Thrifty Thursday - Pallets

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Here in Christchurch we know how inventive you can be with the humble pallet = check out the Pallet Pavilion.  I've been wanting to tackle a pallet project for a while, however as you can see there are many possibilities and for someone who is a little indecisive this could be a tricky one!

A coffee table?

Something for the garden?

Something for Lily's room?

A workspace?

Something for the wall?

Somewhere to relax?

A secret stash?

 Something a little festive?

For more inspiration and sources check out my Pinterest Board - Upcycled Pallets

Trick or Treat Tuesday

Halloween is just around the corner (Thursday in fact) so here is some inspiration for you if feel like creating a little spook at your house.  The question is tricks or treats?  I say both!

For more ideas and sources check out my Halloween Pinterest board

Market Mashup - What's on the Market Calendar.............

Tis' the season for Markets so I thought I would compile a handy list of upcoming markets for you.  As you can see there's a lot on the calendar!  I hope to see you at some of these either shopping or stalling it (in a good way).  Also if you know of any other Market events please contact me and I can add to the list or comment below.

Anissa Victoria's Twilight Vintage Market

Date: 25th October (every Friday night)

Time: 4pm - 8pm

Venue: Pallet Pavilion 

Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/AnissaVictoriasVintageMarket

Lost and Found Festa Night Market
Date:  Sat 26th and Sun 27th of Oct
Time: 6pm - 12am
Venue: Cathedral Square
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/lostfoundnz

Rolleston Community Market

Date: Monthly Market on Sunday 27th October, Xmas Market 24th November
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Rolleston Community Centre
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-Community-Market/

The Christmas Country Fete (Culverden)
Date: Thursday 31st October
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: 'Wynyard'
Cost: $20
Official Website: http://www.thefete.co.nz

Oxford Country Garden Fete
Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd November 2013
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ribblesdale Gardens, Corner Oxford and Barracks Roads, Oxford
Official Website: www.oxfordfete.co.nz
Ticket Info: Payment at the Gate on Entry
Pricing: $15 Adults, Children under 12yrs free

Shabby Chic Market
Date: Sunday 3rd November (1st Sunday of every month)
Time: 11am - 3pm
Venue: Rochester Villa
Official Website: Shabby Chic Market Day

Not Just Babies Market
Date: Saturday 9th November
Time: 9am - 12pm
Venue: Christchurch Park, 250 Westminster St, St Albans
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/NotJustBabies

Manderley Home & Garden Festival
Saturday 9th–Sunday 10th November 2013
Time: 10am
Venue: 3875 ChristchurchAkaroa Rd Little River
Official Website: www.manderley.co.nz
Pricing: Adult $15 Under12 free

Lost and Found (formerly The Craft Collective)
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Market
Date: Sat 16th Nov
Time: 10am - 3pm

Venue: CPIT

Official Website: http://lostfound.co.nz/

Shop Me Pretty
Shop Me Pretty Twilight Garden Fete
Date: Saturday 23rd November

Time: 2pm - 8pm
Venue: 280 Hasketts Road, Yaldhurst

Official Website: www.shopmepretty.co.nz

Craft Love Festival

Date: Friday 29th November 2013
Time: 5pm to 9pm
Venue: Mairehau High School
Official Website: www.craftlovefestival.com

Girls Night Out
Date: Thursday 21st November
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Venue: Belfast Rugby Clubrooms
Official Website:

Bambino Encraftment Market

Date: Saturday December 7th
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: Rangi Ruru Girls' School
Official Website: Bambino Encraftment

Christmas Encraftment Market

Date: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
Time: 10am - 3pm
Venue: Cathedral Square
Official Website: the blog or https://www.facebook.com/Encraftment

Happy Shopping x

its not you..... it's me (no really it is)

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Its been pretty quiet over here on the blog and  it's not because I won lotto and skipped town , its not really that exciting complicated.

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Number 1....
My laptop had another meltdown ( I asked my I.T. Specialist/Hubby if it was because I used it too much and he said no (with I'm sure, what was an exasperated sigh) but I'm pretty sure most things give up when they are overused, underpaid and maybe not loved as much as they should be.  And seeing as I didn't have a computer I watched TV and I kinda liked it (but my IT Specialist/Hubby didn't like it, he's a bit of Remote Control Hog you see).

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Number 2.....
You've probably heard me bang on about this next one already but life's pretty busy with a Toddler and I thought the Terrible Twos were a bit of a myth however this has changed quite considerably in the last month since Miss 2 turned 2.  There have been a few meltdowns and not all one sided, however after having a cry think about the whole thing and gaining a little perspective things have calmed down a bit there.  It's so nice to know I have support in this crazy ride that is parenthood and after listening to some wise words a few things have resonated and I have a few strategies that seem to be working (for now).

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Number 3...
And then there is work, but work is one of my happy places. I'm  one of those lucky people who found a job that they absolutely love. At the moment it's all hands on deck to get ready for Xmas so that has been keeping me VERY busy.

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Number 4....
And then there is the 'I think I'm a creative genius' curse where I have a million ideas in my head and sometimes it gets so intense in there that I throw up my hands in defeat and think I will try again another day. And sooner or later a day turns into a week which turns into a fortnight (you get the idea!)  I have one idea that I'm working on for future markets so keep an eye out for the updates and the reveal.

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And finally....
 I decided it was time to throw out the excuses and to look after myself a bit.  The whole body image has come to the forefront, which I swear only happens post Winter/Pre Summer.  I don't want to be skinny - I just want to feel good, not tired and old(er) and I want to feel comfortable in a piece of swimwear that's not reminiscent of a burkha. So I'm learning the art of self control, embracing better food and some long awaited exercise.  Turns out I like the feeling of hunger - who knew??!!

So I'm not breaking up with you, I'm just gathering some thoughts (and speed) and working out a blogging strategy that works for everyone xx

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Fun Lunch Series Sponsors - ya yah design

During the Fun Lunch Series we have had businesses donate product for giveaways.  I thought it was time to share with you all a little bit about the people behind the businesses and also why they are passionate about fun lunches!

Helen lives and works on the shaky Port Hills of Christchurch NZ with her Very Supportive Partner, Beautiful Teenage Daughter, Cheeky Preschooler and a Mad Little dog called Zoe.

Helen started making Ya Yah Giraffes to sell, about 2 and a Half Years ago and in the last six months started making  re-useable Sandwich and Snack Bags mostly because Preschool banned Glad wrap and Helen just couldn't fit all the little plastic boxes in her daughters lunch box.  Helen decided there had to be a better way and started experimenting with different types of bags. 

Most of the ones she tried her daughter was unable to open on her own or too complicated to redo if putting stuff back in. So Helen made a reusable version of what she had growing up - the plastic sandwich envelope.
It worked well  so she made some for friends and tested them out. Helen made a few small changes along the way and now there are a great range of designs to choose from!  Check more out here at yayahdesign.

Sandwich and Snack bags are:

• Great for kids lunch boxes or putting food in your bag.
• Can be used to carry all sort of things from biscuits to baby pacifiers, popcorn to spare cloths.
• 100 % cotton exterior and sewn in nylon lining so you can trust they are food-safe for your kids.
• Just shake out the crumbs or chuck it in the wash.
• Funky design kids love.

Fun Lunch Series : Part 3 - Putting it all together

In Part 1 and Part 2 we looked at Hamming up Sandwiches and Fun with Fruit.  In Part 3 we are going to look at Putting it all together to make an all round Fun Lunch.
There are a variety of ways to do this - start by hamming up a sandwich, making some fun fruit and then adding a few other things to make it an all round Fun Lunch.  These 'few other' things can be crackers, biscuits or fruit gummies themed to your kids fave character.  Egg molds are another way to get some wow factor into your kids lunchboxes.

These  Bento boxes, Muffin Tin Meals, Food face plates and Making a scene ideas  will inspire you and the kids to have fun.  It doesn't have to happen everyday, these ideas are a great go to guide when you need a little inspiration!

What is “bento”? I hear you ask.  A bento lunch is a compact, balanced, visually appealing meal packed in a box.  In Japanese, “bento” or “obento” refers to the packed meal, and “bento-bako” refers to the bento box itself. See the Wikipedia entry on bento for more details.

Muffin Tin meals are another great way to mix it up for kids.  It’s something a little different, breaking up the usual meal-making routine. It encourages the meal-maker (that’s you!) to offer a variety of foods, in small portions, which is a technique that generally appeals to children.  You can tailor your Muffin Tin Meal to a theme, fave story or different types of muffin tins.  

Or if a muffin tin is too big how about an ice cube tray??

Making faces with food is an oldie but a goody and with the addition of the food face plate the creative process becomes even more fun with Mr and Ms Food Face.

However if you want the kids imagination to run crazy wild here is some inspiration on other types of food faces from pizza to pancake faces.

Making a scene with food is another creative way for kids to make lunches their own and we all know when you make something yourself you have to eat it - right?

Thanks to Not Socks Gifts I have a Ms Food Face plate and from Remember When I Used To Be A Rascal I have a Car Egg mold to give away!  

Giveaway Details :
- to enter, leave a comment about your favourite fun lunch idea from the Putting Fun Lunches Together Pinterest board.  You can leave your comment either here or on the Facebook page.  My fave is the April Showers Bring May Flowers Muffin Tin Meal - see if you can find it. 
- one comment per person
- you must live in New Zealand
- giveaway closes on Friday 13th September. 

Good to know:
- if you like our Fun Lunch sponsors on Facebook you can stay up-to-date on all their goings-on and know about any deals or promotions that pop up, including giveaways. Check them out up there on the sidebar- 
- if you like justalittlebitcute and our sponsors on Facebook you will be the coolest kid in town. Or something like that. 
- these things will not earn you a second entry, but it will make me and my sponsors appreciate the love
- you can get discount at Yayah Design on Sandwich bags using the coupon code "FunLunch" during the Fun Lunch Series
-you can also get discount from bubbalooz (discount is 15% off on purchases over $25) during the Fun Lunch series.

IMPORTANT 

- make sure there is some way for me to contact you! Leave an email, or have your name clickable to a profile or something.  If there is no way for me to reach you then I'll have to draw another entry!! This has happened previously, so I wouldn't like to do this and disappoint someone!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Finding Nemo Birthday Party Inspiration

So Lily is turning 2 this weekend and its party time.  Seeing as she is a fan (bordering on obsessed) of Finding Nemo I decided to go with an underwater theme.  So Pinterest has come in handy once again to inspire and start the party planning process.

A few decorations to set the mood............

Some food to whet the appetite.......

Some cake............

And some more cake...........

Check out more ideas and sources for the above on my  Pinterest board - Birthday Party Inspiration