tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81282400525588762512024-03-14T11:56:52.297+02:00Hey CherryHey Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276683370581072627noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-29992002082470814792013-10-26T12:00:00.000+02:002013-10-26T12:00:04.365+02:00DIY Dia de los Muertos Shrines on a StickI wish I'd come up with this great idea, but this blog post is just to point you to <a href="http://www.craftychica.com/site/2011/10/video-muertos-shrines-on-a-stick/" target="_blank">this clever tutorial</a> by The Crafy Chica. I'll be making some of these this week, so look out for my 'nailed it' pics...<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-16575053024030537392013-10-24T12:00:00.000+02:002013-10-24T12:00:07.518+02:00Dia de los Muertos Altar PreparationPreparations are beginning for our Dia de los Muertos party this year. Step one is to set up the household altar. The shelves that I used to use have since been pressed into service in my kitchen, so I need to come up with something new. In the meantime, I'm gathering all the important goodies for the altar so I'm ready to set it up. I need photos or symbols of my loved ones. In the past, we've also had the children draw pictures of lost loved ones. Food is a must, including where possible, the favourite foods of those we're honouring. A <i>Pan de Muerto</i> is a great food offering. Salt is always included on the altar. Then we need <i>papel picado</i> and lots and lots of flowers. I still haven't managed to acquire a sugar skull mould, so I use plastic skulls from the party shop, decorated to look more <i>calavera</i>-like.<br />
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You can build separate small altars for particular people if you like. A few years ago, I created a small shrine for my great-aunt Kathleen, which I usually include on my main altar. Because I have a busy household, filled with children and pets, it's easier to put everything on one main altar, though it's not entirely traditional.<br />
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You can find some nice tutorials for building your own altar at <a href="http://www.themijachronicles.com/2011/11/how-to-make-a-dia-de-los-muertos-altar/" target="_blank">The Mija Chronicles</a> and <a href="http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/dia-de-los-muertos-altar.html" target="_blank">Celebrate Day of the Dead</a>. I'm off to Food Lovers Market to buy up all their marigolds...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous altar by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steefv/2974814209/" target="_blank">Steef V on Flickr</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-33833555805808633482013-10-22T12:00:00.000+02:002013-10-22T12:00:00.696+02:00Summer is here. Party Time!Summer in Durban is actually not the best time for parties. We start out with a few *really* unpredictable weeks, where we seem to whip through three seasons in a day. Sunny, hot weeks morph into monsoon-like weekends willy-nilly. The wind blows (not as bad as Cape Town, but we're spoiled here so a bit of wind is a big deal). But then, on the other hand, we have these long, balmy days and all the rain means that the flowers are out *in force*. The place is jam-packed with pink, purple, red and about a million shades of green. Durban puts on her party dress in summer, and that makes me want to throw her a party. Maybe one that looks a bit like this...<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-74121603948217415802013-10-21T12:00:00.000+02:002013-10-21T12:00:01.750+02:00No Gym for Me Thanks. I'm a Bellydancer.For the past several years, on and off, I've studied bellydancing with two of Durban's finest teachers. We started off up in the Highway area with the amazing Alison of <a href="http://www.bellyfusion.co.za/" target="_blank">Bellyfusion</a>. Alison continues to be an incredible inspiration to me and to my daughter. We're also privileged to have worked for the past couple of years with the Dynamic Senta of <a href="http://www.mayadance.co.za/" target="_blank">Maya Dance</a>. Senta is very active in the South African dance community. Where she gets her energy from, I have no idea, but she's quite a dynamo. My daughter is studying her Foundation grading in bellydance through Senta, and plans to become a qualified dance teacher by the time she finishes tertiary education (several grades to get through first, then grading as a teacher, so it's a long process).<br />
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When I bellydance regularly, I can really feel the difference. My back feels stronger and my joints are much less stiff. As I get older, this shit gets a lot more important. I've been in class with women of all ages, and we all agree that bellydance is probably the best way to keep everything moving smoothly. If you're not that into gym and want to get into something that keeps you active and fit but is FUN, then do look out for a bellydance class near you. A lot of gyms offer classes too, if you already got sucked into that membership and are now wondering whether you can possibly stand the awful rowing machine one more time. Plus, you get to dress up in all sorts of jingly belts and jangly jewellery and feel like the Queen of Sheba.<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-39379277755338835832013-10-18T15:00:00.000+02:002013-10-18T15:00:13.919+02:00Media is Not Go0d or How Awesome is Patti Smith?I repinned this pic ages ago and recently came across it while tidying up my Pinterest boards. I've been crazy about Patti Smith since I first got into American punk many years ago. To me, she is the quintessential crazy, wild, alive, kind, intelligent, adventurous, gorgeous punk woman. Her work continues to blow me away, and I couldn't think of a better role model for my daughter. Plus, she says it like it is. Like this:<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-78609701567847714212013-10-17T09:55:00.001+02:002013-10-17T09:55:23.667+02:00Get Your Geek OnHello lovelies. I'm trying to be good and start posting more regularly again. Bronwen is putting me to shame with her regular and wonderful posts on the <a href="http://blog.madeonce.com.au/" target="_blank">Once blog</a>. If you don't already follow it, make sure you do.<br />
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So for today I want to share a little geekery. I'm a bit slow on the uptake but I've recently taken to podcasts in a BIG way. I'm loving <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank">This American Life</a>, just about everything from <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4" target="_blank">BBC Radio 4</a> (A History of the World in 100 Objects is a win for the host's marvelous accent alone), and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gweek-cool-stuff-we-love/id435622533" target="_blank">Gweek</a> from Boing Boing. Yesterday, however, I discovered the <a href="http://geeksguideshow.com/" target="_blank">Geek's Guide to the Galaxy</a> from Wired. Yes please! George R. R. Martin talking about Game of Thrones. Robert Kirkman on The Walking Dead. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Simon Pegg. Ken Denmead (Geek Dad). Richard Dawkins. Neal Stephenson. William Gibson. Lauren Beukes. Michael Chabon. It's a treasure trove, I'm telling you.<br />
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Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-59939998549927285622013-08-30T10:32:00.001+02:002013-08-30T10:32:21.142+02:00We are all connectedThis weekend sees the opening of <a href="http://blog.madeonce.com.au/" target="_blank">Bronwen's</a> newest exhibition, titled We Are All Connected, at the <a href="http://birdsgallery.com.au/?page_id=2021" target="_blank">Bird's Gallery</a> in Melbourne. If you are one of those lucky South Africans who saw one of her exhibitions or, even better, bought one of her works, before she left our shores, you know that Bron's technique has been refining over the years to a point where her work is a layering of evocation that is like a mist over a photorealistic image. Ok, that probably doesn't make sense, but that's how it feels to me. When I look at the works from this exhibition, I think of dreams. How one moment from a dream sticks in your memory all day long, but the moments leading up to and from that are hazy and mostly composed of emotion.<br />
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I'm going to stop rambling. If you're in Melbourne, get down to Bird's Gallery to see the exhibition. Tell your friends about it. Enjoy.<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-30840307302875007892013-08-13T09:07:00.002+02:002013-08-13T09:07:50.116+02:00Suitcase CitiesSo many things that I love combine in these marvellous suitcase cities by Chinese artist <a href="http://www.pacegallery.com/artists/520/yin-xiuzhen" target="_blank">Yin Xiuzhen</a>. They're constructed inside suitcases and each building is a little artwork in itself, sewn together out of discarded bits of clothing. Something about the way the buildings tend to lean into each other just makes them look really cosy and friendly.<br />
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Images found on <a href="http://beautifuldecay.com/">http://beautifuldecay.com</a> via Craft Magazine blog.Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-51368718016245684612013-07-12T11:05:00.001+02:002013-07-12T11:05:33.019+02:00Oz the Great & Powerful - meh...I don't do movie review type things here, but I just can't not say something about this movie. I watched it with my kids, who are 11, and a 7 year old friend. Two girls and a boy. We'd all been looking forward to it; the kids maybe more for the magical fairytale than the James Franco eye-candy that I was hoping for. It started out so well, with the evocative black & white opening scenes, the great attention to detail and James Franco prestidigitating all over the place. We were excited. And then he landed in Oz, and it all went downhill from there. Poor CG and unimaginative sets made the whole thing suddenly look cheap, and James was frankly not at his best. These, I could have lived with. When you've been forced to watch Space Buddies (a film which features some really irritating talking dogs), you can put up with quite a lot. But then our first major female character, Theodora, entered the scene... Theodora begins the movie as the innocent and naive younger sister. She's also needy, clingy and apparently just not very bright. How dumb do you have to be to not notice that your older sister, who you live with, is the Wicked Witch and keeps an army of crazed winged baboons? Where she keeps them is anyone's guess, but I'd think they'd be noticeable, wouldn't you?<br />
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Next up we meet the big sister, who has a name but I can't remember it, because for an evil witch she's pretty unmemorable. She, of course, is the femme fatale to contrast with Theodora's wide-eyed clingy girlfriend. And she is wicked. Apparently. I mean, it's obvious she's not very nice, but it's equally obvious she has no plan, and is not really on top of this evil thing. She's shocked by her sister's later craziness. She wants to be the queen of Oz. She wants to be powerful. This, as far as I can tell, is her entire motivation and the reason she is evil. James Franco wants the same thing, but he gets to be the good guy. See there? Woman wants power therefore is evil. Man wants power therefore is the hero. What?<br />
And then there's Glinda. Who we know as soon as we see her is good because she doesn't have long manicured nails, doesn't wear lots of dramatic make-up and is, of course, blonde.<br />
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So let's review:<br />
<b>Wicked witches: </b>Brunette, dramatic make-up, long nails, wearing red or emerald green, with some black for flair. Either clingy and demanding (seriously, Theodora decides within minutes of meeting Oz that he will be king and she will be his queen and they will live happily ever after) or man-hating and cold.<br />
<b>Good witch:</b> Blonde, 'natural' make-up, wears white. Apparently a strong leader, but doesn't really do anything leaderlike except convincing Oz that he's their only hope. Even though she's magic and he's just a con-artist who doesn't come off very bright either. She was completely unable to do anything to save the people from the Wicked Witch, or even convince everyone that *she* isn't the wicked one, until Oz came along. Really, not a single thing. Magic not cracking up so well there.<br />
<b>All witches (actually, pretty much all women in the movie): </b>Fall immediately madly in love with Oz and then either go completely bonkers and transform into murderous crones or become essentially his nursemaid because his ego needs a lot of boosting in order for him to do anything useful.<br />
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Oh, let's not forget the tiny china girl. She's tough and brave but, you know, she's made of china. You have to be really careful when you hug her in case you break her.<br />
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Yeah. So you get the picture. Female role models, not so much. Male role model? Not really. The storyline is weak, but good scriptwriting could have given it some oomph. Little more thinking about the characters would have been good too. I know it's a fantasy story, and I know it's based on books written at a time when female characters were pretty much stock, but that's no excuse. I came away just thinking that they'd been lazy: lazy scripting, lazy design, lazy acting. All of which added up to a big fat disappointment, for both me and my kids.Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-32211087327073616732013-06-27T05:49:00.000+02:002013-06-27T05:49:13.081+02:00Gorgeous typewriter parts sculpture of a SwallowThis made my day.<br />
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<a href="http://jemayer.tumblr.com/post/53824711699" target="_blank">Swall-er, by Jeremy Mayer</a>.Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-63596294709069252562013-06-26T08:15:00.002+02:002013-06-26T08:15:36.642+02:00Living with itI'm having a jumbled-up life lately and with all this change, there's a lot of fear. Thanks to my lovely friend Deane, however, I know now just what to do...<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-24326924070333146362013-06-19T17:28:00.004+02:002013-06-19T17:28:46.885+02:00Frida Kahlo LoveI'm a ginormous Frida Kahlo fan (and I've yet to find a creative girl, or guy, who doesn't love her). The relentless self-analysis, the brilliant self-creation, the colour and joy of her work, it all just blows me away. And yes, I find joy even in her most difficult pieces. It's her joy in painting. It shines through every work and the quantity and quality of her output is testament to it. Luckily for me, there are many like me on Pinterest, who pin gorgeous works and tributes. One of my favourite is <a href="http://pinterest.com/eddieguitar/frida-khalo-love/" target="_blank">Frida Khalo Love</a>, and it led me today to this glorious book cover, designed by Anna Dorfman and illustrated by <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/01/biz-ladies-profile-lisa-congdon.html" target="_blank">Lisa Congdon</a>. Now I *have* to get this novel....<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-26163818094429473512013-05-17T07:33:00.001+02:002013-05-17T07:33:28.094+02:00Kathreen Ricketson - Thank you and RIPI learned with great sadness this morning of the sudden death of <a href="http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/craft-world-mourns-loss-of-giant-20130517-2jr0a.html" target="_blank">Kathreen Ricketson</a>, founder of Whipup.net and a longtime mentor and friend to so many crafters through her online work and wonderful books. Whipup has been an inspiration for so many, including myself, and Kathreen was clearly much loved in the Australian crafting and online community. Her death has been a great blow, and has tragically left her two children orphaned.<br />
Whipup.net are collecting donations toward an education fund for the children. <a href="http://whipup.net/2013/05/16/25397/" target="_blank">Visit the site to find out more</a>.Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-37497166486966168772013-05-16T17:05:00.002+02:002013-05-16T17:05:45.297+02:00Gifties from Down UnderWhen your best friend ever (yeah, that's right BBF4EVA) and partner-in-crime absconds to Australia, presents can't of course, make up for herabsence. But whoever said they don't like receiving gifts is a liar, and receiving special treats in the mail, all beautifully packaged, is a surefire way to lift your mood. Not just because my wardrobe is looking way cool these days with all the accessories Bron is sending me, but because every package contains a little piece of her heart, sent all the way across the world to me. The love and care that Bron puts into selecting gifts for people is legendary in our group of friends, and the gorgeous packaging just adds that special touch. Thank you, my BWF, for the amazing postal love!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's adorable envelope, card and super-cool stockings just in time for SA winter.</td></tr>
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And readers, don't forget you can still buy Bron's amazing products, along with an ever-growing range of carefully selected and beautifully restored vintage homewares and toys, from her online shop <a href="http://shop.madeonce.com.au/" target="_blank">Once</a>. If you are in Australia, or have friends or family there, or just like a daily dose of awesomeness, <a href="http://blog.madeonce.com.au/" target="_blank">follow her blog</a> for inspiration and to find out when her market stall will be open in Melbourne.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh-so-retro 100% cushion cover from Once.<br /></td></tr>
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<br /><br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-30052122756258719452013-05-15T07:30:00.000+02:002013-05-15T07:30:04.417+02:00Get the Washibug!You all know how I love a bit of washi tape, and I was thrilled when I encountered a whole table of beautiful MT tapes at the Bulwer Food & Craft in the Park a couple of weeks ago. The lovely ladies told me it was OK that my son was not willing to give me time to browse their wide selection, because there was even more fun to be had in their online store, and they were right. I placed an order with <a href="http://papertree.co.za/shop/" target="_blank">Washibug</a> the very next day via their website, and my daughter and I were very pleased with the pricing, fast delivery and sweet packaging.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://papertree.co.za/shop/" target="_blank">Washibug online shop</a> today and get yourself some washi tape joy!</div>
<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-54342054576960401622013-05-14T10:07:00.001+02:002013-05-14T10:07:10.418+02:00Can't wait for I Love Popup Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-35834346396197761612013-04-15T07:22:00.002+02:002013-04-15T07:22:19.170+02:00A Living Wreath of SucculentsThis is such a gorgeous idea. I can't wait to raid my friends' succulent gardens (my little kitchen window collection won't yield enough cuttings) to try my hand at a beautiful living wreath. <a href="http://www.astorybooklife.com/gardens/living-wreath/" target="_blank">A Storybook Life</a> has more lovely inspiring pics. Scroll down their page for the video tutorial to make your own.<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-78107335743060723752013-03-29T10:33:00.004+02:002013-03-29T10:33:59.571+02:00Marvellous Maths Carnival - Play and LearnMarilyn, otherwise known as <a href="http://www.thetoymaker.com/3WORKSHOP.html" target="_blank">The Toymaker</a>, creates the most beautifully illustrated paper toys. I have been receiving her newsletter for years now, and it's always a treat. Today there was a particular treat. Marilyn has created a beautiful e-book that provides hours of fun to kids while they learn important maths concepts. Now that's a win. Here's what Marilyn says of her <a href="http://www.thetoymaker.com/3WORKSHOP.html" target="_blank">Math Carnival e-book</a>:<br />
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The paper toys that constitute the carnival are suitable for use in the classroom, for homeschooling, remedial practice, and afternoons of fun that just happen to have built-in ways to explore and practice mathematical concepts.</div>
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Each game meets a common core standard established by the states for the development of mathematical concepts and their practice, including the manipulation of real objects to promote mathematical understanding."</div>
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Marilyn Scott-Waters</div>
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Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-28227633857198695152013-03-06T09:20:00.002+02:002013-03-06T09:20:54.005+02:00A Quiet LifeThanks to my friend Deane, who inspires us every weekday with his Quote of the Day. Today's installment was this typographic beauty with a simple but perfect message:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O7RKCucHcBm30dEPMY0ZXT3vAR6tOJDqXtMj4Flsr9NcAtUsDUx-z_N8kefQxqfPM0a0hhmqwc7YGe1-iUm7kSybMKQIlpLBy19jeK8ZIw9IDYHrn9m8s7PaACwF6Fpf_Z9-ciiN6-U/s1600/tumblr_merfl3Oekz1qbj1sio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O7RKCucHcBm30dEPMY0ZXT3vAR6tOJDqXtMj4Flsr9NcAtUsDUx-z_N8kefQxqfPM0a0hhmqwc7YGe1-iUm7kSybMKQIlpLBy19jeK8ZIw9IDYHrn9m8s7PaACwF6Fpf_Z9-ciiN6-U/s640/tumblr_merfl3Oekz1qbj1sio1_500.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-66299509724747918722013-02-13T16:21:00.000+02:002013-02-13T16:21:10.533+02:00Yay for ValentinesRegular readers know I love holidays, especially ones that mean I can do cheesy decor and have fun with crafts. Valentine's Day is a special one in our family, because I take it as a day to show my kids extra tons of love. We have a special breakfast and dinner, and their school snack is packed with heart-shaped treats and love notes.<br />
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Ever since my kids started school, we have also prepared Valentines notes for every child in their classes. Maybe this holiday is 'supposed' to be about romance, but for me it's for celebrating love, and I want my kids to show every kid in their classes that there is something special about them. Nobody gets left out. Because there are usually upwards of 30 kids in a government school class here, it's just too much to handmake notes for everyone, so I generally look for the loveliest free printables I can find. This year, Caitlin will be handing out 'Sending Love' from <a href="http://creativemamma.com/" target="_blank">Creative Mama</a>, and William has these charming little heart notes from <a href="http://www.mrprintables.com/valentine-printables.html" target="_blank">Mr Printables</a>. I think they've turned out very nicely.<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-86171339553201243752013-02-09T07:10:00.000+02:002013-02-09T07:10:00.939+02:003D Dinosaur Stamps - yes pleaseI got myself organised and paid a visit to the post office to buy the proper stamps for sending postcards and letters to <a href="http://madeonce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bronwen</a> in Melbourne. Can't wait to see what our favourite boys think of these awesome anaglyph dinosaurs. Apparently, "an anaglyph is a stereo image that requires special glasses with red and green (or blue) lenses for 3D viewing. To achieve the effect, two views of a picture are printed in two colours, usually red for the left eye and blue or green for the right eye." I hope they can lay hands on some of those glasses, and see these guys jump out at them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoRBD0qRdGbh4o1seD6nBP96LIg6en64mggvnzDT-9TLlbXLR-tDP3uZ8ehAJyhlOMTnqQ-EeJRKZbgURIroRIiuDcAhFo4dRMuWPfVDITfMWhlDDWdrxYkE2Q63pUzkwH8HdrC-xoAA/s1600/dino2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoRBD0qRdGbh4o1seD6nBP96LIg6en64mggvnzDT-9TLlbXLR-tDP3uZ8ehAJyhlOMTnqQ-EeJRKZbgURIroRIiuDcAhFo4dRMuWPfVDITfMWhlDDWdrxYkE2Q63pUzkwH8HdrC-xoAA/s640/dino2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The set was designed by Chantelle Basson and the full set contains 10 stamps featuring five dinosaurs: Suchomimus, Afrovenator, Heterodontosaurus, Jobaria, and Ouranosaurus.Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-15273011458650511682013-01-20T09:00:00.001+02:002013-01-20T09:06:26.941+02:00House makeover time, Part OneI've been wanting to do some new things around my house for a while. Last year I did some changearound in my bedroom and lounge and, while I like it, it's still a work in progress. So I won't be showing piccies of that until I'm happy with it. Yesterday I began on a kitchen/ dining-room/ work area makeover. My house is teeny, so my work area is actually just one end of the dining room. The room was feeling claustrophobic and messy, and, as you saw in my hair tutorial post the other day, my craft supply shelves were looking an absolute mess. I decided it was time for those shelves to have a new life in my kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how the craft shelves originally looked before they got all messy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This corner used to have a deep freeze in the weird gap. After I sold that, it just looked odd.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta da! And behind the curtains: tupperware, and my enormous collection of bowls.</td></tr>
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-86680626776798344042013-01-18T14:05:00.000+02:002013-01-18T14:05:22.577+02:00Quick vintage-style hairdo postI'm following this great YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KoontzFan2?feature=g-high-u" target="_blank">A Vintage Vanity</a>. She posts great hairdo tutorials, and is just a sweet and funny person to watch at the same time. Yesterday, she posted this great<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWjp2Udcc6c" target="_blank"> Easy Retro Pin-up Updo for Lazy Days</a>. I watched the tutorial, and decided this morning to give it a go. I'd just washed my hair, which was a bit silly, because it meant I couldn't work it well, and certainly couldn't backcomb to get the wonderful roll that she gets. Still, it was definitely pretty quick and easy, and impressed everyone at the office no end.<br />
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Urgh, my craft shelf is a terrible mess in the background. Focus on the cute hair. Let me know in the comments if you try out this great tutorial!Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-15790831710280069452013-01-14T09:56:00.001+02:002013-01-14T09:56:22.892+02:00Birthday musingsMy beautiful magic double deal (twins) turn eleven today. Eleven!! Yissis! I fall more in love with them every day. I'll admit, I'm not really a baby kind of person. I'm good with babies. They like me, and I can take good care of them. But mostly when a friend with a new baby comes around I take the baby not because I want to goo over it but because I'm thinking 'shame, my poor friend really needs a few minutes without this potato attached to her boob'. I do often get into trouble with hormone-soaked new mums when I call their precious a potato. I can't help myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtXbMqOFbnq0IPp0_y-x-UXsB4KbniYGeByXRmcxty-XR5SN5GfYo5hTFPJBRP6MhL0pKIIt5SPoDkoBQnbwIAqLCmUtK1WZRHxsjM3g0JEZPXCoivO9Vfh5NZ3RRQY9zFct6De4Jaz8/s1600/caitlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtXbMqOFbnq0IPp0_y-x-UXsB4KbniYGeByXRmcxty-XR5SN5GfYo5hTFPJBRP6MhL0pKIIt5SPoDkoBQnbwIAqLCmUtK1WZRHxsjM3g0JEZPXCoivO9Vfh5NZ3RRQY9zFct6De4Jaz8/s200/caitlin.jpg" width="200" /></a>But older kids... Kids who are growing and learning and reaching out into the world, and can talk about it in some kind of intelligent way? Man, I love them. They're funny and interesting and they make you see things differently. They're insanely tiring and they worry you and they tend to talk too much, often about the plot of some really stupid movie or their latest Lego creation, but all of that is worth the amazing gems they come up with, so I keep listening.<br />
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In 2011 I did <a href="http://www.heartdivine.blogspot.com/2011/12/raising-creatively-part-6.html" target="_blank">a post for the lovely Gen Motley's blog</a> - Heart Divine. Gen was expecting Olive, and had invited some fellow bloggy creators to contribute their thoughts on motherhood. I enjoyed writing that post, and it got some nice responses. Today I thought I'd share a couple of additional tips with you.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway</span></h4>
I'm still scared, all the time, that something dreadful will happen to these glorious creatures. They seem so vulnerable. But they have to get out there in the world. Whether it's the giant jungle gym for toddlers, or letting the 9-year-olds walk to school (as I did) by themselves, it's all preparation for that life they're going to live one day when Mum won't be there to catch them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqF1UzaIV9wcN3-Znye99_RR09mqoNViZU9D_lztVXuurX7JpI5MULKK-4v-mfX6IO8kghcp_5MAO0JZFfaCQgItjlRNa7dxplC92NRzqZM3DCpx1ykSKWCEWheVyj0NoQfHSQi9oBJ4/s1600/william.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqF1UzaIV9wcN3-Znye99_RR09mqoNViZU9D_lztVXuurX7JpI5MULKK-4v-mfX6IO8kghcp_5MAO0JZFfaCQgItjlRNa7dxplC92NRzqZM3DCpx1ykSKWCEWheVyj0NoQfHSQi9oBJ4/s200/william.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #a64d79;">Manners manners manners</span></h4>
It's a pain in the butt to teach a toddler to say 'please' and 'thank you' and take their plate to the kitchen and generally be kind and polite to people, but if you don't start it young it doesn't take. And there is nothing more lovely for a mum who has worked hard on a children's party than a young man who says, "I had such a lovely time today. Thank you very much for the great party." (As opposed to: "I'm going now, where's my party pack", which I've also experienced.)<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Have fun</span></h4>
Sometimes it's hard. You're trying to get things done and be responsible and all of the grown-up stuff. But just let it go, some of the time, and do stupid things and have fun. It's not only good for the kids...<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128240052558876251.post-63155674554688113952013-01-05T11:35:00.001+02:002013-01-05T11:35:30.566+02:00Got your Printable Calendar for 2013?I was lucky enough this year to be spoiled with the <a href="http://www.frankiepress.com.au/shop/frankie/frankie-calendar-2013" target="_blank">2013 Frankie calendar</a>, but you can never have enough calendars, especially when there are so many beauts just waiting for you to download and print. So many talented people out there kindly sharing the joy with free printable 2013 calendars! To make it easy for us all, the wonderful Rachel of <a href="http://benignobjects.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Benign Objects</a> has done a great roundup. I'm just loving the <a href="http://www.designbolts.com/2012/11/14/make-everyday-special-free-calendar-2013-printable/#" target="_blank">Make Every Day Special calendar</a> by Design Bolts and the <a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/p/owl-lover-2013-calendar.html" target="_blank">Owl Lover's Calendar </a>by My Owl Barn. Go check out <a href="http://benignobjects.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-free-printable-calendar-roundup.html" target="_blank">Rachel's roundup</a> and pick your favourite....<br />
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<br />Sam Schwarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481807726347129782noreply@blogger.com1