Shrinky Dinky Do, well do you?

I do, remember them I mean.  Shrinky dinks the fabulous shrinking plastic, that you pop in the oven for a minute and it twists, curls and then ends up 7 times smaller.

MaxiMad was complaining that all the school book bags look the same and it is difficult to pick his out, so I decided we should make some shrinky dink name tags.  I went to our local craft store and bought a few A4 sheets and cut them into shapes.  I then wrote the boys names on the plastic and then gave them the pens to make some patterns on them.

I then use a punch to cut a hole in them (ours was star shaped) and we popped them in the oven and watched.  Before our very eyes they transformed.

A couple of ribbons later and they became name badges for bags and zip pullers for coats.  We even made a couple of autumn leaves.

A really easy and simple craft for children, we are thinking of making some for our nieces for Christmas and doing some holly shapes for Christmas tree decorations.

Twister Blister

It was one of those heart in mouth moments that every mum of boys gets, but at least they are playing nicely together.  Welcome to the MiniMads new game...................................................

Twister Blister (and yes that is MaxiMad in his pj's)

We love York

We are lucky enough not to live to far from York and on today's like today, it is a marvelous place.  It wasn't too cold today, but very windy and we enjoyed a fantastic family day out at York.

The MiniMads love watching the squirrels in The Museum Gardens.

Enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, whilst jumping in all the falling leaves

Standing on the city walls

Whilst I got to get a small bit of fabric from Cath K to make new swimming bags for the boys.

All in all a fantastic day was had by all.  We love you York

Thrifty Christmas over at Violet Posie

I don't know about you, but we are pretty strapped for cash at the moment and with Christmas on its way, I am looking at ways of making it less expensive and more thoughtful, less consumer driven and more cared for and considered. So when I saw that Violet Posie was hosting a Thrifty Christmas’ Carnival from the 9-12th November, I though yep that is for me.

I have a few ideas up my sleeve for things that I will be making for all this Christmas, so will be participating, but I am also keen for some more ideas and can not wait for my imagination to be peaked.

We actually don't buy many Christmas presents but it does all seem to add up, this year we will be giving to the following:

2 Nieces

Mum

Mums best friend (Christmas pudding)

Mother in Law and Farther in Law

4 close friends children

Boys Godparents

Our Homestart helper

The toddler group helpers (small appreciation gift - last year we made mini Christmas cakes and fudge)

Teachers and teaching assistants (7 in total)

The MiniMads are pretty much done, as I have been squirrelling things away each month, so that we don't have a large outlay near to Christmas and plus they don't really want for anything and have no real needs.

So for me Christmas means lots of baking, cooking, preparing and love.  I have already purchased the dried fruit for the Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings and will be putting them in soak over the weekend. 

What are your Christmas traditions, what do you give away and how many people do you give too?