Rabbit The Penguin

Playful Reusable Snack Bags

2012-02-09T16:04:00.000+08:00

I started making these for Chago because I just hated dragging around a big bag to fit in all his snacks etc!

But then after that I couldn't stop.

I took out more scraps and started putting the pieces together.

I placed Bananas in them, a small box of raisins too.

I also poured some cereal in one and a piece of toasted bread with honey spread on it.
Yummy breakfast on the go!

And when we got to the coffee shop to have our breakfast,
I simply asked for an empty bowl and a teaspoon (I should have brought my own spoon).
I brought a small chilled box of Fresh milk with me and fixed his breakfast in a flash!
Win-Win situation.
He eats and I get to do so in peace!

Here are the other snack bags with other playful prints I've made :)
You can get them over at my Facebook Page HERE for RM10 each.
Or go ahead and make one yourself!

Till I sew next!

More Than Anything!

2012-02-06T14:54:00.001+08:00

I have been subscribing to a few Great, Interesting Parenting sites/blogs

and one of them made me jump this morning!

Mummy's Review made me jump when I read an email on a sponsored

Montessori Teacher Training Program by Karen Tyler!

This is something I have been talking over and over again with hubby Miguel!

That I just needed this sort of course

Ever Since Miguel had started working,

I have been spending more time with Chago

and have been neglecting my sewing as I have promised myself to committing to home schooling

the Montessori way.

And if you have been following me here and on Facebook

You already know that I have been talking about this sort of parenting style for months now.

Even my Pinterest has lots of links and ideas based on The Montessori Method.

Chago learning to spread honey and cream cheese onto his bread.

He is also learning to set his table.

I went all the way to buying books, pdf files and scouting for toys

including disposing off toys that didn't give much learning satisfaction to Chago.

I invested in more books for him as he loves reading so much!

And now even thinking about turning

my sewing room into Chago's Learn and Play room.

It would be great to have an experienced teacher who have had many many years of experience

to coach me on applying Montessori at home.

I would have to admit that, home schooling scares me a little...

Scares me not because I think it will not work out

Scares me because I am a little afraid that I might not know enough to home school.

I would like, therefore, to have that opportunity to enrol into this course.

To boost my confidence.

To gain better knowledge with an experienced mentor.

And the most important reason of all is,

To give to Chago what he deserves.

The Love, Respect, Knowledge, Confidence and Education

that I once wished I had as a very "curious" toddler.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Let it be Us!

Welcoming the year of the Dragon 2012!

2012-02-03T23:05:00.000+08:00

The Water Dragon, That is!

We managed to steal this show while we were out and about in town.

Chago got to get up close and personal with these yellow Lions

The loud drumming were irritating both our ears but the performance was excellent!

The other kids decided to join in and touch those funny looking noses haha!

Oh ho! look who is coming?!!

The Dragon himself!

Miguel never fails to get excited over this bit

Simply because of the stunts and the playfulness of these lions

Loving the festive season always!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Gong XI Fatt Choi!

Reversible Kung Fu jacket!

2012-02-03T22:43:00.000+08:00

This was made especially for Chago as his Chinese New Year Suit

I have searched the net for any free or paid patterns for little men's Kungfu Tops but gahhhh!

Every link either leads me to a grown up women's Cheong Sam

or Very Girlie Qing Paos!

So I got out one of Chago's Traced Shirt Patterns and did some modifications and Tada!!!

He is now a proud owner of a reversible Kunfu Suit!

This is so cool!

Yes, Yes I know,

Self Praise is no praise at all but I am real proud of myself!

Look at the Chinese Button look on the front,

well, they are actually snaps.

I used an old Bra Strap to link the two snap buttons to give it that Kungfu look.

He's such a poser!

Look at him strip it!

Here's him with the guitar print facing out.

Miguel says he looks just perfect for a Beatles Concert now!

"I'm Sexy and I know it"

hahaha

Okay, enough with the stripping :)

Till I sew Next

Cluck, Cluck Here & A Cluck, Cluck There!

2012-02-03T22:09:00.000+08:00

We took a trip down to Labuan Island to surprise my Grandma who had turned 70 last Tuesday..

Well, It WAS supposed to be a surprise

She found out about our trip down the morning we arrived :s

We spend most of our days there wandering around with Chago.

We learnt that my uncle, who lived 2 houses down from my grandma's

apparently, is "breeding" Chickens!

Well, their Nanny, Amy, is actually rearing these chickens.

The Chicken would only listen to her which is really fun to see.

So, Chago and I were excited that we dragged Miguel over to see the chickens.

Amy said they ran out of corn so she got some stale bread out to feed the hen.

Chago was so intrigued by the Chicken,

He started imitating how the chicken was eating the bread off the floor!!!

Too Cute!

He got to pat the hen

He got to chase after it

Even scare it a little

Feed it

And watch what it was doing

He was even clucking to call the chicken over to eat.

He yelled,

"Come!!! Cluck Cluck Cluck!! EAAAAATTTTT!"

No Joke! He really said that hahaha!

What would be so rewarding for this little curious being??

What about a splash in an old aluminium wash basin!

We even made our way to the park for some "Play Ball" time.

Look at him run!

What does a mother like me do when she sees her boys running about giggling all the way?

There's nothing much to do except join in on the fun and giggle away too!

DIY Cardboard Play Fort with tunnels!

2012-01-29T18:56:00.000+08:00

While we were out and about and waiting for my dad, I told Miguel to take a drive around the corner to see if there was any Hardware store open during this festive season.

I was looking for unsanded tile grout to start my chalkboard project.

I didn't manage to get it BUT

I managed to get some used boxes from a Moving Company who were in the midst of packing someone's goods up to be relocated.

Brought three boxes (2 tall ones and a shorter one) and got the blueprints in my head.

Got home and started assembling them!

Chago, as always, wants to help.

So he helped me sweep a little on the insides of the box. He did an excellent job!

And even inspected the boxes for me before I actually started assembling them.

He said it looks Great!

Put them together and made sure the the tapes were on right otherwise he would just end up loosening the joints up.

Holes looks right too.

Aha! Who have we got there with you Chago?

Where is he???

WHERE??

Still haven't spotted him?

We moved the fort into the house so he could play with everyone and anyone who came for a visit.

His aunt helped by adding some rafia string curtains on the inside :)

I got the older "kids" interested as well :D

Getting his hands in Bread Flour

2012-01-28T02:19:00.000+08:00

The lights went out and so it's hot and gloomy inside.

Chago was going round and round in circles.

Poor thing...

So mama be nimble, mama be quick!

Mama ran to the kitchen with some pots and sticks!

Mama got some bread flour and a packet drink...

And mama... placed them outside for Chago?

So okay Okay I KNOW!

I can't rhyme so let's just forget that for now.

Let's just enjoy the pictures... Shall we?

The texture of Bread Flour is much more softer and fluffier than wheat flour...

So... okay, the packet drink was meant for more mess but I guess Chago had a hidden agenda...

There you go!

"MUM! Now WHERE'S THE OVEN!!!"

Till we get messy next time :)

Making Homemade Butter

2012-01-18T15:15:00.000+08:00

I was looking through the net looking for an inspiration and looking for ways to make my own oils without spending a fortune on just buying them.

I was about to shut my lappy off when I suddenly had an idea about making my own nut oils.

In Google, I saw lots of articles about Nutty Butters...

Butter?

It took me awhile to figure that out...

Until I started reading.

And then comes the palm slap!

YES... Now I get it!

We have PEANUT butter in stores to spread on our bread, so walnut, almond, cashew, pistachio etc can also be made into Nutty Butters just like Peanut Butters! Only it's a whole lot healthier and yummier because you can custom whatever to suit it to your own taste buds.

I made to batches.

One for Us to eat - Almond + Sunflower Seeds + Pumpkin Seeds

and One for getting Almond Oil out of

Here's the SIMPLE RECIPE on how to make your own Butter for Consumption:

I promise, This Will be Easy!

Ingredients:

Almonds - I used about 200gms of Whole Unroasted Raw Almonds

Coconut Oil / Olive Oil - I used Coconut Oil because I prefer the smell and taste of coconut oil to olive oil. I find that Olive oil has this really strong Olive smell.

Honey**

Salt**

Cinnamon**

Ground Nutmeg**

** are optional ingredients you might want to add in. I like to leave mine without the additional stuff so that I can experiment with different flavours when I spread them on my bread, or when I use them in cereals or making cookies / cakes

Tools:

A blender

A spoon to scoop out the Almond Butter

A clean and dry container for storing your Almond Butter

Method:

1. Place Almonds into the blender and blend them slowly at first using the impulse button and slowly increasing the speed.

2. Add a little bit of the oil of your choice and continue blending. The Almonds should start balling up inside. Use a wooden spoon to push the sides and even up on the insides but make sure the blender is turned off when you do this!! I say this because I know some people who actually does this while the machine is on!

3. You may want to add more oil if you find that the Almond is taking some time to actually become a creamy paste. Add a little bit at a time. You can try using a teaspoon at a time. Give it some time to blend. I think it took me about 15 minutes to blend.

4. You now officially have your very own Pure Almond Butter!

5. Add in a pinch of salt / to taste, honey, cinnamon or nutmeg or whatever it is you are crazy about, mix them up and transfer them into a container for you to store your butter!

6. Store them in a nice cool place. I store mine in my refrigerator. Since Coconut oil does not harden up like a rock, it's actually quite easy to scoop out with a butter knife and spread it on toasted bread.

7. Serve them to any nut crazy kid/adult and watch them enjoy it :)

Chago loves his :)

I actually used Pumpkin and sunflower seed along with Almonds as mentioned above. It tastes more or less just like pure almond to me except the colour has a hint of green to it from the pumpkin seed.

This is Pure Hazelnut Butter which I made for the purpose of extracting its oil from.

The method of doing this is the same way as mentioned above. Just omit the extra stuff out.

I used Olive Oil for this.

I store this under room temperature.

Wait for 2 weeks and Hazelnut Oil will appear on the surface of the Almond meat!

Just get those oil and you'll have the oil you would need.

What can you use it for?

1. Add them into handmade lotions, soaps, shampoos and

Heck!

Why not?? Into commercial Lotions too!

2. Rub the oils directly on your skin. They will not feel oily or sticky on your skin. Use it as a serum for your face and your hair. Rub them on the rough and dry areas on your body i.e. Elbows, heels of your soles, knees, in between your toes and fingers, palms etc!

What to do with the meat?

Rub them on your face, or use them as a facial mask.

You can also use cheese cloth to squeeze all the oils out and use the meat in your soaps as an exfoliating agent.

Hope you find this useful :)

I love making homemade edibles for Chago and the adults :)

Great ideas for gifts too don't you think so?

Bandana Bibs

2012-01-12T00:06:00.000+08:00

Made these for someone special :)

And made another for my special someone :)

Reversible Bandana Bibs!

Great for messy eaters and drooling minis

Hope She likes them

Till I sew next!

Pin Up Girls 2012 Calendar

2012-01-04T23:43:00.000+08:00

I was busy sewing and shopping for everyone when I suddenly remembered that I had completely forgotten about my very single 50 over years old uncle who

cooked our Christmas dinner and who shared meals with us everyday for the pass couple of months!

Everyone will be getting something except for him if I didn't think of something quick!

So here's what I made for him

A 2012 Pin Up Calendar Girls from the early 1900s!

You can find Pin Up Girls on the net for free these days just by typing in "Pin Up Girls"

Got a few pictures,

added a 2012 calendar of every month on them

Customized a front calendar cover with his name on it

and wrap it up with a string

(because I ran out of cellophane tape!)

So here they are

The Vintage Girls of 2012!

"James Yong Lolita Girls 2012"

Till I craft next

Quick Travel Journal

2012-01-04T19:12:00.000+08:00

I made a super duper last minute Travel Journal for my Brother in Law, David, during the wee morning of the day he was flying off back to Chile.

I wanted to do it earlier but I never seem to find the time, and ever since dad checked in for his Knee Replacement surgery, I have to split myself even more.

It's easier to concentrate now with my holiday being over :)

Anyway,

I know I could have probably done something better or sew something to hold the pieces together but I was dying for sleep at 5 that morning.

I don't quite remember where I got some of the free printable templates but I do know I browsed through a cool site with lots of crafty tips. Check at the end of the post for the link to the page :)

The assembled piece!

Some were free printables, some were created by yours truly :)

Passport stamps from all over the world!!!

Well, Okay, not all over but a whole lot of countries, Including Malaysia and Chile of course!

I chose this font because I think Miguel somewhat owns the same handwriting...

It's hard to tell.

Lefties are always ugly handwriters :p

I had no Glue left at this point!

Like I said,

Super last minute.

So sewing was a great option!

Some, again,

are free Digital papers

I really do want to give credits but I seriously forgot where I got them from :(

Postcard Pictures time!

Yes! That's a real Python around his neck!

You'll never see this postcard in stores ever!

A mother Orang Utan Lovingly Smelling the bum of her little Orang Utan

Taken at Poring Hot Springs - Ranau, Sabah

The print in the bottom reads:

400 over meters above sea level

100 over meters tall Canopy Walk!

I did this when I was 8 mths pregnant and did this again while David was around.

It is always scary in the beginning. The scariest of all would have to be the last walk.

Not for those with a faint heart!

Supported only by cable ropes, a piece of plywood plank and an aluminium ladder!

Oh, and did I mention that I took these pictures???

I love the one on the left where Miguel looks up towards the sky with huge clouds.

Taken at Kundasang - Ranau, Sabah.

Excellent picture for a brother to brother message

Malayan Tiger on the right

Envelopes for memory keepsakes and little tiny things like entrance tickets, train dockets, flyers etc for remembrance

He absolutely loved it!

shhhhhhh!!! Do not tell but it actually made both brothers cry!

NOW

Head on to Tip Junkie to browse through for some free printables :)

Till I craft again :)

Fishes and Bears... What Fun!

2011-12-11T12:49:00.000+08:00

Since we're holidaying

we took advantage of all the time we have to visit family friendly places...

Of course, then at night, this poor mum stays at home while the boys goes out to party.

So we visited the Aquaria at KLCC

I have been there before but I never had this much fun with my little guy!

The look on his face brought me so much joy :)

I love this shot...

Just in time to catch a turtle on camera

Even the bigger boys were having so much fun

Kiss Kiss

So much to see and learn here :)

We were lucky to drive by this street

Bears Unite!

Bears hand painted from all over the world by their own respectful country.

United in the streets of Kuala Lumpur to promote peace and Harmony.

Malaysians and Tourists alike we having a great time strolling by bears of different countries and snapping pictures with bears of their own :)

Peruvian Bear: Red

Qatar Bear: Bottom Right

Romanian bear and some others that I just couldn't remember anymore

South Korea, Malaysia, Jordan Bears

Ireland, Saudi Arabia

Ethiopia, Argentina and Cuba

I just love this!

Chilean Bears... of course!

USA, UK and Malaysian Bears

Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as we are enjoying our holidays :))

Chago's Happy everyday BREAKFAST

2011-12-08T23:34:00.000+08:00

The continuation of the previous post...

Here's a picture of Santiago's breakfast and him enjoying it :))

Ingredients: Fresh Milk + Home Made Yoghurt made by yours truly :))) + Raisins + Pink Guava (Jambu Merah) + Corn Cereals + 2 teaspoon Ground Almond, Sunflower and Pumpkin seed + Wheat Germ + Raw Honey + Ground Cinnamon + 2 teaspoon Coconut Oil + Oats. This platter will normally be accompanied by a glass of Fresh Milk and any type of fruit e.g. a whole Unpeeled Banana for him to work and peel off himself.

Look at this 17 mth old munching down his morning grub!

He will never want to waste a drop :))

Power Breakfast and anchovies for lunch and dinner please!

2011-12-03T01:56:00.000+08:00

I have religiously been doing this for chago and Miguel (of course) ever since Chago started on Solids full time upon turning one last July.

I never actually blogged about it...

But I get lots of mails from some others asking me about the home made dishes Miguel and I

would prepare for chago.

So here is me sharing what I prepare in jars to add into Chago's breakfast...

Pumpkin seeds (not the salted Kuaci but the unsalted ones where you can find packaged in an airtight pack)

Sunflower seeds - again unsalted and unsweetened and organic unsalted almonds.

Mix them all together,

ground them up in a blender... I make them a little chunky and not too fine :)

and then store into a jar.

Anchovies - Yummy!

I use anchovies for Chago not only for the nutritional values they carry but also as a natural substitute to salt since we have not once use salt in any of his home cooked food.

Wash the anchovies, I do this around 3 to 4 times,

strain and leave on a strainer for an hour.

Spread the anchovies evenly on a baking tray,

pop it into the oven under low heat and let it bake till it looks dried up - but not to the extend where it goes brown and crunchy! It's delicious that way I know but what we want here is the nutrition it carries :)

Let it cool and then blend the anchovies a little bit at a time

Will post more on what the breakfast looks like tomorrow :)

Living in a cardboard Box

2011-12-03T01:12:00.000+08:00

After cutting out some holes off a small cardboard box and letting chago drop in some lego blocks into them...

I sort off killed the whole idea of fitting the blocks into the holes

by accidentally...

okay, not accidentally,

maybe... by unintentionally giving Chago the idea that it would have probably be

super fun if he took the box and put it over his head

and played peek-a-boo instead!

Sigh...

So I found a bigger box and made a fun filled Cardboard House...

With the same wooden cylinders and blocks from Daiso that I had used to DIY my own toy for Chago (in my previous post), I used a kitchen towel cardboard tube and tape it onto the box so chago could roll them out by dropping them into it.

He was laughing till his tears were rolling off his cheeks!

His Uncle Rainer decided to join in on the fun too!

Nothing makes a heart skip 10 beats in an instance than watching your own minis

laugh and roll in their funny, silly laughter :)

Till we play next!

Simple DIY Toys under RM30

2011-12-03T00:49:00.000+08:00

You read right :)

We were out shopping one day in Daiso (The ever so popular RM5 store)

When I suddenly had this DIY inspiration thing going on

I saw a wooden dish rack, some wooden blocks (8 in a pack),

Wooden short Cylinders (8 in a pack), and a wooden fat ring stack around the store...

When we got home, Miguel started sawing the dish rack in two,

drilling holes in the wooden cylinders and nailing down the sawed off dish rack parts onto a plywood.

Showed it to Chago and he sat there fitting in cylinders, fat rings and stacking blocks for what seemed to be at least an hour! How cool is that!

Nowadays, this toy I made is now way too easy for Chago to figure out,

so he started throwing the cylinders and fat rings all over the place.

In the beginning, I used to tell him no and he should put them back where they belong

but then one day, when he was busying himself again

we were observing what he did with the wooden fat rings....

We saw how he had tried to fit his finger into the hole and then tried fitting other stick like objects into it.

When the ring fell off his hands,

he saw how it rolled and turned, so Chago picked it up and put it up right,

used his finger and pushed it,

it went round and round like a wheel would go rolling about

he did this for a loooooong time!

Please don't mind me...

I just think babies are the smartest beings in the world!

And it's amazing how fast they learn and absorb what is around them at this age!

He just never fails to amaze me everyday :)

He makes me count my endless blessings :)

Till we play next :)

Busy Busy Busy

2011-12-03T00:08:00.000+08:00

Here's Mr Busy

Keeping himself Busy

Just doing whatever he can to keep on moving :)

Okay, Okay, Okay

YESSS

I have been reading a lot of the Mr. Men and Little Miss lately..

I find some of the stories quite interesting for Chago..

Like Mr. Messy...

I get to emphasize how not clearing his toys could result him bumping his head on the floor just

like Mr. Messy when he tripped on his broom :)

Anyway,

Here's chago keeping himself busy with his Crayons and his desk and chair

Crayons out...

Crayons in...

Oppsie Daisy!

Scribble scribble doodle doodle...

Nope, position of the table and chair isn't giving him much inspiration...

Forgot his chair...

Got it... now sliding it over...

Okay... "Where was I?"

I just love watching him when he's busying himself with whatever makes his world go round :)

Super Cute Undies!

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000+08:00

After reading a post from.. Oh darn! I can't remember where!

Anyways,

I saw this mama posted this picture of some very very adorable undies she made from a pattern she bought.

Oh I so fell in love with it!

You can find the Pattern up for sale from That Darn Kat.

Use whatever scraps you have!

Great timing I must say since Chago's been diaper free most of the time during the day now.

So here's what I made :)

I actually made a few a couple of months ago but finally got to make one using new knit fabrics that I just received last week.

For the elastics around the waist and the thighs,

I used the bands off an old underwear - BUM Equipment branded on the bands :p

The knits were the back (white) part of the undies

and for the front, Celebrating Seuss by Robert Kaufman's Fabrics.

So easy to make although I have to keep figuring out some parts because the instructions

weren't very clear to me..

Fits so perfect!

Even Chago's checking himself out!

Till I sew next!

Mean Trucker!

2011-12-02T23:24:00.000+08:00

Another messy activity :)

Outside the house of course :)

Miguel got Chago some sand to play with yay!

I have been bugging Miguel about getting sand for few days now and so he finally got it for us!

Here's a traditional recipe for making any kid happy...

Let them get messy!

Chago inspecting the sand.. While his dad got carried away playing with the truck :)

Destroying what his dad built...

Helping his dad load the truck and load the bucket :)

He didn't look too happy about getting cleaned up huh :)

Till we play next :)

Flour Power!

2011-12-02T23:23:00.000+08:00

Have been spending more time with Chago these days,

making up for all the time lost when I was busy sewing in my sewing room..

poor boy missed his mummy :)

So this was one fun activity for him that I had planned out...

well, I didn't actually really planned anything

Just sort of searched through my kitchen cabinet and got out whatever flour I had and put them in a large metal bowl :)

Buried some small toys, placed some spoons, ladles and a whisk and place them outside for chago to sit and mess himself up!

I was great just watching him...

I showed him how to used the mini metal strainer to shake the flour off :)

Look at the concentration!

Actually, at this point, I think he got hungry and tried eating the flour :p

I gave him a bottle of water too so he mixed water into flour and got all the gooooeeeyy mess

on his tiny hands.

And then it's off to his bath tub :)

I handed him a bar soap...

He was so interested with how the soap felt, how slippery it was and... Yes,

How it tasted too that he sort of forgot about food for awhile...

Time for a Banana!

Chago goes crazy over a Banana!

He just loves them!

I thought him how to peel a Banana

He peels one like an expert now!

Watch him gobble it down...

Makes you want to go get a banana now doesn't it :)

BANANA....

Yummy!

Oh Christmas Tree oh Christmas Tree!

2011-11-18T09:40:00.000+08:00

Christmas time is drawing near!

My favourite time of the year!

And gearing up for the upcoming KKM Garage Sale Bazaar,

I have been sewing like mad finishing customer's orders before my long break and

sewing for ready stocks and Garage sale goodies.

Still more to sew.

For now, here's what I'd like to show off :)

Cute Fabric and felt Ornaments!!

I tried them on my Christmas Tree last night with nothing but the ones I made and they looked so Lovely!

Will be making more and more and more!

You can also check it out over at my Ready Stocks Album in Facebook if you'd like to get some for your Christmas Tree at home :)

Add colour to your Christmas Tree this Year!

I love them all!

Little Yoyos for your Christmas tree as well :)

Till I sew next!

DIY Captain Hook Costume

2011-11-11T15:13:00.000+08:00

So,

My dad needed a costume to go along for his last annual dinner last Thursday and it was themed

PIRATES

I said last because he's retiring at the end of this year :)

So he asked me to sew him one.

We went around our local textile stores and we were talking about what sort of Pirate he would want to be.

He said that many might want to dress up as Captain Jack Sparrow

and he didn't want to be one of them.

So I suggested Captain Hook!

I wish I had managed to snap pictures for a quick tutorial on this but it was really a last minute thing.

So enjoy the pictures that I have managed to take before he left for his dinner.

Miguel made the hook.

He used cardboard, some aluminium foil, the top half of a coca cola bottle and painted it black and black paint on the aluminium foil to create that rustic look

Oh, and did I mention...

HE WON FIRST PRIZE!

lol!

Till I sew next

DIY Playful Curtain

2011-11-07T01:02:00.000+08:00

Had a busy month last month

Phew!

Still some more orders to go!

December is around the corner. I'll be taking a long break and since Miguel might be getting a job soon, I have decided to go serious on turning my whole sewing room into Chago's little play haven.

But before any of that...

We decided to replace the old boring curtain in our room with a new one.

I had wanted to get some fabrics to sew the curtains but when we were shopping around Parkson in 1B,

we saw some plain unbleached curtains going for RM29.90 each. Long and wide enough for one window in our room.

Miguel and I had the same idea :)

So we got two of these and turned the plain unbleached curtains into these:

Love the effects of the light glowing through in the mornings and afternoons

These are just few of the things that Chago knows and loves, like Stars, the Moon, Trees, Rain, Apple, Butterfly, Dog, Flower, Sun, Cloud, Car, Aeroplane, Triangle, Square, Crocodile, Tortoise :)

Messy Apple! You can see some of Chago's hand prints on them

This was us getting busy :)

Miguel stamping Chago's foot on the curtain

I sewed this very simple Art Top. He has pockets on the front so he could keep brushes etc in them

But I think he doesn't know what they are for yet

Since we were using Fabric Paint and since it has lots of non child safe chemicals in them, we tried distracting him with a bowl of water and some wine corks for him to scoop out and transfer...

But I guess that didn't really worked :p

We're very happy with our curtain :)

Here's an idea that you can use for your home too

Happy Painting

And till I sew next!

Grab and match in style

2011-10-26T20:03:00.000+08:00

Someone emailed me asking if I could sew up a cute bag for her little girl who loves having something in hand while she walks about, and she wanted one with a matching diaper.

So I asked if she'd like a grab bag with this lovely flowery pattern, she said yes :)

So here's the adorable grab bag that I sewed up for her.

You can even wear it around your shoulders :)

Matching sets!

I intentionally did this with the soakers as well :)

Here's how it looks like when you open up the grab bag. to wear it, simply slide the longer strap into the opening of the shorter strap and let it hang!

6 Little pockets, great for handphones, tissue papers, make ups, lotions, sanitisers, or car keys that we women so often lose in our bags

And the matching diaper up close :)

Till I sew next

Pea Pod Baby Carrier

2011-10-23T21:23:00.000+08:00

I don't normally sew during the weekends,

But since dad told us that we would be visiting my late grandparent's graves the next morning, it itched me to sew a carrier for Chago.

He had put on quite a lot of weight over the pass 2 weeks

He wriggles a lot and so Miguel and I can no longer carry him without straining our backs!

So I made this:

I found this pattern somewhere in my ebook stash.

So I got busy.

This was taken during my Late Grandmother's funeral day.

Look way back in this picture.

You can't see her "grave" in here simply because her lot is way way way up up up!

So Imagine having to climb these steep steps at 11am under the hot blazing sun!

I was not liking the idea of wrestling with my 15 mth old all the way up and down!

The Finished product on us :))

Took me under 2 hours to make this. Was super happy with the results.

Even happier when we went up and down the steep steps without having to feel really sweaty and hot and irritated at the same time.

So I guess, My love for Baby Wearing has returned!

I love how this is not too thick, airy and very very simple.

Since it's a hip carrier and the straps are on the shoulder than the back

I do not need to strain anything, weight is distributed evenly and it does not even feel hot on both of us!

Happy is what I am :))

Till I sew Next!

Coconut Goodness :)

2011-10-19T00:48:00.000+08:00

Wonders of Virgin Coconut oil

I bought this at an Agricultural fair that was held locally. I have always wanted to make my own but never got to do so. I saw someone selling this so I got to asking how they process it and whether it was heat processed or cold pressed. It was cold Pressed.

According to the guy,

the shredded were dried for a little while under the sun.

I didn't know it needs drying...

Anyways, I got me this and got a free 60ml VCO spray as well.

So this is what I have use it for so far:

1. 1 Teaspoon in Chago's Oats and cereal breakfast

2. On Chago's growing curly locks

3. On my crazy distressed dry hair (works wonders) before shower

4. On insetc bites - I put it on Chago and the swelling and bites disappeared after 30 minutes!

5. Chapped Lips

6. Salads - Yummy

7. Rice - I add 1 tbsp og VCO into a cooking pot of rice and it makes a lot of difference! The aroma is enough to get people into the mood of eating

8. Steamed Fish - marinated the fish with tumeric, a little bit of salt, pepper, thyme and VCO. Delicioso!

9. Repellent against Insects

10. To strengthen Immunity

11. Natural Sun Block!

And....

Today, Just before taking a bath, I decided to put some on my face for awhile.

I have this habit for using a tweezer to tweeze out my white heads around my nose area, so I did so today before actually leaving the room to shower and..

It was so easy! Easier than it was without VCO on my face.

It was as if the oil went into my pores and loosen the sides of where the white heads sit in and made it so easy to remove. I got so many out in just minutes without damaging my skin or causing my nose to turn red.

There are so many benefits to consuming VCO at least 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. And if you could afford it, you can replace your regular cooking oil with this.

They are quite costly, but I will still want to do it myself.

I'll just need to find the time to get me some fresh desiccated coconut flesh.

Till then, I'll continue with this bottle of V

Monsters ALIVE this Halloween!

2011-10-17T23:41:00.000+08:00

Since Halloween is coming up,

The ever so popular monsters are making waves!

The new female face of Mr, Yellow Fellow?

I don't really have a name for her...

Soft Luscious velour!

Now, who can ever resist that!

Miss Foxy and her new girl friend!

Mr. Buzzy Blues and Mr. Wasabe

Ah Mr. Wasabe...

You're just about the weirdest looking monster I have

YET,

You are the popular one Yet!

Mr. Buzzy Blues

Gotta have them labels on :)

Till I sew next

Vrooming on Bed Liners!

2011-10-17T23:26:00.000+08:00

This is for a little boy who has very good taste in designer fabrics selection.

This wonderful mum made this second purchase just for him.

No, not THIS little fella in the picture,

This little charmer is mine :)

Ask him to smile, and he WILL smile...

most of the time anyways :)

This makes me want to sew up an I-Spy Blankie

One Side waterproof PUL (Solid Blue)

And the other side Anne Keller's Designer Print for Robert Kaufman :)

This sort of thing always and I mean ALWAYS temp me into giving it to Chago instead of selling it off.

Well, Till I sew next

Ties for all occasions

2011-10-09T17:32:00.001+08:00

I was getting Chago ready for a Friend's Wedding yesterday when I realized that he did not have the right clothes for that occasion. Well, he did, but he outgrew all of them and I just hate buying clothes that I know won't fit him in the next month or so.

So I made him this tie.

Cutie pie.

So tying involved. Just snap it on and you've got yourself a handsome little fella.

Checking himself out. He probably likes it.

Beautiful :)

A little Bird Told Me...

2011-10-07T11:32:00.002+08:00

Another Booties + Cd set! I love this Robert Kaufman Print on their Anne Keller's Zoology Series.

Vibrant Colours

Beautiful Prints

Playful Indeed!

So another set ready to go!

Till I sew Next!

Ready to go!

2011-10-07T11:18:00.001+08:00

This order is done and ready to go :)

The matching hat and cd, Aeroplane on blue and Mr Buzzy Blues!

See How the Castro hat goes along well with any cd??

Love this combination too!

Hope this Happy Mama will love this bunch!

Matching Hats?

2011-10-07T10:49:00.000+08:00

I have done this before but I missed out on a chance of taking a picture of the finished product.

Now, I make sure, or at least try to snap pictures of stuff I made after finishing them!

Matching Castro hat and Cloth Diaper.

How cool is that?!

I so want to make one for myself but I am not a hat person.

Chago doesn't seem to like anything on his head

and Miguel says it's not sunny indoors to wear hats haha!

I guess it's a Malaysia thing to wear Hat rain or shine!

Anyways,

Made for a cool mama, a matching cd and hat set!

I love the fabric print! So Boyish indeed!

Now i'll need to work out on a vest pattern to go with a hat,

a real special momma wants it :)

Till I sew next!

Amber Teething Necklace

2011-10-04T11:40:00.000+08:00

I have had them for 10 months now but I never thought of blogging about them.

When Chago was 4 months old, his crazy teething phase started. His tantrums got me throwing mine towards Miguel because while he was away at work, I was the one who was trying very hard to keep myself sane!

My mum actually told me that someone she knows in Singapore bought a teething necklace for her daughter to wear and never really had that much problems with teething. Out of desperation, I did some reading, but the more I read the more difficult it was to select or find someone who sells GENUINE Baltic Amber teething Necklaces. I stumbled across Baltic Creations, Lilian Moore was more than helpful with my questions and concerns. I was a sceptic even when I was purchasing it online from her. I kept on thinking...

"Man... if this doesn't work, I'm just wasting my money!"

I bought 4 to save on shipping. I must say, Miguel was not happy with my purchases. Why 4??

One for Miguel's God Mother, we were living with her at that time.

One for Miguel

One for Chago

And one for myself.

As soon as it arrived, I put it on Chago.

I swear... Just 3 hours after putting it on Chago, I got my Happy boy again!!!

His 2 lower front teeth came saying hello the following week. 1 month later, another two upper front teeth.

And the other 4 came without my knowledge as he did not scream, no diarrhoea, very mild fever, but the same old happy Chago who continued drinking 9 oz of milk at every 2 hours!

This is Chago when he was 4 months old. Just 3 hours after putting the necklace on him. Hehehe! I got my smiling Chago again!

You can see that I am wearing it on my wrist too :) I bought a Child's Teething Necklace and go round twice at my wrist.

We had it on him while he sleeps and even when he showers. The Baltic Amber that I got for Chago and ourselves were not polished ones but Raw ones instead. Although some may say that there aren't any differences, some begs to differ.

You can read more on RAW vs POLISHED Baltic Amber Beads HERE

Miguel took it off him while giving Chago a bath about 2 months ago. I thought, well, since he wasn't teething or anything like that, might as well just take it off him.

I just realized that of all the times that he was not wearing his necklace, he had been having diarrhoea, mild fever, being more and more cranky etc!

And just 2 weeks ago, I have been sick along with him, he recovered and I never did because it was hard keeping up with orders and having to take care of both Chago and myself at the same time. Miguel was sick too trying to take care of the THREE of us!

When his teething tantrums kicked off again, and I saw how he bit his fingers till there were scars in them,

I then remembered the the necklace.

I got it and put them on him that night and he went right to sleep. The next day (yesterday) I have my happy Chago again!

Now taken from Baltic Creation's Site, here's some info on Baltic Amber:

What is Baltic Amber? Baltic Amber is a fossilized tree resin originating from the Baltic Sea Region of Lithuania (near Russia). Baltic Amber contains Succinic Acid and when it is heated against the skin it releases an all natural analgesic (pain relief) which helps to ease teething pains in children as well as colic and gas and other ailments. This works so well that necklaces made in lengths for children are the main thing used in Europe and Asia for teething pains and other ailments. These also work wonders with adults! They help with Migraines, arthritis, acid reflux and many many other issues!! The Amber I use is imported by me directly from Lithuania. It is found in the Baltic Region in the Baltic Sea area. Baltic Amber is believed to contain the highest amounts of this acid. Though all types of amber are believed to contain this acid only Baltic Amber contains enough to be considered healing. Contrary to what some think NOT ALL Amber is Baltic.

"Amber is associated with the solar plexus chakra and sometimes the sacral chakra. Mystical lore says that amber is beneficial for purifying the body, headaches, bone problems, heart problems, circulation, ears, hearing problems, endocrine system, fibromyalgia, intestinal/digestive disorders, kidney, bladder, lungs, and general healing purposes." INFO found HERE

Other internal uses: Amber is used as an ingredient in tonic formulas, it is used as an anti-aging formulation and a treatment to aid recovery for cancer patients after undergoing standard medical therapies. ...

Succinum is used in treating stomach ache.

Topical applications: Astringing ulcers and promoting tissue regeneration. Used externally, it is efficacious in the treatment of ulcers, boils, swellings. ...

It is interesting to note that the Chinese rely on Pure, Natural Baltic Amber. They have found what science has proven and that is that the Amber Acid from Natural Baltic Amber is the active agent and that they need Natural Baltic Amber for their remedies to be effective. Simply stated, even unripe gooseberries and rhubarb stalks, which are the richest in the natural acid, contain a thousand times less of the acid than in Baltic amber- succinite.

Russia is a major source of Baltic Amber. And their experience with it over the centuries has added to the knowledge base. (http://www.masterpage.com.pl/amber/amber-cures.html )

Wearing baltic amber close to the skin is a traditional European remedy for baby teething. A natural analgesic, amber will help calm a baby without resorting to drugs. Used for centuries in Europe, amber's natural anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties are perfect to soothe teething babies. Amber is fossilized resin, which warms against the skin, releasing it's therapeutic properties safely and naturally. It treats the throat, stomach, spleen, kidneys, bladder, liver, and gallbladder, alleviates joint problems, and strengthens the mucus membranes. As an elixir and for wound healing, it is an excellent natural antibiotic. It aids the Abdomen, Bladder, Blood, Eyes, Kidneys, Stomach, Tissue Revitalization, Throat, Liver, and Joint Problems.

Here is what they say about Amber, or in Latin, Succinum:"

The calming effect of succinum is only one of the claimed properties, which include these main areas:

Subduing fright, tranquilizing the mind, and relieving convulsion. Succinum is used in the treatment of palpitation, amnesia, dreaminess, insomnia, etc.Alleviating water retention and relieving stranguria (difficult urination). Succinum is applied to the urinary disorders such as stranguria complicated by hematuria (blood in the urine), particularly when caused by pathogenic heat. Promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Succinum is used in the treatment of amenorrhea and abdominal mass caused by blood stasis and stagnation of vital energy. Amber is also recommended for lower abdominal pains affecting the genitalia, such as pain of the testes, prostate, uterus, or vulvar region. Amber "frees the orifices" which is designation for treating conditions such as atherosclerotic blockage of the arteries and blood clots that can cause angina, heart attack, and stroke.... for more info visit the website this was found on here

SOME of the things Baltic Amber helps (Including but not limited to):
Arthritis, Acid Reflux (GERD), Burns, Broken bones, Chemotherapy, Chronic Back Pain, Chronic Fatigue, colic, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Gas (for children), Kidney Disorders, Lupus, Menstrual , Cramps, Migraines (Chronic Headaches), Muscular Aches and Strains, Nausea, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stomach Problems and Upset, Teething Pain

Going Safari!

2011-10-02T22:49:00.000+08:00

This was a bit last minute but was more than glad to do it :D

Made for a special someone who wanted to dress up the most adorable chubby cheeks ever for a Jungle themed Birthday Party!

Oh! I bet she looked absolutely adorable!

Added some frills! She wanted some white lace but ran out of them so I used some of the fabrics and turned them into this instead. Got a tip from someone else, It probably was a better idea to use contrasting colours like Black :) Will do so the next time.

One set with matching booties :)

Till I sew next!

Organic Hemp Prefolds!

2011-09-29T00:23:00.000+08:00

I made these for someone and made some for Chago as well.

I love them!

I used Organic Hemp 380gsm on one side and Soft Organic Bamboo Velour on the other.

The Bamboo Velour will have direct contact with Chago's skin/butt

While the Organic hemp stays on the outer side.

Plus, it's easier to grip onto Hemp than it is on Velour.

I sewed 2 lines on them so that they can even be folded up and be used as an insert in diaper covers too.

Till I sew next :)

I'm so Blessed!

2011-09-29T00:03:00.000+08:00

I do feel blessed indeed!

Just when it started raining in my head, the sun still shined and a rainbow appeared :)

So I thank HIM for the two good hands I still have,

For the man in my life - A very loving, patient and Understanding one.

And for an adorable son that we're just so grateful for.

So I have been busy.

Plus, there was a stomach flu epic happening around town and everyone was getting sick.

Including myself.

But I still needed to finish this set along with a few others that I have already sent off rain or shine.

This batch will be leaving for Italy.

I meant to send it off today but my tummy would not allow it!

Grrrr!

So enjoy the pictures :D

Mr Buzzy Blues

The ever so popular MR Wasabi

And as requested by the new owner of these diaper covers, A pumpkin Face! Just in time for Halloween!

To be worn by her son for Halloween greeting cards and postcards to friends and families!

How cool is that!

Ciao!

Getting my CD sewing Groove back

2011-09-16T23:04:00.000+08:00

Got my groove back... Oooh Yeah!

Well, it's not like I have not been sewing or anything, but for the past couple of weeks, I have been kicking myself to the sewing room. I wasn't quite in the mood and Chago was sick. And with the Hari Raya holidays, Weddings and what nots! I guess I was just in Holiday mode!

So these are just a few of the things I have been busy with.

I really do hope that this groove of mine does not decide to run off again like it did!

Ahh... Clifford the big Red Dog... How Chago loves you so much!

Especially this part of the book :)

Now... THIS! I'm so so so sorry Chago that I made you wear this.

If you were a girl, I would've kept this

I really would've!

Still I sew Next!

Yummy Fabrics are Here!

2011-09-08T00:59:00.000+08:00

Yes!!!!!!!!

My yummy fabrics are here!!!

Some are mine and some are up for Sale!

I am entering the fabric line now since I enjoy fabrics so much

You can hope on to my new baby page here:

Fabric Seekers

Or head on to my Fabric Blogsite

Over Here!

And yes, I would be more than happy to work on sewing cloth diapers with these fabrics, you've just to let me know which and i'll make them :)

Till I sew Next :)

Soapnuts Review!

2011-08-16T12:57:00.003+08:00

I led a group Buy for Soapnuts once somewhere around last month and have started using them one week after I got them for laundry. I never seem to find the time to blog about it or to share the experience of using soapnuts till now. All I can say is that I am mighty glad that I actually got myself 1kg of soapnuts!

Why?

Because they work like a charm! Okay, so at first glance, they looked like nuts, sticky nuts.

Opened the bag and "OMG!" the smell is... well, it has a pungent smell to it, but it isn't a smell that will make you not want to use it.

I placed 5 nuts in an old sock. I found a pantyhose-like sock and used that. I tied a knot and soaked it in hot water for 5 minutes just to soften the nuts up. I noticed some bubbles forming as I was pouring hot water into the bowl with the nut filled old sock.

I started the washing machine and placed the old sock into the machine. When the machine stopped, I checked Chago's napkins and cloth diapers.... No traces of the sourish soapnut smell. The laundry was clean, napkins looking white and cloth diapers did not smell of urine or soapnuts. It smelt like detergent actually... I wasn't sure why, it could be because there might be some detergent residue left behind from the other previous washing.

I used these 5 nuts in that old sock for about 4 laundry cycle. And then removed them from the sock. I used about 3 rounds of soapnuts, so that means, I have about 15 used shells. I soaked them in hot water last night, and saw that they were still producing some bubbles.

So this morning, here's what I did:

I removed the used soapnuts that was soaking from the night before. As you can see from the pictures above, it still looked puffy, and the inside of the nut (when I pinched the skin of the nut open) you can see a yellow layer, which, I think, still contains soap. I squeezed whatever I could from the nuts and put them aside.

The water in the bowl was yellowish. There were no smell of sour soapnuts. When I dipped my fingers in it, it did not feel soapy but when I rubbed my fingers together, there was a little itty bitty bit of soapy feeling.

Ready for action! I did an experiment. First with my dirty dishes from Breakfast this morning. I was amazed! I did not need to use so much. All I did was dipped in the scrub cloth in, slightly squeeze it and scrub the plates and the cups like I normally would with any other detergent. Rinsed them all and I found myself surprised at how effective it was at removing dirt and grease! So I did another test, this time on a wok.

Before: Oily and greasy. I had Maggi Goreng for breakfast! So that's what it looked like before soapnut action.

After: With just one dip into the bowl of soaked soapnuts, this is what I got! A grease free wok! I rubbed my finger on it, it went "squeak squeak squeak!" Oh what Joy!

Now, we all know how greasy the back part of the wok can be. I used soapnut water and look! I really could not believe it. Miguel was as surprised as I was when I showed him. He said..

"It feels cleaner than washing with the dish wash detergent!"

I took the soapnuts that I placed aside and soak and squeezed more soap out of it.

And then I place them all in a pot (it may look like there were more than 15 in there because the nuts came apart when washing in the washing machine), filled them up with water and left it to boil. It's cooling down now. Let's see what we find later :)

2011-08-10T09:18:00.000+08:00

Good Morning all!!!

As Promised, I will be announcing the winners for the 1st RTP Giveaway!!!

The Winners are as follows:

TWO Lucky Winners for RTP @ Chago Mago's Denim Giveaway:

1. Anne Chan

2. Joanne Michelle Lee

Winner For White Fleece Shell:

1. Nuyul Mohsan

Congratulations to the Winners! I will be contacting you guys via fb soon to get more details on the gender of your little ones for Denim winners, and mailing details for all winners!

For those who did not win anything, a very BIG THANK YOU for being a sport and showing some love here at RTP.The Winning Entries:

By Anne Chan - 73 wordswhy Eugene deserves to win Chago Mago's Denim Cloth Diaper because his mummy is in jeans and sports shoe ALL the time. Coz my mummy has to look after my two elder sisters who's always running in the shopping mall, and me, trying to stand up in my stroller. Therefore, Chago Mago's Denim Cloth Diaper would be perfect coz then our colours won't clash and will ALWAYS coordiate :) i'll be COOL like mummy!

By Joanne Michelle Lee - 93 words

"Why I think Laurent deserves to win Chago Mago's Denim Cloth Diaper more than anybody else is because I have yet to purchase one from you, but never had the chance since I fell in love with your WFC. Winning this Denim Cover would put a smile on my face since I now have a 5 collection of Chago Mago's Cloth Diapers. If I win the Denim Cover, not only will it look posh and expensive, yet it would be fun to use on its own with tees, specifically for outdoor family outings".

By Nuyul Mohsan - I deserve the White Fleece Shell because..... my child worthy of the best (comfort) and i can rest assured from leakage at night.

For those who participated but did not win anything, A VERY BIG THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

DIY Baby Safe Paint and Messy Messy Day!

2011-08-09T17:15:00.000+08:00

I have been thinking about this for the past couple of days. Looking at Chago sit on his bed building blocks with his papa, but his papa was hogging the blocks. So I got Chago to the kitchen, let him go walking round and round while I prepare his baby paint :)

Recipe for a Baby Safe Paint:

Flour

Cold water

Safe Food Colouring (don't get the cheap ones - look at ingredients)

Hot water

1. Pour some flour into a bowl

2. Add cold water (not too much)

3. Mix the flour and water to create a paste

4. Add your desired colouring

5. Mix and add hot water to adjust the consistency of the paste (to dilute it a little)

DONE

Do that for other desired colours and you'll have one laughing baby messing up the kitchen floor.

Warning!

Change clothes to darker colours or remove clothes!

I forgot to do so but i don't really care since those were just home clothes :)

Till we paint next :)

PUL and other Cloth Diaper Fabrics for Sale

2011-08-03T14:52:00.000+08:00

I have been getting way too many orders that I sometimes get really tired. I have met a few people who have actually wanted me to teach them to sew their own cds so that they could save on reusing instead of disposing. I'm all in for supporting the need to care for mother nature. So I guess sharing is caring :) For those of you who have been inquiring on fabrics and have always wanted to sew your own...

Just click on any of the above links "Buy PUL" "Stay Dry Fabrics" "Fleece" and "Coming Soon" to see what's available, how much is it and what you can use them for.

Till I sew next :)

Santiago's 1st Circus Carnival Birthday Themed Party!!

2011-08-02T19:29:00.000+08:00

I was so excited about this that I had started planning this ahead and for quite some time now. My very first Party Planning Project for Chago... A Circus Carnival Themed Party!

I took one week off to prepare this very last minute party. Well, the idea and concept of it was not last minute, but the whole DIY thing was! Everything was handmade and prepared from home! Everything except The Birthday Cake and the "Pin the Clown" Pin up game.

Now, I said ONE WEEK, but it was actually 4 days, including the day of the party!

I had 3 days taken away from me because I had some issues with getting to the post office in time and having my other errands done - I.e. Send and pick up Hubby from airport, send soapnuts, orders, pick up fabrics from customs department etc... All these left me with just 3 days of crazy sleepless nights, a demanding baby, and everyone was "Michelle this, and Michelle that" on what's going to happen on the birthday. I was a walking zombie! I could just sink my teeth in to human flesh anytime if they pushed the right buttons :)

But all that hard work paid off. With a very loving and supportive husband, good showmanship from my brother, good sporting nature from my dad and sisters and not forgetting the Birthday lady - my mum, whose birthday falls 2 days after Chago's, everyone who came had fun! I have never felt so happy to see everyone enjoying themselves!

I made this very simple Birthday Suit for Chago. He's meant to be the Little Canon boy while his dad is the Canon Man.

Designed this and printed them out individually, string them up and tada! The cutting and the stringing part took me forever. And making sure they hold up straight was another thing.

Miguel blew all the 70 balloons we had. I think about 30 of them popped just before the party started. No more cheap balloons for sure!

Got some of Chago's Monkeys to help out as well. This Gorilla was in charge of the Jelly beans Basket

A short pictorial story of Chago's adventure from the time he was born right up to that very day :)

Plastic drinking sippy cups for the kids to hold on to throughout the whole night

Door Gift bags with the kids' names on them. They come with 10 game tickets each, a Face Painting coupon and a Popcorn redemption Voucher. You can't play games without a ticket!

The Elephant Parade! join the stampede for some cuppies!

A big Thank You to my sister for helping me bake these. Yumminess!

Red Eggs - A tradition in the Chinese Community. I seriously do not know what it symbolizes nor do I care, but since my family are mostly Chinese, mum thought it would be good to just do it. Well, It definitely looks nice in a nest with a snake in it :)

My Popcorn stand - Chago's Circus Monkey are guarding them. One of them is sleeping on the job...

One of the Carnival activities :) Present a ticket for fortune telling!

Try your luck at toss the ball! One ticket only!

Or Pin The Clown!

How Cool is that :) Having your own dad dressing up in this ridiculous Clown suit that I made! Thanks dad for putting this on :D

And to my canon boys :)

Loving them for being a sport!

This is the most popular booth! I had some kids begging me for more tickets!!!

My mum was supposed to be in charge of Face Painting BUT she was still stucked in the kitchen so I had to fill in... And my my, what HORROR!

I stuck to Kitty cats since they were simpler to do :)

But the canon boy can't have a kitty cat face :s

Okay... This was over exaggerated!

Err.... Niiiiiiiiiice kitty....

She didn't look too happy here, LOL!

The Birthday Cake. I should've done less wordings or at least a round cake.

All in all, everyone had a blast! I had a blast! It was so much fun, especially with the games and the Pinata. And everyone loved the food. I would remember this day for the rest of my life :)

sigh... (happily)

And I do hope very much that Santiago can remember bits and pieces of it.

Because I actually did remember some bits of my first birthday.

Thanking everyone who came as well to make it as wonderful for us as it had been for them :)

Till I sew next :)

Chago's Turning 1 Giveaway!

2011-07-23T23:13:00.005+08:00

That's right! Chago's Finally Turning ONE! Hurray!

I'll be busy from now till end of the month sewing and crafting for Chago's Themed Party

But never to busy for my very first Giveaway!

Two Lucky souls will have fluffy mail heading their way :)

The Giveaway is going to be the following:

TWO Chago Mago OS Denim AI2 Shell (without soaker) worth RM50

This Denim Shell has an outer Denim, Hidden PUL and Inner Fleece

The Picture Shown Below is just an example of how this Shell would look like... The winner of this Denim Shell will be getting them with back pockets and perhaps a little something else. The design is going to be a surprise :) How cool is that??!!

The Second Winner for this Giveaway Would be winning my favorite night CD shell:

OS Windpro Fleece Shell.

Colourful Snaps and 100% Windpro Goodies. No PUL, Very Breathable!

And Very Water Resistant!

Read the review here (I actually reviewed it myself LOL)

What you need to do now is this:

1. Like Rabbit The Penguin in Facebook

2. To win the White Fleece Shell, head on to Rabbit The Penguin on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall with reason/s why you deserve the White Fleece Shell in less than 20 Words (Please do not go over 20 words. If it does, it will automatically be disqualified)

3. To Win the Denim Shell, you'll need to email me at rabbitthepenguin at gmail dot com about why you think you deserve to win it more than anybody else in less than 100 words (Again, Please do not go over 100 words. If it does, it will automatically be disqualified).

Use the title: "Why I/baby's name Deserve to win Chago Mago's Denim Cloth Diaper".

Once you have done so, paste the link on Rabbit The Penguin's Facebook Page.

You can choose to participate in both the fleece and the denims or you can do just one. It's entirely up to you.

Be creative :) For email entry, if you'd like to fiction it up or turn it into a comically funny post on why you think you or your baby deserve the denim shell just do it :D

This giveaway will start today up until the 6th of August 2011. Winners will be judge based on all the steps given above : Liking the page in FB, and the creativity of both the fleece shell and denims entries.

Winners will be announced on the 10th of August 2011 :)

Let's start the fun!

Baby You can drive my Car, Coz Baby I love you!

2011-07-16T21:54:00.001+08:00

Chago has been so interested in cars lately, going vrrroooom vroooom VROOOOm whenever he sees a car, or anything with wheels! We have also given him our old school toy cars from the 80's to play with. And he just loves them, he also knows how to pull the toy car back and let it go for it to move forward... well, okay, it may actually be a fluke. But he seems to be doing without knowing it.

Anyways, I decided to make him a wheel so he can go vrrooom vrooom vrooom in the car or in the living room or in my sewing room with a steering wheel in his hands.

Here's a pictorial tutorial IF you'd like to make one for your little ones too.

I found some good cardboard boxes at home.

Using something round around the house, trace it to the cardboard and draw the Y in the middle like how a real steering wheel would look like

Oh, and if your little one is with you, keep him busy.

Cut it out

Here, I have Felt in brown and red, some polyester filling sheet like you would use in a comforter and a very thin fabric about 10" x 10" (depending on the size of your steering wheel)

1st: I lined the brown felt under, and then the filling, the mold...

And then the thin Fabric

Pin them in place so they won't move about when sewing

Starting on the outer part of the wheel, use a straight stitch to sew around.

Then on the inside, go slow on this... you don't want your needle to get caught in the cardboard. You should be able to see through the fabric.

This is how it looked like all sewed down.

This is how it looked like on the brown felt side

Cut the extra unwanted pieces out

Now place it on top of the red felt. You can actually use another sheet of polyester filling, I wanted to do that but I forgot all about the other piece.

Use a tight zig zag stitch around it, and on the insides too

And you'll have this

Again, Cut out the unwanted parts

And Tada!!! A... very unrealistic steering wheel but...

I found this... Which belonged to one of my youngest sister's Interactive Disney game books..

Apply hot glue on the back

And stick it on. Hey it even works, a little weak on the battery though...

Now, let's see what he thinks about it...

Still Checking it out...

Getting in the "car"

And off he goes!

Vroooom Vroooom VROOOOM

Till I sew next :)

New Batch of Cds finally available at Chago Mago

2011-07-15T11:55:00.000+08:00

Finally managed to sit and finish this up. Would be taking a break after next week to prepare for Chago's First birthday so I am finishing up some orders and ready some stocks for anyone who might want them.

Feel free to browse through the Rabbit The Penguin Facebook Page's Album or Through Chago Mago itself :)

Till I sew Next :)

Chago in Fleece

2011-07-14T09:39:00.000+08:00

I had a few people sending me emails and messages on facebook asking if they could see Chago in action with the fleece diaper shells that I've made. So here they are :)

Till I sew next :)

Loving this diaper system :)

2011-07-13T14:31:00.000+08:00

I have been making a lot of these diapers lately. For myself and for other customers. I love how there's no stuffing, no leaking and no staining. And it's really easy to wipe down. And drying time is faster as well. And with an active boy who loves to walk and crawl and toss and turn about, I find that with these gussets he doesn't suffer rashes or burns around his thighs anymore.

Made for Pamela, she tested one of my diaper shells out when she order inserts from me. I told her that I'd let her have the cover, if she likes it she can buy it, if she doesn't just return it. She returned it, not because she doesn't like it, but because she already has a pink diaper and wanted one with designs on them. She loved it :D Made my day :)

Snaps to snap in the inserts

Pul on the inside with strong water resistant fleece for the gussets

Playful snaps which can be snapped down to 3 sizes S,M,L

Smallest Setting :)

Till I sew next :)

Super Water resistant Fleece Diaper Shells :)

2011-07-13T14:13:00.000+08:00

I bought some Windpro Fleece because I wanted to test them out. So I got busy. When I made one, I pre washed it a few times just to not disappoint myself.

(since fleece are somewhat resistant to water when you first buy them, after a few washes they do eventually absorb fluid very easily... so washing them a few times before testing it on Chago would be the best way of testing this diaper out to see if it really resists water or not)

Put them on Chago one night with a foldover insert from BambooLite, snapped him up, put his pyjama on and got him to sleep at 9:30pm. I have to admit that I was not able to sleep that night as I was worried it might not work. Just as soon as he got up at 8am the next morning, I took him, checked his pants, dry - no leaks - no damp areas - nada, I took off his pants and touched the diaper, dry - no damp or moist areas, no leaks, no strong urine smell like you normally would get from pocket diapers, no leaks, NADA!

I took off the diaper, insert was soaking wet!!! Diaper was dry. Touched the gussets, not wet, very very lightly damp on the inner part of the gussets, no leaks! I was the happiest mum on the planet! No leaks at night for me for sure!! And I was right, no more since that day. I made more of these diapers for my little chubs!

the Inner Part of the diaper

Using the Foldover Insert by Bamboolite. Fits well. I use this system for my Chago at night :)

Snap on the insert so it will not fray around

Love the white, love the colours of the snaps

And now these were made for someone else who wanted them :)

If you're interested, just drop me an email or drop a note in my Rabbit The Penguin Facebook page and I'll get back to you :)

Cute Tiger Burp Cloth

2011-07-01T12:19:00.000+08:00

Another Tiger Burp Cloth with 2 sets of cloth wipes made out of soft Bamboo velours.

Wear it as a burp cloth or under the neck of lour babies when nursing or feeding the bottle. Or just let them have it to play, observe and laugh at.

Going Green is Sexy!

2011-07-01T11:23:00.000+08:00

Found some old clothes and converted to grocery bags. We got the cashiers smiling, some others looking :)

Even got my dad (a non believer of being environment friendly) is proud to have these bags in his cart :)

More Booties

2011-07-01T10:21:00.000+08:00

More Booties! And they are all gone.

Till I sew Next :)

Breast Pads and Prefolds

2011-06-29T20:58:00.000+08:00

Colourful prefolds! Love them!

16 x 16inches! Just nice!

And the breast pads comes in 2 absorbency

The complimentary wetbag for the lucky mum :)

Till I sew next

2011-06-21T17:22:00.000+08:00

Made for Nath Tasha whose little girl will be turning One soon :)

I hope she'll love her little Ballerina Booties :)

The return of the Monsters?

2011-06-21T17:16:00.000+08:00

Making a come back?

Soon enough :)

This is just an order I had from before and now finally having time to make.

Of course, it has to be inspected...

And thrown when it isn't HIS

But no harm in testing it on anyways :)

Till I sew Next :)

Cuppies!

2011-06-20T22:54:00.000+08:00

I just have to post this up. I managed to steal a few munches and pictures at the same time :)

Made with love by my sister Gwen and my lovely hubby, Miguel!

Till I munch next?

Father's day Surprise with a Giant Cupcake!

2011-06-20T15:09:00.000+08:00

We baked a huge Cupcake and kidnapped the two daddies for a Father's day Surprise Dinner At Chub's Grill at Karamunsing Capital :) It was funny and exciting! Here's the pictorial story of the event!

Giant Cupcake Made by My sis and I, it's actually Gwen's and Miguel's new Business Project :) Will be up and selling soon :)

Dad's in the car posing for a picture!

Rachel, the other kidnapper who takes care of the giant cupcake behind

Dad's cheating!!!

Surprise Surprise!!!

Awwww! so sweet!

5 of us ate half of the giant cupcake! Yummy!!!!

Got to get back to the sewing room!

Till I sew next :)

Jack and the Beanstalk - Inspected!

2011-06-07T23:43:00.001+08:00

Before Packing it off to a lucky someone who ordered this from me, I let Santiago have a go at it... And this is what he has to say about the mat :)

Eggs... Hmmm... I love eggs

Mama, do you think you can cook me one of these... Scrambled please

Okay Listen Crew, you gotta know how to please the little people who are going to receive this wonderful play mats. Remember to always STAY in character, you hear me?

Where's the Sun?

I really would like them eggs... Are they done yet ma?

Ahhh! I love this Mat! Mama can you make me one please!!! And stop giving them away!

Eggssssssss

What do you mean no scrambled eggs for me???!!!

Well! I never! Ain't going to work for free anymore! I'm out of here!

.... And that's exactly what happened!

Gotta think of what to sew for him then :)

Till I sew next :)

Another DIY Fairy Tale Playmat - Jack And The Beanstalk

2011-06-05T23:19:00.000+08:00

Another DIY Play Mat for a Special Cheryl. Thanks for supporting my work :) Love you to Pieces!

Jack & the Beans Stalk!

Let's meet the Crew!

The old guy who bought the old cow with Magic Beans

Jack's Mother whop threw the magic beans out the window when she found out Jack had sold the old cow for Silly Magic Beans

Jack, who climbed the Beans Stalk that grew overnight and ended up in a castle up in the clouds

The Ugly Giant who lives in the huge castle in the sky with his golden eggs laying Hen and Magical Harp

Let's look Inside now... The Giant's Chair, Table and an old Cupboard for Jack to hide and peek from

Jack in the cupboard while peeking at the Giant falling asleep as the Harp plays him the magical lullaby

Jack in the old cupboard... Is it Safe to come out?

The Giant woke up when he heard the Harp saying "Master! Help me!"...

He chased after Jack who had climbed the table and stole both the Hen and the Harp down the Beans Stalk

Jack called for his mother who waited for Jack and cut the Bean Stalk down with an axe. The Giant fell and was never to be heard off again!

What did you think Jack and his Mother would do now that they have both the harp and the Gold laying Hen?

Build themselves a new fancy looking house of course!

If Jack ever misses his old home, Just attach the old home onto the new one and...

Tada!!!! Home Sweet Home!

The Castle

The Path to the Bean Stalk

The Back of the Mat

The J&B Family

All Packed up and ready to be shipped

Now that that's done, time to fill this popcorn bag up I made with My Pazzles Cutter a month ago and sit cozy in front of the tele with my dearest Miguel with our fake 3D glasses :)

Till I sew Next :)

Custom diapers done!

2011-06-03T22:59:00.000+08:00

Now that this is done, time to move on to next orders...

8 Designer Fabrics CD, 2 Denim CD, 4 Night CD AI2 with gussets, 20 two layers double bamboo terry Tri fold = 6 layers with stay dry top inserts, 9 2 layers Bamboo Double Terry + 1 layer Heavy Bamboo Fleece Trifold insert = 9 layers with stay dry top, 20 heavy weight bamboo fleece covered with flannel/cotton, 3 wet bags, 1 laundry bag and 10 Raw silk Liners from BambooLite all ready :)

Will be posting off a Jack and the Beanstalk Playmat tomorrow if the post office is open... Otherwise It'll have to wait till Monday :)

Till I sew Next :)

Bamboo Fabrics!!

2011-05-19T09:55:00.000+08:00

My Bamboo Fabrics are here! Yes!! I mentioned this before... I think But here are some pictures anyways

Playpen for the little man :)

2011-05-19T09:38:00.000+08:00

We made a playpen for our little guy last month but I never found time to post this up here.

Using PVC pipes, we sawed, assembled, and glued them up, sew on some fabrics and ta da!! You've got yourself a playpen :) I had other plans for that Initially but couldn't find the time to do any of that at the moment. Probably when I'm free, i'll start with the playpen :)

Till I sew next :)

Custom Cloth Diapers

2011-05-17T22:34:00.001+08:00

Yippee!! Part of my Fabrics are here!

Bamboo Hemp... Check!

Bamboo Fleece... Check!

Bamboo Velour (Natural)... Check!

Bamboo Velour - Gold... Check!

Bamboo Velour - Green... Check!

Bamboo Velour - Pink... Check!

Bamboo Velour - Blue... Check!

Designer Fabrics... Check!

Time to catch up with orders.

And here's some of it without the snaps on them

And the Inserts and Boosters :)

Recycled Scraps into Baby Arm Chair Tutorial Pt2

2011-05-06T09:57:00.000+08:00

Here are just some pictures of Santiago in his new armchair. More to come :)

The Paddington Bear and the book came from a Love Estrelita Soliano :) Tho Santiago's still to young to read it, his papa actually enjoyed reading it for he never knew such bear existed before :)