Birthday gifts!

Here are some of the hand made gifts that were given for yesterdays special first birthday celebration! She loved them!

A pink corduroy dachshund, featuring Liberty of London fabric. (He's a bit chubby...)

A #1 bib to make sure everyone knows its her birthday!

A dress made from berry jersey and a lace trim refashioned from a special top of her mum's. The dress has a petticoat too (all little girls love them!).

A wonderful set of wooden food from Mooo. I lined the box with felt and made a drawstring bag to carry all the goodies around in.

A place setting for playing with the food- featuring felt cutlery and a quilted plate. Here is breakfast, lunch and some snacks all set out on the place setting!

All overseen, of course, by the sweetest cat ever. 

Happy birthday!

Shnookies favourite girl is celebrating her first birthday today! Sending her lots of love and happiness today and always xxx

We will share some of her hand made birthday presents here soon...

Shnookies quilts- Red quilt

Here is another new baby quilt for friends. They also don't know whether it's a boy or a girl, so hopefully this red quilt will be perfect for either.

We hope they like it!

Luckily, it got the seal of approval from the most discerning quilt critic- our beautiful cat. He thinks it's tops!

Shnookies quilts- Owl quilt

Here is a new quilt just made for friends expecting their first baby in the next few weeks. They don't know if there is a boy or a girl on the way, so we chose fabrics that will work well for either. We hope they like it!

The quilt top was made using a new technique that made it faster and more fun to make. So there will be more of these types of quilts to come!

The quilting has made this a tough little blanket that can be used and washed often. Can't wait to give it to the parents-to-be!

Cats on quilts

Some inspiration for those of us that love cats and quilts. And who know that there is nothing a cat loves more than sleeping on anything you are sewing...

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Funny foodie

Have you ever watched this BBC food show called Giles and Sue Live the Good Life? Funny.

Well, I really love this food blog by Giles' wife Esther- Recipe Rifle. Although it's not for those that are offended by a little swearing. She is a new mum who is cooking, cursing and having a laugh.

Esther is currently taking maternity leave from blogging, but there is plenty to look at in the archives. Very entertaining...

Autumn inspiration!

For all of you Sydneysiders, Australians, for everyone in the southern hemisphere... a change of seasons is definitely upon us! Have you felt it? Crisp mornings and cool evenings. Its beautiful.

Its certainly time to start making warm winter plans. Here is something to inspire you for your babies, your friends' babies, your nieces and nephews, grandchildren and godchildren. An absolutely beautiful girl wrapped up in her Shnookies best- soft beanie and snuggly cuffed jacket. Too cute!

Check out the Shnookies shop now before the winter rush begins!

All Shnookies items are handmade from 100% Australian wool and feature luxurious touches such as velvet ribbon trims and beautiful buttons and toggles.

Gratitude

It's a word that has become a little overused. Yet when I visit thxthxthx, it makes me smile every time.

Check out Leah Dietrich's delightful thank you notes sometime. It might make your day.

Bundarra Ruffle Tote

This Ruffle Tote in Charcoal by Bundarra Bags is gorgeous! So Frenchy and luxurious.

Bundarra Bags are absolutely the best- soft, light, washable, unique, stunning! You must check out the shop (and if you are clever- buy this bag!)

Moo Goo love

This brand of skincare is brilliant. I love their products and have tried most of the range. Especially the milk wash and udder cream.

I can't attest to whether it is good for dermatological problems, but it is great for sensitive skin like mine. No petrochemicals, mineral oils or other nasties.

What's the name about? Their website spiel says:

MooGoo was first made when the founder adapted a cream used in dairy farms to help a family member with a skin problem. The dairy version of "udder cream" was designed to heal the cow's udders and keep them in good condition for milking. It was full of skin repair ingredients and no gimmicks.

For babies, they have a nappy cream and a scalp cream for cradle cap. Lots of the other products are baby friendly too.

They are Australian products, but they ship internationally. Recommended!

Wearing your baby

Mummy's Favourite Things has a fantastic post on baby slings and 'wearing' babies. You should check it out to read about why carrying babies in a sling or other carrier can be great for mum and baby.

Ellaroo sling

Jasmin also recommends the Mini Monkey baby sling. Keep on eye on her blog for lots of great recommendations and advice.

Mini Monkey sling

House love

Houses- such special places and such lovely shapes. Here are some house shaped treasures...

House shaped wall display units.

Sticky notes, made from recycled wood pulp.

House pillow. So sweet!

Gingerbread softie

Dollhouse delight

The dollhouse- such a powerful childhood memory!

Is there anything better than creating a whole world, a life and a story for all of the dolls (real and imaginary) in their own house...

Here is a wonderful reworked vintage dollhouse, with colourful wallpapered rooms and a shingle roof.

All this house needs is a garden... Imagine the adorable miniatures and bonsais that could work.

What a wonderful butterfly corner! I always loved an attic space the best...

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There is definitely a dollhouse renovation in the planning stages around here. We will be sure to post some before and after photos of the fun!

New succulents by the door

Unfortunately, the lovely succulent pot by the front door keeps getting hit by the rolled up newspaper that is thrown over our fence each weekend! It has received a bit of a battering!

So it has been moved to a more sheltered spot and replaced by this hardy and spectacularly blue succulent! What an unusual one. The colour really came to life when it was re-potted in this brown pot, which contrasted so well with its blue colour.

Lets hope it survives the newspaper onslaught!

Spotlight: Shnookies Blankets

The Shnookies pram blanket is such a beautiful item. Hand made in 100% Australian wool, trimmed with a velvet ribbon, made to keep baby warm and snug at home or out and about!

The small size is perfect for cots, prams, strollers, moses baskets, capsules, bassinets... Unlike many blankets, it will cover baby perfectly without spilling out of the pram or being too heavy.

Soft and snuggly, a beautiful and lasting item for your baby (and to pass on to the next!). Take a look at the Shnookies store for blankets and other lovely things!

Creative baby blogs

Creative, crafty baby and kids blogs we love...

Mummy's favourite things: Excellent advice and know-how from a brilliant mum

Made by Joel: Fantastic creative projects made by an artistic Dad

Mon petit amour: Canadian cuteness

Lovely Design: Gorgeous quilts and craft projects from a mum expecting her second

Baby and wool: Knitting for a one-year old

Peonies and polaroids: Beautiful photos and stories from a new mum of twins!

Hank and Lucy: A blogging duo who have come together to document their pregnancies

What are your favourites?

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Spotlight: Shnookies Ponchos

For those of you in cooler climes, the poncho/ wrap/ cape must be an integral part of your wardrobe. It is for us here in Australia each winter!

I love these vintage images of some very cool ponchos...

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Naturally, the poncho is even more adorable for little ones...

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Here are some Shnookies ponchos- they are fantastic! Like a soft warm blanket to warp your baby in, they are easy to get on and off, can go over any outfit to make it look gorgeous.

They each have a sweet wooden toggle button, securely attached. Perfect for newborns and babies up to four months old.

If you are quick you will be able to buy this fabulous pink one, in the Shnookies etsy store now!