DIY Gift: Felt Flower Hairpin

Another gift idea using simple craft material: the felt

Makes a sweet gift for both kids & adults alike.
And one that doesn't break your bank ;)

Click here for step by step tutorial by icandyhandmade.

Hers was for a headband... i modified it for a simpler version - minus the leaf, and replaced the headband for a hairpin.

enjoy!

Baby's 1st Christmas

i can't seem to get a nice picture of our christmas tree with good lighting so sadly no pics to show :(
amidst the weeks of agonizing & frustrating morning sickness, it's surprising that i had the mood to set up the christmas tree this time round.
so i brought out the idea to the little one & he gamely agreed to help out!
it was really nice for a change cos at 3 yrs of age, it was so much fun to include him in!
(compared to the previous year when his curiosity to the tinsel & lights made us almost thought of barricading the tree)!
he was so excited to be part of decorating the christmas tree... hanging the glittering baubles, lights & star.

but my favorite ornament is the precious moment figurine hubby got for luke as he celebrated his 1st christmas with us back in 2007.
the little fella proudly hung it up on the tree and declared we'll have another baby in the house soon & he's now a "kor kor" (translated as older brother in chinese) =p

Wee! Another surprise greeting from the mailbox =)

it's always nice to receive a surprise greeting... especially one that greets you from your mailbox... plus it's extra special when it's handmade ;)

DIY Christmas Gift: Cowgirl Cookies

christmas is just round the corner... carols are already playing on my iTunes, tinsels & lights are beginning to be displayed all over malls in town, & shoppers are looking for good gift bargains.

i chanced upon a brilliant gift idea when i was browsing tru party ideas online several weeks ago -
Cowgirl Cookies by bakerella.
well, it isn't just another regular recipe for cookies but i thought it was an ingenious packaging idea.
you see.. i think pre mixes make good practical gifts... most of my friends who are moms of young kids enjoy baking and the simpler the recipe is, the better.... of course the element of taste is not compromised.

so when i saw this, i thought wow... perfect!

image extracted from bakerella

they even provided a simple step-by-step instruction but if you are thinking of doing quite a number of jars and prefer to keep it even simpler, you can opt for this instead (which i'm intending to do so myself).

you'll need:
- a clear jar
- a pack of pre mix - got mine from guten braun, sea park... still the best pre mix i have tried so far
- a cookie cutter (optional: u may like to include this as part of the gift)
- a strand of ribbon/postal string
- a piece of remnant fabric big enough to cover the diameter of the cover of the jar.
- a card to include step by step instructions for the cookie recipe (the recipe was just to add 250gm butter 
& choc chips of your desired quantity)

have fun!