tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75438497025722929812024-03-17T05:53:04.266+11:00The Princess & The MonkeyLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.comBlogger883125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-90633076025924925412014-04-02T09:00:00.000+11:002014-04-02T09:00:07.393+11:00Muesli Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nut free muesli bars for schools are virtually impossible to find, and who doesn't like a cookie? Well if you don't like cookies your probably not my friend anyway.<br />
<br />
Most recipes I found use pre-bought muesli which A. I never have and B. always seems to contain nuts - again a no-no for school. So my apprentice chefs and I made our own recipe with homemade nut-free muesli, making these great for the kids lunchboxes for school if they survive afternoon tea. They also store well for a few days in an air tight container... sheesh like anything lasts a few days in this house.<br />
<br />
<b>Muesli Cookies</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
125g butter, chopped<br />
1/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup golden syrup<br />
1 1/2 cups rolled oats<br />
handful of dried blueberries<br />
handful of dried cranberries<br />
8 dried turkish apricots, chopped roughly<br />
6 dried pineapple chunks, chopped roughly<br />
1/4 cup coconut flakes<br />
3/4 cup self raising flour<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line 2 baking trays with baking paper.<br />
<br />
In a small saucepan over a low heat, combine the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup, stirring until the butter has melted and all combined. This should only take about 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
In a big mixing bowl combine the rolled oats, dried fruit, coconut, flour and cinnamon then stir through the melted butter mixture and combine.<br />
<br />
Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls, giving them a squeeze as you roll helps a little in keeping them together, then place on the tray. Flatten them very gently, and sometimes another little shaping together is needed to help any of the "bits" that always fall out. The mixture is quite wet and crumbly, but they will hold together once they cool and then bake.<br />
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Pop in the oven for approx 18 minutes or until just golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then using a spatula (using hands always ends up in broken cookies when we do them as they will still be soft) gently place on a cooling rack until cooled down or the kids drive you crazy asking if they are ready yet.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-78688205619350392322014-04-01T16:12:00.001+11:002014-04-01T16:12:40.769+11:003..three..trois..tre..Little Miss Eva turned three last week. There was dinner with Nanny, Poppy and the Godparents, a mini party with her bestie who's birthday is the same week, and cake with us Monday night. Oh and singing herself <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552773723" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/13552773723_a134f8c769.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552664355" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/13552664355_58b134f869.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552764703" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/13552764703_009094ba9e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552655025" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/13552655025_5fabea29ae.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552754643" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/13552754643_9237e79b25.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552975694" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/13552975694_177927be98.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/13552640815" title="Eva's 3rd birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/13552640815_98036048c3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Eva's 3rd birthday"></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-39039867226580107252014-03-10T09:00:00.000+11:002014-03-10T09:00:02.587+11:00Our Bibimbap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rice, mince, vegetables are some of our kids favourites... throw them all in a bowl together from a mish-mash of recipes (certainly not authentic!) I found and they are happy as little piggies in mud. Properly known as Bibimbap or Korean Mixed Rice this is our version, which is a hit with the whole family.<br />
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This recipe involves cooking everything separately and setting aside then combining at the end. Grab yourself a medium sized frypan, a bunch of small bowls to put the vegetables and toppings in separately when they are done and some deep bowls for serving.<br />
<br />
<b>Bibimbap/Korean Mixed Rice</b><br />
Serves 2 adults and 3 hungry kids<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2-3 cups long grain rice (Use as much as you like.. my family loves rice!)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<u>Toppings</u><br />
2 lebanese cucumbers, julienned<br />
1 tablespoon salt<br />
<div>
2 carrots, julienned<br />
200g baby spinach<br />
1 teaspoon garlic<br />
Sesame oil</div>
4 eggs<br />
Vegetable oil<br />
<br />
<u>Meat sauce</u><br />
500g beef mince<br />
3 tablespoons soy sauce<br />
2 tablespoons sesame oil<br />
3 teaspoons brown sugar<br />
2 teaspoons minced garlic<br />
<br />
<u>Bibimbap sauce</u><br />
1 tablespoon sesame oil<br />
1 tablespoon raw sugar<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
1 teaspoon apple vinegar<br />
2 teaspoon minced garlic<br />
2 teaspoon miso paste<br />
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />
1 teaspoon cooking wine<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
Start with your rice, pop it on to cook then leave aside when done. Add all your meat sauce ingredients together in a bowl and leave aside to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.<br />
<br />
Combine cucumbers and salt in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse and set aside.<br />
<br />
Combine all the bibimbap sauce ingredients together, mix well and set aside. I use a jar with a screw top lid and give it all a good shake.<br />
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In a frypan on medium-high heat, add some vegetable oil and the carrots with a sprinkle of salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.<br />
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Add a little more vegetable oil in the frypan and add garlic, baby spinach and a couple of drops of sesame oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.<br />
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If needed, add some more vegetable oil and brown off the marinated meat for 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.<br />
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Lastly, fry an egg for each person. Sunny side up is good, but however you like them.<br />
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To serve, divide the rice into bowls and place the meat and vegetables on top. Top with the eggs and bibimbap sauce.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-17263222808731341932014-03-09T08:30:00.000+11:002014-03-09T08:30:00.619+11:00Date Loaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love baking. Friday afternoons are one of my favourite times of the week; school is done, the weekend is here, Daddy is home for 2 days, there is no homework, and best of all once we are home there is no need to go out again. No activities. No daycare pickups. Nothing. So while I had no idea what was for dinner which is rare, I did know what was on the menu for afternoon tea, Date Loaf with smoothies.<br />
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The recipe is from BabyMac <a href="http://baby-mac.com/2011/07/just-call-me-bev-episode-7-blog-date/" target="_blank">here</a>, but while I only made one this time, once I stock up on more dates I will be making another batch of 2.. or even maybe 3! I plan on slicing it up, wrapping in baking paper and popping in the fridge for school lunches and easy afternoon tea.<br />
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The recipe is all on BabyMac's blog, but for just one loaf I used:<br />
<br />
200g pitted dates (chopped)<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 cup boiling water<br />
60g butter<br />
1 3/4 cups self raising flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
<br />
Poor Daddy didn't get much left for him... one loaf doesn't go far around this bunch!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-5668024074144745452014-03-07T17:05:00.000+11:002014-03-07T17:05:04.397+11:00The week that was<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It feels like it's been non-stop around here. Somehow it's March and we are on to our 5th weekend in a row of kids birthday parties with three more to go including Eva's 3rd. Last Sunday, once swimming was done our plans were... nothing. I was so looking forward to nothing. Maybe make some popcorn and watch a movie with the kids, or a walk along the esplanade with the kids on scooters and walking the dog.</div>
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We never got past swimming. Eva versus car door = 2 days at the Children's hospital including surgery on Monday to remove her thumbnail and repair her damaged nail bed. So much for our lazy Sunday.</div>
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I am grateful for the Sydney Children's hospital. The nurses. The surgeon. The anaesthetics team. Captain Starlight and the clown doctors for their distracting skills. Australia's Medicare service. Carers leave at Dean's work so he could stay home. Friends for caring to check in on us this week. So much to be grateful for. It could have been worse, but our happy chicken had no tears, 22 hours fasting without a trouble, being poked and prodded in her "ouchie". 9 hours she had to wait for her turn, but she played happily, content with just toys, colouring in, reading books and showing off for the the nurses.<a href="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/9beafc92a1b311e3837a12cb638b5d5b_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/9beafc92a1b311e3837a12cb638b5d5b_8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My very brave girl got a couple of special treats this week after her eventful time... brave little monkey who now has a right thumb the size of her whole left hand thanks to the bandages!.</div>
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We have nothing planned for this Sunday... let's see how it goes!</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-31686230847993731552014-02-06T17:53:00.002+11:002014-02-06T17:53:50.732+11:00Nut Free Bliss BallsI love me a bit of pinterest, but I try to restrain myself to pinning just the things I am actually going to try making, treating it as a bit of a to do list.<br />
<br />
Before school started back I went on a search for some new ideas for lunches and snacks. We buy very very little packaged foods, so I make most of their snacks and throw in some fruit and chopped vegetable sticks or cheese and biscuits each day.<br />
<br />
I am very grateful we have three easy eaters... they are willing to try anything and most things are gobbled up, so I like to try new recipes for them. Trying to find healthy snacks, I am amazed just how many lovely recipes include nuts, a big no-no at our school and from talking to most other friends it is the same at most schools now, yet most "healthy" recipes have nuts in them...<br />
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I have made the kids (many many times) date and coconut balls, easy peasy, but after something different I came across a recipe for Nut Free Bliss Balls, full of dried fruit which the kids LOVE. I modified the recipe a bit, here is my version
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<b>Nut Free Bliss Balls </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
150g pitted dates<br />
100g dried apricots<br />
50g prunes<br />
50g dessicated coconut<br />
50g rolled oats<br />
1 tablespoon tahini<br />
2 teaspoons cacao nibs<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
Place everything in a food processor with a blade attachment and process until everything is chopped up. The mix will still feel a bit dry but it comes together as you shape it into balls. You can make the balls however big or small you like, and they can be rolled in a little bit of extra coconut if wanted.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-83313483030404870622014-01-26T19:11:00.000+11:002014-01-26T19:11:00.857+11:00Quick baked beansOn a rare day every now and again someone who won't be named decides that naps are not required. On these days, by the time the clock hits 4.30pm she wiggles herself onto my lap and refuses to move. Thankfully these nights don't happen often, but when they do it needs to be a quick dinner… something I can cook while a certain small person is attached to my legs.<br />
<br />
Normally when I make homemade baked beans there is a bunch of ingredients, some sautéing here, simmer this, wait for something to boil etc. etc. enough to require actually moving around the kitchen which can't happen with my little concrete block weighing me down, so now I've come up with a smokey baked bean recipe, a cheap and quick substitute that can be made in just under 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
I used a can of cannelini beans and a can of red kidney beans, but you could just do 2 cans of cannelini if you have or 2 of red kidney beans.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/12114613796/" title="Quick Beans by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Beans" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/12114613796_214c07a560_b.jpg" height="683" width="1024" /></a><br />
<b>Quick Baked Beans</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
1 teaspoon minced garlic<br />
Salt and ground pepper<br />
1 can of cannellini and 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1/3 cup tomato ketchup<br />
1/3 cup BBQ sauce<br />
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard<br />
1/4 cup of molasses or if you don't have use 1/3 cup maple syrup mixed with 2 tablespoons brown sugar<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
<ol>
<li>In a medium saucepan, add the olive oil and garlic and cook over a medium heat for 2 minutes</li>
<li>Add beans and 1/2 cup water to the pot and simmer for 6 minutes</li>
<li>Add your maple syrup/brown sugar mixture or molasses, ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard to the pot with some salt and pepper</li>
<li>Simmer for approx. 5 minutes until sauce has thickened</li>
</ol>
<div>
We served ours up last week with some of Bill Grangers Sweetcorn Fritters (<a href="http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/149/sweetcorn-fritters-with-avocado-salsa" target="_blank">recipe</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/12113961055/" title="Quick Beans by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/12113961055_665cc3dd4a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Quick Beans"></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-76365082155224465182014-01-24T18:54:00.004+11:002014-01-24T18:54:29.297+11:00Coconut Berry MuffinsPlaydates at home this week meant a batch of muffins was required, so I went back to an often used recipe and thought I would share. I find muffins easy when you have a bunch of kids over, no need for plates, forks etc… just give them a muffin and send them in the direction of the yard to eat on the grass.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/12114610576/" title="Coconut Berry Muffins by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Coconut Berry Muffins" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/12114610576_924430f04b_b.jpg" height="683" width="1024" /></a><br />
I never (ever) have buttermilk at home so make it myself but for these I wanted a little bit of coconut flavour so decided to try coconut buttermilk. Did you know why buttermilk is preferred for muffins? While reading up on making my own coconut buttermilk, a few sources said the acidity of buttermilk reacts with the raising agent (either in Self Raising flour or baking powder/soda) to get a better rise. Anyway, back to the recipe..<br />
<br />
To make your own buttermilk you just need 250ml milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Plain milk + vinegar will make your normal buttermilk, but I replace the milk with coconut milk or coconut cream. Now coconut milk is probably a better substitute, but I had some leftover cream in the fridge to be used, so cream it was this time. Mix the milk/cream and vinegar together and leave for 5 minutes and voila, buttermilk.<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Berry Muffins</b><br />
Makes 10<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients </b><br />
300g (2 cups) self-raising flour<br />
155g raw caster sugar or brown sugar<br />
280g frozen berries<br />
60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil<br />
1 egg, lightly whisked
<br />
250ml (1 cup) coconut buttermilk or buttermilk (instructions above)<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat fan-forced oven to 190°C and line your muffin trays with muffin papers</li>
<li>Combine flour, milk, berries, coconut buttermilk and egg and stir until everything is just combined.</li>
<li>Spoon batter into muffin papers and bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. </li>
<li>Cool on a wire rack.</li>
</ul>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-77879088937871616642014-01-19T22:33:00.002+11:002014-01-19T22:33:55.167+11:00Holidays<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/12027943395/" title="Holidays Summer 2013/2014 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Holidays Summer 2013/2014" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/12027943395_b47a229fc5_b.jpg" height="1024" width="514" /></a><br />
One week of holidays left and everyone is still being relatively friendly to each other. A few last playdates to squeeze in the last week and then it's back to school...<br />
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Plans for this last week; swimming for Eva starts again, a couple of playdates and maybe I will get some sewing done... maybe... ok probably not. Sheesh the days go quick in the holidays!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-33970279992786144492014-01-05T09:29:00.000+11:002014-01-05T09:29:00.129+11:00New cookbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">We always end up with new cookbooks at Christmas, and a couple of days ago I broke them open for the first time.</span></div>
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I received Baking Day by Women's Weekly from my best friend. She knows me too well. Almost every page has something I want to make so I know it will be well used, but first up was a Caramel Apple Pull Apart.</div>
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Looks good right? I wasn't sure how the pull apart was going to turn out when it was at dough stage, I had terrible trouble rolling the dough with all the mushy apple inside and had to reduce the amount, but fresh out of the oven and oh my goodness it was good. So good I made another for a picnic with friends.</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11726249703/" title="Sweet potato fritters and homemade chips by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet potato fritters and homemade chips" height="683" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/11726249703_8002cdd6b0_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
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<i>Sweet potato fritters and homemade potato wedges</i></div>
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And for dinner a couple of nights ago, we tried Jamie Oliver's Sweet Potato Fritters from Save with Jamie that I gave my husband. During cooking, I found the best results from using smaller fritters and on a lower heat than suggested and used coconut oil. I made homemade potato wedges from <a href="http://allrecipes.com.au/recipe/9459/oven-baked-potato-chips.aspx" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a> to accompany them. Definite winner.</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-14467450424173561212014-01-03T23:38:00.001+11:002014-01-03T23:38:32.653+11:001 Year<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11726744746/" title="Suburbia by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Suburbia" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/11726744746_c38f1998cf_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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<i>Print by <a href="http://burbia.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Burbia</a></i></div>
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1 year ago today our lives were in boxes... again. But we had just handed over copious amounts of money to real estate agents, removalists, banks, and lawyers and were on our way to our brand new home. 12 months later and I still love our new home as much as the first time I looked at it and went home to my husband and told him "love it, but there is no way we will get it"...<br />
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This week we have been doing a MAJOR clean. Christmas decorations and new presents are all in their places, kitchen cupboards have been tidied, and a full carload is ready for the tip as well as a (huge) pile to donate to charity. It feel so good to have it all done and start the year!<br />
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One of my favourite pieces at home, is the print above from Burbia that I gave my husband for his birthday that hangs above the dining table, but I put my DIY hat on to make something for him at Christmas.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11726334924/" title="Running holder by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Running holder" height="1024" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/11726334924_86934f8cf4_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11726338414/" title="Running holder by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Running holder" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/11726338414_eb28eeb33a_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
He has only been running for such a short time and we are so proud of him. With some supplies from Bunnings, a custom vinyl label and some crafting, he now has a place to hang all his bibs and ribbons proudly on the wall beside our bed instead of stuffed in a drawer. Hung up today, 1 year after we moved into our home.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-65176216971561951812014-01-01T13:11:00.001+11:002014-01-01T13:14:01.539+11:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To everyone, wishing you a Happy New Year. We spent our night with our oldest friends and our combined 6 children... the parents were seriously outnumbered! Slip and slides, blow up pools, sparklers, fireworks, good food and lovely friendship... perfect way to end a great year and start a new.<br />
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We bought in the first day of the new year with requests for Mummy's pancakes, followed by Lucy's first trip to the local dog beach. A lovely start to the year and with Daddy home for 2 more weeks, perfect family relaxation time.<br />
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<i>Pancakes with banana, honey and pomegrante</i></div>
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Pancakes are often requested for breakfast around here, and I keep a big glass jar in the cupboard of Nigella's Home-made Instant Pancake Mix, great for making quick brekky, although we do need a double batch to feed everyone. <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/home-made-instant-pancake-mix-54" target="_blank">Recipe here</a>.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-14151141726176715092013-12-27T23:03:00.000+11:002013-12-27T23:03:30.103+11:00Christmas 2013Christmas and Boxing Day this year was spent at my parents... with a full tree, the sounds of squeals while opening gifts, alot of follow-up Lego building and way too much food.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582194325/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/11582194325_2751cee025_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582396313/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/11582396313_851ff2a63c_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582392603/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11582392603_028f811922_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582182845/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/11582182845_a84ac6679a_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582507394/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/11582507394_9f0644de72_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582382293/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="683" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/11582382293_f469a246ae_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582501324/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/11582501324_70d32151c9_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582496974/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/11582496974_07d767e9ee_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582372333/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/11582372333_61fc17d90e_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/11582490304/" title="Christmas 2013 by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas 2013" height="683" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/11582490304_a851940116_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
Christmas Day in Sydney was cool with a bit of rain, perfect for our hot feast of roast pork, turkey and ham with all the trimmings... and the warmer Boxing Day was our new tradition from the last couple of years of seafood lunch with marinated prawns, prawn cocktail and a salmon. I've never made a prawn cocktail before, but I made up a sauce from <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/12319/prawn+cocktail" target="_blank">Taste</a> website and it was delicious (with a change to the cream from the recipe).<br />
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<b>Prawn Cocktail Sauce</b><br />
1/4 cup tomato sauce<br />
1/4 cup thickened cream<br />
1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce<br />
Dash of tobasco sauce<br />
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Just throw all the ingredients together and mix. For the adults we drizzled it over the prawns and shredded iceburg lettece and the kids had it as a dipping sauce.<br />
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As a first this year, I didn't make our Christmas Pudding but instead we tried Heston Blumenthal's Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding. Last year it sold out so we grabbed it early this year and it was delicious. We decided to microwave it instead of steaming for 3 hours, which I think dried out the sides a little bit, but it was lovely and moist inside. Not a huge pudding though... well not for my hungry clan!<br />
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I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas with their family. Our first couple of days are being spent doing a BIG clean-up of our toy room, I am being ruthless in toy culling and in the meanwhile making room for all their new Christmas goodies.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-51200784196484160592013-12-18T14:27:00.000+11:002013-12-18T14:27:00.471+11:00My world right now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My world right now is consumed by the upcoming holidays. I have been gathering supplies, building a big box of craft goodies and activities for the kids for their month of school that starts this afternoon as well as preparing for Christmas at my parents house. I have also been pinning lots of ideas over on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/princess2monkey/kids-activities/" target="_blank">Pinterest boards</a> if anyone else is in search of things to do for the kids.</div>
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Our plans for these holidays are to just relax. There are no plans to travel anywhere, no calendar full of activities, just a rough idea of a couple of things we want to visit like the Zoo and Powerhouse Museum and perhaps a movie or two, but mainly to just let the kids sleep in, have lazy afternoons and trips to the beach just down the road.</div>
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My little old blog which started as a record of the kids when they were born, has become a bit of a sewing blog which gets left idle when sewing doesn't happen and I don't like that.. there is so much else going on around here, fun things like our new addition Lucy, an 11 week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that I want to share. While I do have plans to sew during these holidays, I am going to try blogging more on everything else that comes with living in this crazy home... </div>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-87856176400215658082013-10-24T14:18:00.000+11:002013-10-24T14:19:53.556+11:00New to Etsy StoreMy etsy store has sat bare for a while (If you count over a year a while) but I'm very excited to FINALLY have got my latest project out of the way and up in the store.<br />
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Everyone knows I love a good party, and every year I make up party printables and lately I've been lucky to be working with a few customers and creating party printables for them as well, so I thought I would offer them up to others. (Bonus points that I really love making them and coming up with new ideas)<br />
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There is just a small selection in the shop at the moment, but it will be expanding as I release more designs, and I am always open to custom designs if anyone is after something specific. The range include invitations, party co-ordinates and some prints. Check them out visit my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CameronSolutions" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>.<br />
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<img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/039/0/5357313/il_570xN.505152860_ppbl.jpg" width="300" /> <img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/021/0/5357313/il_570xN.503407881_tmnm.jpg" width="300" />
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<img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/040/0/5357313/il_570xN.505487071_l60c.jpg" width="300" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-33325929323909624132013-09-29T10:30:00.000+10:002013-09-29T10:30:01.360+10:00Cockatoo IslandThis weekend we travelled to Cockatoo Island as part of Liam's birthday. Just me, Bella, Liam and my Mum travelled over by ferry and spent two days exploring the island's old buildings, tunnels and sights and the kids had their first camping experience.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979853396/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9979853396_e601d2a8d0_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979818804/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9979818804_cd2940b64a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979927013/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9979927013_d88892956b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979828834/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9979828834_a3a1ec7c07_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979935783/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9979935783_93aa085455_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979774705/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9979774705_1dd3c5454b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979836434/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9979836434_1928085262_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979841214/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9979841214_aa7656ab19_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979813345/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9979813345_75273bc15e_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979848504/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9979848504_cff648edb5_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979901086/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9979901086_d2597f02ec_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Cockatoo Island"></a>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-84461769518643429562013-09-28T22:13:00.002+10:002013-09-28T22:13:59.586+10:006th BirthdayMy boy turned 6 Friday... and he had a marvellous few days to celebrate. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979809884/" title="Cockatoo Island by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cockatoo Island" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9979809884_89e1acb073_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
On Thursday, he spent the day with his two best buddies, seeing the new Disney Planes movie followed by a playdate and cake. (Of course).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9980031453/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9980031453_455c14edfa_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979954146/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9979954146_165fc2c0a4_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979910984/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9979910984_7e34e77799_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
They had so much fun, just as it should be when you have a birthday. He is also adamant he grew overnight.<br />
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Deciding to do the whole Disney Planes movie, we went with that theme for his party. I made up some decorations including a party banner, water bottle labels, cupcake toppers and some flags for his thank you's which were plastic test tubes full of jelly beans.. a big hit with the boys.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9980022823/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="683" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9980022823_eb6b233f0a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9980026903/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9980026903_6e6c3babca_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9979930814/" title="6th Birthday by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="6th Birthday" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/9979930814_3a5129b574_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
On Friday we headed to Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour for a camping (glamping) adventure... lots of beautiful photos from that one and all for another post.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-71114123775146737452013-09-18T09:00:00.000+10:002013-09-18T09:00:06.826+10:00Knitting piles<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739818998/" title="Blocking pile by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Blocking pile" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/9739818998_6af84f6afa_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
Last week this pile started falling over. My big pile of knits finished and waiting to be blocked and buttons sewn on. A big pile of clothes the kids should really be wearing while they can before it gets too warm or they grow out of them.<br />
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A few hours later and some are now ready to be worn
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739806724/" title="Granny's Favourite Cardigan by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Granny's Favourite Cardigan" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9739806724_6ecb528629_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lcbella/grannys-favourite/">Granny's Favourite</a> (still needing buttons) for Bella<br />
Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8ply in Bracken<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739805060/" title="Granny's Favourite Cardigan by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Granny's Favourite Cardigan" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9739805060_f1fe2640c3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739803482/" title="Granny's Favourite Cardigan by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Granny's Favourite Cardigan" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9739803482_f8a562d3cd_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737601507/" title="Evie Jumper by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Evie Jumper" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9737601507_958394bd6a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lcbella/evie">Evie</a> for Bella<br />
Yarn: Nundle Woollen Mills Chaffey
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739808582/" title="Evie Jumper by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Evie Jumper" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/9739808582_f40e2b171f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737604387/" title="All Over Eyelets by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="All Over Eyelets" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/9737604387_ef45ca030f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lcbella/all-over-eyelets-top">All over Eyelets top</a> for Eva<br />
Yarn: Leftover single lonely ball of Bendigo Luxury 5ply<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739811342/" title="All Over Eyelets by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="All Over Eyelets" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9739811342_c511bbecbf_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
I did modify this pattern to not have the rolling armholes and neck, instead I crocheted a scalloped edge and as always added length.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739815738/" title="Paulette Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Paulette Top" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/9739815738_0dece6ea00_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lcbella/paulette">Paulette</a> for Eva<br />
Yarn: Patons Emotion 4ply<br />
<br />
I must admit, after using this yarn on two different tops, while I LOVE the top pattern and the finished design, the yarn is not a favourite. Both tops were "fluffy" before I even washed them. Another version of this, perhaps in a Cashmerino would be lovely.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737606141/" title="Paulette Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Paulette Top" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/9737606141_026ea4d87a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br/>
And that is half the pile done. The rest need buttons and one cardigan needs some serious blocking.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-34469629054966282962013-09-16T09:00:00.000+10:002013-09-16T09:00:02.638+10:00Puppet Show ShortsOliver & S Puppet Show shorts for Eva. I have used this pattern so many times now and like the last few times I made them, I omitted the gathering around the leg hem, leaving them looser which I think is more comfortable for the girls. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739799478/" title="Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9739799478_172bbe4977_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737593645/" title="Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9737593645_cfb53744b5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
I still love the pocket details.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739821632/" title="Dancing babe by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Dancing babe" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9739821632_0791f8cecf_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739823004/" title="Dancing babe by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Dancing babe" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/9739823004_9e9ff75a00_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
.... but I especially love this little character....Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-39932781397386959012013-09-14T15:43:00.000+10:002013-09-14T15:43:20.930+10:00Hanami againWhen An from StraightGrain released the Hanami pattern, I was quick to purchase and <a href="http://theprincessandthemonkey.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/hanami-top.html">made one</a> straight away for Eva. So sweet.. An was also running a give way for a copy of the pattern and 1yd fabric from Georgette... and look what arrived in my mailbox last week... yep I was the winner. Awesome.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9739820334/" title="Georgette fabric by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Georgette fabric" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9739820334_be1fc922b7_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
Stunning fabric right? I hadn't seen it before, but haven't been browsing fabric stores lately, maybe I need to. Anyway, less than 24 hours in my hot little hands and Bella had her own Hanami.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737588989/" title="Hanami Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Hanami Top" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9737588989_d4a457204c_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737586767/" title="Hanami Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Hanami Top" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/9737586767_bd0f7a1890_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
Zipper back version this time and the ruffle sleeves with lining in a yellow. The only pattern adjustment was a little bit of extra length.<br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.straight-grain.com/2013/08/pattern-release-hanami-top-or-dress-2.html" target="_blank">Hanami top & dress by StraightGrain</a><br />
Fabric: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Georgetteshop">Georgette.de</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9737584945/" title="Hanami Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Hanami Top" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/9737584945_3fbf7e7ed3_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
Thank you StraightGrain and Georgette!
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-87035171170092567152013-09-11T09:00:00.000+10:002013-09-11T09:00:03.452+10:00Pink Racerback<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9715173288/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/9715173288_68f59ea8b7_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><a href="http://theprincessandthemonkey.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/reversible-wrap-top.html" target="_blank">Another Racerback</a> dress, this time a pink with matching binding for Eva's best little buddy. Ideally, being only a week apart I could use the exact same pattern size I had already traced out for Eva.... bonus<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9711942555/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="1024" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9711942555_9ab8ca7af2_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
I modified the pattern this time to make the back all one piece. Not that there was anything wrong with the other dress, but I was being a tad lazy this morning and I didn't want to have to re-thread my machine which was all ready threaded for top stitching just to gather the top back piece to the bottom. I know SUPER lazy, right? <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9715177928/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="683" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/9715177928_07c063c467_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
I was asked to make two for her buddy, plus Eva could do with another couple for daycare so a bit of a procession line of Racerbacks is now sitting on the table.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-60316401878382705462013-09-09T17:37:00.000+10:002013-09-09T17:37:29.771+10:00Cat in the Hat Dress UpOur school's book week is on this week, and while girl dress-ups we have plenty of, boys are restricted to various caped Super Heroes, one Samari Power Ranger and a couple of transforming robots, none of which I really think are "book characters", much to my dear husband insistence that the Super Heroes did first feature in comic "books", we decided on Liam's favourite book character, The Cat in the Hat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9708836756/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cat in the Hat Dress Up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat Dress Up" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/9708836756_b58b87dc79_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="683" /></a></div>
Already having the hat which I made for Liam's Dr Seuss <a href="http://theprincessandthemonkey.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/liams-dr-seuss-4th-birthday.html#uds-search-results" target="_blank">4th birthday</a> party, I drafted up an all-in-one suit in black homespun. I started with a basic tshirt pattern for the bodice, but cut the back in two pieces and included a zipper. The sleeves were drafted for 3/4 length and a facing around the neckline. I extended the bodice to include the legs and pieced the back in two so I could include a tail. The front has a white felt tummy, red felt bow tie sewn on and sewed up some white basic felt gloves.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9705598729/" title="Cat in the Hat Dress Up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat Dress Up" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/9705598729_8dd020f97a_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>Everything came from the stash including the zipper, so I am very happy with his "free" book week costume, and he loves it... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9703514303/" title="Cat in the Hat book week dress up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat book week dress up" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9703514303_c43fde1edd_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9703507431/" title="Cat in the Hat book week dress up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat book week dress up" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9703507431_1d1d4f8ef9_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9706753502/" title="Cat in the Hat book week dress up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat book week dress up" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9706753502_a70db16153_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9706757006/" title="Cat in the Hat book week dress up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat book week dress up" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9706757006_3556806c7e_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9705597149/" title="Cat in the Hat Dress Up by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Cat in the Hat Dress Up" height="683" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9705597149_c8c71390fc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-32240064231793823492013-09-06T18:18:00.000+10:002013-09-06T18:18:18.309+10:00Summer PJsWhile stuck at home waiting for a delivery this morning I got stuck into making some summer PJs for the girls with the knit fabric I picked up a couple of weeks ago.<br />
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The pattern I used is Alex & Anna Summer PJs, but I must admit the only thing I used was the pattern pieces, I didn't read ANY of the instructions (bad sewer!). I did read a note about them being a snug fit, and while I went up one size for the girls, they could get away with even an extra size up again, particularly the shorts. Although Bella does say they are comfy.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9685910808/" title="Summer PJs by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer PJs" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9685910808_8d9a3407dc_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
Not a model this one... no fixing up that pant leg so it doesn't look wonky, it took 5mins of coaxing as it was to get up off the floor and she only did it when I promised a Charlie & Lola episode... the joys of Friday afternoons aka daycare days when she comes home exhausted and just wants to lay on the lounge with Mummy.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9682670627/" title="Summer PJs by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer PJs" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9682670627_202e89c268_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9685916678/" title="Summer PJs by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer PJs" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/9685916678_eb4eb18ced_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
This one however doesn't mind the odd model pose... actually trying to get her to pose "normal" is the hardest part!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9682672383/" title="Summer PJs by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer PJs" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/9682672383_4ba737f055_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
Now my Bella is super-skinny and you can see these are a snug fit so if you do try making them, keep it in mind. I also added a couple inches to the bottom hem of the top for both, but I like long tops on the kids.<br />
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So my Spring project list is getting worked through, the Popover dress is cut out for Eva, and only some tees and shorts left to do. Thankfully a quiet Sunday is planned and hopefully I can sneak away to the sewing machine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Projects Progress</b><br />
Oliver & S shorts for Eva<br />
Oliver & S popover Sund<strike>ress</strike>-top for Eva<br />
<strike>Hanami top for Eva</strike><br />
<strike>Hanami dress or Reversible Wrap top for Eva</strike><br />
<strike>Anna & Alex Summer knit PJs for Eva</strike><br />
<strike>Anna & Alex Summer knit PJs for Bella</strike><br />
<strike>Racerback dress for Eva</strike><br />
Banyan tee for Eva<br />
Banyan tee for Bella<br />
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-18456884673719749972013-09-02T09:30:00.000+10:002013-09-02T09:30:00.529+10:00Reversible Wrap Top<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9640317847/" title="Reversible Wrap Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Reversible Wrap Top" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9640317847_edfbb66b50_b.jpg" width="683" /></a><br />
Pattern: <a href="http://birchfabrics.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/free-pattern-tutorial-featuring-eiko-by.html" target="_blank">Reversible Wrap Top</a><br />
<br />
Finished on the weekend, another new pattern the Reversible Wrap Top from Craftiness is not Optional on the Birch blog. The fabric is from Spotlight from memory with a pink on one side and a dark blue on the reverse.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9643552566/" title="Reversible Wrap Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Reversible Wrap Top" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9643552566_b947ba8376_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9640313929/" title="Reversible Wrap Top by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Reversible Wrap Top" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/9640313929_6a32df9ea8_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
Instead of using four ties I used ties for the pink side and these hand-sewen snaps on the blue dotty side. I also omitted the ruffled sleeves, since the <a href="http://theprincessandthemonkey.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/hanami-top.html" target="_blank">Hanami top</a> I just made had a wrap back and ruffled sleeves I thought I'd make it a little different, all ready for breaking out some shorts or a skirt in the warmer weather that has arrived (yay!).Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7543849702572292981.post-3812358226043361842013-09-01T16:49:00.001+10:002013-09-01T16:50:28.520+10:00Racerback Dress<div>
My Craft Group was on again Friday morning, and armed with half a ream of paper that dear hubby had printed out, I attacked them piecing together an adult version of a puzzle... PDF patterns. </div>
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After school, swimming, daycare pickup, showers for all and dinner there was alot of fabric cutting and some sewing and with a few bits of time over this (busy) weekend I managed to finish three new Spring/Summer pieces for Eva... not a bad effort.</div>
<div>
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Firstly, a Racerback Dress for Eva....</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9643559676/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9643559676_57bfee3a96_b.jpg" width="683" /></a>
Pattern: <a href="http://www.crafterhoursblog.com/2012/05/racerback-dress-tutorial-pdf-pattern.html">Crafterhours Racerback Dress</a><br />
Fabric: Green knit and white ribbing from Spotlight
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9643556136/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="683" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9643556136_a24fa8c43d_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
I love the back on it, and finished mine off using some white ribbing around the neck and armholes....<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theprincessandthemonkey/9643557924/" title="Racerback Dress by theprincessandthemonkey, on Flickr"><img alt="Racerback Dress" height="683" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/9643557924_6393fcda9b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
and finished with a twin needle hem. Using my Overlocker for most of the sewing, this was a quick sew from beginning to end and once Eva has had a couple of wears I think we might make up some more. An awesome (free) pattern!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Projects Progress</b><br />
Oliver & S shorts for Eva<br />
Oliver & S popover Sund<strike>ress</strike>-top for Eva<br />
<strike>Hanami top for Eva</strike><br />
<strike>Hanami dress or Reversible Wrap top for Eva</strike><br />
Anna & Alex Summer knit PJs for Eva<br />
Anna & Alex Summer knit PJs for Bella<br />
<strike>Racerback dress for Eva</strike><br />
Banyan tee for Eva<br />
Banyan tee for BellaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463114157392393241noreply@blogger.com1