Mama's Style

Hannah Nunn's Paper Cut Lamps

2013-05-21T12:10:00.001+12:00

You have to check out Hannah Nunn's amazing and beautiful Paper Cut Lamps!

They make gorgeous gifts and would be a lovely keepsake in memory of a loved one.

She also makes Tea Light Holders, Lanterns, Personalised Lanterns and Name Lights, and can ship them world-wide.

Tall Harebell Lamp

Seed Head Tea Light Holder Set

Cherry Blossom Lamp

Lanterns

Personalised House Lamp

Two Little Chikadees Lamp

Personalised Lanterns

Personalised Name Light

Tree of Life Candle Holder

Family-friendly recipe ~ Blueberry Muffins

2013-05-20T18:49:00.003+12:00

Here's another easy and yummy recipe from Tracey ~ classic Blueberry Muffins.

These are very yummy and a great way to get kids eating blueberries. The oil makes them a moist muffin. I keep a packet of frozen blueberries in the freezer which makes this a quick and easy recipe.

2 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 tsp custard powder (or cornflour)
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup oil

Sift flour, custard powder and baking powder together. Add the sugar and blueberries.

Beat the eggs, milk and oil together and add to the first mixture. Spoon into muffin tins or paper cases.

Cook at 190C degrees for 15-20 min. Sprinkle icing sugar on top to serve.

Aussie Curves ~ Sequins

2013-05-19T20:21:00.001+12:00

Sequin week has finally arrived at Aussie Curves!

For someone who loves sequins, I've gone for a relatively sedate look.

Apologies for the blah photos again... my inside pics never seem to turn out very well.

I scored this TS14+ tunic from Danimezza's last sale and really like that the sequins are a gorgeous gold/bronze colour.

It's not a great fit and the arm holes are huge, so I don't wear it as much as I'd like.

These sequin leggings are from K&K... not bad for $20!

Gold accessories... my favourite Coach handbag, Hannahs flats and Leatherette Cuff from Forever New.

Tunic ~ TS14+

Short Sleeve Body Dress ~ TS14+

Sequin Leggings ~ K&K

Flats ~ Hannahs

Handbag ~ Coach

Leatherette Cuff ~ Forever New

Have a look at the other sequin looks...

Fantastic Occasion Printables...

2013-05-17T19:29:00.001+12:00

If you're looking for a great printable for pretty much any occasion to celebrate... you have to check out the Subway Printable Collection over at eighteen25!

They have created lovely printables for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day, Easter, Newborns, and more.

Click here to see them all.

My favourites are:

Halloween

Superhero Lollipop Party Favours (or Valentines)

2013-05-15T11:54:00.002+12:00

I stumbled across these Superhero Valentines over at Little Bit Funky and thought they'd be make even better favours for kids superhero birthday parties!

To make them easier, Little Bit Funky have shared a link to the free superhero printable which you can find here... yay.

You'll need:

Stiff felt

Hole punch

2" paper punch (or scissors)

Ribbon

Lollipops

Glue

Cape template

Learn the Alphabet with Peg People ~ tutorial

2013-05-14T09:20:00.003+12:00

Here's a fab idea from Thrive 360 Living... make your own spelling and reading activity using plain wooden peg people.

Sam at Thrive 360 Living made these four to help her son learn to spell his name, and I really like that she use both upper and lowercase.

They would be a wonderful and thoughtful homemade birthday gift... either just the child's name or make the whole alphabet if you have the time.

Of course you can do the same thing with wooden blocks, but these little guys are just so cute!

You'll need:

Wooden peg people

Acrylic paint

Pod podge

Click here for the full tutorial.

Aussie Curves ~ Time Saver

2013-05-12T15:15:00.000+12:00

This week's theme is "Time Saver" ~ very appropriate that I've left it to the last minute!

It was actually a harder theme than I anticipated for one reason... I don't usually have to rush. This is because:

A ~ I have two small kids so being spontaneous doesn't really happen anymore.

B ~ Mr 5 has Asperger's so I know to allow him extra time to get ready.

I'm one of those annoying women who's always out of the house on time, and even get work done before the morning school/kindy run.

I've changed the brief slightly to a "can't be *rsed" theme. My go-to combo is red, white and black... I have a lot of it in my wardrobe so I always have something to put together quickly.

I wear my Plain Sizzle Dress from TS14+ quite a bit... I just throw it on over a coloured tee and leggings. It dries in no time, and the crushed fabric means there's no ironing needed.

More fab boots from TS14+... these are the Buckle Up Boots and they're really comfy. A coloured shoe is an easy way to change up a look.

The Duplicate Coat from deNada is one of my favourite pieces. I picked it up last winter and I wear it a lot! I was really lucky to get one as they make a very limited number of them.

Trying to show the gorgeous printed panel on the back (apologies for the dodgy photos).

There are very few days where I'm not wearing a necklace. They're perfect for adding interest, texture and colour to your outfit.

This is the Posey Necklace from TS14+. I usually go for long necklaces but this one was too gorgeous for me to pass up.

Eclipse Plain Sizzle Dress ~ TS14+

Decorous Body Tee ~ TS14+

Knit Leggings ~ Ezibuy

Buckle Up Boot ~ TS14+

Duplicate Coat ~ deNada

Posey Necklace ~ TS14+

Earrings ~ Diva

Check out what the other gorgeous AC ladies have put together in a hurry this week...

Q&A with Baking Makes Things Better!

2013-05-09T20:53:00.003+12:00

I'm so happy to be joined again by the lovely Melissa and Courtenay from Baking Makes Things Better.

Not only have they shared more of their yummy recipes, but they're also answering some of my Facebook liker's baking questions.

These clever ladies have just released their first eBook ~ Baking Basics! The book covers some of the basics of baking cupcakes, muffins, biscuits, cakes and slices, troubleshooting tips and 12 easy recipes for baking beginners. You can buy your copy here.

On with the Q&A.

Q from Deborah F ~

"Cooking time & temperature for an 8 egg Pavlova - just can't quite seem to get it right! Maybe it is my ooooold oven."

Follow the recipe as best you can, pavlovas are temperamental tricky things to get right. If it is an older recipe it might use smaller eggs, it is hard to say without knowing or trialling the recipe for myself. I usually cook mine at night, turn the oven off after the specified time and leave it in the oven overnight as to not remove until it is completely cooled.

You could always have a go at a different recipe too. This Pavlova Stack is always a winner.

Q from Melissa P ~

"When baking muffins in cases, how do you stop them from sticking to the case? Cooking spray?"

Try to find cases that have a waxed lining; you want the case to stick a little so that the muffin has something to help with the shape, but it should peel away easily. We find the gorgeous paper ones you see in specialty baking and cookware shops do tend to stick. Sometimes ones from your supermarket are cheaper and can be better!

Q from Bec Barrer ~

"Piping icing tips please!"

There are heaps of great video tutorials on the web, we are planning to add some to our blog in the near future so keep an eye out. My best advice is to make sure your buttercream (or whatever you are wanting to pipe) is the right consistency, soft enough to push through the nozzle easily but not too runny as it will not hold its shape. Play with different pipping tips, my favourites are the Wilton 1M and 2D; they create lovely swirls and roses.

Decadent Chocolate Celebration Cake

Q from Ashley M ~

"How do you get icing in the bag? Mine always gets caught on the edges then it closes. Even when I fold it down?"

I place my piping bag in a large glass, fold down my piping bag and spoon in my frosting. Try not to over fill your bag you can always add more, it will also stop your icing from getting to warm and melting from being held.

Q from Rebecca T ~

"Any tricks you have with fondant?"

Being home bakers we don't use fondant too often. My top tips would be to really work your fondant and warm it up before rolling. Dust with cornflour - making a little 'poof' out of a cheap stocking end works well. If you want to colour it use gel colours. There are heaps of great YouTube tutorials around, you just have to search for them.

Q from Kelly A ~

"Bake or fan bake? And if fan bake how do you adjust the temps & times? I am becoming fan bake-phobic!"

If the recipe does not state, it is usually bake. If you want to use fan bake you drop the temperature by 10-20°C. Each oven is slightly different and some older ovens will have hot spots in them. I always check on my baking with 10 minutes to go to see if it needs to come out early, on time or longer than the recipe. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Ginger Kisses

Q from Kiri M ~

"When I make slices with meringue topping they don't seem to set if I cook to the recipe but if I leave them in longer the meringue sets but the base is overcooked - is there a trick I don't know about or am I doing something wrong?"

Again, it is hard to give a definite answer without seeing a recipe but you could try using an Italian meringue as the egg whites will be cooked and you only need it to 'crisp' up; that way your bottom will not over cook. Alternatively you could try cooking for a slightly longer time on a lower temp. Also, make sure your oven is pre-heated. One other idea (if you are cooking your base before adding topping and returning to the oven) is to make sure you are only cooking the base until 'just set' and not cooked through or 'golden'.

Q from Mamas Love Clothing ~

"Dairy free desserts... any ideas?"

Our Gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookies are delish. Or, you could always try making Biscotti to go with a cup of coffee.

Thank you to Melissa and Courtenay for joining me again. For more fantastic recipes, visit them at Baking Makes Things Better!

Stamp Art from Pepin Design

2013-05-07T10:52:00.001+12:00

I'm a sucker for a bit of Kiwiana!

I just had to show you these stencil art pieces using recycled stamps... they're from the Pepin Designs Felt store.

Great for any room in the home. Wouldn't they make great and fun gifts for NZ friends and family living overseas!

Family-friendly recipe ~ Baked Moroccan Chicken

2013-05-06T13:32:00.000+12:00

Last week's family-friendly recipe from Tracey, Pork and Apple Casserole, is in slow cooker as I type and my whole house smells amazing! It uses Moroccan seasoning so the smell is that of an exotic roast pork with apple sauce... yum.

Tracey's recipe this week also uses Moroccan seasoning... here's her Baked Moroccan Chicken. Enjoy!

This recipe is a little bit different but yummy and very easy. There is a little bit of mixing and preparation to begin with, but then you just put it in the oven and 35 minutes later a complete meal-in-one is ready.

You will need a jar of Moroccan seasoning for this and it is important that you use chicken thighs as they stay succulent in this dish. It is also important to use the right sized dish as I had trouble cooking the rice when I didn't.

Baked Moroccan Chicken

1/4 cup apricot jam

1 1/2 tablespoons Moroccan seasoning
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
500g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
1 brown onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup canned tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups chicken stock
1 lemon, juiced

Preheat oven to 220°C degrees. Combine jam, seasoning, garlic and oil in a bowl. Add chicken and stir to coat. Season with salt.

Place rice in a 5cm-deep, 22cm x 26cm (base) baking dish. Top with onion, tomato and peas. Pour over stock and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Top with chicken.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice tender. Cover for half the time and then remove the cover for the rest of the cooking.

Nice with steamed beans or fine as a meal on it's own.

Owl Cuties at West Elm

2013-05-04T18:22:00.000+12:00

If you've been reading my blog or have been a liker on my Facebook page for a while, you may have noticed that I can get a little owl obsessed.

I've put together some gorgeous West Elm pieces for everyone else who loves owls.

Owl Mugs

Lamp

Cookie Jar

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Measuring Cups

String Holder

Gorgeous Scarves from Three Bird Nest

2013-05-03T20:48:00.000+12:00

The Three Bird Nest Etsy store has some really gorgeous scarves... just in time for winter. And Alicia ships internationally!

Here are my favourites...

Mint

Aussie Curves ~ Heels

2013-05-03T19:07:00.001+12:00

I haven't done an Aussie Curves post for a few weeks. I'm back with Heels!

I used to wear very high heels almost every day. In fact I used to walk to work and back in them every day which was a 3km round trip... I doubt I'd be able to walk 300 metres in high heels now! I said goodbye to them when Mr 5 and Miss 3 came along as they weren't being worn anymore, but I still have some lower heels in my wardrobe.

The weather is appalling here in Wellington so I decided to show you my heeled boots so I could stay warm. Apologies in advance for the not-so-great photos.

Enjoy...

Hepburn Ankle Boots from TS14+

The heel is only 5cm so I can comfortably wear them all day at work, which is really important when I'm on my feet for hours at a time!

Boots from City Chic

I'll be honest and admit that these boots aren't all that comfortable. I really should sell them, but they're the first pair of boots I owned so I'm quite sentimental about them.

Hepburn Ankle Boots ~ TS14+
Buckle Boots ~ City Chic
Jungle Crushed Dress ~ TS14+
Breezy Overlay ~ TS14+
Green Mesh Tunic ~ TS14+ (thrifted)
Luna Short Sleeve Body Dress ~ TS14+
Earrings ~ Voon
Cross Necklace ~ Virtu

Have a look at the gorgeous heels being showed off by the other Aussie Curves ladies. After seeing their posts, I'm resolved to adding more coloured shoes to my wardrobe!

Custom Dolls from A Little Vintage

2013-05-02T14:59:00.001+12:00

You'll love the Custom Dolls made by Jennie at A Little Vintage.

You or your child can choose the doll's hair and eye colour, skin tone, hair style, accessories etc, so you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind doll. Jennie can even make the doll using your child's baby clothes, or another piece of clothing which holds a special meaning.

The faces are hand-painted, and the dolls are stuffed with anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic stuffing which is made from recycled plastic bottles!

Or you can visit Jennie's Etsy store and choose from her many ready-made creations...

Miss Odette Oddbunny

Miss Yvonne

Alphabet Sounds Activity

2013-04-30T10:51:00.000+12:00

I love this fun learning idea that I discovered at Kids Activities Blog ~ it uses plastic tubs to make an Alphabet Sounds Activity.

The original is actually from Catherine at Momma's Fun World.

You should be able to find the tubs at your local craft store, or check out Trademe. Or just start saving any tubs with lids that you buy at the supermarket... hummus, dips, peanut butter etc.

Catherine has even shared a link to the free alphabet printables she used.

Kiwiana from Kelly Vize

2013-04-29T21:13:00.001+12:00

I love the quirky and totally Kiwi resin pieces from the Kelly Vize Felt store.

They're so fun!

My favourites are...

Chocolate Fish Keyring

Jet Plane Necklace

Eskimo Magnets

Chocolate Fish Magnets

Eskimo Keyring

Family Hand Print Cushion for Mother's Day

2013-04-29T18:41:00.000+12:00

I found this lovely Hand Print Cushion at Cakies and thought it would make a fantastic Mother's Day gift.

Just get a basic cushion cover from a craft or interiors store, and trace around your family member's hands with a pencil or fabric pen.

If you use a pencil you can easily embroider over it. For an even easier method just use a fabric pen! If you're worried about little hands moving while you're tracing, try tracing onto card first, cut out the card then use the "templates" to trace onto your cover.

Don't forget to write a nice message and use lots of colour!

Family-friendly recipe ~ Pork and Apple Casserole

2013-04-29T11:05:00.003+12:00

Pork and apple are made for each other! I've just been given a big bag of apples, so I will definitely be making this week's recipe from Tracey... Pork and Apple Casserole.

This is a great autumn recipe when lots of apples are about. It is a slow cooker recipe, although you could increase the water and cook it in the oven or on the stove top. I like the slow cooker when using pork as it can be quite tough.

This recipe uses Moroccan seasoning as an ingredient. You can leave this out, but next week's chicken recipe uses it too so it is worth getting a bottle of it.

Pork and Apple Casserole

500g diced pork
Flour

Salt and pepper

Moroccan seasoning

Oil
1 small onion
1 cup stewed apple
1 teaspoon chicken stock mixed in 1/4 cup boiling water

Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper and seasoning onto pork pieces and brown in oil in a frying pan.

Tip pork into slow cooker, and add sliced onion to the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes and sprinkle over the pork in the slow cooker. Add the apple. Pour over the water and stock. Cook on high for 3 hours.

Pork can be quite a subtle flavour, so taste for extra salt and pepper at the end.

Magnetic Mousetrap Fridge Clips ~ tutorial

2013-04-26T20:51:00.003+12:00

These Magnetic Mousetrap Fridge Clips that I found at Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom are brilliant!

Perfect for keeping your receipts, shopping list, movie tickets, invitations etc.

You'll need:

Wooden mousetraps

Acrylic paint

Images (via Clip Art etc)

Thin cardboard

Pod Podge

White glue

Magnets

Click here for the full tutorial.

Gluten Free Apple Berry Cake

2013-04-26T19:09:00.004+12:00

It's time for another gluten free recipe from Ash at Smash Cakes. This week she's shared a recipe for yummy Apple Berry Cake!

Hello! This weeks gluten free recipe is also dairy free. I really wanted cake but nothing to rich or sweet so I found this recipe on Ilke's kitchen.

I cheated and used Healtheries gluten free premix for this as I was in a rush and had no flour at home. The cake was perfect, light, fruity, and just sweet enough!

Apple Berry Cake

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour, plus 1 Tablespoon (I used the Healtheries baking premix)
1 Tablespoon baking powder
4 Tablespoons cinnamon
2 medium apples
1/2 cup blackberries

Preheat your oven to 180C degrees.

Core and dice the apples, place them in a large bowl with the berries and coat with 1 Tablespoon each of flour and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl beat the eggs and sugar until it is well blended.

Add the flour, baking powder, and the remaining cinnamon, beat until just combined. Fold in the apples and berries.

Pour the batter in to a greased and lined spring form pan. Bake for 40 minutes.

Upcycled Tee Produce Bags ~ tutorial

2013-04-26T18:48:00.000+12:00

Here's an absolutely fantastic and easy upcycling project from Delia Creates... making your own Produce Bags out of knit tee's!

We all have tee's lying around that aren't worn anymore... why not turn them into something new?

You can make them whatever size you like and they involve very little sewing (great for someone like me who's a sewing novice).

Make one with very small slits for carting kids toys around. Make some using kids tee's that they've grown out of to use as little library bags, for their dress-up box etc.

Delia even uses one to carry her shoes while at the beach!

You'll need:

Knit tee

Scissors or rotary cutter

Sewing machine

Pen

Click here for the full tutorial.

Washi Tape Monogram Art ~ tutorial

2013-04-23T15:04:00.002+12:00

Here's a lovely project for a nursery and kids bedrooms ~ make Washi Tape Monogram Art using the fab tutorial at A Little CLAIREification!

This would look great in a lounge or entrance way with the entire family's initials. It would also be a great present and could be a fun DIY wedding gift.

You'll need:

Cardboard letter (most craft shops have these)

Paint

Paintbrush

Washi tape

Frame

Scrapbook paper (optional)

Hot glue gun

Click here for the full tutorial.

Gorgeous Creations from Wild Things!

2013-04-23T14:29:00.002+12:00

You have to check out the funky and whimsical kids clothing at the Wild Things Etsy store!

All of their gorgeous items are made to order in England by Kirsty. I'm pretty sure she ships internationally, but it's best to ask before you place an order.

My favourite designs are the Dungarees... great for boys and girls!

Fox Dungarees

Rainbow and Silver Cloud Dress

Russian Doll Pinafore

Bunny Dress

DIY Flower Cards ~ tutorial

2013-04-22T19:58:00.000+12:00

How sweet are these Flower Cards!

I found them at Deco Ideas ~ unfortunately it's in Spanish but you can pretty much figure out how they're made as they've shared step-by-step photos.

You'll need (based on their photos):

Card

Scissors

Glue stick

Sellotape

Pins (optional)

Click here for the full tutorial.

Family-friendly recipe ~ Apple Crumble

2013-04-22T11:20:00.002+12:00

Is there anything better when the weather's cold, than a piping hot fruit pudding!

This week's recipe from Tracey is the very yummy classic Apple Crumble.

Crumble's are fantastic for using up your last pear, plums, apricots etc. I even like to add half a cut up orange.

Apple Crumble

5 apples
Any other fruit desired (I used 4 sticks of rhubarb and a handful of frozen berries)

¾ cup plain flour
100g cold butter
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup coconut
½ cup rolled oats
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger

Cook the apples and other fruit until tender with approximately 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar.

Make the crumble by rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients with your finger tips or with a food processor.

Sprinkle on top of the hot fruit and bake at 180C degrees for 20-30 minutes until lightly brown.