Vintage circus party

 

WHEN OUR BEAUTIFUL BOY TURNED ONE, I WENT ALL OUT AND PUT ON THIS VINTAGE CIRCUS THEMED PARTY FOR HIM.  THE CATERING & DECORATING WAS ALL DIY BUT A LOT OF THE FINER DETAILS WERE EITHER BOUGHT ONLINE OR MADE BY CLEVER & CREATIVE HELPING HANDS.  JUST IN CASE YOU'D LIKE TO RE-CREATE THE THEME OR PURCHASE ANY OF THE BITS AND PIECES WE PUT TOGETHER, I'LL INCLUDE ALL OF MY SOURCES THROUGHOUT THE POST.  IT WAS THE BEST DAY AND THANKS TO ROWE TIMSON WE WERE ABLE TO CAPTURE A LOT OF THE MOMENTS THAT OTHERWISE, WOULD HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.

 

SOFIA AT CASA AZUL DESIGN CREATED THESE INVITATIONS FOR US. THEY WERE SO UNIQUE AND FIT THE THEME PERFECTLY.  AS SOON AS I SAW THEM, I FELL IN LOVE.

 TO ENTERTAIN THE BABIES WE SET UP A PLASTIC POOL AND FILLED IT WITH COLOURED BALLS, WHICH THEY ALL SEEMED TO LOVE.  I ALSO BOOKED A BALLOON ARTIST TO COME DRESSED AS A CLOWN FOR A FEW HOURS BECAUSE BALLOONS ARE ONE OF GABE'S FAVOURITE THINGS.  THE CLOWN WAS BRILLIANT, THE BABIES ALL PLAYED WITH THE BALLOONS AND THE OLDER KIDS WERE KEPT AMUSED BY HIM AND HIS BALLOON TWISTING ABILITY!

THE GORGEOUS LITTLE BANDANNA BIBS & THE BIRTHDAY BOY'S BOW TIE WERE MADE BY KOBI, A SUPER TALENTED YOUNG MUM WHO RECENTLY CREATED THE BRAND, ALFIE.

 

KOBI HAS AN ADORABLE COLLECTION OF KIDS CLOTHES WHICH YOU CAN VIEW & PURCHASE THROUGH HER FACEBOOK PAGE : Alfie By Kobi

 

AFTER GABE'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG, WE LET HIM DIP HIS LITTLE MITS INTO THE BIRTHDAY CAKE AND GET MESSY.  THANK GOD HE HAD FUN BECAUSE THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO USE FOR THAT CAKE ONCE HE WAS FINISHED WITH IT.

 

AS THANK YOU GIFTS AND TAKE HOME BAGS, I DECIDED TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE.  FOR THE OLDER KIDS, I FOUND SOME CIRCUS THEMED SHOW BAGS ONLINE AND FILLED THESE WITH SWEETS.  UNFORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T PHOTOGRAPH THEM BUT I WILL PROVIDE A LINK WHERE YOU CAN PICK SOME UP. 

 

THE ONE YEAR OLD'S WERE HARDER TO BUY FOR. IN THE END I DECIDED TO FILL SMALL MUSLIN BAGS WITH THREE TOYS, A SMALL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, A CIRCUS THEMED MAZE AND SOME BUBBLES.  I FINISHED IT OFF BY TYING A SMALL RIBBON (EITHER BLUE OR PINK) AROUND THE DRAWSTRING, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE BUB WAS A BOY OR GIRL.

S O U R C E S

Popcorn cupcakes: Home made vanilla cupcakes with torn marshmallow placed on top of 

the icing.  Dabbed softly with yellow food dye.  'POPCORN' cases came from Sofia at Casa Azul Design.

Retro peanut bags: I love parties

Striped paper baking cups: Robert Gordon Australia

Pink cupcake flags: Wheel & Barrow

Happy birthday sign: Sofia at Casa Azul Design

Red & white paper straws: Kikkerland

Circus tent: Ikea Australia

Old-fashioned clown popcorn bags: I love parties

Cake flags: Sofia at Casa Azul Design

Party favours: Muslin bags (eBay), baby musical instrument (Spotlight), circus themed maze (I love parties website)

Cotton candy circus show bags: I love parties

Photographer: Rowe Timson at Rowe Timson Photography 

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I must confess

photography : daybreak magazine

SINCE BECOMING A MUM I'VE FOUND THE QUESTION, "SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?", A LOT HARDER TO ANSWER THAN IT EVER WAS BEFORE.  IS IT JUST ME OR DOES IT OFTEN FEEL AS THOUGH THE RESPONSE, "I'M A MUM" IS SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH? IT'S A BIT OF A SLAP IN THE FACE TO HAVE YOUR EFFORTS GO UNRECOGNISED, PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU'RE STARTING TO FEEL AS THOUGH YOU NEVER STOP.  I DON'T KNOW ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE BUT FOR ME THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAS TRIGGERED COUNTLESS INTERNAL RANTS.  ALTHOUGH IT'S EMBARRASSING TO CONFESS, IT'S TRUE, I WOULD STAND THERE IN THE KITCHEN, THINKING UP ENTIRE DEFENSES FOR MYSELF.  "I'M WORKING HARD.  I DON'T TAKE BREAKS, I'M SLEEP DEPRIVED AND TRYING MY BEST.  WHY CAN NOBODY UNDERSTAND THIS, OR IS IT JUST THAT NO ONE CARES?"

AS SOON AS YOU HAVE A CHILD, YOU ARE THROWN INTO THIS WHIRLWIND OF "DOING".  EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR YOUR BABY AND YOU FIND YOURSELF SO BUSY AND SO TIRED, A LOT OF THE TIME YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH YOURSELF.  WHAT EXHAUSTED AND STRESSED ME OUT THE MOST WAS THE FACT THAT I WAS STRUGGLING, IMMENSELY,  TO KEEP ON TOP OF EVERYTHING BUT SIMPLY UNABLE TO SAY THE WORDS, "SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME".  I WANTED THINGS TO BE PERFECT.  I WANTED EVERYTHING I HAD PLANNED TO GET DONE, TO BE DONE, AND WHEN THEY WEREN'T I SECRETLY FELT AS THOUGH I HAD FAILED BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I REFUSED TO ADMIT IT.  I WANTED TO PRETEND THAT EVERYTHING WAS OKAY, THAT EVERYTHING WAS AS CLOSE TO BEING PERFECT AS IT COULD BE.  MOTHERHOOD WAS ALL SO NEW, SO UNFAMILIAR AND SO HARD.  IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO REALISE THAT IT WASN'T JUST ME WHO WAS FINDING IT DIFFICULT, IT WAS EVERY NEW MUMMA. 

AS A YOUNG MUM, (I WAS ALMOST 22 WHEN MY SON WAS BORN) I HAD ANOTHER ISSUE HANGING OVER MY HEAD.  FROM THE MINUTE I DECIDED TO KEEP GABE, AND NOT OPT FOR AN ABORTION, I'D FELT AS THOUGH PEOPLE WERE, IN A SENSE, WAITING FOR ME TO FAIL.  I WANTED TO PROVE THEM WRONG.  EVEN THOUGH, LOOKING BACK ON IT NOW, I'M SURE A LOT OF THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS I WAS HAVING WERE ONLY IN MY HEAD AND A REFLECTION OF MY OWN PARANOIA.  I HAD THIS SENSE OF DETERMINATION TO DO A GOOD JOB, TO BE A GOOD MUM AND TO MAKE EVERYTHING WORK AND WORK WELL.  AS SOON AS GABE WAS BORN, I REALISED IT WASN'T AS EASY AS IT LOOKED.  THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, WEEKS, MONTHS, THE ONGOING CHORES, THE LACK OF "ALONE TIME", IT ALL TAKES ITS TOLL.  I WAS TRYING REALLY HARD NOT TO DROP THE BUNDLE AND WAS HONESTLY GIVING IT EVERYTHING I HAD BUT STILL, THE SUFFERING WAS THERE, EVEN THOUGH I REFUSED TO SAY SO. 

IT WAS MY LACK OF EXPRESSION AND INABILITY TO CALL OUT FOR HELP AND CONFESS TO THE WAY I WAS FEELING THAT MADE ME FEEL TRAPPED AND INTERNALLY BATTERED.  I CAN'T PLACE ENOUGH IMPORTANCE ON OUR NEED TO BE EXPRESSIVE, PARTICULARLY AT THE BEGINNING, WHEN HAVING A CHILD IS SO NEW AND OVERWHELMING.  WE REALLY NEED TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE THAT IT IS NORMAL TO NOT BE DOING OKAY.  IT IS NORMAL TO FEEL LIKE YOU'RE ON ANOTHER PLANET MOST OF THE TIME (AS A RESULT OF SEVERE LACK OF SLEEP).  IT IS NORMAL TO FEEL A SENSE OF REGRET FROM TIME TO TIME.  I GENUINELY BELIEVE THAT NO FIRST TIME MUM FINDS THE EARLY STAGES EASY AND WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER, WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER.  IF WE ARE THE ONES SUFFERING, WE SHOULD MAKE IT OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LET PEOPLE KNOW.  IF WE'RE THE ONES FEELING STRONG AND CAN SEE OTHER MOTHERS LOSING HOPE, WE NEED TO BE THE ONES TO HOLD OUT OUR HANDS.  

PARENTING IS LIKE A YO-YO, IT'S SO UP AND DOWN.  SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE THE HAPPIEST PERSON ON THE PLANET AND OTHER TIMES YOU JUST, DON'T.  FEELING CRAPPY IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF, IT'S PERFECTLY NATURAL.  THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO FIND A GOOD, SOLID, METHOD OF COPING, ONE THAT YOU CAN REFER TO WHENEVER YOU'RE FEELING LOW.

I THINK WE ALL REACH A POINT, WHERE WE BEGIN TO SEE THINGS THROUGH CLEARER SHADES.  FOR ME, AS SOON AS I BEGAN TO REALISE THAT OTHER PEOPLE'S NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT, I FOUND MYSELF FEELING STRONGER AND LESS WEIGHED DOWN BY THE FEAR OF "WHAT PEOPLE MIGHT THINK".  FINALLY, I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND THAT BOTH MY WELL BEING AND ABILITY TO BE A GOOD MOTHER WAS BEING COMPROMISED BY MY LACK OF BOTH POSITIVITY AND SELF LOVE.  I THINK IT TAKES ABOUT THE FIRST FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS TO GET YOUR SLEEP BACK (OR AT LEAST SOME OF IT!) AND TO START PUTTING A ROUTINE IN PLACE.  BY THIS STAGE YOU'RE ACTUALLY ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND CONTEMPLATE LIFE, IF ONLY FOR A MINUTE OR TWO, IN ORDER TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR EMOTIONS.  DURING THIS TIME YOU CAN START TO PIECE THINGS BACK TOGETHER, FIND YOUR STRENGTH AGAIN AND VISUALISE A FUTURE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.

NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A NEW PARENTS AND NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO COMPREHEND THE OFTEN CRIPPLING CHALLENGES YOU GO THROUGH IN AN ATTEMPT TO DO THE RIGHT THING BUT WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT, IS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DO.  A LOT OF COMPASSIONATE AND CONCERNED PEOPLE OUT THERE UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AND ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO OFFER YOU THEIR LOVE, SUPPORT AND SOMETIMES LIFE CHANGING WISDOM.  THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WE HAVE TO REMEMBER TO REACH OUT TO DURING TIMES OF INTENSE DIFFICULTY.  THESE PEOPLE WILL BE THE ONES WHO LEAD YOU BACK INTO THE LIGHT, ALONG WITH THE POWER OF YOUR OWN MIND, STRENGTH AND DESPERATE DESIRE TO MAKE THINGS FEEL REAL AGAIN.

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herb garden benefits

I STARTED READING A BIT ABOUT HERB GARDENS AND HOW THEY CAN DO WONDERS FOR CHILDREN, ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND GREAT FOR OUR HEALTH.  IT CONVINCED ME TO GO OUT AND GET ONE STARTED ON OUR LITTLE TERRACE.  WE LIVE IN AN APARTMENT SO A VEGETABLE GARDEN WAS A BIT MUCH, I THOUGHT I'D JUST KEEP IT SIMPLE AND START WITH SOME HERBS.  

I FOUND AN INTERESTING ARTICLE ON THE BETTER HEALTH CHANNEL CALLED "GARDENING FOR CHILDREN." I THINK IT WAS THE ARTICLE'S OPENING SENTENCE THAT CONVINCED ME TO START MY GARDEN, "Children can learn new skills, have fun, play and develop self-confidence by spending time in the garden tending plants and growing their own food. Most children enjoy being outdoors and love digging in the soil, getting dirty, creating things and watching plants grow."

GO OUT AND GET YOURSELF A HERB GARDEN!

1. THEY OFFER OXYGEN TO THE ENVIRONMENT
2. IT'S HEALTHIER TO GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

3. IT'S COST EFFECTIVE

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Kindy snacks

GABE JUST STARTED KINDY, ONE AND A HALF DAYS A WEEK, AND THE BIGGEST THING FOR ME (BESIDES HOW MUCH I MISS HIM!) HAS BEEN COMING UP WITH HEALTHY, LUNCHBOX SNACKS THAT DON'T NEED TO BE HEATED UP.

THE KINDERGARTEN ACTUALLY DOES RE-HEAT FOOD BUT THEY USE A MICROWAVE, WHICH I'M NOT FOND OF, SO I'VE JUST BEEN COMING UP WITH FOOD IDEAS THAT DON'T HAVE TO BE HEATED.

I MUST CONFESS, I'M A LITTLE BIT TRAGIC & HAVE GONE SLIGHTLY OVERBOARD WITH THE WHOLE FOOD PREP THING. ON "OUR" FIRST DAY I GOT UP AT 5 AM TO GET STARTED ON HIS LUNCHBOX.  IT HONESTLY TOOK ME A GOOD 45 MINUTES TO GET EVERYTHING COOKED AND ORGANISED...I'M GETTING BETTER, IT'S NOW WEEK 2 AND I'VE CUT IT DOWN TO ABOUT 15!

I DID HEAPS OF "GOOGLING" AND TRAWLING THROUGH TODDLER RECIPE BOOKS TO FIND HEALTHY, BABY FRIENDLY SNACKS & MINI MEALS.  FINALLY I MANAGED TO PICK OUT THE FAVOURITES, MAKE THEM ALL, TRY THEM OUT AND COME UP WITH A TOP 6.  THESE ARE FOR YOU..

B A N A N A   P A N C A K E S

 I N G R E D I E N T S 

2 large  bananas

1 1/2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon honey

Olive oil cooking spray 

M E T H O D

1. Mash both bananas in a bowel.  Place flour into the bowl.  Make a hole in the center.  Combine the buttermilk, eggs, honey and mashed banana in a jug.  Pour into the hole.  Whisk until smooth.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with oil.  Heat over medium heat.  Spoon 1/4 cup batter into pan.  Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface.  Turn.  Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and cooked through.  Transfer to a plate.  Cover to keep warm.  Repeat with remaining batter to make 12 pancakes.  

Recipe: taste.com

C H E E S E   &   S W E E T C O R N   P A N C A K E S

 I N G R E D I E N T S

100g (4 oz) self-raising flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp English mustard powder

50g (2 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated

1 tbsp finely chopped spring onion (or use chives)

60g (2 1/2 oz) defrosted frozen or canned sweetcorn

1/2 egg, lightly beaten

150 ml (5 fl oz) full-fat milk

15g (1/2 oz) butter

1 tbsp vegetable oil

M E T H O D

1.  Sieve the flour, baking powder, salt and mustard powder into a large bowl and stir in the grated cheese, spring onions and sweetcorn.  

2. Lightly whisk in the beaten egg and milk to form a thick batter.

3. Heat a large frying pan and melt the butter and oil together until bubbling.

4. Drop large tablespoonfuls of the batter into the pan, making sure they are spaced well apart.  

5. Cook for about 3 minutes, carefully flip over using a fish slice and cook for a further 3 minutes on the other side until golden

Tip: I added cooked green peas and spinach to the batter, to give it more nutrients.

Recipe: Annabel Karmel's book, "Super Foods - for Babies and Children"

E N E R G Y   B A L L S

I N G R E D I E N T S

1/4 cup finely grated carrots

1/4 cup rolled oats or Granola*

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons peanut butter (I use pure almond butter or almond, cashew and brazil nut butter from health food stores.  It is a lot healthier, no fillers or added salt but whatever you normally use is fine).

M E T H O D 

Mix and roll into balls.  Very simple!

*Granola makes these Energy Balls more tasty and adds a nice crunch.

Recipe: www.wholesometoddlerfood.com

 H U M M U S   &   C A R R O T   S T I C K S

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 can chickpeas (or the equivalent amount of chickpeas you have cooked yourself)
2 tbsp tahini (I used only 1 to start with, you can also omit this altogether if you prefer)
2 to 3 tbsp lemon juice (I used 2 and a bit)
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed (I use 1 clove of garlic and a handful of fresh basil leaves)
2 to 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (I used 2)

M E T H O D

Blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor.

NOTE: This recipe gives you a fairly robust flavour. In addition to leaving out the tahini, you may like to reduce the amounts of garlic and lemon juice used, gradually increasing the quantities if your baby enjoys them.

Tip: Gabe absolutely LOVES this hummus.  He scoops it out with his fingers and eats it on its own.  I have found another great way of adding it to kindy food is by making up a cooked chicken, hummus and cheese sandwich, or a toasted sandwich if we're at home!

 

Recipe: homemade-baby-food-recipes.com

T A H I N I   O A T   C O O K I E S

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I used wholemeal flour)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

M E T H O D

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. Grind oats in a blender until coarsely ground (some whole flakes should remain intact). Do not wash out blender.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, salt and baking powder.

3. Place tahini, sesame oil, vanilla, cornstarch and maple syrup in blender and process until smooth. Stir this mixture into oat mixture.

4. Drop tablespoons of batter on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies are golden brown on bottom and puffed.

Recipe: wholefoodsmarket.com

D A T E   &   C O C O N U T   R O L L S

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 cup almonds (if your child/baby is definitely not allergic to them)

450g pitted dates

1 cup dessicated coconut

M E T H O D

1. Place almonds into a food processor and whir until they are ground down to however large or small your baby can handle.  Add the dates in and whir until the almonds and dates form a paste. 

2. Once paste is mixed it will start to form a ball.  Remove from food processor and roll into 2 inch logs.

3. Roll the logs through a bowl of dessicated coconut.  While rolling your hands may become sticky due to the sugar in the dates - just rinse your hands with cold water and you will be able to handle the mixture easily again.

Keep time: These store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe: food.com

HOPE THEY WORK AS WELL FOR YOU AS THEY DID FOR ME.

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Homemade fingerpaint

I'VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR 1+ FINGER PAINTS BUT HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO FIND 2 OR 3+.  THEY SAY NON-TOXIC BUT I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT'S IN THEM.  GABE IS STILL AT THE, "I WANNA TASTE THE WORLD" STAGE AND PUTS MOST OF THE STRANGE LOOKING THINGS HE FINDS IN HIS MOUTH. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DON'T FEEL ALL THAT COMFORTABLE ABOUT ALLOWING HIM TO PLAY WITH PAINTS UNLESS I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S IN THEM.  

I SEARCHED A BIT ON THE NET AND MANAGED TO FIND THIS SIMPLE & EDIBLE RECIPE.  IT TOOK ME LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES TO MAKE, CLEANED UP EASILY AND LOOKED AS GOOD AS REAL PAINT WHEN SPLATTERED ALL OVER COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF PAPER..

  

 I N G R E D I E N T S

1. 2 cups of corn flour (corn starch in the US)

2. 1 cup of cold water

3. 4.5 cups of boiling water

4. Food colouring (a few different colours)

M E T H O D 

1. Mix together the corn flour and cold water.  Stir until combined.

2. Pour the boiling water into the mixture (make sure you stir after each cup you add).

3. All of a sudden it will begin to melt into a thick, clear, glue like substance. 

    

4. Separate the "paint" into individual containers before adding the food colouring.  This way you can have a variety of different colours.  

     

IT CAN DEFINITELY GET MESSY SO LAY A TARP DOWN OR PUT SOME FOAM MATS AROUND THE PLACE.  IF IT DOES MANAGE TO FIND ITS WAY TO YOUR FURNITURE, IT ISN'T DIFFICULT TO WASH OFF.  I JUST USED A RAG AND WATER, AND THAT SEEMED TO DO THE TRICK.

 

  

 ENJOY!  

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'Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!'

B R I O N Y  G R E E N

MEET BRIONY.  SHE'S A TALENTED AND BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MUM WHO'S COMPLETELY UNAFRAID OF SHOWING THE WORLD EXACTLY WHO SHE REALLY IS.  I'M PROUD TO SAY, SHE'S MY "SEMI" SISTER IN-LAW (NEITHER OF US ARE MARRIED TO OUR PARTNERS BUT THEY'RE BROTHERS.  WE BOTH HAVE BUBS WHO ARE COUSINS).  I ADMIRE BRIONY IMMENSELY, I THINK SHE'S AMAZING AND I WANT EVERYONE TO HEAR HER STORY, SHARE HER FREE SPIRIT AND BE INSPIRED BY HER ABILITY TO CREATE THINGS OUT OF NOTHING.

IT WAS BRIONY'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT MADE ME WANT TO BLOG ABOUT HER, THEY WERE SO IMPRESSIVE! WHILE MOST PEOPLE HANDED THEIR MONEY OVER TO RETAIL STORES TO GATHER UP THEIR CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BRIONY HIT THE SEWING MACHINE AND THE ARTS AND CRAFT STORES.  I LOVE THAT!  I WANT TO DO IT NEXT YEAR - SHE'S REALLY INSPIRED ME..

C H R I S T M A S  G I F T S

Gorgeous little tea cups Briony made for the kids with each of their initials on them.

(She drew the initials on with a pen designed specifically for ceramic, glass and porcelain surfaces!)

This is the shirt Briony made for her man this christmas.(She screen printed the design onto a plain t-shirt using fabric paint).

Hand stitched ipod cases, hair clips and book cover.  Such perfect presents!

AS A KID I LOVED THE DR. SEUSS BOOKS. I WAS READING ONE TO GABE THE OTHER NIGHT AND CAME ACROSS THIS QUOTE.  I'VE STARTED TO USE IT AS A WAY TO GET MOTIVATED WHENEVER I'M FEELING UNINSPIRED, 'Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!'  ~Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

B R I O N Y  &  I

BRIONY AGREED TO LET ME INTERVIEW HER.  I THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO SHARE WITH YOU HER INSIGHT AND WORDS OF WISDOM..SHE'S A BIT OF A SUPER MUM.  HOPEFULLY SHE INSPIRES YOU LIKE SHE DID ME.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORLD AND YOUR MOVE INTO MOTHERHOOD? 

Hmmnn... Well I was studying Naturopathy when I fell pregnant with my daughter Zia and I decided to defer my studies to be a full time mama. The transition from woman to mother wasn't always easy. I had times where I found it hard to let go of my old selfish ways and accept my new role as a mother. You sacrifice a lot and you learn to compromise, and to just surrender. Motherhood really is the fastest way to enlightenment! Children are the greatest teachers and Zia has been the biggest teacher for me, she really mirrors all my stuff back at me! I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow and to have her in my life.

WHERE DO YOU SEARCH FOR CREATIVE INSPIRATION? 

There are so many amazing creative people out there, and a I get a lot of inspiration from the folk in my community. I am also inspired by the idea of self sufficiency and the d.i.y. culture, creating things by hand that have a unique-ness to them that you can't find anywhere else. I also really love the 60's and 70's for inspiration, the alternative scene that was happening was very d.i.y. and grass roots. I am inspired by the different, the quirky and the unusual.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD A KNACK FOR BEING ARTISTIC OR DID IT COME ABOUT AFTER MOTHERHOOD? 

I have always liked to make things with my hands, and loved arts and crafts when I was a kid. Then as a teenager I learnt to sew so that I could make the clothes I wanted to wear because I didn't like the mainstream fashion. It is so great being able to make your own clothes, or even just to be able to alter the things you buy, it is such a handy skill to have and so fulfilling. After becoming a mama, there is an endless amount of cute things that can be made... seriously, kids are the greatest to make for. 

DO YOU FIND IT CHALLENGING TO BALANCE YOUR ART AND YOUR ROLE AS MUM?

I did find it hard in the beginning, because I didn't have the uninterrupted time and creative space to do my projects but I have learnt to adapt to get things done. I may have to do my sewing in lots of 10 or 30 minute bursts instead of from beginning to end, but I get it done, it just might take a little longer!

DO YOU THINK THAT CONTINUING TO BE CREATIVE THROUGHOUT MOTHERHOOD OFFERS YOU RESPITE WHEN THINGS FEEL OVERWHELMING?

I really do find that having a creative outlet helps me a lot. It is something that I can do for me as a person, it helps me to feel like the me I was before I was a mama. It is also really satisfying to feel like I have accomplished something (other then washing clothes and dishes, feeding the family, etc!). It makes me feel good and it gives me a little boost to get me through when I am feeling overwhelmed by mothering and the constant demands of family life.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS? 

I wanted to do handmade this christmas for a few reasons, one being that we are on a tight budget and didn't want to spend needless amounts of money! I really don't believe in the over commercialised consumption of christmas, I just can't get my head around the mindless waste and all the stuff! I wanted to do a low key, simple and mindful gift giving. Personal gifts that you really think about and put a lot of love into for the receiver. I like gifts like that. One of a kinds. 

BEING A MUM IS SO BUSY, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR DOWN TIME? 

I would love to say I get creative! Sometimes though when I get some down time to myself I just need a break! I don't always have the motivation to get crafty with a three year old around... my creative motivation comes in waves.... sometimes I just rest through the quiet times with books, or gardening, or cooking. I have been experimenting with some kitchen alchemy... herbs and potions. It's fun and magical!

DO YOU ENCOURAGE ZIA TO BE CREATIVE?

I try to involve Zia in whatever project I am doing (it is almost impossible not to!), if I am sewing then I give her some fabric scraps and she likes to make her own things (which usually means spreading them all over the floor) or she sits on my lap while I sew. She loves to cook, so she 'helps' me prepare dinner most nights and loves to stir the pot. Zia and I made dog biscuits for our dog for christmas this year, Zia loved it. I love teaching her that we can make things ourselves instead of buying things. The fun is definitely in the doing! We do lots of drawing together, and Zia loves music. She likes to make up songs on the ukulele or the piano and sing to us and puts on a dance for us, it's great. She is very entertaining!

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO BE CREATIVE? 

Turn off the T.V and the computer screens and just do creative things with your child. Be silly together, dance, sing, garden, play, bake, draw, paint. You might have to get dirty and let them make a mess but by living it and enjoying being creative together you will foster a great love of creating. You are the example your children will follow.    

‘Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once he grows up.’

— Pablo Picasso 

I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST.  BELOW IS THE HANDMADE WHALE BRIONY GAVE GABE THIS CHRISTMAS.  IT'S MADE OUT OF OLD JEANS SCRAPS..! 

C O N T A C T  B R I O N Y :

email 

facebook 

blog 

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India

MY CRAVING FOR INDIA IS OVER.  IT WAS ONLY A 10 DAY EXPERIENCE BUT AT LEAST IT'S DONE.  ANOTHER COUNTRY TO TICK OFF ON THE LIST OF "COUNTRIES TO SEE BEFORE I DIE".

I TOOK A HEAP OF PHOTOS, IT WAS HARD TO CHOOSE THE FAVOURITES.  I'M ONLY GOING TO SHARE THE ONES I THINK REFLECT THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF INDIA..

  

T H E  C H I L D R E N 

T H E  F O O D

 

T H E  T A J

THE PLACE IS A TREAT. THE FOOD IS AUTHENTIC AND SATISFYING.  I DIDN'T EAT MEAT FOR THE WEEK (TO STEER CLEAR OF DELHI BELLY) AND DIDN'T FEEL AS THOUGH I WAS MISSING OUT AT ALL.  THEY'RE SO CLEVER WITH THEIR MEAT ALTERNATIVES.  ALL OF THEIR MEALS ARE CREATIVE AND NUTRITIOUS. THE INDIANS ARE SO WELL BALANCED WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD. I LEARNED A LOT FROM THEM..

A  FEW MONTHS BEFORE THE TRIP I FOUND OUT ABOUT JYOTI AGARWAL.  SHE LIVES IN DELHI AND TAKES A COOKING CLASSES, TEACHING YOU TO COOK AUTHENTIC, INDIAN MEALS.  WE SPENT THE DAY WITH HER, LEARNING TO COOK AND TRAWLING THE LOCAL SPICE MARKET.  IT WAS SUCH A COOL THING TO DO (IF YOU'RE HEADING TO INDIA, DELHI IN PARTICULAR, I'D DEFINITELY HIT HER UP). 

A BUNCH OF THE RECIPES SHE TAUGHT US WERE SIMPLE AND MOST WERE KID FRIENDLY.  YOU CAN MAKE THEM SPICY, OR NOT SO, ACCORDING TO YOUR TASTE (OR WHO YOU'RE SERVING THEM TO). 

MORE THAN HAPPY TO SHARE A FEW..

T I K K I  W I T H  P E A S

 

I N G R E D I E N T S

5 potatoes boiled and grated

2-3 slices of bread (crumbled) or bread crumbs

All spice powder and grated ginger

Salt to taste

Boiled peas for filling

1. Mix the potatoes in the white cumbled bread

2. Season with grated ginger and garam masala (if appropriate + spices you enjoy)

3. Mix all together

4. Make balls of the potato mixture

5. Boil peas with salt and season with all spice powder

6. Flatten the balls, fill it with pea mixture and cover it

7. Shallow or deep fry or grill (if frying use a light oil like soya bean or sunflower)

V A R I A T I O N

Instead of peas use any cheese, minced meat, chicken, vegetables etc. 

SUCH A SIMPLE SNACK AND SO INCREDIBLY TASTY..

L E N T I L  D A L  ( Y E L L O W )

I N G R E D I E N T S

Yellow lentils

1 onion (chopped)

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 inch piece grated or sliced ginger

salt to taste

1. Boil all together till the dal becomes soft

2. Flambe' with hot ghee mixed with red chillies (if you want it spicy)

V A R I A T I O N

You can use any type of lentils and add tomatoes, garlic and green coriander

SO SIMPLE AND SO GOOD FOR YOU..

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