Midgee Moo

Life!

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000+11:00

I have been reading this poster everyday this week. It hangs 4 metres tall on the wall of my gym. Yes, I am back into it, finally. I know there are so many bus scrolls out there now but I think this one is different from the rest. This one really makes you want to take life by the horns. Well it works while I am in the gym thats for sure. I find myself coming back!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Summer Read

2012-02-06T11:21:00.002+11:00

We are off to the beach pretty soon so I thought I had better get some 'summer books' if I get time to read them. I am a huge fan of Jane Green. Her books are easy to read, no thinking involved which is perfect when all I want to do is chill out.

I grabbed 'The Beach House' and of course couldn't help myself, I started to read the first page just to make sure this is the perfect book to take away. Then the first page became the second then the third and before I knew it I was 100 pages in and hooked.

After 4 nights this book has been read and thoroughly enjoyed. So 'The Beach House' didn't quite make it to the beach. I was disappointed the book came to end so now I am on the hunt for a new book. Might have to pack the next one away, out of sight.

2012-02-03T16:23:00.000+11:00

How cool would it be to wake up to this on your birthday? I found this photo after Tyler's birthday of course. Have to remember this for next year.

Tyler woke up to a treasure map at the end of his bed. Poor boy, he did find it difficult to follow due to my mapping skills. He found marked at each 'x' there was present wrapped for him and there were 6 of these so we had one very excited 5 year old. With the best present left till last of course.

We spent the morning at 'Fun Bugs' a kids indoor activity place, home for lunch and a rest before going out to dinner. When I questioned why he chose a particular restaurant he told me the service was quick. Wow! The expectations of a 5 year old these days, has certainly changed.

Off to the zoo tomorrow with friends and that concludes Tyler's week long party and a rest for mum and dad.

Have a great weekend

Image via pinterest

Back To School

2012-02-02T08:53:00.000+11:00

Image: Pinterest

I wish all of the children and parents the best of luck today. It can be quite an emotional day especially when the little ones are off to experience their first year of school. Teachers are exceptionally understanding when dealing with emotions from both children and parents.

As a teacher, I had many parents shed a tear as they watch their little ones hang up their bag and say goodbye. Most of the time the children were excited to be at school and telling their parents to leave. It was the parents who didn't want to leave. Now being a parent I totally understand how they were feeling.

Next year, it will be my turn and my stomach churns just at the thought of sending my first born off to school. We are off to 4 year old kinder this year and he has already told me he is happy not be going to school because he gets to spend more time with me, 'ahhh'. I am certainly not complaining because I know I will never get this chance again once he goes to school.

Today is a very special day for my boy, he turns 5! We cannot believe how quick this time has gone. We are so proud of our boy, he has turned out to be such a well mannered, caring, beautiful boy, who continually makes us laugh. We cannot imagine our lives without him and appreciate everyday we have with him.

So today we are partying at home instead of school. Hopefully we aren't sending him to school on his birthday next year or there will be tears (from me)!

We celebrated Tyler's 5th birthday with his friends on the weekend, so I hope to share those soon.

Have a great day xx

Half Price Hair Accessories & Free Postage

2012-02-01T11:20:00.000+11:00

What: 50% off all Hair Accessories with Free Postage*

When: 1st Feb until midnight Monday 13th Feb

How: Discount will apply when you reach checkout (no codes to worry about).

Making way for some gorgeous new Hair accessories so get in while stock lasts.

*Free Postage on Hair Accessories only

Open

2012-01-30T14:09:00.005+11:00

We have had a wonderful relaxing break and now it's time to get back into it. Midgee Moo is open and excited to see you again.

Image: Pinterest

Rainbow Cookies

2012-01-18T13:45:00.000+11:00

We love getting into the kitchen and cooking up some delicious afternoon tea. After all of the fruit that our family consumes each morning, we decided today afternoon tea was going to be a treat. Basically it's any excuse for Tyler and I to enjoy cooking time together while young Baxter is having his afternoon nap.

I adapted this Rainbow Cookie recipe from my grandmothers Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. Very easy recipe that can involve children.

Ingredients:

125 butter melted
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg lightly beaten
1tblsp vanilla essence
1 3/4 cup Self Raising Flour
1/2 cup Smarties (or more)

Method:

Put oven onto 170' and put baking paper onto two cookies trays.
Mix flour and sugars together.
Add butter, egg and vanilla essence.
Mix until the mixture turns into a dough form.
Add half of the smarties to the mixture.
Roll the mixture into balls and place onto trays.
Slightly push down balls and place extra smarties on top.
Cook cookies for 15 mins or until they brown.
Let them cool on the trays before placing onto cooling rack.

Enjoy, they are great with a cuppa!

Jam And Relish

2012-01-16T22:00:00.001+11:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and experienced great weather like we did. Our little family was recovering from a nasty case of gastro and so after cooking up a week of bland meals I was ready to get into my cooking.

A gorgeous friend of mine (you know who you are!) gave me the best apron I have ever seen. It reminded me of my Nonna. She is always cooking in her kitchen, wearing an apron, but still manages to cover herself with flour top to toe.

So I put on my fabulous new apron and got to work. We had been given a tub full of apricots and after eating as many as we could, I decided to make the rest into jam. Lucky we have 2 apricot jam fans because our jam made us 4 generous bottles.

The other jars are filled with yummy 'Carmelised Onion and Balsamic Relish' recipe found here. I love this relish, great on fresh sourdough bread, spread on a tart with fetta cheese, potato and rosemary. This is a quick and easy light lunch recipe I quite often make.

Happy Days

2012-01-13T08:20:00.000+11:00

Our garden has the most beautiful flowers at the moment and I am thoroughly enjoying going out in the morning and picking a fresh bunch of flowers to bring into the house. I have vases placed everywhere and I love it!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Birthday Inspiration

2012-01-12T13:09:00.000+11:00

Image Bottleyourbrand

We are getting ready to celebrate Tyler's 5th birthday. He told me he wants a Lego theme party. That sounded pretty doable until I googled 'Lego Party'. Biggest mistake ever!

My mouth fell open! The parties these mums put on for their kids are amazing. With the amount of effort, I should have started this party 8 months ago. I know that I won't be able to match these parties unless I hired a party planner and that won't be happening.

It's not just the fancy food, with matching labels, it is the way it is presented. Im sure a food stylist has had some influence here.

The decorations are all perfectly matched, down to the party bags. They aren't just filled with lollies anymore. They seem to have specially made items or food, for example I came across one party that had cookies iced as lego men and placed in cellophane and matching hangers, aaahhhh!

I would share some of these amazing party photos with you.

I love the rainbow party above, it certainly has Lego colours.

This was created by Maureen for her son from Anders Ruff , take a look here to see more of her party.

Or Hostess with the Mostesses party for her son Skyler.

So what do you think? Super effort by all of these mums. I am not showing Tyler these photos, I can't have him getting high expectations now can I? I think the best thing for me to do is close the computer and create my own party.

Cookie Dough Brownies

2012-01-11T13:30:00.000+11:00

image source

This is the most amazing mouth watering recipe I have come across. I am a huge fan of cookie dough, I have to be honest and tell you that only half of the cookie dough we make really only goes into making cookies and the rest well, I will leave that up to your imagination.

I follow Recipe Girl's blog regularly and when this recipe came up I knew I met my soul mate (food soul mate that is). This was one recipe that I couldn't pass up, it has to be made.

Please take a look at this recipe and you will be writing down the ingredients faster than you can turn the computer off because I know I am...

Car Saavy Idea

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000+11:00

We have two boys who love cars. So much that we have a small bin full to the brim full of matchbox cars not to mention the others. It is nice to use these cars in a more creative manner.

I came up with an idea to make and create a road using lots of black cardboard and white chalk. Which also involved lots of cutting and taping. Not so great.

When I found this idea I knew I had to have a go, how easy. One roll of masking tape is all that is needed and we had hours of creative play. Even Baxter is who is now 19 months had fun zooming the cars along the carpet , keeping on his track.

I will keep this idea up my sleeve for a rainy day too.

Mint Play Dough

2012-01-09T14:57:00.000+11:00

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. We did, catching up with friends and getting exercise, goodness knows I need it after the Christmas feast, it went for a whole week.

Today we decided to have a 'stay home' day. The last few weeks have been hectic for kids with Christmas and New Years, spending time with our families and lots of driving. Although we have loved every minute are now back at home and slowly getting back into routine.

Surrounded by so many new toys it was nice to take a break and make a batch of play dough and just have fun. However I did lash out over the holidays and buy an expensive frypan and what was the first thing I cooked in it? Play dough of course and it cooked well I must say.

We created a mint flavoured play dough with added peppermint flavouring so little Baxter would have enjoyment smelling, touching, looking and feeling his creations.

Happy Birthday

2012-01-07T10:30:00.000+11:00

Rainbow Cake

Pink Layers

Polka Dot

It's nice to back after spending Christmas and New Years with our family. Just when we think we have celebrated enough, the birthdays now start.

We have celebrated lots of birthdays this week with a combination of friends and family. So I have made them all a special cake each. Okay maybe I didn't but I was certainly celebrating for them.

Happy Birthday to my Mum, Dad and Nonna and friends.

Images courtesy of Pinterest

Out Of Office

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000+11:00

Image source courtesy of Pinterest

Midgee Moo is still currently closed and I am out of office, taking a little break with the family. We hope to be open soon, until then we won't be taking any orders.

Belated Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:18:00.017+11:00

A Belated Happy New Year!

May all of your dreams and wishes come true in 2012

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T10:24:00.002+11:00

Image Source Pinterest

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and we will see you in 2012!

We Moved

2011-12-15T10:06:00.000+11:00

Image Source

It takes the experience of moving house to realise just how much stuff you collect or shall I say 'hoard' over the years. Don't get me wrong, we have huge clean outs each year even had the odd garage sale and yet we have so so much STUFF. Where does it come from?

We have extra storage and the house we have moved into is so much smaller than our 'dream home' , so this picture is exactly how I feel at the moment. We have down sized. One good thing is that there is less house work, well I am hoping anyway.

I am surrounded by boxes at the moment , who knows I may even one up and find a child. Christmas literally around the corner and my goal is have this space somewhat, looking like a home. So I am backing away from the computer and going to back to work.

Do they really?

2011-12-09T09:30:00.000+11:00

I am learning about this! Have a wonderful weekend.

Image source

Still Moving

2011-12-08T14:38:00.001+11:00

We are still in the process of moving and I am so over it. I have done this many times and I have to say this is the most painful move. I am not sure if it is because I have another child since the last move or if it's because we have so much more stuff.

I am at the point I could put a sign out the front and say "Can't be bothered moving it, so take it all". Hubby may not be so happy with that though. How did we end up with so much stuff? With Christmas is only around the corner and I know I will come home with more stuff.

Where does it end?

The amount of bags I have dropped off to the Salvation Army, I think they may even set up a bin outside with my name on it. Anyway back to packing, not that I really want to.

Closing Our Doors

2011-12-05T09:23:00.000+11:00

Midgee Moo is closing it's doors tomorrow as we are moving house in 5 days. Crazy I know.
We will open again next year in a new location. I will be still writing our Blog, I think it will be the only thing keeping me sane.

So get in quick before the doors shut!

Image source

No Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T10:00:00.002+11:00

When most of you have put up your Christmas tree and been busy putting on dazzling decorations we had to forego this event this year. No Tree. Yes, I am still in shock and disappointed as is Tyler. What is Christmas without a tree?

With our huge house move just moments away it is too much to even think about the logistics of putting up a tree. Not to mention a very curious toddler who loves to get his little hands onto anything and everything.

image sourced from Pinterest

Putting up the Christmas Tree is the beginning of the magical countdown to Christmas. It is a special place to place those beautifully decorated presents ready to give. Our presents are wrapped and labelled at least.

So for those of you who have their Magical Christmas Tree, cheers to you and enjoy.

Bento Box

2011-11-30T08:38:00.000+11:00

After going to our 4 year old kinder orientation day, we discovered that our normal day out lunch box just won't cut it. So off to look for a new lunch box. I have to find something cool apparently. This would seem a pretty easy thing to find. I mean, it's a box isn't it. Well apparently no, no, it's more than that.

The box needs to be insulated, have separate components so food doesn't mix and go soggy, look smart but cool, leak proof because we can't have juice running through the kinder bag and most importantly it needs to fit into the kinder bag.

So with this checklist, I came across some really cool lunch boxes. I wanted one for myself by the end. Now which one to choose......

The lego bento box

Hug Me! Panda Bento Box

Bento Kokeshi Mamy

This one is a ceramic noodle bowl, rather cute but impractical for our situation.

Little Koleshi Kintaro Bento Box

Bento Cube Transparent. This is my pick but it looks quite big.

I didn't realise how cute some of these lunch boxes and I am really confused. Maybe Tupperware?

Smoked Paprika Chicken and Lemon Bake

2011-11-29T10:37:00.002+11:00

Emptying out the deep freezer and found some chicken drumsticks so I turned old faithful Donna Hay books for some inspiration. I found this super easy recipe, preparation took 10 mins and dinner was done.

Smoked Paprika Chicken and Lemon Bake
1.5 kg Chicken pieces ( I had drumsticks only)
1 lemon sliced
1 cup (120g pitted olives)
2 chorizo sliced (I only used one)
4 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
1 cup (250ml) chic stock
50g butter, melted
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
sea salt and cracked black pepper

Preheat oven to 200'C (400'F). Place the chicken, lemon, olives, chorizo, garlic, stock and butter in a baking dish and sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper. Roast for 40-45 mis or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Image courtesy of Donna Hay

This recipe can be found in the latest edition of Donna Hay's 10th Anniversary Magazine. I have ordered her latest book. Cannot wait to get my hot hands onto it. Merry Christmas to me I say. Well the family benefits so really it's for everyone. That's fair isn't it?

Girls Weekend

2011-11-28T09:05:00.000+11:00

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I am sitting here on the couch looking around at the work I need to do but my legs won't move. They are numb. Numb from our girls weekend.

Everyear, around Chritmas, the girls in our family meet up in Melbourne and have a 'Girls Weekend'. Mind you, it has only been our tradition for the last five but with the amount of fun we have, I am sure it will continue for many more.

We meet up, shop till we drop, have a swim at the hotel (not me, I am happy to watch by the sidelines) and then get ready to go out some where special for dinner. We have an absolute ball laughing, eating, drinking and not a whole lot sleeping, then to wake up and do it all again until late afternoon then we all go our separate ways and go home.

It was lovely to be picked up by my boys at the train station, I think my hubby was quite surprised that I was able to bring home so many bags when I had told him I had finished my Christmas shopping and didn't need to buying anything. Oops! It's not my fault those beautiful displays make me buy and need their product. After all it is Christmas.

It's nice to be home again with the boys, I hope they aren't expecting too much of me today. Now the saving will start again, until our weekend again next year.

All Under $5 Stocking Fillers

2011-11-25T10:44:00.000+11:00

It's this time of year that I gather all of the Christmas gifts that I have bought for the children from around the house, some I find easily others take a serious amount of thought. I know you are probably thinking why don't I hide them in the one spot to make it easier for myself. No way! My mother did this, she hid our presents in garbage bags, yes we each had our own special garbage bag and hid them in the linen closet, now some serious thought went into this!

Image Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Of course every year, I would go searching for it, find it, pull out all the presents and when it came to Christmas and they wrapped and labelled 'love Santa' it was a let down. So I have learnt from this and hide them everywhere, see I am very clever. Until it comes to this day when I cannot find them and begin to curse. Mental note to self, write the present and location. Maybe even a treasure map, now that would be cool.

I buy throughout the year, of course they are mostly Midgee Moo toys, I think every order I have opened I hear an "ooooh, I would love one of those, I will have to ask Santa" from the background or should I say from a little head that is stuck halfway in a box. Occasionally I let him keep some of the tried and tested toys but only the little ones. I can't have them too spoilt!!

This year as I laid out all of the special pressies, way too many big presents, it's amazing what you find and forget. Lucky for me Tyler's birthday is so close to Christmas, his birthday is already done but on the other hand Baxter has to wait for 6 months for his birthday....or does he??

I realised that I needed to add a few more little goodies for the Santa Sacks. Why did I make the Santa sacks so big?? Now I have to fill them, if I hadn't made them myself and personalised them, I would almost be tempted to recreate a smaller version. Who has time for that?

I needed to add a few more little gifts so these gifts from the Under $5 are perfect for last minute, stocking fillers. Go ahead, check them out and don't forget where you hide them!

Serenity

2011-11-24T10:32:00.001+11:00

Do you ever sometimes wish that you could sneak out the door, just for 5 minutes or maybe 10? This is the place where I would sneak off to.

There I am, on the deck with a cuppa and book in hand, listening to the silence. Totally ignoring the large brown boxes that need to be filled up ready to be moved.

If only I knew where this place was. The picture was stumbled upon when I should have been starting dinner last night. That explains the lack of imagination that went into the meal.

Picture courtesty of Pinterest.

Thankyou

2011-11-23T09:48:00.000+11:00

Source via Pinterest

Hello there! Anyone out there. I know it has been a while since my last post (feels like I am at confession). Anyway a lot has happened here at Midgee Moo. We sold our beautiful house, we built our dream house but soon realised that with two growing boys, they need their space. They need trees to hang off and a big yard to ride their bikes and kick the ball. We want the huge veggie patch and chooks so it was time to sell.

In the mean time while we are looking for that perfect spot, we are looking for a house to rent, not as easy as I thought. With 3 weeks to move out, the clock is ticking and I have only packed 20 boxes and I suspect I have 50 to go.

Our little man has had lots of trips to the hospital lately but now all is well after lots of testing. He is back to being a happy little man, which makes all the difference.

We reached out goal at Midgee Moo with 330 newsletter subscribers and had our huge sale, what a success, we are nearly cleaned out which is great, less packing. So thank you fans and followers for spreading the word.

We will be closing our doors shortly due to the move and reopening again next year year 2012 so get in quick for your last minute bargains.

Children Need To Play

2011-10-25T11:03:00.000+11:00

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Play does matter and this poster explains it so well. This would have been great to put up on my classroom door. Now it's perfect for the kid's playroom.

As much I love the play, it;s the mess afterwards that I struggle with. I want to get in and clean up right away but I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that sometimes it's okay to leave them out. When make believe settings have been created for example our living room is set up as a hospital right now, I know that it is important to leave this out well for a certain amount of time anyway. Do you pack away toys daily?

Super Sale Coming!

2011-10-24T10:18:00.001+11:00

As you are probably already aware. Midgee Moo are going to be having a huge sale with

33% off Storewide

This is happening as soon as we reach 330 Newsletter subscribers so spread the word and the sale is on.

We are so so close.

The code will be provided through your newsletter only.

Have a fantastic week.

Fridays Funnies

2011-10-14T11:18:00.001+11:00

Image (Source)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Fridays Funnies

2011-10-07T14:17:00.000+11:00

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Need I say anymore!

Have a fantastic weekend.

Fridays Funnies

2011-10-07T13:04:00.001+11:00

Image courtesy of source

I apologise for by absent blogging lately but my little one has been terribly sick and as you know children come first. So when I came across this poster, this is me to a tee at the moment, the minute I clean up and turn around there is another mess. Hands up if you agree?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Donna Hay Visits

2011-10-03T15:36:00.000+11:00

Donna Hay visits our house occasionally, she comes in, puts on her apron, talks through her recipes and recreates one of her magical dishes. Delish!

Char-grilled pizza with fig, mozzarella and caramelised onion - Donna Hay SEASONS cookbook

image courtesy of donna hay

Except this Donna Hay you might think is a phony, the apron is occasionally put over a tracksuit, she opens up her Donna Hay recipe book (what chef does that?), has dishes from one end of the kitchen to the other and the dish created looks absolutely nothing like the picture, usually because she hasn't been organised to gather all of the ingredients or they have been eaten already.

So who is she? She is the one who is reading this Donna Hay 'Seasons' book and loving it. Having a go at some of these gorgeous recipes and drooling over the rest. So much so, that most pages have a sticky label hanging off it. All that is needed is a days preparation for each recipe and a delicatessen in the pantry and those recipes will be tried and tested.

Who is your kitchen inspiration?

Fridays Funnies

2011-09-30T07:46:00.002+10:00

Image from source

Not sure if this is funny or flat out cute! Looks like the world is sitting on her little shoulders, or should I say pom poms.

Enjoy the last day of September and have a fabulous weekend!

Keep Calm And.........

2011-09-29T10:20:00.000+10:00

I like the 'Keep Calm' posters but this is just crazy. I didn't know where to start reading. Even though it is very busy, it is quite clever and quite amusing. It can be found here.

Wallpaper Collage`

2011-09-27T11:03:00.002+10:00

We were recently given a whole book of wallpaper samples. Tyler said that we can rip them up and use them to make a picture. Fabulous idea!

I was asked to draw a car, now the great illustrator that I am, drew a bubble car, ripped up the wall paper , very theraputic for me I must say.

While this was happening I gave some of the ripped wallpaper to Baxter and he loved feeling the different textures, which turned out to be a great sensory activity, who would have thought wallpaper was so fun!

After the car was completely covered, I cut out it out and glued it onto blue cardboard. Tyler created the rest of the scene with leftover cardboard and wallpaper.

We love the result, true art, who needs Picasso art when we have art like this. This one is begging to be framed. Just have to wait until we make a trip to my favourite store Ikea for some more frames (any excuse really).

You can get wallpaper samples from either a curtain shop or paint shop, I am sure they would be more than happy to pass off their old samples.

Try it and feel free to share your little's one artwork with us.

Ball Game Fun

2011-09-26T08:06:00.000+10:00

We are going crazy over these Animal Ball Games, they are so fun, easy to take in the car to amuse back seat drivers.

Available in 6 gorgeous fun animal characters and at only $2.70 they will also make a great stocking filler, if you are already thinking about Christmas.

Fridays Funnies

2011-09-23T09:04:00.003+10:00

Have a fantastic weekend!

Don't forget the Free Shipping Deal on all orders over

$25 finishes midnight tonight.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Free Shipping!!

2011-09-22T13:48:00.000+10:00

We have been feeling a bit sick over here, hence the absence from blogging. My little ones have been kindly sharing their germs, doesn't help when I smother them with kisses and cuddles though.

To our delight when a rather large parcel was dropped off we all forgot that we had headaches, aching bodies and sniffles and excitedly opened this large box to find super cool new Melissa & Doug toys, which are now available at Midgee Moo.

This Melissa & Doug Car Carrier seems to be the favourite with Tyler.

Although Baxter is only 15 months, he has taken a liking to this Latch board. There is nothing like opening and shutting doors and attempting to lock them. I was just surprised that he could sit still in the same spot for so long.

Although we have had this Stamp & Sort Mailbox before, I didn't really get a chance to play with them because they ran out the door before I could get a chance. We have them in stock again and this is my favourite. A great role play toy that allows children to put the stamps on their letters, postcards and work out which slot they belong in. Wait for the postie to open up the box with his special keys and find out whose got mail. This will entertain children and adults for hours.

We are offering Free Shipping to all orders over $25.00. for 2 days only. No codes (or other discounts apply )just choose free shipping in checkout.
Offer Closes Friday 23rd September at midnight.

Capture The Moment

2011-09-14T13:38:00.001+10:00

It doesn't take long for little hands to grow into big hands. So, every year I always make sure I get the kids' handprint and date this magical moment.

I find it easier to spread out the non toxic paints onto paper plates so they can really squish around their little hands. I have a pile of them left over from Christmas, enough to last the next 5 Christmas'.

Tyler enjoys comparing his handprints to previous years, it is nice for him to visualise his growth ( I keep telling him, it is all of those vegies he is eating).

Lego Fun

2011-09-12T12:19:00.000+10:00

I still find it fascinating after all of these years that plastic bricks that attach together and a Lego enthusiast can create amazing creations.

Loving Spring!

2011-09-09T13:13:00.000+10:00

Blossom is too pretty to be left on trees, I thought I would bring this inside to admire.

Stick It On

2011-09-07T12:57:00.001+10:00

Children looooove stickers. They provide hours of fun and creativity. These super cool Alphabet and Number stickers by Melissa & Doug are a great tool for children learning their alphabet or add pizzazz to scrapbooks, posters, cards and school projects with this fabulous collection of alphabet and number stickers in ten different themes.

Aspiring graphic designers will enjoy using the more than a dozen different alphabets and over 1000 stickers to enhance and personalise any craft project!

Newspaper Alphabet Sorting Activity

2011-09-05T18:16:00.002+10:00

A very simple alphabet activity that I thought I would try with Tyler. He knows his alphabet letters but this was just a little fun.

You will need:

Magazines or newspapers

Glue

A4 or A3 paper

Pen

Scissors

Directions:

Using magazines or newspapers cut out a range of letters, it doesn't matter if you have more than one of the same letter. Your child may even help cut, finding letters is also fun.

Draw two circles onto the paper (trace a plate to make it easier) and overlap the circles to make a Venn Diagram as shown.

Label the diagram, straight edge letters, curvy letters and in the middle are both curvy and straight.

Now, sort out the letters into their appropiate groups and glue them down.

This activity is great for letter recognition, Uppercase and lowercase recognition, fine motor skills and sorting. Also great activity to sort numbers, pictures, animals.

Tic Toc It's Back In Stock!

2011-08-23T10:35:00.000+10:00

Our most popular Melissa & Doug product is back in stock. This colourful chunky clock features 12 wooden blocks, each a different shape, which fit into matching slots, plus movable hands.

With lots of timely information on the hands and clock face, this is the perfect toy to help children master an abstract concept.

A fantastic clock that will also teach children about counting, shapes, colours, memory, matching, spatial awareness and enhancing fine motor skills on sale for $24.50.

More Than Jigsaws

2011-08-22T14:55:00.001+10:00

Melissa & Doug Vehicles Sound Puzzle $20.95

Jigsaws are one of the most valuable educational toy. They assist with children's fine motor skills, matching shapes, colours, spatial awareness, problem solving and memory.

Wooden Lunch Puzzle $19.95

Our tub of jigsaws are pulled out at least once a week and boy do we have fun. Some pieces tend to fall out in the tub (when it is packed away upside down), so just matching the pieces to the correct jigsaw is an activity in itself.

Alphabet Jigsaw Puzzle $6.50

We love to pull out the alphabet letters, put them into their correct order on the floor, create names and trace around them.

Dinosaur Puzzle $6.50

Or just have fun tracing around shapes or make them into stories. Now who would have thought that wooden jigsaws could be so fun?

Bring On Summer

2011-08-19T10:56:00.001+10:00

We are over winter! Bring on summer, let's get into our shorts, t-shirts and thongs. Hang the washing on line and eat outside with the mozzies.

Until then, we can pretend to slurp on these stunning icypoles. Yes they may be wooden but they last longer, don't drip and stand perfectly in their wooden stand with 4 super cool non-sticky lollipops ready to be sold in a market style set up. Winter doesn't get any better.

Have a great weekend.

Brown Bread & Honey

2011-08-18T16:37:00.005+10:00

After reading one of our favourite books by Pamela Allen, we had to make 'brown bread and honey' for afternoon tea.

Tyler quite enjoys the responsibility of using a knife to spread his butter.

How much honey can I put on?

'This Brown Bread and Honey is amazing!'. Now if he would only turn around and pop those dishes away....hmmm.

Harvesting

2011-08-17T11:50:00.000+10:00

We are enjoying harvesting our fruit and vegetables from the garden, this is a snapshot of our harvest, except for the apples. It is quite fulfilling knowing that all of our hard work has paid off and the children are eating healthy organic fruit and vegetables.

Fun with Names

2011-08-16T11:56:00.000+10:00

We are having a lot of fun at the moment with the alphabet. With Tyler being so interested in how to spell words and names, this easy activity was perfect. A great way to introduce names and teach children how to spell their own name.

All you need is a slip of paper and write people names or words. I wrote everyone's name in our family including teddies. Using a magnetic board (or cookie tray) and magnetic letters, he was able to copy the name using the magnetic letters. The letters can be placed either on the strip or below the strip.

You can make it challenging by putting lowercase and uppercase letters out together or simplify by finding the correct letters needed for the name so they don't need to search through all the letters. This activity was so fun I was asked to write many other names.

After the huge effort Tyler put in and lots of claps from his little brother he enjoyed a well earned morning tea.

Little Fairies

2011-08-15T08:03:00.000+10:00

Let's celebrate our little fairies with these gorgeous fairy gifts.

1. Fairy Tap A Shape $20.50

2. Fairy Beads $11.95

3. Fairy Blocks Tower $19.90

4. Bobble Art Fairy Diary Handbag $11.95

5. Sparkle T Fairy Train $49.95

6. Wooden Fairy Mobile $23.95

7. Bobble Art Magnetic Epoxy Set Fairy $7.60

8. Bobble Art Small Fairy Jewel Box Single Drawer $9.95

Winter Warmer

2011-08-12T10:47:00.000+10:00

We love a great soup and pumpkin soup always tops the list. This delicious recipe from CSIRO can be whipped up in a jiffy and fill up those bellies.

Butternut Pumpkin & Coriander Soup

3 cup of chicken stock (the better the quality the better it tastes)

1 cup water

1kg butternut pumpkin, peeled and roughly chopped

1 large onion, roughly chopped

2 carrots, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic

1tsp paprika

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup coriander leaves

In a large saucepan, bring stock and water to boil. Add vegetabls and spices and brind back to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 mins or until vegies are soft. Allow to cool, then puree using a blender or hand blender. Reheat soup and top with coriander. Serve with toasted bread and you have a winner. Serves 4.

Have a great weekend!

Gym Junkie

2011-08-11T01:24:00.003+10:00

Being addicted to chocolate has it's downfalls, you'd never guess, it's putting on weight!

So to overcome this I put on my gym shoes, went to the gym, drank a heap of water and felt great, re-energised, couldn't wait for the next gym session and that was just from signing up!

Time has passed and my shoes, gym bag, membership card and sweatpants look like new still, the trick to this, I don't go.

Crazy I know, I do feel guilty every time I see payment for the gym coming out of my bank account and I promise myself to go, even write it in my daily planner. That's a start isn't it?

I am sure I am not the only one. How do I get out the door at night when it's so cold (any excuse).

Tap Tap

2011-08-10T10:42:00.003+10:00

Childern love to create pictures, especially if there are hammers involved. Magical scenes can be designed with this 'Fairy Tap A Picture' all while they are developing their spatial awareness, creativity, hand and eye co-ordination.

A simple activity, that will have children creating their scene with a variety of shapes and pinning it down onto cork. The best part is that they can pull it apart and start all over again at $20.50, they won't last long.

Can You Match This Vegie Patch?

2011-08-09T01:52:00.002+10:00

During these winter months, I will admit, I don't quite get out to the garden as much as I would like, partly because I am sook when it comes to cold weather.

So I took to the computer to get some inspiration. This inspiring garden belongs to Martha Stewart. Surely, she can feed her whole community with this garden.

Now I think I feel totally unorganised after seeing this perfectly manicured vegetable patch. Oh that's right she has hired help and I don't. So back to reality......

What's Cookin Good Lookin!

2011-08-08T10:05:00.001+10:00

Our Junior Master Chef loves to get in on the cooking action. As soon as it's cooking time and he isn't too busy, the chair is pulled up, apron and chef's hat on, ready to be the apprentice....for now anyway.

Tyler has learnt how to peel vegetables. We started with a carrot and the next thing every vegetable is being peeled. You could say last night's meal was vegetarian.

Brushing Teeth Is Fun

2011-08-05T09:32:00.001+10:00

Make brushing teeth so much fun with these super cute animal toothbrush timers. The hourglass provides 3 minutes of solid brushing time featuring a little wooden stand for their little toothbrush at the back. In 3 gorgeous animal styles at only $4.95.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Taming The Toddler

2011-08-04T19:28:00.002+10:00

Toddlers and tantrums don't mix, I know that for sure. We were having so much fun with Baxter, laughing, giggling, while he was exploring the world around him then overnight our world changed. He found his voice!

Screaming when I leave the room, when he is hungry, wants to be picked up, in the car, when he wakes up and the best scream of all, when he is put to bed. What happened to my little angel?

Poor Tyler doesn't know how to handle his younger brother, he pulled me aside and suggested I use 'time out', I had to laugh because Tyler knows that this method works for him.

I explained that his little brother is simply growing and his little world is changing around him. He is just reacting and finding out how to get what he wants. Not quite so easy for a 4 1/2 year old to understand.

Believe me, this new behaviour is quite a shock to us all, not just to Tyler. We only had dealt with one trantrum during Tyler's toddler years when he was 2, I still remember it, clear as day. He stood in the lolly aisle in Coles and screamed his lungs out because he wanted a lolly. So I calmly placed him on the floor for two minutes (a very long time when you aren't at home) and he soon realised that time out was not just at home and we never had an incident like that again (very lucky).

On the other hand our little treasure has started his tantrums a little earlier and he knows if he cries, screams or yells that I react, he has got my attention because I can no longer stand the screaming. I find it so fascinating how a child can be soooo different to his brother, when he has exactly the same parents and upbringing. I have to laugh, I think he came out fighting!

So we are trying a new method called 'distraction'. Anytime I can slightly feel a trantrum coming on I am quick to give him something different to play with, thank god for Midgee Moo. Yes, he is trying and testing everything at the moment! But we also have our little angel back, he is having a wonderful time and he's not silly either, who is the boss of me?

We are also pulling out the tupperware, cooking utensils, fabrics, cotton reels, anything I can get my hands on and having them on hand so if I need to attend to something other him such as leaving the room or answer the phone, I quickly grab his new distraction and I get at least 15 minutes of calm play from him. We realise that as he gets older that other methods such as 'time out' may work better but at 14 months, he does not get this concept.

We are hoping this is a phase he is going through, not just an excuse to try every item in the house! I will let you know how this is working out and if this is taming our toddler!

Potato Prints

2011-08-03T21:50:00.003+10:00

Vegetables aren't just for eating, they are for having fun!

Cutting up potatoes into different shapes and stamping them onto paper plates filled with different coloured paints can create some fabulous prints.

Have a go!

Still Cooking Hot Cross Buns

2011-08-02T17:03:00.005+10:00

I know Easter has been and gone months ago but when you have a got craving for 'hot cross buns' in the middle of winter, well you have to make them. What better way to fill the tummy and feel warm inside then eating scrumptious hot cross buns hot out of the oven. I know you may be frowning at me but we did make this quite special.

After years of buying my hot cross buns from the bakery only to get them home, heat them and 5 mins later they are all gone. I decided there must be easy recipe that I could find, so then I can have a never ending supply of hot cross buns (sounds great doesn't it?)

Anyway during my late night blog reads I came across an easy recipe that allows you either choose the bread maker version or the hand mix version. This recipe is courtesy of Sandra from the $120 Food Challenge Blog.

Her recipe is so easy and I will admit, I did take the easy option by using my bread machine. I figured well I do have one so I had better put it to good use. The recipe on her blog has a printout option too which is quite handy.

This is a great recipe to get children involved. Tyler had a ball rolling his hot cross buns and marking them with an 'x' .

The smell of the hot cross buns went through the whole house, I am suprised the neighbours didn't turn up with an empty basket. We made 16 of these and to my surprise after a feed at morning tea and lunch there are still some left. See, I did say they were a never ending supply.

Did you notice there is one missing? Of course it had to be tested!

Pyjama Day

2011-08-01T13:20:00.000+10:00

We had a very relaxing weekend with family. My sister and her boyfriend came visit, arriving just in time to pick up Tyler from kinder. What a gorgeous surprise he got, he couldn't contain his excitement when my sister walked in the door.

The weekend was full of cooking, chatting, playing and lots of laughter. By the time Sunday arrived, Tyler decided he was going to have a pyjama day. I suppose you can get away with this when you are 4. He was having a great time. I took a photo of my relaxed little man fixing his car with his tools.

Well he got his way until lunch time, I couldn't bear him in his pj's anymore. We really only let him do this when he isn't well. I am mean, I know but on a beautiful day, I wanted him dressed and running around outside getting fresh air and you don't do that in your pyjama's or do you?

New Love!

2011-07-29T14:02:00.000+10:00

I know people generally say, "I need coffee to start my day".

I am not a morning person, just ask my husband and children. We recently splashed out and bought this super cool, wizz bang coffee machine that makes cuppacinos all by itself and now I am one of those people that say " I need coffee to start my day".

Have a wonderful weekend

Tomorrow Is A Mystery

2011-07-28T11:39:00.000+10:00

This is what I need to read when I stagger out of bed. I really struggle to get out of bed in the morning these days, it's far too cosy and I am spoilt. I like to wait until the heating has kicked in (thanks to my hubby) but sometimes young Baxter has other ideas!

This quote by 'Eleanor Roosevelt' might need to sit on my bedside table or on the floor so I will trip over it and read it, who knows I may even open up my eyes.

Designed and printed on canvas by Quotable.

Rainy Day Magnets

2011-07-27T11:03:00.001+10:00

Children will delighted creating, mixing and matching their very own funny magnetic people and animals. Simply putting different eyes, noses, mouths and ears on the provided animal/people pictures and make hundred of different faces.

A great activity to pull out in this wintery weather, this will certainly keep them stimulated and encourage their minds to grow.

Comes packaged in a gorgegous tin ready for travelling or gift giving, available in 3 assorted styles for $12.95.

The Art Of The Brick

2011-07-26T13:16:00.041+10:00

We went to the 'Art Of The Brick' Lego Exhibition on the weekend at Federation Square Melbourne. It was a great exhibition put on by New York artist 'Nathan Sawaya'.

We walked around and admired his work. Even Tyler stood there, taking it all in, asking questions and wanting to know just how many bricks were used in each piece.

This was my favourite, everything here, is made from Lego, down to the paintbrush and the floor.

Tyler's favourite of course!

We then proceeded upstairs to the Make & Play area where we were given challenges. Our first challenge was to get into groups and create the tallest buildings in ten minutes. Quite, a challenge for young children who don't know each other let alone work in groups. It was amazing what little people can achieve when you let them be. It lovely to watch them working together, taking turns, being polite and helping one another.

Children were then given a number of different activities to choose from. Tyler chose to make a racing car and race it down the ramp. Once the challenges began, it was hilarious watching children and their parents together, putting so much effort into their cars, listening to their lego lingo and then racing them down ramps to see which car will go the distance. This was the highlight of his day (and his dads) , as he got to compete with other children.

It was a great day and Tyler had a grin from ear to ear, throughout the whole day. This made it all worth it.

Lego Cake

2011-07-25T11:03:00.002+10:00

It was my husband's birthday on Friday, I wanted to make this a special day so what better way then to have a go at recreating Donna Hay's Lego Cake. Actually no, I correct myself, not recreate, I meant have a go at attempting.

Why did I make a Lego cake for an adult? We had planned on seeing the 'Art Of The Brick Wall' exhibition the next day (watch this space) so I thought this cake tied in nicely. So here it is...

I had icing from one end of the kitchen to the other and fought with icing, waiting and praying that a food stylist would walk through the door and help me out. Donna Hay makes it look so easy. I guess that's what happens when she suggest to use a vanilla cake and I make a chocolate one instead.

The birthday boy was shocked to find this brightly coloured Lego cake in the fridge and that was the reaction I wanted. He had a great birthday celebration and we all ate way too much.

Watch this space for tomorrow's blog on the Lego Exhibition.

Newpaper Hats

2011-07-22T16:07:00.000+10:00

We love having little visitors over at Migee Moo. This week we had a gorgeous little friend who to my delight, loves art & craft.

Looking over at the huge newspaper recycling pile, I felt a newspaper project was definately on the cards.

We decided to create Newspaper Sailor's Hats. I loved making these at school during my teaching days an easy, fun activity that gives a chance for children to be artistic.

With a wide range of different papers, off cuts of lace, ribbons, cellophane, streamers, foil, buttons, pom poms, stickers , coloured pasta all set out on paper plates so they are accessible and easy to pack up. We also added textas, crayons and kid friendly pva glue so the buttons didn't fall off.

These boys were serious about decorating their 'pirate hats' which then became 'party hats'.

Time to celebrate their work, how proud are they? I know I was, and I was secretly happy that I got to play teacher again to more than one child!

Have a great weekend.

Hand-Eye Coordination Skills

2011-07-21T10:10:00.008+10:00

Tactile toys can help assist with children's hand - eye coordination, build concentration and improve fine motor skills.

These delightfully bright lacing pirate and fairy beads certainly do the trick. They will engage children's curiousity while they thread these chunky beads in various patterns along the laces which can be tied. Children will have lots of fun following patterns, manipulating shapes, then start all over again.

Packaged in a cute zip up clear case, perfect for storing the lace and beads.

Now on sale at Midgee Moo, was $11.95 now $8.50 for 4 days only.

Favourite Rooms

2011-07-20T13:29:00.000+10:00

One of my favourite rooms in our house is the dining room. It is where the family shares conversation over meals, create craft, drink coffee and babycinos, read the papers and occasionally work on the computer. This is where it happens.

We sprawl over our chunky wooden table

Under the light

Looking at my favourite picture.

What is your favourite room?

Loving These New Gator Totes

2011-07-19T11:13:00.001+10:00

Packing up bath toys can sometimes be a pain especially when you have to wait for them to drain their water. You don't have to wait anymore when you have a 'Gator Tote'. With two holes on the bottom of the tote, you can now pack up and walk away, yay!

New to Midgee Moo, we love these durable, bright coloured bags available in 4 eye catching colours, they won't last long at $13.50. So your bath toys can be stored in stylish tote at an affordable price.

Gator totes have so many uses, don't just keep them in the bathroom, they are also great to take to the beach, pool, dress ups or they make the perfect accessory for children to use when they go shopping.

Busy Mum's Pizza

2011-07-18T13:13:00.000+10:00

When it's been a huge day and you suddenly realise that it's too late to defrost meat for dinner and it's far too cold to drag the kids out to shop, this is a great quick, easy and healthy meal to make ready to serve in 30 mins. Provided you have the main ingredients on hand.

We usually have fun making our own dough but when you are short of time, pita bread makes a great alternative.

You will need:

Pita bread

Spaghetti sauce

and any toppings that you have in the fridge.

This pizza has baby spinach, olives, bacon, purple onion, crushed garlic, dollap of basil pesto, fetta cheese, cherry tomatoes and shredded cheese.

Spread the sauce, layer the toppings. Put into a 180c oven (wash up, set the table) cook for 20 mins and enjoy!

25% Off Storewide!

2011-07-15T13:58:00.002+10:00

I just love capturing these innocent moments. Apparently Tyler was just thinking.

Mmm, what could a 4 year old really be thinking about? My guess is that it's about our sale!

Huge 25 % Off Storewide

Including Sale items

Discount Code found at Mum's Grapevine

Until Midnight Sunday 17th July or until stock lasts.

Lady Gaga Sell Out

2011-07-14T11:12:00.011+10:00

Lady Gaga is quite unique, so we are celebrating Lady Gaga's visit to Australia with these stunning designer fabric button ponytail holders.

With such a great response to the newsletter sent out yesterday, we sold out of these ponytail holders. We couldn't have anyone miss out on looking good so last night (very late) I whipped up some more.

Each pair is unique, like Lady Gaga with divine shades of pink and green, these handcrafted fabric buttons are securely attached to snagless elastics and presented on a designer card, makes a great gift.

I guess everyone wanted to take advantage of the exceptionally low price $4.95 on a stunning look with free shipping. Get in quick, these Lady Gaga's may not last long!

Grand Re-Opening!

2011-07-12T23:10:00.001+10:00

Yes, finally. Midgee Moo has been prodded, poked and now we are finally open with a new look. After spending most days and nights attached to my laptop in between making meals, daily housework, entertaining children among other things. I can unattach my laptop from my arm and now enjoy the hard earned work.

I can add computer nerd to my specialities, learning codes and how to embed them is a whole new world that I never thought I would delve into but never say never!

Please take a look at our new site. Love to hear your thoughts.

We have a great new Free Shipping Section so grab a cuppa and enjoy.

Hayley Penny x

Who is eating my garden?

2011-06-28T15:43:00.000+10:00

Growing a garden is so rewarding but occasionally we have a few hurdles, with birds taking to my newly planted seedlings and grubs eating these leafy green brocoli plants.

We don't use chemicals in our garden and I think that the grubs have heard this news. Good luck to them, just leave the brocoli flower alone.

Nearly There!

2011-06-16T21:44:00.000+10:00

Hello everyone, I am sorry Midgee Moo has taken so so long. Thankyou to our lovely fans asking when we will be up and running and hopefully we are not too far away now.

This has certainly been an eye opener, creating my site again from scratch, I may be crazy but I know that it will be worth it.

So what is holding Midgee Moo up you might ask, well I have had a few distractions. Firstly I went on a relaxing holiday to Fiji which I intend to blog about very soon and share some amazing photos.

We then came back all refreshed and enthusiastic from Fiji ready to start working on Midgee Moo when.......the kids got sick for a whole two weeks and shared these fabulous germs with my husband and I. I think there were a whole 4 days where we did not leave the house. Maybe it was punishment for enjoying ourselves on a sun drenched beach for a week!

If you can all bear with me just a little longer, Midgee Moo will be up and running very soon. Keep a look out on Facebook for the grand re-opening.

Hayley x

A Break!

2011-05-17T08:30:00.001+10:00

We are on a little break at Midgee Moo so the store will be closed while maintenance among other exciting things are happening.

We will back online soon and hopefully in our new cyberhome. Cannot wait!
If you need to contact us, please send us an email.

See you soon on the otherside.

Hayley Penny xx

Ultimate Playrooms

2011-05-16T08:10:00.000+10:00

When I think about changing a room around or looking for decorative inspiration, I often find myself over at Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids. If this store was in Australia, I would be in serious trouble, this is the store that I drool over!!

Yes, I love organisation and labels so these rooms are the ultimate playrooms for me.

If I had daughters, I think this is pretty, especially the retro kitchen, very cool. I think I could even see myself cooking in this playroom. Where do you find your interior decoration inspiration?

Images courtesy of Potterybarn Kids

Moldy Lunch

2011-05-13T08:21:00.000+10:00

My school lunches didn't always make it to my tummy, they were often thrown out or left in my school bag. My mum used to go crazy when she found them. So when mum and dad bought a corner store, I bet they thought things would change. I would take a freshly made salad roll and Big M each day and when I arrived to school we each had to put our lunch into a large tub. I remember quite often trying to find my lunch only to find it had been taken.

These lunch bags would have been my answer, Anti-Theft Lunch Bags make your freshly made lunch look spoiled and moldy so no one will be taking your lunch any time soon. If you still can't find your lunch, check the bin!

Dyed Macaroni

2011-05-11T13:21:00.000+10:00

Rainy, wintery days are a great excuse to pull out the art & craft box and make a super cool collage.

Coloured pasta is so useful and great for collage. I have a huge tub of coloured macaroni which I dyed years ago. I used the macaroni in the classroom when I was teaching, for counting and art purposes.

"Look no glue on my hands"

How to Dye Macaroni

Ingredients:

Vinegar
Food Coloring
Dry Pasta eg. macaroni (not cooked)
Large Ziplock bags
Wax paper
Rubber gloves

Directions:

1. With gloves on, pour ¼ cup vinegar into a plastic Ziplock bag
2. Add a few drops of one color of food coloring to the Ziplock bag
3. Add 200gms of dry pasta to the bag.
4. Seal the bag and shake, make sure the pasta gets completely coated with food coloring
5. Arrange the sheets of wax paper out onto the bench.
7. Take the pasta from the ziplock bags (be sure to wear your rubber gloves) and place on the wax paper to dry.
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each color
9. Let it dry out completely
9. Make sure pasta is completely dry before using.

Make sure you have fun. We use it for counting, collage and threading. What else can you use dyed macaroni for? Love to hear your ideas.

Don't forget to sign up to Mum's Grapevine for your newsletter featuring Midgee Moo's hot sale tonight.

Getting Ready to Move + HOT SALE!

2011-05-09T08:24:00.003+10:00

We are excited to let you know that Midgee Moo is moving soon to a new and improved site. I am working on this myself with a little help and it's scary to see the technology nerd attributes are coming out. I have learnt so much and appreciate website designers so much.

With so much stock and so little time, it is a great excuse to have a 'Moving Site' sale, therefore it won't take as much time to get the new site up and going.

Midgee Moo is advertising a huge hot sale over at Mum's Grapevine. So if you have subscribed to their newsletter which is sent out Wednesday night, this sale will certainly put a smile on your face.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:35:00.019+10:00

In real life, I am sometimes faced with motherhood madness like most of us, with lack of sleep, time and house not always looking like it will be published in the next Home Beautiful magazine.

I look back and think how much impact these things have on my role as a mother. At the end of the day does it really matter if the washing isn't sorted, or the ironing begins to grow beyond the basket itself, or if there seems to be permanent hand prints on those sliding doors.

Basic needs are met daily, with my children being clothed (yes, clean clothes, but maybe not ironed), fed well with homemade food and most importantly, they are happy, healthy kids.

Their smiles, laughter, milestones and happiness are my priority. In the big picture, these are what matter most to me. I think sometimes we put such huge expectations on ourselves knowing that we may not exceed these, then feel that we are letting our family down.

I am slowly learning that my 4 year old does not care if his trackies aren't ironed or the carpet is not vacuumed but he would care if I wasn't there to hug him and make him feel better when he needed me. It is the little things that count.

To all of you mums, I think it's okay to say yes my kids are happy and I am doing a great job. We need to gives ourselves more credit. So enjoy being a mum, enjoy their smiles and importantly laugh with them.

Happy Mother's Day

Perfect Pick

2011-05-05T15:24:00.009+10:00

There is nothing like cooking up a storm in the kitchen using fresh vegetables from the garden. We are busy little gardeners at Midgee Moo. We all get out in the garden when we can, even baby Baxter loves sitting in his stroller watching us at work.

The weather is beginning to get a bit chilly and I am a whimp when it comes to cold weather. So I am making the most of these vegies as most of the plants are ready to be pulled out, ready for the winter crop.

Tyler's flourishing vegetable patch with capsicum, brocoli and pumpkin.

Pumpkins nearly ready to be picked! For pumpkin soup.

Today's pick zucchini, squash and cherry tomatoes (so many). Looks like we are having Balsamic tomato chicken with roasted vegetables, I don't there will be any complaints. Do you have a vegie patch?

The Very Hungry Little Caterpillar Felt Food

2011-05-02T08:21:00.000+10:00

One of my favourite stories growing up was Eric Carle's 'The Very Hungry Little Caterpillar'. I could read this book over and over, trying to put my fingers though the holes and reciting the amount of food that the caterpillar ate.

As an adult, I have enjoyed reading this story to my school children and now have the privilege of sharing it with my four year old. We read this book together regularly and it's nice to see he gets just as much enjoyment as I do.

I was quite taken back when I came across this delightful blog 'Tea Rose Home' to find that the writer and creator behind the scenes, 'Sachiko' had recreated the food from this story all from felt.

What a wonderful way to enjoy this book and encourage role play. It makes me think about all the felt in the cupboard may have a use after all. In the meantime, I will keep playing with my Magnetic puzzle from the The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Motherly Inspiration

2011-04-18T07:48:00.002+10:00

We all love to take photos of our littlies, capturing their smiles, milestones and their innocence. One mother by the name of Adele Enerson has taken baby snapshots to a whole new level. It was sister who sent me the link to her blog and I was just blown away by these photos that she took of her beautiful daughter 'Mila' hence the blog name 'Mila's Daydreams'.

Adele has gone to great lengths to create differents scenes, using her daughter as the subject, while she is asleep. They are amazing, so amazing that Adele has turned these photos into a book. Please take a look at her blog, you will be blown away.

I have not produced any photos of Adele's work as she has strongly requested for her work not to be reproduced and I respect her wishes.

Cool Tools!

2011-04-13T07:31:00.000+10:00

I have been in one of those moods today, where I like to reorganise my cupboards and drawers. This has been done a least 5 times, since I have moved into our house 2 years ago.

Call me crazy, but I love it and anyone who knows me, is not at all surprised. It's not unusual for my husband to come home and find the whole lounge room rearranged. I must say though, I don't move the big furniture as much as I'd like these days, now it's mainly the small stuff.

Every time I get the kitchen utensils drawer I am always tempted to throw out those funny utensils that I never seem to use. I have read that you should put all of your utensils into a box and those utensils that you do not use within a few months should get thrown out. Not a bad idea.

However, there is one utensil that tickles my fancy and I would love to add to my drawer, I think I could justify it, because it's super cool , very practical and it would actually replace a few of my utensils, it is called the Switchit Flex. Made by Chef'n and it's super cool and available in fabulous colours, I favour the green, it matches my beloved Apple Kitchenaid Mixer.

The Switchit is available in a spoon, spreader, slim or all purpose. I love that it is heat resistant, I am forever melting my spatulas after leaving them in pots, now this would never happen again.

Loving Playschool

2011-03-25T20:26:00.000+11:00

There is usually a mad rush in the morning in our house. We are busy eating breakfast, getting ready and organising a trip out, even if it's to the supermarket.

There is one thing that we like to be home for, in the mornings, a time when we sit in front of the tv, snuggle if we can and watch Playschool. I watched this show growing up, like most of you and to be honest it has hardly changed. Yes, they pretend to talk on their mobiles and type on the computer, which I think is fantastic that they are keeping up with the time but the presenters are just as engaging.

We love to sing along to the songs and sometimes follow with 'make & do' activities after the show has finished. It's nice to be able to watch a show that we can trust, educate and encourage participation from our little ones.

The Playschool website is just as helpful with the upcoming themes, recipes, make & do activies and a whole lot of fun printables for parties are accessible on this resourceful site. Hope you all enjoy watching it as much as we do.

Family & Friends Sale

2011-03-18T21:54:00.000+11:00

So if you are a huge fan of Midgee Moo and you have signed up to our newsletter, you will be expecting some fantastic news in your inbox on Monday.

Exclusive savings for our newsletter subscribers only.

The Perfect Chair

2011-03-10T08:22:00.001+11:00

This fantastic chair is cleverly sculpted by the clever Pete Oyler, the versitile designer and thinker. Made from industrial cardboard, the Rip + Tatter chair is 100% recylable, non-toxic and a whole heap of fun. I'll take two!

Bobble Art help with Pre-reading skills

2011-03-07T20:19:00.000+11:00

It is so exciting to watch our 4 year old attempt to read. We have quiet time in the afternoons while our bub is asleep. so Tyler often snuggles in his beanbag and reads to his teddies and it so adorable to watch. I find myself snuggling up too and reading with the teddies ( if I have dinner organised).

Pre-reading is so important to a child's development. When we are reading to our children we don't really realise just how much of a sponge they really are. They are observing the way you read and the behaviours you bring into the book such e.g using different voices. Then the next thing you know, they are turning the book up the right way, reading the book in the right direction, turning pages putting on different voices, asking their audience questions about the pictures and talking about the pictures, wow!

This is so rewarding as a parent, I know that exposing my child to many books, everyday and re-reading his favourites, over and over has definately paid off. I just hope that teddy appreciated the story as much as I did.

Reading books without words are just as important, children can use their gorgeous imaginations to make up their own stories. They know that their story will have characters, a setting, start with a beginning, there may be a problem/solution and finishes with an ending.

We love these magnetic story boards by Bobble Art to encourage these important pre-reading skills. Children will be delighted when they open up the sturdy A3 storyboard and place their magnetic pieces to create their magical scene.

Available in a variety of exciting themes (Paper Doll adventure, pictured) . Each set consists of a superior quality A3 magnetic board and 2 x A4 sheets of push out magnets.

Just remember to enjoy reading, it's not only a great excuse to cuddle up but it also creates wonderful memories and it's these moments that make their brains grow!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T21:42:00.000+11:00

We have been very busy over the past few months here at Midgee Moo and we have loved every moment. Our gorgeous customers have taken advantage of some fantastic savings and many have come back for more!

Now that we are all ready for Christmas, presents under the tree, ham in the fridge we can finally relax and enjoy Christmas.

It is so exciting for us this year as Tyler is nearly four, he has a better understanding of the essence of Christmas and his excitement is contagious. We have had so much fun making made Christmas decorations which we will treasure forever.

I just love his enthusiasm, he has been counting down the days until he gets to pack the car and head off to spend Christmas with my parents ( so have I ).

I am already full, thinking about the feast that I am about to endure with my family, it is an all day feast. I hope my gym membership gets a work out after Christmas. It certainly does not help that I have been pigging out along the way. Someone had to taste test the homemade goodies!

We are taking a short break over Christmas but will be back in action on December 30th. So all orders taken over the Christmas break, will be posted out on this date.

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Hope Santa visits and puts lots of great pressies under the tree, I think there will be some very happy children this year.

Please take it easy on the roads for those who are travelling.

Hayley Penny xx

Pink Tea Sets Back In Stock!

2010-11-26T21:14:00.000+11:00

After 2 crazy weeks of sales, we have had to restock Midgee Moo to keep up with the Christmas demand.

Even my local postie would laugh at me every time I opened the door, with boxes and satchels piled high.

We sold out of many items but our biggest seller by far was the gorgeous pink tea sets. They were a huge hit, we sold out, in one day and still in demand after we have taken many phone calls from wonderful customers asking when we were going to get more tea sets in.

So, it is wonderful to say that they are back in stock, Yay!! Now we don't want little girls missing out on their pink tea sets do we?

I have gone mad!!!

2010-11-15T09:04:00.000+11:00

Yes that is right, I have gone crazy, totally lost it!!!

I have taken 30% off everything in the store including sale items when you spend $40+ at Midgee Moo. Just hop over to kidstylefile to find out the special feature on Midgee Moo where you the special discount code.

You also get free Midgee Moo hair accessories, yep, you can make your little girl's hair look super cute on Christmas Day, on us.

Get in quick, while stock lasts and while I am still insane!!

Making Travelling Fun

2010-11-03T21:03:00.000+11:00

It is almost that time of year when we pack up and visit the relatives for Xmas break. Whether is it the first time for bubs or the fiftieth time for our 3 + olds, we have the products to make this easier and more entertaining.

These great bags are packed full of assorted items that will engage your child on their journey for hours. There are different journey bags available for ages 3+ and 5+ and the best news is that they are on sale so check them out here .

When children are able to read and play games independently, activity cards are a great way to go. These packs of '100 things for children to do on a journey' occupy children with quizzes, games and puzzles with a special pen and 50 wipe clean sturdy cards that can be used over again. These cards don't have to be restricted to journeys, they are also a great time saver when waiting for appointments too. These are also on sale here.

These are just some of the great products available in the new 'Plane & Car Journey' catergory found at Midgee Moo.

Rattles & Teethers

2010-10-15T21:42:00.002+11:00

It is exciting when you see your baby begin to reach for a toy, even though they may not be able to hold it for very long, I just love seeing our little Baxter grab onto his rattles and smile when he discovers it makes a noise when he shakes them.

Baby rattles are a simple toy that are designed to stimulate through sight, touch and sound. Cause and effect is a crucial part of a child's development and they soon realise that there is a relationship between their actions and the results. We have a great range of rattles at Midgee Moo from wooden to fabric and they all make a delightful sound.

Babies also love to put things into their mouths so rattles that also act as teethers are great as they soothe their sore little gums.

Baxter loves his love his pirate rattle, he happily sucks on the wooden ring while it makes a subtle sound every time it moves, enough to create his natural sense of curiosity.

You will find a huge range of newborn toys on sale this week. I want every baby to enjoy these rattles so find them on sale from $10.95 to now $7.50, get in while they last.

Look Who Has Arrived!!

2010-09-17T19:12:00.000+10:00

We have been so busy at Midgee Moo this week. We have unpacking boxes packed with new stock. I was having so much fun test driving the new products that I was losing focus of what I was really supposed to be doing!

There are so many more boxes with gorgeous arrivals due early next week so make sure you visit us again next week.

We are also excited to have to be featured in Kidstylefile so you should check it out here, the promotion we have going will definately be worth your while.

Make sure you checkout our new ponytail holders, I have gone crazy and made them all
50% off.

Have a great weekend, I have some more playing oops I mean testing driving to do!

Win Gorgeous Milk & Co Baby Products !!!!!!

2010-08-17T17:53:00.001+10:00

Win these fabulous Milk & Co Baby organic skincare products, valued at $47.90.

All you have to do is leave a comment and follow our Midgee Moo blog, how easy is that!

You can win the amazing Milk & Co Bath Time Wash so you can roll up your sleeves and scrub that cheeky bub clean with our natural body & hair bath time wash. An allergy & tears free experience for your baby or child (or mum & dad).

You will also win the very popular Snotty Grotty, very popular in our house too. Snotty grotty room spray helps to clear your baby's nasal passage, ensuring that they can get a good night's sleep, without nasty sniffles or sneezes.

This gorgeous prize will be drawn on Friday 3rd September 2010, so get in quick.

Good luck

Please Note: This is open to Australian residents only. International readers, we would still like you to become a follower though.

This competition was won by the fabulous Mum-Me follower. Thankyou to those you entered.

Hayley Penny x

New Arrival

2010-08-16T10:34:00.000+10:00

I have so busy lately that I have neglected my poor blog. A lot has happened since the last post. We have a gorgeous new addition by the name of Baxter Stephen Penny.

He is nine weeks now and already showing his beautiful personality. I love this stage, no actually I love all of the stages.

There is nothing better than waking up to a gorgeous smile and making cute little noises. Although I am meals on wheels at all hours of the night, it only takes one smile to make it all worth it.

Cute Car

2010-05-17T20:42:00.000+10:00

How gorgeous are these wooden baby push cars from one of my favourite toy suppliers 'Plan Toys'. They fit beautifully in a small child's hand and easily pushed and pulled. The bright colours are very stimulating not to mention cute. My three year old son has taken a real liking to this baby toy.

Apparently our unborn child needs one in their nursery. I think he is hinting for a brother! Only 4 weeks to go so yes he has a 50/50 chance of getting his wish.