How to Save Money from Sewing

Everyone likes to save money.  With your sewing, it is easier to do than you might think.  And…think about this, the more you save, the more you will have put aside when you want that special fabric or that new sewing machine.

Photo Credit: Simply Sewing via Pinterest

Here are a few ideas to help you save money with your sewing that you may not have thought of.

Save buttons, zippers etc. from clothing that has worn out. Keep a sectioned container and store these items, you will be surprised how often you can recycle.

Always check the remnant table when in your fabric store, you will find some great bargains. Often you can combine like colors in prints, stripes and plain fabrics into an outfit, and all from the remnant table.

With the cute tops, around, like the camisole styles, they take little fabric so the remnant table is often a great place to find fabric for these.

You often see the plain color singlet style tops on sale, these can be made individual for just you, with beads, appliqués, braiding, cording, embroidery, once again, your imagination can have a party.

End of season pattern sales are a great place to stock up on patterns, they can go at very reasonable prices, great savings.

If you buy end of season fabrics when they are on sale, you will have them to start your next wardrobe for next season. You will be a “season ahead” so to speak.

Check out the Manchester stores and soft furnishings. I use a lot of soft furnishing fabric, mainly because they are different and you rarely see them made up into fashion garments.

When flat sheets are on sale, they usually are fantastic prices, they can make up into wonderful curtains, or join two to make a duvet/quilt cover, sew around the edges, leave one end open, add buttons and buttonholes and …. viola!!! a new quilt cover and matching curtains. They can also be made into a couch throws. Your imagination will have a wonderful time with what you can do

When interior design shops must replace their sample ranges, many of these samples are just the right size for throw cushions and other craft items. It only takes a question and they can only say “yes or no”. If they say yes, you are a winner.  If they say no, then ask the next design shop you find.

Check out the shops that have a rewards system. If you join as a member, when you have spent a certain amount you qualify for a discount on your purchases. See if you have one with this offer near you and take advantage of it.  If there isn’t one, why not suggest it to your favorite supplier.

I hope these tips have given you some ideas, so start saving money with your sewing, it’s all in the planning.

Why Wooden Toys are the Perfect Toys

Photo Credit: Glenn Mills via Pinterest

With two young children, we found it difficult to find toys that were built to last, stood the test of time and maintained the interest of our children. Wooden toys do just that, and because our children like them so much we set up a business selling wooden toys and gifts.

Durability

Wooden toys are built to stand continuous and prolonged use, not like some plastic toys which only seem to last five minutes before one bit or another gets damaged and then they are resigned to the bin.

Traditional

Wooden toys have been around for years and continue to stand the test of time. Whilst other games come and go, the doll’s house, rocking horse or wooden toy-shop will always remain a firm favorite with children offering hours of fun after the latest craze has been and gone.

Educational

Role-playing toys in particular feed the imagination and help bring to life the sense of adventure children is often looking for, be it dressing up as Superman or pretending to be a pirate on the high seas.

Value for Money

Long lasting yet affordable, it really is worth spending money on wooden toys. There are many toys available at less than £10, even the most substantial toy can be bought for under £100. This is very little when compared to computers and other electronic toys, particularly when the games are extra.

Fun

Not only are wooden toys durable, traditional, education and value for money, most important of all they are fun to play with, ensuring your child will be occupied and entertained for hours at a time.

How to Wrap Adorable Baby Shower Gifts

Are you going to a baby shower?  Gifts for babies are always so cute – here are some ideas to create gift wrapping that is just as adorable as the gift you are giving.

If you know the baby is expected to be a boy or a girl, sometimes it is fun to wrap a gift in “baby boy blue” or “baby girl pink” – but remember we have many other colors in the rainbow to choose from!  Here are some other options to get your creative juices flowing.

Photo Credit: DIYHowTo via Pinterest

Going to a shower and the mother is not sure if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl?  Wrap the baby gift in white paper and tie the gift with two ribbons instead of one – use one pink and one blue.  Tie the blue and pink ribbons together and tape to the back of the package.  Then have the ribbon form a bow on the front of the package from the two colors of ribbon.

Want to add a cute topping to any baby shower package?  Add a rattle, teething ring, baby mittens, hairbow, small picture frame, Christmas ornament or a small stuffed animal.  All of this items can be fastened with the ribbon you tie the gift with – and these items can also be used by the baby.  You can always check party favors from party supplies Perth to get more ideas on your baby shower and baby shower gifts.

Love teddy bears?  Do a teddy bear gift wrap!  Use gift wrap paper that has teddy bears on it, or a soft cocoa-colored gift wrap paper.  But a small teddy bear on the top of your package and tie with a brown or a white bow.  You can often find teddy bear rattles or teething rings that have teddy bears on them.

Quack quack quack!  Wrap with a duck theme!  Use yellow paper or paper with ducks on it and tie with a large orange ribbon.  Top your gift with a traditional yellow rubber duck.

For a pretty look for a spring baby shower consider a very floral look.  Wrap a gift with floral or plain but colored paper.  Use a green or purple ribbon and tie it in a bow.  Top the package with some fresh spring flowers.  Cut the stems of the flowers very short.  Add the flowers the morning of the baby shower for best presentation.

Does the baby have an older sibling?  Consider giving a small gift to this sibling.  A new baby is often a hectic time and seeing their new brother or sister get so many gifts can sometimes be overwhelming, and leave many children feeling a little forgotten.  Consider getting an older sibling a storybook or a stuffed animal as a special big brother/big sister gift.

When You Give A Gift, It’s The Thought That Counts, Right?

It’s a no-no to tell someone you don’t like their gift because it’s the thought that counts, right?

Sure, but just how ‘nice’ are your thoughts towards your gift giver who doesn’t listen in order to know what your likes and dislikes are?

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How disappointed are you when with anticipation you unwrap your gift to stare down at an ugly pair of socks, or when your husband of four years decides his wife would absolutely love a broom for Valentine’s Day?

Gift giving is more than just the thought. It’s the thought, the gift, the intention – the whole package. The best gifts are ones that directly think of the recipient, that’s truly when the thought counts.

If you know your boyfriend will just about die for the whole collection of South Park, then why buy him a tie? What value would your girlfriend find in a pretty package of art supplies when she has no interest in painting?

We’ve devoted a whole page on our website with “Horror Gifts” Received.

Take for example the man who received a box of chocolates from his girlfriend who should have known that he was allergic to it. Or the man whose girlfriend gave him tickets to a show he didn’t want to see.

When it comes to your loved ones, gifts shouldn’t be given out of obligation but from the heart. Gifts that are appreciated can be practical or they can be impractical. This depends on what your recipient wants or would like.

When I was at college I really needed a text book on C programming. I kept borrowing a copy from the library but there were times when they were all taken.

At that time, I couldn’t afford to buy one for myself. How would I have loved a text book as opposed to the sterling silver bracelet my then boyfriend gave me? It was a lovely gesture but…

To find the perfect gift, we have to tune into that person. Listen to what they have to say. Did you watch the Friends episode where Ross bought Rachel the broche she had seen in a shop window some months ago?

What’s what I mean by tuning in. Find what the person wants and then give it to them. That’s when the thought really counts.

You know when you have done a good job with your gift selection when you absolute astonish your recipient.

There are times when we don’t know what our recipient would like.

There are ‘safe gifts’ we can give. Safe gifts are flowers, a gift basket perhaps, even a bottle of wine – something that is popularly considered ‘nice’. Safe gifts are what we give people we don’t’ know too well.

From someone that has been disappointed many times and astonished others, if you are to give, listen to what your recipient wants. You will find they will treasure you and your gesture 100 fold.

How To Wrap Adorable Baby Shower Gifts

Are you going to a baby shower?  Gifts for babies are always so cute – here are some ideas to create gift wrapping that is just as adorable as the gift you are giving.

If you know the baby is expected to be a boy or a girl, sometimes it is fun to wrap a gift in “baby boy blue” or “baby girl pink” – but remember we have many other colors in the rainbow to choose from!  Here are some other options to get your creative juices flowing.

Photo Credit: Etsy via Pinterest

Going to a shower and the mother is not sure if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl?  Wrap the baby gift in white paper and tie the gift with two ribbons instead of one – use one pink and one blue.  Tie the blue and pink ribbons together and tape to the back of the package.  Then have the ribbon form a bow on the front of the package from the two colors of ribbon.

Want to add a cute topping to any baby shower package?  Add a rattle, teething ring, baby mittens, hairbow, small picture frame, Christmas ornament or a small stuffed animal.  All of these items can be fastened with the ribbon you tie the gift with – and these items can also be used by the baby.

Love teddy bears?  Do a teddy bear gift wrap!  Use gift wrap paper that has teddy bears on it, or a soft cocoa colored gift wrap paper.  But a small teddy bear on the top of your package and tie with a brown or a white bow.  You can often find teddy bear rattles or teething rings that have teddy bears on them.

For a pretty look for a spring baby shower consider a very floral look.  Wrap a gift with floral or plain but colored paper.  Use a green or purple ribbon and tie it in a bow.  Top the package with some fresh spring flowers.  Cut the stems of the flowers very short.  Add the flowers the morning of the baby shower for best presentation.

Does the baby have an older sibling?  Consider giving a small gift to this sibling.  A new baby is often a hectic time and seeing their new brother or sister get so many gifts can sometimes be overwhelming, and leave many children feeling a little forgotten.  Consider getting an older sibling a storybook or a stuffed animal as a special big brother/big sister gift.

American Day-Themed Parties: Tips For Cooking a Mouth-Watering Steak

It’s a trite, but often repeated saying: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So why, when a special occasion comes around, do we buy endless ties and “message” T shirts? Is the way to his heart through his clothes? Not likely. It’s the stomach, people, and that means good food. For many men and women alike good food comes in the form of a great steak.

Photo Credit: Williams Sonoma via Pinterest

So what if you’re not a steak eater, or you eat it only in restaurants and the thought of purchasing a raw slab scares you to death? Fear not. It’s not that complicated, really. Even a caveman can handle this job. You can definitely throw a good old American themed party with good old steak and barbeque.

It’s important to know your cuts of meat before planning the menu. You don’t want to cook your guests a tasteless, tough piece of leather. You might not notice the difference, but let’s face it – they will. Since you’ll likely be grilling, it’s important to know the best cuts of meat for the grill.

You want to choose the most tender portions of meat for grilling. Experts generally consider these cuts of beef to be the best for grilling:

 – Rib Eye

 – T-Bone

 – Porterhouse

 – Strip steak (like New York steak)

If there is the word “loin” on the package, you’re in good shape, though most grill experts agree the T-bone is the most superior cut of beef for grilling. It stays tender and juicy, and is thick enough to withstand a fair amount of time on the grill without overcooking. Stay away from top round or anything with “round” or “chuck” in the name. These will not cook well on the grill. Flank steak and London broil can also be tough.

Next, it’s important to know how to choose a steak. Don’t just grab the first package that looks good to you. Look for some good marbling in the steak. Yes, this is another word for fat. But we’re not cooking for the dieter in the family on this special day, we’re trying to give dad a good steak, remember? Those little bits of fat scattered about the steak will essentially melt while the meat is cooking, giving the meat a rich and more tender flavor.

In that same vein, don’t trim the fat from your steak before cooking. It might be the diet book author in you coming out, but that thick layer of fat around your steak is what will give the steak a wonderful juicy quality and rich flavor. You can cook the steak, and then trim the fat, but cook the steak while it’s still dressed in its fat clothes. It’s worth it.

Do you need to buy a “name brand” steak? Experts say it’s not necessary, even though branded meat is a new commodity and becoming more widely available. Nor is it necessary to choose a steak from a butcher shop or from behind the glass window in the meat department at your local grocery store. Usually the pre-packaged steaks are the same you would get from behind the glass, and since the butcher is a dying breed, you could certainly go that route if you have a neighborhood butcher, but if not, a good quality grocery store will provide what you need.

Finally, it’s important to know your grades of steak.

 – Prime is the top grade, and it features the most marbling and is the most tender, but most of us don’t have access to this grade in mainstream grocery stores. This is often what you get in a restaurant.

 – Choice is the best grade most of us can get in the grocery store. But choice does not guarantee high quality as this grade encompasses meat that can be almost as good as prime, or almost as bad as select, our next grade.

 – Select beef is the leanest and least expensive beef and is the grade of beef most commonly found in your grocery store meat case. Since this is Father’s Day, try to find choice and splurge a little.

If you are unsure about your ability to pick up a good steak locally, consider ordering online and having fresh, high-quality steaks delivered to your door.

Unique Dresses to Try on Your Next Costume Party

Who doesn’t love costume parties? It’s the best time to dress up, to be more creative and to be crazy. But I’m sure it isn’t easy to think of new ideas that could wow the other party goers. After being in several different costume parties and standing out, it would be rather difficult to sustain the momentum or even to top it of. That said let us give you some tips on what to wear on your next costume party.

TV Series – Inspired

Wouldn’t it be nice to dress up like you are from Game of Thrones? Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how your friends would react seeing you donning silver hair wearing one of Daenarys Stormborn’s iconic gowns? Or maybe get ideas from Orange is the New Black. It’s really fun to copy your favorite characters from TV. And since TV series are so famous, it’s hard not to know which ones you are portraying. The options for party costumes are almost limitless. But to make it more dramatic, remember to be in character when you go the party.

Food

It’s always fun to dress up like food. Why not create a costume that looks like pasta, or a hotdog sandwich? Perhaps, you can make something that looks like a sundae. If you are going to a costume party with your partner, how about you dress up as peanut butter and jelly sandwich? If you want something simple, then be pepper and salt. That would be so cute. Just try to keep your costume within manageable size to keep yourself from bumping with other party goers on the dance floor.

Classic Historical Icon

It is always interesting to see how the Golden Era paved its way when it comes to fashion. The 15th century offered the most interesting, dashing, regal and intricate design when it comes to dresses and suits. Literally dress to impress as you go back in time and dress up like your favorite icon from the past. You can be Elvis Prestley, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O or even Audrey Hepburn. The hairstyles are way too good to be missed as well.

Villain

Lastly, everyone wants to be the superhero. Why not try something different and be a villain? It’s fun to act like you are the serial killer or the robber once in awhile. You have to be careful though on your way to the party. Some people might think that you are a real antagonist and might call the police. Now, you wouldn’t want to spend the night inside the prison. Would you?

Always remember that creativity is the key. You don’t even have to buy a new wardrobe to look unique on your next costume party. We recommend DIYs. That’s very easy to do since the internet has a lot of tips choose from. But whatever your costume is, just remember to enjoy and have fun.

Perfect Party Dresses for Women this Christmas

Christmas is just a few days away and you must have probably lined-up several parties to attend to on your planner by now. With so many parties to attend to, gifts to finish wrapping and other preparations for the season, dressing up for every party you are about to grace your presence this coming Christmas seems a little bit stressful. Worry no more because we are giving away ideas on how to stay stylish, beautiful and party ready on a budget with these party dress ideas for women.

Check out our list.

Sequin Dresses

Photo Credit: Glam Radar via Pinterest

Sequins allows you to dazzle more than you already do. It is a perfect piece you can use for Christmas parties for the younger generation. This parties usually includes a lot of dancing and you will be the spotlight in the party with this dress one. If you would want to be on the spotlight of things, this outfit is the one for you. This outfit is also perfect for parties at night, you’ll sparkle a lot in this outfit.

Luscious Velvet

Photo Credit: Koogal via Pinterest

Velvet is one of the best options when it comes to formal parties, especially the ones that you celebrate together with professional friends and colleagues. It is also a nice option to choose if you wish to attend to a party with mostly acquaintances. You’ll still look stunning but will not draw too much attention. You can also wear this in formal reunions, either with your relatives or classmates.

Sensuous Silk

Photo Credit: Moda Operandi via Pinterest

Silk is a great option when attending Christmas celebrations with your special someone. You would want to feel comfortable but look stunning at the same time. This kind of outfit are indeed for the most intimate yet formal celebrations that you intend to attend to together with love ones.

Glittering Crystals

Photo Credit: Be Creative via Pinterest

Another party ensemble that you would want to wear together with close friends at a party after dark. You can choose to tame down or to accessorize like a party animal with this outfit. Pick a design with a few glittering crystals and enjoy the balance of complexity and simplicity in your outfit.

Bold Colors

Photo Credit: Etsy via Pinterest

Bold colors are perfect for those casual Christmas dinners and for not too complex parties that you will be attending this Christmas. Stick with the colors that are not usual for the season. Red is still safe but stay away from the color or the basic shade because you might end up looking like the rest of the sheets in the venue. Stay away from green as well. Interesting shades of pastel or solid colors like royal blue would look great in any formal party.

Classic Pieces

Photo Credit: Luulla via Pinterest

Classic pieces like your little black dress, your favorite white ensemble or your perfect peach dress will never go wrong in any party. Accessorize with flashy and interesting colors and to texture to be able to match your outfit with the season.

A Glimpse into Chinese New Year Celebrations

Spring Festival or popularly known as the Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in Australia. It is also the time of the year where families gather and a week of official public holiday is enjoyed in the country.

Photo  Credit: BlogLovin via Pinterest

This 2017, Chinese New Year will be celebrated early because it falls on January 28, a Saturday. The date is not always the same every year since it is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar that we use. The celebrations will start from the eve of January 27 and will last until the 2^nd of February.

Why do people celebrate Chinese New Year?

There are many interesting legends and stories narrating the start of the Chinese New Year festival, but the it basically has two main reasons. This is the time to celebrate after a year of hard work, time to have a good rest and relax with the family. It is also a way to welcome a new lucky and prosperous new year ahead.

Most of the time Chinese New Year in Australia is celebrated by having a reunion party together with the family where red envelopes with cash are being given away. There are a lot of fireworks and colorful decorations are being put up. Chinese New Year decorations DIY projects are also showcased during this occasion. Modern celebrations on the other hand include watch the CCTV Gala, exchanging greetings via instant messages and cyber money gifts.

Photo Credit: Lia Griffith via Pinterest

Buildings, houses and streets are decorated with red lucky items. Every street, building and house, in China is decorated with red. Red is the main color of the festival because it is believed to be a symbol of luck and prosperity. Some of the most common decorations used for the festivities are red paper lanterns, red couplets pasted on doors and entrances and New Year pictures depicting images of prosperity.

A lot of traditions are also being practiced during the Chinese New Year’s Eve. Last year, the Year of the Monkey, most decorations were decorated with items and images related to monkeys.

As the New Year approach, several practices are also being implemented depending on the animal and the element that is prominently powerful according to Feng Shui. Most businesses are really keen in being able to adhere  to these practices to invite and bring a more prosperous year for their business.

Chinese New Year is a time for family, a time to relax from work and a time to get back to their roots and traditions as they welcome a more prosperous and healthy year ahead.

Do You Own a Pool? Have a Pool Party

Having a backyard party is fun, especially during summer when the kids are off from school and parents have a lot of extra time at hand. Unfortunately, may are not sure about what the theme and center of the party should be. If you are looking forward in hosting a great party at your home this summer, you might not want to limit your party with alcoholic drinks and a lot of loud music. If you have a swimming pool at home, you might want to consider hosting a pool party.

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There are two types of pool party, one are for the adults that may require some booze and music while the other one is a kid-friendly one. However, both parties may require the consent of adults and may need to have a designated life guard who will stay sane the whole of the party just to look after the kids and the adults that will enjoy having fun on the water.

Pool parties are the perfect way to get friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers together, especially during the summer months. One of the many reasons why you should consider having a pool party is because it is likely that your party will stand apart from the rest.  Most households in America have a barbeque grill; however, not everyone has a pool.  The pool alone, may make your backyard party better than most.

Photo Credit: Craft O Maniac via Pinterest

Having a pool party during the summer is really a great idea, mainly because of the hear. However, you may not enjoy a pool party if it is too hot so consider having some shade available over your pool in case the sun gets too hot. Spending quality time with your friends, families, colleagues and neighbors during this hot weather is a fun way to stay cool and entertained. If you have the luxury of owning a pool at home, you might want to share the fun and relaxation with the people you care about.

Another reason why you may want to host a pool party is because pools are fun, for individuals of all ages.  This means whether you are inviting adults, children, or both, everyone should be able to enjoy your pool. Despite the fact that even children enjoy swimming, they may need more attention than adult swimmers.  If children will be attending your pool party, you may want to develop a safety plan, just in case. This safety plan may include when children can swim or who will be watching over them when they do.

Now that the entertainment is taken care of, another important aspect you will have to take care for your party is the food. If short on the budget, you ca ask friends to go pot-luck and bring their specialties and family specialties for the party. You need to have easy to pick foods like friend poppers, hotdogs and barbeque as well as some salad to freshen up everyone. Cool drinks and sodas should also be included on your menu.

You can have a blast even on a limited budget with a pool in your yard, great friends and families and great food to share with.