Pin tastic

Think I might have got slightly obsessed with pinterest. It takes me back to when I was studying fashion and we always had to create mood boards for everything. Although my college tutor was very particular and on one occasion took one of my boards to pieces and rearranged it (not scarred by the experience at all!)
I've created a board for my projects, inspiration, my sewing room, ideas for almost every room in the house, photography, gardening. You name it I've probably got a board for it.
It seems that whatever the event you can find something to pin to a board, be it a hen do, ruby wedding anniversary and most definitely you will find inspiration for children's birthday party ideas.
Maybe my next challenge is to find something which there isn't a pin for!

Lost in Pinterest
Mammamaker x

Car antics

Just had a year doing a managers role maternity cover and the luxury of a company car. However, it has now come to an end so had to start searching for a car.
Despite advice I really wanted a Fiat 500, not completely practical with a toddler but as its like Luigi from the film Cars he enjoys it just as much as me.
My biggest challenge was what buggy to get that would fit in this chic but small car/boot. I searched all blogs, forums and retailer websites. Looked at the folded measurements given in specifications but my advice would be not to rely on this information and if you can, go into stores to measure in person (or ask sales person as I did).
After much research we chanced upon the perfect buggy for a Fiat 500 boot (chanced in that it happened to be on offer in Aldi on a random visit). The hauck sport buggy, lightweight & compact- perfect!

Eggis & Boo Project

Spare time is rare these days but what time I do get I love to try my hand at anything crafty. Sewing has always been my passion from a young age thanks to my Nan who was a seamstress. Lots of my childhood memories were Nan teaching me how to make pom poms and how to make clothes for my dolls and teddy bears. She was my inspiration for pursuing a career in fashion.
Whilst on maternity leave while the little man was asleep would spend my time making cards and having struggled to find a tag blanket I liked, made my own. Thus was the creation of Eggis & Boo.
As I had to go back to work and no option for part time, the project has gone on the back burner.

However, do keep adding to my collection of crafts to hopefully one day take it further.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen"

Mammamaker x

 

 

Inspired children Training

https://m.facebook.com/inspiredchildrentraining

The nursery where my son goes ran a pilot course for parents and the nursery staff. It was great fun and very inspirational.
It took us back to basics of play and encouraging children and adults alike to interact and use the imagination.
Was interesting when asked to draw our childhood memories of play, most of us drew outdoor activities. Apparently if they do that task in most schools now children sketch indoor activities such as computer consoles and tablets.
We then built dens, created a rocket which we set off, played last ninja (tag) amongst other games but changed the rules so no one felt like they were the odd one out.
Worth checking out there page as they have interesting posts which make for a good read.

Mammamaker

Dotty's weekend adventures

Well I think Dotty had a good weekend with us, it was a reasonably quiet and uneventful one. Kept calling her Lottie so hopefully she wasn't too offended and will come back again!
We had a trip to IKEA to try and find a big boy bed with a buggy ride alongside Nelson (sons favourite soft toy) and a hotdog and chips treat at the end. She was then treated to a teddy bears picnic in the lounge.
On Sunday we went to the supermarket so she could have a ride in the trolley but had to keep an eye on her to check she didn't pinch any grapes!

Managed to get a bit of crafting in too. My latest project is block printing tea towels and canvas bags, need to start getting to craft fairs to start selling some of my project work.

Time to hand Dotty back to the nursery and back to work tomorrow, where do those 2 days go? Need to start looking for part time work or pursuing my dream of setting up my own business. Achieving a good work life balance, has anyone managed it?

Mammamaker x

Handmade play dough fun

Found this on pinterest and we had good fun making. Ideal for children with infantile eczema.

DIY ~ soft and silky play dough recipe for sensitive skin types. - http://pinterest.com/pin/482659285036882856/?utm_source=android_share

Dotty the weekend bear

Another long week at work with the 2 hour daily commute but it's Friday and looking forward to spending some quality time with the family (just need to persuade my other half we need a cleaner and would enjoy even more free weekend time!)

This week the nursery where my son goes for 3 days (2 other days are with Daddy as he's a fireman so we work around shifts) we've been given Dotty 'the weekend bear'. Typical as the last few months we've been on many adventures and this week we planned a chilled one as we've all had the lurgy.

What to do with Dotty? She's already been to the beach, soft play, park and theme park from reading her journal and looking at the pictures of her adventure so far.
My thoughts so far are that we could do our usual teddy bears picnic in the lounge so she can join in, not planned a Halloween party but maybe she could give trick or treats to those who knock the door. Maybe I'll give her a duster to help me with the housework!
Any suggestions welcome :-)

Happy weekend
Mammamaker x