after putting not much thought into it I have come up with a couple of examples of what my high school email address might have been:

weekendbingedrinker@hotmail.com

netballbitch@hotmail.com

narkygossipbeearch@hotmail.com

My Happiness

At the moment my theme song could be My Happiness - yes Powderfinger and yes still lusting after Bernard.

I am just so damn happy. Life is good in fact apart from winning lotto and both Senior Hillbilly and I never having to work again it doesn't get much better than this. Yeah sure I still bitch and moan how 5 minutes after vacuuming and mopping my floors they are dirty again but hey I will get over that we are all in a good place.

I have replaced my love of Reese Peanut Butter Cups with Jasper Coffee Arabicas chocolate coated coffee beans, now at $12 for 100gm I can't really afford to keep this addiction up I assume it will be cheaper to take up cocaine.

I turn 34 (eeek) in a few weeks time I wonder if my 20 something self would have known that this is where I would be when I was 34. I might get on the band wagon and write myself a letter to my 18 year old self.

Stay tuned ..

p.s The Little One is just as delicious as ever. I swore I would never have another baby but by god I could have 10 more of her.

Who would you turn gay for?

A question stolen from Rove so who would you turn gay for?







Me I would for Orla Brady

So tell me...

I tag

Mothership
Dookout

Shannon

tell me who rocks your boat??

Come fly with me

I seriously think I live in one of the best places in the world.

My house is approx 800m as the crow flys to a beautiful clean beach.

I am surrounded by red soil small crop farmers, this means beautiful fresh cheap produce all year around.

Less than 2km away I can buy locally grown tomatoes, mushrooms, lettuce, rocket, cucumbers sweet potatoes and these beautiful lilliums...

Tell me where else you can buy a bunch of these beautiful flowers for $10. I bought them last Friday and I am still waiting on buds to bloom.

Life is good.

One for the 21st album

A brilliant capture of a unique little personality.

The 3rd Person

Ellie detests it when people talk in the 3rd person. If Ellie could slap said people, Ellie would be one happy girl.

Just for the record Ellie is not normally a violent person.

Just beautiful

Don't really need to say too much more do I.

Can you remember

When you first learnt to wink, whistle, click your fingers and do all those 'cool' things.

Well Jnr Hillbilly is at that lovely age were learning to do all of those things is on his mind. Totally funny to watch his wee face contorting and moving his head at a funny angle because we all know the angle helps close the one eye.

Just quietly between you and me I am not looking forward when he is trying to learn to whistle.

One Month Old Today

Wow can you believe it!!!

Where has it gone.

Well The Little One is officially one month old today and she is just as delicious as the day she was born.

I have never experienced the total bliss out of a newborn before - not that I didn't enjoy my other children but this just feels so different and I am totally loving it. Slack mumma doesn't have any weight stats as I have been a tad slack but I will hopefully get her weighed tomorrow.

Still feeding her but it has an ouch factor of about 20/10 so am introducing a few bottle feeds to give the ol (.)(.) a break and hopefully heal a bit quicker. Am still trying to figure out if my hanging the washing out sans my top and bra to get some sunlight (another recommendation) is of great pleasure or displeasure to the neighbours and the surrounding workmen..only time will tell I guess.

And on a crafty note another gift albeit a little late for a dear little girl who turned 3 last month. I am a just a tad late but I am sure she will love the postman bringing her another gift. Am much happier with the pj set this time and I rembered to do a pocket on the pants as well. Not so happy with the crayon roll as I used very thick ric-rac and it was very hard to sew on, so it looks a little tatty.

Introducing the Little One

Finally here she is laying on the beautiful quilt made by Emma (there are better pics on Emma's blog). Words fail me at Emma's generosity and talent. We truly are a lucky household to have 3 of her creations.

The Little One is going great and has me totally besotted. Pity the mother ain't so grand. The old milker has a lovely bout of mastitis.

Baby and Junior thinks she is the bees knees and it is a full time job keeping the little one 'safe' from their affectionate kisses and cuddles.

Oh and just in case

you weren't one of the 2 million people who received either an email or an sms..The babeeeeeee has arrived.

And to say she is gorgeous well is totally an understatement.

The Stats are:

7th April 2008
8lb 1 oz
53 cm long


Watch this space for more updates.

Hey you stole my name!!!

Apparently there are two of us now...watch out world.

Special mention to Miss K for sending me this little ripper.

The bed is made.

I think I have finally gotten over my phobia of letting Baby HB touch the quilt. I may even let her sleep in her own bed tonight.

So here is the final result from the very talented Emma . All the talent of the actual bed making is my very own with no help from anyone.

An 'oh fuck' moment

Snr Hillbilly and I have just finished getting lunches ready for school and daycare tomorrow. With the arrival of number 3 due any minute now we just realised that we have 18 more years of this ahead of us. SH will be 55 and I will be 51.

Hence the oh fuck

What will you be doing when you are in your 50's Well this little Hillbilly household will be making our last sandwich...Maybe we might do tuckshop that year.

Secretly I am praying that by then we will be living a little more like The Jetsons and I can just pop a pill in their pocket or something...

My last one..sob sob

I can not get enough of these things. The ironic part of it all is, is that I detest peanut butter.

Why cant I like a chocolate that is easy to buy at the shop....oh no my tastebuds have to go and choose something really hard to get.

I took these photos as it was my last one and I wanted to capture the moment. My girlfriend bought over when she was in Australia from Walmart for a pack of ten for 99 cents. I have to pay nearly $5 for a pack of two over here.

So what is your little food weakness.?