milly&me

madeit finds

2011-05-03T14:16:00.003+08:00

Im always trawling madeit and etsy but I rarely get around to posting about what I find...
So here are a few things im loving on madeit today :)

Fresh Designs Bubble Suit

That Vintage Iron Dove Earrings

Bumblebee Designs

yes i do!
My Sweet Prints

Mel P Designs

what we did yesterday...

2011-05-03T13:23:00.003+08:00

Its always a bit hard trying to find things to keep William busy and quiet :) almost impossible to keep him quiet really - he is only 2.5!! but with a sleeping baby and a small house I have been finding myself getting a bit cross when he goes yelling and screaming down the hallway resulting in Scarlett waking after only 20mins.. sigh

So yesterday morning we decorated some old formula tins and glass jars, and then in the afternoon took a trip to Bunnings to buy some tomato plants to plant in the tins (the glass jars are for candles :)
Here is the result of our hardwork - William was more interested in the gluing than the sticking so he glued and I stuck :)

We used fabric scraps from my massive stash of scraps - looking through bags of it I found some great bits to use for other projects :)

Oh and couldnt resist taking a photo of our beautiful girl Missy :) she will be 5 this month! She is a big sook and even though she is as tall as William and 20kgs heavier she is so sweet and gentle with him..

finding the time..

2011-04-19T14:06:00.007+08:00

I have finally got Scarlett into some kind of a routine and with that comes ... time.. :) time to do things with William and time to do things for myself - yay!

So have been looking through pages and pages from blogs and various craft sites looking for inspiration.... Also came across some great activities to do with William..

First the activities: (I did these with William this morning - very simple but such fun)
1. turn a huggies box into a car - he was entertained for ages, pulling big ted around the backyard..
2. cut pictures out of magazines and get them to glue to a big piece of butchers paper and then go back over each picture talking about it and writing its name under it - William had a pen too and would also 'write' the words..
3. get lots of different plastic bowls, cups etc and a few different types of dry pasta and see what they come up with - lots of fun..
After all this it was time for an early lunch of chicken and salad wraps and then off for a nap...

pic found via

For Williams last birthday I had wanted to make him a teepee but never found the time or energy (i was 8 months pregnant)... So now that the cooler weather is coming I thought I might just make him one for those raining inside days.. and found this pattern from Clementine's Shoes.
So while he is at daycare tomorrow I might go and get the canvas fabric and get started :)

Once I make the teepee im planning on starting to make Scarlett a quilt for when she goes into her big bed - i know that will be awhile away but I started one for William at around the same age and it did take me awhile (and I have been collecting some gorgeous red fabrics since we knew she was coming)... Also in between all of this I am going to start crocheting again (inspired from Mara from Piquant Jewellery and Pip from Meet Me at Mikes :) just need to get all my stuff from mum and dads house..

So much to do so little time :)

too cute...

2011-04-07T14:58:00.001+08:00

oohh I love these two soooo much!!!

mum's made...

2011-04-07T14:26:00.006+08:00

The other day my mum came over with a big bag full of my old clothes that she had made for me and kept in her big 'kist' .. bought all the way from Africa and saved for almost 30years - very special! Looking through them brought back some lovely memories :)

Mum had brought them over so that I could see if my old christening gown would fit Scarlett, as we had her Baptism on Sunday. It didnt fit but the above dress did and although it wasnt your traditional gown it was just lovely and perfect for a 32C day! :)

Her cute headband is from Tiny Frills :)

Candice x

Hi.. :)

2011-04-07T14:17:00.003+08:00

Scarlett

Well I laughed after re-reading my last post because that very night my waters broke and my baby girl arrived the next afternoon on 31st December - guess we will be having lots of NYE parties at our house from now on :)
So, yes.. our beautiful girl decided to arrive on NYE and we bought the new year in together watching late night TV, feeding and trying to sleep :)

So since then I have not been doing much in the way of blog posting, crafting or sewing but it has been nice to have a bit of a break and enjoy this special time with my baby girl and her big brother... It is also a bit overwhelming having a new baby, that and trying to cope with 2 kids is a very big eye-opener for me :)

I will hopefully be getting back into the swing of things soon as I am itching to make something!!

Candice x

waiting for baby

2010-12-30T13:16:00.002+08:00

Well I am now 38 weeks pregnant and playing the waiting game....

On Christmas Eve I called my husband, who had been to church with his mum, to let him know that I was having contractions that were more painful than I had previously felt, accompanied with back and period type pain.. so I thought that we should go in and get it checked out as I am going for a VBAC this time around and have been told to call should anything worry me...

Well things had started but not enough to keep me there so we went home but came back in on Boxing Day due to bleeding and was told to come in again in 2 days for a checkup...
All is good now, still having braxton hicks and slight bleeding but feel fine and am now just waiting it out in the heat...

Went to the shops yesterday and really struggled with walking around as baby is engaged and putting alot of pressure on my pelvic region :)

Off to the OB in a couple of hours, was feeling like the baby would be coming soon but now not so sure. Definitely want to make it past NYE so am resting up lots...

Other than that I need to get onto promoting my stuff and getting it all online. Also need to think about what markets I want to do next year..

Hope you all had a good Christmas and have a happy New Year..
xxx

back.. :)

2010-11-20T10:44:00.006+08:00

my little stall at Market Girl

Well yay I finally have some time to sit and work on my blog and facebook page!
Mr milly&me is working on the garden while mini milly&me rides his bike around the backyard :) We are having a big joint party here next weekend for the 2 of them! Having so much fun planning it - will have to do a seperate post on that soon..

So today I wanted to share with you all my market experiences for the year.. I did 2 this year and should've done more but it took me about a week to get over each of them, this baby in my belly is quite demanding already and even though I thought I could do it (and I did!) it took quite a toll on me phyiscally..

The first weekend of November we had a stall at Market Girl - Boutique Markets which was the first one the 2 lovely ladies from Market Girl had put on and they really did such an amazing job - I loved the venue and the layout and Emma and Teneille are so friendly, warm and welcoming that it made for such a great atmosphere.
I met many lovely people and stall holders and had a wonderful day :)

at Junior Upmarket

The next weekend I had a stall at Junior Upmarket at Little Feet Festival which was such a different experience all together but equally as fun! It was so nice to be outdoors after being couped up inside sewing for the last couple of weeks.. The Festival was a fantastic place for kiddies and I met many more lovely people and stallholders! Thanks Justine for bringing your Upmarket name up north :)

So there you go.. and now I am going to try and sell all my stuff on facebook! ekk will see how that goes, will then put it all on madeit once that's done..

Hope you are all well
Candice xxx

what a Sunday :)

2010-09-13T13:31:00.004+08:00

photo via

Well yesterday was meant to be rainy and cold and yucky.. but it wasnt really.. It was a bit chilly but lovely in the sun!
So.. in the morn' my 2 men (big and little) and I went and met some friends of ours at Mallard Duck for brekkie - it was lovely.. yummy food and not too pricy either which was nice :) Although I wasnt feeling the best due to some yucky cold sicky-ness, I managed to really enjoy myself - maybe it was due to the fact that i'd spent almost the whole week indoors!

After a belly filling morning I dropped my husband at his sister's home so that he could help them move house.. and came back almost 3 hours later, picked him up and then dropped him off at the Captain Stirling so that he could meet a few friends.. Well fortunately the Captain Stirling is located just up the road from the University of WA, where Perth Upmarket was being held - yay! so I popped down, just before closing, managed to see almost all the stores, bought a nice dress and met a few lovely people - all in all a very fulfilling day!!

I love Perth Upmarket and have taken part in their Junior Upmarket in the past and will be doing another one in November :) The retailers really are all so lovely and their wares are just so amazing.. I wanted to share a few with you today! I hope you like them as much as I did.. ;)

1. Kool Kode - Love love love these adorable beanies..!!!
2. Beau Est Mien - this lady is so unbelievably talented! I bought a stamp last year and love it!!
3. Mokoh Designs - these guys are just cool! If I had more time I wouldve gone back to their store and either bought a tea towel or a print
4. Mek&Bud - some very cute earrings
5. White Square - lovely.. just lovely...
6. Hem'd - beautiful kids clothes
7. Two Little Banshees - love this store.. am always drawn to it.. :)
8. Old Grey House - lovely textiles..
9. Pain d'Epices - really really loved this store.. !!
10. Patricia Fernandes - lovely pieces.. very simple and beautiful

So there you go - please note though that I didnt have time to get around to everyone and missed out on alot of the Junior Upmarket but all the stores had lovely stuff and I recommend the next one to anyone wanting something different, handcrafted and unique :)

Candice x

I lOvE Softies :)

2010-08-18T10:13:00.004+08:00

So today I am going to blog about some lovely softies I found on facebook..
I love cute and quirky ones.. ones that would look so happy sitting on my sewing table with me, surrounded by all the softies that I make but dont have the heart to sell - I do get quite attached to them :)

Oh and for anyone thinking of making softies.. maybe hold off on the Owl making for awhile - there are heaps!!!!

Here they are...

1. Mod the Monster by Little Elm Studio
2. Owl by Red Stitch Designs
3. Personalised Elephant by Imagination in Flight (my son has this exact one - made by a very lovely and generous lady:)
4. Felt Baby Owl by Pluska
5. Henry the little Rabbit by atomic lawrence and me
6. Holly Dolly by Sassilu (I want a little girl so I can buy her cute dolls :)

That's it for today.. gotta run, my little boy is sick today and fell asleep in the car on the way to the hairdresser (we had to turn around and go home) .. poor sausage, so im off to check on him and make sure he is warm enough..

Hope you are all healthy and well
Candice x

My Madeit Fun Finds :)

2010-07-29T12:59:00.003+08:00

Yay, I finally got around to doing it :)

So today my finds are based on the fact that I am doing my little boys new room at the moment, and our theme is... yep.. cars! well it started off as transport but its moved more towards cars. I know its a bit boring, but he loves them and I have a few good ideas involving paint, walls and dinky cars :) Will post about that another time..

Here are my finds and where you can find them!

1. Hanging pocket organiser by kitty n' kitsch
2. Vintage cars wall stickers by Mae
3. Car Frame Art by the papertie affair
4. Matchbox car pocket by LAcrafts
5. Cars bunting by Little Foxes
6. Reversible Car hat by Jojas

So there you have it - Im sorry if you are not interested in cars, but many of these lovely people make other things too, so if you click on the link to their store im sure you will find something you like :)

Candice x

Tuesday...

2010-07-27T12:52:00.004+08:00

photo via flickr

I didnt know what to put as my post title because today I have a few random things to talk about...

First, I have applied for some markets in November! Ekk I hope I am ready in time, although I think I will be as I have a few things that I have made recently and have lots more to do.. Should be fun. I am due mid Jan with bubba # 2 so fingers crossed I am not as big as a house by November :) hehe.. I am slowly catching up with my belly now - I just popped out at 12 weeks and I looked 5 months - am 4 months now so not looking so massive ;)

Second, I came across this recipe on Buttons by Lou Lou's blog and am so going to make it! Not sure when, maybe this weekend and take it over to mum's house for afternoon tea one day :) I can't wait, I luurrvve Lemon Meringue Pie (how funny is the word meringue - try say it as its spelt, its funny :)

Thirdly, I am going to try and post a weekly madeit fun finds post, I wont choose a day because some days im just knackered by the time its my little boy's nap time that it becomes my nap time too, and thats when I usually get all my work done.. So will just say that I will try and do it once a week! Might even do one now.. I have been looking at a few things recently - I find madeit so tempting.. paypal is just too easy sometimes ;)

I hope you are all having a good Tuesday - Tuesday's are a funny day.. not Monday which is a 'right lets get on with it' day, not Wednesday which is a 'yay halfway there' day, not Friday which is a 'phew, weekend tomorrow', even Thursdays are a fairly happening day (well they are in my house anyway).. So Tuesdays are.. a day when I forget that big Mr has Lacrosse training and take out something like a roast to cook, which isnt fun cooking and cutting and eating on your own.. But I remembered today and took out mince - its spag bol for us tonight...

Doesnt look like i'll get the madeit thing done today, I hear little mr stirring in the monitor.. Oh well, will see what tomorrow brings :)

Candice x

Nice People

2010-07-19T11:17:00.003+08:00

Aren't people who comment on blogs nice? !! I think they are.. it means they have taken the time to read your post and then even more time to think of and write something nice.. so heart warming..
A lovely lady commented on my last post and was so pleased to find that she lives in my state.. yes it is the biggest state in the country but she is here.. :)
Here is her blog.. please have a read and even comment if you like..

Oh and its still sooooooo freezing here! I dont remember winter being like this, no rain and freezing temps?

Candice xxx

Exciting news :)

2010-07-16T12:50:00.005+08:00

Well I have been away for awhile... over a month! But I am back and feel refreshed and all ready to get back into things..

The main reason that I was away for so long was... bah da da bah.. We are having another baby :) yippeee.. due mid Jan next year. I have been a bit out of sorts with some fairly yucky bouts of morning sickness, which meant all my spare time was spent sleeping or lying on the couch.. but thankfully it went away last week.. phew. The thing with morning sickness is that it kinda takes all the fun out of being pregnant - its horrible and depressing really! You wake up sick, feel sick all day and go to bed sick..and not to mention the spewing.. sorry! hhhmmm - I really feel for those mothers out there who have it really, really bad and who have it the whole 9 months! eekk now I really couldnt handle that..

Anyway I am 14 weeks now (but look about 5 months! - you should see the size of my belly, people keep asking if im having twins!) and feeling pretty good, the occasional feeling of ickiness every now and then, but pretty much 100%..

So I am finally sitting back out in the office that I share with my wonderful husband and making plans and getting ideas for the next direction for milly&me.. I have been thinking of lots of things and can't wait to compile a proper plan and start acting on it! I have decided that I would like to concentrate on a central theme this time, instead of making things willy nilly.. I have had an idea in my head since the beginning, of the direction that I would like milly&me to take but was way laid along the way.. I will endeavour this time to stay on track and maybe not buy so much material.. :)

Well I hear my little boy stirring in the monitor so I think its time for me to log off and go make us all some lunch :)

I hope you are all staying warm.. its so cold at the moment, isnt it!!!??

Candice x

ps.. the picture is of my son at a few days old back in '08 :)

ohh and..

2010-06-02T12:53:00.002+08:00

image via madebyjoel

I am so in awe of this man at the moment... made by Joel is an amazing blog and I can't wait to start making some of his ideas with my little mr.. my big mr was also quite impressed.

What I find so cool is that his stuff is just that.. cool! Its clever and well thought out and looks so lovely. I just hope that when I come to attempt some it I have the patience to make it look as good :)

This is such a great site for the up coming winter months for all of you with little ones to keep entertained! Check it out :)

byeee xxx

its sunny and lovely...

2010-06-02T12:35:00.003+08:00

Its actually quite hard to keep up a blog - I totally admire all those people who manage to do it everyday - well done!
I have been up to not much really.. well my little boy has been a bit sick recently and so have just been making sure he is happy and well fed :) He hasnt had too many colds yet (touch wood!) but it is only the beginning of winter. The only problem is that he gets asthma when he gets a cold so not only is he feeling yucky but he can't breathe properly either - quite a stressful time for all involved! I do not want to make another trip to the hospital for a 2 day stay again so made sure I was fully on top of it this time..

I hope that everyone has been well though.. Winter is a very lovely time (well I think so) but it does mean the increase in colds and flu. I am glad though that I didnt get my son immunised this year - quite a scare over here in WA for awhile there.. I had my first flu shot ever and managed to come down with a horrible horrible cold almost straight after - hmpf and they tell you it doesnt give you a cold.. I dont believe that for a second!

Well in between colds and flus I have been making a few custom orders as well as presents for mothers day, birthdays and thank yous.. Its been fun! But know I need to get back into making stuff for my madeit store - its starting to look a bit empty..

Here are a few pics of things ive been making, I am also working on a little surprise for my nephew for his 4th birthday on Monday - will post pics when im finished :)

cute coasters..

teething bibs!

bye for now.. hope to see you soon x

here we are...

2010-04-26T21:44:00.004+08:00

"here we are..
we've come so far....

could you think it over..
when we get older..
i'll still want you here with me...
darling, i hope that you agree..
there's something that takes place...
whenever we embrace...
im hoping that you'll take this chance..
steppin out to dance.."

sigh.. oh for the days of dancing uninhibited on the dance floor.. moving in the middle of a crowd of people, not caring who can see you.. not worrying what you look like... and all completely sober :) haha.. I love to dance.. and more than that, I love to feel.. I love the feeling music gives you.. starts in your tummy.. swirling around, warming you up.. making its way up until you just have to wave your hands in the air and wiggle your bum.. hahaha..
I love this song, it makes me think of my husband :)

Here is a link to this song on youtube... its not the best but you can hide the window, and jiggle your bum in your chair while you write on your blog ;)
xxx

ps.. oh and just in case you think i only listen to dance music... i have to add that i probably listen to dance music about 40% of the time and the rest of the time its all Mondo Rock baby! haha nah not really, but I do love them :) listening to Foreigner at the moment.. and dont mind a bit of Toto every now and then too ... :)

love this blog!!!

2010-04-26T20:49:00.002+08:00

oh my goodness... I love this blog!!! Its so good to read something so well written and full of laughs :) I hope you check it out and have a giggle.. especially the posts where her husband hijacks her blog.. hiiilllarious.
Peace out x

Ten Things

2010-04-14T12:52:00.004+08:00

Ten Things... about me!!!
Play along too if you like - Pip started it!

1. I have a birth mark at the top of my right thigh which looks like a lion's paw print - I love it! But no-one really gets to see it unless im wearing my bathers and I point it out to them - im very proud of it and when I was little I used to dream that one day a long lost tribe from Africa would declare that I was their Queen because of my lion print stamp!

2. I was born in Zimbabwe.. I still LOVE going there on holidays but am a bit glad that my mum and dad moved to Aus in the late 80's to give my bros and I a better chance at life...

3. I have a degree in Interior Architecture and graduated 8 months pregnant... I walked across the stage in front of lots and lots of people with a big belly sticking out of my gown and mum said that people clapped extra hard for me :) - It was very hard doing my final year thesis pregnant!

4. I met my husband when I was 19 but didnt get together with him until I was 23 but I knew at 19 that this was the man I was going to marry :)

5. I would love to open a cute little store selling only handmade, mainly kids stuff... hopefully one day I will fulfil my dream, maybe when my kids are all at school.

6. I LOVE snow skiing!! especially with my dad who is mad about it and all winter looks up the snow forcast for NZ just to see whats happening and what he is missing out on.. He plans to go every year but my mum doesnt like it as much... poor dad.

7. my mum is my absolute best friend - i love her! i think she is an angel and would love to be like her - in fact every day i try to be like her!!!

8. I love making people things and love giving presents but dont like it when people thank me for them... weird, i know.. I guess what it is, is that im scared that they wont like it and that their thank yous will be forced so i just dont want to hear the thank you at all... hmmm im weird.

9. I am in love 100% with my son! I just adore him.. its amazing the love you have for your child, it really really amazes me every day..

10. My all time favourite food is lasagne (but i never order it in restaurants).. and I always remeber when I had braces, my mum making it for dinner every time I would get them tightened, which frustrated me because I couldnt eat it, so mum had to cut it all up and I would try in pain to get it down... Still to this day every time I make lasagne I think of getting my braces tightened - ouch!

free printables.. yay!

2010-04-12T22:18:00.003+08:00

image via

check out these lovely blogs.. oohh they are lovely! These gals are so into being kind and making the world a nicer, happier place just by inspiring people to think of others and to be kind - I love em' ;) They have lots and lots of free crafty things to do and some super cute printables... i so need to go and get some ink for my printer!!!

1. kind over matter - go to the left of the blog and click on the freebies icon :)

2. creature comforts - its on the right :)

have fun!
xxx

i made them... mmm yum..

2010-03-12T21:02:00.004+08:00

Well this morning after my blog posts i managed to make the yummy scrummy Portuguese Custard Tarts and they are deliciousoso...
Here are a few pics... enjoy :)

Candice xx

i couldn't resist

2010-03-11T15:38:00.004+08:00

image via

mmmmmm so in love with reading recipes and looking at food blogs ... my mouth is watering...

we have a friend coming to stay with us tomorrow for about 5 days and I am so going to make some yummy food (my husband has been on a bit of a health kick for months and so I have been reluctant to make yummy fatty things :)!!!

first off will be these oh so divine looking Portuguese Custard Tarts - because I have all the ingredients already ;)

then anything from one of my favourite food blogs.. smitten kitchen .. i am thinking maybe some onion tart or.. mmm maybe... some caramelised onion and goats cheese cornbread or a potato and rosemary loaf .. i can't decide!!!

Yay!! can't wait to start cooking :)
xxx

blog loving..

2010-03-11T09:52:00.004+08:00

image via

Every day I spend what seems like minutes but must be hours ;) looking and reading people's blogs.. I love it! I love all the fun creative people out there - they are so inspiring..
so I thought I would share my favourite for today...
Kirin Notebook - Lara Cameron's (of Ink & Spindle) blog is always full of lovely little bits and pieces - tutes on how to mount pictures, her artwork and my favourite so far a blog on her new collaboration with the wall sticker company - oohhh wall stickers.... yay!!! and they are only available for 2 months!
I just love wall stickers.. and could spend millions on them :) I have to resist though as our mulberry tree unfortunately has decided not to grow money..... :( but we do love its delicious mulberries :)

so now that I have my blog fix out of the way (for now anyway) I better go and get ready for the day - gymbaroo, picking up brothers from train stations, cleaning the house.. all that fun stuff.
I hope you all have a fun day too xx

what im listen' to

2010-02-18T15:06:00.003+08:00

image via Geisha Bar

Well back in the day (BC - before child) I occasionally dj'd out and about.. and loved it! in fact would still be loving it if they could install a play pen behind the decks :) hehe jus' jokes

Anyway I am so out of that scene I have no idea what is good and 'cool' but what I do know is what I like.. :)

So I was extra excited when an old friend of mine sent me a mix he uploaded on the net a few months ago - its awesome and I love listening to it while I write, think or sew :)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do - Beats & Buds Volume 1 by James A

Candice x

pretty in pink custom romper

2010-02-18T09:41:00.003+08:00

Yay!!! finally finished a custom romper :)
It took a bit longer than expected as I have been visiting my grandpa alot recently..

I am happy with the result and made a plain one to put on madeit along with some baby bloomers and a cute owl t-shirt :)

I am about to start on a 'creature' for my sister-in-law to give to a friend of hers.. can't wait! love creating my 'creatures' :)

Isnt it fun being crafty! I love working with my hands... I am thinking of doing a screen printing course soon - really really want to start printing some designs onto fabric/clothing.. I love sewing too but I just have so many design ideas that I want to get onto fabric... I guess I could also put them onto paper and then wouldn't need to do a screen printing course.. but for some reason I just love fabric and want to make pretty things :)

I hope you are all enjoying this thursday... its funny weather here in Perth. Bit humid - which I dont like but at the same time it brings back nice memories of Africa.

ta ta xx

My Gramps

2010-02-17T14:05:00.004+08:00

My Gramps... John Hook

I love my Grandpa.
He is one of those men that manners has definitely made.
Even as he is sick and weak he offers his chair to others and inquires after their health
and when asked how he is, he replies 'fit as a fiddle'.
He is skin and bones.. it is so hard to look - he is still there and I know it is him
but how could this happen, how could it happen to such a wonderful man?
Why? Why does he have to go through this?

My Grandpa loved to joke and play around with all his grandkids
he loved us all equally and always made time for us.
My best memories are of when we would go back to Zim on holidays
and stay with Gran and Gramps.
Every morning we would wake up early and jump out of bed
to go and swim and do exercises with Grandpa,
then after a bath and clean clothes
head to the kitchen for fish and egg :)

I wish I could take his pain, I wish he didnt have to go through this.

I hate cancer.

i can across this lovely blog...

2010-02-09T09:36:00.007+08:00

image via tweexcore

While reading Pip's almost daily Meet Me at Mike's blog post email I came across this link to Dottie Angel and immediately fell in love with her writing.. wow its just so lovely and inspiring.. it makes you want to dress in your best Sunday afternoon dress, pack a picnic in a vintage suitcase with porcelain cups and a teapot and cheese and cucumber sandwiches.... then on a lovely handmade picnic rug, lie back with your worn copy of sense and sensibility and while away the day reading and picking flowers... sigh... if only...

But it has inspired me to head down to our local 'St Vinnies' to purchase the lovely tea set I saw the other day but was hesitant to buy as it wouldve made the trip home at the bottom of William's pram over bumps and dodging joggers and dogs... hope its still there!

On a sadder note my uncles are starting to arrive from around the world to spend time with my grandpa who is not well and may not be with us for much longer... it is hard. I think I will dedicate a post to my grandpa soon.. he is wonderful and I love him.

Candice x

oh happy day...

2010-02-03T10:45:00.004+08:00

William helping me 'unpack' the groceries

Life is so busy and great and wonderful and fun!

I dont know how all the other crafty mums manage to get everything done in a day and you know what... I dont care anymore :) yay! Im happy being me - finally!!! Im happy with the fact that I spend all day with my little boy and then while he is napping I either explore the crafty interent world or nap too (my favourite)..

I love getting out whenever we can - I cant stay in the house all day, no sir eee, thats not for meee! Plus I am starting to discover that my little boy is very 'active' and has to see everything, touch everything, do everything - which some days I must admit, drives me crazy but if I have had a good nights sleep and remember to tell myself that this wont last for long and to enjoy it, I do - I can get in there and run around, roll on the floor, climb on the couch with him :)

Soon I will get back into working hard on making things :) but for now its been lovely having a break and relaxing (for want of a better word) a bit! Now all I need is a little holiday somewhere so William and I can explore another world..

Candice x

loving at the moment...

2009-12-30T19:42:00.009+08:00

Well at the moment I am on a hunt for a Duck softie for my little boy - who is obsessed with them!!! I dont know how many times ive glued together a duck decortation from the christmas tree - he has been so good with the tree and doesnt touch anything else except for the duck :) and loves to show whoever comes to visit the 'dut'..

Soooo.. I found one but I am also tempted to make one...
Bought : Organic Cotton Duck (I wanted to get an organic softie as we have just found out that he may have asthma)
Make : Lucy Goosey (i know its a Goose but thats also a Duck isnt it?)

image courtesy of Gaiam

image courtesy of the long thread

So while on my nightly internet surfing ;) (do they still call it that - haha) I came across this post from Mini Stylista and have absolutely fallen in love with the prints from Belle & Boo and sooooo want to have a little girl next... sigh... So anyway looking at the prints reminded me of a purchase I made the other day from Pulp - a set of prints that I cannot wait to frame and put up (once I move my office into the garage)

picture courtesy of Belle & Boo

image courtesy of Lilla Rogers

Well I best get off this box and go see how my husband is coping getting our son to sleep - sigh...

Market Days

2009-12-30T15:10:00.005+08:00

Well during the month of November we went to 2 markets and had lots of fun!

So now I have a bit of time I thought id write a little about my experiences :)

Mathildas Markets...

Our first ever markets! Got up super early and drove about half an hour to Belmont to set up.. I was a bit nervous about how I was going to set up and fit everything in but it all worked out really well! Although I forgot to bring a camera so had to take photos on my mobile so they are a bit fuzzy :) The lovely lady in the photo below is my ma ;).. she sat with me all day and helped so much! My dad made the display in the background and also made a rack for the onsies and bags which sat on the left, and helped set up and pack everything up.. i know what a great dad hey!
My hubby wanted to help ;) but someone had to look after William - they did come and visit us though and took us all out for a late lunch afterwards..

Had such a great time talking to everyone and learnt so much!

The next weekend we had ..

Junior Upmarket ...

I also wasnt sure what to expect with these markets as this was to be a new event for the Upmarket crew with a whole new setup and location.. But it worked out really well and had a wonderful little area to set up. Decided not to use a table and instead had a sort of walk in/shop type thing going on :)

I had planned it all the day before and managed to find the shelves on the left from target (they are clothes drying racks) and made some fabric covers for each shelf - then quickly made the bunting behind so dont look too closely at it :) it needs a bit more attention for the next markets.

I took the pictures (with a dodgy camera - really need to remember to bring my camera next time) early on while I was still setting up but you get the idea :)

Totally different feel to Mathildas and was so busy the whole day! absolutely exhausted by the end of it..

Things I learnt from my first lot of markets :

1. Bring a good camera
2. Wear a name badge
3. Have more flyers and business cards
4. Put a sticker or business card in bags
5. Have a better system of recording my stock and keep track of it.
6. Get someone to help and stay for a few hours - it was so tiring trying to do it by myself at Junior Upmarket.
7. Make some time to go around to all the other stalls - I tried to at Mathildas but had absolutely no time at Upmarket.
8. try and promote it a bit more - take flyers to gymbaroo etc.

So overall it was a great experience but like I said it was exhausting and I took a bit of a break from my sewing machine afterwards :)

Candice xxx

Kreativ Blogger

2009-12-18T09:28:00.003+08:00

Lovely Miss Mara from Piquant Jewellery has awarded me with a Kreativ Blogger award - thanks!

So apparently there are a few things I have to do to recieve the award:

7 rules to keep it growing:

1) Copy picture and post on your blog ✓

2) Thank the person who gave it to you and link to their blog ✓

3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know: ✓

Phew....7 things hey!... here goes...

1. I was born in Zimbabwe.

2. I love hanging up washing.. it relaxes me.. yes i am weird.

3. I have the most wonderful bestest friend in the whole world who is always there - everyone needs someone like that hey :)

4. I would be happy to live anywhere as long as I had my family nearby.

5. I love fabric.. its a problem.. I have so much I dont know where to put it...

6. I love giving! I love it, i do.. I love seeing the present receivers face light up.. I love giving things especially made for that person!

7. I have never felt such an overwhelming love before like the love I feel for my son - its unbelievable!!!!

4) choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to, and ✓

5) link to those 7 other bloggers ✓

These blogs all inspire and delight me :)

1. Ink and Spindle - I LOVE their fabric :)
2. Morgan from Things that make my heart sing
3. Rosie from Designer in Disguise
4. Pip from Meet Me at Mikes
5. oh, hello friend you are loved
6. Kylie from Sweet Sassy Savvy
7. Hip Little One

Enjoy!

Next thing on the list...

6) Notify your 7 bloggers ✓(doing that right now)

Have a great day and please stop by and say hello to the 7 bloggers on my list!

SALE!!

2009-12-17T17:52:00.003+08:00

Well I am having my first sale.. I was a bit silly and didnt get my act together in time for the xmas rush but .. oh well :) Im still going to have a sale!

Lots of lovely handmade goodies all on madeit and all on sale! yay!

Organic Onsies
Organic t-shirts and pants sets
Organic t-shirts
Bibs
Rompers
Baby Bags

Have a little look and find something special for a lovely little one :)

Happy Happy xxx

Im back!

2009-12-17T09:26:00.007+08:00

Helllloooo!
Wow I just realised I havent written a post for over a month!
I have been a little bit busy and also not so busy at all - taking a break :)

What have I been up to?
Well after the Junior Upmarket our little family of 3 went on a large family of 22 holiday down to Eagle Bay, which was absolutely lovely - we saw whales every morning and spent lots of fun family times together..

I have also taken on some other work - well.. more like going back to old work... Before I had William I was working as a Mechanical Drafter while completing my degree in Interior Architecture, and decided to leave the position a few weeks before William's birth.
Well now that I am able to, I have decided to take in some drafting which allows me to earn a more regular income as well as being able to work from home!!! fantastic!

However because of this I now have even less time to devote to milly&me which makes me a bit sad.. but I will get back into it in the new year.. I have been sewing lots still though! working on new designs for next year and making lots of Christmas pressies - yay.. Fun!!!

My latest projects are a summer dress for my neices birthday and a cute softie for my nephew.. both of which are not finished yet but I thought id post them up :)

Gracie's dress.. just finishing the trim :)

A creature (as my mum calls them) for Jasper - just have to sew the top opening close

Well thats some of what ive been up to, including custom orders and christmas present making and wrapping :)

Gotta dash, my precious boy has awoken and is not happy..

xxx

Junior Upmarket this Sunday

2009-11-14T14:38:00.005+08:00

Yay we will be at Junior Upmarket this Sunday!!!

Here are the details:

When: Sunday 15th November
Time : 10am-2pm
Where : UWA Winthrop Hall Undercroft
FREE ENTRY

Can't wait!

to market, to market for milly&me

2009-11-03T14:53:00.003+08:00

Yay we are off to our first market this Sunday the 8th!!

I have been neglecting this blog for awhile now because I have been super flat out trying to get everything sewn and labeled and I still have HEAPS to do!!!! Its crazy :) but lots of fun.
So once this weekend and next weekend (more markets) are over I will be back to posting more and will also have a little post for each market experience.. yay cant wait :)

So please, for those of you in Perth, come along and check out Mathildas Market at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre from 9am - 1pm this Sunday :)

Hope to see you there!

Candice x

a few things

2009-10-22T20:24:00.003+08:00

Well I have lots to write about.. but will save it all for another day when I have a spare hour or two! I have made a few purchases on etsy and zibbet as well as winning a few comps and will aim to take photos of it all in the next week and post it all here!!! Because they are all so cute and special :)

So in the meantime I am going to share 2 favourite songs of mine..
they are lovely and best taken with a cup of tea and a sunny garden..;)

1. Let Go - Frou Frou (from the movie Garden State and Love Me If You Dare)
2. Mushaboom - Feist

enjoy x

new rompers :)

2009-10-06T19:26:00.005+08:00

Well I came up with these a few months ago but have been busy making other things so they got put to the side.. but have finally finished my new 'Vintage Rompers'.
They come in sizes 00-1 and have a few cute girly styles coming too!

my baby is getting big

2009-10-06T09:28:00.011+08:00

Well my little (ok not so little) boy will soon be 1!!! So admist all the getting ready for the markets chaos I need to plan his special day - I so want to make it wonderful and memorable and I know he will never remember it but I will!!! So will need to take some time to stop and think about what we will be doing and who will be coming.

Decided to make a start this morning, although I should be designing my market furniture for my dad to build as he is coming over after work to take us to get the timber.. oh well will just have to go off my sketches :)

Anyway so I thought first off that to save time I would just find a free invitation template online but there was nothing I liked so will go ahead and design my own.. Found some cute wording though..

What do you think?

If (baby) could talk, we know he/she would say..

"Come join me in celebrating my first birthday!"

(Baby) proudly invited you to his/her first birthday.

Please join us for some Birthday fun.

Our little girl / boy is turning ONE!

I learned to laugh and squeal, then sit and stand.

Now I can walk if you hold my hand.

But the fun has only just begun....

Look out I'm turning ONE!

Come to my party and celebrate a bit.

See my first cake, I'll be wearing it!

I can't decide which one to use :) Will have to get hubby's opinion...

and then onto the design.. yay my favourite part!

Candice x

yay! we are getting there :)

2009-10-05T09:46:00.004+08:00

Well milly&me will be showcasing our designs and products at our first markets in November so busy busy until then - so much to do!!!

If you are in Perth then please come and find me at the Markets, they will be held at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre on November 8th from 9am to 1pm. There is a lot of free parking around!

Skout Tradefair turns 1!

2009-10-01T10:27:00.002+08:00

well done to Skout Tradefair on upcoming 1st birthday!!! http://www.skouttradefair.com/
this site is fantastic - such a great way to meet lovely like-minded peeps :) well done Skout ;)

blog lovin'

2009-09-29T09:01:00.004+08:00

I love coming across other peoples blogs through twitter :) Found this blog this morning and love it!!!
Kootoyoo blog is filled with cute little crafty projects.. I think the little ladybird usb cover is adorable and so so handy!! Check out her blog - you might come across something you HAVE to make :)

image taken and posted by Kootoyoo

Owly Owls..

2009-09-23T22:12:00.010+08:00

Have finally got around to taking pictures of my new Owls.. still havent taken pictures of the first lot I made :) sorry poor neglected Owls that are now sitting amoungst my fabrics while I tweek and beautify the 'new' ones ;)

I seem to make a few softies at a time.. for a few reasons..
1. I never know if they are going to work so like to have a few going at a time to tweek and change as I go.
2. The first one NEVER looks like its supposed to.. silly softie.. cant you read my mind and turn out just like the picture in my head!!! sigh
3. I like to make one of whatever im making for my son :)

So here are a few pics of the softies ive been chatting to over the past few weeks :)

i love holidays!!!

2009-09-23T21:39:00.007+08:00

I know some people would say that I am on holidays everyday staying at home looking after my son but that is definitely not the case! motherhood is by far the hardest thing I have ever done and while I do absolutely LOVE my job as a mummy its no way near a holiday... a holiday to me is lying on the beach all day reading books, then coming home all sun-kissed and salty, having a shower and jumping into bed for a nap.. ;) ... but I dont think that will be happening in my life for at least another 18 years!

So anyway.. last week my hubby, bubby and I went away with my parents, grandparents and aunt and uncle to Margaret River in the south-west of WA.. such a beautiful part of Australia.. We had an amazing time and it was so nice to have a few extra hands to help with our son..

Just wanted to post a few pics of our trip and to ask if holidays now remind us of past holidays as kids..? because everytime I go away.. anywhere.. i think of the fun times I had as a child chasing my brothers through the waves at the beach, rollerblading down our grandparents driveway, sleeping in bunk beds and sneaking out at night to climb on the roof and watch the stars... those memories stay with me forever and seem to sneak into my thoughts while on holidays now making the time I spend with friends and family seem even more special because somehow they bring back a piece of me that gets lost in the busy, crazy world...

phew...

2009-09-12T12:21:00.005+08:00

Finally.. a moment to myself..

Do you ever have those days when your fuse is so short even the bird tweeting in the tree outside your house can get your back up..? Or am I just a crazy person today...?

Had a fairly frustrating last few hours.. my little boy went down and woke up extra early from his morning nap and I then thought I should try and keep him up until his afternoon nap time at 1pm... so from 8am to now (12pm) I read stories, fed him food, let him dismantle our dvd collection etc.. in between all that he whinged the whole time.. sigh. I felt so angry towards the end and now I feel terrible for getting angry at him when he was just tired.. So we couldnt make it to 1pm...
Anyway im starting this off all wrong!! ;)

What I wanted to talk about today was all the free help out there for everything!
First of all check out this site - its Copywriting Tips for Online Marketing Success and is really interesting if you are looking at using your blog to generate a following for either a business or just interested in getting your thoughts out there.
Favourite bit from this site ;

10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer

by Brian Clark

Write.
Write more.
Write even more.
Write even more than that.
Write when you don’t want to.
Write when you do.
Write when you have something to say.
Write when you don’t.
Write every day.
Keep writing.

hehe so thats what im going to try to do. I know I dont update this blog alot but im going to try and do it at least once a week... except for next week ;) because I will be on HOLIDAYS!!! yay

Another thing im trying to get help on is graphic design... I am looking at trying to do alot of my marketing myself including flyers, business cards, newletters etc.. I designed my logo and I know it probably needs a bit of work but I cant afford to pay anyone at the moment so need to figure stuff out on my own..
I have a bit of experience with Photoshop and InDesign from degree in Interior Architecture but need to figure out how to apply it all to Graphic Design.. So here are my helpful websites :
- You the Designer
- Graphic Design Tutorials on About.com
- Wed design Tools List
- A guide to taking better pics for designers
- All design web resourses
- HV Designs a photoshop design blog

So hopefully some of these will help me with first my logo and then maybe a flyer... and eventually maybe even a website design *raised eyebrows*

I love the internet.. whatever question, thought or query I have I love just being able to jump, search and ponder through all the multitude of answers and links :)

Well better finish up for today and get back to sewing... will be taking more pictures sometime soon of my new Owly Owl softies.. hoot hoot!

Candice x

what im lovin' at the moment

2009-09-01T13:40:00.005+08:00

Well today my wall stickers finally arrived :) yay!!! from the wall sticker company and i just love them!!!!
I got 3 different wall stickers;
A cool Giraffe height chart in safari suit
Owls for my office in browns :)
and my sons name in an assortment of blues...

Next favourite thing today is.. my new tree necklace from Bratic Designs.. yay for Jess! Check out her handcrafted pieces so many lovely items to choose from :)

Button bibs :)

2009-08-30T15:25:00.003+08:00

'hippopopo' t-shirt and pants set

2009-08-30T15:17:00.002+08:00

Blog feature of the week

2009-08-30T14:37:00.002+08:00

Well while my little boy is asleep and hubby out for the arvo I thought id catch up on some blog time :) and thought i'd check out this blog its still a newbie (like mine) but is fast filling up with some lovely stuff! Loving her random kindness idea :)

Owly owly owly

2009-08-30T14:30:00.003+08:00

Here is a picture of one of the owls I made for a friend's bday/ house warming... I forgot to take a snap of both of them together before I gave them to her. Will have to head to her house one day and take a picture of them in their new home.

Girl's Lounge Pants

2009-08-30T14:13:00.004+08:00

cHi..

Here are the first of my girl's lounge pants, they will also have matching t-shirts soon so will come in a set.

They come in sizes 0000, 000, 00, 0 & 1

Hope you like them :)

what i love about sundays

2009-08-23T08:23:00.007+08:00

saturdays are great but they are so busy.. filled with running around trying to get things done while i have my husband home to look after William.. or when hubby has lacrosse it means another normal day of naps and stories :)

sundays are just... well.. a nothing day.. and thats why i like them :)

although we have a fairly full day today.. full of fun things! this morning we are going to the kids and babies markets before heading to swimming lessons.. yay! swimming lessons mean daddy takes William for a 30min lesson and i get to do laps - my exercise for the week :)

then we have promised my mum that we would come over for a sunday lunch straight from swimming... yum yum yummmyyyy!!! mum's cooking is still the best - nothing beats it and i get more excited about going to mum's for a meal than i do about going to a restaurant..

what is it about a home cooked meal (that you havent had to cook for yourself!)

an email came in my inbox the other day from 'meet me at mikes' and i was just drooling over the first picture of a potato and onion tortilla (below) - nom nom nom... mmmm get in my belly!!!! and now its all i can think about :) will have to make it myself this week but was so tempted to send the email to mum to see if she would like to make it for today - cheeky!! i shouldve made it myself to take !!!!! gosh how terrible am i...

well better go and get all the towels and bathers together for swimming today :)

picture first posted by : meet me at mikes

the small business development corporation (a gold mine of information for people looking to start a small business)

2009-08-22T13:39:00.006+08:00

wow what a way to get people motivated - a free seminar for small business operators who register their abn!!
this morning i got ready early and headed into town - leaving my 9 month old with my husband for the morning - and arrived at the small business development corporations (SBDC) 'workshop for home-based business'. it was so worth the drive and the rushed morning. i am now armed with a wealth of knowledge and feel ready to take on the world.. well the world of small businesses anyway..
for any of you out there thinking of starting a small business and you are in western australia - i say contact the SBDC and get them to send you out all the info BEFORE you start thinking too big (which isnt a bad thing)... and im sure there are corporations like this where ever you live.

i have been slowly trying to get all my merchandise ready before I delve into the deep end and start my web site and market my product.. so while im doing this the SBDC has been so helpful and with their help i hope to be able to tackle this new venture fully informed and armed with all that is necessary to make this business a success!!! *crossing fingers* !!

and so i have also decided to try and update this blog at least once a week and since i love to check out everyone elses blogs i will be featuring a fav each week... :) so leave me a comment if you would like your blog featured..

Candice :)

this whole new world

2009-08-19T15:30:00.002+08:00

this whole new world of blogging, chats and websites is quite overwhelming. I find I get so caught up each day reading all these blogs and tweets and never actually get around to writing anything on my own pages.. its a bit frustrating. I seem to spend all my 'computer time' being inspired but never seem to communicate that inspiration or even let the bloggers and tweeters know that they have inspired me.. so what do I do all day?

Well I get woken at 6am by my darling son and spend the hours til his nap time dealing with him, having breakfast, getting ready for the day (which seems to take all day!) and finally I sit down and check emails, read blogs and most recently check my farm on facebook which is one of the silliest things that I have ever done, but I just cant seem to stop! I should just delete the application and be done with it but I love checking it every few hours to see whats grown - never mind my own garden which is full of weeds and dying plants (why do the weeds flourish and the plants die??)

Once all that is over I get sewing (if William hasnt woken up by then) - which is what I should be doing non-stop for at least 8 hours a day, but im lucky if I get 2hrs.. sigh.

I know that looking after a baby takes up a huge portion of my day but I just feel like I never get anything done! and this is why I struggle to keep up with all the blogs and tweets. I dont know what im going to do when I eventually set up my website and have to start marketing my product as well as making it!!!!

sigh... but this is my life and I will live it the best way I can :)

cotton on... :(

2009-08-14T10:07:00.002+08:00

Read something today that shocked me - A fellow blogger's post 'Cotton On - are you on crack?' and had to post it here! Please read it.

I have been a Cotton On buyer for awhile now, their babies clothes have been cheap and lasted long enough until my son moved up to the next size and then they have gone into the 'passing on' box.
I will now not only be refusing to buy or accept any clothing from their store but I will be doing my best to let everyone I know about it...

Candice

a post on something different

2009-07-31T08:19:00.002+08:00

Last night my mum and I went to a talk on natural progesterone and the general affects of our life on our bodies.
It was unbelievable and I was inspired...
If anyone gets a chance google 'natural progesterone' and also 'naturone' and see what you think.
I have decided to start slowly replacing everything we use and eat with organic/natural products, which I have been thinking of doing for some time and its something which my parents have been doing and pushing me to do for awhile now.
I believe, however, that everyone has the right to make their own choices about their lives so I wont go on about it, all I wanted to say was that it was life changing for me and even though I wont be running out today and totally replacing everything I will be making a change..

Candice :)

more softies!

2009-07-23T20:17:00.008+08:00

William and I went to the library the other day and I found this book - More Softies. Its fabulous and I would just love to try and make every softie in the book.
Particular favourites are Victor Giraffe, Pocket Gnome, Elsie the Dog, Olga Elephant , Owl Friend and Moopy Bunny. I have a friends house warming coming up and im thinking of making two Owl Friends into cushions as a present for them...
Will post pictures of them as soon as I get around to making them - which will hopefully be soon as im itching to see how they turn out.. thinking of not following the pattern completely as i have a few ideas of my own ;)

sunday at mathilda's market

2009-07-21T09:27:00.012+08:00

Well on Sunday my 2 men and I went to the Mathilda's Markets and as soon as we walked in we saw this georgeous beanie, made by MillaRuby Designs ... and had to buy it. William looks so adorable in it and it was exactly what I was looking for - a new cute and very warm beanie for him to wear out on our walks :)

ive narrowed it down

2009-07-20T09:24:00.004+08:00

Well I have finally figured out what I want to concentrate on...!
I have had alot of fun trying different things over the past few months but have narrowed my product range down to;
1. Bibs
2. T-shirts (sizes 0,1&2)
3. Pants (sizes 0,1&2) but can take custom orders in other sizes
4. Baby bags
5. Softies (soft toys)
6. Quilts

So hopefully over the coming weeks I will post some photos (when the sun decides to shine) and even get a catalogue of some sort together :)

For now here are a few pics of our baby bags (made by Milly)

Bunnies :)

2009-06-10T20:53:00.004+08:00

Here are a couple of little bunnies I made last week.. and have just finished a big brother and sister for them..

Patchwork Rug

2009-06-10T20:46:00.005+08:00

Mum made this patchwork quilt for William and we use it all the time.. its so handy and washes so well... Also the dark colours hide all those.. oopps.. pumpkin splotches :)
We will both be making more as well as baby blankets...

a few piccys

2009-06-01T10:16:00.003+08:00

baby's room

2009-05-08T14:35:00.006+08:00

before our son was born i (during one of my nesting periods) decided to paint something on the wall. we didnt know what we were having so it needed to be universal and this is what i can up with... i guess this was my first real interiors project, which i learnt a bit from and i cant wait to do more :)

photos coming soon

2009-04-30T20:10:00.000+08:00

i am about to take some photos of our most recent projects so will be posting them soon...
Having lots of fun making things and also finding new fun things to try :)

about me

2009-04-13T11:00:00.001+08:00

hi.. i am very new to this wonderful world of blogging.. over the past few months i have been exploring the many many craft blogs and websites and have finally decided to (slowly) set up my own.. :)

basically my mum and i have been sewing, knitting and crafting for awhile now and have an idea to venture into a small business, after the birth of my son meant that my chosen profession (interior design) has taken a back seat for awhile, while i enjoy the wonder that is william :)...

anyway as i am new to this i am sure it will take me quite awhile to get the hang of posting and writing about our new venture!

candice