CLEARENCE SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not just winter products! We have now put ALL made it baby items on sale! There is 20-30% off every product! Make sure you visit our store today & grab yourself a great deal - perfect timing for Christmas gifts!

http://madeitbaby.co.nz/

MASSIVE WINTER CLEAROUT!!!!

There are some changes in sight for Made it Baby, and to get ready for them we are having a huge clear out of winter clothing on little kiwis nest! At least 30% off - with more items being added to the sale soon. Head over to http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/1 to grab yourself some amazing deals!!!!

Made it baby at home on Unique Boutique....

We are delighted to be a part of a fabulous new online store - Unique Boutique.

These 8 moses baskets have been exclusively made for them, and you can not find these fabrics on any of our other online stores.

This is just one of the qualities which makes Unique Boutique such a special site! They hand pick items from designers both NZ based and international, and ask that they are either exclusive stockists or design products especially for them.

Check out the site for yourselves: http://uniqueboutique.co.nz

For our other baskets head over to: http://madeitbaby.co.nz

Getting ready for baby...

As I completed another eight baskets for an order, it dawned on me that I myself only had 2 weeks until baby #3 arrives and I hadn't made up a basket yet.

With baby brain now in full form I found it very hard to decide on a fabric - especially as we don't know if we are having a boy or girl this time round.

This vintage look dusty blue cotton print is what I ended up with.

I can now relax a little, knowing my bundle will have a cozy bed when we come home.

If you are looking for a basket, just pop over to our site - we are happy to custom make one in your choice of fabrics, or choose from the range we have listed.

http://madeitbaby.co.nz

Our moses baskets make the cover!!!

We are very excited to show you our Moses Baskets have made the cover of the latest OhBaby magazine!

Check out our little kiwis nest store for the latest bedding and basket ranges:
http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/1

Be sure to get a copy of this fantastic parenting mag the next time you're out & about!

There is also some special MIB bunting featured in the 'winter wonderland' theme too.

If you have a special event or theme for your little ones room and want something different then be sure to send us an email, the bunting in this magazine was designed and made especially for the lovely team at OhBaby to use in the shoot - we are always up for a challenge.

Toilet training tots...

This is an issue that all parents face in the early years, and it is often just as daunting for us as it is for the little one we are teaching.

My 2yr old has been showing signs of wanting to be trained for a couple of months now, telling me everytime she had a wet or dirty nappy and wanting them changed right away. As we were in the midst of selling our house and then had to 'camp' at a motel while we waited for the new house to settle I had put it off till now.

My third baby is due in 3.5wks and so now is as good a time as any!

There is no perfect system which works for every child - but I have found a few things which seemed to work for my eldest, along with other tips from friends I have picked up along the way.
Sharing tips and stories is what helps us all learn from each other (even if it is sharing the mistakes too).

My youngest (soon to be middle) child has taken to the whole process, and has had less 'accidents' with each day that passes which is exactly what we are aiming for.
The main thing I have to work on is what she says when she needs the toilet - at the moment she yells at the top of her lungs..."mummy, done poo!" when she actually means "mummy, I need to go wee". Now that I know that she just has the lingo wrong it is less of an issue, and she is slowly changing to "mummy, toilet, toilet, toilet" which I much prefer (just the volume to work on next). My heart did skip a beat the first time she shouted out "mummy done poo in my room", when she really meant "I wet my pants on the way to the toilet". I was soooo thankful it was a communication error!

Anyway - here are a few tips to help with the early stages....

• be relaxed about it - accidents happen, and it will only make things worse if your little one is worried about upsetting you as well as thinking about getting to the toilet.
• set aside a few days where you can stay home, & if you have to go out start by doing really short outings where you know there are toilets near by.
• start out by prompting your little one every half hour to 'try to go to the toilet', then extending to an hour etc until they learn to think about it themselves.
• set up routines of going to the toilet before outings, before sitting at the table for meals etc.
• When you do go out for longer periods, make sure you know where the toilets are, and ask your little one if they need to go before you move to far from them. This is not forever, but just while they are learning bladder control.
• Some kids like to read while they are on the toilet, if yours is one of these (as my eldest was in the beginning) then have a little basket of books there for them. Others like to 'role play' with their favourite toy - setting up a 'potty' for teddy to use each time they go can be a helpful tool. Whatever helps them feel comfortable is worth a try.
• incentives - these can be a treat like a sticker each time they go, or something to aim for, like a toy or trip to the park if they have no accidents all day etc.
• picking the 'big kid pants' - I have found that my girls were a lot more worried about wetting their character printed pants than the plain ones, so I limited them to one pair with their favourite character each day, once they were wet then it was time for the plain ones. You can get cheap printed pants at little Asian stores in NZ, and otherwise pick up some inkjet printer t-shirt transfer, and create your own.
• Most importantly - praise them everytime they get it right - kids generally thrive when they can see they are doing something right and are being recognised for it.

There are many others I'm sure - but these have stood me and my girls in good stead. We would love to hear your stories and tips too - so feel free to add comments ;0)

Fairy Birthday Party - Wand cookie sticks

These magical fairy wands were a huge hit at Tia's party. And the great thing about them is that your child can help in the whole process of making them.

Here's what I used to make them:

• Star shaped cookie cutter - mine came out of a playdough pack of cutters!


• Sticks - I bought mine from http://www.littlecookies.co.nz/


• Packet of Sweet Shortcrust pastry - I'm letting you in on my biggest cheat secret here!


• White Icing / rolled fondant icing (there are a few different names for it) - bought in the local supermarket in the cake decorating section. It came in a box, ready to be coloured & used. Alternatively you could pipe the shape, but this way is easier!


• Edible glitter - this is the most expensive part. I bought a little jar at spotlight but you'd be able to source it at good cake decorating or kitchen stores. Alternatively you could use sprinkles.


• Curling ribbon - ie the stuff you put on presents. Bought at the $2 Shop!


• Aluminium foil, clean little paint brush, rolling pin

Step 1 - Thaw the sweet shortcrust pastry & cut out your shapes

Step 2 - Very gently insert your stick inbetween two star points

Step 3 - Position a little bit of folded aluminium foil under each stick on the baking tray to prevent the stick from sitting flat on the tray. This helps the stick to stay a little straighter in the cooking process.

Step 4 - Back for about 7 minutes at 180 degrees. Cool on a baking tray.

Step 5 - Icing - you'll need to soften your fondant up by massaging it in your hands. Add a little bit of colour at a time until you get the shade you're after. I use Wilton gel colours which give a much more concentrated colour without the watery mess of cheaper colours. Sprinkle a little bit of icing sure on the bench & rolling pin before rolling out the icing thinly (prevents from sticking). Paint a little bit of water onto the cooled cookie before placing the icing shape on top.

Step 6 - Mix a tiny bit of icing sugar with water & paint it thinly ontop of the fondant. Sprinkle the glitter on top & let dry in an air tight container.

Step 7 - Decorate with curling ribbon or similiar

Step 8 - EAT & ENJOY!

Fairy Birthday Party - fairy sticks

We've been so quiet on here of late. Sometimes life just overwhelms us & something has to give. This time around it has been blogging & creating new items for Made it Baby - sorry!

While Amy has been busy moving house I (Suzan) have been trying to jam as much time in with my eldest daughter before she started school today. Happy to report that both mum & daughter are fine & there's been no tears shed ... just yet!

Anyway, part of the mayhem has been planning Tia's 5th birthday party. Tia is loving all things pretty, pink & breakable so a fairy party it was! Sooooo many girls around this age request fairies as a theme so we thought we could share a few ideas that made yesterdays party so much fun.

Edible fairy sticks

These are not only super cute to look at but super sweet to eat!

Step 1: Buy a pack of lollipop sticks from a cake supply place. I bought mine here Little Cookies. Carefully stick a marshmallow on each stick.

Step 2: Melt some chocolate (I bought a packet of white choc drops) in a bowl either over boiling water or in the microwave. Don't over cook the choc. Just keep checking on it & stirring every now & then.

Step 3: Carefully dip the marshmallow stick into the melt chocolate. You can just do the top or cover the lot like we did.

Step 4: Either sprinkle 100's & 1000's (or sprinkles or whatever you call them!) over the top of the choc whilst still wet or pour a bunch of them into a bowl & dip the stick into it & twirl around to cover the choc.

Step 5: Place the fairy stick in upright in a sturdy cup until it dries. And you're all done!

If you have some spare time between your party planning, please drop by our store. We put as much love into our creations as we do our party planning! www.madeitbaby.co.nz

Mix 'n' match your tops & designs...

Here is a new twist on our t-shirt designs, we have a good supply of long sleeved tops and before we go and put our appliques on them we thought it might be fun to ask you to pick your own design!
Pop over to the website and chose the size top you want, then select from a wide range of applique designs. It's that easy!
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/category.php?SC=107

Gluten, Dairy & Egg Free mud cake

This is the best Chocolate mud cake, and even fools those 'wheat eaters' that it's a real cake!

• 1/2 cup brown rice flour


• 1/2 cup potato starch


• 1/4 cup tapioca flour


• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa


• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum


• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda


• 3/4 teaspoon salt


• 1 cup brown sugar


• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract


• 1/2 cup rice milk


• 1/3 cup vegetable oil


• 1 large egg worth of egg replacer (usually 1 heaped tablespoon - but can vary)


• 3/4 cup of hot water (or for adults coffee)

Preheat oven to 200 C
Place all ingredients except hot water/coffee into a large mixing bowl and blend with electric mixer.
Add hot water or coffee and blend again until mixed together thoroughly.
pour into a 9" cake pan and bake for 30 - 35mins.

This also makes great cupcakes too.

Allergy Awareness Week...Ashlea's story

Picture a happy & healthy, fun loving seven month old baby.... then all of a sudden, without warning this beautiful baby suffers from (seemingly) random attacks of vomiting over a one month period. Lasting only a few minutes and then nothing for days.

The last attack however is so violent that the baby is finding it hard to breathe between bouts and so is taken to the A & E.

The attack is subsiding by the time we are seen by the doctor who then dismisses it as an over reacting mother. In the reception, while settling the bill, the attack begins again - and finally we are taken seriously!!!

From there we are sent to Starship children's hospital for treatment. Drip feeding hydration fluid in 2ml amounts every 5 minutes - only to find them being thrown back up.

A terrifying experience for mother, baby & 2 year old sibling who is witness to it all.

We remained in the hospital for a full week, watching our poor baby drop from a healthy 8 month weight down to that of a 5 month old.

Multiple tests and no answers!

Because of her happy nature - even while in hospital - many of the doctors felt that this had been some sort of bug. Though none could explain, how it had been over a month long period and only affected random days.

The only connection I could make, was wheat. Ashlea had started solids at 5 months, but only just begun using the teething bars and other bread based products. Her attacks were all on days were she had ingested an amount of wheat. The last and most violent was after 2 fingers of toast with marmite...both of which are high in wheat.

We were recommended to drop this from her diet to see what happens & sure enough her weight slowly crept up and no more vomiting.

The doctors, despite the evidence, were unwilling to accept this as the cause unless we reintroduced the wheat and saw the same violent reactions.

There was no way I was going to put my poor darling through any such thing - just to prove what had already been proven!

Instead, I retained the wheat free diet and then visited a natropath for an allergy hair test.

No surprises what came back with an off the chart for my little darling...that's right...WHEAT! There were also another 10 items to be avoided, including dairy and soy.

Ashlea is now nearly 2 1/2yrs and on the 75th percentile for both height & weight.

This is the story of my youngest daughter Ashlea, and the horrible experience we faced when she was so young.

Allergy awareness is on the rise, and this week is a tribute to allergy sufferers and their families. To those who don't face this in their day to day life, it is hard to truely imagine the impact it can have.

It is truely life changing.

New baby sets....

After looking for some gender neutral gifts for friends who haven't found out what they are having - we soon realised that there really isn't that much out there.

So, we have come up with a couple of options (which are sure to expand). A wrap top & pant set and a bib & footed pant set both featuring an adorable yellow gingham duck applique on soft yellow garments. There is also a baby wrap/blanket on it's way to match these sets. We would love to hear your thoughts!

Wrap set: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1592

Bib set: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1591

Wool angels....

We recently received another 40m roll of wool to make our cot bumpers and moses basket liners. The roll is about 2.5m long and always entertaining to work with when there's a full roll. Here's a photo of my youngest taking advantage of the squishy plastic covered roll before I was able to roll some out. She giggled to herself, moving her arms and legs...then shouted "wool angel mummy, wool angel". So cute as she has never been to the snow, but her sister and her both make mock 'snow angels' any chance they get. I guess mummy's little enterprise has it's perks. x x x

New product in the making!

Cot Rail Guard/Protector....

We have had many requests for rail guards to match our bumpers and bedding that will protect the edge rail on your cots from little teething teeth.

After some designing - we are there!

Our first set was very well received, and so we will be making more soon. They fasten with Velcro along the whole length of the cot side, so it doesn't matter what the spacing of your bars are. We will make a standard size and list the way to measure your rail to ensure they fit. One of our lovely customers has an unusually thick top rail on her cot - and so in this case we will be custom making a set for her.

To begin with we will make them in co-ordinating colours and move onto prints with custom orders, so that they can tie in with everyones bedding sets.

Monday - makin' it baby - Rain sticks......

Rain sticks are a fantastic, easy, low mess craft project for little ones!

This is just how simple it is (and a great way to recycle those paper towel rolls too.

Materials you will need:

• long tubes from gift wrap/paper towel s/cling film etc
• cardboard or paper to decorate
• tape & scissors
• seeds, rice or split peas
• items to decorate, crayons, stickers, paints, pens...

Directions:

1. Measure the paper/card so that it sits slightly below each end of the tube (A4 or A5 sheets usually work well) trim excess so that it is just long enough to wrap around the tube, allowing a 2cm overlap down the length for taping.
2. Next you can get your little designer to start decorating the paper or card which will be wrapped around the tube at the end while you get it ready to fill.
3. Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure it is well taped on and use sturdy paper so that your Rain Stick won't leak!
4. Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils) into the tube. Depending on the age of your child - they may enjoy helping with this part too.
5. Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place.
6. Now its time to add the decorated paper. Wrap the paper around the tube and tape in place.

There you have it - a fabulous musical instrument that your little angel has made themselves...and the best thing is the sound it creates is that of soothing falling rain!

Monday's makin' it baby!

We thought it might be nice to add a new feature to our blog by taking a moment each Monday to talk about fun things to make and do with your little ones. Everything from party ideas & craft projects to outings & entertainment!

So lets start out with an oldie but a goodie to help with those rainy winter days just around the corner!

POTATO STAMPS!

Many of you may remember many fun filled days involving the wonders of creating a stamp from scratch and painting up a storm! I know i do. Though in my case, the stamps were generally no more than a square, triangle or diamond, cut free hand by my mother. Here is a way to step it up a bit, by using all those mini cookie cutters to create an amazing array of shapes. Simply cut the potato in half and press the cutter into the flat edge. Then use a sharp knife to cut the excess potato away - leaving a raised stamp once the cutter is removed.
So the next time the rain is falling and the kids are in need of distraction - why not give this a go!

Touch of Punk...

Our latest winter outfit has a touch of punk and so we needed a suitably rebellious backdrop for the photos.

After searching round the local area we found the perfect location - a wall covered in graffiti at the end of a quiet street.

In a drive-by photo shoot session we managed to grab some funky shots fitting with the fun style of this set!

At one point the girls even did a 'your busted' hands against the wall pose without direction, which had us in stitches.

This is what it's all about! Having FUN!!!!!

Check out the new skirts http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1496

Happy Easter!!!

Easter is here once again, and chocolate overloads are eminent! For those of us who are parents of little angels with allergies to such delights, this time of year can be hard.

Easter craft projects are often a great food free way to celebrate! Making cards, painting eggs, paper bunny ears and finger puppets are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are also a range of refillable plastic eggs available which you can fill with allergy friendly treats, toys, stickers and so on - this way you can still have the great egg hunt without anyone missing out on the fun.

Made it baby has these gorgeous applique t-shirts with an Easter theme as a longer lasting treat!

Happy Easter!

x x x made it baby

New fabric for cot quilts & bumpers

Don't you love a good 'find'. Doesn't matter if you're after material, an outfit, or just a nice ripe avocado - a good find certianly lifts the spirit! Yesterday's hunt for some new bedding fabrics hit the spot.

Hopefully over the next few weeks you will see some of these gorgeous fabrics appear as cot duvet covers, bumpers & sheets. All available at our store on http://madeitbaby.co.nz

Hide & Seek in the Rose Garden

Auckland is blessed with the most gorgeous rose garden open year-round to the public. I know there are people out there who are blessed with a green thumb & can grow these beautiful blooms, my mother-in-law is one of 'those' people, but I have to make do visiting the Parnell Rose Gardens to get my fix of the delicious smelling flower in all their glory.

Saturday afternoon was our first trip of the year to the gardens. We had to time our visit just right to ensure the gardens were empty of all visitors there to appreciate the flowers in a meditative, quiet state. There is nothing quiet or demur about our visit to the gardens! The flowers tower over my two girls (4yrs & 2yrs) & they love nothing more than to race around the winding paths, squealing at the tops of their lungs, getting completely & utterly lost.

Hide & seek with littlies is funny at the best of times (you know, they bury their faces on the couch, bums in air & think you can't see them because they can't see you!) - but hide & seek in a rose garden is especially trying when you have a princess of a daughter! Our dear Tia would be all excited to seek the 'hiders' ... she'd take a couple of fast strides & stop short to smell another glorious flower that happened to be at nose height. And try as we might to tell her that the petals on the ground aren't really a 'clue' that someone has left like in the storybooks, she insisted on collecting each & every one!

So much fun!

Can you guess what my theme of this post will be? Yep, handmade creations for kids incorporating flowers, flowers & more flowers!

Clockwise from top left:

1. Karric - Flower wall hanging http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1232

2. Natural Star - Pink merino beanie http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=630

3. Creative Aertz- Best Friend Rose Bunny (add personalised name & date of birth!) http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1351

4. Gidyy Giraffe - Whimiscal Rose Draw Knob http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1269

5. Made it Baby - tunic top http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1255

6. Imba Designs - Cherry Blossom Dress http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1161

7. Yours, Naturally - Pure Rosehip Oil http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1290

New fabrics for little girls...

A sneak preview to the newest range coming soon! There is another colour in this range - but we need to have some secrets.

Dresses, tops, bedding and baskets - it's time for this vintage print to become all it can be. So keep your eyes peeled!

Bunting, Baskets & Bedding....

It seems it is the season for decorating bedrooms! We have been inundated with orders and enquiries for our bedding, bunting and baby moses baskets.

Bedding: from cot duvet covers & bumpers to sheet sets - we are always happy to try something new. Or latest designs have included boats and cowboys for the boys and girls designs are still to come.

Bunting: add to the theme with something special just for your little one. Personalised bunting adds the perfect touch - kids just love to see their name on the wall. Great for kids who share a room too!

Baskets: our maize moses baskets with 100% wool mattresses are the perfect first bed for baby and can be tied in together with the other items by using the same fabric themes (as the basket bumper can then be used in a cot).

http://madeitbaby.co.nz

New applique designs arriving soon!

Whoo-hooo .... check out the latest owl singlet and nappy covers for boys!

Such a cute design - just one of many new appliques on their way this season.

There will be crocodiles, babushkas, crowns and much more - so be sure to keep an eye out!

Sail away to dream land little one....

Well, here it is - the long awaited sail boat set. We are delighted with how it has turned out, and will be making more items to tie into the theme shortly!

From moses baskets to cot sets, wall art to bunting and even a matching sheet set - this has it all. We will now be aiming to make full sets available in our favourite fabrics so that everyone has the option of a stunningly co-ordinated room.

There is some of this fabric left which is listed on the site - check it out!

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/category.php?SC=43

New Year....New Products!

Welcome to the new year and many new creations for Made it Baby!

I have been working on a customer order for some cot bedding over the break, a duvet, sheet set, bumper, bunting etc - we have a fantastic boat print chose by the customer - to be accented with a stripe print in the same colour palette. I can't wait to post pictures of the finished products - which will hopefully be ready to send out next week!

My youngest decided she would 'help' mummy with this sewing exercise, and set about creating a boat scarf out of scraps she found on the floor.

Suzan and I will be hitting the sewing machines again shortly - after a wonderful and much needed break - so there will be many new designs arriving 'instore' over the coming weeks.