Back to School Blues

Another long holiday over. The bags were packed, books covered and uniforms nice and clean. Yummy sandwiches for school lunches!

No one had the blues about going back to school, they were up bright and early and ready to go, though I think the little man is going to miss his girls.

It's very exciting to be in new grade, new teacher and seeing all our friends again.


The girls did manage to get Dad to build something again this holidays, I'll show you that another time!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a Personalised pillowcase down below!

CPSIA Giveaway Personalised Pillowcase!!!

GIVEAWAY ENDED - THE WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED - SEE COMMENTS

I've wanted to do a giveaway for a while now so I'm squeezing one in before February 10, 2009, you know before the CPSIA changes take effect and all components of goods intended for children under 12 year olds needs to be tested for lead. I won't be selling these to the USA people under 12 years old after this date, unless legislation changes of course.

This giveaway is for one Personalised Pillowcase. To enter, visit my Etsy Store and check out the personalised pillowcases there, come back here, leave a comment with the name and colours you'd like on the pillow case. Remember, this one's for the kids.

Giveaway closes on the 30 January 2009 so be quick! I'll get my kids to "pick a winner" (lol)

Valentines Day Gift Guides

My Hug Hug Kiss Kiss Pillow Case has been featured in a couple of Valentines Day gift guides Blogs! Thank you all so much.

If you are looking for a Valentines Day Gift for that special someone, check out these blogs for Special Valentines Day Features and Etsy stores too.

SPUNKbyCM - http://spunkbycm.blogspot.com/
SPUNKbyCM.etsy.com

and

I have a love...For Sock Monkeys - http://www.luvmymonkeys.blogspot.com/
avidhunter3.etsy.com

and

Check out this blog to for some great Valentine features too!

New York Memos http://newyorkmemos.blogspot.com/
OrigamiCentral.etsy.com


Have fun browsing!

Did you have a chocolate.....

Chocolate doesn't last long in this house, by the time everyone has one. Someone walks out with one, then one by one I'm handing them out.

We've been nibbling these little delightful morsels and noticed on the wrapper there is a little phrase, a bit like a fortune cookie, but not a fortune. So I thought I'd share some with you.

"Chocolate is the new black"
"My favorite colour is chocolate"
"The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes"
"Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is"
"A smile is a curve that sets a lot of things straight"
"Mistakes are proof you are trying"
"How do you treat someone addicted to chocolate therapy?"
"There's a time for compromise, it's called later"
"Borrow chocolate from pessimists, they don't expect it back.

And there was even - When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

The kids couldn't understand why on earth you would want to wear tight shoes, but it has been interesting eating these chocolates!

No pictures today, I told you chocolate doesn't last long here.

What the kids are up to....

It's been an exciting school holidays. We are a pretty creative bunch, Woodworking Dad, Sewing Mum, Kids that love paper and paint! The kids have been creating up a storm. The Big One has admired my Etsy store and has wanted to add some of her stuff for ages.

I opened a Section called BonTonsKids for them. Not so sure about going and opening a new Etsy Shop. Within a couple of days, hearts appeared and before the excitement wore off, an item was featured in an Awesome Treasury!

So with the school holidays almost over, I still have the inevitable task of covering all the new school books with all the lovely paper and contact adhesive we've been collecting. I must say, this is not an activity I'm looking forward to.

Here is something new to be added soon to BonTonsKids! Be sure to check them out.

Kiss Kiss Hug Hug!

So Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I always stuggle to find that perfect little gift.We aren't the most romantic couple in the world, but we do exchange small gifts on Valentines Day.

This year I'm organised, I've made just the thing for the love of my life! I am excited. He's been there and supported my Personalised Pillowcases. I've sold heaps, made heaps for the kids and given heaps away as gifts. Poor guy can never find one in the house for his own use, well, now he's set. Hope he likes it!


I have added it to my Etsy store for others that are looking that perfect lovers gift!

Before you get on the Wii Fit......

You've got to try our favourite recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are melt in your mouth.

This is from my favourite recipe book "Family Circle-Biscuits and Slices"

Chocolate Chip Cookies

150g unsalted butter
1/4 cup soft brown sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
1 cup (200g) choc dots (I use a whole package 250g, I say it saves on measuring mess)

Preheat oven to moderate 180 degrees Celsius. Line a biscuit tray with baking paper.

This is what I do-

Beat butter, and sugars in a bowl until light and creamy. Add essence and yolk, beat until combined.

Add flour and choc dots, stir with a metal spoon until combined. This mixture is very yummy and the kids eat quite a bit of it.



Put about a teaspoon ball shape each onto tray, allowing room for spreading. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned. Cool biscuits before eating!

So this is what is left of ours. No they aren't as pretty as the picture in the book but they sure don't last long for anyone to notice!

Okay off too Wii fit now, maybe I'll have one more before I go LOL.

Catching up, 2009 is here already!

I know, it's been a while but with everyone home for some holidays we've been busy.

No relaxing, no resting. It gets busier here during the holidays. "Wonder what we're going to do today, Mum?" Hmmm I'm getting bored with that question. Kayaking, going to the beach, crazy shopping, movies, going to the pool every other day because it's so hot here at the moment. Thank goodness we have one room air conditioned!


We had a wonderful 2008 Christmas. Santa brought a Wii fit. A couple of watches, some boy toys (we have lots of girl toys but not many trucks and stuff) Some Etsy goodies and craft stuff, always good for the holidays!

I've had time to make a new product for my Etsy store. Soon it will be back to school, this is a great personalised drawstring bag for boys, boys need bags too don't they! BonTons Etsy Shop


We spent the new year in. I don't get enough sleep as it is with the little man getting up so early every single day of his life so far. Will I ever get to sleep in again, maybe this year. I know there were some fantastic fireworks displays around, Happy New Year 2009!