Slime

This weekend I made a bucket of slime for the boys to play with. Junior seemed to enjoy getting his hands into this lovely tactile play but I was surprised to find that Rascal wasn't that interested - he was more interested in the big bucket of water I had put out for cleaning up. However the next day Rascal was a bit more interested and although he wouldn't get his hands into it he enjoyed prodding, poking and stirring the goo with sticks and spoons. To make your own bucket of slime put half a cup of soap flakes in a bowl, add three cups of boiling water and leave it for a few hours. You could probably add a few drops of food colouring as well if you like. The slime looks quite revolting but feels lovely (and the soap flakes smell nice too). What have you and your children been playing with this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Weekend grateful

This weekend I'm grateful for our local farmers market where Rascal and I bought some lovely seasonal fruit and veg this morning along with some beautiful flowers and pastries as a treat for us all.
I'm also very grateful to my darling husband who has taken Junior and Rascal to Beaty Park for a swim on this humid Saturday morning allowing me a few moments peace and quiet.
Why don't you link up with Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

100's of Biscuits

Last week I made a big batch of biscuit (cookie) dough using the Planning with kids 100's of Biscuits recipe. I made a batch that day and then put 4 bags of dough in the freezer (each will make about 24 small biscuits) to use later.
The first batch was just plan but since then we have tried them with jam and choc drops - all have been a success with the boys. I do love the idea of being able to take a packet out of the freezer in the evening and then have fresh baked biscuits for morning tea within 15 minutes the next day. Makes me feel like a domestic goddess turning up for a play date with three young boys and a batch of warm biscuits! Simple pleasures are often the best!

We Play with Modelling Clay

This morning Junior and I have been playing around with air dry modelling clay.
This clay is very easy to work with and we made a few beads and tried pressing some leaves and shells into the clay to make a pretty imprint.
We also made some valentines love hearts. Now we just have to wait for it all to dry.
What art activities have you been enjoying lately? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Bunny Making

This weekends little "making" project was a Mooshy Belly Bunny using this simple tutorial which I found via Keep Cate Busy.
Again this was a very quick and easy project leading to almost instant gratification - my kind of sewing. It also used up some old out of shape baby clothes I had been hording for ages because I knew I should be able to use the fabric for something but I hadn't quite worked out what!
The prototype (which Puggle has been road testing for me) isn't perfect but I have two more little bunnies to finish so hopefully they will improve. Wish me luck.

I'm grateful for...

This weekend it is warm and humid so I'm very grateful for water pistols (to keep the boys happy) and lots and lots of iced peppermint tea (to keep me cool)!

More Making

A couple of years ago a good friend of mine, who had managed to get her youngest child past the toddler years, decided that rather than making a new years resolution or list of resolutions she just made a pledge to make that year the "year of the body". Her aim was to loose some weight, gain some fitness and reclaim her body after a few years of pregnancy and breast feeding.
With a 5 month old and a two year old I think the "year of the body" is a little way off for me, but I do like the idea of having a theme or goal for the year. I have decided 2011 for me will be "the year of making".
I always have lots of craft or sewing ideas on my wish list but I very rarely get a chance to complete them. This year I hope to gain some motivation and actually get them done. I have already made one little bag, and last week I made this six pocket bag which was also very quick, simple and satisfying. Hopefully I will have another project to show you all soon. Fingers crossed.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy

My puggle is a happy little man!

Play dough

I usually make a new batch of play dough ever month or two but we are currently still playing with our Christmas batch (green with red sparkles). This went on holidays with us to keep the boys entertained when we needed a little down time.
Junior has taken to making little playdough dioramas using small plastic figurines - usually dinosaurs or astronauts or on this occasion both.
What quick and easy holiday play have you been enjoying? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Making

After spending more of my Christmas break than I ort to looking a beautiful crafty blogs, I have found a little sewing inspiration. This weekend I made myself a Tiny Happy bag using this easy to follow tutorial.

It was super easy to make - the hardest part trying to decide what fabric to choose. I opted for a simple black drill cotton and a quirky red bird print for the lining - although Junior prefers the lining fabric so I made if reversible by adding another button. Which do you prefer?

Being so quick to make I may have to make a few more of these.

It's a wrap

Junior and I made some wrapping paper before Christmas using a celery heart as a stamp.
It isn't quite as lovely as Geninne's but I was happy with it all the same.
I have only just got around to using it this week to wrap a thankyou gift for a friend and I think it looks quite nice. I might have to try it again with some different colours next time I buy celery.

We Play in the Garden

We have been taking a little family holiday staying with my sister-in-law on the south coast.
The boys love staying here - partly because they get to spend time with a favourite Aunt but also because they just love her permaculture garden.
Last Christmas when we came to visit Rascal was toddling about stuffing himself with all the fruit and veg he could find - 12 months on and he is running about stuffing himself with all the fruit and veg he can find. Rascal can never sit still long enough to eat breakfast but here he just wanders outside and grazes on strawberries, raspberries and blueberries on the go - just his type of fast food. Junior has also been digging potatoes in Grandpa's garden and harvesting peas and bean with their uncle. Such a nice way to discover the delights of fresh food and a timely reminder that we really must do more in the garden with the boys this year.
What outdoor play have you been enjoying over the New Year break? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Wordless Wednesday - Splash

A New Years swim at our favorite beach - heaven!