Mama Moontime- Things for a beautiful life

Pet Sculpture from photo

2012-05-26T06:00:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago, Ned and I went to the market and Ned saw a 10-week old black labrador puppy sitting in a cage waiting to be bought. He wanted that puppy so desperately.

But right now, we are renting while we wait for our house to sell so we can't have a dog here.

Everyday, Ned got on the phone to his Dad, asking him to please build him a 'cave' for his new pet, so that we could have this dog one day. The 'cave/cage' was to be in preparation.

Well, Daddy came home and did one better.

He took out some of the photos of our old dogs, Bolt and Shire.

(We rehoused them a few years ago to a couple with bigger acreage and no young children. Funnily, in the Aussie way, they renamed the dogs Bob and Sheila!)

Then, Daddy spent a few days in his shed sculpting Ned his very own dog instead.

We asked Ned what he'd like to call his new animal and Ned came up with 'Pet'.

So now 'Pet' sits on our front step and guards the door. He's quite a lovely dog actually- no barking, no mess, yet he still provides a doggy presence- especially at night in the shadows!

"Fire Up Your Creative Spark!" Workshops with Amber

2012-05-24T22:15:00.003+10:00

I spent last weekend in Melbourne with a bunch of about 75 women (over Saturday and Sunday) helping them to "fire up their creative spark!" I was invited down by a lovely lady who had seen my work on the blog and wanted her childcare staff to learn some of these skills themselves.

Wow! Did we have some fun!

We felted, stitched, sewed, rolled, spun, stuffed, tied, plaited, twisted, knitted and looped ALL WEEKEND. By the end of it, I was one worn-out but very happy mama indeed.

The best bit is that I've had some fabulous feedback that these ladies are now super inspired and desperate to get creating with the little children they look after every single day.

I am so chuffed to hear this!

Just imagine the impact that each of these women can now have upon hundreds, and possibly thousands, of families. Not just the children either. I'm sure there will be a few others (mamas, papas, grandmamas) who will join the chain reaction.

BIG thank you's to all the teachers I worked with in Melbourne. You were fab.

And big thanks to M. who invited me, and her parents who took good care of me too.

I just LOVE my creativity work.

It is what inspires me to get up and out of bed everyday.

Honestly, I am LIVING my dream.

If you had asked me in 1998 (when I first made my creative plan as I travelled around Australia) what I'd like to be doing in 2012, writing, crafting and travelling for work would have been your answer!!

It's a dream come true.

(What's your dream? Are you living it yet? Are you on the way? Tell me about it!)

PS: If you would like some Creative Professional Development (either in childcare, education, for your parent group, playgroup or corporate- helping your team to 'fire up their creative spark!), just ask!

But be quick. The diary for 2012 is filling up. Email me at amber.greene@hotmail.com for details.

Wooden Playstand Toys for Imaginative Play, and Handmade fairy wings made by Dave and Sharon Denning

2012-05-20T06:00:00.000+10:00

Today, I'd like to introduce you to a local business run by my friend, Sharon and her husband Dave.

Sharon and Dave make delightful timber playstands for children, often seen in Waldorf kindergartens. Children can use playstands in all kinds of play- to make cubbies, shop windows, boats, trains, cars, walls. I've seen children set up shops complete with a drive-thru. Sharon also makes hand crafted fairy wings and tutu's.

Have a read and see what they get up to.

What was the impetus behind starting your own business, Sharon?

My husband handcrafted a beautiful pair of play-stands and a canopy for our children. Our friends and our local Steiner school liked them so much and we found ourselves receiving orders for them!

We now handmake beautiful timber playstands and arches/canopies.Play stands are a fundamental feature in many Steiner/Waldorf play environments. Indoor or outdoor, they are often draped in silks and muslin or cotton play cloths and are commonly used by children to create endless imaginative play spaces from kitchens, ships, and cubby houses, to shops and theatres. Playstands encourage your children to play freely and creatively.Teachers use them for a multitude of uses in schools particularly for puppet shows and seasonal displays.

Our products are made from sustainable solid timber and finished with high quality waterbased finish which is non toxic and VOC-free. We go to the extreme to source products that are natural, sustainable, non-toxic and VOC free also. You can rest assured that our playstands are high quality, as well as totally safe for your children.

I also create exquisite handcrafted fairy wings and dragon wings for children and adults. I have always adored the mystery, magic, and beauty of fairies, dragonflies, and dragons. In order to transform into a fairy, dragon, or dragonfly one must possess ‘real’ wings. Upon searching I discovered this was not something that was easily bought. So, I set about making them.

Each pair of wings is custom-made to your desired shape and colour, handpainted with permanent watercolour paints, and hand embellished with high quality crystals, flowers, and feathers. All fabrics and ribbons are hand dyed and can be colour matched to wedding themes or dress fabrics. As the wings are individually handcrafted at least 4 weeks notice is generally required and possibly longer if a number of wings are required in the order. Wings are approximately $85 pair.

I hand make magical tutu’s for little girls from the finest quality diamond tulle. A large range of colours is available in any length from short and fluffy, to long and flowy. Tutus start at $40. Each pair of wings are a one of a kind piece of wearable artwork. Lovingly hand crafted and hand painted they are sturdy enough for hours of playful fluttering and can be hung on the wall for admiration as an exquisite decoration when not being worn.

How has being parents shaped/changed the way you approach your business?

Our business is very much a hobby business that has evolved in the past 2 years. I have always enjoyed craft but I didn’t realise how much I relied on tinkering away on all sorts of projects as my method of relaxation until our first child came along 5 years ago. He was a very demanding baby and I had no time for tinkering, and I soon found myself longing to be busy in craft projects.

Becoming a mother made me realise that craftwork makes me feel good, and is very important to my sense of achievement, so its something I just have to find time for. And now with two children under 5 we certainly don’t spend as much time as we would like creating, but we have found ways to squeeze it in whenever we can.

Has being a parent been a positive thing for your business? How have you overcome struggles?

I don’t think we ever overcame the lack of time issue, particularly during each babies first year. There were grabs of time here and there but never long enough to really get your mind into something. I found what helped most was to acknowledge and accept that our parenting style choice, and the fact that our gorgeous babes were very demanding. They were what mattered most at the moment and it would get easier in time. So while it wasn’t the right time for bigger craft projects during their first few years, we knew that little by little, our time would come again soon. And it has!

Now we plan the week ahead and take it in turns to have some time each week where we get to work on our projects, while the other looks after the kids.

Having kids means you can do lots of other fun craft projects all the time. Our kids have a craft room full of boxes, cardboard rolls and bits and pieces, where we all regularly join in and make all sorts of creations.

What pieces of advice would you suggest to other parents thinking about embarking on a new venture?

Make sure it’s something you love doing
If your babies are demanding like mine were – don’t be too ambitious during their first year, it could lead to disappointment, but use this time instead for thinking, planning and pondering for the future!

Where can we buy your Playstands, fairy wings and magical tutu's?

So far we have been selling our playstands, wings and tutu's in our local area from Lismore to Tweed heads. We are happy to sell them outside this area if the buyer is happy to have them couriered.

To order or make an enquiry, please send us an email at sheerflight@iinet.com.au

Thank you, Sharon and Dave.

You make the world of play a happy place!

The Joys of Crafting by Christina Lane.

2012-05-18T06:00:00.000+10:00

Contemplations on the joy and challenges of a crafting life

By Friday's Guest, Christina Lane.

Why do this? “This” being days spent creating small nature scenes from tiny bits of fleece, felt and yarn. It can be painful at times, too, stabbed by the barbed needles and all too often requires resisting fatigue to work through the night. Why indeed become so immersed, enmeshed, inspired, overwhelmed and at the end even inconsolable. Why indeed?

At first it was driven by wonderment and experimentation – a desire to communicate, create and to share the beauty and inspiration given by Nature. The workmanship is exacting and detailed. Creating these pieces takes time and intense focus. It requires not only concentration, and observation but also periods of being a hermit, so that I have dubbed my work room “the cave”.

Before commencing a project I spend some time researching, photographing, sketching, watching, musing, refining and even more time seeking the right materials. Not only is this process a labour of love but it has become a mission not to replicate but rather to inspire creativity as well as to encourage others to explore, investigate and learn. The intention is that these small scenes help to create awareness that we are not owners but custodians of this planet with a duty to leave for our children and grandchildren a planet that has not been despoiled but nurtured, respected and protected.

The first naturescapes resulted from a request to create seasonal table centrepieces. Since, my versions have evolved and no longer the quintessential Steiner style playmat .

Steiner play mats, constructed from natural fibres with very simple detail, are marvelous tools for encouraging creative play and stimulating a child’s imagination. The ones that I make, although honouring the intention for creativity and imagination, primarily seek to educate. They are not only a visual experience but also as a tactile one. These small scenes are designed to reveal aspects that lead to curiosity, questions, learning and understanding as well as leading to a greater awareness of our personal responsibility for environmental care and protection.

I try to depict, in a simplified microcosm, a more complex macrocosm whose many layers and connections sustain the relationships that need to coexist to enable the web of life to function effectively. Only hints are given, such as in this latest commission for an Australian Bush scene. Here, as in every piece, there is water. In this instance there is a billabong and a stream. Water is the vital element needed for life, what happens if we pollute it? There is also a hollow log- why? Who lives here? A story begins to unfold, layer by layer enabling understanding and awareness to grow.

Suzanne Down encapsulates so beautifully reason so many of us craft. Her explanation is that “When we show our children something special that is warmed by our imagination and love they will see it with wonder and love for the rest of their lives”. This is why I create, each piece is born from wonder and love in the hope that it will generate these feelings in others.

Thank you, Christina.

Pan-fried chicken breast with pesto and brie recipe

2012-05-16T10:10:00.002+10:00

Last week, we visited the Brunswick Heads pub for dinner. The pub is one of Australia's best kept secrets. (Shhh, I won't tell if you won't!)

It's a historic place but more than that, it's got to be one of the best grub feeds you'll ever have while enjoying the view of the Bruns river, listening to top local bands, near the pine trees filled with singing lorikeets.

My choice that night was something called 'Pan fried chicken breast with pesto, brie and avocado'. (Sadly, I had to have it sans-avocado due to an intolerance.) Oh my! Rapture. Don't you just love it when a dish turns out to be way better than you ever could have imagined?

So, I decided to try and recreate it at home. My neighbour is head chef at the pub, but he wouldn't give me any secrets so it was a bit of kitchen alchemy to try to get it right. I didn't quite hit it, but it was still pretty good! So here is my recipe, just for you.

Pan-fried chicken breast with pesto and brie: (To feed 4)

1. Make your pesto. Pop one big bunch of fresh basil, 1/2 cup olive oil, 250 grams shredded parmesan cheese, 100 grams pine nuts, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 large cloves of garlic and a dash of salt and pepper into your food processor/thermomix. Process on high for 15 seconds or until you have a thick but slightly runny pesto paste. Set aside.

2. Slice a 125 gram block of brie (the best you can afford) into very, very thin slivers. Place on a china plate at room temperature so it begins to soften.

3. Slice four chicken breasts in halves (or thirds) horizontally. Place a fry pan on the stove with a dash of butter on high heat. Pop your chicken breast onto the pan and let it sizzle until cooked through. Be sure to turn it over at least once. Cook all your chicken breast. Place the chicken breast into an oven proof pan, cover the chicken with brie slices and pop into the oven on moderate heat until the brie melts.

4. Warm your pesto in a saucepan.

5. When the chicken is ready, serve it on a plate with pesto sauce smothered over. Serve with salad and scalloped potatoes.

This dish is divine, and gooey. Perfect for weekend decadence.

Happy eating.

Choosing child-friendly movies. A ratings guide to help.

2012-05-14T23:58:00.000+10:00

Have you ever let your children watch a movie or television show, only to realise too late that the content was far beyond what you had imagined it might be?
Have you ever let your children watch something in good faith and been shocked at types of play that appears directly after watching it?
Have you ever been seduced by a sweet sounding children's film only to discover it filled with innuendo and adult humour?

If you have, then you might like this site:
Movie Reviews on "Raising Children Network"

There's a comprehensive list of films and each one is rated under a 'key' system.

In a nutshell, the key gives you:

information on suitable age to watch the film (red means "definitely not for this age', orange means 'watch with parental guidance only' and green means 'suitable')
Gun symbol contains violence and scary scenes
Face symbol contains frightening scenes
Quote symbol contains inappropriate language
Exclaimation symbol contains disturbing, upsetting or confusing scenes
Heart symbol contains sexual references or sexual scenes
Eyeball symbol contains distressing or upsetting scenes
Cigarette symbol is drug or alcohol references

And from the little I've seen, the reviews are matter-of-fact, not subjective. That is the most helpful thing of all.

Now, if we could only have something similar for our children's television programs. A little bit more comprehensive than a G, or PG, or M. That doesn't tell us much at all.

I'm just hoping that more parents take notice and take the advice.

Holding kids back from a movie (or television show) may be painful in the short term but really, parenting is about the long haul, isn't it. A child won't be devastated or destroyed from missing out on a movie or show, but may be damaged or negatively influenced by a movie in the short term. (Think: acting out inappropriate behaviours, aggression, violence, and sharing unsavoury language.)

Young children IMITATE and will probably not know the difference between "contained" or "restrained" methods of self defence or martial arts, and full-on kicking and punching, re: Kung Fu Panda. They just kick, and sometimes they actually hurt their friends. If a child has a natural tendency towards being outwardly physical or aggressive, viewing this kind of thing gives them a token of 'permission' and more fodder for their imagination too. These children especially don't need it.

It is a vicious cycle too, because children who haven't watched a show are also influenced by the child who 'plays out' this type of thing, because the vision on the screen is super powerful, mesmerising and magnetic. Children who have watched films (and television) beyond their age or coping ability become obsessed with it, and are so FULL of what they have seen, they often lose the ability to imagine or play anything else.

When children are given "licensed clothing" in this same vein, (for example, Ben 10 or Kung Fu Panda t-shirts) it is yet another CUE for this kind of play to occur. The children have no means to escape it, and in my experience, are compelled to play it out. Some would say it is healthy to play it out. (I'm one of those.) But in reality, 'playing it out' often occurs near or with other little children. I'm not sure this is healthy. My topmost concern then is for the children who are on the receiving end, as well as the loss of 'childhood' it takes with it.

The responsibility to be mindful about our children's viewing habits and choices must be shared among us all.

The easiest way to start is to take a step back and remember they are just little children, sponges for experiences of life. By being mindful of our screen choices, we take back the power to gently direct children towards healthy, productive, helpful and enjoyable screen time.

What do you think?

Have you taken note of a film review for your children and decided not to go because of it?

5 simple tips for taking amazing photos of your kids

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000+10:00

My Five Top Simple Tips for Capturing Kids

By Friday's Guest, Rachel Easley.

I like to regularly ignite the creative flame that's within me but as a busy working mum of two lively boys, that hasn't always been an easy thing to do. When there is always something going on, someone to be fed or bathed, or homework to be completed, it's hard to find the time to reclaim the Creative You!

I have always had a passion for photography and I am now pursuing my dream and ...and just a disclaimer: I definitely don't "know it all" about photography...I'm still learning more every time I pull my camera out...so I'm just sharing the good stuff that I've learned that people might ask about.

My Five Top Simple Tips for Capturing Kids

1. Turn off the flash.
Lighting is the key in taking good pictures. If you look for beautiful light, you are almost certain to end up with beautiful pictures. Adding a flash often leads to disaster. Flashes distort what could be beautiful. There will be the occasional times you must use one...at night (if you don't have a high-enough ISO) or sometimes to use as a fill-flash. But as a general rule, turn off that flash!
In the early morning or evening when the sun is low in the sky there is gorgeous light to be found. If it's too hot outside, you don't need to invest in expensive lighting equipment if you want to get good indoor shots. You just need to know where to look for the light. Almost every home has got some good lighting somewhere if you just look for it.

2. Composition. Get creative with it.
Get down on the ground. Look down at your child from high above (try standing on a stool or chair). Get closer than you have ever done before. Do you really want that table, chair etc in the background?
The closer we get, the more we are able to see. Try getting so close you only capture half of the face. Get close-up and take pictures of toes, fingers, just a smile. You'll be so happy with the results.

3. Catch emotion....and relationships
I always ask children to laugh instead of smile. If you ask them to smile they will most definitely give you a cheesy smile, and I'm not a huge fan of the cheese-ball smiles although sometimes this can be just
as fun. Remember, subjects don’t always have to be smiling......or looking at the camera...

4. Capture the little things.
I think it's important for to remember to capture little things about my children even if it doesn't
make a great perfectly posed photograph. The way they would cross their legs whilst they were busily playing, that little curl at the back of their neck, the resting of their head on the table whilst they are completing their homework. These are the photographs I will want to look back on in the future.

5.Always have a camera ready.
My big camera is too big to carry around all the time, but I ALWAYS have a point-and-shoot or at least my mobile phone in my handbag that I can pull out when I need to capture any special moment. I love how photography makes it possible to freeze a moment in time as I have the worst memory and I just
love being able to soak in all these childhood moments as much as I able to. You might too.

Good luck in searching for that special light. It's worth the hunt.

Thank you, Rachel. Great tips for everyone!

To see more of Rachel's delightful photography or to arrange a photoshoot for your family, contact Rachel via email at rbound@hotmail.com or LIKE her facebook page, Rachel Easley Photography

Parenting Tip: Mindful choice

2012-05-07T21:54:00.001+10:00

Trimmed and Tailed via Sini via www.smittenkitchen.com

Last night, I was preparing beans when it struck me that I don't really know why I trim and tail the ends of beans. I just do it because I saw my mum do it. I wonder if there is any real reason other than decorative? Does anyone know?

Of course, my mind began to wander and think about all those other things I do in life because I've seen someone do it and I PRESUME/ASSUME that because I've seen it done this way, it must be the right way...... Or not?

Which brings me to this week's Parenting tip.

How often do we do things a particular way with OUR children because that is the way it was done/shown to us?

Of course, lots of things are just fine and dandy to be copied mindlessly. If we've had parents sing us lullabies each night before bed, or who had a special way of tucking us in with a cute little saying or who fed us delicious warm curries all through the winter time, to reflect that in our own lives with our little ones can be divine. This kind of thing makes me feel all warm and cozy and cared for. You too?

But what if the things we carry on aren't necessarily "best practice"? Just for example, I wonder if some parents smack their children BECAUSE it was the only discipline tool they learned? I wonder if some modern parents feed their children white bread, coco pops and meals from jars simply BECAUSE that is what they were fed? I wonder if some parents clean their houses with chemicals BECAUSE that is what they saw and were taught to do?

I think it can be very difficult to change those kinds of ingrained habits, especially if one doesn't have any other kinds of role models in their life who do things differently. If I don't have some other tricks in my discipline tool box, I'll resort to smacking. If I don't read magazines or the paper or watch Masterchef, how will I learn about the importance of preparing healthy food. If I've always cleaned with bleach and disinfectant, how will I know that cleaning vinegar and clove oil will do just as well with far less consequences? We all do what feels comfortable or familiar for us, even when we know in our guts that something isn't quite right.

So, I suppose, in thinking about the topping and tailing of green beans, I learned this.

In every circumstance, if one is not sure of the origin of a particular habit or practice, the best response is to ASK questions. Ask those in the know. Ask those who taught you. Find out why something was done a particular way. AND ask around for alternatives.

There is never only one way to do something, and just because someone does something one way, it doesn't make it right.

If your gut response to a particular practice or action or deed is unease or uncertainty or just a slight nagging feeling, listen. You might just be ready to take a slightly different path.

And remember, just because we did it (or they did it) one way for a while, doesn't mean we always have to do it this way. It may have been that way once, but life is all about change and flux and growth and mindful learning, so if you want to change it, do so.

Remember, we are all models for the next generation. Choose wisely, not blindly.

Don't lose me. Make sure you have some way of keeping in touch.

2012-05-04T16:43:00.002+10:00

Hello, my MamaMoontime friends

Remember a little while ago, I told you that MamaMoontime is getting ready for a new adventure?
The seeds have been sown and MamaMoontime will soon be on the move....

Don't miss out on coming along on this big journey. There will be even more crafty tips, art activities, cooking with children, and inspiration for life.... AND opportunities for YOU to join in.... AND more practical stuff to help smooth the bumps we all have in our daily lives with young children.

I hope you'll keep in touch. I'll try to make it a little easier for you.

To make sure you are one of the first to see my new website and for regular MamaMoontime updates, crafty goodness, and funky groovy things I find, simply Click LIKE on the MamaMoontime Facebook page just here on the left.

Yep. Just click LIKE. That's it. Thank you.

Or you can become a friend in my MamaMoontime address book so you don't miss out. (My goodness, if you like MamaMoontime now, just wait to see what is in in store!)

I promise I won't spam you, or sell your details, or even share your details with anyone. But I will send you monthly newsletters filled with exclusive crafts, child-friendly organisation tips, snacks and healthy recipe ideas, inspiration and more. Good stuff for good people.

All you have to do is enter your email address here. You are all set to come with me on this big new adventure!!

Felt "Sweet Peapod Baby" by Cath Penwarn How-to Tutorial

2012-05-03T06:00:00.000+10:00

A Felt "Sweet Peapod Baby" doll by Catherine Penwarn.

The first thing to do when making the sweet peapod baby is to take a small bead or a felt ball and cover it with a 6cm square piece of tricot/flesh coloured knit. Cath's tip is to ensure the fabric threads run vertically over the head (as opposed to on the horizontal plane).

Gather in the tricot material at the base of the head and smooth it out so that one side doesn't show any wrinkles. This will become the front of the baby's face.

Take a piece of thread and fold it in half.

Wrap the loop around the ball, thread the two loose ends through the loop and pull tight to secure the doll's head.

Wrap the excess thread around the neck again and again, then tie off firmly.

Cut out two peapod shapes from felt in your colour of choice.

In one piece, cut a small hole opening.

Push the wrinkle free side of the ball through the hole.

Blanket stitch the felt to the cotton knit to secure the face in place.

Use a similar colour of cotton to match the felt.

Add lips using red thread.

And bullion knots for eyes.

Come up through the back, and cut off any loose threads.

Place the second piece of felt behind the face.

Blanket stitch around the entire shape to sew them together.

When you have just a small opening left, fill the peapod with cotton or wool wadding.

Push 2 beads into the peapod shape, in front of the wadding. One sits in the centre piece of the pod, the other in the base part of the pod. These beads will create the illusion of 'peas' inside the peapod when children touch it. Finish sewing up the peapod. Set aside.

To make the peapod itself, you need three pieces of felt, cut in the shape of the pattern like so.

Leaving a gap at either end, pin the base piece to the side piece.

Blanket stitch these pieces together.

This is what it will look like.

Add the other side of the pod to the base and blanket stitch it together.

You'll have some extra felt at one end like this.

Fold over those extra pieces, one on top of the other to make a gnarly leaf shape.

Blanket stitch it into place.

To hang it in the tree like me, stitch a loop of green wool to one tip of the pod.

Your peapod bed is ready.

Simply pop your Sweet Peapod Baby into her home for a joyous nights sleep.

And here is a sneakpeek at Saturday's crafternoon guests.

Aren't they lucky ducks?

Have you organised a crafternoon for your friends yet?

Why not?

It doesn't take very long to set up, and the rewards of gathering monthly with a group of your great mates and a few new faces is so worth the single effort it takes to host one.

Remember, you only host ONE but get to go to SIX!!

If you want more information about setting up your own Crafternoon sessions,

read this Guide To Crafternoon Fun that I wrote.

If not a Crafternoon,

what kind of girly get-together would you host?

Inspiring Quotes

2012-05-02T14:21:00.001+10:00

I'm always inspired by quotes. I'm a quote junkie, especially for quotes related to parenting, goal setting and a meaningful life. Here are some of my current favourites:

Our bodies are our gardens. Our wills are our gardeners

William Shakespeare

The desire for gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is well to be up before daybreak for such habits contribute to health, wealth and wisdom

Aristotle

It is not length of life, but depth of life.

RW Emerson

Judge each day not by the harvest,

but by the seeds you plant.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions.

All life is an experiment.

The more experiments you make, the better you do.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it,

can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.

Galileo Galilei

What is your favourite quote of the moment?

Raw Key Lime Pie Recipe

2012-05-01T20:45:00.001+10:00

I have found cake perfection! Raw Key Lime Pie.

I don't need to look any further. You'd better get ready to print this recipe or write it down as once you taste it, you'll be proclaiming this the world's best cake pie too.

On Saturday, my friend Cath hosted her Crafternoon.

(Pop back tomorrow for a very cute tutorial showing how

to make the "sweet peapod baby" that was her Crafternoon creation)

Not only did Cath prepare the most gorgeous of tasks for us, the afternoon tea that awaited us was pure heaven. Veggie frittata, raw chocolate cake with kiwi fruit topping and the cake to stop the nation- Raw key lime pie. Honestly, if all raw food is this good, I'd be an instant convert.

Of course, I can't tease you without giving you the secret recipe, can I?

So here it is, Raw Key Lime Pie with thanks to Cath and the original, as yet unknown, source of this heavenly goodness.

Raw Key Lime Pie

Base:

1 cup macadamia nuts

1 cup desiccated coconut

5 medjool dates

1 tablespoon coconut oil

Blend all ingredients in a food processor/thermomix and press firmly into a pop-out cake tin.

Filling:

3 medium avocados

3/4 cup lime juice (approx 3 limes)

1/3 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup coconut cream

Blend filling ingredients in the food processor/thermomix and spread it onto the base.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then serve.

This is so good, and so good for you, you could eat it for breakfast and be quite ok with that.

I just might!

Inventive cakes for children's birthdays: "dirt" cake pops

2012-04-26T14:37:00.001+10:00

Ned wanted a cake with Bob the Builder.

So we made a 'dirt cake' surrounded by a retaining wall!

The Dirt Cake was simply the recipe for Red Velvet Cake Pops but without taking the last step and making them into balls.

We added a retaining wall made of Violet Crumble (honeycomb covered with chocolate) squares and an icing mixture (butter, icing mixture and a drop of water) to stick them all together.

Considering I'm not a builder in any way, shape or form, I don't think we did a bad job at all. Certainly holds back the dirt.

Poor old Bob seems to have sunk into the dirt.

Did Ned love it? You might say he did.

When the candles were blown out, the children (with clean hands) were able to take a handful of "dirt" and make their own cake pop. They then dipped their cake pop into melted chocolate and their choice of sprinkles.

The best bit was eating them!

And the Birth Journey books go to...

2012-04-26T14:21:00.000+10:00

The Print copy of Birth Journeys goes to Friend No. 10!

Cat.

"I absolutely love this book! A must for expecting mothers"

Cat, please send me your postal address to amber.greene@hotmail.com

If you are overseas, let me know your email address instead.

The E-book of Birth Journeys goes to Friend No. 1!

Jo.

"I would love to read about positive birth stories. It would be perfect mental preparation for me!"

Jo, please send me your email address to amber.greene@hotmail.com

Thank you to everyone for entering Leonie's giveaway.

And remember, if you would like to purchase your own copy, simply visit Birth Journeys

Keep an eye out on MamaMoontime. More great giveaways coming soon.

New things are coming!

2012-04-25T23:33:00.004+10:00

Oh, if only you could see what I'm up to!
I hope you are going to love it.
I really do.
This place is going to be a one-stop shop for all kinds of fun things.
And YOU are going to be able to be a part of it.
Contributing, sharing your stories, crafting wonderfuls, recipes and so much more.
I really can't wait for it all to unfold, but as my mother always said, In good time. In good time.
I'm missing you all. I'm missing my daily visits to my blog.
But it's not for long.

Oh, to only have more hours in the day. Wouldn't that be lovely?
(Although, right now, I'd probably use them to sleep!)

Ta ta for now, my friends.

Amber

Birth Journeys compiled and edited by Leonie Macdonald.

2012-04-23T00:13:00.000+10:00

Birth Journeys by Leonie Macdonald.

A little while ago, I had the good fortune to make contact with Leonie Macdonald. Leonie is the Editor of the new book, Birth Journeys- positive birth stories to encourage and inspire. I've been reading the book for the past few weeks, and every single story is a gift to motherhood. Some stories have made me laugh out loud, others have made me cry but all have made me clucky! Yes, when I read this book, my uterus starts stretching and I think, yes, I would love one more healthy bub.

I asked Leonie if she would come and chat with us, and share her story with MamaMoontime readers about her book-making endeavour. This is her story.

What was the impetus that made you write your book?

Birth Journeys began on a cold winter’s night in 2009. It was about 4am and it was so quiet, dark and still. I was nursing my three month old baby who kept waking early. I really treasured that quiet time.

I settled down to write the story of Aiden’s beautiful birth at home. As I relived this incredible pain-free birth, I reflected on the birth stories of family and friends. I was sad that they hadn't experienced the same joyful birth that I had. Many had felt frightened or disappointed and some were traumatised by their births. They didn’t believe birth worked or that birth could be wonderful. They believed it was risky and traumatic.

After experiencing such a powerful and joyful birth for my second son, I needed to do something. I wanted the women I knew and loved to know what birth could be like. I wanted them to feel whole and healthy, strong and powerful. I didn’t want them to miss out on such a beautiful experience. I couldn't sit by and do nothing!

I appreciated why many women were frightened of birth and I knew how hard it is to believe that birth can be a positive experience. Before I became pregnant with my first child, I was terrified of birth and
confronted by the raw and physical nature of labour. I believed my body would be too small for a natural birth and that when the time came for me to have children, I would need a caesarean. My images of birth were drawn from stories of birth in my family (caesareans and complicated labours) and the portrayal of birth in the media - books, TV soapies and current affairs shows. I believed that birth was dangerous, complicated, painful and frightening and I expected my births to be like this. I really didn't want to think about labour too much. It just seemed like an inevitable ordeal I would have to
endure to get the children I longed for.

So I decided to collect a few beautiful birth stories and put them into a book. I wanted to reach women and help to make a small difference in the way they felt about birth. I hoped that if women were able to immerse themselves in beautiful, powerful and positive birth stories they would be able to gain a sense of what labour could be like. If the stories shared the journey from fear of birth towards a positive experience then this would be powerful way to inspire and gently teach women about birth. This is the reason why the stories in my book are not just labour stories and it is the reason why I called the book Birth Journeys – positive birth stories to encourage and inspire.

Describe your journey to embarking on this book.

I decided to collect stories using social media and the communities of mothers I knew around Australia. I started a facebook group called Positive Birth Stories and invited women to submit stories of their
positive and inspiring births. Around this time I went to a local handmade market with my family. I entered a competition and I won a gorgeous canvas by a local Canberra artist Rebecca Vavic. I took it as a beautiful sign of encouragement that I should follow my dreams!

At this early stage I imagined the book would contain 10 stories or so and I thought it would be quick and easy! My facebook group grew quicker than I anticipated and over several months I received nearly 70 submissions. My little book grew into a much larger project; a nearly 400 page book with 29 stories and 14 contributions from professionals in the field, including Dr Sarah J Buckley.

It became so much more diverse and richer than I imagined at the beginning! Birth Journeys contains stories of births in hospital, birth centre and at home, caesarean births and VBACs, twins, IVF, water birth, an unassisted birth, first births, second births and even fifth births.

The decision to self publish Birth Journeys was one that just fell into place. My husband Michael and I are a great team and we love to work on creative projects together. We felt that this book would be better if it was independent and we became quite excited about the work involved in publishing. While I worked on editing and exploring the selected stories further with the contributors, Michael organised
the publishing side of things.

The enthusiasm, support and connections I made through social media and community groups helped in many ways. I had a team of volunteer story readers who gave feedback on the submissions and read each story as I edited, worked with the writer, and developed an introductory editorial. Some of these women were doulas and midwives. Others were mothers preparing for birth or seeking to heal from a past birth experience. These women were wonderful in providing feedback, keeping me going with kind words when it felt like I was never going to finish the book, and telling friends and colleagues
about the book. Through the Birth Journeys facebook page I raised enough pre-orders to pay for the upfront printing costs. So it really was a community effort to create and publish Birth Journeys!

I invited a number of professionals in the field (midwives, doulas, academics, authors and birth educators) to contribute to the book on topics that would complement the stories (eg, water birth, doulas, VBAC, estimated due dates, blessingways). I found there was an incredible willingness to help me with the book from these people too - to offer connections, to write for the book and to share it with
their colleagues and clients.

It took around 2.5 years of working at night (once our two night-owl sons were asleep) to bring together the book. It wasn't easy to keep working on a project for several years, with so little time to really concentrate. Some stories were very long and ideally I would have preferred to work on them from beginning to end in one go but I never had enough time to do that. There were days and nights when it was exhausting, mentally, physically and emotionally. The interest and support of other women who believed in what I was doing helped me to keep on going. My husband encouraged me and when I felt like quitting he always brought me back to my goal of making a difference to other women and families.

Who should read it?

Birth Journeys is available in a print edition in Australia and New Zealand and as an ebook worldwide. I intended the book for pregnant mums-to-be to provide them with a diverse range of positive and
reassuring birth stories. There are too many horror stories around and such a negative view of birth in the media - positive and believable stories can be hard to find. I didn't realise at first that the book would be helpful for women who have had traumatic previous births. Women have told me that the stories help them to understand and accept their births and to begin their healing.

What is unique about the Birth Journeys book?

Birth Journeys is a diverse collection of stories that share deeply personal journeys towards a positive birth. These are more than labour stories and they are deeper and richer than the stories you might come across on an online forum or blog. I have worked closely with the women (and men) to find the essence of their experience, the lessons they learnt and what the story may have to offer readers, and
to bring this out in their stories. These stories have been carefully selected to represent a range of experiences, positive messages, different personalities and life circumstances.

I believe that pregnant women are very sensitive to what they read and see. Birth Journeys respects this by introducing each story with an editorial that lets the reader know what kind of birth story follows and highlights positive messages the reader may take away. Readers have the opportunity to filter their reading and decide which stories to read. Other birth books, blogs and forums do not provide this editorial that allows each woman the space and information she needs to make an informed choice. I believe that birth stories are a very powerful way to learn about birth and they can have an incredible impact (just think about the impact of all the negative stories!). I believe we need to choose our words wisely and treat our pregnant listeners or readers with respect and consideration and I strived hard to do this in Birth Journeys.

Birth Journeys is different because is not a guide book or an instruction book to a particular birth outcome. No one can guarantee you a perfect birth. Birth journeys doesn't tell you how you should
birth or what is right for you. Only you can decide that. What Birth Journeys does offer is the opportunity to learn through stories, to be open to other women's experiences, gain a deeper understanding of what birth can be like, and some of the factors that enabled these women (and men) to have positive births from their point of view. Birth Journeys affirms that the experience of birth does matter and a positive birth is achievable.

How did being a mother shape or change the way you approach your writing? Has being a mother been a positive thing for your writing? How have you overcome struggles (eg lack of time, mother guilt)?

Being a mother comes first for me so Birth Journeys took much longer than I expected. In the past, I would have thrown myself into a project completely at the expense of everything else until I emerged
out the other side with a finished product. Everything else would suffer while I put all my energy and attention on the project. But a mother can't work that way! I had to be more balanced. I had to make
the most of my time spent with my family and time spent on the book. I found that I needed to stay present in whatever I was doing. Otherwise it was too easy to resent my family or my other commitments and responsibilities because I could have been working on the book and finishing it off. I discovered that I needed to bring myself back when I was doing housework or playing and being with my children - so that I was completely there. I didn't always succeed and I still struggle with this at times. I also had to learn to work more slowly and carefully as I would have to return to a piece of writing over many nights.

Towards the end of the book, when it was almost ready to send to the printers, there was so much work and I certainly felt the mother- guilt then. We made sure that our family spent some quality time together whether this was an outing somewhere special, or something simple like making lunch and eating it in the backyard, a bike ride or sitting together and cuddling. When the children were happily
doing their own thing, my husband and I would work on the final touches to the book. We also had help from friends and family who looked after the boys for us at this stage. I found there was a
struggle between competing needs - the need to finish the book soon so that I could be with my family more!) and my children's needs that would take me away from the book (meaning that it would take
longer to complete).

What 3 pieces of advice would you suggest to other women thinking about embarking on a new venture?

Decide what you want to do and why you want to do it. It helps to decide what it is you want to achieve so you can see what you are working towards. It's good to work out whether you are doing this because you want to make a difference, because it is a hobby and something you love to do, or because you want to make a successful long term business out of it. These are different motivations and they will shape your venture and the way you choose to work on it.

Discuss it and make sure you have the support of your family before you dive into it. Having a supportive family is helpful. Seek out supportive women around you too. Their encouragement and willingness to help you will be invaluable.

It's OK to fail or to give up on your venture. It's not really a failure, it's a chance to learn and experience something new. But it is better to 'fail fast' rather than put years of work and money into something to discover it isn't going to work afterall!

Many women find motherhood is the perfect time to start something new, but don't know what they want to do. Can you please give a list of tips to help women to find their niche or passion?

Visit the markets and look around to see what you like the look of and what excites you
Visit the book store and notice which books or topics spark your interest
Talk with other mums about their hobbies and businesses
Make a list of all the things you love to do, have always wanted to do, or things you feel drawn to and have a flair for
Make a list of what it is you are missing or would like to gain personally from this venture
Try a class or go along to a workshop or mum's group
Relax and don't put too much pressure on yourself to find your perfect niche. Try something for a little while and see how it goes. Something that is not perfect may still be worthwhile and enjoyable and it may move you along towards finding your perfect hobby or business.

Leonie is a full time mum, living in Canberra with her husband Michael and their sons, Owen and Aiden. Before children, Leonie was a primary school teacher she will return to teaching in the future. She is a dabbler in many things and enjoys cooking, art, craft, reading, writing and being in the outdoors, especially on a golden autumn afternoon. Leonie believes that our children help us to learn the lessons we need in order to become happy and healthy adults and to be the best parents we can for our children.

To purchase the book, please visit Birth Journeys.

Why not LIKE their Birth Journeys Facebook Page too?

TV or not to TV?

2012-04-21T23:09:00.003+10:00

Last month, I was interviewed by Katie Cincotta for 'The Age' about living in a TV-free household. Katie's article was published this week. It seems a recent poll has found that 2% of households, that is 141,000 HOUSEHOLDS, have decided not to upgrade to digital tv when the switch is complete, so we're definitely not alone. It seems more and more people are switching off too.

In the early days for me, no TV happened more out of circumstance than holding a philosophical position. I just didn't have the cash, not that I ever even thought about buying one. Not ever. I'd come home from 2 years overseas travelling. Travel was our TV. We were living it, not watching it.

During those early years back in Australia raising my daughter, I remember only two events that made me hanker for a television. The death of Princess Diana, and 9/11. My poor neighbours took pity on me and let me sit in their lounge to watch the Diana updates but it took me three days to see footage of the 9/11 events. I then spent 2 days at my mum's glued to the repeats of the event, trying to catch up.

Without a television, I was cast adrift from this global coming together of community. These were the ONLY times I've ever regretted my choice.

I've since made a commitment to 'join in' these things. For instance, when the royal wedding was on last year, I planned my week so that we were able to stay overnight at my parents and take part in a little celebrating too. And I always watch the Oscars! I love them. Big news events too, such as the Queensland floods last year but luckily these days, with Facebook and internet news, it is pretty easy to stay in touch- if I choose to.

As an observer of television from a distance, I've come to loathe the way TV shows unfold. I can't bear to waste all that time, as I sit through 7 or 8 minutes of 'program' followed by ads and a big rehash of what I just watched 3 minutes ago. It seems that most of the program is about telling you what you will see, or what you just saw. Not much good honest content at all. It drives me nuts! Yet, I don't want to diss TV altogether. More and more, television shows are becoming like mini-movies in their quality, writing, acting and all round performance. (Offspring comes to mind. Madmen too. Not that I've watched them but I know they are good because my friends tell me) But I love that you can now download them or pick up the series from your local video shop. I'd much rather sit through the full show in one go, as my husband and I did with Underbelly (that was fantastic!) than be controlled by the anticipation of waiting for the show to return next week. That's just not fun.

Of course, it is all about balance, isn't it.
I like to think I can be balanced about it, but I'm not sure I can ever be truly impartial.

On the same day the article was published, ABC Radio Newcastle phoned me up for an interview. I found myself sharing the story of the children in my old kindergartens.

In this school, parents were encouraged to be mindful (though not dogmatic) about TV and screen use in general. For this reason, there was a broad range of Television exposure in the classes. Some children had NO exposure whatsoever, others were allowed to watch TV in the afternoons or weekends (ABC 2, and children's dvd's were the most popular) and some children had free range.

For years, (not just one year) I was able to observe the children in play and without a doubt in the world, the children with NO television were those with the biggest, most unhindered imagination of the lot. On the other hand, we had the children whose only play ability was to copy and imitate what they saw on television. This meant lots of superhero play, fighting, gun battles, silly and/or stupid behaviour, name calling, aggression... they played out the 'extremes' of their viewing menu. I'm sure most of these children also watched delightful and gentle children's programs like Playschool, Sesame Street, Bob the Builder and Pingu but this was NOT the play they played out. The power/energy/destructive ability of shows like Ben 10 was no match for little old Pingu or Playschool.

This experience HAS changed my beliefs about television viewing and young children FOREVER.
In the past year, we've started allowing Ned to have a little bit of Bob the Builder dvd action or ABC 2 viewing when we visit Grandma's. Whereas before, I would have redirected him to an activity, he's old enough now to know that the TV is there, and kids shows beckon. I'm all for balance so a little indulgence at Grandma's once a week or fortnight, I can cope with. BUT the downside is the little tantrum that comes when we go to switch it off. The tantrum/face pulling/grumpy bum happens EVERY time. It makes me wonder why I bother really. An hour or two of quiet time while I read the paper on a weekend is so NOT worth the grumpy bum retort. But it actually serves to strengthen my resolve to keep MY home television/dvd-free.

You'll have to forgive me my television soapbox rants once I start. I'm a really really nice, balanced and friendly person most of the time, or so I'm told. I just can't bear to see wonderful people and talent go to waste through the brain drain of television watching.

So, the question is, if you don't have a television, what do you do instead? (I'm not joking. I get asked this question a lot.)

For me, NO television means time for blogging, for photographing, for writing, for thank you notes and hand-written letters and art and crafting and music and books and design magazines and mood boards and chatting with my husband and films and yoga and good eating. My favourite thing of all is to watch films. Good films. Storytelling wonder. Life changers and movies that are simply light hearted entertainment. I know that the fact we have NO television is why I get so much of my creative stuff done. I'm never ever bored! Never.

I'm not saying this choice is for everyone. But what I do say is that if you are experiencing tv tantrums with your children, or are so busy you can't think straight, or feel like you never have anytime to relax, or absolutely can't stop watching 'The Voice', why not take a family challenge and switch off the box for a week? A week. Why not? A family experiment of sorts. Making time for bike riding, beach walks, cooking dinner together, family games nights, sorting photographs or cupboards, clearing out the junk.

Can you do it? Yes, you can.

Will you join me in this challenge? I'd love to hear your stories.

Toadstool Hair Clip Holder: A how-to tutorial

2012-04-19T06:00:00.000+10:00

I love a practical craft and this one is super cute too.

A toadstool hair clip holder to keep all those itty bitty hairclips in one spot.

And it gets better than that too. The toadstool spots can hold rings or small bits of jewellery.

Cute and practical. It's a winner.

To make one, you'll need to cut out a toadstool shape from felt.

I used 3mm brown for the base and 5mm red for the top.

The grass was cut from green scraps.

Cut out two circles of white felt per spot. Trim the circle on top across on a horizontal line to make an entry point for the jewellery.

Blanket stitch the circles onto the red felt.

If you can, begin your blanket stitch from the top of the felt and try not to go right through the material.

Smaller decorative spots can be glued on.

Place two strands of matching ribbon along the base of the toadstool.

Use straight stitch to affix the ribbon at the same time as the base of the grass.

Make a slipknot loop to hang your toadstool.

The last step is to attach the loop and also run a line of blanket stitch along the entire base of the red top, positioning the trunk in place and stitching it firmly to the toadstool cap at the same time.

A perfect home for hair clips and tiny jewellery.

Do you like it?

What do you think?

Origami Candy Box or Cute Stationery Holder

2012-04-12T06:00:00.001+10:00

These origami boxes with decorative wings are traditionally used to hold candy or lollies.

But I think they would look pretty darn cute on your desk holding fancy push pins or funky paper clips.

(Don't you just love the blue dolphin paper clips? Big W in Australia sell them for about $3 a pack)

You'll need one piece of single sided, patterned origami paper for each box.

Place the pattern face down. Fold the paper in half to make a rectangle. (Pattern is now on the outside)

Open it up and fold the opposite way.

Open it up. You'll now have a square with a cross fold.

One by one, fold each corner into the centre.

Like so.

Fold the paper in half, backwards.

And in half again, sidewards.

Put your finger in one of the triangular folds and open it up...

until it looks like this and becomes a tilted square.

Flip the triangle on the left side of this square over to the right, then repeat the move (from above) so that you now have a diamond.

Open up this diamond and pull the paper downwards..

like this, so that it makes a rectangular base.

Like so.

Flip the paper over, and do the same on the other side.

You'll now have a 'roof' that has a split in the centre.

Fold the left and right sides together.

This makes the same shape but now the sides of the house are long.

Fold the left and right sides in to meet the centre line.

Flip the paper over and do the same on the other side.

Your paper will look like this. Fold the top points down either way and crease the folds.

This will make a small square.

Now pull those two corner bits outwards.

Put your fingers inside the box and push down gently to flatten the base.

Perfect little containers to hold all kinds of tiny surprises.

What would you put in them?

Treasure Hunt in the Sandpit Game

2012-04-10T06:00:00.000+10:00

Ned's birthday was a 'dirt and mud' themed gathering.

So a digging in the sandpit treasure hunt game kind of qualified.

I wrapped up 20 little parcels.

There were single tubs of playdough, lego truck stickers, matchbox trucks and a few sandpit shovels.

I punched out two circle tags of each colour. Each parcel was labelled with a different coloured circle tag and the matching one was put into a pile.

Before the party, my husband hid those coloured circle tags deep in the sandpit, along with some foil wrapped baby easter eggs.

Each child was given a spoon.

I'd forgotten all about needing the spoons until the day before so didn't have time to visit an op shop for some second hand supplies. So, plastic it was.

The rule was that the children must use the spoon to dig.

When they found a coloured circle tag, they brought it to the prize desk and claimed their treasure.

Such fun!

This game was a winner.

In fact, Ned continues to bury eggs himself and spends hours out there finding them again.

Nourishing Time Out. Parent Tip

2012-04-09T22:31:00.000+10:00

We all need to take time out from our children from time to time.

We need to acknowledge that we are people, not just parents and that we too have needs that must be met.

Taking time out, even once a month for a few hours, recharges our batteries and gives us the strength, courage and resilience to keep working and battling on through the tiredness, sleepless nights, fears and fevers and the busyness of raising children.

Do you want to know what I do?

I indulge in a Crafternoon. This link will show you how to do it too.

Why not join us?

This is what we made. Very handsome wood and wire dolls.

I'm making a list of other things I'd like to do to nurture myself.

Here's my top 3.

1. Book myself into the Mudita Clinic for an ayurvedic oil massage in April

2. Delight in one of my all time favourite movies on the big screen in 3D- yes, Titanic!

3. Reorganise my craft room. I love having a freshly ordered space. It makes me smile.

What do you like to do to nurture yourself?

Michia's Homemade Chai Teas

2012-04-08T06:00:00.000+10:00

Do you remember that I was going to start showcasing women who have transformed their working lives since they have had children? We start today. Their message is that you too can make a fresh start or take the road less travelled if you want to. Hopefully these women I'm going to introduce you to might just be the inspiration you need to get started too.

Let's begin.

A few weeks ago, this delicious smelling package arrived in my post box. I'm sure the postie must have been desperate to open it up, it smelled that good! Inside was this delightful pack of chai tea, an instructions page and a sweet secret.

Well, real brewed chai is my all time favourite drink so you can just imagine how happy I was.

And it was divine. If you like chai, or you are thinking about setting up your own business, then read on. Michia is going to let us in on a few secrets about how she got started.

I'd like to introduce you to Michia, the owner of "Michia's Homemade Chai"

Can you tell me a little bit about how you got started?

I got started in 2008 after purchasing sweet chai teas from cafes. I was a little disappointed that the traditional Indian simple spiced tea had lost it’s nourishment value and that people who loved the real chai were missing out. I felt that chai was losing its touch with its Ayurvedic roots.

What was the motivation for this business?

I have held true to the values and morals I used when I first started making tea for my family and friends. The selection and sourcing only the freshest of produce is something I take very seriously. I only use what I would serve to my family at home around the kitchen table.
Too many items we are sold today are filled with chemicals, or are a low quality product in an effort to drive more profit, with little to no concern for the end user.

Who or what inspired you?

I was inspired by my teacher who taught me Herbal Preparation, in a Natural medicine course I undertook. It opened my eyes to a new world and excited me so I started making all my own body products; lip balms, bath bombs, hair rinses, my own teas. Most of the products I make are used by my family and Michia made ☺

How can chai help people?

Chai is very special. It is yummy, because it is soothing, warming and comforting. Like a big hug. But not only is Chai very yummy, it actually has medicinal purposes. In India people who could not afford doctors would drink Chai for its benefits, such as its ability to cure colds and flu and help with digestive problems.

Chai also brings people back to the simple pleasures of life, of what Mother Nature gave us and intended us to use as a healing tool for us to enjoy. It amazes me how Mother Nature also changes her potency in her spices, I believe it’s to suit mankind and its' needs at the time.

What were some of the steps you took to get it out there and selling in the marketplace?

Firstly I was selling to neighbors, then some mums at my children’s school started trying it and then telling their neighbors and the word passed around from there. I also study at a yoga school and they thought it would suit their client base so they wanted to sell it in the studio. Facebook is a really good tool and has broadened my horizons to new people that I wouldn’t normally have contact with. I offer postage which has allowed people who don’t live on the Gold Coast to access my fresh homemade Chai tea as well.

Where do you sell it?

At the moment I straight from my Facebook page “Michia’s Homemade Chai”, where people can easily contact me for an order and my teas are also sold on the Gold Coast in Broadbeach, and in New Farm, Brisbane at the My health Yoga studios. I’m excited about the fact that I am open to new avenues for business at the moment as well.

Your top tips for being a work-from-home mum:

I think working from home is great fun but, it’s finding that fine balance between work and home life that can be difficult sometimes. Yes, it is distracting when the home duties are never ending and always calling to you and you need to do your work. So, my first top tip would be to consider it imperative to make an effort in planning your time as well as you can. For example, I plan to do most of my paper work once the kids are asleep, the house is quiet and I can think clearly.

It is easy with a home business to let work seep into your home life therefore my second tip is to strive in bringing work and family life as one where you can. On one occasion, I picked up my printing job after school instead of before, so kids were able to come and, I could take them out for a special treat. When we arrived at the shops, I decided to delegate the duty of paying the shop attendant to my 6 year old, he had a big proud look on his face and he did a perfect job. He strutted back to me with the printing under his arm and his little chest puffed out.
This circumstance made me realized that involving children in our professional life can be very rewarding. It gave my son an opportunity to grow as a person, to feel significant and valued.

Exploring the thought of being a work-from-home Mum can be a little daunting at first, it was for me, especially since I had been out of the work industry for a while, but from experience I can tell you just bite the bullet, and give your unique ideas a go.

Have faith, believe in yourself and in your product. You will see this resonates with others, and they are attracted to people that are passionate!

Michia's homemade chai is fresh and my own unique pure spice blend. Michia grounds to order and her chai is very reasonable in price. Just $12 for 150g and $17 for 300g.

If you'd like to order, contact Michia at homemadeteas@gmail.com

Or via her facebook page:

Michias Chai

Are you one of these groovy women like Michia transforming your life as you know it?

Do you have a story of business success post-baby to share?

I'd love to hear from you.

Write to me: amber.greene@hotmail.com

Easter Bunny Felt Pencil Topper

2012-04-07T06:00:00.004+10:00

Happy Easter for tomorrow!

Here's a last minute crafty gift you can make in next to no time.

An Easter Bunny pencil topper.

(You can also do as I have done and place it on a timber stick instead

as a decoration for your Easter table)

Trace around the base of a tumbler onto a piece of card

and cut out two small circles about 5cm in diameter

Cut out a small hole from the middle of your pair.

Take a long piece of wool fleece about 30cm in length.

Gently pull off a strip about 1cm wide. Place two card circles together. Begin wrapping this around the card circle, as you would with a normal pom pom with wool.

Keep going until the hole is nearly full.

When you run out of fleece, simply pull off another strand and place over the top of where you left off.

Then keep wrapping.

This is what your card will look like when done.

Take a pair of sharp scissors and cut in between the two card circles like this.

Tie a piece of strong thread such as linen thread or a double piece of embroidery floss around the circle in between the two pieces of card. Tear the card and remove it from the fluffy ball. Set aside.

Prepare the ears.

Cut two long oval shapes from pink felt and two smaller oval shapes from white felt.

Stitch the white felt onto the pink.

Use pink thread to attach them to the top of the fleece ball.

Make the eyes.

In this picture, you can see I have placed a piece of pink felt onto the face, then have made a blue bullion stitch for the pupil. But evidently, this didn't stand out enough.

Instead, you can cut out two white ovals about 1cm in length. On top of that place a 1/2 cm oval of peach or light pink. Then do the bullion stitch.

The bullion stitch is simply coming up from underneath the felt ovals with your needle tip, then wrapping the needle with the length of thread about 6 or 7 times. Push those spiralled threads down towards the felt, then pull the needle up and through. Finally catch all those threads in place by pushing your needle back into the felt right next to where you came up. This will create a little 3D knot.

(Original picture of blue bullion knots on pink felt. Can you see the eyes got lost in the fluff?

A white background with a pink inner eye and blue iris is easier to see.)

Now add teeth, whiskers cut from felt and a round nose by sewing them on.

Place some strong glue onto the top of your pencil or piece of bamboo or timber stick.

Push it up under the ball of fleece and hold it there until it sticks.

My little rabbit pokes out from a bunch of lovely lilies.

Isn't he sweet?

Hope the Easter Bunny comes to visit you and your family tonight.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend, my friends.

What are you doing for the Holiday break?

Wood and Wire Girl Doll Tutorial: DIY

2012-04-06T06:00:00.024+10:00

I love these little dolls. They are just divine.

This is how you make a little girl wood and wire doll.

Cut two patterns in your favourite coloured felt.

Once your dress is cut out, we'll prepare the body.

Tie a loop knot (slip knot) and place it over the foot.

Hold the tail of wool upwards so it gets covered by your wrapping.

I'm using a rainbow wool from Indigo Inspirations

Begin wrapping upwards until you have covered the entire leg.

If you are a perfectionist, you can coat the leg with PVA glue first to stop the wool slipping but it's not necessary.

When you reach the top of the leg, tie it off with a double knot.

Repeat on the other side.

Wrap the body with some fleece to soften the hard timber frame.

Then wrap the arms too.

Start at the wrist on the left and leave the tail hanging

Repeat on the right. Tie both tails together at the back like so.

Place the dress pieces on either side of the doll and use blanket stitch to sew them up from the neck to the wrist, then from the wrist to the base of the dress.

(Tip: if you want to sew on your embellishments, do this first before sewing up the dress)

Give her a pretty hairdo.

For the plaits, I took a piece of fleece about 10 cm long. Leave a 2cm gap in the middle and plait down either side. Paint some PVA glue onto the timber head and place the plain piece onto the timber. Shape it with your fingers to style the look.

To make her headband, cut yourself a strip of green felt about 1/2cm wide and 4cm long.

Cut out your decorations and stitch them onto the felt.

Attach a narrow piece of elastic to one side,

then fix this to the other side to make the headband into a loop.

Place the headband on her head and your girl is done.

I added little red ribbons onto her plaits and also an apple tree applique to her dress.

You might like to decorate her dress too.

Happy holiday crafting!

PS I have fleece packs for sale.

If you need fleece, please email me at amber.greene@hotmail.com for more details.

Wood and Wire Boy Doll Tutorial: DIY

2012-04-05T06:00:00.003+10:00

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A few weeks ago, we began our Crafternoons again.

I was the first host. As this was the only crafternoon before Easter, I thought I'd make it have an Easter theme so we made these little Easter dolls.

They are pretty easy to make once you know how, and are perfect for the children's doll houses or floor games and stories too. They don't have to be Easter themed at all. And these would make a great holiday crafting activity for children 4 and older. Once they can blanket stitch. (Yes, 4 year olds can blanket stitch, even some 3 year olds)

This is how to make a boy doll.

Cut out a shirt pattern and the pants pattern from your favourite coloured felt.

This is how the short pants will sit.

First, we prepare the body by wrapping a long piece of fleece about 1cm wide around the doll like this, as a scarf.

Use the long tails of the scarf to pad the timber frame and make the body soft.

Keep wrapping, first down one leg then the other.

Do the arms too.

You may need to pull off another fine strip (about 1/2 cm wide) to wrap the arms so it doesn't get too bulky.

Once the body is prepared, sew on the short pants.

Use a fine cotton to blanket stitch up the inside of both legs like so.

Then sew up the front of the pants together.

Cut a small hole in the top of the shirt.

Pop the shirt over his head,

then blanket stitch from the wrist to the waist on either side using a matching cotton.

All you need to do now is decorate the outfit if you choose.

Simply cut out shapes from felt or choose sequins, stars etc and glue on using a PVA craft glue and a brush.

Paint the head with PVA and stick on some hair. I used yellow coloured fleece but wool or cotton wool will do too.

To make his Easter Parade hat, cut a small piece of felt and embroider Happy Easter on it using straight stitch. Sew on a small piece of elastic onto one side of the banner then fix it to the other end too so it forms a circular headband that can be slipped over his hair. Add 3 coloured 'feathers' or leaf shapes cut from felt.

Sewing tip: I stitched on the Truck design onto Ned's boy doll.

If I were to stitch again, I'd sew the pattern on first before I placed the shirt onto the boy.

You might like to give him a face, and paint his shoes with acrylic paint and a coat of lacquer such as mod podge.

PS: If you need fleece, I am selling off my supplies on sale.

110-120 gram mixed bags $10, 180 gram bags $15 230gram bags $20.

plus postage.

Email me: amber.greene@hotmail.com for colour choices

I have plenty of rainbow bags left.

PS: Pop back tomorrow for a tutorial on making a girl wood and wire doll too.