tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011990108232270722024-03-19T22:38:12.371+11:00stepford dreamsstepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-75613414090048563292010-05-26T08:03:00.002+10:002010-05-26T08:12:09.456+10:00Up, up and away!Farewell for now my friends. As much as I love blogging and catching up on all the blogworld has to offer I have decided to take an indefinite break.<br /><br />After many months of ill health and surgeries, I have decided to spend more time getting super healthy. I'm not sure if I'll be back to this blog or not, will play it by ear.<br /><br />My darling Tinker is amazing as always. She adores preschool. She attends two days per week from 9 til 3. She absolutely loves it. From the very first day she has adored it. Never a tear or a "don't go Mama" she just loves playing with her classmates, learning from the teachers and she even loves the food. Who'd have thought my fussy eater would be one of the best eaters in the class?!<br /><br />At 2 and a half she speaks like a 5 year old. Clearly and fluently and she continues to raise eyebrows with her quirky sense of humour and wit. She tells jokes and can read numbers 1 through 10, most of the alphabet and continues to love learning Mandarin. She is such a little star< I couldn't be more proud of my girl.<br /><br />She often asks for a sibling so that is another project for Mama and Papa right now. Our lives are full, we are very lucky.<br /><br />Take care everyone.<br /><br />xx Carolynstepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-87294289542696638512010-04-12T20:03:00.005+10:002010-04-12T22:38:45.465+10:00Hope & CellsIt is the eve of my little Tinker's first day of pre-school so I thought I'd pop in and update you instead of spending any more time fiddling nervously with her little backpack for tomorrow!<br /><br />Yes I survived last week, and yes I know I owe you some tales and pictures from our fabulous trip. Alas, real life has the audacity to get in the way of my blog posts.<br /><br />Someone who read last week's post sent me an email asking me about my miscarriage. They made the point that "in the first trimester it isn't really a baby" and suggested I think not of it as the death of our child but rather a mass of cells.<br /><br />I appreciate the thought, I take it this particular reader thought their advice might console me in some way, however I couldn't help but share their thoughts with you all. Especially after receiving so many emails from other readers who had suffered similar losses and said they found little understanding from their friends and families.<br /><br />Everybody is different, and if I am to share with you my feelings about this, it would be to point out that a loss is a loss. It is the sudden end to a lifetime of hopes and dreams for a special little person. Whether that little person resembles a salamander in a sac of a fluid or looks a lot like your Uncle Ned, it doesn't matter. An unborn baby represents hope. From the moment you are blessed with a pregnancy your heart fills with dreams for this little person. If the baby dies before he gets the chance to meet you, he takes all of those dreams with him.<br /><br />In my case, I had put a lot of weight on the fact that our baby was due around the one year anniversary of my dear friend Alli's death. It warmed my heart knowing that our special little baby would bring so much joy and hope to everyone remembering Alli a year after her death. So for me, losing this baby represents a lot.<br /><br />It comes at a time when some people are moving on with their lives without Alli and for others, the 6month mark has been a very sad one. I'm in the latter group and after this happening, I am feeling a kind of double-grief. Missing so much, my beloved friend and soul mate and missing also, the hope of this new little life that represented so much for so many of us.stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-39192041350455440172010-04-06T22:24:00.005+10:002010-04-06T22:51:15.875+10:00Tomorrow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAOxAahNAmlByFpuP_rmQCC0hN8qttT34pYL6du9tXxNzjWR9hz7-l-89UggtBOkWDDdq09RItBUku7pbjCGifMwCLV0XpIp9zBx6cW8JdIinlkJNFU4XjJ3HF3ns7aLEOTLfMsMBnIr8/s1600/150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457002075855521666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAOxAahNAmlByFpuP_rmQCC0hN8qttT34pYL6du9tXxNzjWR9hz7-l-89UggtBOkWDDdq09RItBUku7pbjCGifMwCLV0XpIp9zBx6cW8JdIinlkJNFU4XjJ3HF3ns7aLEOTLfMsMBnIr8/s400/150.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>"Tomorrow can be a wonderful age."</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>That's what Walt Disney said when referring to <em>Tomorrowland</em>, one of the Magic Kingdom lands he created for his theme parks. We "did" the Hong Kong Disney on the first leg of our trip and then we finished off the Disney experience with a week at Disneyworld in Florida on the way home. Tinker is now Disney-mad.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the photo above she is meeting Mickey for the first time. Would you believe she actually got tears in her eyes when she realised we were actually going to meet him for real? It was adorable.</div><br /><div></div>The week before we left for Fiji we found out that little Tinker was to become a big sister in October. Such magical news. October will be one year since the passing of our dear Alli and what better way to brighten a tough month with the arrival of a new baby?<br /><br />Sadly, it wasn't to be. I suffered some complications, a <em>subchorionic hemorrhage</em> that lasted a week and horribly ended in the passing of our dear little baby when we were in London. People are hesitant to talk about miscarriage. I'm not really sure why. I guess the term implies some sort of negligence. I <em>miscarried</em> my baby. I carried my baby badly so he died. That sort of idea? It's a stupid word isn't it- miscarriage? Anyway, I'm not one of those people. Death is part of life and it serves nobody to pretend it doesn't happen.<br /><br />For me, tomorrow will be a tough day. It marks the 6th month since Alli's death and it is also the day we close the chapter on the pregnancy that wasn't to be because I am having to undergo a surgical removal. Graphic terms really, don't you think? Not as stupid as the term they used on my pre-admission form today - "retained products". What? Products of conception. Oh I see.<br /><br />Nice.<br /><br />Anyway, tomorrow IS a new day and tomorrow can be a wonderful age.<br /><br />I'll be back. xx<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><br /><em></em>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-65472758928120271212010-04-04T21:13:00.002+10:002010-04-04T21:17:42.142+10:00JetsettersWhat kind of sneaky blogger says they are back and then vanishes for 6 weeks?<br />Me!<br /><br />My husband left his job after 14 years and we decided to take the Fiji trip I mentioned in my last post. A week later, on a bit of a whim we booked a 5 week round the world trip. So that's where I've been. The three of us arrived home today, and gosh I have loads of stories and pictures to share.<br /><br />Life returns to normal in two days time. My husband starts his new job and I'l be back to bang on about my nutty little life.<br /><br />See you all then.stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-50370092138959190852010-02-21T21:38:00.003+11:002010-02-22T00:24:11.427+11:00Three Bs<div>Back. Bigger. Better.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ok so I achieved 1 out of 3 of my promised Bs. I'm Back. Not bigger nor better, but I said I'd be back in February and we have a week of February left, so here I am.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm so out of the blogging loop that I'm not even sure where to begin today.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you to everyone who sent me emails of support, kindness and friendship after my<a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/10/alli-crane-1981-2009.html"> last blog post</a> following the passing of my beloved best friend Alli. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to all of you, I did read them all and it was so touching to know that people from all over the world had sent their love.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have enjoyed my time <em>offline</em> but I'm pleased to back sharing my stories and cruising the blogosphere again. In the past five months my life has bounced up and down and up again. Constant, has been the love of family and friends and the really wonderful times I have with my little Tinker.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here we are below last week in Fiji enjoying a little family escape. My husband captured such a peaceful moment, we had a really relaxing time. Unless you count the feral hyper child on the plane. That sweet little redhead of mine is a hideous plane traveller!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuryDAKFrW_-enEgDMYFAObApG8SKLJLzLSKYL0CzPgF_pT9Z1NplbDx4HSR8R9O-vrnjRcy3gBa9aybZ0cMM4onqOh6BgiyYqVnmOHq3oT4vBeImtAezs0GVQQCX3CB2MZ0ZQxeLjFWJ/s1600-h/Fabruary+2010+395.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440679804322567330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuryDAKFrW_-enEgDMYFAObApG8SKLJLzLSKYL0CzPgF_pT9Z1NplbDx4HSR8R9O-vrnjRcy3gBa9aybZ0cMM4onqOh6BgiyYqVnmOHq3oT4vBeImtAezs0GVQQCX3CB2MZ0ZQxeLjFWJ/s320/Fabruary+2010+395.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'll be back soon with more news. So much has happened, I'm not even sure where to begin blogging again. I will put my thinking cap on with regards to achieving the other two Bs as promised.</div><br /><div>xx</div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-20388411448144555392010-01-18T22:16:00.002+11:002010-01-18T22:20:39.017+11:00Stepford Dreams News Flash!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lsf8EpI3ZvJN_b5pAAv96F8BJ5HQRTvx5_XcSax2ao4oBem37Kr0YpWdkYwkqojYo7C9O2UrZCL7kX-gTFuzugIkHgpha2QCC1wH68JU9cvSgUmHYQ8oD8fRRcGqAYgKwIPiukMt5Yra/s1600-h/StopPress1.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428038137429651602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lsf8EpI3ZvJN_b5pAAv96F8BJ5HQRTvx5_XcSax2ao4oBem37Kr0YpWdkYwkqojYo7C9O2UrZCL7kX-gTFuzugIkHgpha2QCC1wH68JU9cvSgUmHYQ8oD8fRRcGqAYgKwIPiukMt5Yra/s400/StopPress1.gif" /></a><br /><div>News flash! My blog will be back, bigger and better than ever in February.</div><br /><div>I've missed you all and can't wait to catch up again soon.</div><br /><div>Til then, that's all folks!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>xCarolyn</div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-79558252416058878692009-10-07T09:15:00.000+11:002009-10-07T09:15:03.762+11:00Alli Crane 1981 - 2009<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jTWGuYaOMJVIvUjXJKECA009S1vKbZM9jfyNdyAK6ATC91O8RVQPuXt3gDvZKnI33DO9U-LqsPa5DCaKhfuHvD2wraBIhNeTaSVyY1piRDgJ3d6wJpdSTs3HT5D7zbTh34sffm5D6A1O/s1600-h/bffffs.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389463787697193810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jTWGuYaOMJVIvUjXJKECA009S1vKbZM9jfyNdyAK6ATC91O8RVQPuXt3gDvZKnI33DO9U-LqsPa5DCaKhfuHvD2wraBIhNeTaSVyY1piRDgJ3d6wJpdSTs3HT5D7zbTh34sffm5D6A1O/s320/bffffs.jpg" /></a> In loving memory of my beloved best friend, Tinker's adored Godmother.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/06/let-me-tell-you-joke.html">Alli</a> passed away yesterday after a long and courageous fight with cancer.</div><div align="center">Now she can finally rest peacefully.</div><div align="center">I will miss her always, forever my best friend, soulmate, Tinker's Godmother.</div><div align="center">xx</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>This photo was taken just a few weeks ago. Special memories.</em></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-72880438888512754522009-09-08T22:27:00.003+10:002009-09-08T22:37:33.189+10:00*ring ring* Anyone there?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXLYRJS0tWFLYMU2sRADO_rkcJVYCm-ExJ8W1U4WW80W78fZlNl_LsFRlQMqEQcvbS2jqBOnjyDmUfmssmg3StUgsTJyRu5bSmBgsB7AJ75x1w7EGFz5ernv8oH2881RFrL1zWGU5U8KR/s1600-h/Billie%2520Dove.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379073340830049202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXLYRJS0tWFLYMU2sRADO_rkcJVYCm-ExJ8W1U4WW80W78fZlNl_LsFRlQMqEQcvbS2jqBOnjyDmUfmssmg3StUgsTJyRu5bSmBgsB7AJ75x1w7EGFz5ernv8oH2881RFrL1zWGU5U8KR/s400/Billie%2520Dove.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hi *big daggy wave* remember me?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My surgery had to be cancelled because of an annoying infection in my lungs and now what was to be one little op is now going to be two little ops so I'm taking a little more time out while we work out the schedule of those and fuss about with phone calls to <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/06/cutting-out-my-eye-to-spite-my-face.html">my favourite people ever.</a> </div><br /><div>Hope you don't mind? I promise I'll be back soonish. I'll try to update my twitter account as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/06/let-me-tell-you-joke.html">My beautiful best friend Alli</a> is in the hospital and she is very very ill so if you are the praying type I'd ask you to please get your prayers on and if you are not the praying type then please keep our beautiful girl in your thoughts.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>xxCarolyn</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;color:#c0c0c0;">image credit </span><a href="http://www.mauronne.com/Bloodflower%20moviestar%20postcards.html"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#c0c0c0;">www.mauronne.com</span></a></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-29278356552429592652009-08-28T11:02:00.001+10:002009-08-28T11:59:46.508+10:00Farewell for a Fortnight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSOlmtWHSGrv5kcB8OFi0aeYJP1ZGdwuxh3vtwubJ_kwn5_XHkJjZIWkXTd-C6jGqxNa76-EdzZAzLktTZ_fIlKqi7LOu2Tow0WQG94BR1RZL26IlgpRibAZG2W4cjqdE5dC-QMiYduWN/s1600-h/il_430xN_69082201.jpg"><em><span style="color:#999999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374643875260931922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSOlmtWHSGrv5kcB8OFi0aeYJP1ZGdwuxh3vtwubJ_kwn5_XHkJjZIWkXTd-C6jGqxNa76-EdzZAzLktTZ_fIlKqi7LOu2Tow0WQG94BR1RZL26IlgpRibAZG2W4cjqdE5dC-QMiYduWN/s400/il_430xN_69082201.jpg" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"> </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;">This beautiful image is courtesy of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">etsy</span> seller <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lynndavis</span>. Stunning isn't it?</span></em><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">My friends I bid you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">farewell</span> for a very short while. I will be back on the 14<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> September, bigger and better. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> well I'd prefer to be thinner and better but with all the genius inventions going on at my place I reckon I'll be double my size in 2 weeks.</span></p><br /><p>I am having an operation and I'll be out of action for a wee while. Don't worry I'll be just fine and I'll be back soon. I have a few exciting projects to share with you all on my return. Take care and I'll see you soon. </p><br /><p>Just don't ditch me for any of those perfect <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">glamazon</span> super mum blogs while I'm gone will you? </p><br /><p>x Carolyn</p>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-20560357556238003052009-08-28T10:19:00.006+10:002009-08-28T10:49:42.870+10:00It's Time for Another Winner!This week's <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-gingerlilly-pjs-for-you.html">amazing giveaway </a>had me wishing I could enter myself! I adore Gingerlilly Sleepwear, the fabric, the colours, the sexy but comfy designs and of course the gorgeous matching gift boxes...<br /><br />Someone is about to feel very very lucky. The little Tinker picked the winner first thing this morning under the watchful gaze of Henry and Beatrice. So, who won?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>*click pictures to enlarge*</em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-9LhTLjo-FiIxyckhADlUML_DOo0Ks3K8HgLAHtl4M9mHkQn4SyZEc7ifUKU7KcJFUP9l_1MCovIzHSK1KiYhfT7WBp71hyphenhyphenMkmfm732Cb36DauFNoAI2II1v8JqvG6lZyAaQUkavz1Th/s1600-h/DSC_0008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374808137661631986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-9LhTLjo-FiIxyckhADlUML_DOo0Ks3K8HgLAHtl4M9mHkQn4SyZEc7ifUKU7KcJFUP9l_1MCovIzHSK1KiYhfT7WBp71hyphenhyphenMkmfm732Cb36DauFNoAI2II1v8JqvG6lZyAaQUkavz1Th/s400/DSC_0008.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGRtZRbVudSFyiK2-5lK4hlvee4gTXi4Lwo19VsizJglFmw-NRZw5v2le70Q1Y-mxFseUQZciVjgdeNN6-hFUCskw83Wer2rJWZIHYU-QdHHUULGSNie7il_MKCjhoeEAHCqOBsB0jdEZ/s1600-h/DSC_0010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374807512452158322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGRtZRbVudSFyiK2-5lK4hlvee4gTXi4Lwo19VsizJglFmw-NRZw5v2le70Q1Y-mxFseUQZciVjgdeNN6-hFUCskw83Wer2rJWZIHYU-QdHHUULGSNie7il_MKCjhoeEAHCqOBsB0jdEZ/s400/DSC_0010.jpg" /></a> The 5th entrant. Who was that? Quick <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-gingerlilly-pjs-for-you.html">go back </a>and count down...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02226746331895581773">Simone</a> you lucky duck, you are the winner!! Shoot me an email with your size and address and I will forward the details on to the lovely Vanessa so she can send out your prize.<br /><br />Thank you all for entering and providing such great comment about sleepwear design I think they will really be interest to Vanessa and her team.<br /><br />Of course the biggest thanks goes to Vanessa, thank you again for supporting Stepford Dreams with your amazing <a href="http://www.gingerlilly.com.au/">Gingerlilly Sleepwear</a>. We love your store! xxstepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-71769486507997903002009-08-28T09:03:00.003+10:002009-08-28T10:19:12.460+10:00Fast Friday Funny - Tinker's Pick<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yG3Izv3IFkM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yG3Izv3IFkM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />The little Tinker is mad about funny animal videos on YouTube. I made the mistake of showing her one video of a swimming cat and ever since, she demands a new video once a day. Today's video is this silly fat cat dancing. She howls laughing and says "ok now watch it again please" over and over again. So you can thank Tinker for this week's FFF.<br /><br />Have a great Friday and a great weekend!stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-35398163174977300872009-08-27T13:21:00.005+10:002009-08-27T19:25:15.414+10:00My kind of Kingston<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSW2lbV8QS5kc_ML74uIr8hP3SNJayDlfvpqAUSEkSWohZrLOtVEM1RT1xJvCYjLIKcnJvRWhxsz90ZeIPCj7z_eZuGeftmonmYHj7J471KHNxoPrNsV-uJlhFaLazRzyKd2jpwph8O94/s1600-h/geniusinvention.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374482500039218498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSW2lbV8QS5kc_ML74uIr8hP3SNJayDlfvpqAUSEkSWohZrLOtVEM1RT1xJvCYjLIKcnJvRWhxsz90ZeIPCj7z_eZuGeftmonmYHj7J471KHNxoPrNsV-uJlhFaLazRzyKd2jpwph8O94/s400/geniusinvention.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Not one to blow my own horn, well not too loudly anyway... however on this occasion I feel that it is warranted. I have invented something so spectacular, something so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ingenious</span> that I may have to shut down this blog to keep up with the hoards of fans I'm likely to get once I tell you about my latest feat of brilliance.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the non-Aussies, it may not be clear why this is so fantastic but if you have ever tried a Kingston biscuit you will know that it is impossible to keep a packet in your pantry for more than oh 12 hours. Right?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well yesterday in a flash of creativity I created my very own Kingston biscuit only it's better. Seriously. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Masterchef</span> watch out because I am now the champion. Those two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">blonde</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bogans</span> with the patronising piercing voices from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">QLD</span> who are famous for 4 ingredient recipes also need to watch out because this brilliant invention requires only 2 ingredients.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/04/lest-we-forget.html">ANZAC <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">biscuits</span> </a>and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutella</span>. Genius.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Get 2 ANZAC biscuits and put 2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spoonfuls</span> of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutella</span> between them. That is all you need to do. Now, step away from the computer, go to your pantry and try it. What kind of Aussie mum has a pantry lacking ANZAC biscuits? Now get your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutella</span> and get going.</div><div></div><div>All those size zero <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">glamazon</span> mummies with your 26 children in matching outfits, your perfect show homes and your handmade, home made fancy pants everything can go and sulk in the corner with your pipe cleaners and home made spelt pretzels because this invention trumps everything.</div><br /><div>I dare you to come back here and tell me I'm not not a genius. </div><div> </div><div><em>edited to add:</em></div><div><em>I've had quite a few emails from some of my overseas readers. Now don't panic. You will not miss out on my genius because the ANZAC spirit is lacking in your "cookie" aisle. Yes we say biscuit and you say cookie. <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/04/lest-we-forget.html">Click here </a>for my previous ANZAC post, if you scroll down you will see I have a really dead easy recipe for you to make the ANZAC biscuits at home. Even I can't ruin them, easy easy easy. </em></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-71693124781947405172009-08-27T07:17:00.002+10:002009-08-27T07:48:23.412+10:00Tinker's Threads - Clown is Cool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECRnyA12HO51SsLIXpgBizbHM83xwB8X8uhGsMTa5mvCGoY1JwHO5dIuGSEseUKB4rA-h7BNk9hWwDGUsje9A8RC1ZdvldgIvwtqhqBI3bvZEE2AWpqwL8t-jYnLcx5IwRWZ6VQBYbXzl/s1600-h/LOGOTinkersThreads.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371494068076028354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECRnyA12HO51SsLIXpgBizbHM83xwB8X8uhGsMTa5mvCGoY1JwHO5dIuGSEseUKB4rA-h7BNk9hWwDGUsje9A8RC1ZdvldgIvwtqhqBI3bvZEE2AWpqwL8t-jYnLcx5IwRWZ6VQBYbXzl/s200/LOGOTinkersThreads.jpg" /></a> So the little cheeky one chose the top today, can you tell? She loves it.<br />If you are interested in buying one let me know and I'll fish out the link. I bought this top when I was pregnant they have such fun prints there. Such a sweet little design as well.<br /><br />She also loves shuffling about the house in her little leather elephant slippers from NZ. Tinker is big fan of elephants after visiting an elephant rehab farm in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chiang</span> Mai. If anyone is interested I will post up some snaps from that holiday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>*click to enlarge pictures*</em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHaMj6I6GY-3Qgl8NM_Fb-s7Iu1Zok1ZkZO3D-p4_XFcIpy3WXC_N5BCDjp9vvqLDzCOg6uSulfzq4W7VUfdAQbTIqNleU86RZwJstOPtE8BcZsjaoMs85a6_H9osMkFjUUwu-lGBzwwH/s1600-h/Clown+threads.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371494782131895490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHaMj6I6GY-3Qgl8NM_Fb-s7Iu1Zok1ZkZO3D-p4_XFcIpy3WXC_N5BCDjp9vvqLDzCOg6uSulfzq4W7VUfdAQbTIqNleU86RZwJstOPtE8BcZsjaoMs85a6_H9osMkFjUUwu-lGBzwwH/s400/Clown+threads.jpg" /></a>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-63437414293738672982009-08-26T11:23:00.003+10:002009-08-26T11:30:05.311+10:00Ahoy there!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCb2FYDHTc5yKHJbZiAwGAMkmIsRMMOT33K22YUUvKbktsbPciM0CyKFPdq3706B8PzD32fAoP8E62ZhHAZFZhbz7LVOy_3ks12A3w05vh9PZZhRHCyTilXkG9bM7hzA0JLHHbw1Uw7TC/s1600-h/il_430xN_60656190.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374078241986841938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCb2FYDHTc5yKHJbZiAwGAMkmIsRMMOT33K22YUUvKbktsbPciM0CyKFPdq3706B8PzD32fAoP8E62ZhHAZFZhbz7LVOy_3ks12A3w05vh9PZZhRHCyTilXkG9bM7hzA0JLHHbw1Uw7TC/s400/il_430xN_60656190.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"> <em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image credit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">PeppermintDaydreams</span> via <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">etsy</span></span></em></span><br /><br /><div>Don't worry I'm not lost at sea. </div><div> </div><div>I've received a few very kind emails asking where on earth I've gone. Hey it's only <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Wednesday</span> people!! </div><div> </div><div>Anyway I'm not lost at sea somewhere I'm still here and thank you for asking after me. </div><div>We have an outrageous number of things on this week. Nothing thrilling though just tedious errands mainly. Little Tinker is finally on the mend which makes things easier. I'll be back shortly to update you all on the happenings at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">StepfordDreams</span>.com. </div><br /><div>In the meantime have a happy Wednesday and don't forget this week's lovely giveaway!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">xCarolyn</span></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-73810968062685219882009-08-24T04:19:00.002+10:002009-08-25T23:33:17.062+10:00Monday Giveaway - Gingerlilly PJs For YOU!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_xcnbQACYmU4GOK14kS62LP_6VxEQ3EjvhIVyPCQl5FiOjVoyIf4tkdQ589VvcFV7xgdLUwf-9ZY1IDHM1-ui_MgFfMk1g64f46QYGow5q_EGZZPvX7qm0prwmknrsbaQ1Kx9qIDVB2y/s1600-h/logoblacktony.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 75px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373046258796913346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_xcnbQACYmU4GOK14kS62LP_6VxEQ3EjvhIVyPCQl5FiOjVoyIf4tkdQ589VvcFV7xgdLUwf-9ZY1IDHM1-ui_MgFfMk1g64f46QYGow5q_EGZZPvX7qm0prwmknrsbaQ1Kx9qIDVB2y/s400/logoblacktony.gif" /></a><br /><div><div><div>I am thrilled to be offering my second giveaway of <a href="http://www.gingerlilly.com.au/">Gingerlilly Sleepwear</a>, only this time the pjs are not for the little one in your life, they are for you! Perfect pick me up for the start of the week, don't you think?</div><br /><div>Gingerlilly Sleepwear is a fabulous Australian company founded by the very gorgeous Vanessa Sofia who has worked in the fashion industry for 15 years both here and overseas. She knows what women want when it comes to sleepwear, I love her store. There is something at Gingerlilly for everyone. Babies, kids, men and women. Stylish, high quality pjs are a must for everyone.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/06/monday-giveaway-gingerlilly-pjs.html">Last time</a> so many of you mentioned how much you loved the look of the Claudia set and the very lovely Vanessa from <a href="http://www.gingerlilly.com.au/">Gingerlilly</a> has kindly offered a set of Claudia Pjs for one lucky Stepford Dreams reader. These are super stylish, super soft and definitely sexy. Perfect pyjamas, no?</div><br /><div>Valued at $89.95 this is an awesome prize!</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8WV7KSaEevIQYily0DumEX282t1LiTfxTOJdOKJbaLFo_T5qNK4d6IujdYZDPcqdq7q4k2Oi1RhJ2OpiztI-qotdsz0pLoMeNSmC-g4WCjjWLfJ1NQ7gClpjZgr_8RVkrvzcNozh2vUN/s1600-h/Claudia_6779-RGB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373045614512175426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8WV7KSaEevIQYily0DumEX282t1LiTfxTOJdOKJbaLFo_T5qNK4d6IujdYZDPcqdq7q4k2Oi1RhJ2OpiztI-qotdsz0pLoMeNSmC-g4WCjjWLfJ1NQ7gClpjZgr_8RVkrvzcNozh2vUN/s400/Claudia_6779-RGB.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>To win, all you need to do is this:</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373043722977632034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWYEBOY_VQ2rarmyjEKHiAy3U6KjD-fSgosWhv6IW0CpQ49bVdMtPIdbHY0iYITZ-YSNXnX4D0y6Mo_FHKJjYq_ZGynWLfOw0pSxsdx8bdoH-r9b-j9HC5ag0V06hjMuB6AUh4rlNBpoy/s400/CLAUDIAbox.jpg" />1. Check out <a href="http://www.gingerlilly.com.au/">Gingerlilly's online store here </a>and tell me what you love about it <em>and</em></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>2. Tell me what you love when it comes to sleepwear. Is it the fabric, the cut, colour, style... Tell me your favourite features. Easy as that!</div><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>This gorgeous boxed set of Claudia Sleepwear could be yours!</strong></p><div><em>As always the winner will be drawn by the Tinker on Friday morning. Entries close at 5am Sydney time on Friday and you can only enter once. If you are the lucky winner you will have until 5pm Monday to claim your prize or the next lucky duck in the pond gets it! Spread the word, everyone can enter. You don't need to be an official follower of my blog. Everyone is welcome it doesn't matter where you live in the world. Good luck!</em><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-39725338688621075722009-08-21T17:55:00.004+10:002009-08-21T19:06:19.977+10:00A winner in a cocoon? Yep!I'm afraid my trusty sidekick is out of action today. The Tinker has the flu. She is awfully unwell and has spent most of the day snuggled under a blanket with saying nothing but a sad little whimper. Even a jelly bean and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yellow</span> snake lolly couldn't coax her to sit up. She really has it bad, poor little lamb.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway the show must go on so I managed to score a really amazing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">supermodel</span> to stand in for Tinker. Strange coincidence... the supermodel actually owns the same pink cardigan and the same <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ikea</span> apron as I do. Weird that.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here we have the supermodel using Tinker's cup to pick the winner of our <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-baby-cocoon.html">outrageously cute cocoon giveaway</a> from Megan at Edan Rose.<br /><p> </p><p>*click to enlarge*<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UAxC0-rSkUmIejHnGVDOPZkDXJ1Td6Sq6llTzr912piXvy3iVCRy7lhRh_n6crLlytAY6nGvkmm9MyeIc5M9ejAK1dIC4WTy8vmJS4nZpUx-qxyyQFj99SY-JkjVd17Onbzx6Z5EQugK/s1600-h/babycocoonwinner.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372328087878551506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UAxC0-rSkUmIejHnGVDOPZkDXJ1Td6Sq6llTzr912piXvy3iVCRy7lhRh_n6crLlytAY6nGvkmm9MyeIc5M9ejAK1dIC4WTy8vmJS4nZpUx-qxyyQFj99SY-JkjVd17Onbzx6Z5EQugK/s400/babycocoonwinner.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://johnsonfriends.blogspot.com/">**Amy**</a> it is YOU!</div><br /><br /><br />Please shoot me an email with your address and colour choice and I will pass your details on to Megan so she can send you your gorgeous prize.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks again to Megan, I love supporting other mummies and I wish your fabulous store lots of luck!<br /><br /><br /><br />Now, I must get back to my poorly bear. I'll see you all again on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Monday</span>. Bright and early for another amazing giveaway. Please tune in, you won't want to miss this one I promise. xxstepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-22934881484733010292009-08-21T02:20:00.000+10:002009-08-21T02:20:00.143+10:00Fast Friday Funny - I've found my matchSo my husband and I often joke that Tinker may end up having an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">amazing</span> singing voice. It will go one of two ways. Both my husband and I have HORRID singing voices, possible the worst two in Australia so our procreation could result in the world's worst singer or maybe just maybe it will work the other way. The Tinker could be very gifted...<br /><br />For me, there is no hope. I cannot sing. I've always been hopeless and I always will be but this girl here, this young Chinese girl has potential. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> I'm being facetious. She is possibly as bad or maybe even worse than me. The difference between us is that I know I can't sing. Very funny. Watch and see:<br /><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dvSA-ahP520&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dvSA-ahP520&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br />I'll be back later today to draw the winner of our giveaway. My Tinker is really sick so I don't know how helpful she will be I may need to rope Henry or Beatrice in her place.stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-20925076299959528092009-08-20T08:55:00.008+10:002009-08-20T11:41:37.378+10:00Want to have a whale of a time? Get your jugs out!<div><br /><div>So I was sitting down enjoying a cup of hot tea this morning. Why do I mention the fact that my tea was hot? Because lately I have been drinking lukewarm tea thanks to the constant interruptions of a certain engaging redhead. Anyway I was enjoying my break while her Grandad took her out on a walk and <a href="http://ishandchi.blogspot.com/2009/08/etsy-finds-ninainvorm.html">Viv's latest post </a>featuring a nice jug reminded me of a post I wanted to write.</div><br /><br /><div>I have a thing for jugs. Get your filthy minds out of the gutter, you know who you are! I am talking about jugs usually called pitchers by my yank friends. I can't explain what it is about this piece of tableware but I'm a big fan. </div><br /><br /><div>One of my favourite wedding gifts was a pewter water jug by South African sculptor Carol <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boyes</span>. Here is a similar one:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaSbLirvAhPSZc014PbTBG1SEOIOznwHBU12Rh-90f8aFgBK-QJIWgZ_eG68PPhqP55Tln5hGZnLq27ERfL5LLwZ7QNqjTlvKYaYpHvLF9Su32ufduT8EDZVU1jagBzYtNHnLYOb4yTs_/s1600-h/QWJmn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371849108317649490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaSbLirvAhPSZc014PbTBG1SEOIOznwHBU12Rh-90f8aFgBK-QJIWgZ_eG68PPhqP55Tln5hGZnLq27ERfL5LLwZ7QNqjTlvKYaYpHvLF9Su32ufduT8EDZVU1jagBzYtNHnLYOb4yTs_/s400/QWJmn.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OUYVP9AKG3M4ZpAvE4k4vXQnwD9wQxk6K0byvRYE9703zOtVrDUj1NXrm8xA6PW7ij9e8dyUfge90xUXvGjKWt9jhrcHc_kJLCAyLYzhjyUNuRqWmgEaZp9I24f62OIFCftyT8GsH0IH/s1600-h/jonathan_pic.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 369px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371852423681224770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OUYVP9AKG3M4ZpAvE4k4vXQnwD9wQxk6K0byvRYE9703zOtVrDUj1NXrm8xA6PW7ij9e8dyUfge90xUXvGjKWt9jhrcHc_kJLCAyLYzhjyUNuRqWmgEaZp9I24f62OIFCftyT8GsH0IH/s400/jonathan_pic.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><p>My friend Glen received an awesome jug for his birthday last week and I thought I'd share it with you. It is a piece by American pottery guru <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/index.php">Jonathan Adler</a>. </p><br /><p>Now I'm sure all you cool American readers know this fellow already but I'm slow off the mark and I must say I've totally fallen for him. He can be my new gay-husband. He is fabulous I love his work.</p><br /><div>I don't know where to find Jonathan's pieces here in Australia but I will keep an eye out and maybe I'll just have to fire up that American post office box again. You know the secret shopping one I leased and successfully hid from my husband for almost a year? Now that was a cunning covert operation let me tell you!<br /></div><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeUKC0YhSKMUe4FW7mqhFVNHoZwb8LH6mIWW62Q2TsfDD7RA_CQvd1RPUMhJNHvszSga_GV1easnLliNyK9YTctfRpUgzaKifEFk_BeBkuyBJhWd-RL2dGAmauBUpdqUIJR01dxljSl2p/s1600-h/whale_pitcher_adler.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 357px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371851956245806594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeUKC0YhSKMUe4FW7mqhFVNHoZwb8LH6mIWW62Q2TsfDD7RA_CQvd1RPUMhJNHvszSga_GV1easnLliNyK9YTctfRpUgzaKifEFk_BeBkuyBJhWd-RL2dGAmauBUpdqUIJR01dxljSl2p/s400/whale_pitcher_adler.jpg" /></a> This is the whale jug that Glen's sister bought for him and I have decided that I absolutely need one of my very own. </p><br /><div></div><br /><div>They also have a gorgeous matching butter dish. Again a piece of tableware I have a freaky fascination for. How can you not love a butter dish? I also love butter knives. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Freak alert. I know. But it could be worse couldn't it? It's not like I'm Angelina that time she revealed her love for knife throwing and bondage is it? </div><br /><div><br /><br /><p>Anyway girls, get your jugs out because they are gorgeous not just for drinks but for holding a bunch of cute flowers picked fresh from your very own garden. Tinker is obsessed with picking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nastertions</span> from our weed infested garden. They actually have a really beautiful scent. The ones we have here are bright orange but otherwise identical to this one pictured below. </p><p><br /> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6_L_oCM_1HMlEPDB9rwtDTdI_dsN8eOuTpe0fiN06As13TfyaazVwHqUlMgzuSiDdXxwOq3N3VzknoLIch2nEcnSAhI7wtzr1mBAlhFhUrF0oMrfZ_o3mfLUSjyTs3cDxzQMbi8WUXhq/s1600-h/nastertion.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371854156535000402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6_L_oCM_1HMlEPDB9rwtDTdI_dsN8eOuTpe0fiN06As13TfyaazVwHqUlMgzuSiDdXxwOq3N3VzknoLIch2nEcnSAhI7wtzr1mBAlhFhUrF0oMrfZ_o3mfLUSjyTs3cDxzQMbi8WUXhq/s400/nastertion.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Have a very happy Thursday, I will see you all again tomorrow. Please make sure you <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-baby-cocoon.html">enter my giveaway today</a>. Tinker will be drawing the winner tomorrow. Who doesn't love a cute baby gift? These little cocoons are ideal as gifts for baby showers and new babies. So sweet, so snug. xx<br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-43013314582866865472009-08-20T01:44:00.000+10:002009-08-19T23:06:56.358+10:00Tinker's Threads - Choc & Mauve<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD0ZoJlkxFw15lh-Rb6GAwo3x7Qp2w81j2y4Z2rEOrGweeuWmOoVU6Qod6ovSqk8V1JVqGQ5ElLXTGwJ8sj95i5CiYWsVfBvcIVpWFx1YStT0XwpzLfGxFJBFFK4Q7OLK-OfJ9vAhp56i/s1600-h/LOGOTinkersThreads.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370511738247472354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD0ZoJlkxFw15lh-Rb6GAwo3x7Qp2w81j2y4Z2rEOrGweeuWmOoVU6Qod6ovSqk8V1JVqGQ5ElLXTGwJ8sj95i5CiYWsVfBvcIVpWFx1YStT0XwpzLfGxFJBFFK4Q7OLK-OfJ9vAhp56i/s200/LOGOTinkersThreads.jpg" /></a>Well the little Tinker sure has her favourites. When it comes to accessories she really loves her owl hairclip and her brown knitted vest. At least they go well together I suppose, but she has so much choice, why the repetition?! With me the reason I keep wearing the same things over and over again can be blamed entirely on the fact that I'm still sporting about 8 kilos of baby-weight that I just can't shake & I refuse to go shopping in my inflated size. My old clothes don't fit so I am stuck with a rather limited wardrobe. Stubborn? Stingy? A bit of both I think. Either way I need to snap out of it and lose the spare tyre before her 2nd birthday or I'll completely lose my mind. Or my fashion mojo.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">**click pictures to enlarge**</div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUFzsBF7eh0Ucku5GvSul5eSzoE2qQcVDq9WDPNKpihtgu8PXhDMviPG6CeZAz_SYb0Vw90IsrRAENocnBklWcKgp2HHW8ACg_vxUpAcGbfH-x0YK3NDHPqmdsVXK4EUKHPvEK-pkC547/s1600-h/Tinkerthread.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370512580135658322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUFzsBF7eh0Ucku5GvSul5eSzoE2qQcVDq9WDPNKpihtgu8PXhDMviPG6CeZAz_SYb0Vw90IsrRAENocnBklWcKgp2HHW8ACg_vxUpAcGbfH-x0YK3NDHPqmdsVXK4EUKHPvEK-pkC547/s400/Tinkerthread.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>Red, mauve and brown all working well. Who'd have thunk it? That said, the Tinker looks cute in any combination of colours. Well, that's what I think anyway. Stay tuned for more trend tips from the Tinker. xx</p>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-199127312319354662009-08-19T12:28:00.007+10:002009-08-19T16:44:53.621+10:00What's for Dinner Wednesday? Curry!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZLNyIxhDkCXioYGAmhJDyNfux5dpClgXEd0-_dxSFrb-OfZFPy3kjNMsBDTsi39CC9Zkv7ub97My3T8MvvZuuHoocXITqPj8ViltTvCS9IFxke9v9q-svHkHwi-yA4XJ2yxBYv5wpgmH/s1600-h/logowhatsfordinnerwednesday.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371499995654608834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZLNyIxhDkCXioYGAmhJDyNfux5dpClgXEd0-_dxSFrb-OfZFPy3kjNMsBDTsi39CC9Zkv7ub97My3T8MvvZuuHoocXITqPj8ViltTvCS9IFxke9v9q-svHkHwi-yA4XJ2yxBYv5wpgmH/s320/logowhatsfordinnerwednesday.jpg" /></a> <em><strong>Chicken curry and a confession.</strong></em><br /></div><p align="center">I am a thief. I stole this recipe from Australian Good Taste magazine but that isn't even the half of it. I stole the magazine from the waiting room at my doctor's office. Horrified? I couldn't leave it behind I had to have it. I'm sorry universe.</p><p align="center">So you know what I did? I swapped it for my current Vogue magazine. I had it in my bag ready to read while I was waiting. I made the ultimate sacrifice. I exchanged style for sustenance. It says a lot about who I am these days doesn't it? Ok so it says I'm a thief but it also says that when you become a mum your priorities totally shift. Amen to that. Bye Anna Wintour, hello Donna Hay.<br /></p><p align="center"><br /><strong>Thai Chicken Curry</strong> </p><p align="justify">INGREDIENTS</p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">2 tsp vegetable oil</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">300g chicken tenderloins halved crossways</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">1 tbsp yellow curry paste</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">1 onion, halved and cut into thin wedges</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">250ml (1 cup) light coconut milk</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">80ml (1/3 cup) water</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">150g green beans, topped and halved</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">1 red capsicum thinly sliced</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">1 zucchini thinly sliced</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">fresh coriander to serve</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">steamed rice</span></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ucl2MJAD4qHkyJ8Vf_0LoIHZMziF7ePoRWOkkjfXkFv6V_Wav79muvzkviYvvAsq3nr9GRzEK15i57z66a3vPgXPMhLlYW7OOS3zVbxbmImfc-XCCpJOdKX6I1K0AMK0SdOYv6pA9Iym/s1600-h/scan0004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 362px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371499704702729474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ucl2MJAD4qHkyJ8Vf_0LoIHZMziF7ePoRWOkkjfXkFv6V_Wav79muvzkviYvvAsq3nr9GRzEK15i57z66a3vPgXPMhLlYW7OOS3zVbxbmImfc-XCCpJOdKX6I1K0AMK0SdOYv6pA9Iym/s400/scan0004.jpg" /></a><br />METHOD</p><p align="left">1. heat oil in wok over medium heat til smoking. Add chicken cook 2 mins til golden.</p><p align="left">2. Add curry paste and onion. Stir fry til onion is soft.</p><p align="left">3. Add coconut milk and water, bring to the boil. Cook 3 mins. Add beans, capsicum and zucchini cook for 2 mins. Beans should be bright green and chicken cooked through.</p><p align="left">4. Divide into 4 bowls serve with rice and top with coriander.</p><p align="left"><em>EASY mid-week meal and cheap too $3.79 per serve!</em><br /><br /></p>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-18409314566565334912009-08-18T21:14:00.006+10:002009-08-19T17:57:04.473+10:00Parenting Blog Envy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh4xmZgmqq-ZqlOXHYxxr1Rh2e4L6j58cJ9D6WFhA8f5toFjMCHuJySdNhiLY9MABrFS_tqAZnnj9Lb2AVokvG0r3BF2foKSs8mgR0bXaf1SeLXczoBY0QQ0IT3ttn-ZnhLtSsb5K3hDt/s1600-h/moms.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371266547298109474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh4xmZgmqq-ZqlOXHYxxr1Rh2e4L6j58cJ9D6WFhA8f5toFjMCHuJySdNhiLY9MABrFS_tqAZnnj9Lb2AVokvG0r3BF2foKSs8mgR0bXaf1SeLXczoBY0QQ0IT3ttn-ZnhLtSsb5K3hDt/s400/moms.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Strange topic, I know, but I wonder if anyone can relate. The more I blog and discover other blogs (addictive isn't it?) I find myself feeling a rather familiar but unpleasant sensation. Envy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At university I was always envious of those super chic girls who managed to look fabulous AND win every law school medal all at the same time. While I fumbled with a bulky bag and sneakers and hovered on a credit average. Seriously how did they manage perfect blow dries and heels for 9am lectures? Did they all have cars and parking spots while I schlepped in on the train?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In high school I was envious of the girls who always had the cool clothes and the boyfriends... It wasn't until year 12 that I snagged a boyfriend and even then he was definitely a freak. What was I thinking? Yes I realise that in retrospect a Timberland sweatshirt and bootleg jeans really were hideous but that didn't stop my turning green wishing I owned my very own set. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now here I am almost thirty, a mother and I'm meant to be all mature. My outlook should be laid back and wise, my feelings tempered and virtuous yet I find myself green with envy again. So what sends me into an emerald hue these days? Well you know those blogs written by other mummies, the really perfect ones? The thin and pretty ones who manage to post these amazingly styled photos of their many children while juggling crafting and cooking and whatever else these supermums manage to fit into their days? And here I am with only one child and I can't manage a tenth of that. Maybe I take the easy route with my daily activities? I don't like chaos. I'm a big fan or order, I like everything to be just so...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Seriously on a practical lever I want to know HOW they do it? While they are gluing pipe cleaners onto egg shells and baking bread from scratch where are their kids? Who is wiping noses, changing nappies and playing pretend with the good cutlery? Who is folding the washing, walking the dogs, making the beds, reading Bumbletum and replying to emails? Who? I just don't get how they do it all?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Does everyone else have armies of staff they just don't mention on their blogs? Or is it just me? Am I just a hopelessly inefficient, chubby, sloth of a housewife? What's going on? I only get 24 hours in my day does everyone else get more? And while I'm there, am I the only blogger who has no web design capabilities? All I see these days are fancypants blogs, stunning bloggers with oodles of time to craft and sew and I can't seem to get my act together to handle more than one play date a week let alone find my sewing machine or get my husband's shirts washed on time. I feel like there might be a conspiracy and nobody is filling me in.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-90234285696978424332009-08-17T22:19:00.004+10:002009-08-17T22:42:27.418+10:00Job Interviews<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ruI2pg9KI_xIYIpPzeCCd1vqlgNPpI_IlKJhqXnmCc336VrFxRdvQ9FLnFRoJYXc6uxUnAnIdI4uhexzbSGivCTeh1yDfhGcEWkwhYlYoMcXEoEZ-twzyfuPuYghk3YUKsCg6es0JOGs/s1600-h/job_interview_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370911114413540450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ruI2pg9KI_xIYIpPzeCCd1vqlgNPpI_IlKJhqXnmCc336VrFxRdvQ9FLnFRoJYXc6uxUnAnIdI4uhexzbSGivCTeh1yDfhGcEWkwhYlYoMcXEoEZ-twzyfuPuYghk3YUKsCg6es0JOGs/s400/job_interview_1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I'm lucky Tinker likes me because if I had to go out and interview for a new job I think I'd have to top myself on the way there. You cannot imagine how much I despise job interviews. It might have something to do with my hatred of HR people in general or maybe it is my aversion to team sports and musical instruments? Either way I make for a lousy job applicant. I always have.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Back when I was at university and I joined the manic rush for a summer clerkship at a prestigious corporate law firm, I sold my soul for a day and went to an interview at the firm made famous in Sydney for its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unscrupulous</span> document shredding.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At the interview high up in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wintergarden</span> overlooking our beautiful city sat me, about 20 gallons of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lipgloss</span> (what was I thinking?) some HR twit and one of the partners from the M&A team. The partner seemed to like me, we made some lame small talk about how his sons went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Riverview</span> and how I kicked their school's pansy ass in a debating comp in tenth grade and I think I may have spun a story about playing the violin or was it the cello? It had strings anyway.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>He seemed to be coming to the end of his questions when he flicked through my application again and asked "so Carolyn you said here that our firm is progressive. What exactly did you mean by that?"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I don't think I even stopped to take a breath. I wish I had. My instant reply?</div><br /><div>"Progressive? Oh that's just an HR catchphrase I threw in there."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coiffed</span> cow from HR dropped her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">clicky</span> pen. It rolled <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">across</span> the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">jarrah</span> table towards the partner. It may have hit one of his pieces of paper, I'm not sure. I was too busy swallowing my own tongue and praying for terrorists to fly a plane into the building. "I'm sorry?" he asked. But it was too late for a second chance then. I knew I'd blown it so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gulped</span>, smiled and said "that's right. It's just an HR catchphrase I used to bulk up my application. I'm not sure I can really think of anything that makes this firm progressive to me."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And with that, I was ushered out, never to return.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have pages and pages of similar tales but the bottom line is that I don't interview well at all. It's just not something that works well for me, I'm brutally blunt and not at all good when it comes to talking myself up. I hate it so much that I become a defiant mouthy little rat. So, just another reason why I love love love being a housewife. Please house, don't ever divorce me? No more interviews! </div><div></div><div><em>So tell me, do you have any shocking interview blunders? </em></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-89271972953384532882009-08-17T21:19:00.004+10:002009-08-17T22:06:55.290+10:00Is this your lucky day?<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> it's redraw time, this is your second chance to win something <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gorgeous</span> from <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/07/monday-giveaway-honeybunch-designs.html"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Honeybunch</span> Designs</a> and <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-ivy-designs.html">Ivy Designs</a>!<br />My able helper is very busy catching up on her beauty sleep so I have turned to a far less pretty helper. Mr random.<br /><br />So, here we go the winner of the <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/07/monday-giveaway-honeybunch-designs.html"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Honeybunch</span> Designs giveaway</a> is:<br /><br /><iframe height="200" longdesc="http://www.random.org/integers/" src="http://www.random.org/widgets/integers/iframe.php?title=True+Random+Integer+Generator&buttontxt=Generate&width=160&height=200&border=on&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&txtcolor=%23777777&altbgcolor=%23CCCCFF&alttxtcolor=%23000000&defaultmin=1&defaultmax=36&fixed=on" frameborder="0" width="160" scrolling="no"><br />The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ORG's</span> true random number generator.<br /></iframe><br />#4 so that means <a href="http://clothpaperstitches.blogspot.com/">Cloth Paper Stitches</a>, you are the winner of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Honeybunch</span> Designs prize.<br /><br />And the winner of the <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-giveaway-ivy-designs.html">Ivy Designs giveaway </a>is:<br /><br /><iframe height="200" longdesc="http://www.random.org/integers/" src="http://www.random.org/widgets/integers/iframe.php?title=True+Random+Integer+Generator&buttontxt=Generate&width=160&height=200&border=on&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&txtcolor=%23777777&altbgcolor=%23CCCCFF&alttxtcolor=%23000000&defaultmin=1&defaultmax=79&fixed=on" frameborder="0" width="160" scrolling="no"><br />The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ORG's</span> true random number generator.<br /></iframe><br />#9 So that means <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11741461892753699292">Mrs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clarkson</span></a> you are the winner!<br /><br /><strong>Shoot me an email to claim your prizes! xx</strong><br /><br /><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> so I have just looked at these pictures and for some reason (probably something to do with my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">technostupidity</span>) you can't see the winner generated but I can. You will have to trust me on those numbers! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Meh</span>. The Tinker does a far better job than the silly random generator.</em>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-74077660264553409872009-08-17T01:46:00.004+10:002009-08-18T12:12:16.707+10:00Monday Giveaway- Baby Cocoon<strong></strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBZXtLX_mzVzNSgqBmIemzPhdsiVVcyGIseiUikGx3x7BilgSrlXv7hSJABqfidQWMCK1gqvxjAZhLI0RgZEiGPDlQHpMwDDvyVRptOYqv6C-uTWVRpIr7OJgGCBsVxmLDOu-D3fe60tG/s1600-h/edanrosebuttonblog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370080629309777746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBZXtLX_mzVzNSgqBmIemzPhdsiVVcyGIseiUikGx3x7BilgSrlXv7hSJABqfidQWMCK1gqvxjAZhLI0RgZEiGPDlQHpMwDDvyVRptOYqv6C-uTWVRpIr7OJgGCBsVxmLDOu-D3fe60tG/s400/edanrosebuttonblog.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Top of the morning to you all! It's Monday again *groan* but that also means it is time for another great giveaway here *cheer*. So cheer up Charlie the working week isn't all bad.</div><br /><div></div>The very lovely WAHM Megan from <a href="http://www.edanrose.com.au/">Edan Rose</a> contacted me recently to tell me about her very clever little baby cocoons. Now, Tinker and I have moved on from all the soft cuddly newborn things and onto the loud, fast, bouncy delights of toddlerhood but I am still partial to a great newbie gift idea and I think Megan's baby cocoons are fabulous.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGjCaKXbPVIUEjZB8tHixXb8mlqzx7HrTQ6Aa_oA5kxCpjImH_1Ar2e5kmaOuUXMKvxsbvISJjPOfkYTrDlN-7iLZCMVEM0zf8zW9zdfOBBIpaEXEUyJ4tcsImZNvZGbZMksAfN5wZHnS/s1600-h/cocoon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 277px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370442494259997282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGjCaKXbPVIUEjZB8tHixXb8mlqzx7HrTQ6Aa_oA5kxCpjImH_1Ar2e5kmaOuUXMKvxsbvISJjPOfkYTrDlN-7iLZCMVEM0zf8zW9zdfOBBIpaEXEUyJ4tcsImZNvZGbZMksAfN5wZHnS/s320/cocoon.jpg" /></a> Edan Rose Cocoons are handkitted pieces of glowworm goodness! All little babies love being swaddled nice and tight just like in the womb. Perfect in the pram or out and about to keep bubby warm. Made of a acrylic, wool and nylon blend so they are durable and soft. Megan recommends using a light wrap under the cocoon for sleeping so that little fingers and toes don't escape through the knit (although this is very cute!)</div><br /><div>Cocoons prevent the newborn startle reflex from waking baby. You know how I love anything that promotes more sleep! </div><br /><div>To use, simply roll the cocoon down and place baby in feet first and then roll the cocoon up and over baby making sure babies head is exposed. </div><br /><div>Photographers will love these for new baby photo shoots as well! Valued at $35 they are a great gift.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370448755694712994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7-6GS4Na70bas3PSsuh_gSESBZgsSSh0qrq7oFvralUGoTAjH8YfCNWtngMCbTfeVcyA7Doc1aenyTGw4HTPW530wpksHPa3t9WqoVyUA2-Lpy0aEZHd8o2YaUk1qUleMy0EPolwSzzg/s200/il_fullxfull_79501942.jpg" />I love to support other Aussie mums, and with three little ones at home and a successful craft business I think Megan deserves a Stepford Dreams gold star. <a href="http://www.edanrose.com.au/">You can find her here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><em>To win your very own Edan Rose cocoon all you need to do is check out her </em><a href="http://madeit.com.au/EdanRose"><em>Madeit store </em></a><em>for Aussie shoppers OR her </em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6020487"><em>Etsy store</em></a><em> for OS shoppers. Leave a comment below telling me what you love about these adorable cocoons. Easy! Tinker will draw the winner on Friday.</em></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">***************</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Now, while we are on the topic of giveaways I thought I might mention a few NEW conditions for my weekly giveaways. Entries will always close at 5am Friday (Sydney time) and the winner must check the winner announcements to see if they have won. I'm too cool to chase unless you are Jude Law then maybe I'll shoot you an email. Winner must email me by 5pm Monday or the prize will be forfeited and redrawn on Monday afternoon. </strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>I have two redraws to do this afternoon so stay tuned!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401199010823227072.post-5161859330478855362009-08-16T20:57:00.007+10:002009-08-16T21:35:09.258+10:00Little Boy Bedding- By Request<div><div><div><br /><div>Last week Simone left me <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/tinkers-threads-aqua-eclectic.html">a comment here </a>asking about my tips for funky bedding for little boys. Something perfect for her toddler, not too babyish but not too grown up. Something stylish? I think so. How about these, Simone?<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Red & Blue Stripes with a hint of Cowboy</strong></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiypBS8DxkgYXmXEMVPTQ1rNnHVvCehV3EM1PrXjsYUCo7ujv_VWAU-08eSXxxNzWW08tTy4_V66pE_mDSCnMuKmDW47Gs-l0m61DsTUi6u9q75Bsmo6tDG3lnFkCWObe58PCN8kvXxYJq/s1600-h/CowboyRedPlumLInen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370514920375326754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiypBS8DxkgYXmXEMVPTQ1rNnHVvCehV3EM1PrXjsYUCo7ujv_VWAU-08eSXxxNzWW08tTy4_V66pE_mDSCnMuKmDW47Gs-l0m61DsTUi6u9q75Bsmo6tDG3lnFkCWObe58PCN8kvXxYJq/s400/CowboyRedPlumLInen.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This stylish ensemble is from one of my favourites- <a href="http://www.redplumlinen.com.au/about.html">Red Plum Linen</a>. Red and blue stripes will outlast the toddler years and the cowboy print makes it fun. Made in Australia, beautiful quality, stylish prints and lots of custom features you really can't go wrong.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Robot chic with a touch of Orange</strong></div><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjion-Ry9ESdglxAbhfnzDkg4Qazn_X7k87QYKyBWkzSRvBBq-JVbEB4QrftMsPLflVGsI6jU_Isw_wTffdQMtm3sWC2Dcn08AGXvAYBJP0Y_yRSgSQfYuT3YMme4iQjIlWDPaHj2qpTyCy/s1600-h/3002172_RobotsBedding_H08.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370516998394343026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjion-Ry9ESdglxAbhfnzDkg4Qazn_X7k87QYKyBWkzSRvBBq-JVbEB4QrftMsPLflVGsI6jU_Isw_wTffdQMtm3sWC2Dcn08AGXvAYBJP0Y_yRSgSQfYuT3YMme4iQjIlWDPaHj2qpTyCy/s400/3002172_RobotsBedding_H08.jpg" /></a><br />Robots are cool. Just ask Tinker, she has a crush on Plex from Yo Gabba Gabba. This gorgeous bedding is from <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/default.aspx">The Land of Nod</a>. An American online store (they ship here don't worry) with really funky bedding, toys and furniture. Tinker has some beautiful cot bedding from here and some really well made toys as well. Big tick from me!</p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Chesnut Hill in Deep Water</strong><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obVB04_GySPx12q_3C-RqfcsBvAZvzHw1HawqeS4rr4qC1KS9Oi1eLFOoFt1obg_IUG5bYCLmy1ZDtPmg6iFC6AuxaWXhyphenhyphenRj88VpNFj6DFhQEfwQiGju6BAEc-Vt2jZBtK4OWxfRFvQt/s1600-h/il_430xN_71157964.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370519997348312786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obVB04_GySPx12q_3C-RqfcsBvAZvzHw1HawqeS4rr4qC1KS9Oi1eLFOoFt1obg_IUG5bYCLmy1ZDtPmg6iFC6AuxaWXhyphenhyphenRj88VpNFj6DFhQEfwQiGju6BAEc-Vt2jZBtK4OWxfRFvQt/s400/il_430xN_71157964.jpg" /></a> Now this IS cool. Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25176557">Tiptoe Studio </a>creates custom listings for your baby or toddler. So many fabrics to choose from, these feature some of my personal favourites from the very clever Joel Dewberry range. This is perfect for an ultra stylish little boy's room. Once you add some cute toys and little boy furniture I think this is the kind of bedding to last him a very long time.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Cheap & Cheerful Cars</strong></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_Oj6wSYXlbQcLTZ_MvklsnWeN6FjWpGDZoMevDUh7RKcV1B_RVO_luK_RJYiunWHfPhgpXtjSP-6o7wjkErmtlmxC4ZtNa9QwJE7SDJru1idPOX79Hrzq3osz23FrCf0yPEa1xQQP1I/s1600-h/0097810_PE238621_S4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370522524783928898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_Oj6wSYXlbQcLTZ_MvklsnWeN6FjWpGDZoMevDUh7RKcV1B_RVO_luK_RJYiunWHfPhgpXtjSP-6o7wjkErmtlmxC4ZtNa9QwJE7SDJru1idPOX79Hrzq3osz23FrCf0yPEa1xQQP1I/s400/0097810_PE238621_S4.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This funky car bedding set is from our favourite bunch of Swedes. IKEA. For $30 you can't go past this cute ensemble for great value for money. Not too heavy with the primary colours and team it with some bespoke cushions and maybe a folded quilt and this will be a bed fit for a prince. Tinker loves cars and trucks, you all know about her <a href="http://stepforddreams.blogspot.com/2009/08/tinkers-threads-aqua-eclectic.html">funny knock knock joke</a>!</div></div>stepforddreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06788506263665291243noreply@blogger.com2