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Category: Life and laughter

{TUTORIAL}: Homemade Lego man costume for under $15
By Sheralee White

As part of Book Week in August, we put together a homemade Lego man costume for my six-year-old son. It took a few days to make but certainly wasn’t difficult at all.

With Halloween next week, I thought it was the perfect time to share how we made it for anyone looking for kids costume ideas.

Things you’ll need:
- Cardboard box large enough to fit your child
- 4 small round takeaway containers (or small cat/dog food tin)
- A hot glue gun with 3-4 glue sticks (these can be purchased from discount shops for about $7)
- Pencil
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Newspaper
- Plain white paper
- 1 can of spray paint
Timeframe:

2-3 days to make

STEP 1

Remove the flaps on the open box. On the opposite end, cut out a hole, large enough to fit your child’s head through. Cut smaller holes on each side to fit your child’s arms through.

STEP 2

One at a time, place the containers on the front of the box and use them to trace a circle using a pencil. Remove the container and follow the pencil outline with the glue gun. Stick the container, edge down, onto the glue. Repeat for each container.

STEP 3

Now you need to make the paper mache, Mix one part flour with one part water (about 1 cup flour and 1 cup water is enough) until you get a thick glue-like consistency. Add a bit more water if it’s too thick.

Mix well with a spoon to get rid of all the bumps. Add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mould.
- You need to use strips of newspaper only.
- Let the newspaper strips soak in the paper mache glue a little before using.
- Cover your artwork with only 2-3 layers, then let dry completely. This is an important step.
- Once a layer is dry you can add 2-3 more layers, remembering to let each layer dry before adding the next one.
- The final layer can be plain paper – so it’s easier to paint – but use the thinnest paper possible and make sure it’s soaked well in the paper mache glue.
STEP 4

Using the pencil, write the words Lego on each raised container, then with the hot glue gun follow over the words so that the word is raised in glue.

STEP 5

You’re ready to paint your block in your favourite Lego block colour.

STEP 6

Grab your child and start having some fun.

What have you made recently with boxes?
October 23, 2013
{TUTORIAL}: How to make Wizard of Oz birthday boxes

When Ella had her Wizard of Oz birthday party last year, one of the things that got the most comments – other than the rainbow house cake and that stellar *cough* homemade number five piñata, was the take home boxes (or party favour boxes, as the Americans would call them).

Originally, I was just going to get a copy of the Wizard of Oz book for every child, knowing most of them have probably never read the book or watched the movie. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to order copies and went for the tried and true take-home party box.

After getting over the shock of how expensive party boxes are – ridiculous, I tell you – I decided that, being the super crafty mum that I am *cough*, I should just make my own.

Here’s the end result:

What do you think?

They were so super easy to make. Here’s how we did it.

STEP 1:

Buy some noodle boxes from a $2 shop. You should be able to buy about a 10 or 20-pack of boxes for $2.

STEP 2:

Create a yellow brick pattern in Word or Powerpoint. Then print out. To save you the hassle of having to create all those bricks, you can download our bricks here. Prepare to use a bit of yellow ink.

STEP 3:

Cut the brick pattern into a long strip, following the brick lines to keep it straight.

STEP 4:

Fill the noodle box full of treats. We had a combination of small toys and lollies. We were a bit light on with the lollies, just because I don’t think kids need a lot.

STEP 5:

Close the lid of the noodle boxes. Wrap the brick strip around each box, taping it at the bottom.
Ta da! That’s it. Too easy. You could adapt this for plenty of different themed parties.
What do you usually do for birthday party take-home gifts?

August 3, 2013
Do your children love playing dress ups?
Sponsored post

When I was a kid, I had one dress up outfit. It was a horrible-fitting clown costume. I’m sure I have a photo of it here somewhere. My sister had a beautiful nurse’s outfit with matching medical bag. I think I got duped on that one.

Basically though, that was all we had.

Girls dress up ideas

Now, inside the girls’ playroom, is a giant dress up box full of every occupation, animal and fairytale character you could imagine. They’re obsessed with dressing up and putting on shows.

Those outfits can range from The Bloke In The Shed’s trackies with my high heel shoes (always a great look!) to a full blown Cinderella outfit with matching handbag, tiara and slippers.

Even for her 5th birthday, Ella chose a blue and white checkered dress and red ruby shoes like Dorothy for her Wizard of Oz party. She just had to dress up.

Why I’m a supporter of kids dressing up

I’m a big supporter of kids playing dress ups, because it helps:
- Foster their imagination.
- With empathy – apparently!
- Role playing and gaining skills for their future
- Working through different emotions and relationships they may be experiencing.
As a parent, I always think it’s an interesting insight into what’s going on inside those little heads. And probably throws back a little of how I act as a parent too. I really do cringe when they play mums and dads.

Dress up inspiration

Last week, online store Fairytale Treasures sent the girls two outfits – Ella a Little Red Riding Outfit and Holly a bumblebee outfit.

It was a hard decision for Ella, who also had her eye on the zebra, leopard and cowgirl outfits from the girls dress up range. The store is focused on fairytale-inspired outfits and dress ups and really appeals well to the different age groups. There is also full ranges for boys and girls.

Along with being impressed with the quality, I love how the dress up clothing is versatile enough to be worn for everyday wear. Ella wore her black Red Riding Hood top with a pair of jeans and it looked fabulous. She’s now asking can she wear the skirt for dancing next week.

Similarly, Holly was able to wear her bumblebee top with white trousers. She also wants to wear the skirt everywhere. Or rather, dance in it everywhere.

If you’re looking for quality dress up clothing for your children’s dress up box, need something for Halloween coming up, ideas for birthday parties or need some Christmas gift inspiration, I’d highly encourage you to check out http://www.fairytaletreasures.com.au/

Make sure to like the Fairytale Treasures Facebook page and sign up to their newsletter to keep up to date with new items. You can also follow Fairytale Treasures on Pinterest and Instagram.

Do your children love dress ups? Do they have a favourite outfit?

DISCLAIMER: I was paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
July 24, 2013
6 romantic date ideas in NSW

New South Wales was the destination for part of our honeymoon, so it holds fond memories for us. eHarmony Australia has written a great post for us on six romantic locations for dates in the NSW region. Hopefully it inspires some romance in your life.

Guest post sponsored by eHarmony Australia

Dates are the foundation of all good relationships, allowing you to spend quality time together. Planning a thoughtful date is the perfect way to show that you care. They can reflect yours or your partner’s interests, hobbies and ambitions, and you can really get creative with them. So, whether you’ve been married for 20 years or are going on your first eHarmony date, here are six romantic date ideas.

1. Winery tour

The central coast is home to New South Wales’ proud wine heritage. Take a weekend, or even a day trip, to take in the world-famous vineyards, views and cuisine of the Hunter Valley. Check the concert schedule too – your date might coincide with one of the signature music events held in the region.

Photo credit

2. Southern Highlands retreat

The Highlands, just an hour and a half south-west of Sydney, is a hub for a romantic country break. With plenty of relaxed wining and dining, boutiques, gardens, drives and galleries, the towns of Bowral, Mittagong, Berrima and Moss Vale are a great date destination for NSW couples.

3. Cultural date

New South Wales is a cultural lighthouse of writing, art, music and performance. Try a date in Byron Bay. Check out the local festivals line-up for the music, book and arts festivals (not to mention the galleries, eateries and general creative atmosphere – and the beach!). If you bonded over a mutual love of culture on a dating website, this is a perfect date destination.

4. Surf’s up!

For the activity-inclined, try a surfing lesson. The South Coast has plenty of surf schools so learn the basics and have a great time. The endorphins are a great way to kickstart a date. A few spills in the ocean, some laughter and exercise will certainly take away any nerves, and give you a fun experience to look back on.

5. Country music date

Country music lovers will always find their way to the home of the genre in New South Wales: Tamworth. Whether it’s during the annual festival or any other time of year, the Golden Guitar is a beacon to fans everywhere.

Photo credit

6. Bushwalking date

Lovers of the outdoors are right at home in New South Wales. Head to the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, to experience breathtaking scenery, Aboriginal heritage and great hiking trails. Top off the day’s walk with dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants or pubs.

Going on dates is important at any stage of a relationship. Whether you’re just getting to know each other or have spent many years together, it’s a way to reinforce the strength of shared interests, attraction and mutual compatibility.

What are your favourite date destinations?

June 26, 2013
Vinnie CEO Sleepout: How your perception of winter can change

Firstly, an apology. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted here and, for that, I’m sorry. I promise to visit more often.

I’ve been busy being an Editor of a local newspaper, a community worker in three other roles and, most importantly, a devoted husband and a loving dad to the three princesses.

I’m afraid I’ve neglected my role as The Bloke In the Shed.

Yet I am driven back to it to ask for a favour.

On June 20, I’ll be participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raising funds and awareness for their wonderful programs in assisting the huge number of homeless in our community.

That means me, the night stars and only a piece of cardboard separating my bones and the cement at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium. Some of you may recall Kel mentioning how I’ve never even camped in my life.

Through the newspaper I’ve been able to raise awareness of the cause and this first-class charity. However, I’m a late starter to the event and am behind the goal set for each business leader to raise.

If you can spare a dollar or two – and I mean just even a dollar or two – please donate. But it’s not a problem at all if you can’t.

If you know others who might be interested in supporting the cause, you can share the link to my profile http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/ceos/tas-ceos/julian-obrien.

Thanks in anticipation and I promise to not be a stranger. I may even post on the night!

June 10, 2013
How to get rid of the pacifier – once and for all

Getting rid of the pacifier has been on our to-do list with Holly for the last few months. Finally, on Friday night, we did it.

After talking about it on Instagram and Facebook on the weekend, I thought I’d reveal exactly how we went about it for those about to go through the same process.

Exactly when you get rid of the dummy is really up to you. Ella was two and a half when she lost hers and Holly has just reached the same age. Both girls weren’t allowed their dummy during the day – only for sleeps.

Here’s what we did:

Two to three months out:

Tell your child the dummy fairy will come and take their dummies one night to give to a little baby who needs it more than they do. The girls felt like it was less about what they were losing and more about how they were able to help someone else. And a little baby to boot! Continue to tell them this story over a two- to three-month period.

Two weeks out:

Read some children’s books on getting rid of the dummy, pacifier or binky – whatever they call it. We didn’t do this, but had the added bonus of childcare actually reading a book on the topic during the past few weeks. I think this really helped Holly because the message wasn’t coming from us. (If anyone’s interested to know what it was called, let me know in the comments and I’ll find out for you).

One week out:

Take your child shopping and let them pick out something they’d really like to receive from the dummy fairy in exchange for their pacifier. Seeing what they’re getting makes it all the more real. Alternatively, you may want to keep the gift a surprise and let them guess in the lead up to the big night. We also began to get Holly talking to friends, family and child carers about how she was going to give her dummies to the little babies.

The day of:

Choose a day that’s not going to interrupt their schedule too much. We chose a Friday night, so if she didn’t sleep well she had the weekend to make up for lost sleep. Talk excitedly about the big event with your child and with others you run into it.

The night of:

Have your child put the pacifiers into a container at bedtime or late afternoon. We put together a little letter this time. We didn’t do that with Ella. We bundled that up with the dummies and sat it on the kitchen bench for easy access for the dummy fairy – super important, of course! When they go to bed that night, reiterate what they’ve done and how proud you are of them for helping the little babies.

I’m not saying this is guaranteed to work for your child. Each child is different. For us, it’s worked both times and we’d happily do it again – if we had to. Thankfully, we don’t!

I will add that Holly has sat up in bed reading to herself until 9pm the past three nights. That’s later than usual, but at least she wasn’t yelling out for dummies. In fact, she’s only mentioned the dummy once, which was the second night. We just went over the story of the dummy fairy and the babies and she was happy with that. She’s also slept through the night, without waking – which is the thing I was most worried about.

If you’d like other ideas for getting rid of the pacifier, make sure to read Five super techniques for losing the pacifier.

How did you get rid of the pacifier for your child? What worked and what didn’t?

May 28, 2013