D.I.Y; A donut pinata

 

My lil man turned 4 the other week & to celebrate I held a small party. There wasn't a theme this year like his cowboy & indian theme 3rd birthday party last year just mainly junkfood (like most kids parties) so I decided to make a donut piñata because they are so much fun to watch the lil ones make a mad dash for the treats. The sugar comedown afterwards, not so much...

 

 

I used an empty cereal box, plus some sturdier cardboard for the round donut circles (off an old boardgame lid), a dinnerplate & Kraft peanut butter lid for the donut circle templates, scissors, Mont Marte acrylic paint, paint brush, masking tape, clear drying glue, stapler, velcro, a mix of bright beads & sequins, & wool (for tying up the piñata).

 

 

1.Using the sturdier cardboard, I cut out 2 large circles (from dinner plates, they measured roughly 23cms in diameter). Then in the centre of the circles, I traced out the smaller circle (donut hole) using the Kraft peanut butter lid. Then cut that out. I measured the inner circle so that I could cut out a strip of cardboard (from the cereal box) to join around the edges of the "donut hole" with masking tape. This strip was roughly 12cms in width.

2. It should look like this side view on. Like a large sewing bobbin.

3. Next I measured the outer edge of the large circle. I cut a strip to fit around the side of the "donut" with the same width of 12cms & used masking tape to secure it. I left an opening for the treats to come out.

 

 

4. It should look like this side view on.

5. I painted the whole outside of the "donut". Then to seal the opening to hold the treats in. I stapled some Velcro on. This way Kobe could peel open the piñata & watch the treats fall so his friends could run & grab what they wanted. Plus I can reuse it when needed.

6. I went crazy splashing the glue, sequins & beads on. (I only did one side). Also make sure you have clear drying glue, it gives a nice donut glaze look. I did a coating of glue over the top of the sequins & beads for extra support.

 

And...

 

 

 

Last of all tying the donut piñata (filled to bursting point with treats) to a tree. For an extra touch I tied mini donuts next to it. I wish I tied them lower so the kids could of ate them off the string. Oh well next time.

 

 

Happy Friday friends!

Grace

 

14 acts of kindness (toddler version)

With the school holidays here. I thought what a good time to reevaluate whats important. And being a damn kind person who is considerate of others tops the list. I wanted to involve my 4 year old, Captain whingey (that's you Kobe:)) so that he is aware that its better to be a nice person than someone who selfishly looks out for just themselves. Because lets face it there are plenty of those people out there. So I decided to make a chart of 14 acts of kindness that Kobe could partipate in for each day of the school holidays (we are doing them in no particular order). When I tried to explain it to him he asked if there was also a naughty list... Eh no darling. You give me plenty of tantrums & meltdowns as it is ha ha.

1. Do something kind for the planet. (We gifted out flower party favours for his birthday party, it makes me happy to know that 15 flowers will be planted this weekend).
2. Visit someone whose lonely.
3. Donate 1 birthday gift to a charity (we will be choosing the Kmart wishing tree as we do every year).
4. Make a gift for your teachers upon return to prekindy. No idea what yet, any ideas?!?
5. Donate spare coins into the charity tin can shakers that hang out at the shops.
6. Feed the wildlife. We made heart shaped bird feeders (see above photo) that we tied onto trees. Hopefully will lure birds to our garden that will eat the snails devouring my vegetable patch & frangipani tree.
7. Surprise someone unexpectantly. Kobe actually surprised me after making a giant mess by throwing every matchbox car and toy food all over the floor, told me he was going to tidy up on his own AND he did!?! I had tears in my eyes when I witnessed that, I usually have to nag him to tidy.
8. Pick a friend who makes you smile and send them a thank you note with some stickers.
9. Help take your nano's dogs for a walk (knowing that they make you cranky with their hyperness) as they will enjoy the fresh air.
10. Do a chore without complaining. Kobe swept the leaves in the courtyard & put them all in the bin which was awesome as I find it hard to bend down nowadays. Bless him!
11. Collect items that are no longer used to be donated to a charity.
12. Do something nice for someone who isn't well. Kobe chose (to buy out of some pocket money his poppy gave him) some bubble wands to "make better" his 2 sick friends who live down the road. Naturally he got one for himself too.
13. Help make a meatless meal. We chose to do veggie pizzas. Too easy:)
14. Share your toys with a friend without bickering. Kobe shared his beach toys with a little girl who wandered over for a play. Too cute!!!

We are about halfway thru with a week to go:)

Happy Friday friends!
Grace

DIY: statement necklace

 

Im such a fan of 80's jumpers so when I came across these eccentric 80's buttons at the markets for a couple dollars I jumped for joy. They would go perfect with this large gold chain I picked up at an op shop a while back. Lately I have been favouring simple outfits like oversized jumpers & leggings as nothing seems to fit anymore. So this statement necklace is perfect for jazzing up an otherwise plain outfit.

 

 

 

I used wire cutters, pliers, a thrifted necklace, 80's buttons, bead wire, necklace hoops and bead clamps.

 

 

1. After sorting out a pattern on which I wanted the buttons to go. I threaded some bead wire thru the necklace loops & thru the button opening (at the back of the button). Once I was happy with the length I used my pliers to seal a bead clamp so the button wouldn't slip off.

2. I wrapped 2 lots of bead wire thru the button so it wouldn't twist around when I wore it. Then trimmed off the excess bead wire with the pliers.

3. Next up I measured how low/high I wanted the necklace to hang around my neck & used the wire cutters to trim off the excess necklace chain. Then using the pliers I secured the bead hoop so that the clasp could join it to secure the necklace.

 

 

And tada... My statement necklace is complete.

 

 

(Excuse my pasty face I was fighting off a nasty cold & damn that double chin of mine! BOO!!!).

 

Kobe couldn't help getting in on making something too, after complaining my necklace smelt of olive oil (always has food on the brain this child of mine) he threaded some beads & random bits & bob onto pipe cleaners to make bracelets. Here we are with our fabulous DIY creations:)

 

 

Happy Friday friends!

Grace

 

June Review

*Planning a 4th birthday party for Kobe bear. He has asked for LOTS of junkfood. Hopefully I will be able to make a rainbow cake for him.
*Shocked at this brawl between parents at a kids playcentre... Reminds me of the time when I was a kid & my sister smartmouthed another smartmouthed kid so her mum said it was ok to smack my sister or if she couldn't catch her, me. What a stupid parent...
*Baking any lemon based recipe with lemons from my mums tree.
*Craving butter mixed with sugar & dough?!?
*Cringing over Kobe calling his aunty & nano "dumb sh1ts". Eek!
*Mending missing buttons, dropped hems & holes to make use of the clothes I already have. I still cant stop fantasizing & pinning my dream outifits on Pinterest.
*Searching for the perfect retro fabric to make curtains for the bedroom.
*Loving Game of Thrones. C'mon Sansa & Reek drum up some courage!
*Grateful for Luke painting the bedroom. So over boring white walls. Hello light grey walls.
*Having a mini breakdown over everything that has to be done before bambino 2#. Oh pregnancy hormones are here...
*Enjoying sister time before my twin sister jetted off travelling again. It went too fast!
*Reading about Kit Willows new eco label KITX.
*Worried about this immunisation article.
*Oops about being a day late posting this.

Happy Wednesday friends!
Grace

#Sidenote; Photo taken at King Neptune which I heard may be demolished soon, so if you want to visit I would do so asap!

What I wore: trench coat

 

Winter doesn't give me much fashion inspiration. Most days I like to hang out in a pair of comfy trackies til I leave the house for a playdate or errands that it. I have had this coat for about 10 years since I bought it at a consignment shop in Perth which sadly is no longer there. Its my winter wardrobe staple. So versatile & easy to throw on over an outfit, I think it suits this vintage tiger themed dress to a T. Im also loving the cape jackets Im seeing about.

 

 

 

 

 

 Im finding Winter & being pregnant is leaving my hair & skin ultra dry so I have started using a couple products to put moisture back into my body. Matrix scalpsynx soothing serum does exactly that & soothes my flaky scalp. I loved it so much I got the Matrix repairinside control cream which I use twice a week after conditioning my hair with apple cider vinegar. It gives my hair a healthy bounce. And last of all Palmers cocoa butter on my growing belly. Its stop the skin itching as its naturally stretches to fit growing baby 2#. I used bio oil in my last pregnancy but it left me with rashes? I don't really use many products as Im wary about what goes into/on my body but Im content to add these to my beauty essentials.

 

 

 

 

What I wore; trench coat, vintage dress/ both thrifted. Shoes/ Country Road. Ring/ borrowed.

 

 

 

I hope your enjoying your weekend wherever you are. Its raining here in Perth so Im hanging for some sunshine!

 

Happy Saturday friends!

 

Grace

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Warmers wishlist

I spent a big chunk of last week fighting off the cold (with Kobe too, Luke managed to dodge it) but felt better come weekend & now it seems the cold wasn't done with me. Round 2... As a believer of buying well but buying less (hence not buying crap) here is my round up of things that would certainly keep me sane & warm during this chilly weather.

1. Its seems one of my pyjama pants has a giant hole in the back (which ofcourse I noticed once I no doubt flashed the neighbourhood when taking Kobe out early morning to see the rubbish truck on bin day, ehhh). The Good Society makes pyjamas pants (amongst other products) with organic cotton & are dyed with water based inks. A perfect replacement me thinks.

2. My kind friend Haelee gifted me with some of this delightful hot chocolate & Im now convinced baby 2# may come out dripping in chocolate. Its the best & I cant get enough!!!

3. I cant not include the sweetest handmade bear blanket I spotted on instagram. Lucky baby wrapped up warm in this! The elephant & lion blankies are just as sweet!!!

4. If I get some free time for sewing, I would love to sew this 60's style cape.

5. Renewed Vintage ebay shop has a lovely selection of preloved clothes. I practically live in denim so Im naturally lusting after this chambray shirt.

6. Whats not to like about a raincoat upcycled from preloved fabric which is then laminated to make it waterproof. Due to this each raincoat is a one off individual piece.

7. I happily scored a wheat pack in a waste not want not gathering I held between a few friends a few months back & it has been a saviour of sorts for aches & pains. The talented Sarah makes these cute moustache themed wheatpacks.
#Double checking that everyone knows wheat packs are not suitable bed warmers as the risk of fire is high if overheated. Stick to hot water bottles for bed warmers.

8. This handknitted Super Mario hotwater bottle has long been sold off Etsy but why not give new life into any old knits or moth chewed knits by making them into hotwater bottle covers. Even handy for the pets during the freezing nights.

Well I hope everyone is well & germ free.
Happy Wednesday friends!
Grace

What I wore: Kimono

 

I have been enjoying getting out while the sun is still shining & catching up with my sister the last month or so before she jets off travelling yet again. I have also been enjoying spending any free time at night watching all the reality shows based around giving birth or parenthood; I bingewatched on ABC iview Daddy daycare about dads who need to be more hands on who are sent to spent a week at a daycare (one of them stepped up so much he was offered a job at the end of the week!!!) & Midwives has me crossing my legs when its time to give birth. I also love One born every minute about birth stories in a maternity ward & the spin off series about the dads & their view on being a parent looks interesting. My favourite reality parenting program was Crash test mummies and daddies about new parents coping with newborns which I watched last year. Its hard to believe in 4 short months I will be a mama to 2 boys. And Luke & I haven't really come up with many names yet... Luckily Kobe threw Spogus & Tom in the naming game as options...

 

 

 

Anyhow lets talk about this outfit. Kimonos are perfect to throw over any plain Jane outfit to give it a bit of edge. This one is actually a Victoria secret robe worn as a kimono. I saw the bow detailing on the sleeve & knew we would be friends forever. I found these high waisted dark denim jeans whilst doing a closet purge that I wore in my last pregnancy. They have a loose elasticated waist which Im grateful for as I can no longer fit most of my pants. I really want to steer clear of maternity pants or those fabric waistbands.

 

 

 

What I wore; Victoria secret robe worn as kimono, scarf, denim jeans/all thrifted. Shoes/ bought in Singapore over 7 years ago. Clutch/ hand me down from sister. White t-shirt/ Bonds.

 

 

 

Happy Tuesday friends!

Grace

 

Sidenote; I was naughty & broke my buy nothing new rule & bought the Bonds tshirt new.